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

[HealthNutMD]

Here is a really cool new adjustable, verstaile small bench:

[HealthNutMD]

Another bench that I really love. The ultimate tricep bench.



You have to use this bench to really appreciate the awesomeness of this bench. The only thing preventing me from getting this bench right now is space limitation.

[HealthNutMD]

Another very good bench is the Sissy Squat bench from Panatta




Although TK says he is making a Sissy Squat, so it would be great to see TK's Sissy Squat. Hopefully we can get a picture soon.

[HealthNutMD]

Its at the 1:50 mark... older video.


I'm still thinking about picking up the Power Tower ... Its just too cool and convenient.

http://www.panattasport.com/en/product/1HP233.html

[SamMcGuckin]

Love the look of those monolith pads!

Don't like the look of the circular motion chest and shoulder presses though. They remind me of technogym equipment from my first gym. Some of the worst machines I've ever used. The vertical traction (essentially and circular lat pull down) wasn't bad, but the chest presses were awful.

The new power lift pec dec looks great as well. Oversized pads, slight decline motion and can have the heavy stack.

[HealthNutMD]

Yes, I agree, although the Panatta versions are far superior, even in their prototype stage.

The true magic is in the XP Lux designs. Once they come out with the Monolith versions of those machines, I'm going to pick them up.

[HealthNutMD]

The new power lift pec dec looks great as well. Oversized pads, slight decline motion and can have the heavy stack.

I'm not too impressed looking at it...



I'd have to try it, but doesn't look all that impressive to me.

[HealthNutMD]

Cost No Object List, Version 1.7:

This thread is not meant to be a free weights vs machines thread, and I think we got that out of the way early in the thread. This thread is simply about discussing all the choices of various free weights and machine choices on the market that people feel represent the best choice, regardless of cost. Certainly best bang for the buck is always relevant as well, but the thread is primarily focused on what is the best product available.

No company makes all of the best equipment, not even close. This thread is about discussing the best available individual machines. While some extreme body types (very short, very tall, very large, etc..) might work better with some equipment rather than others, a machine that is voted best of best is most often very adjustable and can be used with the widest variety of body types and still retain the best biomechanics (most importantly under maximum weight/effort).

Ultimately, when it comes to machines, biomechanics and how a machine 'feels' is by far the critical factor in determining what machine is best. One of the best ways to determine the quality of a machine's biomechanics, is the ability of a machine to allow perfect form when using a maximum amount of weight (effort). Additionally, the ideal machine will also have adequate starting position (pre-stretch) and a very large range of motion.

Another strength of this thread is the discussion on rare and unique specialty benches: autospot benches, skull crushers, dumbbell pullover benches, curved benches, etc...



Leg presses:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis Pivot Press

Atlantis Hack Squat machines

MedX Avenger Leg Press (with range of motion mods and the Ken Keppler seat)

Nebula Vertical leg press

Panatta Leg Press Bridge

Power-Lift Full Body Squat

Randy Coyle Swing Squat

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press

Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro


Runner-ups:

Rogers Athletic Seated Squat Pro (highly recommend extended demo before purchase)
Cybex Plate loaded Leg Press
Free Motion Epic Plate loaded (and selectorized) Leg presses.
Strive Plate loaded leg press


Linear Leg Presses:

Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (with modified wide foot plates) My personal choice of best linear leg press, although there are many great choices:


Runner-ups:

Elite FTS Mondo 45 degree Leg press
Nebula 35 degree leg press
Nebula 45 degree Leg Press
Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Uni-Bi Lateral Leg Press
UCS adjustable 35-45 degree leg press


Smith Machine:

Nebula smith machine declared 'overall' winner. Adjustable angle: straight to angled, full range top to bottom.


Leg Curl:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis C-107 Standing leg curl

Star Trac/Flex Fitness makes the best prone leg curl and best kneeling leg curl on the market bar none:

Star Trac/Flex Fitness Prone Leg curl (up until 2011) (newest Star Trac version gets demoted to A- (version with bar between legs are the best (2011 and prior).

Star Trac/Flex Fitness Kneeling Leg Curl

Westside Barbell/Legend: Inverse leg curl


Runner-ups:

Cybex plate loaded kneeling leg curl

MedX Selectorized seated leg curl "with rollers on the seat" for seat movement during end of the motion. (even though this specific version might be the best seated leg curl on the market, it is questionable whether you would want to pursue a seated leg curl. Prone, standing, and kneeling leg curls all generally felt to be superior).



Leg Extension:

TOP-TIER:

MedX selectorized Leg extension (Inquire about adding weight to weight stack)

Strive Fitness plate loaded

Westside Legend: Hip Quad machine


Leg Abductor/Adductor:

TOP-TIER:

Strive Fitness combo abductor/adductor


Runner-ups:

Atlantis Abductor/Adductor A-
Cybex Eagle A-



Calf Machines:

TOP-TIER:

*Upcoming TK Star Super Seated Calf*

Atlantis standing calf

Free Motion Epic calf ext

Reflex/Sorinex Donkey calf with custom adjustable forearm pad

Sorinex seated calf

TK Star seated calf


Shoulder:

TOP-TIER:


Panatta Free weight Deltoid Press

Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Shoulder

Strive selectorized lateral raise (must request stops removed, or cut stops, see thread)


Runner-ups:

Atlantis E-449 Plate loaded Shoulder
Hammer Strength Plate loaded Iso lateral
MedX Avenger Shoulder (overhead press)
MedX selectorized shoulder press
Nebula 3 grip (old school) Leverage Shoulder
Panatta XP Lux selectorized deltoid with heavy stack
Rogers Athletic Pendulum: Shoulder/Incline/Chest



Traps:

TOP-TIER:

Elite FTS Pro Rickshaw

Power Lift DEADLIFT / TRAP BAR

Rogers Athletic Pendulum 5 way neck with shrugs.

Sorinex Diamond Bar




Triceps:


TOP-TIER:

Atlantis Dipping station

Bodymasters overhead tricep bench

Cybex VR2/VR3 arm extension. Heavy stack option is absolute MUST have on VR3. Older VR2 is also top tier and has heavy stack included. A+

David Future Line Dip (requires heavy weight stack option)

Hammer Strength Plate loaded Pushdown

MedX selectorized tricep extension

Nebula reverse dip bench

Panatta selectorized "Triceps Machine" XP Lux

Panatta Tricep Bench (The ultimate Skull crusher Bench)

Panatta 'old school version' Plate Loaded Tricep dip (as seen in Panatta home gym)

UCS Lat Pulldown Tower with Tricep attachments. Unique amazing adjustable start position with 1 inch increments. (The best Lat pulldown and tricep attachment machine on the market, request 320 lb stack).


Runner-ups:

Bodymasters selectorized behind the head triceps extension
Flex Fitness selectorized behind the head triceps extension




Biceps:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis Plate loaded preacher curl B-357

Bodymasters preacher curl bench

Nautilus Compound Bicep

Power-Lift Pro Select Bicep Curl

Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench

Strive plate loaded bicep

TK Star Preacher Curl



Runner-ups:

Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep
Panatta Free Weight Bicep




Back:


TOP-TIER:

Atlantis D-423 pulldown (a superior version of the Hammer Stength pulldown)

Atlantis D-123 cable pulldown 310 lb stack standard

Atlantis NM-500 pulldown (250 lbs stack, but offers dual pulleys)

Atlantis D-132 cable High Row (310 lb weight stack is standard on this).

David Rowing Torso

Hammer Strength Iso lateral MID ROW, with modified chest pad.

Hammer Strength Low Row

Legend Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum

MedX Avenger Pulldown

MedX Avenger Row

MedX Selectorized Lumbar

Nebula Leverage Low Row

Panatta Plate Load Low Row

Panatta Plate Load Pulldown

Panatta Plate Load High Row

Panatta XP Lux Lat Pulldown with heavy stack

Panatta XP Lux High Row with heavy stack

Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Lat Pulldown

Power-Lift Pro Select Lat Pulldown

Power-Lift VARIABLE ANGLE ROMAN CHAIR

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Combo Lat Pulldown

Rogers Athletic Pendulum 3 way Row

Strive Plate loaded and selectorized Low back extension with seatbelt.

UCS Lat Pulldown Tower with Tricep attachments. Unique amazing adjustable start position with 1 inch increments. (The best Lat pulldown and tricep attachment machine on the market, request 320 lb stack).

Back Cable attachments:

Dual stirrup Hampton cable attachment or similar chain with Black Iron Strength stirrup handle upgrades.

Mag Grip attachments: http://www.maxagrip.com/products.html



Runner-ups:


Hammer Strength High Row
Hammer Strength DY Row
Hammer Strength Pulldown
Strive Extreme Row





Chest:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis P-439 Plate loaded flat/decline

Atlantis Plate loaded Vertical chest (Old version, but possibly available upon demand)

Atlantis P-156 Pec Fly/rear Delt

David Future Line Pec Deck (requires heavy weight stack option)

Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest

Panatta Free Weight Vertical Chest

Panatta Free Weight Super Horizontal Bench Press

Panatta Free Weight Super Incline Bench Press

Panatta Free Weight Inclined Chest Press *(the new MedX Avenger/Power-Lift Killer)*

Panatta XP-Lux selectorized Incline Flight Machine (Heavy Stack option 120Kg)

Panatta XP Lux Vertical chest (Heavy Stack option … current limitation around 140Kg)



Runner-ups:

Atlantis P-443 Plate loaded incline chest A+
Hammer Strength Wide chest
Hammer Strength Decline Chest
Hammer Strength HORIZONTAL iso lateral chest
Legend LeverEdge flat (horizontal) plate loaded chest
Legend LeverEdge Incline plate loaded chest.
MedX Avenger vertical chest
Nebula IDA vertical chest
Nebula plate loaded leverage Incline chest (3 grip choices)
Nebula plate loaded leverage flat chest (2 grip choices)
Panatta Fit Evo Pec Dec and XP Lux Pec Dec
Panatta Plate Load Incline flight machine
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Vertical Chest (non-converging design will cause varying opinions on this machine, highly recommend demo before purchase).
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Shoulder/Chest/Incline
Star Trac plate loaded vertical chest
Star Trac plate loaded decline chest





Abs:

TOP-TIER:

Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch

Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch

Nautilus One Ab

Panatta Plate Load Ab Crunch

Panatta Fit Evo Abdominal isolator Bench (best Ab bench I have ever encountered) Upcoming adjustable angle version.

Strive fitness Rotary Torso: (modified to have 225 lb weight stack to help make setting 2 adequately challenging).




Benches:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis B-180 curved pullover bench with wheels

Atlantis Fitness Autospot benches

Bodymasters overhead tricep bench

Elite FTS Collegiate 0-90 bench

Nebula Awesome utility bench

Nebula reverse dip bench (see thread pg 44)

Nebula dumbbell pullover bench (see thread pg 44)

Nebula 1040 Adjustable Flat Bench--adjustable at both sides (see thread pg 44)

Nebula Dumbbell row/kickback bench

Parillo curved lumbar incline bench
Panatta Fully Adjustable Benches

Power-Lift Lever action

Sorinex Autospot benches

Williams strength Signature Military dumbbell bench


Glute Ham Developer:

UCS Glute Ham with custom wide footplate and wide footpads (36" width footplate)



Pullover Machines:

Nautilus Power Plus Pullover

Nautilus Spider cam Pullover

Nautilus Plate loaded Leverage

David Future Line Pullover with Heavy Stack


Runner-up:

MedX selectorized iso-lateral pullover
Hammer Strength plate loaded (with custom pad spacers as shown in thread)



MISC:

Atlantis C-206 Adjustable step platform

Atlantis Multi Forearm vs David Multi Forearm

Atlantis Power Runner

Black Iron Strength fat bars

Black Iron Strength attachments.

Elite FTS Swiss Bar

Legend Fitness: Squat Machine and Calf Blaster #3129

Mag Grip attachments: http://www.maxagrip.com/products.html

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Gripper

Rogers Athletic Pit Shark

Rope machines

T-Grip Barbell bars and attachments

Plyo Boxes:

UCS http://www.ucsspirit.com/strength-sp...lite-Plyoboxes

Power-Lift Adjustable plyo Boxes

Runner up:

MDUSA soft plyo boxes.



Functional Trainers:

Cybex Bravo






Cardio Machines:

www.endlesspools.com

Michael Phelps SwimSpa: www.michaelphelpsswimspa.com

SwimEx: www.swimex.com

Precor AMT

Precor EFX ellipticals

Cybex Arc trainer 770 AT (moving arms) or A (non-moving arms)

Commercial Stairmaster machines. Step Mill 5

Jacob's Ladder

Versa climber

Rowing machines:
Concept 2 Rower: Water Rower (wood version): Water Rower (metalversion)

Treadmills:

Top Tier
Woodway ELG
Woodway Desmo Elite

Best passive

Woodway Curve (XL)

runner-ups:

Commercial Precors (954, 956, 966).
Star Trac E-TRxe

[sbd1805]

  Hope everyone's summer is going well, I was fortunate enough to pick up one of the Panatta deltoid's in the last run and all I can say is wow! So many things stand out on this piece from the pedal entry, depth adjustment, gas shock seat and not that I normally give a damn about what machines/equipment look like but this is one of if not the nicest looking pieces I have ever seen. Pictures really don't do justice.
  The motion path of the arms is perfect for me, I wanted a deltoid machine that wasn't just an anterior fryer, seems as though many delt machines are nothing more than just that, so the idea of being able to go behind the neck to all the way in front via depth adjustment was a major selling point for me. That depth adjustment allows me to really focus on all heads of the delt.
  Based off the quality of Panatta from what I have seen, I look forward to picking up more pieces from their lineup.
Big thank you to Chris for handling all of the shipping and paperwork.

[HealthNutMD]

Pics of Nic's Detoid Press

[HealthNutMD]

Someone mentioned we needed to add the Tiger Barbell Real Runner to the CNO list:



http://www.tigerbarbell.com/Real-Run...rice_p_12.html

[SamMcGuckin]

Did you get to demo the current nautilus evo pec decs (both the decline and flat) before you bought the 10 degree horizontal one?

[STR8OUT]

I added 2 really nice pieces on your list to my gym this week. The Hip Press feels unbelievable and looks like it came from the future. The Rogers Shoulder Incline is a massive piece of art. I've yet to put them both to the test but from what I can tell I really like them both. My only gripe is that the Shoulder Incline doesn't converge at all, I cant help but to wonder why Tyler didnt incorporate that. The machine is A+ for its versatility and 3D seat and arms but the flat-press has me confused. Almost every plate loaded chest machine from every manufacturer converges inward as you press so maybe I'm just so used to it and that's why it feels so weird. But maybe Tyler is right and the others have it wrong. Its like pressing a barbell.

[SamMcGuckin]

I think it's possibly because the company is geared towards athletic/performance training rather than bodybuilding or purely hypertrophy training. A converging motion would be better for hypertrophy and achieving a maximum contraction but for purely building strength and increasing power a convergence would have no benefit. You don't need a full ROM for athletic training and there was evidence that A shortened ROM at both the top and bottom was more beneficial for strength training. You can use more weight without a convergence because the ROM is shorter anyway.

[HealthNutMD]

I added 2 really nice pieces on your list to my gym this week. The Hip Press feels unbelievable and looks like it came from the future. The Rogers Shoulder Incline is a massive piece of art. I've yet to put them both to the test but from what I can tell I really like them both. My only gripe is that the Shoulder Incline doesn't converge at all, I cant help but to wonder why Tyler didn't incorporate that. The machine is A+ for its versatility and 3D seat and arms but the flat-press has me confused. Almost every plate loaded chest machine from every manufacturer converges inward as you press so maybe I'm just so used to it and that's why it feels so weird. But maybe Tyler is right and the others have it wrong. Its like pressing a barbell.

At first, I really liked the Rogers Shoulder/incline chest/vertical chest.... but I shortly realized that versatility came at a price... To be honest, I don't really like it and ended up selling it. The versatility is a major appeal, and then I realized that I had much better machines for shoulder, incline chest, and vertical chest.... and that was before the Panatta free weight chest machines came along which totally changed everything in the chest and deltoid word....

When you come to this area again, please come by to try the custom Panatta Deltoid, custom panatta Super incline chest, Panatta vertical chest, and Panatta Super Horizontal chest.

I'll be ordering the new Panatta Vertical Incline chest with the next order. The versions I had made for us are truly on a whole different level. Hopefully you can come by again. So much has changed...

[HealthNutMD]

Did you get to demo the current nautilus evo pec decs (both the decline and flat) before you bought the 10 degree horizontal one?

I remember demoing those at some point. They have an appealing design, but if I recall correctly, they were disappointing.

I'm very happy with the Nautilus Power Plus 10 and the Panatta XP Lux 30 degree Incline flight with Heavy stack.

[SamMcGuckin]

Ok fair enough. I'm presuming larger companies like nautilus and hammer strength weren't willing to make customizations like panatta are?

Always appreciate a company that's willing to listen to customers and make changes that will improve their product not just their profit!

[STR8OUT]

At first, I really liked the Rogers Shoulder/incline chest/vertical chest.... but I shortly realized that versatility came at a price... To be honest, I don't really like it and ended up selling it. The versatility is a major appeal, and then I realized that I had much better machines for shoulder, incline chest, and vertical chest.... and that was before the Panatta free weight chest machines came along which totally changed everything in the chest and deltoid word....

When you come to this area again, please come by to try the custom Panatta Deltoid, custom panatta Super incline chest, Panatta vertical chest, and Panatta Super Horizontal chest.

I'll be ordering the new Panatta Vertical Incline chest with the next order. The versions I had made for us are truly on a whole different level. Hopefully you can come by again. So much has changed...

I will be putting the shoulder/incline to the test over the next few weeks and hope that I grow to like it. Initial thought is that I like it but if it converged I would love it. I dont want to dismiss it until I see how I feel the day after a serious workout.

I will be there towards end of September and I'll definitely hit you up! If its cool I'd like to bring my workout buddy Henry and we can all do a serious workout. I told him your gym was insane.

[HealthNutMD]

I will be putting the shoulder/incline to the test over the next few weeks and hope that I grow to like it. Initial thought is that I like it but if it converged I would love it. I dont want to dismiss it until I see how I feel the day after a serious workout.

I will be there towards end of September and I'll definitely hit you up! If its cool I'd like to bring my workout buddy Henry and we can all do a serious workout. I told him your gym was insane.

Yes for sure, sounds good.

There is a forum member coming here this upcoming week.

Goalder is coming in a few days... hint to anyone who wants:


- Rogers Combo Lat Pulldown with extra custom grips

- Any of the Nebula pieces

- Strive Plate loaded Bicep


A couple forum members picked up My Atlantis D-123 pulldown and Power-Lift Plate Load Pulldown. Goalder is coming Wednesday to pick those up.... so good timing if anyone is interested in the above...

[Greybird2]

Thanks again for the pics of the 3 decline benches. I saw a nice one last night at a Gold's Gym that looked like it could work as a good ab bench and a decline bench. It seems hard to find a decline bench that can also work well for abs. I don't like typical simple decline bench for abs since it keeps the knees straight. For abs, I like to jack it up to 45 degrees and like the abs benches that have the knees bent up high. Wondering if there is a good decline/abs bench??

Is this a hobby for you? Is any of this business related? Just curious. Even your rejected stuff is NICE.

[HealthNutMD]

Is this a hobby for you? Is any of this business related? Just curious. Even your rejected stuff is NICE.

You live 5 min away, you should come stop by.

I'm a physician, none of this is business related. You know its a hobby when you buy high and sell low... I decided to sell as much as I can for the very reason that I doubt I'd ever open a gym, so I want to make my home gym take up the least amount of space possible. I basically had 2 choices, open a gym, or downsize and keep only the absolute best pieces.

I think its just too hard to open a commercial gym. Personal training studio would be a possibility, but its probably easier just to have a home gym that can fit in 2500 sq ft. Also, the equipment stays in perfect condition when just used for hom gym. Just have to reduce the square footage requirements as much as possible...

Looks like the Power-Lift Pro Plat Load is still available as well if someone is interested.

I'm going to be adding a couple pieces, but I've been selling more than adding. Or making moves sideways: Like Adding the USC Lat pulldown tower and selling the Atlantis D-123 pulldown.

I'm going to UCS sometime soon, they are near Charlotte. I'm going to demo the low row tower, Bear Squat, and some other pieces in their line.

[HealthNutMD]

Best of the Best and One Hit Wonder List

I wanted to create a list that I feel contains the truly special pieces that either represent the single best available machine of that type, or, a one-hit wonder. These are machines that I feel every person or every gym should own.


Shoulders:


Panatta XP Free Weight Deltoid Press:

Footbar, hydraulic seat, and adjustable hydraulic back pad. Infinite grip choice, including infinite neutral grip choice. Throw on top of that the new version with modified sliding seat (front to back). Unquestionably every person and every gym should have this machine. Please remember to get our version I had made which has the sliding seat modification.







Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Shoulder.

This machine may resemble the Hammer version, but it is magnitudes of order superior. Very long lever arms give a much better motion path compared to the Hammer version. There is a an excellent natural convergence (much better than the Hammer). Neutral grip is an outstanding addition. Please make sure to order with a seat belt or add your own. The seat belt does not come standard, you have to ask for that option.






(The selectorized version of this Power-Lift machine is not recommended, it is nothing like the Pro Plate Load version).



Strive/Prime Selectorized Lateral raise.

This deltoid lateral raise is multiple machines in one. Arms positioned ‘upward’ (like the old Cybex machine with round pads, but hellified better, heavy stack, and adjustable strength curve), arms positioned lateral, and ability to be seated 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 stops only serve to limit the range of motion, which is undesirable. 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. Ask for the heaviest stack possible just to make sure you or any Gorilla is satisfied.

[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, this machine has a perfect convergence and a perfect motion path. The fact that it is so adjustable is just icing all over this badass cake.









Panatta Super Inclined Bench Press (Our Custom long frame version)


Not enough can be said about the latest custom version I had made. The frame has been lengthened and is massive. No other Incline chest can compare. There is no runner up. Nothing else is even close. This machine redefines the standard of chest machines. With the newest custom long frame version, people up to 7’ 0” should be to use this version. Not only that, the seat range adjustment is so long, a girl that is 4’ 10 “ would be able to use it with no problem. There is nothing else that can be created or done with this machine, it is absolute perfection.












Panatta Super Horizontal Bench Press

No other horizontal Chest press can compare. There is no runner up. Nothing is even close. This machine redefines the standard of chest machines.









Panatta Vertical Chest Press:


There is no comparison. It beats out my second favorite chest press, the old school Atlantis vertical chest press and puts the Star trac vertical decline to shame (the best piece in the star trac plate loaded line). This vertical chest press has a crazy good motion path and convergence, slightly declined motion. No stress on the shoulders. Tons of prestretch with the footbar. The linkage and strength curve are perfection. Who else is offering a footbar, linkage and a strength curve like this in a vertical chest? It is a perfect machine. You could put 9 plates on each side, total beast.









Panatta Inclined Chest Press:

Take the best of the Avenger vertical chest and the best of the Power lift incline chest and create the ultimate Vertical incline chest. This new version has more than enough pre-stretch, footbar, typical perfect Panatta convergence, multiple grips, and a new amazing motion path. I think this machine is the best vertical incline chest on the market. If I am asked to pick between the Panatta “Super Inclined Bench Press” and this (vertical) “Inclined chest press”, I pick the (horizontal) Super Inclined Bench Press simply because the Super Inclined Press is nothing short of stunning. I think there are a lot of people who love the vertical incline chest machines, however, I think if you try the “Panatta Super Inclined Chest Press” you will fall in love with it. A great person to talk to this machine about, is the forum member here who purchased 6 Panatta machines and has the latest custom versions. That being said, I’m purchasing this Panatta Inclined Chest Press because it is the best of its kind and feels a little different. Also, you can come demo and decide for yourself which you like best, or if you are like me, you’ll want both.










Atlantis old school Vertical Chest:

Much improved with the recent modification of lowering the stops as shown in the thread. I probably shouldn’t list this anymore since the Panatta is the best overall, however, it is still amazing and I feel it deserves to be here. Not sure if Atlantis will make this version anymore, but I wouldn't worry about it, the Panatta is superior.









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 probably still wont do more than 1-3 reps with 80 Kg on this machine. But get the 120 KG stack, the cost is not much extra. The Cams give this machine an edge over the plate loaded version. The convenience of the weight stack is nice. I love this machine. I’m hoping for the Monolith version sometime next year.


Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest:

A classic, mature, well thought-out. Thankfully it has enough prestretch even without a foot pedal. Love this machine. The Panatta is 30 degree, this is 10 degrees, covers the angles.







Panatta 30 degree XP Lux selectorized incline flight machine and Nautilus Power Plus 10 degee Plate loaded.

[HealthNutMD]

Back:


Panatta Divergent Lat Pulldown:

Linkage with awesome strength curve, amazing over-sized grip with many grip choices. Our newest version has the height modification, good for people to at least 6’ 6”. Another machine straight from Leonardo Da Vinci.






Power-Lift Pro Select Lat Pulldown:

Selectorized Lat pulldown with heavy stack added (390 lb stack). The Pro select is undoubtedly my favorite lat pulldown machine alongside the Panatta. They complement each other extremely well.




Panatta XP Lux Lat Pulldown with heavy stack.

I believe the current version may accept up to 130 kg heavy stack. This machine is amazing, and I would pick it over the Power-Lift Select Lat pulldown once they come out with the Monolith version with (hopefully) a 150+ Kg stack option. The grip as shown in the picture is truly special. The motion path is also amazing, in some ways better than the free weight version. This is a piece I will be picking up in the near future, once it becomes a Monolith version. You have to try it to appreciate how amazing it is.






Panatta High Row.

Some people like this high row better than the Lat pulldown. The oversized grip, Multiple grip choices, a DY type of grip, great motion path, and that awesome linkage/strength curve. Our custom version has an adjustable seat, however, I’m not so sure it was necessary. We also modified the height, now good for people as tall as 6’ 6” with full pre-stretch.






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.





David Rowing torso.

My overall favorite David machine. A Rhomboid and Rear delt blaster. Very unique machine.






Atlantis Incline Row (cable row):

Cable row, except you put your feet higher, allowing you to get your low back out of the movement. A superior cable row.






UCS Lat Pulldown Tower:

The Ultimate Lat Pulldown and Tricep station.

[HealthNutMD]

Legs:

Atlantis Pivot Press.

Love the strength curve, love the motion, love the stretch. It feels like an inverted leg press, but without the hazard of being upside down.







Panatta Leg Press Bridge.

Same as the Atlantis but has a few key advantages: Amazing seat contour and padding. Much better and much larger footplate. I’m working on a new version with Panatta that should be a Pivot Press Killer.







Pendulum Power Squat Pro:

Tyler Hobson's claim to fame, his Leonardo Da Vinci. His overall most unique piece, and his best creation in my opinion.







Pendulum Hip Press:

It’s just a cool leg press, great strength curve, very cool angled seat. You have to love the adjustability and infinite range of motion/prestretch.

Linear leg press:

I would always want a linear leg press in my line-up. 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 (or 35 degree angles over 45). 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. I chose the Atlantis, but any of those would be great. The UCS is adjustable 35-45. Again, I prefer 35 or 40 degree over 45.








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 gave me a couple more inches of pre-stretch, which was badly needed in my opinion. Additionally, I recommend lowering the front stops 1 inch (cut off 1 inch and re-weld). (These are the 2 stops at the front of the machine that stop the footplate from going forward further). Without those modifications, I probably would have sold mine. Those three changes were a huge difference maker.


UCS GHD:
Modifed large foot plate and custom wide rollers weren't much of an extra charge. Best GHD I've ever used. Features on this GHD not offered by others.










Star Track/Flex Fitness prone 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 geeks and by an owner of star trac who doesn’t understand the machines.


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.








Atlantis Standing Selectorized leg curl.

Amazing. The best standing leg curl.







Strive/Prime Abductor/Adductor:


By far the best abductor and adductor machine 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. By far the best machine on the market. Now sold by Prime Fitness. Make sure to get the original cams and ask for the heaviest stack possible.

[HealthNutMD]

Biceps:

Power-Lift Pro Select







Triceps:

Atlantis Dipping station






Panatta XP Lux tricep machine:








Cybex VR3 with heavy stack and/or Med X tricep:











Hammer Strength seated dip:

I still think very highly of this dip. The seat belt, the huge range of motion (with adjustable seat and adjustable knee pad)




Its one of the few seated dips you can go all out on and wont feel the stops (plenty of prestretch). I've been holding out on a seated dip, but I may just end up getting this soon. Its a classic, and I'm not convinced there is a better seated dip on the market. Selectorized versions have limitations on weight, and many don't have a seatbelt. I wasn't overly impressed with the MedX Avenger Dip. I felt the Avenger dip was a giant see-saw, had a ton of momentum.

[HealthNutMD]

Abs:

Panatta Free weight Ab Crunch:

Now available in BOLTABLE version for those that need to disassemble to get thru doorways, etc. The best Ab machine I have tried to date.






Panatta Fit Evo Abdominal Isolator bench.


This is an Ab bench straight from Leonardo DaVinci. Could not dream of a more amazing Ab bench. That was until Panatta just announced a new upcoming feature. The current bench angle is about 160 degrees (about 20 degree angle from being a full inversion). The new version will allow adjustable angle of the back pad and will allow at least 3 different angles, possibly 5... I know a full 180 inversion will be possible on the next version. So at the very least it will be 140, 160, 180. I'm not sure its worth doing the 150 and 170 angles... you would barely notice the 10 degree changes. Will see what they offer. The 160 degree as it stands is perfect, but would be great to have max difficulty and a somewhat easier angle as well.







Calves:


Reflex Donkey Calf

latest version of REFLEX Donkey calf with back pad stops to limit swivel to +/- 20 degrees. Also, make sure you request the version shown in the picture. You need: the swivel pad stops, adjustable forearm pad, and band attachments. Don;t settle for less, and make sure all 3 options get done. I'm telling you right now, you need the stops to limit the pad to +/- 20 degree. Without the stops, the back rest can easily kick out on you, and you won't be able to push weight without fear of this happening. These 2 stops allow the perfect amount of desireable swivel. Also, the forearm pads were too high in the original. I made it adjustable with pop-pin and use the lowest setting (which is about 6 inches lower than the original fixed pad).







Sorinex/Reflect seated Calf








TK Star seated calf and upcoming TK Star Super Seated calf









I am fully expecting the upcoming TK super seated calf to be the best seated calf machine ever made, stay tuned.

[HealthNutMD]

I'd like to put the UCS Lat Pulldown tower here again because of the sheer awesomeness of this tower:

One tower that can do it all:

- Massive headroom. You have so much travel, you will never hit the weight stack against the top, regardless of how short, how tall, or which attachment you use.

- 10 lb increment weight stack (superior to 15 lb increments, eliminates the need for those 5 lb adjustments)

- Customize-able weight stack. I'm going to have a 320 lb stack put on (no additional charge). They have to add more to mine, there was a miscommunication at the factory, so they are coming to change out the cable and add the additional plates. I could do 340 I suppose, but I think 320 should be adequate.

- knee pads that adjust straight up and down

- over sized knee pads in terms of diameter and length, much better for holding you in

- Bigger seat

- 30 pop pin holes to adjust the starting position at very small increments allows you to use any attachment of any length or shortness, and always at the perfect height. The level of adjustment here is crazy, much better than any other weight stack tower. the idea of having a certain chain length, Carabiner/No Carabiner, ..... it just doesn't matter: This is a single tower that does it all, and does it right. Put on any attachment you like, and put it at any height you like: you will never hit the top of the weight stack. You will always have it at the exact height you want.

[HealthNutMD]

I'd like to see TK make this standing calf machine... You can have the convenience of a selectorized and still load on plates for more weight.






You have got to love the foot platform on the TK Star

[HealthNutMD]

A few people PM'd me about which pieces I'm parting with. David Goalder will be here tomorrow P.M. (Wednesday evening), so the timing is great for anyone if interested:


- Power-Lift Pro Plate load Lat Pulldown

- Nebula Incline chest Press

- Nebula Flat Chest Press

- Nebula Low Row

- Nebula Dumbbell Row Bench

- Strive Plate loaded Bicep

I have a couple of other pieces not listed I'm trying to keep for Bud, Coach Ras.