Differences in smith machines. Need some help.

[nolan3344]

Can someone tell me the advantage to a counter balanced smith opposed to a non counter balanced? Also what is the advantage to an angled vs a non angled (90 degree) smith?

[Wildtim]

A counterbalanced smith is usually smoother to use and can go lighter than the weight of the bar+ hangers. They generally tend to be the higher end of the market.


Angled Smiths may be more ergonomically correct for some exercises, though the jury is still out on this.

[ironwill2008]

A counterbalanced smith is usually smoother to use and can go lighter than the weight of the bar+ hangers. They generally tend to be the higher end of the market.


Angled Smiths may be more ergonomically correct for some exercises, though the jury is still out on this.

X2.

I'll also add that some commercial Smith machines are built so heavily that the carriage may weight up to 80-90 pounds, far too heavy for some smaller-statured gym patrons to be able to lift. Thus, the counterbalance to bring the perceived weight down to something anyone could use, usually 15 pounds or so.

[dparty82]

A counterbalanced smith is usually smoother to use and can go lighter than the weight of the bar+ hangers. They generally tend to be the higher end of the market.


Angled Smiths may be more ergonomically correct for some exercises, though the jury is still out on this.

x3.

Also, counterbalanced smiths can also be used for drag curls as opposed to a heavy a$$ non-counterbalanced smith (unless your strength is superior to all).

[Kodokan]

i'd like to throw in that if it's a vertical smith with no angle...then you can use it quit effectively for belt squats, and rack it in the top position. that takes alot of pain out of the setup for the belt squat i think.

i get confused about the angled smiths...i'd see people in the gym doing the same exercise in opposite directions and that just blew my mind.