Best Smith Machines
Smith machines can prove to be a handy piece of equipment which can be used by aspiring bodybuilders who are looking forward to a full-body and strength building training program. These machines features a distinctive locking mechanism which ensures your safety even in the event of its failure, thereby allowing you to lift heavy weights than you normally could in the absence of a spotter.
The Smith Machines are quite versatile. While some are designed to facilitate a novice’s workout session, others help in the muscles building process of the intermediate fitness enthusiasts. It basically consists of a barbell which is mounted in between vertical guide rails for vertical lifting. These machines combine various exercises such as squats, pull-ups, bicep curls, , and calf raises, among many others.
They not only help you to build muscle mass but also helps in improving your posture. The continued use of a smith machine over a long period of time can help you attain a much better posture, and increase your dexterity. It also helps to improve your stamina. In this article, we have covered the best smith machines. Go through the detailed review and choose the one best suited to your needs. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
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1. 1. Force USA Monster G3- Best for less maintenance
The Force USA Monster G3 Smith Machine arrives ready for customization along with the weight bench as per the user’s choice. It comes equipped with the precision linear roller bearings alongwith solid steel bars. Also, the unit comes with an Olympic bar that holds up to 700 pounds.
The rear supports are designed to hold weights when they are not in use, helping users keep their workout areas well-organized and streamlining the process of adding and subtracting weight.
A built-in pull-up bar is included, adding to the number and type of exercises that are possible with this machine.
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Product Highlights
It is a space-saving machine, which is a combination of a smith machine, a power rack as well as a cable pulley. The power rack comes with commercial-grade J- Hooks as well as Safeties.
This trainer allows the user to perform around 75 various types of exercises, and it also comes with an adjustable height position, which makes it easier to perform shoulder, arms, chest, back, core, and leg exercises. The machine is built in such a way that it angles itself with the natural body movement.
What I like
The system comes with a pulley system that has a ratio of 2:1, and it has a Lat bar attachment. The ball bearing smith system is very smooth and performs smooth gliding. The machine also comes with a spotter arm attachment.
What I don’t like
Weights and benches are not included. They need to be purchased separately.
- MiM USA Hercules 1001 Smith Machine- Best for multifunction
If you’re looking for a decent workout machine with good features and a budget-friendly price, then the MiM USA Hercules 1001 Smith Machine may just be what you need.
It is a great all in one smith machine. It has a smooth gliding smith system, which allows the user to lift safely without the help of a spotter. The machine also comes with a high-quality commercial grade bench press, a chin-up station as well as several attachments. It is a significant investment.
This smith machine is designed to last for a long time. Made of top-quality and highly durable 14-gauge steel tubing, this smith machine is as solid as any home gym equipment. It won’t be moved or shaken when you are using it.
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Product Highlight
It is a multi-function gym combo that has a Smith Machine, a functional trainer, a power cage, vertical Leg Press chin-up station as well as an adjustable Weight Bench. In other words, it’s a complete set that provides a power workout solution. It comes with a solid weight rod, has a flexible cable length a copper brushing, etc.
The user can perform hundreds of exercises for strengthening as well as toning their chest, backs, abs, shoulder core, and legs. It is a perfect combination machine for the workout of the whole body.
The machine comes with a full set of accessories like V-Handle, Strap Handle, Ankle Strap, Triceps Pull Down Rope, Push Bar, Grips, Leg Press Attachments, Push & Sit Up Attachments, Arm Workout Tube, Knurl Bar, Straight Bar, Functional Training Bar, Triceps Bar, Crossovers Handles, Bar Storage & Hooks.
What I like
The machine comes with an adjustable as well as a commercial-grade bench, which can withstand up to 350 lbs. The machine has smooth gliding linear bearings, and it has a pulley system that comes with many attachments.
What I don’t like
The machine doesn’t come with Olympic weights, and they need to be purchased separately
- Weider Pro 8500 Smith Cage- Best for workout customization
For over fifty years, Weider has been a household name when it comes to buying fitness products. The Weider Pro 8500 Smith Cage is a reliable and versatile piece of home gym equipment. The machine comes with a fully equipped weight cage and has an adjustable bench as well as a cable machine.
It can help you strengthen and tone your thighs, legs, arms, and core with a combination of a pull-up bar, leg developer, and cable crossovers. The utility bench is removable and should let you have a full range of exercises. The bench is also padded so you can stay comfortable during your workouts.
Product features
The machine comes with a bench, and multi-function pulleys a 4- squat post rack. It also comes with a multi-grip pull-up and a pull-down system. The machine has an adjustable bench for the chest, curls as well as leg extension curls. It also has an attached bar that has a multi-level squat rack. The weight capacity of the cage is 300lbs.
What I like
This Smith Machine comes with linear bearings. Also, it has an adjustable bench and a leg station.
What I don’t like
The cage doesn’t have a pull-up station, and it doesn’t have weights. The user has to buy them on their own.
- Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer- Best for easy customizations
The inspire fitness smith machines come with optional customizations. It is one of the most comprehensive smith machines and comes with several options for customizations.
It has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds. The mainframe is a ladder-type with full-length, 12-gauge square pillars. Fourteen lock-out points enable the machine to deliver a good foundation during heavy routines.
With this smith machine, you can perform exercises such as bench presses, squats, and shoulder shrugs, among others.
Product features
The machine comes with a bearing system that has a precision steel ball bearing. The ball bearing system provides an experience of smooth as well as maintenance-free action. The machine has two 165lbs commercial weight stacks that are drilled with center holes as well as magnetic weight pins that will provide safety.
The machine comes with accessories like tricep rope, 2x rubber D handles, dual hook straight bar, EZ curl bar, an ankle strap 2X water bottles, multi-function belt, sport handle 2 x 5 lbs Add-On Weights, & Exercise Booklet. The dimensions of the smith machine are as follows, 61″ wide x 58″ deep without bench; 61″ wide x 89″ deep with bench; minimum height 83″; maximum height 88″.
What I like
The ball bearing system of the smith machine is maintenance-free. The machine comes with a lot of accessories, and lastly, it has two 165 lb weight stacks included in the system.
What I didn’t like
If an experiences lifter tries to use it, they may feel the need to buy more weights to feel challenged.
- Body-Solid Smith Machine Package- Best for support
Being a great value package, this machine comes with everything that a user needs for a complete and a full-body workout. This smith machine is a great value package for the users who are interested in a full-body workout at home. It is a complete gym station, so the user wouldn’t have to supplement this machine with other types of equipment. It also comes with a press and a weight stack. All in all, it’s a great option.
It comes with safety features, too, such as the safety spotter catch system. This dual-lock system prevents the bar from pinning the user by turning the pivot sleeve in a 15-degree angle
Product features
The machine has a Linear ball bearing that comes with 20 cross-member lock-out points that provide a safe and solid spot at any point in the workout routine. The machine has a free weight gun rack system that has 14 lift-offs as well as racking positions that will provide ultimate versatility as well as safety and control.
The smith bar in this machine has a large diameter, and the response time is very quick. It is very easy to control it, and the weight of the smith bar is only 25 lbs. The machine comes with strong as well as adjustable safeties for both the smith system as well as the free weight barbell workout centre. The dimensions of the machine are 84″ x 78 “L x 70 “W (84” at the bar)
What I like
The machine comes with a built-in adjustable bench as well as a leg extension. The weight rack of the machine can easily support up to 1,000 pounds of the weight plates. The smith machine moves smoothly, and lastly, it has Peck dec fly arms.
What I don’t like
The weight stack is included in the machine, but the weight plates aren’t included. Moreover, despite being an all in one home gym, the size of the machine is on the larger side. To measure the room and then buy.
6. Yukon Fitness Caribou Smith Machine- Best for flexibility
Built to last, the Yukon Fitness machine is an excellent workout machine, as it comes with great features. At a budget price, the Yukon Fitness Caribou Smith Machine is an excellent choice, especially if you want to build a home gym.
When fully assembled, it measures 48 x 68 x 85 inches. It is durable and can support users who weigh up to 400 pounds. It is ideal for use of novice and intermediate fitness enthusiasts. It also comes with a chin-up bar that comes in handy in training and strengthening the back.
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Product Features
The Yukon fitness machine has self-oiling Bushings, and it comes with a chin-up bar. It has free low Row footplate, has 47″ and 18″ bars. Lastly, it has an integrated dip station mount.
What I like
Though it is made for standard weights, it still comes with Olympic adapters. The machine comes with a bench. The device can be used as a smith machine as well as a barbell outside the smith machine. The path of the smith is straight and not angled.
What I don’t like
The machine doesn’t come with weight plates.
7. Marcy Smith Cage Workout Machine- Best for comfort
This all-in-one home gym equipment showcases a variety of exercises to strengthen and tone the legs, arms, thighs, and core. It is not only a smith machine but also a leg developer, cable crossover, and pull-up bar in one.
Product Features
The machine is constructed with heavy-duty steel and is coated durable powder-coated finish. The machine uses sturdy aircraft cable. The machine has multifunctional press arms, which helps in doing arm as well as chest exercises. It has a Dual Action leg developer, as well as an Olympic free weight rack. So in other words, it’s an all in one workout station with an innovative structure, which allows the users to do arm as well as leg strengthening exercises.
What I like
This is as durable as any home gym equipment in the market today. To strengthen and tone your upper body, this unit comes with cable crossovers and Smith-style press bar. The leg developer, meanwhile, strengthens and tones the lower body muscles.
What I don’t like
Putting it together should take you a few hours, so make sure you have enough help if ever you buy this model..
- Body-Solid Series 7 Smith Machine- Best for quiet workout
This is a versatile home gym machine that will let you perform different workouts without a spotter. You can improve your upper body strength performing exercises such as squats and bench press on this machine.
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Product features
the machine comes with 255 lb as well as rubber group plates. Moreover, the machine is warrantied forever.
What I like
This smith machine is recommended to users with limited space at home. Its dimensions are 80 x 12 x 10 inches (H x W x L). It is also not as heavy as other home gym equipment, weighing around 50 pounds.
It comes with 225 lbs of the rubber-coated set of the Olympic weight plates. It has a liner bearing smith bar track. Also, the machine is very sturdy.
What I don’t like
The machine doesn’t come with a bench.
- Valor Fitness Smith Machine- Best for small spaces
This is a high-end smith machine that is quite pricey. But if budget is no concern to you, then you must consider getting the Valor Fitness Smith Machine. It has a unique design that eliminates the need for using Olympic weight plates by integrating the Olympic weight stacks and bar. It can be considered a complete weight training machine that also happens to have a smith machine function.
It is famous for making stable as well as durable types of equipment, which is compact as well sturdy. This machine is designed especially for bearing Olympic weights. The machine has a capacity of 1,000 pounds so the user can use it for any fitness level.
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Product features
the machine is heavy duty as its constructed with 12- gauge steel that provides strength as well as stability. The bar of the machine is attached in such a way that it allows for safe guided motion. The machine is versatile. So basically, the user can perform various workouts. It has a knurled bar plus it comes with additional amenities like cables etc.
What I like
the machine is compact, so it is excellent for the ones who have tight space. Despite being simple, it provides a high-quality smith machine experience. The par path is straight as well as it has linear bearings. The max weight limit is very high.
What I don’t like
the machine doesn’t come with bench as well as weights.
10. Athletic Connection Smith Machine- Best for less maintenance
It is a basic smith machine and is almost entirely customizable. You can easily adjust its settings as per your convenience. In addition to it, this Smith machine is entirely durable. It can bear a maximum weight of seven hundred lbs.
Buy it here: https://www.amazon.com/Athletic-Connection-Smith-Machine-Storage/dp/B0157PTIKU
Product Highlights
It weighs around three hundred and ten pounds and is ranked among one of the top best selling Smith machines. It includes eight horns for hanging the weights, and thus saves extra space needed for keeping the weights. The bar length is 7 feet, and it is capable of lifting 700 lbs.
There are highly précised linear bearings to avoid friction and ensure smooth gliding of the bar. For safety measures, there are steel pegs and safety hooks that are placed at regular distance of seven inches to avoid accidental falling of the bar. This Smith machine assists in both lower and upper body workouts.
What I like
One of the most significant advantages of this Smith machine is that it comes with inbuilt storage for keeping weights. It has side steel horns on which you can hang weights, thus saving some extra space for keeping the weights separately. Since the bar of the Smith machine performs vertical movements, the gliding needs to be friction-free. This machine comes with linear bearings to ensure smooth gliding.
Talking about its durability, the frame of this Smith machine is built with heavy steel tubing, thus providing greater stability and long life. Also, it has a capacity of 700 lbs.
What I Don’t like
One of the most significant limitations is that it does not include weights. This means you have to spend some extra penny to purchase the weights separately. Another drawback is that this machine does not include any bench as well.
Best Smith Machine Buyer’s Guide
Smith machine is an equipment which is used for weight training. The weightlifters mostly use it for weight training purposes. Undoubtedly, smith machines as workout equipment prove to be a boon to the bodybuilders and at the same time, a great trainer for your home gym. Owing to the size and several materials used in its making, this machine comes at a reasonable price. And because you ought to pay a handsome amount of money to purchase this product, you will not want that you get an inferior quality Smith machine. Therefore, here are a few points listed that you must keep in mind when you go in the market for purchasing a Smith machine:
- Stability
- Guided tracks
- Storage
- Weight limit
- Frame and materials
- Safety features
Now, let’s understand these points mentioned above in a bit detailed manner so that you can get the perfect Smith machine for you. Do not skip the details.
- STABILITY:
You might have heard trainers at gyms asking you to be stable while doing sets. Same goes with the machines as well. The more stable is the machine, the more effective are the results. It implies that the Smith machine you are looking forward to buy should have a wider base to provide greater stability.
Long pair of guide rails and a broader base is what mainly decides the stability of the Smith machine. If in an unlikely case, the machine is unstable and while in the act of lifting heavy weights, you go on the wrong side, the machine may tip over and tend to fall thus, causing massive injuries to you as well as the floor on which it falls. Some advanced smith machines also have this facility of getting their base bolted on the floor to make it even more stable.
- GUIDED TRACKS:
Guided track is a feature that most Smith machines for home gyms have in them. A guided track is a system of the precision bearing. It is a kind of combination of the total number of free weights and the stacks of guided weights. You will have to adjust the plates to ascend or descend the weight, and the bar used to lift the weight is mounted on a guided track.
Smith machines that have the vertical track offer smooth vertical movements. You need not worry about the balance with them. Guilded tracks also restrict the bar from moving backwards or forwards. Some Smith machines assist in lateral movements as well. They also have specific mechanisms that prevent them from falling on the floor.
- STORAGE:
Those who might not want to purchase the Smith machine and rack separately for keeping the weights, try looking for a Smith machine that has onboard storage capacity. Buying such a giant weight lifting Smith machine for home is in itself a tedious and cumbersome task as it will occupy a large area. In addition to it, if we purchase a rack for keeping the weights, it will eat up extra space. Therefore, to avoid this whole mess, search for a Smith machine that has inbuilt storage space for weights.
- WEIGHT LIMIT:
Some Smith machines have a higher capacity while some have lower ability. Buying one depends upon the preference of the bodybuilder. For example, a novice bodybuilder may purchase a Smith machine with a weight limit of two hundred or three hundred pounds.
On the other hand, an expert or a bulky bodybuilder may go for a smith machine with a weight limit of approximately one thousand pounds. It would be best if you remembered that a greater weight limit implies that the machine will be bulkier and heavier with more robust materials used and so, its price will also be more.
- MATERIAL AND FRAME:
It is always advisable to check the build quality of the Smith machine before purchasing it. One way to check this out is to check the quality and the amount of metal used in building the frame. A frame with more metal will eventually succeed in bearing the pressure.
- SAFETY:
Suppose you are working out at home by yourself, then you will not be provided with trainers or spotters who will guide you and prevent any mishap from taking place. Therefore, you must purchase such a machine that has lockout points to ensure that the bar does not fall on the ground.
So, these were the few essential points that you must keep in mind to have the best Smith machine for you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is squatting on a smith machine good or bad?
It all depends on how you perform the squats. It is an excellent machine for assisting in squats, but it cannot equalize the benefits of doing squats with a free barbell.
What type of exercises can be done on a smith machine?
You can do exercises that cover your upper body as well as lower body. Squats, leg press, lunges, deadlifts, curls, bent rows, calf rails and many more exercises can be done using a Smith machine.
Does Smith machine help to lose weight?
A Smith machine may or may not help you in losing your weight. Logically, you can lose weight not by exercising, but more by monitoring and improving your diet. Though working out on a smith machine may result in some weight loss because it is a strengthening exercise. And strengthening exercises do lead to some weight loss. But, ideally, focus more on your diet if you wish to lose your weight.
How is the overall performance of the Smith machine?
Though many trainers are against the use of a smith machine as it restricts specific movements that can only be done using a free barbell, a smith machine assists in safety areas. When you have to do heavy weight lifting, and you do not have any spotter, you can do weight lifting on a smith machine. Since Smith machines have lockout points to avoid the bar from falling, you need not worry about any mishap.
Conclusion:
Now that you are aware of the smith machine, how it works, how you can purchase it, what points you ought to remember while buying a Smith machine, then go for the best one that suits your needs. Do not fall prey to companies who sell inferior quality Smith machines.