Still can't decide on plate loaded vs stack lat/low row
I'm down to picking the last piece of gear and I'm stuck. I can't decide whether to opt for a plate loaded lat/low row or a selectorized version. Cost isn't really a concern but space is.
Pros of selectorized:
ease of use
possibly smoothness
stability of the machine
300lb stack
Pros of plate loaded:
easier to place and move if needed
more flexible weith selections (though the stack unit can have platementes, etc for incremental additions)
Definately the selectorized version with a heavy stack (300lb preferably if you are strong) for the low rows. Get the stacks with 10lb plate increments and pick up Ader rubber coated 5lb and 2 1/2lb add on weights. The Sorinex may be awesome but I think you would be happier having the seat for low rows on the Legend. "Darkfact" did an excellent review on the Legend by the way.
Last edited by deadwoodgregg; 11-23-2012 at 09:32 AM.
Definately the selectorized version with a heavy stack (300lb preferably if you are strong) for the low rows. Get the stacks with 10lb plate increments and pick up Ader rubber coated 5lb and 2 1/2lb add on weights. The Sorinex may be awesome but I think you would be happier having the seat for low rows on the Legend.
My gut also tells me the legend. Im not 100% sure but it looks like the bench can be kept detached to free up space when not in use. They ship it standing up with it detached so that leads me to believe it may be ok.
A plus for the Sorinex is its compactness and possibly the location of the low pulley. Its also more expensive.
I have the Legend, but have them as two seperate pieces (1 pulldown and 1 low row). I don't think that you would want to remove the seat every time that you used it. If space is a big issue then go with a different model that has you seated on the floor.
I have the Legend, but have them as two seperate pieces (1 pulldown and 1 low row). I don't think that you would want to remove the seat every time that you used it. If space is a big issue then go with a different model that has you seated on the floor.
I was thinking of keeping it stored next to the unit and using it without physically attaching if possible
This one could be an option for you (only down side is i hear there shipping can be high depending on where you live). They are based out of San Antonio Texas.
It surprises me how many people refuse to buy equipment from Elitefts because its too expensive but they will buy equipment from their competitors, then continue to go on EFS website regulary to educate themselves for FREE
This one could be an option for you (only down side is i hear there shipping can be high depending on where you live). They are based out of San Antonio Texas.
I'm waiting on a quote for this one from Total Strenth & Speed. It has a 300 stack and I believe it is made by William's Strength, who makes the stuff for EliteFTS. Looks pretty solid, compact and is probably the same price as the Legend. Legend also has a lat low row without the bench but it has legs that come out appros 5 feet to the sides so its not so compact: http://www.legendfitness.com/Uploads/images/3228p4.jpg
Plate loaded are fine if you already have a bunch of plates and are trying to save money, but given the choice, I'd opt for a stack machine...as long as it has at least a 275-300lb stack.
I own a Body Solid plate-loaded lat/low row machine, and really have no complaints. I picked it up dirt cheap and it suits my needs for the time being, but it would be so much nicer to just pull a pin to change weights instead of loading/unloading weight horns.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
I'm a bit of a noob on the forum but have been training and reading this forum for the last three year, here's my opinion for what it's worth.
I personally own a plate loaded lat pull down machine (it's not quite in the same league as the options you're considering however).
I went for a plate loaded option over a stack option because of the following:
I believed it would be easier to move around.
I believed it would be easier to change my existing weight plates rather than use a stack.
I wanted to be able to make 1kg adjustments opposed to say 2.5kg - 5kg as a stack.
Boy was I wrong! Point 3 is the only plus but it's not much of one to be honest.
I find changing the plates on and off (epecially for low rows to tricep pull downs due to the large weight differences) a PITA.
I'm using 10kg plates so if you had 20kg plates this would be much easier but still a PITA.
Yes the item can be moved around easily but all of the plates still need to be removed, moved with the machine and refitted.
A plate stack machine will more than likely have a removable stack, probably be smoother as it's designed as a complete package.
The first link in your post (Legend) iirc as per someone elses post earlier in the week looks like a fantastic unit...
I'm a bit of a noob on the forum but have been training and reading this forum for the last three year, here's my opinion for what it's worth.
I personally own a plate loaded lat pull down machine (it's not quite in the same league as the options you're considering however).
I went for a plate loaded option over a stack option because of the following:
I believed it would be easier to move around.
I believed it would be easier to change my existing weight plates rather than use a stack.
I wanted to be able to make 1kg adjustments opposed to say 2.5kg - 5kg as a stack.
Boy was I wrong! Point 3 is the only plus but it's not much of one to be honest.
I find changing the plates on and off (epecially for low rows to tricep pull downs due to the large weight differences) a PITA.
I'm using 10kg plates so if you had 20kg plates this would be much easier but still a PITA.
Yes the item can be moved around easily but all of the plates still need to be removed, moved with the machine and refitted.
A plate stack machine will more than likely have a removable stack, probably be smoother as it's designed as a complete package.
The first link in your post (Legend) iirc as per someone elses post earlier in the week looks like a fantastic unit...
You make a good argument for going with a 300lb stacked lat. I've always used an older Nautilus universal with 200lb stack and just strapped on plates. It was a beast for nearly 10 years but was damaged in a flood. I'm having a hard time seeing myself happy with plate loading or a small stack unit.
The Legend, William's and Sorinex 300 lb stack units really look like the only options that make sense.
You make a good argument for going with a 300lb stacked lat. I've always used an older Nautilus universal with 200lb stack and just strapped on plates. It was a beast for nearly 10 years but was damaged in a flood. I'm having a hard time seeing myself happy with plate loading or a small stack unit.
The Legend, William's and Sorinex 300 lb stack units really look like the only options that make sense.
If it was my money I would go for the 300lb stack, you're pretty much future proofed that way.
At the end of the day, say you keep the machine for 10 years minimum it's fair cost effective.
$2000 /10 = $200 a year, that's less that $17 a month, bargain...
I'm waiting on a quote for this one from Total Strenth & Speed. It has a 300 stack and I believe it is made by William's Strength, who makes the stuff for EliteFTS. Looks pretty solid, compact and is probably the same price as the Legend. Legend also has a lat low row without the bench but it has legs that come out appros 5 feet to the sides so its not so compact: http://www.legendfitness.com/Uploads/images/3228p4.jpg
Anything Legend will be cheapest to buy directly from them. I'm under the impression you going through someone else.
If it was my money I would go for the 300lb stack, you're pretty much future proofed that way.
At the end of the day, say you keep the machine for 10 years minimum it's fair cost effective.
$2000 /10 = $200 a year, that's less that $17 a month, bargain...
The Legend's around $2500 shipped and the Sorinex is listed as $3k. The Williams is around $2k shipped. If I can use the legend without bolting down the bench to it I'm going that route.
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