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

[irongym]

That makes sense. Thanks!

[coach_ras]

Finally received this piece yesterday - really like the feel of it. Will have more to say about it once more people train on it... Have the Nautilus selectorized piece slated to arrive next month. It is said to be the most popular of many on Dr Darden's forum- like the grip options offered with these two pieces.

Can't wait to obtain the MedX Avenger seated row and Pendulum 3-way row. These pieces (along with my Hammer and Flex pieces - and the Atlantis selectorized pieces that I plan to pick up) will make for one helluva seated row line-up!!

[HealthNutMD]

Finally received this piece yesterday - really like the feel of it. Will have more to say about it once more people train on it... Have the Nautilus selectorized piece slated to arrive next month. It is said to be the most popular of many on Dr Darden's forum- like the grip options offered with these two pieces.

Can't wait to obtain the MedX Avenger seated row and Pendulum 3-way row. These pieces (along with my Hammer and Flex pieces - and the Atlantis selectorized pieces that I plan to pick up) will make for one helluva seated row line-up!!

[HealthNutMD]

Here is Big Feather on the Seated Squat Pro:

[HealthNutMD]

The Atlantis incline chest is very good. I had one on order until Iron gym found me the 3 grip Nebula in LA. Now of course Panatta makes the best incline press... but the Atlantis and Nebula 3 grip are both very good.

[HealthNutMD]

another good video of the swing squat:

[fuckingperfect]

[/video]

Is there a comprehensive list of what you currently have and/or recently updated pics of your set up? I have really enjoyed looking through this thread.

[HealthNutMD]

Is there a comprehensive list of what you currently have and/or recently updated pics of your set up? I have really enjoyed looking through this thread.

****ingperfect and goodtiming because it needs bumped and a small revision... I'll repost in a bit

[HealthNutMD]

Cost No Object List, Version 1.6:

I thought I would try to summarize some of the highlights of this thread now that it is getting fairly long. I am focusing primarily on machines, benches, attachments, and bars. I think it is best to stay away from racks since there are tons of great rack choices on the market, and people have different priorities when it comes to picking their cost no object rack. There are even Hydraulic racks with infinite adjustment, so while it is nice to discuss racks, there are quite a few cost no object racks. The conclusion on cost no object racks is that complete custom is the true cost no object rack: you pick the exact height you want, pick custom attachments, etc. I believe all of the top rack choices have been covered earlier in this thread and will continue to be discussed as new rack designs are released. To this date, the best rack I have come across is a custom Rae Crowthers power Rack, completely customized. See thread for details. Rae Crowthers was able to produce the craziest, coolest, highest quality rack exactly the way I wanted it. If you have an idea, or want any crazy thing done, Hans at Rae Crowthers is likely to accommodate you. A lot of rack producers will only do small changes or let you adjust the height. Rae Crowthers was the best I have dealt with in all aspects.

Again, this 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.

The short answer is that no company makes all of the best equipment, not even close. This thread is about individual machines. Additionally, some extreme body types (very short, very tall, very large, etc..) might work better with some equipment rather than others. However, a machine that is voted best of best is often because it is very adjustable and can be used with the widest variety of body types and still retain the best biomechanics.

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. 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 pullovers, curved benches, etc...

[HealthNutMD]

Version 1.6 Con't.

Changes in 1.6:

ADDED: Power Lift Full Body Squat
ADDED: David Future Line Pullover with Heavy Stack option

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leg presses:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis Pivot Press
Atlantis Hack Squat machines
Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (with modified wide foot plates)
Atlantis Power Squat (modified additional wide foot plate surface)

MedX Avenger Leg Press

Nebula Vertical leg press

Power-Lift Full Body Squat

Randy Coyle Swing Squat

Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press


Runner-ups:

Cybex Plate loaded Leg Press
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
Rogers Athletic Seated Squat Pro
Strive Plate loaded leg press
UCS adjustable 35-45 degree leg press (difficult to find demo)


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 A+ (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 A+

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 felt to be superior).



Leg Extension:

TOP-TIER:

MedX selectorised Leg ext (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 A+

Runner-ups:

Atlantis Abductor/Adductor A-
Cybex Eagle A-



Calf Machines:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis standing calf
Free Motion Epic calf ext
Nebula seated calf
Reflex/Sorinex Donkey calf with custom adjustable forearm pad
Sorinex seated calf
TK Star seated calf


Shoulder:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis E-449 Plate loaded Shoulder
Nebula (old school) Leverage Shoulder
Panatta Deltoid Press A++
Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Shoulder
Strive selectorized lateral raise A++


Runner-ups:

Hammer Strength Plate loaded Iso lateral
MedX Avenger Shoulder (overhead press)
MedX selectorized shoulder press
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 D-123 Pulldown with various tricep attachments. A+
Atlantis Dipping station A+

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" (Fit Evo vs. XP Lux, still deciding) max weight stack

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


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

Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep

Nautilus Compound Bicep

Power-Lift Pro Select Bicep Curl
Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench

Strive plate loaded bicep




Back:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis D-423 pulldown (a superior version of the Hammer 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 A++

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

Legend Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum

MedX Avenger Pulldown
MedX Avenger Row
MedX Selectorized Lumbar

Nebula Leverage Low Row (old version, currently made by Rae Crowthers)

Panatta Plate Load Low Row
Panatta Plate Load Pulldown A++
Panatta Plate Load High Row A++

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 Row

Strive Plate loaded and selectorized Low back extension with seatbelt.

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 Low Row
Hammer Strength DY Row
Hammer Strength Pulldown
Strive Extreme Row



Chest:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis P-439 Plate loaded flat/decline A++
Atlantis P-443 Plate loaded incline chest A+
Atlantis Plate loaded Vertical chest A++ (Old version, but available upon demand)
Atlantis P-156 Pec Fly/rear Delt

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

MedX Avenger vertical chest

Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest

Nebula plate loaded leverage Incline chest (3 grip choices) (available by Rae Crowthers) A+
Nebula plate loaded leverage flat chest (2 grip choices) (available by Rae Crowthers) A+

Panatta Fit Evo Pec Dec (Newest version released soon with adjustable back pad) A++
Panatta Vertical Chest A++
Panatta Super Horizontal Bench Press A++
Panatta *New, upcoming* Super Incline Bench Press A++
Panatta Plate Load Incline flight machine (custom increased pre-stretch) A++
Panatta XP-Lux selectorized Incline Flight Machine (custom increased pre-stretch) A++

Star Trac plate loaded vertical chest A/A-
Star Trac plate loaded decline chest A/A-
Star Trac plate loaded incline chest. A/A-


Runner-ups:

Hammer Strength Wide chest
Hammer Strength Decline Chest (Star Trac plate loaded decline is superior)
Hammer Strength HORIZONTAL iso lateral chest
Legend LeverEdge flat (horizontal) plate loaded chest
Legend LeverEdge Incline plate loaded chest.
Nebula IDA vertical chest
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


Abs:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis A-264 Adjustable Sit Up Bench.

Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch A+
Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch A+

Nautilus One Ab

Nebula Multi Ab Bench

Panatta Plate Load Ab Crunch
Panatta Fit Evo Abdominal isolator (best Ab bench I have ever encountered)

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

Strength Inc. Inverted Sit Up (revision of the Old Body Master Inverted Sit Up. Designed for the Hard Core Sit Up user).



Benches:

TOP-TIER:

Atlantis B-180 curved pullover bench with wheels(should also be excellent for flat dumbbell)
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

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
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


High interest pieces for hopeful soon demo:


Quantum Fitness Power Crunch machines and ABT (All body trainer).



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 (metal version)

Treadmills:

Top Tier
Woodway ELG
Woodway Desmo Elite

Best passive

Woodway Curve (XL)

runner-ups:

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

[HealthNutMD]

PERSONAL LIST. This is what I personally feel is the best of the best on the cost no object list and what I own (or will own shortly).

I thought I would finalize my list:

1) List the pieces you currently own for each body part
2) List which pieces you are actively looking for to purchase immediately
3) List pieces you will definitely purchase in the future when financial or space constraints are removed.
4) List pieces on your want to demo list.

(I encourage you to do the same).


1) OWN:

Leg presses:

Atlantis Pivot Press (modified width of footplate surface)
Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (modified width of foot plate surface)
Atlantis Power Squat (modified width of foot plate surface)
MedX Avenger Leg Press
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press
Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro



Leg Curl:

Atlantis C-107 Standing leg curl
Star Trac prone Leg curl
Star Trac kneeling Leg Curl
Westside Barbell/Legend: Inverse leg curl


Leg Extension:

Strive Fitness plate loaded


Leg Abductor/Adductor:

Strive Fitness combo abductor


Calf Machines:

Atlantis standing calf
Free Motion Epic calf ext (one long foot bar, not the independent foot pedal version)
Nebula seated calf
Reflex (Sorinex) Donkey calf with custom adjustable forearm pad
Reflex (Sorinex) seated calf
TK Star Seated Calf


Shoulder:

Atlantis E-449 Plate loaded Shoulder
Panatta Deltoid Press
Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Shoulder
Strive selectorized lateral raise


Traps:

Elite FTS Pro Rickshaw
Sorinex Diamond Bar


Triceps:

Atlantis D-123 Pulldown with various tricep attachments.
Atlantis Dipping station
Cybex VR3 arm extension with heavy stack option.
Nebula reverse dip bench
Panatta selectorized "Triceps Machine" (Fit Evo vs. XP Lux, still deciding) max weight stack
Panatta 'old school version' Plate Loaded Tricep dip (as seen in Panatta home gym)

Biceps:

Atlantis Plate loaded preacher curl B-357
Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep
Power-Lift Pro Select Bicep Curl
Strive plate loaded bicep



Back:

Atlantis D-123 cable pulldown 310 lb stack standard
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.
MedX Avenger Row
Nebula Leverage Low Row
Panatta Plate Load Low Row
Panatta Plate Load Pulldown
Panatta Plate Load High Row
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
Strive Plate loaded Low back extension with seat-belt option


Chest:

Atlantis P-439 Plate loaded flat/decline
Atlantis Plate loaded Vertical chest (Old school version, no longer made but available upon request)
Atlantis P-156 Pec Fly/rear Delt
David Pec Deck
Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest
Nebula plate loaded leverage Incline chest
Nebula plate loaded leverage flat chest
Panatta Fit Evo Pec Dec (Newest version released soon with adjustable back pad)
Panatta Vertical Chest
Panatta Super Horizontal Bench Press
Panatta *New, upcoming* Super Incline Bench Press
Panatta Plate Load Incline flight machine (custom increased pre-stretch)
Panatta XP-Lux selectorized Incline Flight Machine (custom increased pre-stretch)



Abs:

Atlantis A-264 Adjustable Sit Up Bench.
Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch
Panatta Plate Load Ab Crunch
Panatta Fit Evo Abdominal isolator (best Ab bench I have ever encountered)
Strive fitness Rotary Torso: A+ (modified to have 225 lb weight stack to help make setting 2 adequately challenging).
Strength Inc. Inverted Sit Up


Glute Ham Developer:

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


Pullover Machines:

Nautilus Power Plus Pullover



2)Actively Looking to purchase immediately:


None.




3) Definite purchase in the future when financial or space constraints are removed


Custom Reflex 0-90 multi angle autospot bench

Custom Reflex Fitness decline-flat dumbbell autospot bench

Hammer Plate Load Ab Crunch

MedX Selectorized Tricep extension

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Mid Row






4) Want to Demo/Spend more time with before deciding/Lower priority:


Atlantis D-423 pulldown

Atlantis Multi Forearm vs David Multi Forearm

Bodymasters overhead tricep bench

Bodymasters selectorized behind the head triceps extension

Bodymasters preacher curl bench

Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch

MedX selectorised Leg ext

MedX Avenger Pulldown

MedX Selectorized Lumbar

MedX Avenger vertical chest

MedX selectorized iso-lateral pullover

Quantum Fitness Power Crunch machines

Randy Coyle Swing Squat

Rogers Athletic Seated Squat Pro

Rogers Athletic Pit Shark

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Gripper

Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench

UCS Lat pulldown UCS (9' 6"), unique, amazing adjustable cable pulldown

Westside Legend: Hip Quad machine

Westside Legend Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum


Cardio Machines highest on my list to demo:

Woodway Curve
Cybex Arc Trainer
Jacobs Ladder
Stair master Step Mill 5

[CLEAVAGE]

PERSONAL LIST. This is what I personally feel is the best of the best on the cost no object list and what I own (or will own shortly).

I thought I would finalize my list:

1) List the pieces you currently own for each body part
2) List which pieces you are actively looking for to purchase immediately
3) List pieces you will definitely purchase in the future when financial or space constraints are removed.
4) List pieces on your want to demo list.

(I encourage you to do the same).


1) OWN:

Leg presses:

Atlantis Pivot Press (modified width of footplate surface)
Atlantis 40 degree Leg press (modified width of foot plate surface)
Atlantis Power Squat (modified width of foot plate surface)
MedX Avenger Leg Press
Rogers Athletic Pendulum Hip Press
Rogers Athletic Power Squat Pro



Leg Curl:

Atlantis C-107 Standing leg curl
Star Trac prone Leg curl
Star Trac kneeling Leg Curl
Westside Barbell/Legend: Inverse leg curl


Leg Extension:

Strive Fitness plate loaded


Leg Abductor/Adductor:

Strive Fitness combo abductor


Calf Machines:

Atlantis standing calf
Free Motion Epic calf ext (one long foot bar, not the independent foot pedal version)
Nebula seated calf
Reflex (Sorinex) Donkey calf with custom adjustable forearm pad
Reflex (Sorinex) seated calf
TK Star Seated Calf


Shoulder:

Atlantis E-449 Plate loaded Shoulder
Panatta Deltoid Press
Power-Lift Pro Plate Load Shoulder
Strive selectorized lateral raise


Traps:

Elite FTS Pro Rickshaw
Sorinex Diamond Bar


Triceps:

Atlantis D-123 Pulldown with various tricep attachments.
Atlantis Dipping station
Cybex VR3 arm extension with heavy stack option.
Nebula reverse dip bench
Panatta selectorized "Triceps Machine" (Fit Evo vs. XP Lux, still deciding) max weight stack
Panatta 'old school version' Plate Loaded Tricep dip (as seen in Panatta home gym)

Biceps:

Atlantis Plate loaded preacher curl B-357
Hammer Strength plate loaded bicep
Power-Lift Pro Select Bicep Curl
Strive plate loaded bicep



Back:

Atlantis D-123 cable pulldown 310 lb stack standard
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.
MedX Avenger Row
Nebula Leverage Low Row
Panatta Plate Load Low Row
Panatta Plate Load Pulldown
Panatta Plate Load High Row
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
Strive Plate loaded Low back extension with seat-belt option


Chest:

Atlantis P-439 Plate loaded flat/decline
Atlantis Plate loaded Vertical chest (Old school version, no longer made but available upon request)
Atlantis P-156 Pec Fly/rear Delt
David Pec Deck
Nautilus Power Plus 10 degree chest
Nebula plate loaded leverage Incline chest
Nebula plate loaded leverage flat chest
Panatta Fit Evo Pec Dec (Newest version released soon with adjustable back pad)
Panatta Vertical Chest
Panatta Super Horizontal Bench Press
Panatta *New, upcoming* Super Incline Bench Press
Panatta Plate Load Incline flight machine (custom increased pre-stretch)
Panatta XP-Lux selectorized Incline Flight Machine (custom increased pre-stretch)



Abs:

Atlantis A-264 Adjustable Sit Up Bench.
Hammer Strength MTS selectorized Ab Crunch
Panatta Plate Load Ab Crunch
Panatta Fit Evo Abdominal isolator (best Ab bench I have ever encountered)
Strive fitness Rotary Torso: A+ (modified to have 225 lb weight stack to help make setting 2 adequately challenging).
Strength Inc. Inverted Sit Up


Glute Ham Developer:

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


Pullover Machines:

Nautilus Power Plus Pullover



2)Actively Looking to purchase immediately:


None.




3) Definite purchase in the future when financial or space constraints are removed


Custom Reflex 0-90 multi angle autospot bench

Custom Reflex Fitness decline-flat dumbbell autospot bench

Hammer Plate Load Ab Crunch

MedX Selectorized Tricep extension

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Mid Row






4) Want to Demo/Spend more time with before deciding/Lower priority:


Atlantis D-423 pulldown

Atlantis Multi Forearm vs David Multi Forearm

Bodymasters overhead tricep bench

Bodymasters selectorized behind the head triceps extension

Bodymasters preacher curl bench

Hammer Strength Plate loaded AB Crunch

MedX selectorised Leg ext

MedX Avenger Pulldown

MedX Selectorized Lumbar

MedX Avenger vertical chest

MedX selectorized iso-lateral pullover

Quantum Fitness Power Crunch machines

Randy Coyle Swing Squat

Rogers Athletic Seated Squat Pro

Rogers Athletic Pit Shark

Rogers Athletic Pendulum Gripper

Sorinex Adjustable Preacher Curl Bench

UCS Lat pulldown UCS (9' 6"), unique, amazing adjustable cable pulldown

Westside Legend: Hip Quad machine

Westside Legend Reverse hyperextension with curved pendulum


Cardio Machines highest on my list to demo:

Woodway Curve
Cybex Arc Trainer
Jacobs Ladder
Stair master Step Mill 5

HealthNutMD,

I am surprised not to see the Hammer Strength Iso Lateral Incline Press on the Top-Tier chest press machines. That machine in a staple in the bodybuilding and fitness world. And personally I believe that machine hits the upper pecs like no other plate loaded machine that I have used...

[HealthNutMD]

HealthNutMD,

I am surprised not to see the Hammer Strength Iso Lateral Incline Press on the Top-Tier chest press machines. That machine in a staple in the bodybuilding and fitness world. And personally I believe that machine hits the upper pecs like no other plate loaded machine that I have used...

I used to think I would never get rid of the Hammer Iso Lateral Horizontal bench press.... until I tried the old Nebula pieces and Atlantis pieces. Admitedly the Nebula pieces have not been made for a long time, but now Hans can make them. Also, Atlantis is not as well known in the USA (unfortunately). As mentioned before, even the Power-Lift Incline chest is better than the Hammer version. You can see all these machines in this thread. The Power-Lift Pro Plate load has some nice choices, but most gyms are garbage and not a reflection of "staple in the bodybuilding world", but rather a reflection of poor choices, or inexpensive choices made by chain gyms.

Then last, and certainly not least, the Panatta line comes along and tops all the machines I previously mentioned. The biomechanics are better, which by itself puts Panatta in the number one spot (only the Panatta machines I mention of course, on an individual machine basis as listed in the cost no object thread). Then Panatta utilizes the footbar which just takes the machine to a whole magnitude better of performance. On top of that, throw in a hydraulic back pad (like the deltoid press)--- nobody is doing that. So there you have 4 other companies making chest machines that outperform the hammer incline chest:

1) Panatta
2) Atlantis
3) Nebula (still available by Hans at Rae Crowthers)
4) Power-lift (check out the pictures of the incline chest with the two grips).
5) I'd take the Avenger chest over that Hammer as well... it is sort of a slight incline.

We could go on...

When I first started this project, I clearly said I would never part with the hammer iso horizontal chest press. While it is a good machine, there are many machines that outperform it as listed in the cost no object list. Same with the Hammer incline chest... It may be good, but there are many machines better than it... A lot of these machines were not easy to find or demo... It took years and a lot of effort to come up with this list.

That being said, I have a lot of respect for how good a lot of the hammer designs are, especially given their shortcomings (such as lack of adjust-ability). Some of the Hammer products are in the cost no object list, but mostly as 'runner-up' choices. I think a lot of the people that consider Hammer a staple have not simply been able to spend time with a lot of the machines in this list.

[CLEAVAGE]

I used to think I would never get rid of the Hammer Iso Lateral Horizontal bench press.... until I tried the old Nebula pieces and Atlantis pieces. Admitedly the Nebula pieces have not been made for a long time, but now Hans can make them. Also, Atlantis is not as well known in the USA (unfortunately). As mentioned before, even the Power-Lift Incline chest is better than the Hammer version. You can see all these machines in this thread. The Power-Lift Pro Plate load has some nice choices, but most gyms are garbage and not a reflection of "staple in the bodybuilding world", but rather a reflection of poor choices, or inexpensive choices made by chain gyms.

Then last, and certainly not least, the Panatta line comes along and tops all the machines I previously mentioned. The biomechanics are better, which by itself puts Panatta in the number one spot (only the Panatta machines I mention of course, on an individual machine basis as listed in the cost no object thread). Then Panatta utilizes the footbar which just takes the machine to a whole magnitude better of performance. On top of that, throw in a hydraulic back pad (like the deltoid press)--- nobody is doing that. So there you have 4 other companies making chest machines that outperform the hammer incline chest:

1) Panatta
2) Atlantis
3) Nebula (still available by Hans at Rae Crowthers)
4) Power-lift (check out the pictures of the incline chest with the two grips).
5) I'd take the Avenger chest over that Hammer as well... it is sort of a slight incline.

We could go on...

When I first started this project, I clearly said I would never part with the hammer iso horizontal chest press. While it is a good machine, there are many machines that outperform it as listed in the cost no object list. Same with the Hammer incline chest... It may be good, but there are many machines better than it... A lot of these machines were not easy to find or demo... It took years and a lot of effort to come up with this list.

That being said, I have a lot of respect for how good a lot of the hammer designs are, especially given their shortcomings (such as lack of adjust-ability). Some of the Hammer products are in the cost no object list, but mostly as 'runner-up' choices. I think a lot of the people that consider Hammer a staple have not simply been able to spend time with a lot of the machines in this list.

I am glad you included the Power-Lift Chest Press in the list because they make a quality product. I had a chance to visit them this year and their chest press and incline chest press are both excellent pieces.

[ben747]

Hi guys,
I found your thread awhile ago, Amazing info!!

Btw, what do think of Magnum plate loaded bi-angular series? I'm considering to purchase the magnum bi-angular row and lat pulldown.

[HealthNutMD]

Here is a video of the current Pendulum Pulldown in action. Big Feather replaced his Bodymasters CXP with this pendulum pulldown. I 'like' my pendulum pulldown. The rotating grips, as shown in the video, are an improvement over older original versions (and Tyler Hobsons favorite grip).

It is not a homerun machine, but it is worthy of being on the cost no object list. Not having an adjustable seat was a big mistake with this machine. As mentioned previously, the USC coach had to have an adjustable handle made with pop pin length adjustable custom handles to overcome that lack of seat height adjustment. I decided to have a third set of handles made (shown in this thread) that were to bridge the 6 inch gap between the two provided handles (medium length) (between the long and short provided).

There is a lot of information on the Rogers Combo Lat Pulldown in this thread.

[Gzs7]

I happened to see this today and it made me wonder: is there anyone stateside that make adapter pins to hold plates onto weight stacks?

[Josephbd]

I have been making them for years for various facilities. PM me or contact me at impactfitnessinc@aol.com.
All the best,
Joe

[Renzinho]

Someone asked about the best glutemachine previously, I'd say Parillo's gluteus maximizer would be a suitable candidate

[TLYNCH777]

I got the plate loaded nautilus power plus 10 degree fly this weekend and used it for the first time today.


I was looking for an avenger rotary pec that has had a bad rap but for me when i used it i did like it. the arms were adjustable and it was a piece that i wanted to work with. I have not found one and the original avengers are becoming harder to find. I came across this power plus 10 degree and it worked out well. I was hesitant at first because many people praised the power plus pullover ,when I bought it with out trying it I was not impressed. The machine was very smooth but I just did not think it was a good pullover for me. I will say that this 10 degree is a nice simple piece and the cams are made just right. I have not used any type of fly movement in my training for well over a year since I sold my nebula pec deck. Using this 10 degree was a nice change to finish my chest work, after some good pressing movements. The pads fit right into the bend of my arm. My wife was not a big fan as the pads rested on her forearm recruiting to much Biceps . I am sure anyone who ordered the pannata fly machine with the foot pedal will appreciate that feature. As I progressed in weight it was a little challenging to get into and i will have to learn the best technique to get set up. I also have an idea to fabricate a simple adjustment that may be a great feature for this type of machine. When your set in motion its one hell of a stretch into a good contraction .
I like to use different equipment for a few months, many times a machine grows on me and will keep it. While others may still be a great piece of equipment but not best for us. This is a piece That i will use and plan to do a full sand blast and powder coat wrinkle black, with high density foam padding, black upholstery seamless on the sides, and make the shields black. It will be a nice project .

On another subject I am looking for this Tk preacher curl


in this style pad and bar catch. He made several seated and a few standing . They will not have decals so you need to know what to look for. If anybody finds me one I will be sure to give you a finders fee.

[slik]

moar pics 3

How in the f did I not see that VLP? kinda looks like a nebula but then again not.

Not a nebula as far as I can tell. When I worked their back I the day a ton of Jerry's stuff was home brew from a guy who I won't mention his name that went on to become a very successful sculptor. Guy was an expert welder. He made all Jerry's benches, cable rows a ton of chit. They still exist today n have the huge steel pulleys on them. He made the jungle gyms too that r in the gym 25 years later still. The guy made me stuff too. Jerry would de badge all of his equipment. I see he's slipping now n leaving the names on some stuff. Old age makes u sloppy. He never wanted his competition to know the brands of equipment he had in his gyms. He did something right as he is one of the most successful golds gym franchise holders ever n was inducted into golds hall of fame.

[TLYNCH777]

How in the f did I not see that VLP? kinda looks like a nebula but then again not.

Not a nebula as far as I can tell. When I worked their back I the day a ton of Jerry's stuff was home brew from a guy who I won't mention his name that went on to become a very successful sculptor. Guy was an expert welder. He made all Jerry's benches, cable rows a ton of chit. They still exist today n have the huge steel pulleys on them. He made the jungle gyms too that r in the gym 25 years later still. The guy made me stuff too. Jerry would de badge all of his equipment. I see he's slipping now n leaving the names on some stuff. Old age makes u sloppy. He never wanted his competition to know the brands of equipment he had in his gyms. He did something right as he is one of the most successful golds gym franchise holders ever n was inducted into golds hall of fame.

That's an original Tk star before he went with the round tubing style. Many people prefer that style in photo better. They have one at Bev Francis powerhouse gym That i have used. It's a great piece and you don't have to add as much weight

[coach_ras]

My friend from Montana mailed over some pics of the Nautilus pullover that I mentioned in my earlier post (sorry for quality- I took pics of the pics with my cell phone to put them in digital format)... Super excited- Looks as mint as he indicated- can't wait for the winter weather to pass so I can finally add this classic piece to our gym line-up!!

[coach_ras]

As with all my trips for coaching/speaking gigs I look for equipment available in the area- totally lucked out to find this absolute mint condition Atlantis D-223 (think it has same specs as current NM-500 model) unilateral lat pulldown over in Washington a few weekends ago. Such an amazing versatile well crafted piece!

2014 has been quite the year for picking up best of best & rare out of production pieces of back equipment thus far!

Atlantis D-223 unilateral lat pulldown
MedX Avenger pulldown
Nautilus 1st gen plate loaded pullover
Nautilus Low Friction selectorized compound row
Nautilus Power Plus compound row

Still plan to pick up MedX Avenger seated row; Pendulum/Rogers Pendulum 3-way row, combo lat pull; Atlantis D-123 lat pulldown, D-124 low row, D-132 incline row; Nautilus low friction torso arm; Hammer Strength Behind Neck Pulldown... if when possible affordable.

[TLYNCH777]

If any body needs some high quality cables Tom Kinney just made and sent us new custom cables. We got the thinner cable for the Nebula multi station & corner crossover units. You can build your own cables on this link http://tkstar.com/Build-Your-Own-Custom-Cable-BYOC.htm
For any machine . He did a great job and shipped out fast. He still also has a few of those multi angles fat grip triceps push down attachments on there too. Hands down one of the best attachment you can get

[fuckingperfect]

Healthnut, I remember reading when you first got your Atlantis rack how enthused you were about it. Can I ask why you have since gone the custom route, and what improvements you made with your new rack?

Also, I'm curious what machines you find yourself using the most. Obviously you feel they are all well designed, but what do you find most beneficial to your training? Favorite leg machine?

[harrisg83]

When did this thread become ebay/craigslist?

[coach_ras]

No disrespect intended.

[HealthNutMD]

Healthnut, I remember reading when you first got your Atlantis rack how enthused you were about it. Can I ask why you have since gone the custom route, and what improvements you made with your new rack?

Also, I'm curious what machines you find yourself using the most. Obviously you feel they are all well designed, but what do you find most beneficial to your training? Favorite leg machine?

1) Everything I currently have on the list seen above "My OWN list" (page 213) I am happy with. I really spend equal time on all of them. Favorite leg machine would be hard to say. I'd say for quads, my two favorites are Atlantis Pivot Press and Pendulum Power Squat Pro. However, I do enjoy all that are on my list. For hamstrings, All three of those leg curl machines are A++ I use all 3. Inverse leg curl is also great. Having a little variety amongst these top machines is great. Very happy. Just need some square footage. I'm currently searching for a large rental home until I decide what the next step will be...

2 As far as rack, I wanted an 8' 6" power rack. The ability to chose the exact height you want is nice. The Rack from Ray Crowthers madethe Atlantis rack look like a toy... Although Atlantis has changed since then and is now using 7 gauge steel throughout. The Rae Crowthers rack has the largest bolts I have ever seen on a rack... The indexing chin attachment on Rae Crowthers is really my favorite rack attachment of all time. The indexing chin was a nebula attachment and one of the best things Tom E designed.

[sqatznomoe]

OMG........how much did you spend on your home gym? Just curious.