Jones Smith Machine for Squats/Deadlifts/Benches

[Gavie14]

I know that a normal Smith machine is typically regarded as inferior to a power rack (or free weights and spotter) when it comes to the lifts I mention in the title due to the weight only being moved in one plane.

I was just wondering if you guys can see any major disadvantages to using a Smith Jones machines for the aforementioned lifts? If you don't know what that is, it's simply a Smith machine that can move in two planes (the standard vertical up and down, but also the horizontal left and right).

I know it'll never replace free weights but it's all my gym has that I can use to safely lift heavier weights.

Thanks in advance for any advice/opinions.

[FaintReality]

I have never used one but am very familiar and can't see there being any issues as long as it's sturdy like a commercial smith machine with hardened rods and linear bearings that don't flex with heavy weights.


Dave

[Gavie14]

Thanks, Dave.

The only major downside is that there is no proper failsafe mechanism incase of failure during the exercise, i.e. no power rack pins and no spotter to catch the weight. Can anyone see this being a major issue?

I hate doing major lifts on my own but it's my only option these days.

EDIT: The quality of the machine is unquestioned, it would not break/buckle.

[daniel327]

Thanks, Dave.

The only major downside is that there is no proper failsafe mechanism incase of failure during the exercise, i.e. no power rack pins and no spotter to catch the weight.

The Jones machine has built in adjustable self spotters to keep you safe if you fail a lift.

From the Bodycraft website:

"Complete safety for the solo lifter! With a simple twist of the wrist, the weight bar is "racked" into place. Adjustable Safety spotters are included to add that last extra measure of security".

It's just as safe (if not safer than) a power rack.

The only downsides are the increased cost, and the stabilty issues (i.e. if you consider instabilty a necessary component of your exercise regime, don't get a smith machine).

[gomez26]

The only major downside is that there is no proper failsafe mechanism incase of failure during the exercise, i.e. no power rack pins and no spotter to catch the weight. Can anyone see this being a major issue?

I hate doing major lifts on my own but it's my only option these days.

like any other smith u can bail out by rotating the bar. the post that holds it moves with the post that the sleeve runs on.

yes its better than normal smith because of extra plane of motion, not quite free weight because tipping is prevented.

[RussAnderson]

when i had the jones machine i had no problem squatting heavy and safe with it,obviously much safer than a barbell and in my opinion just as effective. However sometimes with heavy weight it was difficulty to twist the safety lock hooks on the bar into the gun rack. Also i would never squat or bench without using the safety secondary springs,so if u could rack the bar they would stop and hold it.

[ironwill2008]

...... but it's all my gym has that I can use to safely lift heavier weights.

If that's your only option, what's left to discuss? Use what's available.

[Gavie14]

If that's your only option, what's left to discuss? Use what's available.

I didn't mean that quite literally, there's still a leg press machine and I'm sure I could sub other exercises in place of a squat, but I'd rather keep the squat.

Thanks for the input guys, I appreciate it.

[SteedLego]

Yes, Smith machines generally are seen as inferior like you said, but a jones/hoist is not really a smith now is it?

I have the Hoist PTS-Ens2 that uses the dual motion track on the back similar to the dual-motion Jones machine. The Jones/Hoist machines are vastly different than traditional smiths since they are not limited to movment along any one track or along any one plane; they have full 2d range of movement both up/down and front/back. (However, they do not have full 3d movement since the bar cannot move side/side and the machines have mechanisms to prevent tipping).

Regardless of the lack of full 3d movement, I think you will find that the movement of the jones/hoist bar is very similar to the movement of your basic freeweight o-bar and, thus, many of the critisms that apply to smiths do not necessarily apply to jones/hoist machines. The only real difference is that the hoist/jones will prevent tipping, which (from my personal experience) is a major positive for heavy solo lifting.

Really, I found that the jones/hoist is great for solo lifting and, yes, does offer an added saftey bonus over a traditional free o-bar. Personally (and to each his own), but I love my Hoist. Indeed, I originally bought the Hoist over the Jones since the dual racking allowed for use of a free o-bar in addition to the dual-plane bar, but I will be honest that I rarely use my old o-bar. The only time I use my old o-bar is when I am doing cleans and presses, standing military, or overhead squats (which is fairly rare). All my major lifts (squats, deads, b-presses, presses, rows) are done on the dual-plane Hoist bar. Of course, my workouts are complemented with dumbbell and cable work as well, but I have been training like this for years now and have not seen any set-back to my strength gains or balance and have not experienced any injury since training like this.

The only real critism to the Hoist/Jones is that the tipping prevention mechanisms may hinder your development of learning to balance the bar. This is certainly a valid critique, but (in my opinion) is outweighed in the case of a solo lifter by virtue of the added safety bonus that the jones/hoist can provide. Moreover, I always complement my heavy hoist/jones and barbell work with freewight dumbell and/or cable work (i.e., the hoist has a functional trainer on the front of the machine).

In short (and to answer your question), it is my personal experience that you will not be hindered by using the dual-plane jones over a freestanding o-bar. If you work solo, you will most likely find the jones to be a major advantage to pushing yourself to using heavier weight since you don't have the option of a spotter and (if you are a solo lifter who is truely pushing yourself) you will be very glad for the anti-tipping mechanisms. I would just make certain you are doing a fair amount of incorporating freeweight dumbell exercises into your routine and you should be fine.

Best.

[Gavie14]

Not meaning to bump this thread as I think the matter is cleared up, but I had to thank Steedlogo for his answer.

[HALOBRYAN]

Not meaning to bump this thread as I think the matter is cleared up, but I had to thank Steedlogo for his answer.

even if it a 6 year old thread some times they have really good info. First time i ever heard of the jones smith

[tubtime]

even if it a 6 year old thread some times they have really good info. First time i ever heard of the jones smith

that makes two of us?