I have owned the FT2 for 2 years now and just love it. The gym itself has not been a issue at all, very easy to assemble quick changes between exercises and have never had any problems with it. The only advice I can give is where you purchase your gym from because they are all NOT the same.. I live in BC Canada and tried purchasing one from Flamen fitness and all I got was the runaround for a month. If that guy said 2 words to you 1 of them was a lie. I finally got my deposit back and purchased it from Fitness depot and have never been happier. Customer support is where you save your money..
I ended up getting the FT2 through Costco over Black Friday. Loaded setup with leg attachments + kit.... $4650 shipped + installation from local installer included. Couldn’t beat it. Typical retail price I felt was high as I was at about $5800 + tax + install from my local store. Absolute steal through Costco.
Great overview! 👍🏼 We have the Inspire SF3. From Costco it was $2,000. We shopped all over looking at every trainer we could find & landed on this one. It was the best for us all around hands down! Could not be happier!!!
How do you like it so far? I'm thinking about getting the SF3, but trying to decide if I'm really missing out with the extra pulleys in the FT2 or all the extra bells and whistles with one of the Force USA options. My big limitation is that I live in an apartment so I need something that won't damage the floor and won't be an extreme pain to disassemble say a year from now. Maybe I should just get dumbbells lol
Not finished watching the entire video yet. But the FT2 has a weight multiplier on the Smith bar, meaning if the red tab on the side is attached to the Smith bar, and you have the 50lbs extra stack weights. Your lifting 1:1 in both stacks.....420lbs I believe.
The red (deep red) buckle tab/Lever isn't used during smith movements so wont/can't break. The smith is operated by engaging those red levers via a metal tab at the top or the safety with a metal hook on the smith bar. You then pull the safety's down to your required level.....the down side to this is, you start the movements from the bottom not the top as most if not all movements would be done. (I've been training (2) clients using one of these since 2015. Still not finished the video yet. 😄 But really interested in your opinions. I understand you will be biased towards FU being affiliated with them. I'm personally comparing the Inspire SCS cage (I have a client with the FT2...but I want a free weight rack too) so comparing the SCS and the G12. One thing to note, a store in the UK which is where I am, sells inspire and Force USA...they said the inspire range has a cable system and quality control that far exceeds the F USA, added the inspire warranty is far superior to the F USA, which is kinda gutting as I was ready to buy the G12 today for my garage gym. So whats your take on the cable system of the G12 compared to say any commercial cable machine you've used in a commercial gym as that the level of quality the FT2 has in my experience of gyms in 26 yrs. I suppose I could go and try both units out first. Thanks for your detailed review fella, much appreciated J
I can feel a slight difference between the G12 and some of large commercial gym cable systems. It’s not enough to make me feel like I’m using, say, a plate loaded machine or anything close to that. I’m always looking to learn more and that’s part of the reason I upload these types of videos. When someone like you takes time to leave a detailed comment and share your experience, I really appreciate it.
@@StevieRichardsFitnessThat's ok fella. The effort you put into these videos is amazing mate. So thanks to you for making this info available. Think I'm gonna go have a try out of a G12 before I make my mind up completely. J
FT2 is definitely one of the best all in one, the only other one i think is better is the Hoist M7Smith but that thing is double the cost once you add in the bench.
I’ve bought similar G12 directly from overseas and to be honest, they are mostly a cookie cutter type of machine, I think inspire FT2 might be a better choice.
I was choosing between the g6 and the ft2 but I chose the g6. My buddy has the ft2 and I helped put it together. The ft2 is better quality in terms of more dense higher quality metal . I also had quality control issues with force usa. You failed to mention the strength multiplier on the ft2. That Essentially makes it a 1:1 ratio... on the pull bar its also has an adjustable height and the bar is knurled. Like i said it is higher quality. it is missing such a huge capability which is free weight barbell excercises which force usa has. I cannot bench with a Smith it hurts my shoulders.. I will say force usa jcups and spotter arms are complete garbage. I had to go with titan fitness 2x2 attachments. I'd say for the forceusa g6 , g12 and g20, the absolute best attachment is the leg press attachment. It looks and feels like a pure quality gym excercise equipment. The execution of that excercise is flawess on those force usa machines. They did such a good job designing that. Such a great comparison Stevie , the first of its kind.
Thanks for the detailed comment and sharing your experience. I didn’t know about the strength multiplier of the FT2, but I will be checking one of these trainers out when I have the opportunity.
I was in the same position back in later 2020, once I'd figured out which of the G machines suited me best I compared the G6 to the FT2, personally I think that the FT2 is a really good functional trainer, where as the G6 is a smith and free weight rack system with an added function trainer, I think that the build quality on the G6 is very good with the exception of the front posts, I would have liked those front posts to have been a high gauge steel, giving the option to add jammers. The leg press on the G6 was the deal breaker for me, The only thing I don't like is the pull up bar. FYI, I upgraded to the G6 from an IM2000 and separate functional training.
@@williamaustin6132 I too came from the im2000 and a hoist v6 functional trainer before the g6. In the same exact time frame of 2020 lol. Yep I agree that leg press on the g6, the execution is flawess in my opinion.its my favorite attachment .It feels far more quality feeling compared to the ironmaster version. Though I'll be honest if ironmaster comes out with a dual weight upgraded version of the im2000 I would strongly consider going back to IM. Theres a bunch of cheap parts of the g6 like the uprights. They are light and thin. The im2000 actually weighs more than the g6 if it didn't have the dual weight stacks. That tells you right there ironmaster uses thicker gauge steel and its a smaller machine...
@@DoritosResidue The IM2000 does feel like a solid machine and the smith bar is very smooth, I don't like the fact that you can't see the lockout points when inside the IM2000 using the smith, but there are so many of them it isn't really a problem, my main concern with the IM2000 is the single bolt which fixes either end of the front posts to the frame, you can't access it to check its tight once the machine is built, plus a single bolt means a single point of failure, as the front post holds not only the smith bar but also the smith bar safeties, if the bolt failed you'd be in really trouble.
Great question. The prices of plates, depending on bumpers vs. standard ones along with the amount people think they need, can greatly differ. I’ll be doing a comparison between Olympic plates vs. bumpers soon, which includes pricing.
Great question. I’ll have to look into that because it is an interesting feature. Off the top of my head, I remember a machine that had a feature Pro Spot. It worked similarly.
I believe Inspire has a patent on a smith connected to weight stacks via cable IIRC from discussions with a representative from their company so unlikely you’ll see it on other products unless they license it.
Hey Stevie do you think the SCS cage system is better than the FT2? It seems to more align with the Force USA machine. I can basically get the SCS setup at home for the same price as the FT2.
The FT2 smith bar has a weight multiplier that allows you to use a 1:1 ratio on the smith bar. With the (2) 50lb heavy stack add-ons, (2) 5lb adder weights, and the weight of the smith bar (20lbs) you can lift a total weight of 450lbs. There is no machine on the market that can go toe to toe with this gym. See video example of weight multiplier: th-cam.com/video/dsSCqms2nDE/w-d-xo.html Also, the 1:2 weight ratio on the pulleys allows for 2x the cable travel and smoother function. It's called a functional trainer because it's meant to assist in functional training and the longer cable travel allows users to perform movements further away from the gym. This opens up a massive range of exercises that can be performed from sprint work to jumping drills. A huge benefit of the FT2 is it has 8 pulleys! Looks like the Force USA G12 only has 2 pulleys. That's a huge disadvantage. Having dual high/low center pulleys opens up hundreds of different exercises. Lastly, the pullup bar has a max weight capacity of over 300lbs. I've literally scene an NFL linebacker performing pullups on this machine so it definitely passes the durability test. Thanks for taking the time to make this comparison video. Would be great to see a follow up video once you try the FT2 hands-on.
Yeah he is definitely promoting the Force brand. He doesn't even mention the 1:1 ratio. The inspire ft2 is much better as a functional. My son is 250lb AND CAN DO A PULL ON THE BAR. yes the pull up bar in the force is better
I don’t know man. Stevie might be kind of a ForceUSA shill, but he isn’t wrong in his review. The ForceUSA products just offer a ton of versatility that this Inspire product just lacks. After adding plates, will it cost more, probably. But the ForceUSA can also be used as a free weight barbell station in front with the same plates. The ForceUSA smith machine uses as many Olympic plates that you can load at a 1:1 ratio and is rated up to 772 lbs; can also use this smith machine for the leg press too. ForceUSA pull up bar is rated at 771 lbs and the functional trainers use 2k lbs cables. I do agree that the stack ForceUSA models are not that great in comparisons dollar for dollar. Those stack machines are expensive. My G3 model is plate loaded and I can load twelve 55 lb plates in each functional trainer side giving approximately 330 lbs of real-feel weight due to the 2:1 pulley ratio. If you combine them using special bar attachments that’s a combined 660 lbs of real-feel weight. A small cable modification to the ForceUSA adjustable bench/leg trainer that I bought with the G3 allows me to use the bench with the 660 lbs for leg extensions/leg curls, etc. obviously I’m not using that much weight, but those are the max numbers posted on the website, and, just using math on the dimensions I measure for the plate racks on the functional trainer and the width of my plates, they do fit on the machines. Since the G3 is plate loaded, the same investment in plates are also used in free weight exercises that utilize Olympic still plates. All in, the G3 with attachments and bench delivered to my door was $2700. Cable mod to do leg extensions, like $50 at the hardware store. Plates, currently im in about $1400 in plates and will slowly add more as I get stronger. So altogether, just over $4k and I can do everything that I prefer to do. Is ForceUSA products for everyone, absolutely not! Some of the new rack systems are amazing! The Rep Ares is super cool and is way more heavy duty and pretty looking than my lowly G3. The Inspire product also has the mid mount pulleys that are super useful. I wouldn’t say my G3 is the greatest thing under the Sun and everyone should buy it. But it works for me.
You can use any bench to work inside the G12. No need to buy their bench if you have another you’d like to use. If you do decide to purchase the G12 or anything else, please use my link: www.forceusa.com/stevie
@@ozzieosawamick1712 What do you think of it? I'm very close to pulling the trigger on this as well but I don't know if I can justify the 1400 diff between the ft2 (3788) and the pro (5188) - canadian prices.
Hi’ I have the G12. I had someone build it for me and it seems as though the cables for the plates is very tight. When I perform a lay pull down with 20lbs it feels like 60lbs. What are your thoughts? Could you upload a video explaining what would make it feel heavier than what I’m actually lifting?
I’ll ask support about this. My guess is that something is too tight somewhere in the wheels or the bolt that attaches to the front of the G12 cable pulleys.
Hi Stevie. I Love your videos but would it not make more sense to compare it to the Inspire CSC which also has the option for free Barbell!? Regards from Germany :-)
Your subtle mansplaining in favour of Force USA, your affiliate, which is understandable and you did declare the affiliation. You referenced another manufacturer as potential for inspire mechanism failure, not nice. The Inspire allows for a 1:1 ratio weight stack. It mentions it on the bullet point just below the 1:2 ratio you referenced on the brochure. Does the G12 come with weight plates to use the Smith function ? Else its going to blow the price per pound rating. My impression is that the G12 is built with professional body builders in mind and the Inspire more for the fitness , strength person, although the two do overlap in function. Nice video, thanks.
Just took my booster shot....love being safe and responsible. I havnt paid child support in 12 years but putting a mask on makes me responsible and smart. Its easy ...
You can swap out child support for almost anything these virtue signaling people are doing. Smoking, doing drugs, beating their spouse, shitty parent, infidelity,etc.....but don’t worry I’m responsible and safe cause I’m vaccinated .
I have owned the FT2 for 2 years now and just love it. The gym itself has not been a issue at all, very easy to assemble quick changes between exercises and have never had any problems with it. The only advice I can give is where you purchase your gym from because they are all NOT the same.. I live in BC Canada and tried purchasing one from Flamen fitness and all I got was the runaround for a month. If that guy said 2 words to you 1 of them was a lie. I finally got my deposit back and purchased it from Fitness depot and have never been happier. Customer support is where you save your money..
I ended up getting the FT2 through Costco over Black Friday. Loaded setup with leg attachments + kit.... $4650 shipped + installation from local installer included. Couldn’t beat it.
Typical retail price I felt was high as I was at about $5800 + tax + install from my local store.
Absolute steal through Costco.
Wow. That is an amazing deal. Congrats.
Great overview! 👍🏼 We have the Inspire SF3. From Costco it was $2,000. We shopped all over looking at every trainer we could find & landed on this one. It was the best for us all around hands down! Could not be happier!!!
Congrats on getting the one that fits your needs, especially at Costco. That’s a great find.
How do you like it so far? I'm thinking about getting the SF3, but trying to decide if I'm really missing out with the extra pulleys in the FT2 or all the extra bells and whistles with one of the Force USA options. My big limitation is that I live in an apartment so I need something that won't damage the floor and won't be an extreme pain to disassemble say a year from now. Maybe I should just get dumbbells lol
Actually i was looking at FT2 and something similar to the other one , thanks for the review.
Not finished watching the entire video yet. But the FT2 has a weight multiplier on the Smith bar, meaning if the red tab on the side is attached to the Smith bar, and you have the 50lbs extra stack weights. Your lifting 1:1 in both stacks.....420lbs I believe.
Thanks for making that point. That brings another level of functionality to the FT2.
I appreciate you watching and commenting about this.
The red (deep red) buckle tab/Lever isn't used during smith movements so wont/can't break. The smith is operated by engaging those red levers via a metal tab at the top or the safety with a metal hook on the smith bar. You then pull the safety's down to your required level.....the down side to this is, you start the movements from the bottom not the top as most if not all movements would be done. (I've been training (2) clients using one of these since 2015.
Still not finished the video yet. 😄 But really interested in your opinions. I understand you will be biased towards FU being affiliated with them.
I'm personally comparing the Inspire SCS cage (I have a client with the FT2...but I want a free weight rack too) so comparing the SCS and the G12.
One thing to note, a store in the UK which is where I am, sells inspire and Force USA...they said the inspire range has a cable system and quality control that far exceeds the F USA, added the inspire warranty is far superior to the F USA, which is kinda gutting as I was ready to buy the G12 today for my garage gym.
So whats your take on the cable system of the G12 compared to say any commercial cable machine you've used in a commercial gym as that the level of quality the FT2 has in my experience of gyms in 26 yrs. I suppose I could go and try both units out first.
Thanks for your detailed review fella, much appreciated
J
I can feel a slight difference between the G12 and some of large commercial gym cable systems. It’s not enough to make me feel like I’m using, say, a plate loaded machine or anything close to that.
I’m always looking to learn more and that’s part of the reason I upload these types of videos. When someone like you takes time to leave a detailed comment and share your experience, I really appreciate it.
@@StevieRichardsFitnessThat's ok fella. The effort you put into these videos is amazing mate. So thanks to you for making this info available.
Think I'm gonna go have a try out of a G12 before I make my mind up completely.
J
Good catch. Just FYI, their website says 460lbs to be exact.
FT2 is definitely one of the best all in one, the only other one i think is better is the Hoist M7Smith but that thing is double the cost once you add in the bench.
I’ve bought similar G12 directly from overseas and to be honest, they are mostly a cookie cutter type of machine, I think inspire FT2 might be a better choice.
I was choosing between the g6 and the ft2 but I chose the g6. My buddy has the ft2 and I helped put it together. The ft2 is better quality in terms of more dense higher quality metal . I also had quality control issues with force usa. You failed to mention the strength multiplier on the ft2. That Essentially makes it a 1:1 ratio... on the pull bar its also has an adjustable height and the bar is knurled. Like i said it is higher quality. it is missing such a huge capability which is free weight barbell excercises which force usa has. I cannot bench with a Smith it hurts my shoulders.. I will say force usa jcups and spotter arms are complete garbage. I had to go with titan fitness 2x2 attachments.
I'd say for the forceusa g6 , g12 and g20, the absolute best attachment is the leg press attachment. It looks and feels like a pure quality gym excercise equipment. The execution of that excercise is flawess on those force usa machines. They did such a good job designing that.
Such a great comparison Stevie , the first of its kind.
Thanks for the detailed comment and sharing your experience.
I didn’t know about the strength multiplier of the FT2, but I will be checking one of these trainers out when I have the opportunity.
I was in the same position back in later 2020, once I'd figured out which of the G machines suited me best I compared the G6 to the FT2, personally I think that the FT2 is a really good functional trainer, where as the G6 is a smith and free weight rack system with an added function trainer, I think that the build quality on the G6 is very good with the exception of the front posts, I would have liked those front posts to have been a high gauge steel, giving the option to add jammers.
The leg press on the G6 was the deal breaker for me, The only thing I don't like is the pull up bar.
FYI, I upgraded to the G6 from an IM2000 and separate functional training.
@@williamaustin6132 I too came from the im2000 and a hoist v6 functional trainer before the g6. In the same exact time frame of 2020 lol. Yep I agree that leg press on the g6, the execution is flawess in my opinion.its my favorite attachment .It feels far more quality feeling compared to the ironmaster version. Though I'll be honest if ironmaster comes out with a dual weight upgraded version of the im2000 I would strongly consider going back to IM. Theres a bunch of cheap parts of the g6 like the uprights. They are light and thin. The im2000 actually weighs more than the g6 if it didn't have the dual weight stacks. That tells you right there ironmaster uses thicker gauge steel and its a smaller machine...
@@DoritosResidue The IM2000 does feel like a solid machine and the smith bar is very smooth, I don't like the fact that you can't see the lockout points when inside the IM2000 using the smith, but there are so many of them it isn't really a problem, my main concern with the IM2000 is the single bolt which fixes either end of the front posts to the frame, you can't access it to check its tight once the machine is built, plus a single bolt means a single point of failure, as the front post holds not only the smith bar but also the smith bar safeties, if the bolt failed you'd be in really trouble.
@@futbol1972 getting jammer arms to fit isn’t really the problem, it’s that the posts don’t feel robust enough to support them
Unless I’m mistaken, why did you not include the cost of Olympic plates with the cost of the G12? That is a significant additional cost. Thanks.
Great question.
The prices of plates, depending on bumpers vs. standard ones along with the amount people think they need, can greatly differ.
I’ll be doing a comparison between Olympic plates vs. bumpers soon, which includes pricing.
Great review! Is there anything else on the market like the FT2 with a smith machine that works without plates?
Great question. I’ll have to look into that because it is an interesting feature.
Off the top of my head, I remember a machine that had a feature Pro Spot. It worked similarly.
I haven’t seen anything. That is a unique feature for sure
The Bodycraft XFT...smith bar moves both vertically and horizontally.
I believe Inspire has a patent on a smith connected to weight stacks via cable IIRC from discussions with a representative from their company so unlikely you’ll see it on other products unless they license it.
Hey Stevie do you think the SCS cage system is better than the FT2? It seems to more align with the Force USA machine. I can basically get the SCS setup at home for the same price as the FT2.
The FT2 smith bar has a weight multiplier that allows you to use a 1:1 ratio on the smith bar. With the (2) 50lb heavy stack add-ons, (2) 5lb adder weights, and the weight of the smith bar (20lbs) you can lift a total weight of 450lbs. There is no machine on the market that can go toe to toe with this gym.
See video example of weight multiplier: th-cam.com/video/dsSCqms2nDE/w-d-xo.html
Also, the 1:2 weight ratio on the pulleys allows for 2x the cable travel and smoother function. It's called a functional trainer because it's meant to assist in functional training and the longer cable travel allows users to perform movements further away from the gym. This opens up a massive range of exercises that can be performed from sprint work to jumping drills.
A huge benefit of the FT2 is it has 8 pulleys! Looks like the Force USA G12 only has 2 pulleys. That's a huge disadvantage. Having dual high/low center pulleys opens up hundreds of different exercises.
Lastly, the pullup bar has a max weight capacity of over 300lbs. I've literally scene an NFL linebacker performing pullups on this machine so it definitely passes the durability test.
Thanks for taking the time to make this comparison video. Would be great to see a follow up video once you try the FT2 hands-on.
Yeah he is definitely promoting the Force brand.
He doesn't even mention the 1:1 ratio. The inspire ft2 is much better as a functional. My son is 250lb AND CAN DO A PULL ON THE BAR. yes the pull up bar in the force is better
I don’t know man. Stevie might be kind of a ForceUSA shill, but he isn’t wrong in his review. The ForceUSA products just offer a ton of versatility that this Inspire product just lacks. After adding plates, will it cost more, probably. But the ForceUSA can also be used as a free weight barbell station in front with the same plates. The ForceUSA smith machine uses as many Olympic plates that you can load at a 1:1 ratio and is rated up to 772 lbs; can also use this smith machine for the leg press too. ForceUSA pull up bar is rated at 771 lbs and the functional trainers use 2k lbs cables.
I do agree that the stack ForceUSA models are not that great in comparisons dollar for dollar. Those stack machines are expensive. My G3 model is plate loaded and I can load twelve 55 lb plates in each functional trainer side giving approximately 330 lbs of real-feel weight due to the 2:1 pulley ratio. If you combine them using special bar attachments that’s a combined 660 lbs of real-feel weight. A small cable modification to the ForceUSA adjustable bench/leg trainer that I bought with the G3 allows me to use the bench with the 660 lbs for leg extensions/leg curls, etc.
obviously I’m not using that much weight, but those are the max numbers posted on the website, and, just using math on the dimensions I measure for the plate racks on the functional trainer and the width of my plates, they do fit on the machines. Since the G3 is plate loaded, the same investment in plates are also used in free weight exercises that utilize Olympic still plates.
All in, the G3 with attachments and bench delivered to my door was $2700. Cable mod to do leg extensions, like $50 at the hardware store. Plates, currently im in about $1400 in plates and will slowly add more as I get stronger. So altogether, just over $4k and I can do everything that I prefer to do.
Is ForceUSA products for everyone, absolutely not! Some of the new rack systems are amazing! The Rep Ares is super cool and is way more heavy duty and pretty looking than my lowly G3. The Inspire product also has the mid mount pulleys that are super useful. I wouldn’t say my G3 is the greatest thing under the Sun and everyone should buy it. But it works for me.
Hi Steve, can you do incline bench press with the smith bar on the G12? Do you have to buy their bench?
You can use any bench to work inside the G12. No need to buy their bench if you have another you’d like to use.
If you do decide to purchase the G12 or anything else, please use my link:
www.forceusa.com/stevie
Hi. What is better - marcy or inspire in general. Then the models im looking at is inspire FTX vs marcy sm-4033?
I would take Inspire Fitness over Marcy any day of the week.
What do ypu think of the ft2 pro?
I just did some research on it and the FT2 Pro looks pretty awesome.
@StevieRichardsFitness i bought it
@@ozzieosawamick1712 What do you think of it? I'm very close to pulling the trigger on this as well but I don't know if I can justify the 1400 diff between the ft2 (3788) and the pro (5188) - canadian prices.
Thanks! This was a terrific review-very informative and helpful!
Thanks for watching Mike. I appreciate it.
Hi’ I have the G12. I had someone build it for me and it seems as though the cables for the plates is very tight. When I perform a lay pull down with 20lbs it feels like 60lbs. What are your thoughts? Could you upload a video explaining what would make it feel heavier than what I’m actually lifting?
I’ll ask support about this. My guess is that something is too tight somewhere in the wheels or the bolt that attaches to the front of the G12 cable pulleys.
@@StevieRichardsFitness ok I REALLY appreciate I’ll be looking for your response!! Thanks again!
Hi Stevie. I Love your videos but would it not make more sense to compare it to the Inspire CSC which also has the option for free Barbell!? Regards from Germany :-)
Yes you’re absolutely correct.
I was just comparing these two models because many audience members wanted to know the differences.
Your subtle mansplaining in favour of Force USA, your affiliate, which is understandable and you did declare the affiliation. You referenced another manufacturer as potential for inspire mechanism failure, not nice. The Inspire allows for a 1:1 ratio weight stack. It mentions it on the bullet point just below the 1:2 ratio you referenced on the brochure. Does the G12 come with weight plates to use the Smith function ? Else its going to blow the price per pound rating. My impression is that the G12 is built with professional body builders in mind and the Inspire more for the fitness , strength person, although the two do overlap in function. Nice video, thanks.
Tx God, FT2 is created now.
was that an OJ reverence lol
Just took my booster shot....love being safe and responsible. I havnt paid child support in 12 years but putting a mask on makes me responsible and smart. Its easy ...
The way this reads is like it's implying wearing a mask makes it so you have to pay child support lol
You can swap out child support for almost anything these virtue signaling people are doing. Smoking, doing drugs, beating their spouse, shitty parent, infidelity,etc.....but don’t worry I’m responsible and safe cause I’m vaccinated .
😂😂😂
Ft2 is better..quality..
The FT2 is a solid choice.