Hi Stevie, I have had my G15 for a few months now, and yes no issues with it. Can do 99% of exercises on it. When I bought mine, the shop had a free adjustable bench deal goin on, so I would recommend using a bench with the G15. Keep up the good work, from AUS🇦🇺
Thanks for the review. You can also do assisted pull ups using the functional trainer - attaching a strap that connects to each pulley and rest your knees on it. I do them on my inspire FT1 and they feel great, much better than using bands.
Stevie, Thanks for the informative videos. These helped me decide I didn't want to compromise with this purchase. I just ordered a G15 with the upgrade kit, leg extension and curl attachments, adjustable set and gunner bar. Should turn up and be installed into the man cave within the next two weeks. Just need the OK from the cardiologist to start using it :-) . Love your work.
Thanks so much for watching the content and commenting. Congrats on the G15 and upgrade kit. I hope you’re cleared by the doctor and stronger than ever. Did you happen to use my link? It saves you a little money on the purchase when you do.
@@StevieRichardsFitness As I purchased a complete G15 package, Elite Fitness (in Australia) give my a big discount. I got a bit over 10% of pricing. Happy Days 😀
For the leg press attachment the already present hard stops on the smith machine can be set to a safe point but not being able to lock/unlock the weight other then calf raise doesn’t seem safe. I can see the plate sliding under feet when I tilt to lock it back. I was thinking of figuring out some way to attach poles to the smith or leg press attachment so I can push/pull the poles to lock/unlock the weights. For leg curls/extensions I’ve used the ankle attachment to perform the motions. I think that can also be improved upon with a seat. I’d like to figure out a way to perform the exercises on both legs simultaneously though.
This is a really great review. I have had my G15 with upgrade kit for several months. I love everything about it except the J-hooks. I really, really wish they had included better J-hooks, like for the G20, with the tall vertical portion, so you can re-rack your bar straight into the vertical part and then let it settle down onto the horizontal part. It's way safer to re-rack with tall J-hooks and protects the bar. The G20 has it but G15 doesn't. I asked if they have any tall j-hooks, or know of any other brands with tall J-hooks that will fit the G15, and they said "no." Do you know of any other company that makes a better j-hook that will fit the G15? this is my only complaint for a machine that is otherwise perfect for my needs. Just really bummed about the 1970's style j-hooks.
Hey Lanny, Thanks for watching and the comment. I’ve heard that the Ghost brand of J-Hooks are really good. You’ll just need to make sure they are compatible with the G15 holes.
@@StevieRichardsFitness thx! it turns out the G15 has 2" x 2" uprights with 5/8" holes. basically no rack manufacturers use 2" x 2" so there are like 2 options on amazon. only one has plastic on it so I chose that one. we shall see. I hope ForceUSA makes a j-hook equivalent to the G20 for the G15 in the future, though customer service says they have no plans to do that. too bad. all the rest of the attachments for the G15 work great. only the j-hooks are 1970's design and suck. thx for the great reviews. they helped me to make the purchase and I am overall very pleased with it.
With the cost of the unit at about 5500, then add ons like bench, upgrades, weights, assembly, shipping, does the total cost come out to like 8 grand. Its a lot of money.
No it's not. I had to to pull apart & oil the left sliding frame pin as I wasn't able to pull it. I had to realign the right cable pulley system as the cable kept twisting. Definitely need to oil the pulley wheels & smith machine rods to keep them smooth. Also I need to tighten the jammer arms bolts every now and then
Thanks for watching the video and commenting. The G20 has a height of 91” and, with your ceiling, you’ll have about 5” of upward space. That will make it very tight if you wanted to do pull-ups and muscle ups won’t be possible. I had a similar height restrictions in my previous space and pull-ups were the only thing I needed to be careful with. The G20 is awesome, but you may want to consider the G15 Pro if that height seems too limiting. The G15 has a height of 87.5” and will give you an extra few inches. Also, it’s $500 less than the G20. Both are excellent all in one trainees and you can’t go wrong IMO. If you do decide to purchase, please use my link. You’ll save a little off the price: www.forceusa.com/stevie
The highest point is 87.5”, so that wouldn’t be enough headroom to perform a full pull up. We have a low ceiling in our last gym space, 89” and it really limited what all in one trainer we had to choose from. If you do decide to purchase from Force USA, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
@@StevieRichardsFitness thanks! Just wanted to ask now you have the actual machine what would be your revised distance from back wall you would need for all exercise ?
I was careful to measure that in one of my videos and the design of the G15 allowed for it to be almost up against the wall. I didn’t put in the the video, but I have 78” of cable length from the attachment point on the cables. Plenty of room for me.
Hi Stevie, the G15 is not going to fit in my workout area but will fit outside. I am in California, we don't get snow and I have a space with a canopied roof where it will be mostly protected from rain but will be exposed to wind, 35 - 100 degree weather over the year. Will it be safe? Any recommendations on avoiding rust and deterioration of the cables?
Sorry for the delay in replying. That’s really a tough one, even with a climate like CA. I’d reach out to Force USA and ask the specific tolerances of the cables and powder coating. You may be able to do more frequent maintenance to lengthen the life. I do know those kinds of environments can void the lifetime structural warranty. If you do decide to purchase, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
Hi Stevie, I have an 8ft high (96") ceiling in my garage...do you think that it's enough clearance? I'm willing to not do pullups all the way to the top but the rest of the G15 looks like it's the best fit for me. Edit: The G15 has a listed height of 87"
Hey Tosh, With the highest point of the G15 Pro being 87.5”, you’re definitely good fitting it into your garage. I even think you may have a little more clearance on pull-ups than you realize. Still- be careful and don’t hit your head on the ceiling. If you do decide to purchase the G15 Pro or anything else, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
Do you know if ForceUSA has 5 pound weights for the stacks? As you were mentioning with the lateral raises, sometimes going up by 10# is a lot of weight. The 2:1 lets the weight increments be 5#. I would be nice if ForceUSA had a 5# weight that you could add to the stacks so that the weight increases could be reduced from 10# to 5#. Thanks
I can only speak for my experience but I regret my G15 purchase. It's stored in a dry temp controlled area and it's rusting in two areas. The pulleys are not smooth and the top and bottom pulley feel the exact same tension, way too easy for a guy. I have called numerous time to talk with a supervisor and never a call back. I've owned this machine for 2 months....
0:00- Intro
1:44- Build Quality
3:21- Footprint
8:15- Smith Machine
10:03- Pull-up Bar
11:33- 2:1/4:1 Cable Pulley Ratios
14:19- Upgrade Kit Leg Press Attachment
17:07- Conclusion
Dude this is A BEAST! Huge fan of the versatility and organizational aspect of it!!!
Hi Stevie, I have had my G15 for a few months now, and yes no issues with it. Can do 99% of exercises on it. When I bought mine, the shop had a free adjustable bench deal goin on, so I would recommend using a bench with the G15. Keep up the good work, from AUS🇦🇺
Thanks for the comment, Jack.
I do have the FID bench from Force USA and use it often.
Thanks for the review. You can also do assisted pull ups using the functional trainer - attaching a strap that connects to each pulley and rest your knees on it. I do them on my inspire FT1 and they feel great, much better than using bands.
That’s a great tip. Thanks for posting.
This is genius.
Stevie,
Thanks for the informative videos. These helped me decide I didn't want to compromise with this purchase.
I just ordered a G15 with the upgrade kit, leg extension and curl attachments, adjustable set and gunner bar.
Should turn up and be installed into the man cave within the next two weeks.
Just need the OK from the cardiologist to start using it :-) .
Love your work.
Thanks so much for watching the content and commenting. Congrats on the G15 and upgrade kit. I hope you’re cleared by the doctor and stronger than ever.
Did you happen to use my link? It saves you a little money on the purchase when you do.
@@StevieRichardsFitness As I purchased a complete G15 package, Elite Fitness (in Australia) give my a big discount. I got a bit over 10% of pricing.
Happy Days 😀
Stevie, love the reviews, I bought the Force USA G10 with upgrade kit, I would love to see more reviews and updates on the G10
I have another trip planned for the HQ and will cover the G10 more extensively.
Thanks for the review 👍🏼
For the leg press attachment the already present hard stops on the smith machine can be set to a safe point but not being able to lock/unlock the weight other then calf raise doesn’t seem safe. I can see the plate sliding under feet when I tilt to lock it back. I was thinking of figuring out some way to attach poles to the smith or leg press attachment so I can push/pull the poles to lock/unlock the weights.
For leg curls/extensions I’ve used the ankle attachment to perform the motions. I think that can also be improved upon with a seat. I’d like to figure out a way to perform the exercises on both legs simultaneously though.
Do you recommend G15 over the G20? It seems like G20 has too much going on?
Comparison video on the G15/G20 going live a little later today.
This is a really great review. I have had my G15 with upgrade kit for several months. I love everything about it except the J-hooks. I really, really wish they had included better J-hooks, like for the G20, with the tall vertical portion, so you can re-rack your bar straight into the vertical part and then let it settle down onto the horizontal part. It's way safer to re-rack with tall J-hooks and protects the bar. The G20 has it but G15 doesn't. I asked if they have any tall j-hooks, or know of any other brands with tall J-hooks that will fit the G15, and they said "no." Do you know of any other company that makes a better j-hook that will fit the G15? this is my only complaint for a machine that is otherwise perfect for my needs. Just really bummed about the 1970's style j-hooks.
Hey Lanny,
Thanks for watching and the comment.
I’ve heard that the Ghost brand of J-Hooks are really good. You’ll just need to make sure they are compatible with the G15 holes.
@@StevieRichardsFitness thx! it turns out the G15 has 2" x 2" uprights with 5/8" holes. basically no rack manufacturers use 2" x 2" so there are like 2 options on amazon. only one has plastic on it so I chose that one. we shall see. I hope ForceUSA makes a j-hook equivalent to the G20 for the G15 in the future, though customer service says they have no plans to do that. too bad. all the rest of the attachments for the G15 work great. only the j-hooks are 1970's design and suck. thx for the great reviews. they helped me to make the purchase and I am overall very pleased with it.
With the cost of the unit at about 5500, then add ons like bench, upgrades, weights, assembly, shipping, does the total cost come out to like 8 grand. Its a lot of money.
HI Steve, I was wondering about the maintance video of the G15, did you already have time to make this video...? All the best..!
haha, I am just watching the video... As it seems, the G15 is maintenance free ;-)
No it's not. I had to to pull apart & oil the left sliding frame pin as I wasn't able to pull it. I had to realign the right cable pulley system as the cable kept twisting. Definitely need to oil the pulley wheels & smith machine rods to keep them smooth. Also I need to tighten the jammer arms bolts every now and then
@@hongkyongko OK, then perhaps it would make sense for Stevie to make a G15 maintenance video, always useful!
Hi Steve , happy new year!! I’m thinking of getting the Force USA G20 . The ceiling is about 8 feet tall. Would that be a good fit, thanks
Thanks for watching the video and commenting.
The G20 has a height of 91” and, with your ceiling, you’ll have about 5” of upward space. That will make it very tight if you wanted to do pull-ups and muscle ups won’t be possible.
I had a similar height restrictions in my previous space and pull-ups were the only thing I needed to be careful with.
The G20 is awesome, but you may want to consider the G15 Pro if that height seems too limiting. The G15 has a height of 87.5” and will give you an extra few inches. Also, it’s $500 less than the G20.
Both are excellent all in one trainees and you can’t go wrong IMO.
If you do decide to purchase, please use my link. You’ll save a little off the price:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Thanks for the review! On which height is the pull ups bar? I have a ceiling height of 88in…you think I will be able to do pull ups?
The highest point is 87.5”, so that wouldn’t be enough headroom to perform a full pull up.
We have a low ceiling in our last gym space, 89” and it really limited what all in one trainer we had to choose from.
If you do decide to purchase from Force USA, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Thanks for sharing these, about to build mine and really appreciated all your vids on this!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Please remember to use my links if you decide to purchase from the recommended brands.
@@StevieRichardsFitness thanks! Just wanted to ask now you have the actual machine what would be your revised distance from back wall you would need for all exercise ?
I was careful to measure that in one of my videos and the design of the G15 allowed for it to be almost up against the wall.
I didn’t put in the the video, but I have 78” of cable length from the attachment point on the cables. Plenty of room for me.
Hi Stevie, the G15 is not going to fit in my workout area but will fit outside. I am in California, we don't get snow and I have a space with a canopied roof where it will be mostly protected from rain but will be exposed to wind, 35 - 100 degree weather over the year. Will it be safe? Any recommendations on avoiding rust and deterioration of the cables?
Sorry for the delay in replying.
That’s really a tough one, even with a climate like CA.
I’d reach out to Force USA and ask the specific tolerances of the cables and powder coating. You may be able to do more frequent maintenance to lengthen the life.
I do know those kinds of environments can void the lifetime structural warranty.
If you do decide to purchase, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Hi Stevie, I have an 8ft high (96") ceiling in my garage...do you think that it's enough clearance? I'm willing to not do pullups all the way to the top but the rest of the G15 looks like it's the best fit for me. Edit: The G15 has a listed height of 87"
Hey Tosh,
With the highest point of the G15 Pro being 87.5”, you’re definitely good fitting it into your garage. I even think you may have a little more clearance on pull-ups than you realize. Still- be careful and don’t hit your head on the ceiling.
If you do decide to purchase the G15 Pro or anything else, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
The Lions need a tight end…please apply
Do you know if ForceUSA has 5 pound weights for the stacks? As you were mentioning with the lateral raises, sometimes going up by 10# is a lot of weight. The 2:1 lets the weight increments be 5#. I would be nice if ForceUSA had a 5# weight that you could add to the stacks so that the weight increases could be reduced from 10# to 5#. Thanks
That’s a great idea for smaller insertable weights. I know some 3rd party companies have those accessories right now.
Scantily clad trainers will not be tolerated!
I can only speak for my experience but I regret my G15 purchase. It's stored in a dry temp controlled area and it's rusting in two areas. The pulleys are not smooth and the top and bottom pulley feel the exact same tension, way too easy for a guy. I have called numerous time to talk with a supervisor and never a call back. I've owned this machine for 2 months....
The top and bottom pulleys are the same tension. The tension only changes if you attach both at the same time
Also the jammer arms for my G15 a horrible design.
You have a fried chicken accent