Body Solid squat machine deals

[timph]

Hi,

Ive been looking for a powertec or bodysolid leverage squat for a long time on cl, think i'm going to give in and just get a new one.

going to go for the body solid, but wondering if anyone has got one or got any decent deals from a dealer. samsclub has it for $470 if you have a membership(which i dont so its another $40)

the other site i found it really cheap on is healthstylesexercise, but i don't really know much of that site. anyone bought from it? reliable? site seems a bit basic.

thanks

[ctgblue]

For that money you can get a power rack and do real squats, or a used smith and be able to do squats, hacks, etc..
they are nice, but not worth the money unless you are simply an equipment whore and already have a rack, smith, etc..
I would absolutely buy a more versatile piece of equipment first
But between the two, no comparison, the Bodysolid is a MUCH nicer piece

[mikieson]

For that money you can get a power rack and do real squats, or a used smith and be able to do squats, hacks, etc..
they are nice, but not worth the money unless you are simply an equipment whore and already have a rack, smith, etc..
I would absolutely buy a more versatile piece of equipment first
But between the two, no comparison, the Bodysolid is a MUCH nicer piece

What to you makes the bodysolid better? I have often wondered about the difference in the 2 myself.

[Skidmarx]

We've seen pics of crooked parts with bad welds on the Powertec posted here.

[Keetman]

The crooked parts were mine and I'll be glad to show em again if anybody wants.

I haven't seen the BS unit, but I've seen plenty of bodysolid and powertec equipment. If the comparison of the two manufacturers stuff and my own observations of my squat machine are any indicator, CTG is spot on.

I would pay the $150 I paid for mine again, but not much more. They are way overpriced new.

[mikieson]

The crooked parts were mine and I'll be glad to show em again if anybody wants.

I haven't seen the BS unit, but I've seen plenty of bodysolid and powertec equipment. If the comparison of the two manufacturers stuff and my own observations of my squat machine are any indicator, CTG is spot on.

I would pay the $150 I paid for mine again, but not much more. They are way overpriced new.

Do you think they are a good substitute for squats? OR even a legpress? I do squats all the time, but honestly with my horrible back I would like to quit but still get some of the results. Im not trying to compete or have the beefiest legs out there..So what you think?? How much weight can those hold?? and do they seem to emulate a squat fairly well??

[Keetman]

Hmmmmm.......I really hate to speculate too much on this for you, especially since your health is an issue.

First of all, I've heard people say there is no comparison and the leg press is no good for muscle stimulation. But, that just doesn't make sense to me. I've used it for squats and it puts my quads under load, so doesn't it have to be doing something? It also doesn't put any stress on my back or knees that is painful. But, while I have a bit of back pain, nothing that is dibilitating, so hard to say if it will bother you or not. Finally, TBH, I bought primarily because it was cheap and for calf raises. I throw an ocassional set of squats in on it for variety, but not that much. I rely primarily on traditional squats, deads, and GHR's for my legs.

It just wouldn't be fair for me to say if it "works". But, my guess is it will work for leg growth. Especially for what you are describing your goals as. I don't believe it'll be as good as a squat, because there is more going on there, but still a worthwhile exercise.

As far as the capacity, the powertec holds 500lbs, and I think the BS holds more. I've had 430 on the powertec (calves) and it felt like you wouldn't want to put 550 on it!

[RHINO240]

I bought the Body-Solid about a month ago. I paid $200.00 used at 2nd wind. It is a great supplement to barbell squats. There is no excercise that can replace those and it's perfect to use for heavy calf raises. I've had 425lbs on it and it was solid. I trust that it could handle much more.

That being said, if you have some physical problem that makes barbell squats difficult this is your next best option. There is a lot less strain on your back and knees. I'm 38 and I know I can't do heavy squats forever so I am really glad I bought this. I'll probably be an old coot still using this machine!

I guess it depends on your needs, but for me, I would buy this again in a minute as long as I could find a good used one for $300 or less. New ones are way too high.

[timph]

i do have free weights, and i do lighter weight squats with stands. that said i have just never been comfortable doing heavy squats and they also seem to hurt my knee. i tried a powertec leverage squat at the store and really seemed to feel good. while it might not be as good, has to be something.

i really would like to find a good price on a used one, but i havent in months of searching. just like $75 off that was a little bit of a drive. id pay $75 just for it to be new and sent to me. and really, at this point i would rather just pay a few hundred more than check cl everyday/email/make deal/drive to check out and haul back.

that said, id still like to get the best price i could on a new unit. if i could find out how reputable healthstylesexercise is, think id just go ahead and order from them.

thanks

[mikieson]

I bought the Body-Solid about a month ago. I paid $200.00 used at 2nd wind. It is a great supplement to barbell squats. There is no excercise that can replace those and it's perfect to use for heavy calf raises. I've had 425lbs on it and it was solid. I trust that it could handle much more.

That being said, if you have some physical problem that makes barbell squats difficult this is your next best option. There is a lot less strain on your back and knees. I'm 38 and I know I can't do heavy squats forever so I am really glad I bought this. I'll probably be an old coot still using this machine!

I guess it depends on your needs, but for me, I would buy this again in a minute as long as I could find a good used one for $300 or less. New ones are way too high.

Sounds good...Although price would have to depend on usage to me. I would use it every week so it would be worth more to me than someone who worksout off and on OR someone that doesnt workout legs all that often.

I can do squats, but one slight mistake and its lights out for me. I hurt my back last Thursday and its still stiff over a week later. I was able to do my legs yesturday but I took it very easy and didnt try to push too hard. All I did to hurt my back was go from a normal 300lb squat to 370lbs. Thats it...and on the way down I was out of alignment just a little and there it went. I managed to get 2 reps, but at a price that im tired of paying.

So if I can do pretty good squats on that machine without having to worry about every little 1/4" movement...It would be worth 500$ or so. Like I said..Im not in this game to compete. And my goals are not to be HUGE like they were years ago...So this might be the ticket.

Thanks guys and thanks TC for the thread.