As an owner of this unit, I want to point out that there are a few issues that haven't been highlighted here. One of them is that the cable along the center up-right runs very close to the upright, and any attachment where the pin goes through the front-to-back style, like their seal row pad, will end up rubbing the cable behind the center up-right. I actually returned the seal row pad after I tried it due to this issue. The other issue is that all the accessories are extra... so after you add the j-cups and safety spotters, it's another +$200... at that point you are getting really close to the price of a Fringe sport Dane which I think is a much better value for $$ with 2 stacks, 3x3 uprights, smaller footprint, uprights with laser cut number markers, etc. And you could have gotten the Dane during their labor day sale for like $1600 which would really blow this one out of the water.
As someone looking in the category right now, the biggest issue with the Dane is the complete lack of a dedicated low-row and lat-pull down. That's a feature that most of these all-in-one units seem to miss out on, but this one doesn't. Plus the higher max-weight on the stack in this one compared to the Dane is much more appealing. It does suck that the center upright isn't super useful though.
@@Spencebot42 True, but given that the Dane has 1:1 ratios on the pulleys, you could get the seat accessory / leg brace and do it from one of the side trolleys. I still think it's a much better trade off... if I were to do my home gym over again I'd have gone with the Dane, but it wasn't on the market yet at the time.
@@woteugene Fair enough, always useful to get user feedback! I can't make up my mind between the Bells and the Rogue FML-HR. Like I CAN budget for the Rogue, but I still haven't made up my mind if I think it's $4k better or not
I'd love to see a review of one of the functional trainers sold by Costco. They currently have 3 models for sale all by the same brand, Centr. The cheapest one is $699.99, the most expensive is $2499.99. All include an adjustable bench too.
THAT might really interest me, both because it would be more stable and because it would likely have a foot plate. I expect it will run around 4k, which would still be budget compared to rep and rogue.
I’m from Germany and this year I did a two-month trip along the East Coast. For us, it was important to train every day. Some hotels had a gym, and I have to say that a machine that was the same in every Holiday Inn actually turned out to be the best in the end. It was a V-shaped tower, similar to the one you’re presenting, but a bit more robust. With this tower, you could do almost everything, but you still need a barbell that you can attach to the cables. Because with this barbell, this tower really becomes a game-changer. You can do push-ups with a bench underneath, you can do rows if you stand in front of it, as well as barbell curls, deadlifts, and so on. I think these V-shaped towers are the most underrated, and you can really train most muscles with them, so I think it’s great if you review more of these.
I have this machine, and Bells of Steel makes a double hook straight bar cable attachment that is just over 47" with knurling that works great with this machine.
My budget cable recommendation is to buy two titan fitness wall mounted pulley towers to create a functional trainer for around $500, which is what I did in my home gym
Hi maybe a weird request, but can i some how see the contraption? Im Planning on my New appartement and would love to have a Maschine similar to that in the Video, and your solution sounds cheaper.
But that requires plates, no? So you're not adding in that cost at all in comparison nor the convenience and efficiency of weight stacks w. 10lb increments
@Artificial.Unintelligence well I did factor that in because I knew i already had plates in my gym to use for it which is why I got it. Cuz it gave me cable for cheap without needing to pay extra for the weight stack.
It depends if you are discussing your "budget" in terms of size or cost. This is a rack, btw. They have spotters and j hooks for the front. Coop should have been more clear about that.
I got the plate loaded version of this in my shed and it's perfect. I got an old house so my basement is only like 6ft tall and I don't have a garage so this thing was perfect for my needs
@@balboa0621 True - it depends on what rack you already have, but adding a plate loaded pulldown + athena from REP is somewhat budget friendly. Having more room in the garage for equipment is always ideal IMO.
@@SeanFarrell1 this is a lot cheaper than the Rep Ares and such. Not the most space efficient but you are starting at 1500 and just need to buy j-hooks and spotter arms to make it a rack too.
Got on a zoom with BOS and they helped me with a not so easy installation. Great support. Worth noting is a known issue with the weight plate trolley they sent me - it does not move freely on the posts. Check this before you keep going on the assembly. They are sending a replacement trolley but now I have to dissemble the unit again to remove and replace it arghhh . Other than the hassle of repeating the assembly again, this unit is a beast!
I have the single stack cable tower from Bells and use it all the time. Love it. The non-standard sizing is real though so buy this for what it is, not what it could be. You are 100% limited to what Bells makes or DIY. For example, you can't buy a simple seat with leg holder for lat pulldowns.
@@bradcondran8896 Saw that too, but been waiting for 10 months. That's why I'm like these units are great, but buy them for what they are right now or be ready to DIY.
I have this one. After putting some lube on the tracks and cables and giving it a couple weeks, I've had no issues with it at all ( have been using for a few months ). I would absolutely never use it as a rack though lol. But as a functional trainer, couldn't recommend it enough. Probably the most bang per buck in my whole gym
Lubricant on guide rods definitely made a difference but it’s still not smooth. At minimal 10 lbs the stack plate doesn’t even go back down all the way after release. Hopefully, just the break-in phase.
I really like this option - i think it stands up really well against the competition for all in one units. There are not many all in one units that offer a weight stack in this price range. Also, the spacing for the functional trainer and squat rack looks to be about 2 inches - most budget all in ones have an almost unusable 4 inch spacing. The quality of the hardware used (uprights, pulleys) is superior to other budget options and they have a ton of accessories they sell for the unit. The middle upright with holes offers a ton of accessory options too. I am pretty surprised how negative most of the comments are as this looks great on paper and now multiple reviewers (Gluck, Coop) are giving good reviews
I'm glad you reviewed this and liked it. Its been out for awhile. I was wondering what you thought of it. Wish this had come out in 2020. I would have gotten this instead of piece mealing everything. Bells of steel is killing it and doesn't get enough love on this channel. Please review BOS chest expander.
I have the BoS single stack, and think it’s pretty great for the space (it’s in my living room), and have told them to develop the foot plate and some leg holder so I don’t have to do lat pull downs on the floor. Regardless, when they came out with this, I was really intrigued- it looks great.
I'm probably going to be buying a rack functional trainer in the next year, so I've been watching all of the reviews. I like the idea of this one, especially the 2:1 ratio where you want it and the 1:1 where you'll likely want heavier. But I hate being locked into an ecosystem that's going to limit me in the future, and watching you rock the rack side to side makes me wonder about its stability. No, it might not fall over, but I think it would always be noticeable. And having to move plates to its horns just to hold it down while I use it seems like just that extra amount of hassle that would keep me from using it. I think I'd rather buy once, cry once and get something more heavy duty with uprights that will fit a wide variety of attachments.
The uprights are turned in so you can use it as a rack by adding j cups and spotter arms. When I buy one (still saving up), I plan to bench on it and use my current rack for squats. Also, BoS has a TH-cam video showing how to put it together. The video looked good to me
Coop, have you seen the MAXUM Fitness SX2 all-in-one rack + smith + functional trainer with articulating arms (similar to the Freemotion)? On paper, it seems like the best premium option on the market! Any chance you could do a review?
I live it when you say things like "A fourth of the cost" instead of "Four times cheaper". Makes you sound like you know things about stuff that's not Floorstall matt related 😊
@@Belteshazzar2.0 was thinking the same thing! I have had a couple of cable machines and the plates are usually symmetrical so would make sense to flip them
Man i would love to have something like this and a barbell i could be happy for a very long time. I currently go to a commercial gym 5-6x a week and am getting so exhausted from the time and effort that goes into this extra trip everyday. I want to start lifting at home but i live in an apartment and dont have enough expendable $. Maybe one day I will and this channel will be a godsend thanks man!
It's a great machine. I have this and a Get RX'd 74" Shorty Bar that I use with this and the spotter arms, monolifts and other attachments are great. Bells also sells a 47" knurled double hook straight bar that you can attach to both sides of the front uprights and then use it for a variety of stuff. They also sell a double hook curl bar, but I prefer REP's multi-grip curl bar. It's cheaper, smaller and only has a single connection point.
Coop, how would you compare this to the FringeSport 'The Dane'? I feel like there are arguments in favor of both. But does the extra $1k for 'The Dane' make it worth it?? Curious to hear your thoughts :)
Hi Coop, are you going to do a review of the Force USA C10 functional trainer and the sliding bench?? I am thinking of getting it and would love to see your review of it.
This appears to be something that was modeled after or maybe a modified version of something that's been sold at a bunch of different retailers. I have the same unit sitting in my house right now that I bought from valor fitness. That being said I love it and use it everyday
If you bolt it to the floor, like you are supposed to it works good. You can get front facing spotter arms, j-hooks, monolift attachments, etc and use it as any other half rack. The spotter arms are 25" long, so sufficient IMO. I believe the spotter arms are 800lb capacity.
When you said that there is plastice whithin the pulleys, that gave me pause. I am a budget buyer but I lift as heavy as possible. Thin cables suck when you feel them stretch/flex when doing heavy sets.
Great machine, I prefer the weight plate version myself to be able to add extra weight and have more increments for hitting PRs better. And mine is bolted to the floor. ;)
Their two-stack functional trainer doesn't cost much more, once you've decided to spend that much money, and it's a better unit. That's what I bought, and I'm not unhappy - it's been working great, good action, good parts, good size, enough stability for my 160lbs that I can do suspension exercises off of it. And it cost something like $600 less than the REP trainer.
It would be cool if the had a pulley for the middle so you can adjust and attached to upper pulley maybe with a pop pin then it wouldnt be so low. Also a detachable footplate
Got a centr functional trainer from Costco for $999, 330lb total weight, comes with attachments and a bench. I had a bench, but their bench is better quality.
With ankle strap cable attachments, yes. Bells also sells a leg curl/leg extension rack attachment for this, and you could always do squats with either a real barbell and j-hooks/spotter arms, or Bells also sells a double hook 47" straight bar cable attachment that you could attack to both front uprights with them in a shoulder-height position and do squats. Probably other things also.
This looks really promising as i was looking to replace my titan plate loaded functional trainer and t2 rack. However, the lack of 3rd party attachmens kill it for me. If i get this, i am stuck with only BOS attachments.
Overall I know there is about $1k difference between the 2 not including attachments… this vs The Dane? I’m looking to “budget” upgrade from my PR1100 with lay/row and weight tree.
Kinda, but not really. Their front uprights aren't forward facing, which is the big draw to the Bells unit as you can use things like monolifts, spotter arms, etc. Bells does make a plate loaded version of this machine that is $1099.99 that has more weight capacity than the stack version.
Hey Coop. Think Titan will jump on the functional trainer train for their Titan or X3 racks? Seems like all the competitors have come out with something similar.
Hey Coop, I'd love your opinion on all in one functional trainers that have a built in smith machine. The Force USA C10 seems like it may be the ultimate all in one, but I was wondering if Rogue or Rep might be planning something to compete
I think the biggest competitor to this is the Force USA G1 all in one which is $1,000. Would be awesome to see a comparison of those, as I'm not sure which one to pick. I like most of Force USAs attachments better and it's a bit cheaper and a more standard 2x2 uprights... but I hate how small the spotter arms are... Bells of steel spotter arms would actually make me feel safe, which is a big deal....
I’d love to know your thoughts on the Body Solid Commercial Functional Trainer Machine GFT100 because Im trying to buy a functional trainer within the next month and really don’t want to regret my purchase and this bells of steel one looks really nice 👍🏽
I own this Bells of Steel unit, but the plate loaded version which has a higher capacity than the stack. Prior to buying it, I almost bought a Body Solid unit as I've owned their stuff in the past. The GFT100's biggest flaw vs. the Bells unit is the front uprights are solely for functional trainer usage. They aren't front facing and don't have holes all around for attachments. With the Bells unit, you can use j-hooks, spotter arms, monolifts, lever arms and a slew of other attachments and use it as a true half-rack. If you want to go with Body Solid, I'd go with their GPR400 with the FPRFT functional trainer attachment. It takes up a lot more space than the Bells unit as it's a full rack with more space at the back for the FT hardware. There are definitely pros and cons to the GPR400 with FT vs the Bells All-in-One. The Body Solid is more heavy duty and a full rack. It uses 3x3" square tubing, but their uprights lack consistent side holes, making a lot of 3rd party attachments that are 3x3" not compatible. Body Solid's attachment range isn't as good as Bells, and the Bells unit has a much smaller footprint, and is slightly shorter, which can make a difference if every inch matters in a basement. But those are the two units I think you might want to look at. I went with the Bells myself as the half rack with the FT does everything I need it to do with a smaller footprint and better price, but the Body Solid is great also.
As someone trying to figure out which functional trainer + lat pulldown + powerrack combo to buy for my basement gym (I don't have a garage), this is more appealing than Major Fitness and the other big budget brands. But I have concern over non-standard size and lack of attachment compatibility. I'm leaning towards the buy-once, cry once attitude and going with a REP PR5000 + Ares
Not the same, Valor's front uprights aren't front facing, which is a big deal as the Bells can then use spotter arms, monolifts, lever arms, etc. Bells does make a plate loaded version of this machine for $1099.99.
What's "standard"? 2" x 2", 2" x 3"? 3" x 3"? True 3" x 3"? There are now and always will be attachments that only work for certain uprights. REP is a huge brand and their 3" x 3" uprights are 2.95" x 2.95". Bells makes true 3" x 3" racks, like Body Solid, like Rogue, and they are working on a 3" x 3" version of this unit, but it's overkill for most people. This is their 60mm 2.3" x 2.3" unit, which is compatible with all of their 2.3" attachments (and there are quite a few). Other companies also make 60mm attachments (SYL Fitness Power Rack Trolleys come to mind). Bells also makes 2" x 3" racks and attachments along with this and their 3" x 3" racks and attachments. This unit with spotter arms has something like an 800lb weight capacity. I can see "upgrading" to a different system if you actually need more weight capacity, but like I said before, for most people, this unit is overkill. Might be worth looking through their ecosystem of products to see if it checks all your boxes or not before immediately discounting it.
I'd still rather get a functional trainer built onto a rack. What's missing for me on ALL functional trainers with pulleys stuck to uprights is the lack of width adjustability compared to designs like the Freemotion Dual Cable Cross my old gym had, or the Tuffstuff PPMS-245 I own. Make a cheaper dupe of those and they'll sell like hotcakes
I was very interested in this. I was turned off by the fact that the adjustment pin is hard to access, and the oddball sized uprights resulting in limited attachments. Watching her video, I am kind of interested in it again. But it’s not a slam dunk, unfortunately.
Exactly. I bolted down my Bowflex back in the day, I even bolted down my Body Solid SBL460P4 Leverage gym when I owned it, and that thing is massive and weighs over 600lbs. But that didn't stop it from moving with heavy exercises. People don't want their stuff moving around = hammer drill.
Really appreciate all the kind words and detailed review of our all in one coop!
This is the one i'm going to order as soon as my renovations are done.
@@BELLSOFSTEEL offer a foot plate for low rows, please!
Is there any landmine attachment on this unit?
Do you ship to Europe too? Please respond
@@importraceramimportraceam1756absolutely could do it my man, that’s the beauty of the landline attachment
As an owner of this unit, I want to point out that there are a few issues that haven't been highlighted here. One of them is that the cable along the center up-right runs very close to the upright, and any attachment where the pin goes through the front-to-back style, like their seal row pad, will end up rubbing the cable behind the center up-right. I actually returned the seal row pad after I tried it due to this issue. The other issue is that all the accessories are extra... so after you add the j-cups and safety spotters, it's another +$200... at that point you are getting really close to the price of a Fringe sport Dane which I think is a much better value for $$ with 2 stacks, 3x3 uprights, smaller footprint, uprights with laser cut number markers, etc. And you could have gotten the Dane during their labor day sale for like $1600 which would really blow this one out of the water.
As someone looking in the category right now, the biggest issue with the Dane is the complete lack of a dedicated low-row and lat-pull down. That's a feature that most of these all-in-one units seem to miss out on, but this one doesn't. Plus the higher max-weight on the stack in this one compared to the Dane is much more appealing. It does suck that the center upright isn't super useful though.
@@Spencebot42 True, but given that the Dane has 1:1 ratios on the pulleys, you could get the seat accessory / leg brace and do it from one of the side trolleys. I still think it's a much better trade off... if I were to do my home gym over again I'd have gone with the Dane, but it wasn't on the market yet at the time.
@@woteugene Fair enough, always useful to get user feedback! I can't make up my mind between the Bells and the Rogue FML-HR.
Like I CAN budget for the Rogue, but I still haven't made up my mind if I think it's $4k better or not
I also own the all in one and cannot do lat pulldowns on it. I'm only 5'11
@@Fan-td8dv What prevents you from doing them with the bells?
I'd love to see a review of one of the functional trainers sold by Costco. They currently have 3 models for sale all by the same brand, Centr. The cheapest one is $699.99, the most expensive is $2499.99. All include an adjustable bench too.
I've been eyeing their mid tier one but haven't found an in depth review of it
The cheap ones are pretty popular, but they go very light in weight and not apt for non-beginers IMO
These are rebranded inspire fitness. Ftx and SF3. There are a few reviews on them
In Canada they seem to be gone from the costco site. Is the rebranding to centr mean the costco line will be done? I wonder
Review the MAXUM Fitness SX2 all-in-one rack + smith + functional trainer please.
They have plans to make a true 3x3 version of this in the next year or so. I saw it on their product roadmap the other day.
What about the cable tower?
THAT might really interest me, both because it would be more stable and because it would likely have a foot plate. I expect it will run around 4k, which would still be budget compared to rep and rogue.
I would love that. - Coop
@@xmontesx absolutely the cable towers will get the 3x3 treatment
@@BELLSOFSTEELany idea on the timing?
I’m from Germany and this year I did a two-month trip along the East Coast. For us, it was important to train every day. Some hotels had a gym, and I have to say that a machine that was the same in every Holiday Inn actually turned out to be the best in the end.
It was a V-shaped tower, similar to the one you’re presenting, but a bit more robust. With this tower, you could do almost everything, but you still need a barbell that you can attach to the cables. Because with this barbell, this tower really becomes a game-changer. You can do push-ups with a bench underneath, you can do rows if you stand in front of it, as well as barbell curls, deadlifts, and so on. I think these V-shaped towers are the most underrated, and you can really train most muscles with them, so I think it’s great if you review more of these.
I have this machine, and Bells of Steel makes a double hook straight bar cable attachment that is just over 47" with knurling that works great with this machine.
I love this piece!!!!! I have the leg extension attachment.
My budget cable recommendation is to buy two titan fitness wall mounted pulley towers to create a functional trainer for around $500, which is what I did in my home gym
Hi maybe a weird request, but can i some how see the contraption? Im Planning on my New appartement and would love to have a Maschine similar to that in the Video, and your solution sounds cheaper.
But that requires plates, no? So you're not adding in that cost at all in comparison nor the convenience and efficiency of weight stacks w. 10lb increments
@Artificial.Unintelligence well I did factor that in because I knew i already had plates in my gym to use for it which is why I got it. Cuz it gave me cable for cheap without needing to pay extra for the weight stack.
Just ordered one of these yesterday during the labor day coupon deal. Gonna use the $200 kickback towards attachments and a barbell.
Feels like the better budget move is adding a functional trainer rack attachment instead of a stand alone unit. Frees up more space in the garage.
It depends if you are discussing your "budget" in terms of size or cost.
This is a rack, btw. They have spotters and j hooks for the front. Coop should have been more clear about that.
I got the plate loaded version of this in my shed and it's perfect. I got an old house so my basement is only like 6ft tall and I don't have a garage so this thing was perfect for my needs
@@balboa0621 True - it depends on what rack you already have, but adding a plate loaded pulldown + athena from REP is somewhat budget friendly. Having more room in the garage for equipment is always ideal IMO.
@@b2284 seems like it could be too short for a true lat pulldown. How is it?
@@SeanFarrell1 this is a lot cheaper than the Rep Ares and such. Not the most space efficient but you are starting at 1500 and just need to buy j-hooks and spotter arms to make it a rack too.
Got on a zoom with BOS and they helped me with a not so easy installation. Great support. Worth noting is a known issue with the weight plate trolley they sent me - it does not move freely on the posts. Check this before you keep going on the assembly. They are sending a replacement trolley but now I have to dissemble the unit again to remove and replace it arghhh . Other than the hassle of repeating the assembly again, this unit is a beast!
I have the single stack cable tower from Bells and use it all the time. Love it.
The non-standard sizing is real though so buy this for what it is, not what it could be. You are 100% limited to what Bells makes or DIY. For example, you can't buy a simple seat with leg holder for lat pulldowns.
In their adds you can see they are coming out with something for this.
Matt Porter makes one
@@bradcondran8896 Saw that too, but been waiting for 10 months. That's why I'm like these units are great, but buy them for what they are right now or be ready to DIY.
@@Crabdust1 Matt Porter's leg holder attachment is available for purchase on his site. You can also use the y dip bar upside down in a pinch.
Coop, you nailed it "Hi-te", it was a little spicy but we are all proud of you. Keep killing it with these reviews. Thanks, Brother.
I have this one. After putting some lube on the tracks and cables and giving it a couple weeks, I've had no issues with it at all ( have been using for a few months ). I would absolutely never use it as a rack though lol. But as a functional trainer, couldn't recommend it enough. Probably the most bang per buck in my whole gym
so glad to hear that!
Lubricant on guide rods definitely made a difference but it’s still not smooth. At minimal 10 lbs the stack plate doesn’t even go back down all the way after release. Hopefully, just the break-in phase.
@@AirtiAbailar I had that issue for a few weeks but haven’t had issues since
I really like this option - i think it stands up really well against the competition for all in one units. There are not many all in one units that offer a weight stack in this price range. Also, the spacing for the functional trainer and squat rack looks to be about 2 inches - most budget all in ones have an almost unusable 4 inch spacing. The quality of the hardware used (uprights, pulleys) is superior to other budget options and they have a ton of accessories they sell for the unit. The middle upright with holes offers a ton of accessory options too. I am pretty surprised how negative most of the comments are as this looks great on paper and now multiple reviewers (Gluck, Coop) are giving good reviews
I'm glad you reviewed this and liked it. Its been out for awhile. I was wondering what you thought of it. Wish this had come out in 2020. I would have gotten this instead of piece mealing everything. Bells of steel is killing it and doesn't get enough love on this channel. Please review BOS chest expander.
That’s a great gym shed piece
I love my Bells of Steel gym equipment.
Ironmaster and Force USA Myrack are both 60x60mm tubing
Might be compatible with Force USA IIRC
I have the BoS single stack, and think it’s pretty great for the space (it’s in my living room), and have told them to develop the foot plate and some leg holder so I don’t have to do lat pull downs on the floor.
Regardless, when they came out with this, I was really intrigued- it looks great.
I'm probably going to be buying a rack functional trainer in the next year, so I've been watching all of the reviews. I like the idea of this one, especially the 2:1 ratio where you want it and the 1:1 where you'll likely want heavier. But I hate being locked into an ecosystem that's going to limit me in the future, and watching you rock the rack side to side makes me wonder about its stability. No, it might not fall over, but I think it would always be noticeable. And having to move plates to its horns just to hold it down while I use it seems like just that extra amount of hassle that would keep me from using it. I think I'd rather buy once, cry once and get something more heavy duty with uprights that will fit a wide variety of attachments.
The uprights are turned in so you can use it as a rack by adding j cups and spotter arms. When I buy one (still saving up), I plan to bench on it and use my current rack for squats. Also, BoS has a TH-cam video showing how to put it together. The video looked good to me
Coop your last two videos. It’s like you read my home gym mind!!
Cool review. Very clean. Have you ever checked out the hoist mi5 functional trainer?
Hey Coop! Love your videos.
I used to have a Hoist all-in-one machine that I LOVED. Can you do a review of that brand?
Coop, have you seen the MAXUM Fitness SX2 all-in-one rack + smith + functional trainer with articulating arms (similar to the Freemotion)? On paper, it seems like the best premium option on the market! Any chance you could do a review?
I tried the display model in person. It's great if you're limited on space but build quality for some things were questionable.
I hope he reviews that one too. Been on my radar.
@@ssjayy-xs5lh Wish I lived close to see a display model!
Can you expand a bit on what pieces had questionable build?
Thanks for the info! Could you perform analysis of Budget friendly garage gym options to add a combo of 1 rack & 1 functional trainer
I would be interested in this or the cable towers, but I already own a Hydra rack with most of the attachments and it would be a pain to rebuy them.
I live it when you say things like "A fourth of the cost" instead of "Four times cheaper". Makes you sound like you know things about stuff that's not Floorstall matt related 😊
what do you think of titan cable cross over with arms that can move around
60x60mm uprights are quite common in budget chinesium racks outside of the US.
There is an assembly video on TH-cam here that helps make it super easy
Can you flip the stack so the number are facing the other way? Then you can use the pin in the back.
Yeah, you could just apply the stickers on the back, but it's nice seeing them from the front too. - Coop
@@Belteshazzar2.0 was thinking the same thing! I have had a couple of cable machines and the plates are usually symmetrical so would make sense to flip them
Do you recommend this over the two cable tower squat stands? or does the two cable tower squat stands provide more functionality?
Man i would love to have something like this and a barbell i could be happy for a very long time. I currently go to a commercial gym 5-6x a week and am getting so exhausted from the time and effort that goes into this extra trip everyday. I want to start lifting at home but i live in an apartment and dont have enough expendable $.
Maybe one day I will and this channel will be a godsend thanks man!
It's a great machine. I have this and a Get RX'd 74" Shorty Bar that I use with this and the spotter arms, monolifts and other attachments are great. Bells also sells a 47" knurled double hook straight bar that you can attach to both sides of the front uprights and then use it for a variety of stuff. They also sell a double hook curl bar, but I prefer REP's multi-grip curl bar. It's cheaper, smaller and only has a single connection point.
So….Bells of steel all in one vs. Major Fitness F22? Which one would you recommend for similar price point?
Im actually going to buy this!
For my Australian friends Attivo do a similar functional trainer (plate loaded) but it doesn’t function as a half rack.
Coop, how would you compare this to the FringeSport 'The Dane'? I feel like there are arguments in favor of both. But does the extra $1k for 'The Dane' make it worth it?? Curious to hear your thoughts :)
Coop, can you please review the Eonfit Omni Smith Machine?
For the assembly: LABEL THE BOLTS PLEASE. Other than that, nice stuff
Any updates on the Bulletproof VTS review?
Need a full review like this of the major fitness f35
X Mark with dual stacks is killer.
Wish you would do a review of the Altas m810
Hi Coop, are you going to do a review of the Force USA C10 functional trainer and the sliding bench?? I am thinking of getting it and would love to see your review of it.
Hey coop, I saw a smith machine attachment on your rack in a past video. I was wondering what brand it was and if you were going to do a review on it.
This appears to be something that was modeled after or maybe a modified version of something that's been sold at a bunch of different retailers. I have the same unit sitting in my house right now that I bought from valor fitness. That being said I love it and use it everyday
How good is benching, squatting and deadlift on this?
If you bolt it to the floor, like you are supposed to it works good. You can get front facing spotter arms, j-hooks, monolift attachments, etc and use it as any other half rack. The spotter arms are 25" long, so sufficient IMO. I believe the spotter arms are 800lb capacity.
When you said that there is plastice whithin the pulleys, that gave me pause. I am a budget buyer but I lift as heavy as possible.
Thin cables suck when you feel them stretch/flex when doing heavy sets.
Could the side cables be used for assisted pullups?
When are you reviewing the new Rogue rower?
Great machine, I prefer the weight plate version myself to be able to add extra weight and have more increments for hitting PRs better. And mine is bolted to the floor. ;)
Their two-stack functional trainer doesn't cost much more, once you've decided to spend that much money, and it's a better unit. That's what I bought, and I'm not unhappy - it's been working great, good action, good parts, good size, enough stability for my 160lbs that I can do suspension exercises off of it. And it cost something like $600 less than the REP trainer.
Could you flip the stack to show the weight in the back
Can we please get the Crandell Fitness Swing Arm review?
Not much of a difference in price with the Arcadia™
Functional Trainer
Specially in canada quebec. What would you chose?
Thanks
You should review the ER Kang functional trainer rack. It is a great budget option.
It would be cool if the had a pulley for the middle so you can adjust and attached to upper pulley maybe with a pop pin then it wouldnt be so low. Also a detachable footplate
Got a centr functional trainer from Costco for $999, 330lb total weight, comes with attachments and a bench. I had a bench, but their bench is better quality.
Dumbbell rack brand/model in the background?
Make a video for quiet wallmount fans and heaters that are not an arm and leg to buy please!
Can you do leg exercises with this?
With ankle strap cable attachments, yes. Bells also sells a leg curl/leg extension rack attachment for this, and you could always do squats with either a real barbell and j-hooks/spotter arms, or Bells also sells a double hook 47" straight bar cable attachment that you could attack to both front uprights with them in a shoulder-height position and do squats. Probably other things also.
This looks really promising as i was looking to replace my titan plate loaded functional trainer and t2 rack. However, the lack of 3rd party attachmens kill it for me. If i get this, i am stuck with only BOS attachments.
Any plans to review the titan nemisis?
To assist with stability, can you attach front foot stabilizers or pin plate pegs on the center post?
Overall I know there is about $1k difference between the 2 not including attachments… this vs The Dane? I’m looking to “budget” upgrade from my PR1100 with lay/row and weight tree.
Valor fitness BD 61 has a plated loaded version of this.
Kinda, but not really. Their front uprights aren't forward facing, which is the big draw to the Bells unit as you can use things like monolifts, spotter arms, etc. Bells does make a plate loaded version of this machine that is $1099.99 that has more weight capacity than the stack version.
Can you compare this to the "ATLETICA X-Five" from Germany?
Review the compact legs sleds, please. Powertec, titan, force usa, and prime all have versions.
Hey Coop. Think Titan will jump on the functional trainer train for their Titan or X3 racks? Seems like all the competitors have come out with something similar.
How much does it weigh in total with the weightstack?
Is there a huge difference between single and dual stack for equal muscle growth when using both handle at the same time?
Like the cheaper amazon selection myself
Reg dude needs nothing but what works
Hey Coop, I'd love your opinion on all in one functional trainers that have a built in smith machine. The Force USA C10 seems like it may be the ultimate all in one, but I was wondering if Rogue or Rep might be planning something to compete
I think the biggest competitor to this is the Force USA G1 all in one which is $1,000. Would be awesome to see a comparison of those, as I'm not sure which one to pick. I like most of Force USAs attachments better and it's a bit cheaper and a more standard 2x2 uprights... but I hate how small the spotter arms are... Bells of steel spotter arms would actually make me feel safe, which is a big deal....
Hope you can make a review of the new ALPHARACK by Alperian. Thanks
Wheres the bulletproof VTS review?
rogue half rack cable machine isnt really hyped when its priced similar to the rep ares.
I’d love to know your thoughts on the Body Solid Commercial Functional Trainer Machine GFT100 because Im trying to buy a functional trainer within the next month and really don’t want to regret my purchase and this bells of steel one looks really nice 👍🏽
I own this Bells of Steel unit, but the plate loaded version which has a higher capacity than the stack. Prior to buying it, I almost bought a Body Solid unit as I've owned their stuff in the past. The GFT100's biggest flaw vs. the Bells unit is the front uprights are solely for functional trainer usage. They aren't front facing and don't have holes all around for attachments. With the Bells unit, you can use j-hooks, spotter arms, monolifts, lever arms and a slew of other attachments and use it as a true half-rack. If you want to go with Body Solid, I'd go with their GPR400 with the FPRFT functional trainer attachment. It takes up a lot more space than the Bells unit as it's a full rack with more space at the back for the FT hardware. There are definitely pros and cons to the GPR400 with FT vs the Bells All-in-One. The Body Solid is more heavy duty and a full rack. It uses 3x3" square tubing, but their uprights lack consistent side holes, making a lot of 3rd party attachments that are 3x3" not compatible. Body Solid's attachment range isn't as good as Bells, and the Bells unit has a much smaller footprint, and is slightly shorter, which can make a difference if every inch matters in a basement. But those are the two units I think you might want to look at. I went with the Bells myself as the half rack with the FT does everything I need it to do with a smaller footprint and better price, but the Body Solid is great also.
As someone trying to figure out which functional trainer + lat pulldown + powerrack combo to buy for my basement gym (I don't have a garage), this is more appealing than Major Fitness and the other big budget brands. But I have concern over non-standard size and lack of attachment compatibility. I'm leaning towards the buy-once, cry once attitude and going with a REP PR5000 + Ares
Where’s the FM comparison videos @garagegymreviews??
My favorite superset is ATM
can you review the force use c10
can you recommend a budget air bike pleaseeee, but like lower budget lol, not no 700+ machine.
Valor Fitness has the same thing but it is not weight stack. It is plate-loaded. The details and measurements are the same. But no attachments.
Not the same, Valor's front uprights aren't front facing, which is a big deal as the Bells can then use spotter arms, monolifts, lever arms, etc. Bells does make a plate loaded version of this machine for $1099.99.
It fits with force usa myrack stuff
Wall mounted rep Athena please?
ADD TO CART...
*non Standard upright attachment size*
...REMOVED FROM CART
What's "standard"? 2" x 2", 2" x 3"? 3" x 3"? True 3" x 3"? There are now and always will be attachments that only work for certain uprights. REP is a huge brand and their 3" x 3" uprights are 2.95" x 2.95". Bells makes true 3" x 3" racks, like Body Solid, like Rogue, and they are working on a 3" x 3" version of this unit, but it's overkill for most people. This is their 60mm 2.3" x 2.3" unit, which is compatible with all of their 2.3" attachments (and there are quite a few). Other companies also make 60mm attachments (SYL Fitness Power Rack Trolleys come to mind). Bells also makes 2" x 3" racks and attachments along with this and their 3" x 3" racks and attachments. This unit with spotter arms has something like an 800lb weight capacity. I can see "upgrading" to a different system if you actually need more weight capacity, but like I said before, for most people, this unit is overkill. Might be worth looking through their ecosystem of products to see if it checks all your boxes or not before immediately discounting it.
I'd still rather get a functional trainer built onto a rack. What's missing for me on ALL functional trainers with pulleys stuck to uprights is the lack of width adjustability compared to designs like the Freemotion Dual Cable Cross my old gym had, or the Tuffstuff PPMS-245 I own. Make a cheaper dupe of those and they'll sell like hotcakes
I was very interested in this.
I was turned off by the fact that the adjustment pin is hard to access, and the oddball sized uprights resulting in limited attachments.
Watching her video, I am kind of interested in it again. But it’s not a slam dunk, unfortunately.
BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE
just take the uprights off and replace them with REP 80" a grind here and there, tack, tack there ya go
Hey everyone need some help. Should I get this or cable squat rack? Or even wait for the 3 X 3 version?
Wait for 3x3, this 2.3x2.3 ecosystem is junk and wobbles
Got the plate loaded one a few months ago good purchase best bang for your buck horrible instructions
I've never seen your review of jacked up fitness functional trainer
Why wouldn’t you bolt it down? It’s like a 30 minute task depending on how far away Home Depot is to rent a concrete drill.
A lot of people don't want to drill into concrete
Exactly. I bolted down my Bowflex back in the day, I even bolted down my Body Solid SBL460P4 Leverage gym when I owned it, and that thing is massive and weighs over 600lbs. But that didn't stop it from moving with heavy exercises. People don't want their stuff moving around = hammer drill.
I've had it for 2 years and I've never bolted it down
“Basement dwellers” aka the red headed step child of the home gym scene
The fact they aren’t compatible with other attachments kinda ruins it
Other companies make 60x60mm rack attachments. What sort of attachment are you looking for that Bells doesn't make?
Now just make the version of this with 3x3 tubing. Come on. Bells of steel, you know you want to.