Let me help you to understand a hidden value of a smith machine. I am 75 years old and have been working out for 60 years (started at age 15) . When I was 3 weeks away from my 72nd birthday, I suffered a moderate stroke. It's been a long road to recovery, but I've recovered as much as I ever will. The stroke left me very unsteady on my feet. Although I can walk, I literally need to "think" about every step I take or I can look like a drunkard. I went back to the gym 3 weeks after my stroke and was shocked at the damage and toll it took on my body. I was so weak, but determined to make a comeback. I use a smith machine now (age 75 1/2 ) for dead lift, a modified squat, bent over rows, front waist to chin lifts and hanging pull ups. I need the stability of the smith machine to do these critical lifts without falling over from losing my balance. Smith machine is my go to machine.
You're a badass to keep working out. Or like me addicted and couldn't stop if i tried. Either way congrats. I'm 67 and been working out for 50 years. Take care.
Love your determination. Was going to skip my afternoon garage workout however after reading your comment I figured you had a stroke and kept at it. I had no excuse
I’m 65 and started at 15 also. With 50 years experience I love using a Smith Machine. I found a cheap Smith Machine about 30 years ago on Craig’s list. I drove to a really rich neighborhood where a family was moving across country I got the machine for $250 and the guy actually offered to knock off $$ because I travelled so far (about an hour) to get there. Instead he gave me 300 lbs of Olympic weights! I was lucky to have my beloved Chevy truck and hauled the whole thing home. It took no time to set it up in my basement and I’ve been using it ever since. If you saw how cheap this thing looks you would laugh but during Covid lock down I, along with several friends, used this every day. Years later I have a pretty good home gym with my Smith Machine right there with me.
It's also awesome for people with injuries. A smith machine has many advantages: it's easier AND faster to set up, while being safer. It's basically ''plug and play''. It's the equivalent of a set of dumbbells versus a weight stack functional trainer. You don't need it, but it's very fun to use.
I wonder if this is really the owner or a fake account like the emails they send out. Either way your Companies customer service is absolutely terrible. Why have a phone line if nobody answers or calls the customer back?
@@Whitechocolate1872 yes its me, let me know your order number and I'll get it escalated. Black Friday there's always a very high volume of tickets/calls
@@Whitechocolate1872I always get a reply within a day or two when I email Bells and their customer service has always been excellent. I am probably a bit of an annoying customer given the order modifications, one cancellation, and missing parts emails, but they have always been fantastic toward me. Any issues are resolved very quickly and all of my Bells of Steel equipment is fantastic. I highly recommend them and their excellent customer service is part of why I do.
@@Whitechocolate1872 Yes its me, please let me know your order number and I'll get it escalated. Post black Friday we often get backed up but the team is hard at work.
Can we talk about how no one else is out there answering these questions? Everyone needs to smash the subscribe button and tell your friends to stop watching some of the other crap and support this man. There is no reason for Gluck not to be a multi million subscriber channel.
Smith machines are great for a multitude of exercises and personally I 100% prefer a smith machine for things like a standard barbell bench press and barbell back-squats. As always, a great review Gluck.
Awesome review, as usual. I have a dual VTS lite with a stump bar (Rogue). Tightening the ''rollers'' properly, as well as your powerbar, is a game changer. The tighter your bar is, the less it will be able to move unevenly on both sides (you just have to make it tight enough so you are able to rotate the latch hooks). If not installed tight enough, you WILL move the bar unevenly. It happened to me MANY times, and I even racked it ''diagonally'' into different holes a few times. It can be remedied by making the proper adjustments, making it harder to move diagonally. My VTS Lite smith is used as a permanent smith machine, and I always have at least 130lbs (including my 30lbs bar and both 15lbs VTS lite) hanging with the latch hooks. I use REP band begs as security. The VTS lite is a hassle to install: it cannot be secured to a hole (like the Bully Glyder can) while being installed, and adjusting the bar can be tricky. The useless attachment holes (they truly are useless on the VTS lite) take too much footprint inside of your rack (they can't be rotated to have them on the outside). Yesterday I bumped my arm against them while doing exercises inside of my rack. In short, the Bully Glyder feels superior to the way the VTS/VTS lite are designed, and Bells of Steel is superior to the VTS/VTS Lite in terms of smith. If you have the choice, go with BOS. The VTS was released 1st, which is why I got it. There are zero reason to go with Bulletproof now that BOS has a smith attachment. Also understand the starting weight limitation (VTS Lite starts at 30lbs + the bar, and the VTS is close to 45lbs + the bar). I like my VTS lite, but it's not awesome.
They have been asleep at the wheel (well, not really considering all the cool products they have been releasing for the past 3 years). But they have overlooked the smith for sure.
Thank you for this review!!! Love that you are reviewing relevant things vs those other channels. Doesnt ship until April anyway so I'm holding out for my company's fitness reimbursement to roll next year
Looks like a solid choice and will definitely give you that commercial gym feel. But I still think I have to give it to the VTS on this one. I like the ability to drop the VTS completely to the floor and raise it all the way to the top of the upright and have it basically out of the way. With the new latch system Bulletproof came out with, changing the bars will be even quicker, which seems to be much more convenient than the BOS version. Bulletproof also has adjustable handles in the works for the ISO movements on the VTS which will increase the versatility. The feather weight bar and short weight horns will be very nice upgrades as well. If you added a pulley system, there are attachment points on the VTS that can be utilized for functional trainer movements too. The VTS just checks all the boxes for a home gym owner, where versatility and minimal space is king. Always love these reviews Gluck. You've definitely found your groove and made your presentation very smooth. Now make a black GG flag so I can rep it lol.
Home gym companies are on the verge of greatness. Once someone comes out with a functional trainer (half) rack that also has a built in smith machine that's out of the way of the bench press position, you would have 99% of commercial gym functionality.
Fantastic review as always Gluck! Would be really curious to see how this compares to the Bolt Fitness Storm Series Stinger Smith Attachment and/or SMAI Universal Smith Insert. BoS seems a bit more customizable with the adjustable angle, BYOB option, and compatibility with lots of equipment. But I do think the Bolt Fitness one seems like it'd allow a lower end ROM for deadlifts, rows, and hip thrusts without needing to stand on a platform, especially on a flat foot rack! Plus, the saw-tooth style hook design means it encroaches less on your interior rack/elbow space compared to the BoS hook pegs which can be a concern when pressing if you've got longer arms. I know I have this problem with my smith rack sometimes and have to change the direction I face to avoid this depending on the exercise. Still really glad to see stuff like this becoming more popular! While I wouldn't base an entire home gym around ONLY a smith machine, it's definitely a really nice option to have, especially for hypertrophy training. A smith machine opens up possibilities like smith hack squats, vertical leg press, bilateral calf raises with heels off a platform for max stretch, and stabilized unilateral leg work. Also just helps mimic the stabilized and fixed path you'd get with many machines for back, chest, shoulders, triceps, etc... at a typical commercial gym without requiring all that space at home. I think an all-in-one rack + smith + functional trainer like the MAXUM Fitness SX2 is definitely the way to go if you're trying to maximize the versatility of a somewhat limited space home gym!
@@randerodr7389 Yea GetRx'd RX3 Tornado seems pretty great too! I'd probably still go for the MAXUM over the GetRx'd if I were on the market but it's very close and they do each have some pros and cons over the other! I really like that the MAXUM comes with basically everything you'd need and has some unique aspects you can't easily replicate like having more ROM on the smith machine, built-in plate horns for the cable system to load heavier if needed, the vertical leg press plate, and center + side-mount pulldown & row attachments. GetRx'd has the better pivoting arms that can articulate vertically too, continuous pull-up bar for more grip adjustment (though it's only straight), and uses 1" holes. Definitely tough choices!
I think I would go for this over the vts. At first I thought I'd like the independent motion of the vts, the idea that they could flex into a cable drive certainly fascinates me, but angling a smith is a much more common and desirable use case for me, especially because better cable systems exist for a lot of racks.
Just went to take off my VTS Lite to install rep ares 2.0 and that’s when I decided I hate the VTS - I always wreck my hands locking in the bar, and it was brutal to take off
Thanks for the review. I already bought BYOB, with the Manticore 4 post 80x30 rack, (using ur link as ur review helped me decide) and BoS shorty rackable bar for space savings in my basement gym... The center knurling is key. Hope its as smooth and stable as u indicated. I'm excited for lean back squat, single leg RDL and other iso/ hypertrophy work. Those that dont know about smith machines, just dont know. 😂 Of course, i'll still lift tree stumps and swing laundary detergent buckets for true gainz.
I am actually using the VTS lite currently and have really enjoyed it. Though, to be honest, I was limited on my options since I currently have a 2x2 Rep PR-1000 setup. The irony of a rack attachment being 2-3x the cost what I paid for the entire rack is not lost on me though.
Nice review Gluck, however I wanted a counter balance on my smith machine, so after much research and thank you for introducing me to a company I had not heard of until you did a review on some of their other products from Home Gym Con, I went with Gymleco 281 Smith Machine. Unfortunately I have to wait 3-4 more months for delivery (6 months total) and it was quite expensive/not including shipping. At least I won't have to clutter my Power Rack anymore with all my other attachments. LOL
As Miyamoto Musashi, who wrote THE BOOK OF FIVE RINGS said, "There are many ways to the top of a mountain." Using a Smith Machine to achieve muscular overload is one of many ways to achieve muscular overload. Elasticity, magnetic resistance, grip compression, overcoming inertia (e.g., flywheel exercise training), overcoming gravity (e.g., pull-ups, dips, and push-ups), and even using opposing muscle groups (e.g., Charles Atlas Dynamic Tension exercises) are some of many ways to achieve muscular overload. The problem with any exercise equipment or machine is that eventually your body will adapt to it, which is why it makes sense to buy affordable and functional exercise equipment instead of the most expensive and over-built brand. For what many U.S. exercise equipment companies charge for one exercise machine, I can buy 2, 3, and sometimes 4 exercise machines from Temu, and I have.
Another awesome vid from Gluck, homie can’t miss 🤙 I think Bells did great with this attachment and the fact that they’re the first to market ahead of Rep and Rogue is gonna let them sell a ton of these. I’m still curious to see how rep is gonna respond as I have their PR 4100 Rack and am eventually gonna get the Ares 2.0 as well so having all rep with the smith would be dope too.
If i had a 4 or 6 post rack instead of a half rack i would buy this and sell off my best fitness by body solid smith machine. This would be a HUGE upgrade and save space. I would get the byob version and if it fits use the BOS short rackable utility bar with it to keep the weight of the bar lighter while still being able to hold a heavy amount of weight. I like the suggestion of a technique bar but then you have a light bar that maxes out at only 200lb weight capacity.
You'd have to unbolt the brackets It's not terrible, it'll take maybe 10 minutes but not something you'll be doing during a workout. More of a, oh I might prefer it the other way let me try it out kind of thing.
I like you. You do good work. You are not funny with your funny, self aware and lean into it. Do you have. ‘Patreons’ that support you or ‘Patrons’. You do you. Thanks for the good work and giving Calgarians some coverage. I would’ve been at sixth generation Californian, but I was born in Calgary premature while the parents vacationed @ Banff Natl. Park. I love being a fake Canadian. It’s nice to see Calgary do something……while I wait on the Flames.
Is there safety spotters that are included or usable with this attachment? What if you are in between hook positions or you have gone too far down already? Needs safeties.
Best thing to do is wait until other companies release their own version. You are likely to have better fitment and quality if they're more proprietary.
Yeah, i bought a bully glyder as as smith machine replica with trolley's a year back and have seen the improvement in this area and wished I would've just waited.
@@WamdiSunka Lol, I got the Bully Glyder (single), then the VTS Lite(dual for smith). I feel your burn. To this day I still think the Bully Glyder is superior to the VTS lite. Just get the hooks and you'll have a superior system than the VTS lite. The Bully Glyder is better than the VTS lite.
@@WamdiSunka They do, in two different sizes. If you get the larger diameter hooks, they will fit inside of the Bully Glyder as long as there is a 2.5cm gap in the middle of Bully Fab's UHMW halfcylinders that fit around your barbell to secure it within the ''clamps''. I have 4 half cylinders (two for each side), but the gap differs on the two sets. One is 2cm flush, the other one 2.5cm. The largest diameter hooks do not fit within the 2cm gap, but they do around the 2.5cm gap (I'm not sure if it's a manufacturing defect or normal). I just tested it as I have both hook sizes from Bulletproof, and 4 UHMW half cylinders from Bully Fab. That's for regular sized barbell though. You may want to check the gap within yours and/or contact Bully Fab (the owner is amazing). The hooks also come with UHMW tips, but they might not be included (they are 100% worth it though). Doing this will allow you to rack your Bully smith.
@ I appreciate the tip man, I just looked and saw they sell the hooks for $47. I have a pretty good size gap where the hook would fit, I figure worse case scenario I could sand down the plastic from the bully glyder.
For a suggestion for the upcoming VTS review, can you check to see or measure if the VTS & lite can be installed on the Ares 2.0 front upright both underneath or on top of the cable trolley without riding on the cable?
Great video! I ended up going with the Bolt Fitness stinger smith attachment in November because of their black Friday sale. While its great and super smooth, now im wondering if maybe i should have waited for this one since it fits on a 47" width rack (i had to build a separate 49" rack just for the smith machine)
Something I'm really curious about for a video is the compatibility between brands, like using a titan pulldown on a rep or rogue rack, whether crossmembers will fit appropriately, or functional trainer compatibility and some other random items.
Rep has 47 inch width on their 3x3 racks and rogue has 49 inch racks. So the difference is just crossmember length. But 3x3 one inch hole racks are going to work with most attachments since those are usually the first attachments to get to market before the smaller 5/8th hole racks with different upright configurations if they get produced at all.
I converted my rm3 to a smaller rm6. So maybe I can add another set of uprights to make an 8 post rack and attach a smith to one of the uprights to still be able to bench/squat? But you’re right I think I’ll wait to see what the competition does
@@jellevanelten1483 How hard can it be? You just need two rods that can be anchored directly into the crossmember holes, something that attaches to the rods so you can glide your powerbar, a spring safety that can be adjusted, and pegs inserted on your post upright so you can latch your smith machine. This should have been designed years ago.
Debating on getting the force USA c-10 or some kind of FM-6 configuration. If I could do a 12” cross member with the fm-6 to have this in the middle that would be ideal. Just feels like if you want to make a pulley & smith combo you sacrifice so much wasted space if it’s on the inside
That, and you have to be careful so your low row/lat pulldown don't end up being in the way of the smith (which happened to me with my VTS Lite and PR5000 lat pulldown). I now use my smith on the front uprights with the bar positioned outside or else I can't use the high pulley.
What I am most interested in, is how small of a setup can be made with this? Like can I take some 17" Hydra crossmembers bolt one side to a wall stringer and connect them to some uprights and make a smith machine that only takes up 2 feet off of my wall?
Slightly off topic but related to the BoS ecosystem. I just got a 6 post Manticore over Black Friday. Got BOS Lever Arms as well but I'm looking for an adapter for extra range of motion. Checked out Vendetta but it looks like they only make one for the Hydra. Do you know of any adapters that would work? Also, any trolley systems you'd recommend that would fit for the Manticore?
I want to buy a 80" Rep PR5000 6 post with an ares 2.0 and put a smith in it that doesn't get in the way of any use of squatting/lifting inside the rack. Been waiting to try and find that. I was tempted to buy a 41" 6 post and then put them behind the trolleys and use just the regular safety arms like a half rack in the rack and should be good. If Bell's Kraken was better I would probably just buy the whole Bell's system. Any way that fits? would the 80" height allow you to bolt it to the crossmembers behind the trolley?
Any chance you could tell us if this will fit on the same upright as a Bulletproof Isolator? Is there enough clearance behind the smith attachment (at an angle maybe) for the side of an Isolator going off the side of the rack?
I didn't buy my rack to put a smith machine on it. But I also own a Rogue ML squat rack. 72 inch uprights I think. They are on 2x3 platform base. Do you think that system might work with that rack?
Will only work on. 72” on the outside rack. Owner kaevon sent me a video of a work around but if you have a function trainer it will render the trolleys useless. After months and months of emails, calls and direct messages of them asking if it will work on ALL rack sizes I was told it wouldn’t on the 72” hydra rack. After the video he sent me magically they updated the site to say it works on the outside of the 72” hydra rack meaning if I didn’t harass them they probably woulda ignored the 72” line that they sell. Ideally in the middle of the rack would be great but bells of steel started off as a great company but the lies and suspect customer service makes me wanna spend my money elsewhere. Mind u I have a 6 post rack, benches, belt squat and multiple attachments from them.
Thanks for the video. Do you know if it's possible for most people, whether short or tall to Squat below parallel on this? Or does it have some kind of stopper that makes that difficult to accomplish?
@GlucksGym Hey, thank you so much. Im alwys looking for machines that allow you to go full range of depth and find that many reviews online dont really mention it or simply interpet fullrange differenly then we do. I was looking at her Squating and I couldn't tell from the video angle if that was what happening. (Just a though here: you might considering showing use of the machine from a complete side view so people can see the depth you can go.) That would be a huge help and only improve and already improve your already stellar reviews. 💪🏾
How do you use a safety strap if you have this installed? Does anybody sell those that fit into the side of the uprights only? We almost need a seperate rack to get the most out of this machine. Getting a ares 2.0 on a pr5000 soon so I hope rep has one out soon that works.
You can put it on the outside (or back) of your rack so that it would'nt affect the safeties. You could also use spotter arms if it's inside your rack.
I've never seen any attachment for that. I've seen people just use their feet to do it, but it seems sketchy. If you're handy, maybe you can get a beater bar and weld your own foot plate to it. Titan sells a vertical leg press for like $350, so it may not be worth the headache.
I’m wondering how in the world Rep is going to make a Smith that works with their ecosystem. Taking a 6-post rack for instance, you can’t attach it to the front posts, since that would interfere with the Athena/Ares trolleys. Can’t attach it to the middle posts, since that wouldn’t allow you to do free-weight barbell movements within the rack (yes, I know you could just use spotter arms on the outside of the rack, but that ruins the point of having a full power rack). Can’t attach it to the back posts, since it would interfere with the weight storage. Maybe that’s why it’s taking them so damn long to come out with it. There is literally not place to put it 😂
From what I was told it's because the BYOB clamp parts/system are made/machined for this vs the bar which is a pretty simple and fairly standard process.
Had a dedicated Smith machine in my homegym and sold it years ago, because I never used it. Still see no additional value there, besides a nice to have gadget. Yeah, stability and blah...
it's the Agent Smith Machine Mister Gluckerson, there are no limits to its powers. i use one once in a while but always find the bar path and mobility worse for my technique and joints. gotta hit them stabilizers too- ppl that say smiths allow them to continue working out should probably just learn to use less weight
Great review and good food for thought for those of us considering Smith machines. Food for thought for you- your reviews m, like this one, are much easier to listen to when you stick to your strengths of an in-depth, impartial review and omit the attempts at humor. You’ve got a good engineering type mind and talent for the former, not the latter. The humor also invariably forces Winnie into a role where she is relegated to a late show type sidekick when I am sure she could have so much more to share about her use of the equipment. You don’t have to be overly serious, and can keep it light hearted, but the strained effort to be funny , especially with the inappropriate innuendos, aren’t helpful. I just wanted to offer this perspective. Good luck with your business that you are obviously putting so much effort into as a couple.
Let me help you to understand a hidden value of a smith machine. I am 75 years old and have been working out for 60 years (started at age 15) . When I was 3 weeks away from my 72nd birthday, I suffered a moderate stroke. It's been a long road to recovery, but I've recovered as much as I ever will. The stroke left me very unsteady on my feet. Although I can walk, I literally need to "think" about every step I take or I can look like a drunkard. I went back to the gym 3 weeks after my stroke and was shocked at the damage and toll it took on my body. I was so weak, but determined to make a comeback. I use a smith machine now (age 75 1/2 ) for dead lift, a modified squat, bent over rows, front waist to chin lifts and hanging pull ups. I need the stability of the smith machine to do these critical lifts without falling over from losing my balance. Smith machine is my go to machine.
You're a badass to keep working out. Or like me addicted and couldn't stop if i tried. Either way congrats. I'm 67 and been working out for 50 years. Take care.
Love your determination. Was going to skip my afternoon garage workout however after reading
your comment I figured you had a stroke and kept at it. I had no excuse
I’m 65 and started at 15 also. With 50 years experience I love using a Smith Machine. I found a cheap Smith Machine about 30 years ago on Craig’s list. I drove to a really rich neighborhood where a family was moving across country I got the machine for $250 and the guy actually offered to knock off $$ because I travelled so far (about an hour) to get there. Instead he gave me 300 lbs of Olympic weights! I was lucky to have my beloved Chevy truck and hauled the whole thing home. It took no time to set it up in my basement and I’ve been using it ever since. If you saw how cheap this thing looks you would laugh but during Covid lock down I, along with several friends, used this every day. Years later I have a pretty good home gym with my Smith Machine right there with me.
It's also awesome for people with injuries. A smith machine has many advantages: it's easier AND faster to set up, while being safer. It's basically ''plug and play''. It's the equivalent of a set of dumbbells versus a weight stack functional trainer. You don't need it, but it's very fun to use.
That's amazing! Keep it up!! 🤟
Do I want a rack attached smith machine? No. Did I still watch this video and plan to watch all the other similar reviews y’all do? Yes.
I appreciate it!
Thank you for the thorough review and for pushing me and my colleagues to design better and smarter equipment - Kaevon
I wonder if this is really the owner or a fake account like the emails they send out. Either way your Companies customer service is absolutely terrible. Why have a phone line if nobody answers or calls the customer back?
@@Whitechocolate1872 yes its me, let me know your order number and I'll get it escalated. Black Friday there's always a very high volume of tickets/calls
@@Whitechocolate1872I always get a reply within a day or two when I email Bells and their customer service has always been excellent. I am probably a bit of an annoying customer given the order modifications, one cancellation, and missing parts emails, but they have always been fantastic toward me. Any issues are resolved very quickly and all of my Bells of Steel equipment is fantastic. I highly recommend them and their excellent customer service is part of why I do.
@@Whitechocolate1872I actually had great response from their customer support but I emailed them instead of calling
@@Whitechocolate1872 Yes its me, please let me know your order number and I'll get it escalated. Post black Friday we often get backed up but the team is hard at work.
Can we talk about how no one else is out there answering these questions? Everyone needs to smash the subscribe button and tell your friends to stop watching some of the other crap and support this man. There is no reason for Gluck not to be a multi million subscriber channel.
Gluck really is the GOAT. Nails the exact questions I have every time - for this one, comparing against the VTS and gauging rep rack compatibility.
Thank you!!!
Sir, I just want to say that I really appreciate how thorough your reviews have become.
I think this is BOS most legit developed piece of kit yet. Great option!
Only 600 pound weight capacity? Damn, guess I can't use it for my overhead press.
Exactly what I was thinking! At best good for should shrugs on an off day 😜
Seated only anyway.
Who cares about overhead press. We're talking about curls here!
Solid review! Well done team Gluck and well done team BOS! This looks like a very solid option to me.
Thank you!
Smith machines are great for a multitude of exercises and personally I 100% prefer a smith machine for things like a standard barbell bench press and barbell back-squats.
As always, a great review Gluck.
They jusy released this! Thanks Gluck!
Great job BOS. Smith machine rack attachment 🤯🤯🤯
Great innovation. Look forward to the continued creativeness.
Great review on something I've been waiting to see for a while now. I already have the VTS, but this looks like another great space-saving option
Awesome review, as usual. I have a dual VTS lite with a stump bar (Rogue). Tightening the ''rollers'' properly, as well as your powerbar, is a game changer. The tighter your bar is, the less it will be able to move unevenly on both sides (you just have to make it tight enough so you are able to rotate the latch hooks). If not installed tight enough, you WILL move the bar unevenly. It happened to me MANY times, and I even racked it ''diagonally'' into different holes a few times. It can be remedied by making the proper adjustments, making it harder to move diagonally. My VTS Lite smith is used as a permanent smith machine, and I always have at least 130lbs (including my 30lbs bar and both 15lbs VTS lite) hanging with the latch hooks. I use REP band begs as security. The VTS lite is a hassle to install: it cannot be secured to a hole (like the Bully Glyder can) while being installed, and adjusting the bar can be tricky. The useless attachment holes (they truly are useless on the VTS lite) take too much footprint inside of your rack (they can't be rotated to have them on the outside). Yesterday I bumped my arm against them while doing exercises inside of my rack. In short, the Bully Glyder feels superior to the way the VTS/VTS lite are designed, and Bells of Steel is superior to the VTS/VTS Lite in terms of smith. If you have the choice, go with BOS. The VTS was released 1st, which is why I got it. There are zero reason to go with Bulletproof now that BOS has a smith attachment. Also understand the starting weight limitation (VTS Lite starts at 30lbs + the bar, and the VTS is close to 45lbs + the bar). I like my VTS lite, but it's not awesome.
I love Smith machines. Can’t wait for rep to release theirs.
They have been asleep at the wheel (well, not really considering all the cool products they have been releasing for the past 3 years). But they have overlooked the smith for sure.
I was waiting for a review!!!
Thank you for this review!!! Love that you are reviewing relevant things vs those other channels. Doesnt ship until April anyway so I'm holding out for my company's fitness reimbursement to roll next year
Thank you for making this video! Very helpful!
Looks like a solid choice and will definitely give you that commercial gym feel. But I still think I have to give it to the VTS on this one. I like the ability to drop the VTS completely to the floor and raise it all the way to the top of the upright and have it basically out of the way. With the new latch system Bulletproof came out with, changing the bars will be even quicker, which seems to be much more convenient than the BOS version. Bulletproof also has adjustable handles in the works for the ISO movements on the VTS which will increase the versatility. The feather weight bar and short weight horns will be very nice upgrades as well. If you added a pulley system, there are attachment points on the VTS that can be utilized for functional trainer movements too. The VTS just checks all the boxes for a home gym owner, where versatility and minimal space is king. Always love these reviews Gluck. You've definitely found your groove and made your presentation very smooth. Now make a black GG flag so I can rep it lol.
Another incredible review!
Thank you!
Great video. Need the VTS Video Please!!!
Home gym companies are on the verge of greatness. Once someone comes out with a functional trainer (half) rack that also has a built in smith machine that's out of the way of the bench press position, you would have 99% of commercial gym functionality.
Vesta fitness and harbor heavyweight have that with their 3 in 1 racks. My vesta rack comes next week super pumped to have everything integrated.
SMAI also
Get RXd RX3 Tornado Smith Machine Rack does this best!
@@mikelian6213 it's almost ideal. That but still have a center lat pull down/low row with just one attachment point and that would be money.
@@Sir_Ockthose attachments are coming soon 👀👀👀
Fantastic review as always Gluck!
Would be really curious to see how this compares to the Bolt Fitness Storm Series Stinger Smith Attachment and/or SMAI Universal Smith Insert.
BoS seems a bit more customizable with the adjustable angle, BYOB option, and compatibility with lots of equipment. But I do think the Bolt Fitness one seems like it'd allow a lower end ROM for deadlifts, rows, and hip thrusts without needing to stand on a platform, especially on a flat foot rack!
Plus, the saw-tooth style hook design means it encroaches less on your interior rack/elbow space compared to the BoS hook pegs which can be a concern when pressing if you've got longer arms. I know I have this problem with my smith rack sometimes and have to change the direction I face to avoid this depending on the exercise.
Still really glad to see stuff like this becoming more popular!
While I wouldn't base an entire home gym around ONLY a smith machine, it's definitely a really nice option to have, especially for hypertrophy training. A smith machine opens up possibilities like smith hack squats, vertical leg press, bilateral calf raises with heels off a platform for max stretch, and stabilized unilateral leg work.
Also just helps mimic the stabilized and fixed path you'd get with many machines for back, chest, shoulders, triceps, etc... at a typical commercial gym without requiring all that space at home.
I think an all-in-one rack + smith + functional trainer like the MAXUM Fitness SX2 is definitely the way to go if you're trying to maximize the versatility of a somewhat limited space home gym!
I agree. I was looking to buy the MAXIM but have settled on the getRXd all in one. Less expensive and seem as good.
@@randerodr7389 Yea GetRx'd RX3 Tornado seems pretty great too!
I'd probably still go for the MAXUM over the GetRx'd if I were on the market but it's very close and they do each have some pros and cons over the other!
I really like that the MAXUM comes with basically everything you'd need and has some unique aspects you can't easily replicate like having more ROM on the smith machine, built-in plate horns for the cable system to load heavier if needed, the vertical leg press plate, and center + side-mount pulldown & row attachments.
GetRx'd has the better pivoting arms that can articulate vertically too, continuous pull-up bar for more grip adjustment (though it's only straight), and uses 1" holes.
Definitely tough choices!
This is epic. Was curious if this setup could work. Also, Gluck with a stump was chef's kiss. 👌
The stumo was waterlogged and incredibly heavy but the bugs living inside of it were the real issue 😂
No near-term interest in a Smith, but I love the innovation coming out of these companies!
I think I would go for this over the vts. At first I thought I'd like the independent motion of the vts, the idea that they could flex into a cable drive certainly fascinates me, but angling a smith is a much more common and desirable use case for me, especially because better cable systems exist for a lot of racks.
Just went to take off my VTS Lite to install rep ares 2.0 and that’s when I decided I hate the VTS - I always wreck my hands locking in the bar, and it was brutal to take off
Thanks for the review. I already bought BYOB, with the Manticore 4 post 80x30 rack, (using ur link as ur review helped me decide) and BoS shorty rackable bar for space savings in my basement gym... The center knurling is key.
Hope its as smooth and stable as u indicated.
I'm excited for lean back squat, single leg RDL and other iso/ hypertrophy work.
Those that dont know about smith machines, just dont know. 😂
Of course, i'll still lift tree stumps and swing laundary detergent buckets for true gainz.
Great review and nice comparison with the VTS and VTS Lite.
I am actually using the VTS lite currently and have really enjoyed it. Though, to be honest, I was limited on my options since I currently have a 2x2 Rep PR-1000 setup. The irony of a rack attachment being 2-3x the cost what I paid for the entire rack is not lost on me though.
I went with the VTS due to the versatility of the attachments and it doesn’t take the extra space as the BOS. Great review!
Lite?
That looks kinda great. Thanks!
Thanks Gluck
Nice review Gluck, however I wanted a counter balance on my smith machine, so after much research and thank you for introducing me to a company I had not heard of until you did a review on some of their other products from Home Gym Con, I went with Gymleco 281 Smith Machine. Unfortunately I have to wait 3-4 more months for delivery (6 months total) and it was quite expensive/not including shipping. At least I won't have to clutter my Power Rack anymore with all my other attachments. LOL
Id rather wait for more competition!
As Miyamoto Musashi, who wrote THE BOOK OF FIVE RINGS said, "There are many ways to the top of a mountain." Using a Smith Machine to achieve muscular overload is one of many ways to achieve muscular overload. Elasticity, magnetic resistance, grip compression, overcoming inertia (e.g., flywheel exercise training), overcoming gravity (e.g., pull-ups, dips, and push-ups), and even using opposing muscle groups (e.g., Charles Atlas Dynamic Tension exercises) are some of many ways to achieve muscular overload.
The problem with any exercise equipment or machine is that eventually your body will adapt to it, which is why it makes sense to buy affordable and functional exercise equipment instead of the most expensive and over-built brand.
For what many U.S. exercise equipment companies charge for one exercise machine, I can buy 2, 3, and sometimes 4 exercise machines from Temu, and I have.
@@shiwakuseven5859 make reviews of the temu machines.
Thank you 👍👍👍
Another awesome vid from Gluck, homie can’t miss 🤙
I think Bells did great with this attachment and the fact that they’re the first to market ahead of Rep and Rogue is gonna let them sell a ton of these. I’m still curious to see how rep is gonna respond as I have their PR 4100 Rack and am eventually gonna get the Ares 2.0 as well so having all rep with the smith would be dope too.
Timely video!!
Great job, hopefully someone will come with an option for tall guys too 🤞
If i had a 4 or 6 post rack instead of a half rack i would buy this and sell off my best fitness by body solid smith machine. This would be a HUGE upgrade and save space. I would get the byob version and if it fits use the BOS short rackable utility bar with it to keep the weight of the bar lighter while still being able to hold a heavy amount of weight. I like the suggestion of a technique bar but then you have a light bar that maxes out at only 200lb weight capacity.
Listen man, I can’t buy this stuff as fast as you. It took me an extra month to get the FM6, and the smith was on my list 😂
Awe man, that’s nice.
Looks better than I expected it to be, but I'm waiting for the Fringe, which is supposed to be modular...
It would be funny to put an Elieko Power Bar in the smith machine😂
Gluck, is it easy to switch from straight to angled ? Or do you have to unbolt it each time ?
You'd have to unbolt the brackets
It's not terrible, it'll take maybe 10 minutes but not something you'll be doing during a workout. More of a, oh I might prefer it the other way let me try it out kind of thing.
Ima watch the vts video when it releases because i watch all your videos. I am curous tho if you had to pick one which would u buy bells or vts.
Not Available for shipping until April sheesh!!! I ordered one anyway😂
Me too.. with the Manta rack. Looking forward to the versatility the smith machine provides.
I like you. You do good work. You are not funny with your funny, self aware and lean into it. Do you have. ‘Patreons’ that support you or ‘Patrons’.
You do you. Thanks for the good work and giving Calgarians some coverage. I would’ve been at sixth generation Californian, but I was born in Calgary premature while the parents vacationed @ Banff Natl. Park.
I love being a fake Canadian. It’s nice to see Calgary do something……while I wait on the Flames.
Reading this felt like a fever dream lol
Like your lift hard, live easy fashion style
Is there safety spotters that are included or usable with this attachment? What if you are in between hook positions or you have gone too far down already? Needs safeties.
There's a built in safety you can set at various heights. You can probably see us set it (it'll look like a black hook) in some of the clips.
@GlucksGym thanks
Best thing to do is wait until other companies release their own version. You are likely to have better fitment and quality if they're more proprietary.
Yeah, i bought a bully glyder as as smith machine replica with trolley's a year back and have seen the improvement in this area and wished I would've just waited.
@@WamdiSunka Lol, I got the Bully Glyder (single), then the VTS Lite(dual for smith). I feel your burn. To this day I still think the Bully Glyder is superior to the VTS lite. Just get the hooks and you'll have a superior system than the VTS lite. The Bully Glyder is better than the VTS lite.
@@shish_taouk they sell hooks?
@@WamdiSunka They do, in two different sizes. If you get the larger diameter hooks, they will fit inside of the Bully Glyder as long as there is a 2.5cm gap in the middle of Bully Fab's UHMW halfcylinders that fit around your barbell to secure it within the ''clamps''. I have 4 half cylinders (two for each side), but the gap differs on the two sets. One is 2cm flush, the other one 2.5cm. The largest diameter hooks do not fit within the 2cm gap, but they do around the 2.5cm gap (I'm not sure if it's a manufacturing defect or normal). I just tested it as I have both hook sizes from Bulletproof, and 4 UHMW half cylinders from Bully Fab. That's for regular sized barbell though. You may want to check the gap within yours and/or contact Bully Fab (the owner is amazing). The hooks also come with UHMW tips, but they might not be included (they are 100% worth it though). Doing this will allow you to rack your Bully smith.
@ I appreciate the tip man, I just looked and saw they sell the hooks for $47. I have a pretty good size gap where the hook would fit, I figure worse case scenario I could sand down the plastic from the bully glyder.
For a suggestion for the upcoming VTS review, can you check to see or measure if the VTS & lite can be installed on the Ares 2.0 front upright both underneath or on top of the cable trolley without riding on the cable?
Seems like should be taller although it's really nice and the price is right like most BOS stuff. Buying the getRXd all in one.
Great video! I ended up going with the Bolt Fitness stinger smith attachment in November because of their black Friday sale. While its great and super smooth, now im wondering if maybe i should have waited for this one since it fits on a 47" width rack (i had to build a separate 49" rack just for the smith machine)
Something I'm really curious about for a video is the compatibility between brands, like using a titan pulldown on a rep or rogue rack, whether crossmembers will fit appropriately, or functional trainer compatibility and some other random items.
Rep has 47 inch width on their 3x3 racks and rogue has 49 inch racks. So the difference is just crossmember length. But 3x3 one inch hole racks are going to work with most attachments since those are usually the first attachments to get to market before the smaller 5/8th hole racks with different upright configurations if they get produced at all.
I converted my rm3 to a smaller rm6. So maybe I can add another set of uprights to make an 8 post rack and attach a smith to one of the uprights to still be able to bench/squat? But you’re right I think I’ll wait to see what the competition does
Yep!
👑
I’ve been looking for something like this that will work in a PR-5000. Not sure how close we are to Rep releasing something similar.
They have stated they are working on it... But who knows, could be years.
@@jellevanelten1483 How hard can it be? You just need two rods that can be anchored directly into the crossmember holes, something that attaches to the rods so you can glide your powerbar, a spring safety that can be adjusted, and pegs inserted on your post upright so you can latch your smith machine. This should have been designed years ago.
Gluck, what is your innuendo target per video?
As much as can fit 😏
@GlucksGym Please put an innuendo counter in the bottom corner of your videos from now. 😂.
Debating on getting the force USA c-10 or some kind of FM-6 configuration. If I could do a 12” cross member with the fm-6 to have this in the middle that would be ideal.
Just feels like if you want to make a pulley & smith combo you sacrifice so much wasted space if it’s on the inside
That, and you have to be careful so your low row/lat pulldown don't end up being in the way of the smith (which happened to me with my VTS Lite and PR5000 lat pulldown). I now use my smith on the front uprights with the bar positioned outside or else I can't use the high pulley.
For the Al Gore Rhythm
TH-camrs like Gluck who make good continent are a rear bread nowa daze
What I am most interested in, is how small of a setup can be made with this? Like can I take some 17" Hydra crossmembers bolt one side to a wall stringer and connect them to some uprights and make a smith machine that only takes up 2 feet off of my wall?
That could work. The attachment takes up about 10" of depth. You'd probably want a pull-up and maybe to anchor it but you'd have enough depth.
Slightly off topic but related to the BoS ecosystem. I just got a 6 post Manticore over Black Friday. Got BOS Lever Arms as well but I'm looking for an adapter for extra range of motion. Checked out Vendetta but it looks like they only make one for the Hydra. Do you know of any adapters that would work? Also, any trolley systems you'd recommend that would fit for the Manticore?
I want to buy a 80" Rep PR5000 6 post with an ares 2.0 and put a smith in it that doesn't get in the way of any use of squatting/lifting inside the rack. Been waiting to try and find that. I was tempted to buy a 41" 6 post and then put them behind the trolleys and use just the regular safety arms like a half rack in the rack and should be good. If Bell's Kraken was better I would probably just buy the whole Bell's system. Any way that fits? would the 80" height allow you to bolt it to the crossmembers behind the trolley?
Any chance you could tell us if this will fit on the same upright as a Bulletproof Isolator? Is there enough clearance behind the smith attachment (at an angle maybe) for the side of an Isolator going off the side of the rack?
I didn't buy my rack to put a smith machine on it. But I also own a Rogue ML squat rack. 72 inch uprights I think. They are on 2x3 platform base. Do you think that system might work with that rack?
Will only work on. 72” on the outside rack. Owner kaevon sent me a video of a work around but if you have a function trainer it will render the trolleys useless. After months and months of emails, calls and direct messages of them asking if it will work on ALL rack sizes I was told it wouldn’t on the 72” hydra rack. After the video he sent me magically they updated the site to say it works on the outside of the 72” hydra rack meaning if I didn’t harass them they probably woulda ignored the 72” line that they sell. Ideally in the middle of the rack would be great but bells of steel started off as a great company but the lies and suspect customer service makes me wanna spend my money elsewhere. Mind u I have a 6 post rack, benches, belt squat and multiple attachments from them.
Do you think that an EliteFTS cambered barbell (not the multi grip but just the regular looking one) would fit on on the BYOB?
Thanks for the video. Do you know if it's possible for most people, whether short or tall to Squat below parallel on this? Or does it have some kind of stopper that makes that difficult to accomplish?
Definitely can get well below parallel. We checked our b rolls and had no idea we were getting so deep. Wynie is almost ATG in a few clips.
@GlucksGym Hey, thank you so much. Im alwys looking for machines that allow you to go full range of depth and find that many reviews online dont really mention it or simply interpet fullrange differenly then we do.
I was looking at her Squating and I couldn't tell from the video angle if that was what happening.
(Just a though here: you might considering showing use of the machine from a complete side view so people can see the depth you can go.)
That would be a huge help and only improve and already improve your already stellar reviews. 💪🏾
How do you use a safety strap if you have this installed? Does anybody sell those that fit into the side of the uprights only? We almost need a seperate rack to get the most out of this machine. Getting a ares 2.0 on a pr5000 soon so I hope rep has one out soon that works.
You can put it on the outside (or back) of your rack so that it would'nt affect the safeties. You could also use spotter arms if it's inside your rack.
Yep
Anyone know how to go about getting a bar or footplate for vertical leg press on a smith machine like this?
I've never seen any attachment for that. I've seen people just use their feet to do it, but it seems sketchy. If you're handy, maybe you can get a beater bar and weld your own foot plate to it. Titan sells a vertical leg press for like $350, so it may not be worth the headache.
I am actually interested in this…..
Will the smith machine fit on a Rogue rack with the rogue functional trainer?
How did you have it mounted to the bottom on the front? Do you need 24”+ feet extensions or, would monster mini feet work?
yessssssir
Wait. Who does over under grip shrugs
Anyone who says anything negative about a Smith Machine I tend to not listen to about anything else from that point on..
I’m wondering how in the world Rep is going to make a Smith that works with their ecosystem.
Taking a 6-post rack for instance, you can’t attach it to the front posts, since that would interfere with the Athena/Ares trolleys. Can’t attach it to the middle posts, since that wouldn’t allow you to do free-weight barbell movements within the rack (yes, I know you could just use spotter arms on the outside of the rack, but that ruins the point of having a full power rack). Can’t attach it to the back posts, since it would interfere with the weight storage.
Maybe that’s why it’s taking them so damn long to come out with it. There is literally not place to put it 😂
YESSSSSSSS
57th… didnt get a notif youtube is trying to sabotage me!
Charging the same for the BYOB version is kinda lame lol. If they drop that price I'll probably buy one
From what I was told it's because the BYOB clamp parts/system are made/machined for this vs the bar which is a pretty simple and fairly standard process.
@GlucksGym ah that makes sense. Thanks Gluck! I'll grab this eventually, I'll be sure to use your link!
Too bad won’t fit the rogue fm half rack.
Had a dedicated Smith machine in my homegym and sold it years ago, because I never used it. Still see no additional value there, besides a nice to have gadget. Yeah, stability and blah...
Just to be clear: Fringe is just an Alibaba rack
@@balboa0621 send link
it's the Agent Smith Machine Mister Gluckerson, there are no limits to its powers.
i use one once in a while but always find the bar path and mobility worse for my technique and joints. gotta hit them stabilizers too-
ppl that say smiths allow them to continue working out should probably just learn to use less weight
Seems overpriced in my opinion. Also curious why no bar would be the same cost as the one with the bar.
@@Whitechocolate1872 probably because the smith bar is cheap and very little to add on.
Great review and good food for thought for those of us considering Smith machines. Food for thought for you- your reviews m, like this one, are much easier to listen to when you stick to your strengths of an in-depth, impartial review and omit the attempts at humor. You’ve got a good engineering type mind and talent for the former, not the latter. The humor also invariably forces Winnie into a role where she is relegated to a late show type sidekick when I am sure she could have so much more to share about her use of the equipment. You don’t have to be overly serious, and can keep it light hearted, but the strained effort to be funny , especially with the inappropriate innuendos, aren’t helpful. I just wanted to offer this perspective.
Good luck with your business that you are obviously putting so much effort into as a couple.
Id encourage anyone to try a non-counter-balanced smith machine before buying this. Generally speaking, they are awful.
But why tho?
It's too bad I didn't do a whole thing in this vid about why 😢
rogu
Gluck thanks for the review, as I have the PR5000 this is very useful 🫡
Yep!
Yep!
Yep!