View Full Version : Ironmaster or Hoist bench
phatsx
04-30-2012, 01:58 PM
Im trying to make a decision between the Ironmaster super bench and the Hoist 6 position F.I.D. bench. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated. I will be using this bench in my Body Solid pro power rack and with my functional trainer. Im also planing on buying the preacher curl and leg attachments. Thanks everyone!
Im trying to make a decision between the Ironmaster super bench and the Hoist 6 position F.I.D. bench. Any other suggestions would be much appreciated. I will be using this bench in my Body Solid pro power rack and with my functional trainer. Im also planing on buying the preacher curl and leg attachments.
I don't have an answer for you, but I do have a few thoughts on the matter.
I own the Ironmaster Super Bench. One of the issues I have with this bench is that I find it to be slightly too high in the flat position. The Ironmaster bench is 20" high in the flat position. I can't find this spec for the Hoist bench.
I posted a review of the Ironmaster Preacher Curl attachment (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=134161741) a while back. The review is not entirely favorable. After reviewing Hoist's product literature for their preacher curl attachment (http://www.hoistfitness.com/consumer/equipment/hf-opt-4000-02.aspx), I suspect I'd have similar issues with their attachment.
I have the Ironmaster leg attachment. It works well, but I rarely use it. One issue with the leg attachment is that my heels scrape the floor if I wear shoes and the bench is in the flat position. Elevating the bench to 5 degrees works around this problem. Ironmaster suggests this workaround for folks who are taller or who have longer legs.
I really like the simple design of the Ironmaster bench and its adjustability. I use it for doing dumbbell bench rows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLEW-a-YHoI). I find it very useful to have separate 20 degree and 30 degree bench angles for the bench. I use them both for this exercise, depending upon the height of the implement I'm grabbing. (I sometimes use kettlebells for these rows.)
I wish I could say more about the Hoist, but I've never used it and data such as the bench height in the flat position are unavailable.
phatsx
04-30-2012, 08:45 PM
KBKB, thanks for the great review on the super bench! Im concerned that my height may be a problem for the attachments (I'm 6'2" and my lifting partner is 6'4"). Also, have you found the seat position to be uncomfortable when doing incline presses?
KBKB, thanks for the great review on the super bench! Im concerned that my height may be a problem for the attachments (I'm 6'2" and my lifting partner is 6'4"). Also, have you found the seat position to be uncomfortable when doing incline presses?
I'm only 5'10". The Super Bench is usable for me in the flat position, but I do not get as much leg drive as I'd like. I would guess you at 6'2" tall will have less of a problem than I using the bench in the flat position.
I think it's fairly common for FID benches to be a bit on the tall side. There are a number of competing requirements which force the bench height to be higher than the ideal standalone flat bench. This is especially true for benches which have leg extension / curl attachments. If the seat is too low, the user's feet will scrape the floor. So, by necessity, the seat needs to be somewhat on the high side. The attachment then raises the back of the knee even a bit more via roller pads.
I have no issue at all with the seat on the Super bench for inclines up to 70 degrees. At 80 and 85 degrees, I find the seat to be a bit low even in its highest position. It's still usable in this position; it's just lower than I would like. Ironmaster also sells (separately) the Seated Press Backrest (http://www.ironmaster.com/seated-press-backrest.html). I have this attachment and used it for a time to do seated overhead presses while sitting on the bench. But I also like to sit on the bench for seated overhead presses without a backrest. I think you get more core activation by not having a backrest.
My very favorite Super Bench attachment is the Dumbbell Spotting Stand (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=140687791). (That link goes to a review and photos that I posted a while ago.) I use it more than any of the other Ironmaster attachments that I own.
SuperCK
05-01-2012, 05:16 AM
I'm only 5'10". The Super Bench is usable for me in the flat position, but I do not get as much leg drive as I'd like. I would guess you at 6'2" tall will have less of a problem than I using the bench in the flat position.
I think it's fairly common for FID benches to be a bit on the tall side. There are a number of competing requirements which force the bench height to be higher than the ideal standalone flat bench. This is especially true for benches which have leg extension / curl attachments. If the seat is too low, the user's feet will scrape the floor. So, by necessity, the seat needs to be somewhat on the high side. The attachment then raises the back of the knee even a bit more via roller pads.
I have no issue at all with the seat on the Super bench for inclines up to 70 degrees. At 80 and 85 degrees, I find the seat to be a bit low even in its highest position. It's still usable in this position; it's just lower than I would like. Ironmaster also sells (separately) the Seated Press Backrest (http://www.ironmaster.com/seated-press-backrest.html). I have this attachment and used it for a time to do seated overhead presses while sitting on the bench. But I also like to sit on the bench for seated overhead presses without a backrest. I think you get more core activation by not having a backrest.
My very favorite Super Bench attachment is the Dumbbell Spotting Stand (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=140687791). (That link goes to a review and photos that I posted a while ago.) I use it more than any of the other Ironmaster attachments that I own.
KBKB
Do you have any pics of the seated back rest? I looked at the website and the pics is too small.
ProtienandIron
05-01-2012, 05:21 AM
Have you considered the body solid bench? It will match your rack but more importantly, body solid benches are well built for the price.
I've used this model before and its strong and stable. It also accomodates the attachments you were wanting to use.
http://www.americanfitness.net/images/products/detail/GFID71legattachment.jpg
Cleveland33
05-01-2012, 06:35 AM
I posted a review of the Ironmaster Preacher Curl attachment (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=134161741) a while back. The review is not entirely favorable. After reviewing Hoist's product literature for their preacher curl attachment (http://www.hoistfitness.com/consumer/equipment/hf-opt-4000-02.aspx), I suspect I'd have similar issues with their attachment.
I have the Ironmaster leg attachment. It works well, but I rarely use it. One issue with the leg attachment is that my heels scrape the floor if I wear shoes and the bench is in the flat position. Elevating the bench to 5 degrees works around this problem. Ironmaster suggests this workaround for folks who are taller or who have longer legs.
I really like the simple design of the Ironmaster bench and its adjustability. I use it for doing dumbbell bench rows (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLEW-a-YHoI). I find it very useful to have separate 20 degree and 30 degree bench angles for the bench. I use them both for this exercise, depending upon the height of the implement I'm grabbing. (I sometimes use kettlebells for these rows.)
isn't the preacher curl attachment generally considered the most "regretted" purchase around here? As in most people that have them don't end up using them enough to be worthwhile?
I wouldn't be surprised if the leg attachment is not far behind.
jamesovercome
05-01-2012, 06:40 AM
isn't the preacher curl attachment generally considered the most "regretted" purchase around here? As in most people that have them don't end up using them enough to be worthwhile?
I wouldn't be surprised if the leg attachment is not far behind.
^^^ This, I remember when I bought the Powertec Preacher Curl Accessory, I thought it was so cool then I get it and it just felt like an awkward mess. Now I just use dumb bells for curls when I do them. The leg curl/extension however, I do like and use twice a week.
Northernmoris
05-01-2012, 07:52 AM
When I had a bench like that I used the attachment for lying leg curls otherwise it's useless. Extensions are a waste of effort IMO. Luckily I upgraded to a GHD.
Do you have any pics of the seated back rest? I looked at the website and the pics is too small.
I do now...
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4410991&d=1335884303
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4411001&d=1335884312
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4411011&d=1335884321
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4411021&d=1335884331
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4411031&d=1335884340
isn't the preacher curl attachment generally considered the most "regretted" purchase around here? As in most people that have them don't end up using them enough to be worthwhile?
That's definitely the case for me.
If you're really into doing preacher curls, it can be made to work. A standalone solution would be better, but if you're limited on space, it might be okay.
As described in my review (http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=134161741), the biggest issue I have with it is that the bar hooks are almost useless for holding the bar for loading it up.
AFAICT, the Hoist attachment has similar problems.
SuperCK
05-01-2012, 08:08 AM
[QUOTE=KBKB;875424911]I do now...
Thank you sir
Are you able to reverse the seated pad so it faces the smaller part of the bench?
I wouldn't be surprised if the leg attachment is not far behind.
When I had a bench like that I used the attachment for lying leg curls otherwise it's useless. Extensions are a waste of effort IMO. Luckily I upgraded to a GHD.
I don't use the Ironmaster leg attachment much. I really, really like doing trap bar deficit deadlifts - they work both the quads, posterior chain, traps, core, and grip all at once.
That said, the Ironmaster leg attachment works reasonably well. It uses a bronze bushing at the pivot, so operation is very, very smooth. The roller pads are firm and supportive. If you get this attachment, you should also get the covers for the rollers at the same time. (IMO, Ironmaster should just include these covers with their gear.)
As mentioned elsewhere, the heels of my shoes scrape the floor if I try doing leg extensions with the bench in the flat position. Elevating the bench to five degrees and placing a small block of wood (2x4) underneath the attachment's foot fixes this problem for me. When doing leg curls, I find that the roller places a lot of pressure on the lower thigh. Putting a folded towel down over the roller and the bench helps to better distribute the pressure, reducing discomfort.
Cleveland33
05-01-2012, 08:35 AM
to clarify I don't think these are exclusive to the Ironmaster bench - I think it goes across the board.
I have both the preacher and leg attachment for my Parabody and I don't use either. But not doing those exercises is a product of my routine, not my dislike for the equipment. I have never tried either.
I would be more inclined to use the preacher attachment, but use my low pulley off it instead of a bar, so the bar holder is irrelevant to me.
I have considered hacking my leg attachment to create a ghetto GHD, but I am considering replacing my Parabody FID with a flat bench and if I do I think I can sell the FID for more with the preacher and leg attachments.
Are you able to reverse the seated pad so it faces the smaller part of the bench?
You can. It works, but it'd be better if there were an extra inch or two of bench to sit upon.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4411171&d=1335886842
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=4411181&d=1335886851
to clarify I don't think these are exclusive to the Ironmaster bench - I think it goes across the board.
Agreed.
I have both the preacher and leg attachment for my Parabody and I don't use either. But not doing those exercises is a product of my routine, not my dislike for the equipment.
Same here.
... I think I can sell the FID for more with the preacher and leg attachments.
I think this is exactly right. A lot of folks, when they work out at a gym, will do just leg extensions and curls for their leg work. If they decide to get equipment for training at home, they'll want a solution which provides them with that functionality.
phatsx
05-01-2012, 11:27 AM
I currently own the Body Solid GFID71. I love the bench but now that I have added the functional trainer and space has become more of an issue. After doing more research i'm becoming reluctant to buy the Hoist because of the decline pad complaints that I have read here on the forum. I called iron company today to see if the Bomb Proof F.I.D. bench (BP14) will accept my (or any) preacher curl attachment. The guy I spoke to is going to call the factory and find out.
playaj
05-01-2012, 03:14 PM
I currently own the Body Solid GFID71. I love the bench but now that I have added the functional trainer and space has become more of an issue. After doing more research i'm becoming reluctant to buy the Hoist because of the decline pad complaints that I have read here on the forum. I called iron company today to see if the Bomb Proof F.I.D. bench (BP14) will accept my (or any) preacher curl attachment. The guy I spoke to is going to call the factory and find out.
I have the hoist bench, the back is kind of tall for declines(I can still do them, but it's not as comfortable as a dedicated decline bench) , I'm about 5'11-6' tall so it probably wont be a problem for you. Skip the attachments, they are pretty worthless. The bench is pretty big, but the height off the ground is pretty much perfect.
phatsx
05-03-2012, 06:28 PM
After reading the responses to my post and giving this some thought I have decided to go with the Super bench. Matt at Ironmaster put a package together for me consisting of the bench, decline pad, dip bar, wheel kit, preacher cure attachment and leg attachment. For what its worth, the customer service at Ironmaster seems to be stellar. I should have the bench by the end of next week as it will ship tomorrow. Thanks for all the help and I'll let you all know how it works out for me.
After reading the responses to my post and giving this some thought I have decided to go with the Super bench. Matt at Ironmaster put a package together for me consisting of the bench, decline pad, dip bar, wheel kit, preacher cure attachment and leg attachment. For what its worth, the customer service at Ironmaster seems to be stellar. I should have the bench by the end of next week as it will ship tomorrow.
One of the things that I'm super impressed with is the way that Ironmaster packages their stuff. Nearly everything they ship is double boxed. I've never opened a box from them and found anything scratched or broken. If you ever order their dumbbells from them, you'll find that they put a thin layer of packing material between each plate. All of the plates are immaculate when they're brand new. The kettlebell handle was shipped in a box with a styrofoam container especially molded for the handle.
I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions of your Ironmaster gear when you get it.
phatsx
05-03-2012, 06:51 PM
Im thinking about selling my Bowflex 90lb dumbbells and buying the Ironmaster dumbbells. What are your thoughts on this idea?
One of the things that I'm super impressed with is the way that Ironmaster packages their stuff. Nearly everything they ship is double boxed. I've never opened a box from them and found anything scratched or broken. If you ever order their dumbbells from them, you'll find that they put a thin layer of packing material between each plate. All of the plates are immaculate when they're brand new. The kettlebell handle was shipped in a box with a styrofoam container especially molded for the handle.
I'm looking forward to hearing your impressions of your Ironmaster gear when you get it.
Im thinking about selling my Bowflex 90lb dumbbells and buying the Ironmaster dumbbells. What are your thoughts on this idea?
I've never used Bowflex dumbbells, but I do know that they're not well regarded here.
I have the Ironmaster dumbbells with the 120lb add on kit. In addition, I have a second pair of handles with two inch fat grip adapters on one pair of handles. I do most of my lifting using the handles with the fat grip adapters.
I like them. They're very solid once you put the screws in and they're reasonably quick to change weights. They're probably not as fast as your Bowflex dumbbells though. I feel very safe lifting them overhead.
phatsx
05-14-2012, 06:17 AM
The Ironmaster bench and attachments showed up Friday. So far I have used the bench, dip bar and curl attachment with no complaints. I love this bench, it's compact and very solid. When using the curl attachment I set the bench to 5* incline and have no issues with having to hunch over. I have recently put my bowflex dumbbells up for sale so that I can buy the ironmaster 120lb dumbbells. Thanks for all the help
swimmer32
05-14-2012, 07:45 AM
Im thinking about selling my Bowflex 90lb dumbbells and buying the Ironmaster dumbbells. What are your thoughts on this idea?
I've never used the Bowflex DB's, but everything I've read/heard is that they tend to break and/or fall apart in time. The Ironmasters on the other hand, have a great reputation. There are a lot of stickies in this section debating between Ironmasters and Powerblocks.
I've never used the Bowflex DB's, but everything I've read/heard is that they tend to break and/or fall apart in time. The Ironmasters on the other hand, have a great reputation. There are a lot of stickies in this section debating between Ironmasters and Powerblocks.
I had the Blowflex Db's and felt they were crap. Gladly sold them and got some used IM DB's. They are damn solid. No fears dropping one of them puppies and having it break.