0:00- Introduction 1:27- Leg Press attachment 5:47- Shoulder Presses using Smith Machine 9:13 Shrugs using Smith Machine 11:52- Rear Delt Flyes using cables 15:44- Intro to back workout using G3 16:30- Lat Pulldown seat attachment 20:45 Lat Pulldowns from floor 22:35- lat Pulldown from center of G3 26:42- Bench storage 27:19- One Arm Rows using cables 29:52- Pull up bar 32:44- Conclusion...with cameo from Odin!
Thanks for the videos im getting mine delivered on tuesday. Kinda wish I went with the next model up but im really just looking forward to working out again.
@@StevieRichardsFitness I was about to do that, thanks for pointing it out. The problem is, I'm based in the UK - I haven't bought the equipment yet. The FORCE USA brand is one of my list under consideration.
Hey Stevie, after choices including the Monster G6 and various other pin-loaded equivalents evaporated, I pulled the trigger on the G3, particularly after watching this awesome review. There are only two retailers who sell Force USA gear in New Zealand, so when one (who actually have physical stores and competent staff) said their stock had actually arrived in the country, I couldn't hesitate. They must have had a pre-March order fulfilled because the cost including the leg press attachment PLUS my membership discount knocked it down to US$1600. I was willing to pay US$4000 for the G6. Even if I drop $$ on 200kg of plates, we're winning.
Thanks for watching the video and the comment. The G3 is definitely a great budget-conscious choice in the lineup and I’m enjoying using it. Keep me updated on how it’s working for you and thanks again.
Thanks for watching and commenting. When you’re ready to purchase, please use this link- www.forceusa.com/stevie Let me know when you get it and be sure to share your setup.
Stevie thanks for the review - you made a good point bout the stabilizer pad... I like the idea of using it as a knee holder for lat pulldowns from the center, but does it get in the way when you come do smith machine squats facing the back of the machine?
It actually does get in the way to some degree. Recently, I removed the stabilizer and don’t plan on putting it back onto the G3. The leg press attachment is, by far, the best attachment for the G3. If you do decide to buy the G3 or anything else, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
Great review Stevie, thanks for the code just pulled the trigger on the G3. Does it come with that cambered lat bar you were using that attaches to both high pullies?
Great review! Very detailed. Using the G3 this past year, I agree with everything and knew you would determine the same thing about that stability bar. Nice idea, and useful for some exercises but, it does get in the way. I removed mine long ago. I did buy some metal rod that I plan to cut and make pins to be used in place of the bolts. I plan to use the pins to install and uninstall the stability bar like a removeable attachment. We'll see, its kind of a big piece to be doing that but its better than having an expensive attachment collect dust in the corner I guess. Couple other points that might help others as well: I think you should use silicone spray on the moving parts and uprights as opposed to grease. And definitely don't use WD-40. Silicone spray is made for parts like this. Works great. The black leg press attachment safety bars are not too tough to install afterwards but like you said, a "STOP" sheet would be nice. Know that if you do install that, your smith bar will not go all the way to the top notch. I don't think you'll like that. But you can try it. You found the same issues with the lat pull down seat attachment. One other thing tho, the lowest setting on the knee pads is way to high. I'm average height and my knees don't even come close to touching the pads. Kinda worthless for me. Still no dip bar attachment available like the MY Rack. I don't know why? That would actually be a USEFUL attachment as opposed to the others. Did your G3 come with the removable support bars for an olympic weight bar bell? I didn't see those. Anyway, as I said on my other comment, the G3 is great quality and I love the machine itself, just wish I saved some money by not buying a couple of the dust collecting attachments. Thanks for your time on the videos. 👍
Thanks for the detailed comment, John. I’ll definitely use what has been suggested and not WD40. It was all we had during the testing and just tried that out. I’m with you on the dip attachment like the G12 has included. Not a large footprint and designed very well.
I haven’t used the G1. The G3 cables are super smooth and assembly looked intimidating at first, but it was very easy. If you do decide to purchase anything, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie Thanks for watching and commenting.
The company has rated the G3 and most of their other all-in-one-trainers good for up to 7’1”. I’m a little over 6’2” if that helps you gauge the height of the G3. If you do decide to purchase the G3 or anything else, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks for video. I am currently looking for your promised video on the optional attachments. Especially i am looking for your input on the stabelizer pad, but i cant seem to find the video in your archive. Could you link it for me? Thanks
The stabilizer pad video, for some reason, got taken down by TH-cam. My thoughts are that the cons outweigh the pros of the attachment. It East up a lot of room on the interior space of the G3. The only use case where it makes sense to me would be someone requiring that support for standing cable movements. Here is my long term review on the G3 and some attachments. th-cam.com/video/kbnnAX6IJVs/w-d-xo.html If you do decide to purchase the G3 or anything else m, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
Yes it includes a pair of safety spotter arms. Here is the product page that lists the included attachments- www.forceusa.com/products/g3 If you do decide to order anything on the site, please remember to use the code STEVIE5 at checkout. Thanks.
Thanks for the video. I also have a g3. I previously had a similar unit made by ;Inspire' that had a functioanl trainer and smith machine. I didnt like it for several reasons. The smith safety used a 'gun rack' method that never felt safe. There were no spotter arms so you had to squat/bench inside the frame, but the space was limited from the smith machine poles and felt difficult not to hit. I sold it for fair price during pandemic so I could start over. I specifically was seeking a unit that had band peg attachments, which many rack/trainer combos dont. I was really drawn to how the bands could be attached to everything, including the plate loaded trainer , and the smith machine. I would have liked a plate loaded version if the bands still could have been used. However the machines by force usa that are plate loaded seem to loose the band pegs and the west side spacing which I really liked as well. This narrowed my choice to the G3. I am not sure if the decision to get plate loaded will eventually make me which i had something different. I dont really think there are any other options, instead of buying a separate trainer and space is limited for me, or a really expensive company called 'prime' that charges 6k $ I think for their functional rack combo. If i dont use the trainer I would rather have gotten a cheaper sturdier rack. What I have been doing is leaving multiple bands on the outside of the machine and my 5,10,25 lb plates on the inside of the machine. I am making a board that attaches to where the stabalizer bar goes to hold these plates. I dont think I would care about the plate loaded aspect if it could be loaded on one side and operate smoothly. Right now I am trying to figure out the amount of weight I need and its really awkward to go around the machine 3 times so often. Maybe in the future when I can refer to a workout log as set up reference. Initially I kept making so many adjustments, that I tried to do it all from inside by putting plates on the outside by reaching through the cables. Plus it makes drop sets awkward, do you make 3 movements, to outside left, middle and outside right, to take weight off evenly. What I have found the most efficient was leaving the bands on the outside and adjusting just the inside weight because I can do both trainers at the same time. The band provides enough resistance that I can adjust the inside only and leave the bands outside and it still runs smooth. Overall I enough having the machine. There are a few things that I find disappointing. They dont ruin the machine but they seem obvious with limited test use and could easily have been fixed. cons The included bars (straight and cambered) are slightly longer then the width between the trainers. It would clearly be better to be better if it was the same size, so the cable traveled smoothly with presses and pulls. My pulleys always rest turned inward against the machine, and not just pointing straight ahead. I am not sure if this is just how the cable pulls. Then the bar wants to turn the pulleys out. The pulleys have a weird design. You can see in the video the pulley of the functional trainer has 2 wheels one on top of the other. The top wheel is set back from the bottom. I am not sure why this is done. The inspire trainer I had before had the wheels in line with each other. The problem is the cable has to travel up and over the bottom wheel. The ball stopper the cable gets blocked in between the wheels. if you set the pulleys up high, say to do lat pull down with the cambered bar, when you first start the pull, it feels loose until you pick up the slack, and it awkwardly clicks over the bottom wheel. and then you had pull your rep. I got the leg press attachment. The leg press have their own spotter arms that attach to the smith pole on the top and bottom. The top metal bracket piece is about 2 inches wide. When you try to raise the smith machine to the highest position, the hooks are just below the top hole by an inch. It clearly fits when the leg press spotter arms are not in place. It seems odd that the design of the leg press wasnt tested better on the machine to notice this. If they made the top metal bracket piece 1 inch it would probably work still. It makes me want to fabricate something. Another thing with the leg press is the attachment. I know its meant to be quick, but I dont do it very often so if it took a few more seconds I woudlnt mind. I wonder if you tightened it down with a screw if it would let you do calf plantarflexion depending on the angle you set your leg platform at. With the slide in 'u' pins theres too much wiggle, but it works for leg press. It takes getting used to the leg press spotter. It seems like I forgot to move them and hit them when repositioning the smith. Just something to learn and keep in mind to check for. Also I think If I remember right, if you have 45lbs on the plate loader for the functional trainer, and you go to lower the smith machine with weight on it. I think the plates can contact each other. Its just something I never had to think about before and now check for. The smith machine depth. The cables travel on pulleys above the bottom support. The smith machine sits above this about 4 inches off the ground. The previous 'inspire machine I had , had the cables go though the bottom frame. I understand that this might not be able to work due to the band peg holes. The smith machine also has a bottom spotter that slides on the smith pole and hooks in one of the openings with the same hook as the smith bar. This could be used to set a low point for chest press and might be helpful in that regard. However I like to use the smith for bent over rows and straight leg dead lift. When the spotter thing is on the bottom it stands 3-4 inches above the bottom of frame that the smith sits on. Which is 4 inches from the ground to clear the pulley. There is no range of motion to do the exercises I mentioned with this spotter in place. I took it off my machine. I fortunately dont think I would every use them. I feel confident with pressings movements like regular, incline/decline bench that I could turn the smith bar and latch it in place and not get hurt. If something feels they need this feature then it would be disappointing. Im sure there has to be a way to condense the smith closer to the ground. With the spotter removed I am 5 ft 10 and for me it just works where I feel the bar hit the bottom at the end of bent over row. I still prefer more height for straight leg deadlift and fortunately I have an aerobic step that I use but you need something like 2 feet wide or less and most aerobic steps are 3. A 3 feet step will fit but usually the band pegs are in the way unless you want to constantly remove them. Also disclaimer Im not encouraging anyway to modify the safety equipment. Im just sharing what I did. The G3 also includes 2 rubber circles. I think these are intended to go on the smith bar if you dont put on the Olympic sleeves. This creates a bumper for the standard weights. What I did was put the rubber circles on the bottom of the smith poles where the spotter things were. Which only take up 1/2 an inch instead of 3-4. Plate storage. The straight and cambered bar hang close to the plate storage. If you put a plate larger then a 10 and push it all the way back, it pushes the bars out of the holder, or the plate gets blocked from going back all the way, so you loose space and option. Its not a big huge deal, you can have the bottom of the bar hand freely and get pushed away while the top stays in the place. The issue is the top holder is a tight fit that surrounds the bar and will likely get scratched. It doesnt just hang and pivot out, its meant to be securely attached on both. There are only 6 posts , 3 on each side. You cant put all your 45, 35, and 25 on the bottom and use the top four posts for 10s and 5s that doesnt make sense. You also arent going to stack your small weights behind your big ones so it fits. Usually people want 1 size plate on each pole. I use the back for 45, 35, and 25, one on each pole and I put the 45 on the bottom since the bottom isnt blocked by the bars, and the 25, and 35 s above that but I just dont push them back all the way. This is another reason why I am making a plate holder for inside the rack. The light plates inside I use to adjust the plate loader, and the big plates outside that I need on the barbell/smith. It seems like an easy fix if they just reposition the bar holder slightly. I cant consider this second part a flaw, but I could make a suggestion. I know you can only put some many holes in the frame, but I think it would be awesome if they could put holes for plate holders on the side of the frame as well. It would be nice to have the option to store your plates on the sides or the back, Maybe you could even buy extra plate holders to add more storage. It seems like the side set up would make more sense. I m not sure if the back is necessary for stability but I cant see why. The space on the side of your g3 is already lost due to the smith bar and barbell that extends beyond it and the room you need to walk around it for loading. Plate storage on the back makes you un necessarily extend the foot print away from your wall and into your room.
recommendations I found an interesting set up for the land mine. The included landmine can only fit on the either side at the front of the machine. I bought a cheap 24 $ land mine online that screws onto a power rack. I put it on the horizontal bottom bar in the back of the machine in the middle. This is where the bottom of the stabilizer bar goes. This bar is like 3 feet off the ground. I think this is much better position. If you put the spotter arms out and lay the straight bar across the spotter arms you can make a stand for the landmine so you can load it for Viking/overhead presses. I bought an Viking press attachment. A land mine stand would cost 150$ and take up space. I think the angle is better for pressing when the bar is higher in the back then on the ground. It also lets you angle it down from a height so you can do, belt squat, car deadlift, rows. I still have the original landmine for rotational exercises. Dips. You can use set up the straight bar on the spotter arms like I said above and lower the smith bar so its the same height. This can let you do dips. I hope in time they add more attachments and include dip handles. This can let you save on cost and space though. I have a ironmaster super bench with the dip attachment. I dont like it. It makes you start the dip up higher then natural. and it blocks you from doing weighted dips with plates.
This is an awesome comment. Thanks so much for the detailed feedback and suggestions. I’m definitely going to pass this along to the company. You should review fitness products if you don’t already.
@@FeedbackFarmacy I like it. It depends on what you want and how you lift. If you focus on basic powerlifting you might just want a basic more robust rack and save money. Plate loaded pulleys arent perfect and take time to load so you might not use it as much as a weight stack system, but that costs more. It works for me and my context and lifting preferences so I think its worth the cost. I like to do lighter /medium weights with band resistance at the top. I really like the feel of constant tension and drop sets. I dont mess with heavy weight. If your looking for a unit with built in functional trainer I dont know how you can beat the price/quality. If your looking for a rack with trainer and band pegs I think this is your only option without spending 6 k. My gym is a 12 x 10 x room so I had to be efficient with space and this helps alot.
Hello Mr. Richards. I am searching some Multi Machine for my Home Gym and this Force USA G3 is very interesting. U make a great Review. But i had one question on you. How many space u have in the Interior of this Maschine? And how high is the deepest point of the Smith Maschine? Sorry my englisch :)
Here are the specs of the G3: Exterior- 80 in (W) x 55 in (D) x 87 in (H) Interior- 43 in (W) x 34 in (D) x 85 in (H) I’d give about 1ft of space or so if you’re going to store plates on the back(which I recommend to keep it stable). I can do everything I need inside the G3. I removed the stabilizer bar because that gave me much less room to train. The highest point is the wheels on the cable pulleys, which is 80”. Please remember to use the code STEVIE5 at checkout if you purchase. Thanks.
Thanks for the review. I'm still deciding between the G3 and the G9. Is there that much of a difference? Main reason is for the 1:1 pully, and seems like there is more to the G9 correct?
The 1:1 ratio is one of the differences. Also, the G9 includes the leg press attachment and knee holder, whereas you need to pay extra for those on the G3. The leg press attachment on the G9 doubles as a low row foot plate too, which is cool. With either trainer, you’ll have to purchase plates and, possibly, a bench to get the most out of it. That’s where the lower price of the G3 may make a difference to some. With that being said, I’m happy with the G3 and use it everything. If you do decide to purchase, please use my link- www.forceusa.com/stevie Thanks for watching the review and keep me updated.
@@StevieRichardsFitness mmm, Well Now I'm leaning more towards the G3, the G9 is out of stock. With all the options I added it still cost less. So, not only I'll save money, but I will be able to get it sooner
@stevie How much total weight plates we can put in the attached storage bar(all of them)? I have 45(4), 35(2), 25(2), 15(2), 10(2) plates. Can I put all of them on storage bar?
Do you know the difference between the Monster G3 and the new model? I was told the G20 jammer arms would fit the new one and I don't know if I have the new one or not, I bought it this past summer.
Hi Stevie, how tall are you? I am interested in getting the G3 but was worried it would be difficult to use for my tall husband. I was happy to see you were able to modify the way you did Lat pulldowns. Thanks!
I am 6’2” and have no trouble doing all my work inside the G3. Adding the optional straight chin-up bar will lower the height, so he’d have to be careful about not hitting his head walking in and out. If you do decide to purchase, please use www.forceusa.com/stevie. Thank you.
Yes technically it’s considered a 1:1 ratio because of the bar attaching both cables. Two things I’ve learned: -make sure to have the plates evenly distributed on both sides. I put mine in the same exact order on both sides. -the plate holders can only hold a certain number of plates, especially if you’re using bumpers.
@@StevieRichardsFitness Awesome buddy thanks. Yeah I also have a Powertec LeverGym and it uses one cable which I always evenly distribute the weight on also. Makes a difference like you say on drag. Thanks for the great detailed videos!
Do you ever wish you spent a little more and went with the model that has the weight included for the functional trainer rather than use a plate loaded system?
I think a big adventage of the plate loaded system is that you are more able to do smaller progression than with the stack weights which means steps of 0,5 Kg.. It's much easier to become stronger by doing little steps than by straight putting 5 kilos more on your exercise
If you want a plate loading trainer, the G3 is definitely the best bang for your buck. The G6 is a great weight stack machine with a little bit interior working space. Both the G3 and G6 are 2:1 ratio on the cable systems- meaning 100lbs=50lbs. If you can afford it, the G12 is the best all around model. Weight stacks and 1:1 ratio on the cables. On a side note- I’ve been pretty satisfied with the G3 and don’t mine the plate loaded aspect. If you do decide to purchase, please use my affiliate link to save some money- bit.ly/3mBNGoW
Stevie always a good review from you. Do not use wd40 use lithium grease. They have a can on Amazon. Just spray it on a rag and glide over the rails. Did you get any friction on those nylon bushings at all? The Smith machine sounded clean and solid. Home gyms are tough for you because of your height. Really made for 6 foot and under. Stevie drop the Smith machine bar and use it as a hold down. If that doesn't work. Jhooks and olympic bar with 45s on each side. Should work!
@@StevieRichardsFitness retired National level bodybuilder. Still train hard and when the pandemic hit i needed equipment so I wanted to see what was out there and its how I found your channel. I bought a gang of crap. Smith machine, powerblocks, and tons of weight. All through whatever means possible. Most of the companies were sold out. So used CL, marketplace and whatever I could to find stuff. Well its all done! I decided to train from home now. Maybe a gym once in a while after this gets sorted out. I wanted the force usa machine, but gosh darn it they were out of stock. Everyone was. I mainly watch your weights stuff. Keeps me entertained. The other stuff not so much. Although the review of massager guns was cool. Keep up the training. Injuries are tough, but you work with it. At our age we have to minimize Injuries.
Good tip on the lithium grease I'll try that. I currently use silicon spray for the weight stack handles adjustability. For the lat pull down for both stacks I use the smith bar or like you said an olympic bar on the spotters to hold me down. But I use adjustable lashing straps attached to band pegs to secure down the bars. They are actually bowflex squat straps but just like lashing with eyelets for carabiners. I have the monster g6
I haven’t tried jammer arms and there are none that are officially compatible. I’ve been on the lookout to see if any can fit plus been asking Force USA to create their own.
@@StevieRichardsFitness appreciate the speedy response, I also want to know if you have reviewed the declathon 900 power rack on your channel. If so what are your opinions on it
It includes a straight bar and curled bar. The straight bar has holes to connect to both cable pulleys as well as one hole in the center for single stack work. The curled bar only connects on both cable pulleys. If you do decide to purchase, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
@@StevieRichardsFitness thank you for the fast reply. So In this video at 20:59 that bar was supplied and has three different clip attachments? Are your hands covering the wide ones? If so does that bother you when working out? Thanks again.
Actually, that’s a pull down bar that purchased off Amazon when had a previous all in one trainer. The straight bar is completely straight with no curve on the end like the one at that timestamp. There are 3 attachments points on that straight bar.
I have the g6 the up rights are the thinnest of the whole thing which is surprising. Its definitely not 11 gauge. Dont expect high quality because its not. Its marcy quality
@@DoritosResidue I believe it's stainless steel? which is stronger (not sure by how much) and about 3 times as expensive as mild steel. Or, does it scratch? Anyway, would really like to know as much as possible, as I'm planning to build a machine like this.
@@danielc1112 no Its chromed and polished and it scratches lol. Each upright can't way more than 5 pounds so they are very thin. Before the g6 I had an ironmaster 2000 and a hoist v6 functional trainer. the uprights were very heavy. There are a bunch of cheap shortcuts force usa uses.
@@DoritosResidue That is excellent information thank you, and very surprising too! I had calculated about $500 AUD for the whole machine, but I guess it's even cheaper. I have a feeling steel might be cheap in Australia due to our huge iron ore industry.
@@DoritosResidue After a bit of research, I think it must be Chromoly steel, which is actually stronger in both tensile strength and yield strength than stainless steel. So that's why they can make it so thin.
0:00- Introduction
1:27- Leg Press attachment
5:47- Shoulder Presses using Smith Machine
9:13 Shrugs using Smith Machine
11:52- Rear Delt Flyes using cables
15:44- Intro to back workout using G3
16:30- Lat Pulldown seat attachment
20:45 Lat Pulldowns from floor
22:35- lat Pulldown from center of G3
26:42- Bench storage
27:19- One Arm Rows using cables
29:52- Pull up bar
32:44- Conclusion...with cameo from Odin!
Great video as always! You should put G3 (2020 edition) in the title so people know it’s the newest one
Great point. Just changed it. Thanks.
Thanks for the videos im getting mine delivered on tuesday. Kinda wish I went with the next model up but im really just looking forward to working out again.
Thanks for the comment and congrats on getting yours.
I’m actually enjoying the G3 the more I use it.
Great detailed review - just what I need!
Thanks for watching. I appreciate it.
If you do decide to purchase the G3 or anything else, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
@@StevieRichardsFitness I was about to do that, thanks for pointing it out. The problem is, I'm based in the UK - I haven't bought the equipment yet. The FORCE USA brand is one of my list under consideration.
ECW Banner looks awesome in the back.
Always quality reviews. Much appreciated
Hey Stevie, after choices including the Monster G6 and various other pin-loaded equivalents evaporated, I pulled the trigger on the G3, particularly after watching this awesome review. There are only two retailers who sell Force USA gear in New Zealand, so when one (who actually have physical stores and competent staff) said their stock had actually arrived in the country, I couldn't hesitate. They must have had a pre-March order fulfilled because the cost including the leg press attachment PLUS my membership discount knocked it down to US$1600. I was willing to pay US$4000 for the G6. Even if I drop $$ on 200kg of plates, we're winning.
Thanks for watching the video and the comment.
The G3 is definitely a great budget-conscious choice in the lineup and I’m enjoying using it.
Keep me updated on how it’s working for you and thanks again.
Awesome review, this is the deal maker after I save enough. Great review Stevie!
Thanks for watching and commenting.
When you’re ready to purchase, please use this link- www.forceusa.com/stevie
Let me know when you get it and be sure to share your setup.
Great review, so much detail, thank you.
Stevie thanks for the review - you made a good point bout the stabilizer pad... I like the idea of using it as a knee holder for lat pulldowns from the center, but does it get in the way when you come do smith machine squats facing the back of the machine?
It actually does get in the way to some degree. Recently, I removed the stabilizer and don’t plan on putting it back onto the G3.
The leg press attachment is, by far, the best attachment for the G3.
If you do decide to buy the G3 or anything else, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Great review Stevie, thanks for the code just pulled the trigger on the G3. Does it come with that cambered lat bar you were using that attaches to both high pullies?
Thanks for using the code.
Yes both the straight bar and curved bar both are included with the G3 purchase.
Great review! Very detailed. Using the G3 this past year, I agree with everything and knew you would determine the same thing about that stability bar. Nice idea, and useful for some exercises but, it does get in the way. I removed mine long ago. I did buy some metal rod that I plan to cut and make pins to be used in place of the bolts. I plan to use the pins to install and uninstall the stability bar like a removeable attachment. We'll see, its kind of a big piece to be doing that but its better than having an expensive attachment collect dust in the corner I guess.
Couple other points that might help others as well:
I think you should use silicone spray on the moving parts and uprights as opposed to grease. And definitely don't use WD-40. Silicone spray is made for parts like this. Works great.
The black leg press attachment safety bars are not too tough to install afterwards but like you said, a "STOP" sheet would be nice. Know that if you do install that, your smith bar will not go all the way to the top notch. I don't think you'll like that. But you can try it.
You found the same issues with the lat pull down seat attachment. One other thing tho, the lowest setting on the knee pads is way to high. I'm average height and my knees don't even come close to touching the pads. Kinda worthless for me.
Still no dip bar attachment available like the MY Rack. I don't know why? That would actually be a USEFUL attachment as opposed to the others.
Did your G3 come with the removable support bars for an olympic weight bar bell? I didn't see those.
Anyway, as I said on my other comment, the G3 is great quality and I love the machine itself, just wish I saved some money by not buying a couple of the dust collecting attachments. Thanks for your time on the videos. 👍
Thanks for the detailed comment, John.
I’ll definitely use what has been suggested and not WD40. It was all we had during the testing and just tried that out.
I’m with you on the dip attachment like the G12 has included. Not a large footprint and designed very well.
Thank you so much! This video was awesome and I'm absolutely buying this machine.
Thanks for watching and commenting.
If you do decide to purchase, please use my link- www.forceusa.com/stevie
Great Review, thank you!! What are your thoughts about the drag of the Force G1, because of ton of cables, does it feel it gets stucks?
I haven’t used the G1.
The G3 cables are super smooth and assembly looked intimidating at first, but it was very easy.
If you do decide to purchase anything, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Great review, I really like this setup! I'm 6'6 in height restrictions?
The company has rated the G3 and most of their other all-in-one-trainers good for up to 7’1”.
I’m a little over 6’2” if that helps you gauge the height of the G3.
If you do decide to purchase the G3 or anything else, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks for video. I am currently looking for your promised video on the optional attachments. Especially i am looking for your input on the stabelizer pad, but i cant seem to find the video in your archive. Could you link it for me? Thanks
The stabilizer pad video, for some reason, got taken down by TH-cam. My thoughts are that the cons outweigh the pros of the attachment. It East up a lot of room on the interior space of the G3.
The only use case where it makes sense to me would be someone requiring that support for standing cable movements.
Here is my long term review on the G3 and some attachments.
th-cam.com/video/kbnnAX6IJVs/w-d-xo.html
If you do decide to purchase the G3 or anything else m, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
@@StevieRichardsFitness thanks for answer. Possible to upload it again perhaps?
Hello great informative video. Does the G3 come with safety arms for the squat or bench press for the outer rack?
Yes it includes a pair of safety spotter arms.
Here is the product page that lists the included attachments- www.forceusa.com/products/g3
If you do decide to order anything on the site, please remember to use the code STEVIE5 at checkout. Thanks.
Hi Stevie, what about dip bar? Have you thaught of making it or fitting from another G series?
The dip bar I had with the myrack and G6 doesn’t fit the G3 from what I know.
They redesigned the dip bar for the G15 that I have now and it’s great.
Thanks for the video. I also have a g3. I previously had a similar unit made by ;Inspire' that had a functioanl trainer and smith machine. I didnt like it for several reasons. The smith safety used a 'gun rack' method that never felt safe. There were no spotter arms so you had to squat/bench inside the frame, but the space was limited from the smith machine poles and felt difficult not to hit. I sold it for fair price during pandemic so I could start over. I specifically was seeking a unit that had band peg attachments, which many rack/trainer combos dont. I was really drawn to how the bands could be attached to everything, including the plate loaded trainer , and the smith machine. I would have liked a plate loaded version if the bands still could have been used. However the machines by force usa that are plate loaded seem to loose the band pegs and the west side spacing which I really liked as well. This narrowed my choice to the G3. I am not sure if the decision to get plate loaded will eventually make me which i had something different. I dont really think there are any other options, instead of buying a separate trainer and space is limited for me, or a really expensive company called 'prime' that charges 6k $ I think for their functional rack combo. If i dont use the trainer I would rather have gotten a cheaper sturdier rack. What I have been doing is leaving multiple bands on the outside of the machine and my 5,10,25 lb plates on the inside of the machine. I am making a board that attaches to where the stabalizer bar goes to hold these plates. I dont think I would care about the plate loaded aspect if it could be loaded on one side and operate smoothly. Right now I am trying to figure out the amount of weight I need and its really awkward to go around the machine 3 times so often. Maybe in the future when I can refer to a workout log as set up reference. Initially I kept making so many adjustments, that I tried to do it all from inside by putting plates on the outside by reaching through the cables. Plus it makes drop sets awkward, do you make 3 movements, to outside left, middle and outside right, to take weight off evenly. What I have found the most efficient was leaving the bands on the outside and adjusting just the inside weight because I can do both trainers at the same time. The band provides enough resistance that I can adjust the inside only and leave the bands outside and it still runs smooth.
Overall I enough having the machine. There are a few things that I find disappointing. They dont ruin the machine but they seem obvious with limited test use and could easily have been fixed.
cons
The included bars (straight and cambered) are slightly longer then the width between the trainers. It would clearly be better to be better if it was the same size, so the cable traveled smoothly with presses and pulls. My pulleys always rest turned inward against the machine, and not just pointing straight ahead. I am not sure if this is just how the cable pulls. Then the bar wants to turn the pulleys out.
The pulleys have a weird design. You can see in the video the pulley of the functional trainer has 2 wheels one on top of the other. The top wheel is set back from the bottom. I am not sure why this is done. The inspire trainer I had before had the wheels in line with each other. The problem is the cable has to travel up and over the bottom wheel. The ball stopper the cable gets blocked in between the wheels. if you set the pulleys up high, say to do lat pull down with the cambered bar, when you first start the pull, it feels loose until you pick up the slack, and it awkwardly clicks over the bottom wheel. and then you had pull your rep.
I got the leg press attachment. The leg press have their own spotter arms that attach to the smith pole on the top and bottom. The top metal bracket piece is about 2 inches wide. When you try to raise the smith machine to the highest position, the hooks are just below the top hole by an inch. It clearly fits when the leg press spotter arms are not in place. It seems odd that the design of the leg press wasnt tested better on the machine to notice this. If they made the top metal bracket piece 1 inch it would probably work still. It makes me want to fabricate something. Another thing with the leg press is the attachment. I know its meant to be quick, but I dont do it very often so if it took a few more seconds I woudlnt mind. I wonder if you tightened it down with a screw if it would let you do calf plantarflexion depending on the angle you set your leg platform at. With the slide in 'u' pins theres too much wiggle, but it works for leg press. It takes getting used to the leg press spotter. It seems like I forgot to move them and hit them when repositioning the smith. Just something to learn and keep in mind to check for. Also I think If I remember right, if you have 45lbs on the plate loader for the functional trainer, and you go to lower the smith machine with weight on it. I think the plates can contact each other. Its just something I never had to think about before and now check for.
The smith machine depth. The cables travel on pulleys above the bottom support. The smith machine sits above this about 4 inches off the ground. The previous 'inspire machine I had , had the cables go though the bottom frame. I understand that this might not be able to work due to the band peg holes. The smith machine also has a bottom spotter that slides on the smith pole and hooks in one of the openings with the same hook as the smith bar. This could be used to set a low point for chest press and might be helpful in that regard. However I like to use the smith for bent over rows and straight leg dead lift. When the spotter thing is on the bottom it stands 3-4 inches above the bottom of frame that the smith sits on. Which is 4 inches from the ground to clear the pulley. There is no range of motion to do the exercises I mentioned with this spotter in place. I took it off my machine. I fortunately dont think I would every use them. I feel confident with pressings movements like regular, incline/decline bench that I could turn the smith bar and latch it in place and not get hurt. If something feels they need this feature then it would be disappointing. Im sure there has to be a way to condense the smith closer to the ground. With the spotter removed I am 5 ft 10 and for me it just works where I feel the bar hit the bottom at the end of bent over row. I still prefer more height for straight leg deadlift and fortunately I have an aerobic step that I use but you need something like 2 feet wide or less and most aerobic steps are 3. A 3 feet step will fit but usually the band pegs are in the way unless you want to constantly remove them. Also disclaimer Im not encouraging anyway to modify the safety equipment. Im just sharing what I did. The G3 also includes 2 rubber circles. I think these are intended to go on the smith bar if you dont put on the Olympic sleeves. This creates a bumper for the standard weights. What I did was put the rubber circles on the bottom of the smith poles where the spotter things were. Which only take up 1/2 an inch instead of 3-4.
Plate storage. The straight and cambered bar hang close to the plate storage. If you put a plate larger then a 10 and push it all the way back, it pushes the bars out of the holder, or the plate gets blocked from going back all the way, so you loose space and option. Its not a big huge deal, you can have the bottom of the bar hand freely and get pushed away while the top stays in the place. The issue is the top holder is a tight fit that surrounds the bar and will likely get scratched. It doesnt just hang and pivot out, its meant to be securely attached on both. There are only 6 posts , 3 on each side. You cant put all your 45, 35, and 25 on the bottom and use the top four posts for 10s and 5s that doesnt make sense. You also arent going to stack your small weights behind your big ones so it fits. Usually people want 1 size plate on each pole. I use the back for 45, 35, and 25, one on each pole and I put the 45 on the bottom since the bottom isnt blocked by the bars, and the 25, and 35 s above that but I just dont push them back all the way. This is another reason why I am making a plate holder for inside the rack. The light plates inside I use to adjust the plate loader, and the big plates outside that I need on the barbell/smith. It seems like an easy fix if they just reposition the bar holder slightly. I cant consider this second part a flaw, but I could make a suggestion. I know you can only put some many holes in the frame, but I think it would be awesome if they could put holes for plate holders on the side of the frame as well. It would be nice to have the option to store your plates on the sides or the back, Maybe you could even buy extra plate holders to add more storage. It seems like the side set up would make more sense. I m not sure if the back is necessary for stability but I cant see why. The space on the side of your g3 is already lost due to the smith bar and barbell that extends beyond it and the room you need to walk around it for loading. Plate storage on the back makes you un necessarily extend the foot print away from your wall and into your room.
recommendations
I found an interesting set up for the land mine. The included landmine can only fit on the either side at the front of the machine. I bought a cheap 24 $ land mine online that screws onto a power rack. I put it on the horizontal bottom bar in the back of the machine in the middle. This is where the bottom of the stabilizer bar goes. This bar is like 3 feet off the ground. I think this is much better position. If you put the spotter arms out and lay the straight bar across the spotter arms you can make a stand for the landmine so you can load it for Viking/overhead presses. I bought an Viking press attachment. A land mine stand would cost 150$ and take up space. I think the angle is better for pressing when the bar is higher in the back then on the ground. It also lets you angle it down from a height so you can do, belt squat, car deadlift, rows. I still have the original landmine for rotational exercises.
Dips. You can use set up the straight bar on the spotter arms like I said above and lower the smith bar so its the same height. This can let you do dips. I hope in time they add more attachments and include dip handles. This can let you save on cost and space though. I have a ironmaster super bench with the dip attachment. I dont like it. It makes you start the dip up higher then natural. and it blocks you from doing weighted dips with plates.
This is an awesome comment.
Thanks so much for the detailed feedback and suggestions. I’m definitely going to pass this along to the company.
You should review fitness products if you don’t already.
@nil would you recommend g3 ? I’m planning to guy one.
@@FeedbackFarmacy I like it. It depends on what you want and how you lift. If you focus on basic powerlifting you might just want a basic more robust rack and save money. Plate loaded pulleys arent perfect and take time to load so you might not use it as much as a weight stack system, but that costs more.
It works for me and my context and lifting preferences so I think its worth the cost. I like to do lighter /medium weights with band resistance at the top. I really like the feel of constant tension and drop sets. I dont mess with heavy weight. If your looking for a unit with built in functional trainer I dont know how you can beat the price/quality. If your looking for a rack with trainer and band pegs I think this is your only option without spending 6 k. My gym is a 12 x 10 x room so I had to be efficient with space and this helps alot.
@@EvenStarsBurnUp thanks for your response. Did you check Marcy smith machine at Amazon? What do you think about that one vs force usa
Hello Mr. Richards. I am searching some Multi Machine for my Home Gym and this Force USA G3 is very interesting. U make a great Review. But i had one question on you. How many space u have in the Interior of this Maschine? And how high is the deepest point of the Smith Maschine? Sorry my englisch :)
Here are the specs of the G3:
Exterior- 80 in (W) x 55 in (D) x 87 in (H)
Interior- 43 in (W) x 34 in (D) x 85 in (H)
I’d give about 1ft of space or so if you’re going to store plates on the back(which I recommend to keep it stable).
I can do everything I need inside the G3. I removed the stabilizer bar because that gave me much less room to train.
The highest point is the wheels on the cable pulleys, which is 80”.
Please remember to use the code STEVIE5 at checkout if you purchase. Thanks.
Thanks for the review. I'm still deciding between the G3 and the G9. Is there that much of a difference? Main reason is for the 1:1 pully, and seems like there is more to the G9 correct?
The 1:1 ratio is one of the differences.
Also, the G9 includes the leg press attachment and knee holder, whereas you need to pay extra for those on the G3. The leg press attachment on the G9 doubles as a low row foot plate too, which is cool.
With either trainer, you’ll have to purchase plates and, possibly, a bench to get the most out of it. That’s where the lower price of the G3 may make a difference to some.
With that being said, I’m happy with the G3 and use it everything.
If you do decide to purchase, please use my link- www.forceusa.com/stevie
Thanks for watching the review and keep me updated.
@@StevieRichardsFitness mmm, Well Now I'm leaning more towards the G3, the G9 is out of stock. With all the options I added it still cost less. So, not only I'll save money, but I will be able to get it sooner
That’s another thing to consider with the way fitness product stock is right now.
Appreciate the video 🙏🙋🏻♂️
@stevie How much total weight plates we can put in the attached storage bar(all of them)? I have 45(4), 35(2), 25(2), 15(2), 10(2) plates. Can I put all of them on storage bar?
Thank you for the review Sir!!!!!
Thanks. More updates to come in the future.
Do you know the difference between the Monster G3 and the new model? I was told the G20 jammer arms would fit the new one and I don't know if I have the new one or not, I bought it this past summer.
I’m not sure about that particular compatibility. For a definitive answer, I’d contact Force USA support.
Hi Stevie, how tall are you? I am interested in getting the G3 but was worried it would be difficult to use for my tall husband. I was happy to see you were able to modify the way you did Lat pulldowns. Thanks!
I am 6’2” and have no trouble doing all my work inside the G3.
Adding the optional straight chin-up bar will lower the height, so he’d have to be careful about not hitting his head walking in and out.
If you do decide to purchase, please use www.forceusa.com/stevie. Thank you.
Hey my man, is it confirmed (24:40 mark) that by using both cables on double sided pulldown it’s technically 1:1 ratio?
Yes technically it’s considered a 1:1 ratio because of the bar attaching both cables.
Two things I’ve learned:
-make sure to have the plates evenly distributed on both sides. I put mine in the same exact order on both sides.
-the plate holders can only hold a certain number of plates, especially if you’re using bumpers.
@@StevieRichardsFitness Awesome buddy thanks. Yeah I also have a Powertec LeverGym and it uses one cable which I always evenly distribute the weight on also. Makes a difference like you say on drag. Thanks for the great detailed videos!
Do you ever wish you spent a little more and went with the model that has the weight included for the functional trainer rather than use a plate loaded system?
We had a weight stack trainer before and can see the benefits.
However, so far so good with the G3. The more I use it, the more I like it.
I think a big adventage of the plate loaded system is that you are more able to do smaller progression than with the stack weights which means steps of 0,5 Kg.. It's much easier to become stronger by doing little steps than by straight putting 5 kilos more on your exercise
Does the lat pull down seat come with the pull down bar?
The seat is an optional attachment, but the G3 includes a lat pulldown bar.
@@StevieRichardsFitness seems like they forgot to include mine
Send them an email.
I can’t decide between the G3, G6 or G12. Which ones best bang for buck?
If you want a plate loading trainer, the G3 is definitely the best bang for your buck.
The G6 is a great weight stack machine with a little bit interior working space.
Both the G3 and G6 are 2:1 ratio on the cable systems- meaning 100lbs=50lbs.
If you can afford it, the G12 is the best all around model. Weight stacks and 1:1 ratio on the cables.
On a side note- I’ve been pretty satisfied with the G3 and don’t mine the plate loaded aspect.
If you do decide to purchase, please use my affiliate link to save some money- bit.ly/3mBNGoW
@@StevieRichardsFitness is there a reason you didn’t go for the G9? Or the F50 or F100?
I wanted to test out and see if it is the best bang for my buck.
Stevie always a good review from you. Do not use wd40 use lithium grease. They have a can on Amazon. Just spray it on a rag and glide over the rails. Did you get any friction on those nylon bushings at all? The Smith machine sounded clean and solid. Home gyms are tough for you because of your height. Really made for 6 foot and under. Stevie drop the Smith machine bar and use it as a hold down. If that doesn't work. Jhooks and olympic bar with 45s on each side. Should work!
Thanks for the all the great tips. I’ll definitely do all of them.
There was no friction on the nylon bushings- at least none that I could tell.
@@StevieRichardsFitness retired National level bodybuilder. Still train hard and when the pandemic hit i needed equipment so I wanted to see what was out there and its how I found your channel. I bought a gang of crap. Smith machine, powerblocks, and tons of weight. All through whatever means possible. Most of the companies were sold out. So used CL, marketplace and whatever I could to find stuff. Well its all done! I decided to train from home now. Maybe a gym once in a while after this gets sorted out. I wanted the force usa machine, but gosh darn it they were out of stock. Everyone was. I mainly watch your weights stuff. Keeps me entertained. The other stuff not so much. Although the review of massager guns was cool. Keep up the training. Injuries are tough, but you work with it. At our age we have to minimize Injuries.
Good tip on the lithium grease I'll try that. I currently use silicon spray for the weight stack handles adjustability. For the lat pull down for both stacks I use the smith bar or like you said an olympic bar on the spotters to hold me down. But I use adjustable lashing straps attached to band pegs to secure down the bars. They are actually bowflex squat straps but just like lashing with eyelets for carabiners. I have the monster g6
Is it possible to attach the jammer arms (adjustable lever arms) to the front beams?
I haven’t tried jammer arms and there are none that are officially compatible.
I’ve been on the lookout to see if any can fit plus been asking Force USA to create their own.
Are there ways to extend the length of pipes holding the plates for the pulley system?
You could use longer sleeves, I suppose, but it would limit the interior working space for other work.
@@StevieRichardsFitness appreciate the speedy response, I also want to know if you have reviewed the declathon 900 power rack on your channel. If so what are your opinions on it
I have not had the chance to review that. I’ll take a look and see if I can get it.
Does it come with the lat pulldown bar or is that separate?
It includes a straight bar and curled bar.
The straight bar has holes to connect to both cable pulleys as well as one hole in the center for single stack work.
The curled bar only connects on both cable pulleys.
If you do decide to purchase, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
@@StevieRichardsFitness thank you for the fast reply. So In this video at 20:59 that bar was supplied and has three different clip attachments? Are your hands covering the wide ones? If so does that bother you when working out?
Thanks again.
Actually, that’s a pull down bar that purchased off Amazon when had a previous all in one trainer.
The straight bar is completely straight with no curve on the end like the one at that timestamp.
There are 3 attachments points on that straight bar.
💪🏼💪🏼
Is there any jammer arms that fit in G3 !
Not that I know of. I’ve heard of some people giving 3rd party ones a shot, but no updates on how they work.
How much did the g3 cost
What is the thickness of the steel? It looks like 50mm x 50mm x 2mm
I have the g6 the up rights are the thinnest of the whole thing which is surprising. Its definitely not 11 gauge. Dont expect high quality because its not. Its marcy quality
@@DoritosResidue I believe it's stainless steel? which is stronger (not sure by how much) and about 3 times as expensive as mild steel. Or, does it scratch?
Anyway, would really like to know as much as possible, as I'm planning to build a machine like this.
@@danielc1112 no Its chromed and polished and it scratches lol. Each upright can't way more than 5 pounds so they are very thin. Before the g6 I had an ironmaster 2000 and a hoist v6 functional trainer. the uprights were very heavy. There are a bunch of cheap shortcuts force usa uses.
@@DoritosResidue That is excellent information thank you, and very surprising too! I had calculated about $500 AUD for the whole machine, but I guess it's even cheaper. I have a feeling steel might be cheap in Australia due to our huge iron ore industry.
@@DoritosResidue After a bit of research, I think it must be Chromoly steel, which is actually stronger in both tensile strength and yield strength than stainless steel. So that's why they can make it so thin.
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With translate automatiquei see your video e and learn quality and g3 secret . ciao da Italia