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

[View 1]

Your home gym is really a mini commercial gym!!!!!

I can only dream of ever owning something like that.

Great choices in equipment so far, look forward to seeing the Atlantis stuff once you get it, and I agree they have more unique equipment than anyone else ( in a great way ).

[pumping4life]

Those little dumbbells in there own big cradles is too cute.

The rest is dead sexy.

2 questions: I love that EFS banner you have. Was that a freebie or died you buy it? What is the step behind the seat on the Atlantis pulldown for?

[ndmike99]

What is the step behind the seat on the Atlantis pulldown for?

I have seen a lot of people use the seat as a step to grab the bar and then sit down while holding onto the bar to get into position. That step would save all the wear on the seat and is a great idea. It would probably just annoy me though.

[rpark]

Nice pics... BTW, I need to get a bigger house. I'm envious.

I've got an atlantis fitness standing calve machine coming too. I can't wait, it'll be my first of their brand... now I just have to kick my 18 year old out of the basement so I can commandeer some more floor space for more equipment. I'm outta room.

GO STEELERS

[HealthNutMD]

I don't remember if you had any cable crossover type equipment listed or not, but how about a functional trainer? I know this model is fairly common, but my favorite one has been the Freemotion EXT Dual Cable Cross (around $3k)

They also have a full commercial version as well that looks pretty nice, but I've never seen one in a gym (around $5k)

I like these versions with the movable arms better than some of the other functional trainers with dual weight stacks. A lot of them are too close together to do any type of wide exercises. The Freemotion's get wide enough for me to do chest cable cross overs.

BTW, go Steelers... I'll be in section 124 down low.

I'll defintely look into this.

I'm glad you are going to the Superbowl!! I should have went to the Cardinals Superbowl 2 years ago at the very least. Got my Polamalu Jersey on under my lab coat at work today.

[HealthNutMD]

Nice pics... BTW, I need to get a bigger house. I'm envious.

I've got an atlantis fitness standing calve machine coming too. I can't wait, it'll be my first of their brand... now I just have to kick my 18 year old out of the basement so I can commandeer some more floor space for more equipment. I'm outta room.

GO STEELERS

I demoed the standing calf machine when I went to Bakersfield and demoed a bunch of Atlntis equipment (as I posted pictures earlier in this thread). Those handles for gripping are AWESOME... makes it very comfortable. I haven't seen anyone else do that.

I need a bigger place also. When I hopefully do get a place of my own, then I will probably ad a treadmill and elliptical just for completeness as well as a functional trainer like you mentioned, the $5K free motion or such.

[HealthNutMD]

I forgot to include pictures of some of the other Elite FTS stuff and also the Hurricane. I'll do that when I get a chance.

I also forgot to mention another piece I am thinking of picking up: So far I am thinking of getting the plate loaded leg extension machine from Strive:

http://www.strivefit.com/strivefit/p...p105/index.htm



unless anyone has a recommendation for a better leg extension?

My thoughts are that you can put the plates on more than one position at a time (1, 2, and 3) and really have lots of different resitance curves. Most importantly is how the machine feels and works. Opinions of who makes the best leg ext?

[HealthNutMD]

I also forgot to mention that I haven't been able to try the Hurricane, nor the Seated calf/tibia machine from Sorinex because somehow they did not QA the weight posts (where you put the plates on). The Ivanko Plates won't fit on the Hurricane or the Seated calf because the diameter of the posts are slightly to big. Strange to say the least. They are boltable so I can remove them and replace them.

the strange part is that the weight posts are powder coated the same as the frame. My guess is that they shouldn't have been powder coated. Either way, you have got to wonder who they have making this stuff, it is a very strange mistake.

[OutKlast]

I also forgot to mention that I haven't been able to try the Hurricane, nor the Seated calf/tibia machine from Sorinex because somehow they did not QA the weight posts (where you put the plates on). The Ivanko Plates won't fit on the Hurricane or the Seated calf because the diameter of the posts are slightly to big. Strange to say the least. They are boltable so I can remove them and replace them.

the strange part is that the weight posts are powder coated the same as the frame. My guess is that they shouldn't have been powder coated. Either way, you have got to wonder who they have making this stuff, it is a very strange mistake.

Strange indeed. Out of curiosity do you know how much square footage all this equipment is taking up? It seems like when its all said and done it would take up 2,000-2,500 sq. ft.

[View 1]

I forgot to include pictures of some of the other Elite FTS stuff and also the Hurricane. I'll do that when I get a chance.

I also forgot to mention another piece I am thinking of picking up: So far I am thinking of getting the plate loaded leg extension machine from Strive:

http://www.strivefit.com/strivefit/p...p105/index.htm



unless anyone has a recommendation for a better leg extension?

My thoughts are that you can put the plates on more than one position at a time (1, 2, and 3) and really have lots of different resitance curves. Most importantly is how the machine feels and works. Opinions of who makes the best leg ext?

I have never used the Strive leg extension but a gym near me does have some Strive pieces I think I am going to get a week pass there to check it out as my gym pissed me today, if they do have it I will post back here.

Of all the different leg extensions I have used these are the two that feel the best to me.

Flex fitness center mount leg ext ( star trac only makes the side mount version now ) but if you check usedgymequipment or global they may have one in stock.




Life fitness pro 2 series, natural motion great build quality too.

[dumb.bell]

Flex fitness center mount leg ext ( star trac only makes the side mount version now ) but if you check usedgymequipment or global they may have one in stock.

Never used the Strive either, but I'll agree with the Flex. It puts you at a really good angle.

[qaz123]

Never used the Strive either, but I'll agree with the Flex. It puts you at a really good angle.

Didn't Strive go out of business?

[Skyaura]

Didn't Strive go out of business?

Strive originally filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in September, 2009 and were going to reorganize. Last spring, Strive converted to a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy.

It is a tough business. Some of the big boys are owned by some big corporations with deep pockets. Life Fitness/ Hammer Strength is one of the brands under the Brunswick Corporation, which is a large boat, marine engine, billiard and bowling manufacturer. Precor is one of the brands that falls under Amer Sports. Another brand that falls under Amer Sports is Wilson, the large sports manufacturer whose football will appear in the Super Bowl this Sunday.

[tjp15785]

Besides having all the great equipment, you now have educated yourself into becoming an equipment expert from these experiences. Do you like the adjustable bench and rack from elite? and would you buy them again with all you've learned ?
Thanks

[HealthNutMD]

Those little dumbbells in there own big cradles is too cute.

The rest is dead sexy.

2 questions: I love that EFS banner you have. Was that a freebie or died you buy it? What is the step behind the seat on the Atlantis pulldown for?

The Banner is from Christian's Fitness Factory. Bought it... not expensive and readily shipped (inexpensive) folded in a USPS envelope... You can order it from their website I think, If not call them.

As someone mentioned, the step on the back of the seat pole (lat pulldown) is for a shorter person to grab the bar. I'm sure it is boltable if you don't like it.

[HealthNutMD]

Strange indeed. Out of curiosity do you know how much square footage all this equipment is taking up? It seems like when its all said and done it would take up 2,000-2,500 sq. ft.

I'm not sure since I've got it spread out in 3 locations... master bedroom upstairs, one of the two big rooms downstairs, and the garage... Looking forward to hopefully putting this in one large room someday... hopefully like 40' x 50' or such... One thing that helps is very thoughtful placement of machines. You can really squeeze piece together if they are in the correct places. Also, you can take the weight storage bars of of lots of the equipment which really helps save width. Currenly, I am going to fit the atlantis leg press, power squat, lat pulldown, and high row all along one wall that is only 13' 6".

[HealthNutMD]

I have never used the Strive leg extension but a gym near me does have some Strive pieces I think I am going to get a week pass there to check it out as my gym pissed me today, if they do have it I will post back here.

Of all the different leg extensions I have used these are the two that feel the best to me.

Flex fitness center mount leg ext ( star trac only makes the side mount version now ) but if you check usedgymequipment or global they may have one in stock.


Life fitness pro 2 series, natural motion great build quality too.

Flex made some awesome stuff for sure. I was also thinking about the Flex HAMTRACTOR. I purchased the HAMFLEXOR (Star Trac kept it the same as you can see, but added those nice lock-n-load switches on the weight stack). Star Trac did not continue making the Hamtractor, only the hamflexor. It does not matter for me because as good as the ham tractor was in terms of biomechanics, I could do the entire weight stack for 15 reps, so I wasn't interested. That being said, I can only do about 2/3rd of the weight stack on the hamflexor (Star track kneeling leg curl) and only about 1/2 the stack on the prone leg curl

I'm certain the FLEX leg extension is great knowing how well I liked their other leg machines and how awesome the biomechanics are, however, I think I run into the problem of being able to to the whole stack about 20 times. I'll make sure to give it a second look though. I'll probably head back down to Usedgymequipment and Global Fitness sometime soon.

There is also a big show coming to San Francisco in March:

http://www.ihrsa.org/convention

[dumb.bell]

A friend of mine had the same issue with the Flex leg extension (he could do the whole stack) so he put a heavier stack in it. At one point he was going to sell it, but I'm not sure now. If you think you might be interested, PM me and I'll give you his contact information.

[HealthNutMD]

Besides having all the great equipment, you now have educated yourself into becoming an equipment expert from these experiences. Do you like the adjustable bench and rack from elite? and would you buy them again with all you've learned ?
Thanks

Yes, I like the Collegiate 0 - 90 and the Collegiate Power Rack. The 0-90 collegiate bench is great because it is just very, very solid. You don't need a ton of adjustment positions, and the Collegiate 0-90 has a very solid feel because of the type of heavy duty, very wide, essentialy 'doubled' positioning bar. And the adjustement bar is solid, no pins. Great bench!

That being said, I love the Atlantis Pollequin power rack (can't spell it right now). See the pictures posted previously in this thread that I took in person while visiting a gym in Bakersfield, CA. I'm kind of torn on on whether or not I'd get the Atlantis 'Pollequin' rack or the Elite FTS Collegiate (Williams Strength Signature). They are both very nice. I think I'd rank the Sorinex base camp maxed out with all options 3rd place, although Power-Lift and a lot of good choices for what I would consider '3rd best' power rack.

[HealthNutMD]

Legend fitness just released a new plate loaded line called LeverEDGE, that looks to compete with Hammer, the line looks great and being able to load 7-8 plates per side shows you how heavy duty they are.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/Streng...web4875634.htm

http://www.legendfitness.com/category.php?id=82

Hmmm... well, these are the kinds of things I hope they bring to the show in MARCH to San Francisco. I don't see Legend on the list

http://www.ihrsa.org/convention

Strive is from Pittsburgh, PA (home of the first to Six Steelers: and stuck on the Stairway to 7, oh well)... so next time I go back to visit my parents I'm going to stop in the Strive showroom. Only problem is they only have about 5 or 6 pieces in their headquarters for demo purposes which I thought was lame. I need to call Strive again. I got some price quotes from them about 3 months ago...

[HealthNutMD]

Regarding:

5) http://www.atlantis-fit.com/en/p/leg...-squat/2/1/14/





I just talked to the Atlantis again today.

1) They will modify the C-111 just like they are modifying the 40 degree leg press by making the footplate section wider: this will be done by adding an additional footplate placed perpidicular to each side. The standard width of those three foot plates you see (and therefore the width of the foot platform in general) is 24" the modification will change the width by adding 6" on each side for a total width of 36"

2) I am having band attachments added. This will be of questionable benefit since the machine already has a great resistance curve. Nonetheless, it will be another option added and can only be of benefit for more variety options.

IMO thes mods will make this the best power squat on the market. More elegant than the Elite FTS/Williams Strength Signature Power rack which I had my eye on has well:


http://www.flexcart.com/members/fatb...id=143&pid=803

[OutKlast]

Regarding:

5) http://www.atlantis-fit.com/en/p/leg...-squat/2/1/14/





I just talked to the Atlantis again today.

1) They will modify the C-111 just like they are modifying the 40 degree leg press by making the footplate section wider: this will be done by adding an additional footplate placed perpidicular to each side. The standard width of those three foot plates you see (and therefore the width of the foot platform in general) is 24" the modification will change the width by adding 6" on each side for a total width of 36"

2) I am having band attachments added. This will be of questionable benefit since the machine already has a great resistance curve. Nonetheless, it will be another option added and can only be of benefit for more variety options.

IMO thes mods will make this the best power squat on the market. More elegant than the Elite FTS/Williams Strength Signature Power rack which I had my eye on has well:


http://www.flexcart.com/members/fatb...id=143&pid=803

Thoughts on how this compares to the Sorinex version?

http://store.sorinex.com/Multi_Squat...uat_p/ms-1.htm

It does look like the sorinex uses a smaller footplate, kind of looks a bit iffy/scary with the picture of the guy demoing it given his footstance is at the absolute outer edge. I'd be worried I'd step off or slip off.

[HealthNutMD]

Thoughts on how this compares to the Sorinex version?

http://store.sorinex.com/Multi_Squat...uat_p/ms-1.htm

It does look like the sorinex uses a smaller footplate, kind of looks a bit iffy/scary with the picture of the guy demoing it given his footstance is at the absolute outer edge. I'd be worried I'd step off or slip off.

Yes, I looked at the Sorinex but didn't even bring it up here because the Elite/Williams Strength with power squat with wide platform was better and also had band attchments. Some of the Sorinex stuff is mediocre, just like all companies have some winners and some losers... or else this thread wouldn't be here if one company made all of the best stuff.

In any case, I'm thrilled with how this unit is going to turn out from Atlantis, very excited about it.

[View 1]

To bad Legend wont be attending the convention in SF, im sure if you called them they could let you know what trade shows they will be attending.

As for the Atlantis a 24 inch footplate seems very short for any of their leg pieces. I vary my width when I leg press but most of the time I prefer to use a wide width and 24 inches would not allow me to do that, 36 would be perfect. Where are they going to be adding the bad pegs at?

[dumb.bell]

For comparison purposes, my bodymaster has a 36 inches deep foot plate that is 27 inches wide and the bottom and 33 inches wide at the top.

[mroc17]

Could you share how much one of those Atlantis Poliquin racks are? I'd probably have to ask them to add band pegs and some other things. Wondering how it'd compared price wise to to the Collegiate. I was also looking at the Hammer Strength rack. Since you've seen these and own one, what are your opinions?

I was originally going to order a Legend Rack, but the rep never called me back so I'm looking at all options now. I am now a little cautious to order the Collegiate (even though I want it) due to the many concerns over EFS service.

Sorry if I'm jacking your thread, even a response in PM would be fine.

[ndmike99]

I was also looking at the Hammer Strength rack. Since you've seen these and own one, what are your opinions?

It is extremely heavy and very well built. The band pegs concern me because they are not removable and I worry I may hit them if I wanted to do deadlifts or overhead presses in the rack. I got mine used and for a good price, but I will also have the chance to buy a Power Lift Rack soon from a friend that runs a local strength and conditioning program. That is going to be a touch call as Power Lift builds very nice equipment also.

[HealthNutMD]

This Atlantis racks are great. I love the lat bars. They even have a huge thick grip fat pullup bar, regular bar, and multiple pullup options on all sides. seriously thick steel gauge on everything, more than any other company I have seen.

Just thought I'd bring this to the front again.


http://www.atlantis-fit.com/en/p/rac...n-rack/3/4/34/

Spaced at 5 cm/2 “ intervals, 28 laser cut holes for slide-through safety beams and bar hooks accommodate a broad range of body types

Features prone and neutral grip pull-up bars in regular 2.5 cm/ 1” diameter and special 5 cm / 2” fat grip prescribed by Coach Poliquin

Height of the unit can be increased upon request

Specs
Width : 67"
Height : 92"
Length : 63"
Weight : 400 lbs




The band pegs and other accessories for the racks can be seen here:

http://www.atlantis-fit.com/en/our-p.../accessories/3

Not to mention they can customise this rack however you like it.

I like the Elite FTS as well -- I might just give the nod to Atlantis though... love those pullup bar variety all the way around the top. Very, very awesome!

[HealthNutMD]

For comparison purposes, my bodymaster has a 36 inches deep foot plate that is 27 inches wide and the bottom and 33 inches wide at the top.

I was going to ask you about that. Thank-you. I'm very thankful that Atlantis will modify the C-111 power squat to 36" wide. Totally psyched.

[HealthNutMD]

Could you share how much one of those Atlantis Poliquin racks are? I'd probably have to ask them to add band pegs and some other things. Wondering how it'd compared price wise to to the Collegiate. I was also looking at the Hammer Strength rack. Since you've seen these and own one, what are your opinions?

I was originally going to order a Legend Rack, but the rep never called me back so I'm looking at all options now. I am now a little cautious to order the Collegiate (even though I want it) due to the many concerns over EFS service.

I have the entire Atlantis US price sheet with me.

Poliquin Power Rack MSRP $2,195.00 Actual cost is about 10% off, so about $1950.00 That rack is by far an awesome deal for the quality and features.

Plate loaded 40 degree leg press: $3,695.00, + only 150.00 for the mod to widen the foot placement area. Again, subtract about 10% off as well.

The D-123 Lat pulldown: $2,850.00
The D-132 Incline row: $3,295.00
Standing calf $3,150.00

Those are some examples