@@TheKurtlocker The analogy I've been using is the the Major stuff is like AI artwork. At first glance, it looks amazing, but the closer you look the more you realize that people have 3 eyes, are missing fingers, etc. So many details are wrong because their stuff is clearly designed by engineers looking at pics and specs, but no one is training on the stuff. I'm guessing their more basic stuff is better, but the Smith machine (which rides on hollow tubing, so flexes bad under weight) is a great example of what I'm talking about. I know a lot of channels are making a ton of money by riding their huge marketing push, but I just couldn't do that in good conscience.
This was the review I needed! I almost pulled the trigger on this rack. As an older woman, the B52 would probably serve me well. I *really* wanted this rack to work for me but the issues you pointed out, especially the hole spacing and Smith machine, would annoy me. Short spotter arms and the inability to dial in the safeties are safety concerns that I rather not skimp on. My Fitness Gear half rack, another budget brand, is far superior in those respects. The Spirit B52 definitely has potential. Hopefully, Major Fitness takes your review into consideration and makes a few simple fixes/ improvements. Thank you for a very fair, detailed review. I've watched other channels critical of this rack but they failed to note many of the complaints you pointed out.
@@texaho Thanks! I appreciate that and am glad I saved you the money. The RitFit M1 is better and I'll have a similar overview of it soon. The spotter arms are even shorter, but the Smith is a lot better. there's just some things you don't notice until you actually train on things for a while!
Love the attention to detail as always Tim! I’ve hit my head multiple times on these short racks they’re making these days and as you know I’m much shorter than you! Didn’t save me though 😂
I would say that depends on how wide. At 6'6" with some pretty long arms, I've never felt restricted. A bigger issue is that mine is now pretty much falling apart after just under 4 months. I made a review video that points out like 10 serious issues (rust, Smith machine is coming apart, cables are fraying, etc), but Major won't approve the video for release. Real bad sign that they don't want ANY negative anything out there about them. Lesson learned on my end. I'll never work with another company in the same way again.
My prediction: nobody will talk about this in 6 months, TH-camrs will remove them from their gyms as they are not worth the space, and those who bought them will ultimately end up selling them on FB marketplace for Pennies on the dollar.
First, 100% agree these will have zero resale value in 6-12 months. As far as this type of rack, I've been surprised to see some sales numbers from different companies. This type of rack outsells traditional power racks by as much as ten to one in some instances. Your average person who isn't really building a home gym, but just wants something to work out on loves this format. It's just the price point of this one, along with the astronomical amount of marketing they are doing, that has people interested. Every time I showed this to someone who has never worked out at home, I was shocked by how much they liked it. And since they have no base of comparison, they were completely blind to the things that could be better until I pointed them out. All that said, the type of person that buys this type of gear at this price point usually doesn't stick with it and it becomes a clothes rack sooner than later. I wish that wasn't the case, but consistently working out isn't something a very large % of the population ends up doing.
Agree. Some say it's good for beginners but even beginners will grow out of it in due time and be forced to upgrade into something better. You get what you pay for and investing more for long term would be much better.
100%, I thought that when I was shooting the video. It's just the cables with no attachments keeping them taught, but it sure sounds bad, doesn't it? At over 400 lbs, it's stable, but as I mentioned, if you lift heavy, this isn't the rack for you.
@@zishenye3444 And you just hit the nail on the head. The Major "looks" good. That's kind of it. The Force USA is a lot better in every way. Literally every part of it is better. Most of them better by a lot. It's 100% worth the additional price. I just released a 60 second quick look at it and the G6 (their weight stack version) on the GymCrafter Instagram page if you want a closer look.
I’m if the opinion that smith machines are way too dangerous to use in a home setting. No great way to get rid of the bar or even tilt the bar to dump the weight. They should only be used in a gym or at least with someone else nearby if you do insist on using one at home.
Interesting, I've never heard someone look at them that way. In my opinion, it's way easier for someone to turn the bar than to bail on a lift. Not to mention there are safeties that will stop the bar at any height you set them at and they are a lot easier to set than pins or straps on a standard rack. Literally everyone I've ever talked to who wants one and hasn't had a home gym before wants one because they feel safer on a Smith machine than under a standard barbell. All that said, as you can see in the video, the Smith portion of this unit isn't all that good. They use hollow tubing instead of solid bars and that's what creates the wobble I show in the video. It bothers me every single time I use it, which is unfortunate as I still have a couple of months using it before I can post a final verdict/review and move on to something else. Thanks for the comment, I love seeing different points of view like this.
@@GymCrafter agree if you were locked out or halfway up on a bench, the smith machine is easier to bail from, but in a critical situation when the weight is sitting on your head, neck, or chest then turning the bar won’t do you any good. You need to get the bar off your body and the smith has no easy way to do that. I read a story about an experienced lifter who suffocated under a smith machine under such conditions. A smith machine which was working properly. (and yes people have died in power cages with improper safeties). In a power cage, you could suddenly faint in a squat and you would be fine as your straps or pegs would let you crumple safely to the floor. No wrist rotation needed. Agree 100% that if you ask 100 people, 98 of them would say that Smith machines are leaps and bounds safer than a barbell lift. I argue that’s a false sense of security. The false sense of security with smith machines (even good ones) leads people to be a little more lax which in turn leads to more serious injuries. Nothing is 100% safe so anything that makes you feel safer than you are is adding risk. Also, if someone really wants that smith safety experience of not having to get the barbell all the way back to the top in an emergency, get a shitty set of $40 JCups on Amazon and put them 1/2 - 3/4 way down from your bench J Cups. Use them in an emergency.
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What a good look at this unit. I have a potential opportunity to work with Major, but am apprehensive, so I appreciate your work here
@@TheKurtlocker The analogy I've been using is the the Major stuff is like AI artwork. At first glance, it looks amazing, but the closer you look the more you realize that people have 3 eyes, are missing fingers, etc. So many details are wrong because their stuff is clearly designed by engineers looking at pics and specs, but no one is training on the stuff. I'm guessing their more basic stuff is better, but the Smith machine (which rides on hollow tubing, so flexes bad under weight) is a great example of what I'm talking about. I know a lot of channels are making a ton of money by riding their huge marketing push, but I just couldn't do that in good conscience.
Great review man, appreciate you taking the time. This has been all over my fb feed
@@Southpaw-qc9gh Thanks. I wish I could say their other stuff was better, but not so much.
This was the review I needed! I almost pulled the trigger on this rack.
As an older woman, the B52 would probably serve me well. I *really* wanted this rack to work for me but the issues you pointed out, especially the hole spacing and Smith machine, would annoy me. Short spotter arms and the inability to dial in the safeties are safety concerns that I rather not skimp on. My Fitness Gear half rack, another budget brand, is far superior in those respects.
The Spirit B52 definitely has potential. Hopefully, Major Fitness takes your review into consideration and makes a few simple fixes/ improvements.
Thank you for a very fair, detailed review. I've watched other channels critical of this rack but they failed to note many of the complaints you pointed out.
@@texaho Thanks! I appreciate that and am glad I saved you the money. The RitFit M1 is better and I'll have a similar overview of it soon. The spotter arms are even shorter, but the Smith is a lot better. there's just some things you don't notice until you actually train on things for a while!
Love the attention to detail as always Tim! I’ve hit my head multiple times on these short racks they’re making these days and as you know I’m much shorter than you! Didn’t save me though 😂
Thanks! I barely fit in this thing. It makes me claustrophobic almost.
@@GymCrafter it’s definitely for the wellness center in Smurf village 🤣
Best review for this product! Thank you sir! Hey, is the rack too narrow for wide grip bench press?
I would say that depends on how wide. At 6'6" with some pretty long arms, I've never felt restricted. A bigger issue is that mine is now pretty much falling apart after just under 4 months. I made a review video that points out like 10 serious issues (rust, Smith machine is coming apart, cables are fraying, etc), but Major won't approve the video for release. Real bad sign that they don't want ANY negative anything out there about them. Lesson learned on my end. I'll never work with another company in the same way again.
Thanks for honest review , i have to pass it , I changed my mind to buy it .
My prediction: nobody will talk about this in 6 months, TH-camrs will remove them from their gyms as they are not worth the space, and those who bought them will ultimately end up selling them on FB marketplace for Pennies on the dollar.
First, 100% agree these will have zero resale value in 6-12 months. As far as this type of rack, I've been surprised to see some sales numbers from different companies. This type of rack outsells traditional power racks by as much as ten to one in some instances. Your average person who isn't really building a home gym, but just wants something to work out on loves this format. It's just the price point of this one, along with the astronomical amount of marketing they are doing, that has people interested. Every time I showed this to someone who has never worked out at home, I was shocked by how much they liked it. And since they have no base of comparison, they were completely blind to the things that could be better until I pointed them out. All that said, the type of person that buys this type of gear at this price point usually doesn't stick with it and it becomes a clothes rack sooner than later. I wish that wasn't the case, but consistently working out isn't something a very large % of the population ends up doing.
Agree. Some say it's good for beginners but even beginners will grow out of it in due time and be forced to upgrade into something better. You get what you pay for and investing more for long term would be much better.
3:24 “This thing is solid” as he shakes it effortlessly with 1 arm and the whole thing rattles about to fall apart. lol
100%, I thought that when I was shooting the video. It's just the cables with no attachments keeping them taught, but it sure sounds bad, doesn't it? At over 400 lbs, it's stable, but as I mentioned, if you lift heavy, this isn't the rack for you.
@@GymCrafterwhat would you recommend for around 2000-2500?
@@Whyyy-e9z Force USA G3, $1999, I'm literally editing the review right now and it will post on thursday.
@@GymCrafter thank you
How much does the assisted bar weigh is it standard bar weight or a lot less like 15-25 lbs
@@danielneil-h4m It's not assisted or counterbalanced at all. I haven't weighed it, but I'd guess around 25 lbs.
Great video. Thanks
Glad you liked it!
Does the force USA g3 have a better quality than this? they look similar.
@@zishenye3444 And you just hit the nail on the head. The Major "looks" good. That's kind of it. The Force USA is a lot better in every way. Literally every part of it is better. Most of them better by a lot. It's 100% worth the additional price. I just released a 60 second quick look at it and the G6 (their weight stack version) on the GymCrafter Instagram page if you want a closer look.
Have you done a hands on review of the Rogue Westside Powerbar?
Unfortunately, I don't review much, if any, Rogue stuff.
I’m if the opinion that smith machines are way too dangerous to use in a home setting. No great way to get rid of the bar or even tilt the bar to dump the weight.
They should only be used in a gym or at least with someone else nearby if you do insist on using one at home.
Interesting, I've never heard someone look at them that way. In my opinion, it's way easier for someone to turn the bar than to bail on a lift. Not to mention there are safeties that will stop the bar at any height you set them at and they are a lot easier to set than pins or straps on a standard rack. Literally everyone I've ever talked to who wants one and hasn't had a home gym before wants one because they feel safer on a Smith machine than under a standard barbell. All that said, as you can see in the video, the Smith portion of this unit isn't all that good. They use hollow tubing instead of solid bars and that's what creates the wobble I show in the video. It bothers me every single time I use it, which is unfortunate as I still have a couple of months using it before I can post a final verdict/review and move on to something else. Thanks for the comment, I love seeing different points of view like this.
@@GymCrafter agree if you were locked out or halfway up on a bench, the smith machine is easier to bail from, but in a critical situation when the weight is sitting on your head, neck, or chest then turning the bar won’t do you any good. You need to get the bar off your body and the smith has no easy way to do that.
I read a story about an experienced lifter who suffocated under a smith machine under such conditions. A smith machine which was working properly. (and yes people have died in power cages with improper safeties).
In a power cage, you could suddenly faint in a squat and you would be fine as your straps or pegs would let you crumple safely to the floor. No wrist rotation needed.
Agree 100% that if you ask 100 people, 98 of them would say that Smith machines are leaps and bounds safer than a barbell lift. I argue that’s a false sense of security. The false sense of security with smith machines (even good ones) leads people to be a little more lax which in turn leads to more serious injuries. Nothing is 100% safe so anything that makes you feel safer than you are is adding risk.
Also, if someone really wants that smith safety experience of not having to get the barbell all the way back to the top in an emergency, get a shitty set of $40 JCups on Amazon and put them 1/2 - 3/4 way down from your bench J Cups. Use them in an emergency.