Cost No Object: Free Weights and Gym Equipment, the BEST OF THE BEST

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
10,517
1,774
1,850
Metro DC
The problem here is that free weights are simple. Making the best is not that difficult. Using primary and secondary muscles are not always important. I think machines are essential for the weekend warrior. They are also beneficial for teens. Some of the better machines do an excellent job of simulating free weights.
Unless you are preparing for some type of competition or are very experienced machines are the way to go.

Some type of aerobic warm-up is essential.
 

Health Nut

New Member
May 26, 2010
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Version 1.2 I have not read any comments here, but here is my updated list. I will be visiting Atlantis Fitness in Montreal/Laval Quebec very soon.

I am very happy with my Werksan Bumpers, training collars, and Werskan OLY bar. Highly recomended!!!

Whoever commented about Power-Lift as making the best Power racks, without commenting on Sorinex and other manufacturers that offer 2" or 1.5" spacing on J hooks and bar holders clearly does not bring much to th ediscussion table here. I would love to show the custom power rack I had made by Nebula with 1.5" spacing. Personally I could never deal with 4" spacing of Power-Lift slot racks.


Leg presses:

TOP-TIER:

MedX Avenger Leg Press
Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (with modified wide foot plates)
Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press
Atlantis Power Squat (modified additional wide foot plate surface)
Nebula Vertical leg press

Runner-ups:
Nebula 35 degree leg press
Nebula 45 degree Leg Press
Atlantis Fitness Pivot Press (with wide footplate mod)(felt to be better than the Cybex)
UCS adjustable 35-45 degree leg press (difficult to demo)
Elite FTS Mondo 45 degree Leg press
Cybex Plate loaded Leg Press
Strive Plate loaded leg press
Atlantis Fitness Pendulum Leg press (similar to the old Paramount leg press)



Leg Curl:

TOP-TIER:

Star Trac makes the best prone leg curl and bested kneeling leg curl on the market bar none:
Star Trac Prone Leg curl A+ (newest version gets demoted to A/A-).
Star Trac Kneeling Leg Curl A+
Various standing Leg Curl units: (Icarian, Atlantis, Legend) (The best standing leg curl to be determined, but prefer standing leg curls to seated leg curls)


Runner-ups:
Cybex plate loaded kneeling leg curl A



Leg Extension:

TOP-TIER:
Strive Fitness plate loaded A+



Leg Abductor/Adductor:

TOP-TIER:
Strive Fitness combo abductor/adductor A+



Calf Machines:

TOP-TIER:

Sorinex seated calf A+
Atlantis standing calf A (Lack of rounded calf block keeps this unit from achieving a perfect score)
Nebula seated calf A
Sorinex Donkey calf
Free Motion Epic calf ext A



Shoulder:

TOP-TIER:

Rogers Athletic Pendulum: Shoulder/Incline/Chest machine A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded Iso lateral A+
Strive selectorized lateral raise A+
Star Trac Plate Loaded shoulder A

Runner -ups:

Hammer Strength Plate loaded Super Incline (or older version called iso lateral military shoulder press) A- However, improved to A with back pad spacer mod behind upper set of back pad screws)
MedX Avenger Shoulder (overhead press) A-


Traps:

TOP-TIER:

Rogers Athletic Pendulum 5 way neck with shrugs.
Elite FTS Pro Rickshaw
Power Lift DEADLIFT / TRAP BAR
Sorinex Diamond Bar




Triceps:

TOP-TIER:

Cybex VR2/VR3 arm extension. Heavy stack option is absolute MUST have on VR3. Older VR2 is also top tier and has heavy stack included. A+
MedX selectorized tricep extension
Atlantis D-123 Pulldown with various tricep attachments. A+
Atlantis Dipping station A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded seated dip
Nebula reverse dip bench

Runner-ups:
Bodymaters behind the head triceps extension



Biceps:

TOP-TIER:
Strive plate loaded bicep A+
Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench A+
Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep A



Back:

TOP-TIER:
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Combo Lat Pulldown
MedX Avenger Row
Hammer Strength Iso lateral MID ROW, with modified chest pad.
Atlantis D-123 pulldown, also comes with 310 lb stack (best cable pulldown on the market, hydraulic seat, etc...)
Atlantis NM-500 pulldown (250 lbs stack, but offers dual pulleys)
Atlantis D-132 cable High Row (310 lb weight stack is standard on this).
Dual stirrup Hampton cable attachment or similar chain with Black Iron Strength stirrup handle upgrades.
Strive Plate loaded and selectorised Low back extension with seatbelt.
Legend Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum and tiltable top vs. Legend older model tiltable with straight pendulum
Star Trac/Flex Fitness row selectorized row.
(Star Trac plate loaded version is highly likely to make this list, but is in need of demoing)

Runner -ups:
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Row
Hammer Strength High Row
Hammer Strength Low Row
Hammer Strength Pulldown
Atlantis plate loaded Pulldown



Chest:

TOP-TIER:
Hammer Strength HORIZONTAL iso lateral chest A+
MedX Avenger Iso lateral vertical chest A
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Shoulder/Chest/Incline A+
Star Trac Plate loaded vertical chest A
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Vertical Chest (non-converging design will cause varying opinions on this machine, highly recommend demo before purchase)

Runner -ups:
Hammer Strength Wide chest
Hammer Strength Decline Chest



Abs:

TOP-TIER:
Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch A+ (I demoed the plate loaded one in Vegas and it was just as good and also allows twisting of the seat for obliques. Also 4 weight horns for unlimited weight).
Strive fitness Rotary Torso: A+ (modified to have 225 lb weight stack, predominantly to help make setting 2 adequately challenging).
Strength Inc. Inverted Sit Up (revision of the Old Body Master Inverted Sit Up. Designed for the Hard Core Sit Up user).
Atlantis fitness adjustable ab bench


Benches:

TOP-TIER:
Nebula Awesome utility bench
Elite FTS Collegiate 0-90 bench
Williams strength signature Military dumbbell bench
Nebula reverse dip bench
Nebula dumbbell pullover bench
Nebula flat bench that is adjustable at both sides for incline, decline, and flat of various heights.
Sorinex Autospot benches
Atlantis Fitness Autospot benches



Glute Ham Developer:
UCS Glute Ham with custom wide footplate and wide footpads (36" width footplate)



Pullover Machines:
Nautilus
Hammer Strength plate loaded (with custom pad spacers as shown in thread)


MISC:

Rogers Athletic Pit Shark
Rope machines
Power -Lift Adjustable plyo boxes
Elite FTS Swiss Bar
Black Iron Strength fat bars
Black Iron Strength attachments.
T-Grip Barbell bars and attachments
Mag Grip attachments: http://www.maxagrip.com/products.html
Power-Lift VARIABLE ANGLE ROMAN CHAIR


High interest pieces for hopeful soon demo:

Westside Legend: Inverse leg curl
Westside Legend: Hip Quad machine
DAVID equipment (David international) http://www.david-international.com/cms/
Panatta Sports
Schnell Machines
Pendulum Gripper vs David Multi Forearm vs Nautilus Next Generation Super Forearm
Atlantis power runner
Quantum Fitness Power Crunch machines and ABT (All body trainer).


Cardio Machines:


www.endlesspools.com
Michael Phelps SwimSpa: www.michaelphelpsswimspa.com
SwimEx: www.swimex.com

Precor AMT
Cybex Arc trainer 770 AT (moving arms) or A (non-moving arms)

Commercial Stairmaster machines. Step Mill 5

Versaclimber

Rowing machines:
Concept 2 Rower:
Water Rower (wood version):
Water Rower (metal version)

Jacob's Ladder

Treadmills:
Woodway Desmo Elite
Commercial Precors (954, 956, 966).
Star Trac E-TRxe


Stationary Bikes:
Star Trac E-UBe
Schwinn Airdyne
 
Last edited:

Bill Hart

Well-Known Member
May 11, 2012
2,683
174
1,150
I'm going to weigh in (pun intended), not as an MD, or even an expert in equipment, but somebody who, after years of on and off exercise, decided to get serious again about 1.8 years ago. First, the guy I worked with as a trainer needed almost no equipment, doing stationary 'lifts' from a slight elevation (or whatever you call the exercise where your feet are planted and you basically just raise yourself), lunges using a kettle bell, pull-ups on a bar, squats holding a light weight bar over head,etc. I used a speedboard, rather than a treadmill, because it is entirely manual, no motor, and requires balance. On weights, my form is always key and I usually use freeweights, but the machines are OK too if you know how to use them properly. So much is about correct form and approach- i think the temptation for some people is just to go through the motions. I try to change stuff up constantly. We did a rock clamber for 3.5 hours along the Palisades at the beginning of the summer- it was an insane cardio work out. And although I watch the cross-fit guys and gals do their thing- some of it pretty insane- i take some tips from them too. Result, not instant change, but, in combo with diet, lost 60 lbs, feel better and look better than ever, the exercise gives me an enormous psychological boost as well and I look forward to it. I try to challenge myself and at the same time am careful not to push beyond the point of no return- I don't want to risk injury. I think the key here, I guess, is having the right trainer to guide you on form and 'format' of an exercise program. I don't use a trainer now regularly- I have enough discipline to do the stuff on my own, but i will 'hire' a trainer for a session to learn new techniques. And, also central to my program is a nice, clean well-laid out place. I switched gyms in the early summer. The place I go to now is absolutely immaculate, well managed, and very spacious. It makes for a far more pleasant work out session.
FWIW, from an 'end-user' who is trying to do this in an intelligent way.
 

RBFC

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
5,158
46
1,225
Albuquerque, NM
www.fightingconcepts.com
Many of these are very high-quality choices! I have a few of the Nebula and Sorinex pieces, all excellent.

Chris, do you have any thoughts on "convertible" leg presses that allow independent single-leg work along with dual pressing?

Thanks for the compilation!

Lee
 

Health Nut

New Member
May 26, 2010
25
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Its been a crazy few weeks.

Lee, many leg presses work just fine using one leg. The Avenger leg press is great at that as one example. Some people love the Old Nautilus Duo Squat. You don't necessarily need to have 2 independent moving platforms on a leg press to do independent legs. I would rather simply have the best leg presses on the market.

I went to Laval Quebec and spent a night and day in Montreal last week visiting Atlantis Fitness. I needed to demo the items I was unable to demo at gyms in the states. I have tons of pictures of their facilities and was given a tour. I spend a full 8 hours at their gym/showroom/beta testing center. I'm picking up 8 more pieces from that I found best of the best. Ok, exhausted, heading to sleep.

Version 1.3:


Leg presses:

TOP-TIER:

MedX Avenger Leg Press
Atlantis Fitness Pivot Press
Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (with modified wide foot plates)
Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press
Atlantis Power Squat (modified additional wide foot plate surface)
Nebula Vertical leg press
Atlantis Hack Squat machines

Runner-ups:
Nebula 35 degree leg press
Nebula 45 degree Leg Press
UCS adjustable 35-45 degree leg press (difficult to find demo)
Elite FTS Mondo 45 degree Leg press
Cybex Plate loaded Leg Press
Strive Plate loaded leg press
Atlantis Fitness Pendulum Leg press (similar to the old Paramount leg press)



Leg Curl:

TOP-TIER:

Star Trac makes the best prone leg curl and bested kneeling leg curl on the market bar none:
Star Trac Prone Leg curl A+ (newest version gets demoted to A/A-).
Star Trac Kneeling Leg Curl A+
Atlantis C-107 Standing leg curl
Westside Legend: Inverse leg curl


Runner-ups:
Cybex plate loaded kneeling leg curl A



Leg Extension:

TOP-TIER:
Strive Fitness plate loaded A+
Westside Legend: Hip Quad machine


Leg Abductor/Adductor:

TOP-TIER:
Strive Fitness combo abductor/adductor A+

Runner-ups:
Atlantis Abductor/Adductor A-
Cybex Eagle A-



Calf Machines:

TOP-TIER:

Sorinex seated calf A+
Atlantis standing calf A (Lack of rounded calf block keeps this unit from achieving a perfect score)
Nebula seated calf A
Sorinex Donkey calf
Free Motion Epic calf ext A



Shoulder:

TOP-TIER:

Rogers Athletic Pendulum: Shoulder/Incline/Chest machine A/A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded Iso lateral A/A+
Strive selectorized lateral raise A+
Star Trac plate loaded shoulder press A
Atlantis E-449 Plate loaded Shoulder A/A+

Runner -ups:

Hammer Strength Plate loaded Super Incline (or older version called iso lateral military shoulder press) A- However, improved to A with back pad spacer mod behind upper set of back pad screws)
MedX Avenger Shoulder (overhead press) A-


Traps:

TOP-TIER:

Rogers Athletic Pendulum 5 way neck with shrugs.
Elite FTS Pro Rickshaw
Power Lift DEADLIFT / TRAP BAR
Sorinex Diamond Bar




Triceps:

TOP-TIER:

Cybex VR2/VR3 arm extension. Heavy stack option is absolute MUST have on VR3. Older VR2 is also top tier and has heavy stack included. A+
MedX selectorized tricep extension
Atlantis D-123 Pulldown with various tricep attachments. A+
Atlantis Dipping station A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded seated dip
Nebula reverse dip bench

Runner-ups:
Bodymaters behind the head triceps extension



Biceps:

TOP-TIER:

Strive plate loaded bicep A+
Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench A+
Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep A



Back:

TOP-TIER:

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Combo Lat Pulldown
MedX Avenger Row
Hammer Strength Iso lateral MID ROW, with modified chest pad.
Atlantis D-123 pulldown, also comes with 310 lb stack (best cable pulldown on the market, hydraulic seat, etc...)
Atlantis NM-500 pulldown (250 lbs stack, but offers dual pulleys)
Atlantis D-132 cable High Row (310 lb weight stack is standard on this).
Dual stirrup Hampton cable attachment or similar chain with Black Iron Strength stirrup handle upgrades.
Strive Plate loaded and selectorised Low back extension with seatbelt.
Legend Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum
Star Trac/Flex Fitness row selectorized row.
(Star Trac plate loaded version is highly likely to make this list, but is in need of demoing)
Atlantis D-423 pulldown (a superior version of the Hammer pulldown)

Runner -ups:
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Row
Hammer Strength High Row
Hammer Strength Low Row
Hammer Strength Pulldown




Chest:

TOP-TIER:
Atlantis P-439 Plate loaded flat/decline A+
Hammer Strength HORIZONTAL iso lateral chest A/A+
Atlantis Plate loaded Vertical chest A/A+ (old version in process of new release)
MedX Avenger Iso lateral vertical chest A/A+
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Shoulder/Chest/Incline A
Star Trac plate loaded vertical chest
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Vertical Chest (non-converging design will cause varying opinions on this machine, highly recommend demo before purchase).
Atlantis P-156 Pec Fly/rear Delt A
Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest
Atlantis P-443 Plate loaded incline chest

Runner -ups:
Hammer Strength Wide chest
Hammer Strength Decline Chest



Abs:

TOP-TIER:

Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch A+ (I demoed the plate loaded one in Vegas and it was just as good and also allows twisting of the seat for obliques. Also 4 weight horns for unlimited weight).
Strive fitness Rotary Torso: A+ (modified to have 225 lb weight stack, predominantly to help make setting 2 adequately challenging).
Strength Inc. Inverted Sit Up (revision of the Old Body Master Inverted Sit Up. Designed for the Hard Core Sit Up user).
Atlantis fitness adjustable ab bench


Benches:

TOP-TIER:
Nebula Awesome utility bench
Elite FTS Collegiate 0-90 bench
Williams strength signature Military dumbbell bench
Nebula reverse dip bench
Nebula dumbbell pullover bench
Nebula flat bench that is adjustable at both sides for incline, decline, and flat of various heights.
Sorinex Autospot benches
Atlantis Fitness Autospot benches
Power-Lift Lever Action


Glute Ham Developer:

UCS Glute Ham with custom wide footplate and wide footpads (36" width footplate)



Pullover Machines:

Nautilus Power Plus Pullover

Runner-up:
Hammer Strength plate loaded (with custom pad spacers as shown in thread)



MISC:

Atlantis C-206 Adjustable step platform
Rogers Athletic Pit Shark
Rope machines
Power -Lift Adjustable plyo boxes
Elite FTS Swiss Bar
Black Iron Strength fat bars
Black Iron Strength attachments.
T-Grip Barbell bars and attachments
Mag Grip attachments: http://www.maxagrip.com/products.html
Power-Lift VARIABLE ANGLE ROMAN CHAIR
Legend Fitness: Squat Machine and Calf Blaster #3129


Functional Trainers:

Cybex Bravo
Free Motion


High interest pieces for hopeful soon demo:


DAVID equipment (David international) http://www.david-international.com/cms/
Panatta Sports
Schnell Machines
Pendulum Gripper vs David Multi Forearm vs Nautilus Next Generation Super Forearm
Atlantis power runner
Quantum Fitness Power Crunch machines and ABT (All body trainer).


Cardio Machines:


www.endlesspools.com
Michael Phelps SwimSpa: www.michaelphelpsswimspa.com
SwimEx: www.swimex.com

Precor AMT
Precor EFX ellipticals
Cybex Arc trainer 770 AT (moving arms) or A (non-moving arms)

Commercial Stairmaster machines. Step Mill 5
Jacob's Ladder

Versa climber

Rowing machines:
Concept 2 Rower: Water Rower (wood version): Water Rower (metal version)

Treadmills:

Woodway Desmo Elite
Woodway Curve
Commercial Precors (954, 956, 966).
Star Trac E-TRxe

Stationary Bikes:

Cybex 770 upright bike
Star Trac E-UBe
Schwinn Airdyne
 

Health Nut

New Member
May 26, 2010
25
0
0
Version 1.4:

Again, this is not meant to be a free weights vs machines thread. This thread is simply about discussing all the choices of various free weights and machine choices on the market that people feel represent the best choice, regardless of cost. Certainly best bang for the buck is always relevant as well, but the thread is primarily focused on what is the best product available.

I am expecting delivery of 13 pieces in 2 weeks including: Nautilus Power Plus Pullover, 7 pieces from Atlantis, Legend/Westside Barbell Inverse Leg Curl, and a custom Reflex Fitness/Sorinex Donkey calf with custom adjustable foream pad. Also, Power-Lift adjustable plyo boxes, and a Power -Lift Pro Plate load shoulder press.


Leg presses:

TOP-TIER:

MedX Avenger Leg Press
Atlantis Fitness Pivot Press (with modified footplates)
Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (with modified wide foot plates)
Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press
Atlantis Power Squat (modified additional wide foot plate surface)
Nebula Vertical leg press
Atlantis Hack Squat machines
Randy Coyle Swing Squat

Runner-ups:

Pendulum Seated Squat Pro
Nebula 35 degree leg press
Nebula 45 degree Leg Press
UCS adjustable 35-45 degree leg press (difficult to find demo)
Elite FTS Mondo 45 degree Leg press
Cybex Plate loaded Leg Press
Strive Plate loaded leg press


Smith Machine:

Nebula smith machine declared 'overall' winner. Adjustable angle: straight to angled, full range top to bottom.


Leg Curl:

TOP-TIER:

Star Trac makes the best prone leg curl and bested kneeling leg curl on the market bar none:
Star Trac Prone Leg curl A+ (newest version gets demoted to A/A-).
Star Trac Kneeling Leg Curl A+
Atlantis C-107 Standing leg curl
Westside Legend: Inverse leg curl


Runner-ups:
Cybex plate loaded kneeling leg curl A



Leg Extension:

TOP-TIER:
Strive Fitness plate loaded A+
MedX selectorised Leg ext (Inquire about adding weight to weight stack)
Westside Legend: Hip Quad machine


Leg Abductor/Adductor:

TOP-TIER:
Strive Fitness combo abductor/adductor A+

Runner-ups:
Atlantis Abductor/Adductor A-
Cybex Eagle A-



Calf Machines:

TOP-TIER:

Sorinex seated calf A+
Nebula seated calf A
Atlantis standing calf A
Reflex/Sorinex Donkey calf with custom adjustable forearm pad A+
Free Motion Epic calf ext A



Shoulder:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis E-449 Plate loaded Shoulder A/A+
Power-Lift Plate Loaded Shoulder
Strive selectorized lateral raise A+
Star Trac plate loaded shoulder press A
Rogers Athletic Pendulum: Shoulder/Incline/Chest A

Runner -ups:

Hammer Strength Plate loaded Iso lateral A
MedX Avenger Shoulder (overhead press) A-


Traps:

TOP-TIER:

Rogers Athletic Pendulum 5 way neck with shrugs.
Elite FTS Pro Rickshaw
Power Lift DEADLIFT / TRAP BAR
Sorinex Diamond Bar



Triceps:

TOP-TIER:

Cybex VR2/VR3 arm extension. Heavy stack option is absolute MUST have on VR3. Older VR2 is also top tier and has heavy stack included. A+
MedX selectorized tricep extension
Atlantis D-123 Pulldown with various tricep attachments. A+
Atlantis Dipping station A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded seated dip
Nebula reverse dip bench
Bodymasters overhead tricep bench

Runner-ups:
Bodymasters selectorized behind the head triceps extension



Biceps:

TOP-TIER:

Strive plate loaded bicep A+
Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench A+
Bodymasters preacher curl bench
Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep A
Nautilus Compound Bicep


Back:

TOP-TIER:
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Combo Lat Pulldown
Atlantis D-423 pulldown (a superior version of the Hammer pulldown)
Atlantis D-123 cable pulldown 310 lb stack standard
Atlantis NM-500 pulldown (250 lbs stack, but offers dual pulleys)
Avenger Pulldown

Hammer Strength Iso lateral MID ROW, with modified chest pad.
MedX Avenger Row
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Row
Atlantis D-132 cable High Row (310 lb weight stack is standard on this).
Nebula Leverage Low Row (old version, to be made again by Rae Crowthers)
Power-Lift Low Row
Legend LeverEdge High Row

Strive Plate loaded and selectorized Low back extension with seatbelt.
Legend/Westside Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum
MedX selectorized Lumbar

Dual stirrup Hampton cable attachment or similar chain with Black Iron Strength stirrup handle upgrades.
Mag Grip attachments: http://www.maxagrip.com/products.html


Runner -ups:

Hammer Strength High Row
Hammer Strength Low Row
Hammer Strength Pulldown




Chest:

TOP-TIER:

Nebula plate loaded leverage Incline chest (3 grip choices) (will be available for production by Rae Crowthers shortly)
Nebula plate loaded leverage flat chest (2 grip choices) (will be available for production by Rae Crowthers shortly)
Atlantis P-439 Plate loaded flat/decline A+
Atlantis Plate loaded Vertical chest A/A+ (Old version, but available upon demand)
MedX Avenger Iso lateral vertical chest A/A+
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Shoulder/Chest/Incline A
Star Trac plate loaded vertical chest
Star Trac plate loaded decline chest
Star Trac plate loaded incline chest.
Atlantis P-156 Pec Fly/rear Delt
Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest
Atlantis P-443 Plate loaded incline chest


Runner-ups:

Hammer Strength Wide chest
Hammer Strength Decline Chest (Star Trac plate loaded decline supposedly superior)
Nebula IDA vertical chest
Hammer Strength HORIZONTAL iso lateral chest
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Vertical Chest (non-converging design will cause varying opinions on this machine, highly recommend demo before purchase).
Legend LeverEdge flat (horizontal) plate loaded chest
Legend LeverEdge Incline plate loaded chest.


Abs:

TOP-TIER:

Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch A+ (I demoed the plate loaded one in Vegas and it was just as good and also allows twisting of the seat for obliques. Also 4 weight horns for unlimited weight).
Strive fitness Rotary Torso: A+ (modified to have 225 lb weight stack, predominantly to help make setting 2 adequately challenging).
Strength Inc. Inverted Sit Up (revision of the Old Body Master Inverted Sit Up. Designed for the Hard Core Sit Up user).



Benches:

TOP-TIER:

Nebula Awesome utility bench
Elite FTS Collegiate 0-90 bench
Williams strength Signature Military dumbbell bench
Nebula reverse dip bench
Nebula dumbbell pullover bench
Atlantis B-180 curved pullover bench with wheels (should be excellent for flat dumbbell also
Nebula flat bench that is adjustable at both sides for incline, decline, and flat of various heights.
Sorinex Autospot benches
Atlantis Fitness Autospot benches
Power-Lift Lever action
Parillo curved Lumbar incline
Bodymasters overhead tricep bench


Glute Ham Developer:

UCS Glute Ham with custom wide footplate and wide footpads (36" width footplate)



Pullover Machines:

Nautilus Spider cam Pullover
Nautilus Power Plus Pullover

Runner-up:
MedX selectorized iso-lateral pullover
Hammer Strength plate loaded (with custom pad spacers as shown in thread)



Flooring:

INFINITY MAX Flooring http://infinityperformance.com/pdf/I...x_Brochure.pdf


MISC:

Atlantis C-206 Adjustable step platform
Rogers Athletic Pit Shark
Rope machines
Elite FTS Swiss Bar
Black Iron Strength fat bars
Black Iron Strength attachments.
T-Grip Barbell bars and attachments
Mag Grip attachments: http://www.maxagrip.com/products.html
Power-Lift VARIABLE ANGLE ROMAN CHAIR
Legend Fitness: Squat Machine and Calf Blaster #3129
Rogers Pendulum Gripper
Atlantis Multi Forearm vs David Multi Forearm
Atlantis power runner

Plyo Boxes:

UCS http://www.ucsspirit.com/strength-sp...lite-Plyoboxes
Power-Lift Adjustable plyo Boxes

Runner up:
MDUSA soft plyo boxes.


Functional Trainers:

Cybex Bravo
Free Motion*

High interest pieces for hopeful soon demo:


DAVID equipment (David international) http://www.david-international.com/cms/
Panatta Sports
Schnell Machines
Quantum Fitness Power Crunch machines and ABT (All body trainer).
Nebula IDA machines, not currently made.


Cardio Machines:


www.endlesspools.com
Michael Phelps SwimSpa: www.michaelphelpsswimspa.com
SwimEx: www.swimex.com

Precor AMT
Precor EFX ellipticals
Cybex Arc trainer 770 AT (moving arms) or A (non-moving arms)

Commercial Stairmaster machines. Step Mill 5
Jacob's Ladder

Versa climber

Rowing machines:
Concept 2 Rower: Water Rower (wood version): Water Rower (metal version)

Treadmills:

Woodway Desmo Elite
Woodway Curve
Commercial Precors (954, 956, 966).
Star Trac E-TRxe

Stationary Bikes:

Cybex 770 upright bike
Star Trac E-UBe
Schwinn Airdyne
 

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Health Nut

New Member
May 26, 2010
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Some more pics of cost no object list items:
 

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Health Nut

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More pictures continued of my project:
 

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Health Nut

New Member
May 26, 2010
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Some more pics:
 

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Health Nut

New Member
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More pictures:
 

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scooby1305

New Member
Jul 17, 2016
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Rogers / Pendulum Seated Squat Pro - Opinions

I would very much appreciate feedback from the community here on their views and experiences regarding the Rogers / Pendulum Seated Squat Pro.

At present, I already own the Standing Power Squat Pro, which IMO is the best standing squat machine money can buy. However, while I am very pleased with every Pendulum machine I own (Chest Press, Combo Lat Pull, Prone Leg Curl, Pro Squat), I am getting mixed feedback on the Seated Squat Pro.

Unfortunately, I have never had the opportunity to try the Seated Squat Pro myself. When I visited the “brain” behind Pendulum, Tyler Hobson, at his workshop in Texas some years back he had almost every Pendulum piece there…except for that one. I also made several other attempts during various visits to the US over the years to find and train on the Seated Squat Pro, but it just never worked out….frustrating. As you can likely gather by now from my e-mail here, I do not live in the US. Though a US citizen I live full-time in Europe…Belgium to be precise.

The Seated Squat Pro has a pretty substantial list-price coming from Rogers, and by the time I figure in international door-to-door shipping, customs charges and taxes, the machine will cost me the equivalent of about 9000 USD. That is a chunk of change and not a particularly spouse-approved expenditure, but a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do. Before I hand out that kind of cash, I would be very grateful for added opinions on that unit. Specifically, I have following questions:

1. In your view and benchmarking the Seated Squat Pro with other top-of-the-line seated leg / squat presses you know of, is its movement truly superior?
2. Do you think that the unit has any drawbacks or major areas of improvement? (I have gotten some feedback from users that they experienced much knee pain with this machine, and that the POS and NEG strength curve is just not good)
3. Is it a disadvantage that the upper seat pad is fixed in position instead of being incline adjustable?
4. I am fairly strong on squats (for reference, I do my 5x5, full-range sets with 770 lbs on the Power Squat Pro) and am concerned that the weight horn capacity on the Seated Squat Pro machine may not be sufficient. Is this a valid concern?
5. Are there other seated squat / leg press machines that you would recommend instead?

In short, is it money well spent?

I realize that the latter questions are subject to one’s own biases and no two bodies are alike, but as I have not had the chance to test this machine and won’t have that opportunity in the foreseeable future I much value your insights. Any feedback appreciated and Thank You in advance for your time and support in this matter.
 

thedudeabides

Well-Known Member
Jan 16, 2011
2,126
651
1,200
Alto, NM
Just saw this thread and will share what I've done. I bought a "Total Gym" (think Chuck Norris) and a spin bike. The former is entirely based on resistance. Works for me and I feel much better.
 

Ron Resnick

Site Co-Owner, Administrator
Jan 24, 2015
16,017
13,346
2,665
Beverly Hills, CA
Has anyone worked out with the Tuff Stuff International SPT-6X multiple pulley machine?
 

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bonzo75

Member Sponsor
Feb 26, 2014
22,438
13,468
2,710
London
These things don't work. Join a proper gym and go there minimum 4 days a week or stop pretending that you are working out. It is the equivalent of owning a stereo and thinking you have a real orchestra at home
 

Tango

VIP/Donor
Mar 12, 2017
4,938
6,268
950
Bangkok
These things don't work. Join a proper gym and go there minimum 4 days a week or stop pretending that you are working out. It is the equivalent of owning a stereo and thinking you have a real orchestra at home
Yeah right, this is from someone who goes to the gym to spot for his girlfriend but pretend doing real workout.

Tang :rolleyes:
 

Grady98

Well-Known Member
Apr 27, 2018
52
19
88
East Coast
Great points Bill Hart. I cannot begin to count the improper form so many novices do at gyms I have belonged to over the years. That is how little progress is made and injuries occur.
 

DaveC

Industry Expert
Nov 16, 2014
3,899
2,141
495
These things don't work. Join a proper gym and go there minimum 4 days a week or stop pretending that you are working out. It is the equivalent of owning a stereo and thinking you have a real orchestra at home

They do work, and any exercise is better than none... as long as you're not injuring yourself! For someone who has rarely to never done resistance training 1x a week over 6 months will make a massive difference.

I'd also put it out there that the best thing you can do, especially as an older male, is simply squats and deadlifts. IMO they stress the body in ways most other lifts do not.

IMO, any male over 40 should be doing resistance training, yoga and cardio at least once a week.
 

thedudeabides

Well-Known Member
Jan 16, 2011
2,126
651
1,200
Alto, NM
These things don't work. Join a proper gym and go there minimum 4 days a week or stop pretending that you are working out.

Have you ever used "The Total Gym" before? Are you saying having an "in home" spin bike doesn't work for leg muscles and cardio?

Please stop being so judgmental. Comments like this serve no purpose and reinforces the arrogance sometimes prevalent on this site. Prime example of this is if you don't have a proper, calibrated analogue source, you are not a "real" audiophile. And who has the time and motivation to go to a "proper gym" four times a week. Not many.

Suffice to say that the combination of these two devices work for me for its intended purpose. And I feel much better since I've purchased these items. And I do "work out" 30 to 40 minutes a day at home without the need to travel to a gym. That's not pretending. That's a fact.
 
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