Cost No Object Machines and Free Weights, the Best of the Best

[video=youtube;ai8JiUo9Ip8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ai8JiUo9Ip8[/video]




The pulldown has potential, and could be very good. It has linkage and the exact strength curve of the Pendulum pulldown, EXACT. It starts at about -45 degrees and ends at about +45 degrees, so the max weight is in the middle of the repetition. The Panatta pulldown has some nice grip choices. I think the Blonde Girl working out on the Pulldown shows it much better.


[video=youtube;cAoNIv2q1xA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=cAoNIv2q1xA[/video]


The High Row could be a player as well. I know we talked about the Legend Leverage High Row as being a contender for best plate loaded High row leverage equipment. However, the Panatta high row has linkage and multiple grip choices.


[video=youtube;2kAUS0AeFa8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=2kAUS0AeFa8[/video]


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5900693&d=1372022310[/img]


[img]http://www.legendfitness.com/Uploads/images/6009-HI.jpg[/img]


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Barcelona Spain gym, 100% Panatta:



[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5900573&d=1372021269[/img]


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5900583&d=1372021466[/img]

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1092304393]Since we are on the topic of European fitness manufacturers, thought I would visit Schnell's site again, since it was brought up in this thread last year or so... Can't say I see anything that looks overly impressive. The weight stacks look like they could be inadequate, but it is hard to know without knowing the pulley physics ratios.[/QUOTE]
Pully physics on the lat pulldown seems good to me. The weights will move about double what the arm moves. I might rather have a single pulley and a weight stack twice as heavy, though, to eliminate a little bit of friction.

The pec fly is at least interesting. It has the foot pedal for prestretch and a mechanism for pulling the plates up that I've not seen before. The mechanism makes sense, though, and would give variable resistance. It's hard for me to tell from just these two pictures, but it looks like it might be set up to be hardest in the middle or towards the end of the motion.

There are a couple of us already who want to by the incline flight machine, it is just too good to not purchase. I'm going to be putting together an order of Panatta over the next 1-3 months, depending on if I can arrange a trip to Europe. If anybody would like to join us, it might be a good time to put an order in to save on shipping, especially if you only want one machine. One idea is to have it shipped to a port, and then have Goalder pick it up at the port. I'll hopefully find out pricing this week.

was reading through the beginning of this thread, and it seems like dumb.bell has some panatta piece(s)

Anyone ever look at the Spirit Fitness line of ellipticalls or eglide trainers? They have a good looking warranty, max user weight of 450 lbs, and interesting simple design.

[url]http://www.spiritfitness.com/ccg800.html[/url]

That incline machine looks sic, I also like that ab crunch machine, great find and interested to see pricing.




[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1092382283]There are a couple of us already who want to by the incline flight machine, it is just too good to not purchase. I'm going to be putting together an order of Panatta over the next 1-3 months, depending on if I can arrange a trip to Europe. If anybody would like to join us, it might be a good time to put an order in to save on shipping, especially if you only want one machine. One idea is to have it shipped to a port, and then have Goalder pick it up at the port. I'll hopefully find out pricing this week.[/QUOTE]

Just heard from the David international rep... It also looks like I will be able to visit Power-Lift on my way to Europe with a one day stopover at Des Moines/Jefferson Iowa. Looks like everything is coming together for a Power-Lift + Europe trip. The good part is all of the demos can take place in a very short time frame which is helpful.


Just drove by but have to head back and work... IVANKO revolver delivery... (4) 100, (18) 45, (4) 25 (4) 10

Can't wait to go unwrap the package...


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5904803&d=1372116874[/img]




Finally unwrapped... I could have used another (8) 45's



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[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5905813&d=1372131905[/img]

[QUOTE=LSBKEB;1092640733]That incline machine looks sic, I also like that ab crunch machine, great find and interested to see pricing.[/QUOTE]


Agree. Its rare you can just look at a piece and say with 100% confidence you know will be amazing. I have the same feeling for all of the Panatta chest pieces. The only Panatta chest piece (out of 4 pieces) I could probably live without is the incline chest because it is a vertical incline chest (I'm not a huge fan of vertical incline chests because horizontal incline chests always seem so much better. Its a shame Panatta did not make the Incline chest like the super horizontal flat chest.

I hope the Ab machine biomechanics feel good. It hope it feels as good as it looks. The videos don't give me a good enough idea, so I'll have to demo it in Europe.

[QUOTE=jackbravo;1092557123]was reading through the beginning of this thread, and it seems like dumb.bell has some panatta piece(s)[/QUOTE]

I've only got a bicep machine, and it is one of their older pieces.

[QUOTE=LSBKEB;1092640733]That incline machine looks sic, I also like that ab crunch machine, great find and interested to see pricing.[/QUOTE]
Seriously, the inclined flight is a machine that makes start thinking, "Well, I COULD sacrifice the guest bedroom."

does anyone have a better suggestion for the best dual lat pulldown than the watson version watsongym.co.uk/product/animal-dual-stack-lat-pulldown/

I love the adjustabillity of the machine. However, the pulley physics looks terrible, and they themselves state that it's "Ideally suited to clients with specific training needs and rehabilitation work", and by looking at the video, the weights being used doesn't seem challenging at all, even though almost 60% of the stack is being in use. Watson are good at upgrading their weight-stacks though, (their lat pulldown can be upgraded to 250kg which equals roughly 550 pounds). But then again, I think their equipment look kinda cheap, so does anyone have a better suggestion for an adjustable dual lat pulldown than this machine?

On another note, Chirs, did you upgrade the weight stack of your atlantis pulldown and incline row, and how much are atlantis able to upgrade these pieces to?

mmm those revolvers are sexy. laughing at the deliverer looking like he is pulling a sled ;)

[QUOTE=Renzinho;1093182853]does anyone have a better suggestion for the best dual lat pulldown than the watson version watsongym.co.uk/product/animal-dual-stack-lat-pulldown/

I love the adjustabillity of the machine. However, the pulley physics looks terrible, and they themselves state that it's "Ideally suited to clients with specific training needs and rehabilitation work", and by looking at the video, the weights being used doesn't seem challenging at all, even though almost 60% of the stack is being in use. Watson are good at upgrading their weight-stacks though, (their lat pulldown can be upgraded to 250kg which equals roughly 550 pounds). But then again, I think their equipment look kinda cheap, so does anyone have a better suggestion for an adjustable dual lat pulldown than this machine?

On another note, Chris, did you upgrade the weight stack of your atlantis pulldown and incline row, and how much are Atlantis able to upgrade these pieces to?[/QUOTE]

Everything I have seen from Watson is based on other designs, just not as high quality or more generic looking. We have seen their Sorinex calf knockoff and other knockoffs. Although it seems everyone is doing it these days. Hard to know who is the original designer at times.

watsongym.co.uk/product/animal-dual-stack-lat-pulldown/


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5907383&d=1372181871[/img]


Here is the closest version from Atlantis, which is single stack. The Atlantis version has fanicier components and that hydraulic seat, but I would think the Watson version, even with its less sophisticated, blocky componentry would be the better choice, especially with upgraded weight stacks.


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5907373&d=1372181625[/img]


You can actually see a picture of it in this thread in October of 2012 when I went to Atlantis Gym.

The Watson version has the superior aspect of adjusting the width of the arms. I think the Atlantis version is fixed. Atlantis is stubborn about upgrading their stacks, but so far I have not run into am Atlantis Precision piece of equipment that needs more weight on the stack. I'm plenty happy with the 310 lb stack on the pulldown and high row.

New Strive Stretcher:


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5907523&d=1372183019[/img]

[QUOTE=Renzinho;1093182853]does anyone have a better suggestion for the best dual lat pulldown than the watson version watsongym.co.uk/product/animal-dual-stack-lat-pulldown/

I love the adjustabillity of the machine. However, the pulley physics looks terrible, and they themselves state that it's "Ideally suited to clients with specific training needs and rehabilitation work", and by looking at the video, the weights being used doesn't seem challenging at all, even though almost 60% of the stack is being in use. Watson are good at upgrading their weight-stacks though, (their lat pulldown can be upgraded to 250kg which equals roughly 550 pounds). But then again, I think their equipment look kinda cheap, so does anyone have a better suggestion for an adjustable dual lat pulldown than this machine?[/QUOTE]The Freemotion ISO lat has been around for a while. I have one just like this one, but haven't posted pics yet.


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5907683&d=1372184722[/img]

That Watson piece is cool in the sense you can adjust the width of the arms.

How freaking weird/cool... Google rocks.. (apple sux). My HTC DNA droid automatically backs up photos to Google+ ... I went into Google+ to delete some photos and found a bunch of automatically made GIF files... Google+ backup sees photos that are similar and makes auto gifs...


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5908713&d=1372202553[/img]

As i was saying before healthnut, your gonna really like the panatta chest pieces.. i used them and loved them.. as i stated before, a bit too much converging for me but i never fully lock out anyway.. so it felt nice.. you would love the c-line leverage pieces too from david.. i know they arent making them anymore but if the have some models at the facility give them a try.. as for making a order.. i would be interested.. like to see the prices and maybe pick a piece or two.. let me know.. i appreciate it..

[QUOTE=LATS1968;1093469143]As i was saying before healthnut, your gonna really like the panatta chest pieces.. i used them and loved them.. as i stated before, a bit too much converging for me but i never fully lock out anyway.. so it felt nice.. you would love the c-line leverage pieces too from david.. i know they arent making them anymore but if the have some models at the facility give them a try.. as for making a order.. i would be interested.. like to see the prices and maybe pick a piece or two.. let me know.. i appreciate it..[/QUOTE]

That sounds good. As soon as I hear from Panatta or a USA rep, I'll post about prices. I think the least expensive way to ship would be to pool our orders and have them ship to the PORT. Then have Goalder pic up the pieces and bring them to all of us...

That super incline chest looks to have less convergence than the Hammer horizontal chest, but I guess I'll find out when I get to Europe.

There are a few of us going in on the order, so the more we have, the better the pricing will be. If people can state their wish list of Panatta pieces, I can go at the rep for a better deal. Certainly shipping per piece will be much better with one large purchase.

So for those lusting after the incline flight machine, I think we have 3 orders already for that piece. If somebody wants one, this is the time to order it because it will be the least expensive for both purchase and shipping. If somebody were to purchase that machine individually, I can only imagine the cost... Either way I'll be on top of this.

[QUOTE=deadwoodgregg;1093299923]The Freemotion ISO lat has been around for a while. I have one just like this one, but haven't posted pics yet.[/QUOTE]
Is it good? How good? There's one available in my area for $399. That seemed a bit high for craigslist, but who knows. Freemotion tends to be pricey, at least new, as I recall. I wasn't planning on getting a lat pulldown anytime soon, as I won't need one until I replace my rack, but...

[url]http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/3886671572.html[/url]

[QUOTE=Maluket;1093502573]Is it good? How good? There's one available in my area for $399. That seemed a bit high for craigslist, but who knows. Freemotion tends to be pricey, at least new, as I recall. I wasn't planning on getting a lat pulldown anytime soon, as I won't need one until I replace my rack, but...

[url]http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/3886672061.htm[/url][/QUOTE]

Either you bought it or someone snaked it.

[QUOTE=RandyMcdonald;1093513843]Either you bought it or someone snaked it.[/QUOTE]
Weird. Not sure how cut and paste failed me. I could see getting the wrong listing, but not NO listing. Anyway, fixed the original post.

[QUOTE=Maluket;1093502573]Is it good? How good? There's one available in my area for $399. That seemed a bit high for craigslist, but who knows. Freemotion tends to be pricey, at least new, as I recall. I wasn't planning on getting a lat pulldown anytime soon, as I won't need one until I replace my rack, but...

[url]http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/spo/3886672061.htm[/url][/QUOTE]It is just different. You really feel the isolation of each arm whether you are repping simultaneously or one arm at a time. This is an excellent complimentary piece, but I would recommend buying a single cable lat tower with various attachments first as my main lat machine. I would get the single cabled lat before a plateloaded lat as well. The various attachments gives it the most versatility.

You probably won't find one for less than that except maybe an auction.

[QUOTE=deadwoodgregg;1093299923]The Freemotion ISO lat has been around for a while. I have one just like this one, but haven't posted pics yet.


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5907683&d=1372184722[/img][/QUOTE]

They have a seated chest piece like this at the gym I joined.

I have two adjustable cable stacks and a bench that allows me to simulate the chest piece at home.

[QUOTE=deadwoodgregg;1093523993]It is just different. You really feel the isolation of each arm whether you are repping simultaneously or one arm at a time. This is an excellent complimentary piece, but I would recommend buying a single cable lat tower with various attachments first as my main lat machine. I would get the single cabled lat before a plateloaded lat as well. The various attachments gives it the most versatility.[/QUOTE]
Logical. I'll hold out for a nice single-cable jobber with attachments. Thanks.

[QUOTE=dumb.bell;1093524413]They have a seated chest piece like this at the gym I joined.

I have two adjustable cable stacks and a bench that allows me to simulate the chest piece at home.[/QUOTE]I bought the lat and the row. Those were the two pieces from that line that I wanted to put in my gym. They are a little harder to move and transport than your typical selectorized machines. The row hits you from a higher angle (between mid row and high row) which is why I like it. I am trying to get the pieces that will give me the most versatility.

[QUOTE=Maluket;1093526953]Logical. I'll hold out for a nice single-cable jobber with attachments. Thanks.[/QUOTE]you would have been too tall for that free motion pull down anyway. I am same height as you and the pre stretch on those is woeful.

Ohio State had a ton of the free motion stuff when I went there and I enjoyed them. I have been sitting on a Row, Chest, Shoulder, and quad from the Cleveland Browns for a few months now. People want nothing to do with them. I have a Free Motion Crossover and everyone tries to convince me to sell them that. The other ones? I can't even get a bite listing them at $400 each. Not even a lowball or troll. The back does a great job at isolating the muscle but the stretch may be an issue for taller guys.

Can someone explain the issue of "gauge" of steel to me. Isn't it just a measurement for the steel thickness? If that's the case, why do people bother about this? I mean, it's not the thickness or the weight that determines the durability and strength of the steel rather this is dependent upon other factors. For instance, the eliko-bars weighs 20kilos and has pretty much exaktly the same thickness as any china bar but is 100 times stronger. Conversely, even if the china-bar was a fat-bar with thicker dimensions than the eliko-bar, the eliko-bar would still be stronger, so what's up with the hype regarding this 7 gauge vs non 7 gauge, have I missed something? does "gauge" also entail the material's strength? or what does it matter?

[QUOTE=Renzinho;1093910523]Can someone explain the issue of "gauge" of steel to me. Isn't it just a measurement for the steel thickness? If that's the case, why do people bother about this? I mean, it's not the thickness or the weight that determines the durability and strength of the steel rather this is dependent upon other factors. For instance, the eliko-bars weighs 20kilos and has pretty much exaktly the same thickness as any china bar but is 100 times stronger. Conversely, even if the china-bar was a fat-bar with thicker dimensions than the eliko-bar, the eliko-bar would still be stronger, so what's up with the hype regarding this 7 gauge vs non 7 gauge, have I missed something? does "gauge" also entail the material's strength? or what does it matter?[/QUOTE]

Now im not an engineer or metalurgist, but ill try my best: When you talk about bars, you are talking about specific alloy steels with specific properties, tensile strengths, etc. When talking about equipment, manufactures are just using common structural or cold roll steel products. These products are industry standardized, they are not special alloys, so increasing the gauge (thickness) of material increases the strength of the shape (rectangular tubing, round, square, etc). The greater the thickness the heavier, stronger, and more resistant to flex the component will be. The difference between a lot of light commercial compared to full commercial equipment (besides quality of moving components) is the thickness or gauge of the steel. Hope this is somewhat helpful!