Frank Zane Leg Blaster

[bentleyjazzie]

Hi everyone,

Bought one of these off of Craigslist nearly brand new.
I don't know what to think of this equipment. Seems like the range of motion is kind of strange, but I'd
like to get other opinions from those who also own the machine. What do you guys and gals think
of the Frank Zane Leg Blaster?

[PaulWog]

Hi everyone,

Bought one of these off of Craigslist nearly brand new.
I don't know what to think of this equipment. Seems like the range of motion is kind of strange, but I'd
like to get other opinions from those who also own the machine. What do you guys and gals think
of the Frank Zane Leg Blaster?

Seems a lot like a hack squat or one of those standing squat machines like the Powertec or Body Solid standing squat machines.

Based on a quick google & youtube search of the Frank Zane Leg Blaster, it seems fine to me. Good for what it's designed for. However I wouldn't want to use that device outside without some safeties: unless if I'm wrong and the newer versions have some safety feature, if you slip and let go, you'll be falling backward hard.

As far as a machine / hybrid between machine & free weights goes, the leg blaster seems to have its merits as being something that's fairly useful. Personally I have no desire to own one: I prefer barbell squats, and if I were to buy any sort of device, it'd be one of those units which holds the barbell for you so you can do front squats without contorting your shoulders/arms.

I certainly hope the leg blaster isn't your only piece of gym equipment in your house though!

[dumb.bell]

Hi everyone,

Bought one of these off of Craigslist nearly brand new.
I don't know what to think of this equipment. Seems like the range of motion is kind of strange, but I'd
like to get other opinions from those who also own the machine. What do you guys and gals think
of the Frank Zane Leg Blaster?

I think it is a great piece. For me it hits the quads better than barbell squats.

[thedickus]

However I wouldn't want to use that device outside without some safeties: unless if I'm wrong and the newer versions have some safety feature, if you slip and let go, you'll be falling backward hard.

Holding on is the safety feature.

[cgc]

I've always thought it was interesting, but can anyone think of a reason it would be beneficial more so than just a hip belt?
(hip belt seems like it would be more comfortable too)

[Kodokan]

I've always thought it was interesting, but can anyone think of a reason it would be beneficial more so than just a hip belt?
(hip belt seems like it would be more comfortable too)

I have a hip belt and it's nice...definitely will set your quads on fire. But it's awkward to setup. You get used to it, but still...

[dumb.bell]

I've always thought it was interesting, but can anyone think of a reason it would be beneficial more so than just a hip belt?
(hip belt seems like it would be more comfortable too)

I would assume you could get a similar feel with a hip belt or safety squat bar assuming you have something to hold on to and can lean backwards a little. It is the ability to lean back that really puts the emphasis on the quads. I found it far more effective at stressing my quads than regular squats or the hack squat machine. However, after using it for a while and getting a feel for the angle that really stressed my quads, I was able to simulate the movement on my Body Masters leverage squat. The harness is actually quite comfortable.

As far as safety, you don't use near as much weight and I could go until failure (couldn't come up) and then reposition my feet under me and using a combination of my feet and arms get myself back into position to rerack the weight. I did use straps to keep my hands from slipping off the handles. Sweaty hands, a smooth polished handle and leaning backwards are not a good combination.

[matrix563]

i think i'd prefer a standing squat machine to this. mainly cause they while not common on craigslist, can be had for a reasonable price sometimes .

[thedickus]

I would assume you could get a similar feel with a hip belt or safety squat bar assuming you have something to hold on to and can lean backwards a little. It is the ability to lean back that really puts the emphasis on the quads. I found it far more effective at stressing my quads than regular squats or the hack squat machine. However, after using it for a while and getting a feel for the angle that really stressed my quads, I was able to simulate the movement on my Body Masters leverage squat. The harness is actually quite comfortable.

I've never used the Leg Blaster. Have you ever used one of the original Hatfield safety squat bars where the shoulder harness stayed in place and the handles would fix to the cage. You'd grab the handles through the entire movement. I'd think that this would somewhat mimic that. These are ridiculously priced new IMO. He's asking $650 plus shipping. I just don't see that there's that much too this machine. I've never seen one on CL but I'd probably pay $200 max for this.

[AttyGuy]

Holding on is the safety feature.

Priceless. A signature line for sure. I regret that I repped you recently on something else, because I surely would for this post!

[dumb.bell]

I've never used the Leg Blaster. Have you ever used one of the original Hatfield safety squat bars where the shoulder harness stayed in place and the handles would fix to the cage. You'd grab the handles through the entire movement. I'd think that this would somewhat mimic that. These are ridiculously priced new IMO. He's asking $650 plus shipping. I just don't see that there's that much too this machine. I've never seen one on CL but I'd probably pay $200 max for this.

I've never used the Hatfield, but yes it sounds like a similar movement.

I wouldn't pay $650 either, but picked one up a couple of years ago on craigslist for $75. At that price it was great, and it finally taught me how to exhaust the quads - previously I'd used too much lower back (I was wanting to target the quads for growth rather than just squat as much as I could).

[Wildtim]

Essentially the Leg blaster allows for a weighted sissy squat, old school style. You can accomplish a similar thing by adding sissy squats to the end of your workout once the quads are pretty well shot, but the blaster allows you to weight the movement so you can isolate the quads while they are still fresh.

A hip belt won't allow you to isolate the quads quite so thoroughly.

For less than a hundred I would own one of these for sure.

[keyboardworkout]

There has been one on Craigslist here for a couple of months. They are asking $400.

Like Tim said, if it was $100, I would probably own it.

[eillenalighieri]

I've owned one for several years, it is significantly superior tom a barbell squat for leg development, the downside is that you have to use it at home, on leg day I use a gym close toi my house and either start with the leg blaster or end with it, there is no safety issue with it whatsoever unless you are retarded, slipping is out of the question, again, unless you are retarded... best money i ever spent fitness wise, great sweep on my quads, great glute development as well

[Skidmarx]

it is significantly superior tom a barbell squat for leg development

Doubtful

[ironwill2008]

I've owned one for several years, it is significantly superior tom a barbell squat for leg development, the downside is that you have to use it at home, on leg day I use a gym close toi my house and either start with the leg blaster or end with it, there is no safety issue with it whatsoever unless you are retarded, slipping is out of the question, again, unless you are retarded... best money i ever spent fitness wise, great sweep on my quads, great glute development as well

Frank! Is that you???