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

[GreatDutchHope]

I think it is safe to say not a lot of people can give a tour of their house and say: "This is the room where I keep my chest machines". Very impressive setup.

[HealthNutMD]

I'd rather have it all in one big 4000 sq foot room, and just have a separate 4000 sq foot house... instead of a 5200 sq foot house trying to do everything. If I stay in this house I can build another add-on room, approximately 1500-2000 sq foot room, depending on the set back rules. Who can predict the future... I'm not really worried about it now... just need some peace, and some healthy living.

[HealthNutMD]

Leg/Back/Shoulder Main area:

[McBrody]

I think the US has become a tough market for any machine supplier. We've become more of a crossfit and group class nation. Combine that with all commercial clubs just wanting the cheapest and best deals from companies like Hoist and Life Fitness who make garbage machines. Star Trac still makes a few good machines, but has slowly ruined some designs by Flex Fitness... now engineered by a group of pencil pushers from Star Trac

One of the main reasons Atlantis Fitness and Panatta are so good, because they are owned by one person, a serious bodybuilder with a quest to make the best machines. Getting machines from these guys is like getting a custom Italian suit from a lifelong expert.

The problem is simply the US marketplace, its just brutal for machines. Nobody wants to pay squat. Nobody knows any better, for the most part. Nobody nobody cares much about machines these days. If all I had to use was Life Fitness, Hoist, and Technogym, I'd rather do free weights and group classes.

As we mentioned before, Life Fitness, Star Trac, Technogym, and Hoist practically give their machines away if you buy a whole line, and buy/lease all of their cardio machines.

Youd essentially have to open up a high end personal training studio at this point. I think it would be really awesome to do a cost no object commercial gym. I wish somebody would do it.

Thanks for the great insight. The gym business seems to be a very tough business with ever shrinking profit margins, especially with gyms like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness charging so little.
Being you have first hand experience, I'd love to know what you think the top 5 or 10 equipment makers are and who you would rate number 1, 2 and so forth.

[HealthNutMD]

Main Room cont:

[HealthNutMD]

Main room cont b:

[HealthNutMD]

main room cont c:

















[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=7563231&d=1423087013[img]

[HealthNutMD]

main room cont d

[HealthNutMD]

Back Room:

[HealthNutMD]

Back Room cont :

[HealthNutMD]

Back room cont b:

[HealthNutMD]

Back Room cont c:

[HealthNutMD]

Bicep room:

[HealthNutMD]

Thanks for the great insight. The gym business seems to be a very tough business with ever shrinking profit margins, especially with gyms like Planet Fitness and Anytime Fitness charging so little.
Being you have first hand experience, I'd love to know what you think the top 5 or 10 equipment makers are and who you would rate number 1, 2 and so forth.

At this point in my life, owning a gym seems like too much of a hassle. Maybe in the future I'd consider it... not depending so much on the profit aspect, but breaking even and minimal profit just as something to enjoy. But you'd really have to be settled into your house and community long term for that. Either way, just seems like a hassle at this point.

Would be amazing to have a badass olympic pool, all the machines shown here, the best group classes, all the cross-fit stuff, tons of power racks... a full blown track, you name it. It would have to be in an area that could support $250/ month memberships...

But back to what you were asking, this thread has always been about individual machines, equipment, etc.. not about companies. Just look at the cost no object list, posted many times in this thread for a complete list. I'll repost again soon.

[vonschnapps]

Youd essentially have to open up a high end personal training studio at this point. I think it would be really awesome to do a cost no object commercial gym. I wish somebody would do it.[/QUOTE]

So what would that commercial gym have that you already don't?

Also want to thank you for the pictures. My wife was complaining that we were turning the house into a gym, showed her yours and said 'we're not even part way there'!

[McBrody]

There are gyms that charge in the neighborhood of $200 per month but, they are in areas where the wealthy are. To them it's goes along with belonging to a country club, it's no big deal.

[D2rmind]

First off that is the most impressive setup I have ever seen. I don't think I have ever seen that much quality gym equipment in all the gyms I have been to combined. A couple questions. the Atlantic leg press that looks similar to the CYBEX squat press what is it called and how close is it to the feel of the CYBEX. I really like the feel of the CYBEX and this looks very similar . Second did you add the pad to the Hammer Strength Iso Row? If so does it improve the stretch ? I would think it would. Awesome setup man very very nice !

[grapegorilla]

I have never seen such an impressive collection. Can you comment on your opinion of the WSB stuff. The Inverse Curl Machine (middle) has me pretty curious.

Thanks

[Mech6]

Well, that's that. We can close this forum. No one is going to beat that.

[HealthNutMD]

First off that is the most impressive setup I have ever seen. I don't think I have ever seen that much quality gym equipment in all the gyms I have been to combined. A couple questions. the Atlantic leg press that looks similar to the CYBEX squat press what is it called and how close is it to the feel of the CYBEX. I really like the feel of the CYBEX and this looks very similar.

This exact topic was dicussed thoroughly, at least twice in this thread. In summary: The Atlantis Pivot Press is significantly better than the Cybex version. Similar, yes, but much better. I like the Cybex version very much, but this version, the Atlantis Pivot Press is much better. You'd have to try it to appreciate the difference. Its probably my overall favorite leg press.

Second did you add the pad to the Hammer Strength Iso Row? If so does it improve the stretch ? I would think it would. Awesome setup man very very nice !

Yes, that was shown here in this thread as well. You could probably have full circle padding make one... you just have to ask for 4 inches worth of wood backing. I think the pre-stretch was fine on the original, but this definitely helps a little more in that regard. The main reason I added the extra 4" spacer, was to keep my nuts from getting smashed. When I use the Hammer Strength mid-row with 4+ plates per side, it tended to squash the nuts. With this pad spacer modification, problem solved--totally changed that machine for me.

I really thought I'd find a better mid-row somewhere, but I have not. I'm not talkng about the Med-X Avenger, that row is unique, and the best overall midrow on the market. But in terms of Hammer Strength mid-row, I have not found a better version. The only one that gives it a run for the money is the Pendulum 3 way row. If I had the space, I'd probably pick up the Pendulum 3 way row for ****s and giggles. I just don't have the luxury for 2 and 3 of the same thing.

The only piece of Hammer Strength I have remaining is the Mid row with the modified chest pad.





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[HealthNutMD]

I have never seen such an impressive collection. Can you comment on your opinion of the WSB stuff. The Inverse Curl Machine (middle) has me pretty curious.

Thanks

Its a very cool machine. The inverse Leg curl is a very unique, very useful machine. I'll be putting a lot more time on it this month and do a full review at some point.

[D2rmind]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't read the entire thread. Sounds like a great press . I have never even seen one before. The CYBEX has always been my favorite. Sounds like the Atlantis is another one to try. I love the Hammer Strength Iso(mid) Row. Definitely my favorite Hammer Strength piece. Again Amazing setup !

This exact topic was dicussed thoroughly, at least twice in this thread. In summary: The Atlantis Pivot Press is significantly better than the Cybex version. Similar, yes, but much better. I like the Cybex version very much, but this version, the Atlantis Pivot Press is much better. You'd have to try it to appreciate the difference. Its probably my overall favorite leg press.





Yes, that was shown here in this thread as well. You could probably have full circle padding make one... you just have to ask for 4 inches worth of wood backing. I think the pre-stretch was fine on the original, but this definitely helps a little more in that regard. The main reason I added the extra 4" spacer, was to keep my nuts from getting smashed. When I use the Hammer Strength mid-row with 4+ plates per side, it tended to squash the nuts. With this pad spacer modification, problem solved--totally changed that machine for me.

I really thought I'd find a better mid-row somewhere, but I have not. I'm not talkng about the Med-X Avenger, that row is unique, and the best overall midrow on the market. But in terms of Hammer Strength mid-row, I have not found a better version. The only one that gives it a run for the money is the Pendulum 3 way row. If I had the space, I'd probably pick up the Pendulum 3 way row for ****s and giggles. I just don't have the luxury for 2 and 3 of the same thing.

The only piece of Hammer Strength I have remaining is the Mid row with the modified chest pad.





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[bigfeather]

Thank-you.

let me know when you are down this way. I'd like to come to Kauai at some point and check out your gym. You must have it all tweaked up now that you had time to move things around. Is your gym all finished?

I just purchased TJ's 3 plate loaded Nebula's. Same ones you have. The 2 chest and the shoulder I already have the low row as you do also. I took a David side lateral from JT also. All 4 pieces will ship next week from new Jersey...

[HITFan]

Chest room more:

I can't emphasize enough just how heavy is the 120 KG Panatta weight stack. its 264.5 lbs. Its just awesome.

One of the plate loaded chest machines is Panatta, what is the other one?

Also, what are your though on Panatta chest fly vs Nautilus 10 degree chest?

[HealthNutMD]

So what would that commercial gym have that you already don't?

Not much, but I'd have a Pit Shark, full height one. I wouldn't have sold a few of the pieces I just sold-- like the Atlantis Power Squat I have on Ebay. By the time you take the hit on selling it, you may as well just keep it if space is no issue in a large commercial gym setting. I'd probably have a Hammer Strength DY Row, and Wide Chest. Those two are *unique* Hammer pieces that many people like.

Some people like the Hammer vertical decline, although, once you try the Star Trac vertical decline, you'd want it instead of the Hammer Vertical decline. Then along comes the Panatta vertical chest, and it has a slight downward slope, badass amazing. You would then sell the Star Trac for the Panatta.

In any case, the cost no Object list, posted here throughout the thread (forget which page the most recent one is located but I'll find it and repost it. its in here not too far back. To answer your question, I'd have as much of the cost no object list as I could in the commercial gym. I just can't fit it all here. That being said, I'm not missing anything. If there was something I really wanted, it would be here.

Going in a different direction, I though I would list the piece that I feel are irreplaceable. I have pieces that I feel have no equal, and that I could never sell. Unfortunately that list is large, but here I go:


Shoulders:

1) Panatta Deltoid Press: footbar, hydraulic seat, and adjustable hydraulic back pad. Infinite grip choice, including infinite neutral grip choice.

2) Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Shoulder. Its not like the Hammer version, it looks similar, but it is magnitudes of order superior. (The selectorized version of this Power-Lift machine is not recommended, its nothing like the Pro Plate Load version).

3) Strive Selectorized Lateral raise. Its 3 machines in one. Arms up, arms lateral, forward or reverse. the newest version being made is actually the best version. If ordering new, make sure you ask for them to not have the stops put on. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it is discussed in this thread. You need to make sure to ask to not have the stops welded on. The main engineer says in a future version he will not be putting them on. they only serve to limit the range of motion, which is not necessary. I absolutely love this machine. The weight stack is great, but I'd recommend asking to put on a few more weight blocks just to make sure beast mode is covered.

[harrisg83]

I'm not sure who purchased the Panatta spider curl machine from last years order but can you please post pics? Thanks!

[HealthNutMD]

Continued list of *The best of the best of the best*

Back:

1) Panatta Divergent Lat Pulldown: One of the persons here has this machine besides me. I posted videos of it in this thread when I was in Italy, with the Blond Norwegian girl going all Viking on it. This machine is so well thought out, there is nothing like it. The only lat pulldown that I am aware of that has linkage and a well thought out strength curve (unlike every other design that has a simple see-saw pivot point). I'm not going to repeat everything I've already said before, but this piece is straight from Leonardo Da Vinci.


2) Power-Lift Pro Select Lat Pulldown: Selectorized Lat pulldown with heavy stack added (390 lb stack). If I had to chose between the Pro select and Pro Plate load, no question I'd pick the pro-select version. Funny how that works out sometimes. That being said, the Pro-plate load version is outstanding, and I don't know if I could part with it. All Iam saying is that if I had to chose between the Pro-select and pro plate load, it would be the pro-select (with heavy stack). More to the point, this machine came out of nowhere. It was one of the payoffs from visiting the factory in Jefferson Iowa... the only place I could find to demo both. I might be putting both versions on the *best of the best of the best* list, but for now, the Pro select is undoubtedly my favorite lat pulldown machine alongside the Panatta. They complement each other extremely well.


3) Med-X Avenger Row. This machine has come to represent my favorite leverage row of all time. I'm not talking about the selectorized version. I'm talking specifically the MedX Avenger plate loaded Row. A true cost no object design. There is nothing even close to this row in concept or design. also my favorite, number one piece in the Avenger line-up.

4) David Rowing torso. As shown in the Back Room. A true reverse pec deck. A rhomboid blaster like no other.

5) Atlantis High Cable Row: Shown in pics with the Mag Grip attachment. Its really just a row, except you put your feet higher, allowing you to get your low back out of the movement. A superior cable row.


6) Hammer Strength Mid Row with chest pad modification. The only other row to consider of this type is the Pendulum 3 way row.

[HealthNutMD]

Legs:

1) Atlantis Pivot Press. Love the strength curve, love the motion, love the stretch. It feels somewhat like an inverted leg press, but without the hazard of being upside down.

2) Pendulum Power Squat Pro: To me, this is Tyler Hobson's claim to fame, his Leonardo Da Vinci. His overall most unique piece, and his best overall in my opinion.

3) Pendulum Hip Press: Its just a cool press, and has a nice strength curve.

4) A linear leg press: I chose the Atlantis for a few reasons, the huge stainless steel tubes and nylon rollers eliminated friction (for the most part) and the need for bearings. I also prefer the 40 degree angle. and of course, the modified wide foot plate which is key over the standard Atlantis version. However, this really shouldn't be on the list, because the Elite FTS Mundo linear leg press, The Old original Nebula 35 degree, the USC 35-45 linear leg press, and the Power-lift linear leg press are also very good. My point is that I would still want a linear leg press in my line-up... and those are the best of the linears. I chose the Atlantis, but I think any of those would be great.

5) The Avenger Leg press, but only with the following: The New seat design by Ken Keppler and also the variable adjustable boom by Ken Keppler. Both additions offer more pre-stretch. The new back pad is vastly superior to the original. The original back pad was poorly thought out. Ken's design is robust and perfect. It has the perfect contour and lumbar support. The original actually had the pads angled inward, totally wrong concept. As far as the boom being adjustable, it game me a couple more inches of pre-stretch, which was badly needed in my opinion. Without those two modifications, I probably would have sold mine. Those two were a big difference maker.

6) UCS GHD: At least the modifed large foot plate and custom wide rollers weren't much of an extra charge. Best GHD I've ever used.


7) Star Track/Flex Fitness Leg Curl. Star Track versions that maintained the Flex Fitness design with the bar between the legs, as shown in my pictures. The most amazing prone leg curl. The newest Star Trac version is not as good, ruined by a pencil pushing engineer geek.

8) Star Track/Flex Fitness kneeling leg curl. To the best of my knowledge, Star Trac still has not changed anything and is the best overall kneeling leg curl.

9) Atlantis Standing Selectorized leg curl. Amazing.

10) Strive Abductor/Adductor: By far the best abd/add on the market. The only one with a heavy enough stack, full 180 degree spread, and even has a variable strength curve to top it off.

[HealthNutMD]

Chest:

Atlantis Decline-Flat adjustable: If I had to keep only one Atlantis piece, this would be it, the last to go. There is nothing like it. Not only is there nothing like it, the machine has perfect convergence and a perfect motion path. The fact that its so adjustable is just icing all over this badass cake.


Panatta Super incline multi grip

Panatta Super Horizontal multi grip

Nebula old school leverage 3 grip incline

Nebula old school leverage 2 grip horizontal

Panatta Vertical Chest press: It edges out my second favorite chest press, the old school Atlantis vertical chest press. As i mentioned before, some people really like the Star trac vertical decline (its a new piece from star track). This vertical chest press has a crazy good motion path, that is slightly declined. No stress on the shoulders. Tons of prestretch with the footbar. You could put 9 plates on each side, its a beast. And if you didn't notice, it has linkage and a strength curve!

Atlantis old school Vertical Chest: I wouldn't consider it a number two. I would still have bought it even after having the Panatta. I want both. Its just so damn good.

Panatta XP LUX selectorized Incline flight machine: The standard stack is probably good for most people, but get the heavy and top it off. You probaby still wont do more than one rep with 80 KG on this machine. But get the 120 KG stack, its not much extra. The Cams give this machine a slight edge over the plate loaded version. The convenience of the weight stack is nice. I love this machine.

Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest: Its a classic, and its well thought out. Thankfully it has enough prestretch. If only they had a footbar on this machine. Still love this machine. The Panatta is 30 degree, this is 10 degrees. I wouldn't part with either.

[HealthNutMD]

Arms:

Power-Lift Pro Select preacher Curl. I'm thankful I went out and demoed this piece. A preacher was not on my list. I just demoed it as part of a tour. All of a sudden I found the best preacher curl I had ever used. The angle is spot on perfect for both the grip and the pad. It feels so perfect.

Atlantis plate loaded preacher: next time I'm at Atlantis, I'd like to see if the current version is as good as the one I have. It has two grips, one is more of a hammer curl that is amazing.

Strive: It can be a little rough, but it is unique. and the only one too offer a crazy variable strength curve. I consider this piece a classic. If it didn't offer the variable strength curve, it probably wouldn't be on this list. But it does... and its very unique.


Cybex VR3 tricep with Heavy stack. Its a classic, and one of the best Cybex ever made.