Cost No Object: Machines and Free Weights, the Best of the Best. PART 2

[QUOTE=NickThe13th;1577698921]Picked up an atlantis incline and atlantis shoulder press for $350CDN ($262 usd) each locally. They have been re painted for sure seems like the cheap paint titan fitness would use, and the incline press has random bolts in the bottom bearings connection that are just put through not screwed in

[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/EbHyJ4P.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://i.imgur.com/aHcAY7t.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/444347657675079680/565243862893854836/IMG_5554.JPG[/IMG]
[IMG]https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/444347657675079680/565243862692659231/IMG_5553.JPG[/IMG][/QUOTE]
Nice. How much refurb are you going to do.

Machine enthusiasts may be interested in some new iron equipment coming out of the workshops of the German Gym80 company.
The Austria based Intelligent Strength crew has recently posted a set of videos introducing a new line of machines from the Gym80 company. For better or worse the line is dubbed the <<GYM80 Pure Kraft No Bull**** Line>>.
Typing <<Intelligent Strength No Bull**** Line>> into the Youtube search bar & scrolling down will unveil some of the new machines in this line as demonstrated at FIBO 2019.

[QUOTE=NickThe13th;1577698921]Picked up an atlantis incline and atlantis shoulder press ...[/QUOTE]

I'd probably replace the questionable hardware and relube the bushings. If the paint really bugs you, powdercoating it might cost about $100-200. You would lose the labels though.

[QUOTE=Heliogabalus;1578107191]Machine enthusiasts may be interested in some new iron equipment coming out of the workshops of the German Gym80 company.
The Austria based Intelligent Strength crew has recently posted a set of videos introducing a new line of machines from the Gym80 company. For better or worse the line is dubbed the <<GYM80 Pure Kraft No Bull**** Line>>.
Typing <<Intelligent Strength No Bull**** Line>> into the Youtube search bar & scrolling down will unveil some of the new machines in this line as demonstrated at FIBO 2019.[/QUOTE]

The Incline and Leg Press look incredibly built and very well thought out. Looks great! Like nothing we'd ever get here in the States from one of the big companies like a Life Fitness. Why are all the good plate loaded pieces coming out of Europe? Other than Prime and maybe Arsenal, we don't have anything remotely close to being innovative if we're talking about the larger manufacturers.

Drilling for the best, 1 5/8" OD, 3/4" Bore, Ball Bearings... Fits right on a Stainless 316, 3/4" shoulder bolt (original shoulder bolt size). Unquestionably the best method.

How does the Strive selectorized bicep compare to the plate loaded variant?

Just looked at the gym80 no bull.
Check this video. Some very cool additions. The fast release lever to shift the load nearer the pivot to reduce weight and do a drop set is genius.
[url]https://youtu.be/RMRwfssFnmc[/url]

[QUOTE=solarfuel;1578623291]How does the Strive selectorized bicep compare to the plate loaded variant?[/QUOTE]

From what I recall, the selectorized version of the Strive Bicep has some major faults.

If all things are equal between a plate loaded version and a selectorized version (which is rarely the case), I'd chose the selectorized version (assuming the weight stack is adequate). All the pieces I have are based only on which machine has the best biomechanics... I have no bias between plate loaded vs. Selectorized.

The best selectorized bicep I have come across to date, is the Power-lift selectorized bicep. It is still also my favorite preacher curl machine whether it is plate loaded or selectorized. I still love the Strive Plateloaded bicep, but I felt that I could live without it.

[QUOTE=Rottweiler59;1578630831]Just looked at the gym80 no bull.
Check this video. Some very cool additions. The fast release lever to shift the load nearer the pivot to reduce weight and do a drop set is genius.
[url]https://youtu.be/RMRwfssFnmc[/url][/QUOTE]


I agree, the shoulder in the video looks very impressive. I will also be curious to try the chest machines and all of their machines. Since I plan on going to see Panatta at the end of August, it looks like I will be going to Germany to visit these guys. I'll find out their location and contact number. I'd say it is quite probable I will organize a group purchase for both Panatta and Gym 80 in September.

I'll take lots of pics and videos....

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1578634531]From what I recall, the selectorized version of the Strive Bicep has some major faults.

If all things are equal between a plate loaded version and a selectorized version (which is rarely the case), I'd chose the selectorized version (assuming the weight stack is adequate). All the pieces I have are based only on which machine has the best biomechanics... I have no bias between plate loaded vs. Selectorized.

The best selectorized bicep I have come across to date, is the Power-lift selectorized bicep. It is still also my favorite preacher curl machine whether it is plate loaded or selectorized. I still love the Strive Plateloaded bicep, but I felt that I could live without it.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the quick reply Chris. You saved me from making another equipment mistake!

I picked up an old school nautilus super pullover SP02 yesterday and it feels amazing. So smooth, especially for 40 year old machine with chains and bushings. Couldn’t find a Gen 1 or sp03 in decent shape, so this one will have to suffice. Any flaws on this model other than the lack of aluminum cam? Seems most people think highly of that model as well, hopefully I didn’t waste my time? Thinking about doing a frame restoration.

If you end up selling your strive bicep curl I am definitely interested :)

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1578634531] I still love the Strive Plateloaded bicep, but I felt that I could live without it.[/QUOTE]

When I picked up my Strive leg ext/curl combo unit from the founder's son he specifically mentioned the plate loaded bicep and that he still had one if I was interested. No idea if it's still in his possession but I passed for similar reasons as well as lack of room for highly specialized pieces.

[QUOTE=C123C;1578641961]When I picked up my Strive leg ext/curl combo unit from the founder's son he specifically mentioned the plate loaded bicep and that he still had one if I was interested. No idea if it's still in his possession but I passed for similar reasons as well as lack of room for highly specialized pieces.[/QUOTE]

How long ago did you pick up the leg extension? Do you mind sharing the contact info? I am definitely interested!

The movement path of that shoulder machine looks fantastic. I would love to try it

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1578634531]From what I recall, the selectorized version of the Strive Bicep has some major faults.

If all things are equal between a plate loaded version and a selectorized version (which is rarely the case), I'd chose the selectorized version (assuming the weight stack is adequate). All the pieces I have are based only on which machine has the best biomechanics... I have no bias between plate loaded vs. Selectorized.

The best selectorized bicep I have come across to date, is the Power-lift selectorized bicep. It is still also my favorite preacher curl machine whether it is plate loaded or selectorized. I still love the Strive Plateloaded bicep, but I felt that I could live without it.[/QUOTE]
Curious what faults you felt the strive selectorized had compared to the plate loaded. I've had both an biomechanicaly they felt the same to me. Kept the selectorized because of the speed of change overs

[QUOTE=smokinHawk;1578651741]Curious what faults you felt the strive selectorized had compared to the plate loaded. I've had both an biomechanicaly they felt the same to me. Kept the selectorized because of the speed of change overs[/QUOTE]

I read alot of the v1 thread and it appeared that the main advantage that was discussed were the unlimited strength curve options on the plate loaded version. Not sure if the mechanics are different? Would love to hear Chris's opinion on the matter.

[QUOTE=solarfuel;1578642661]How long ago did you pick up the leg extension? Do you mind sharing the contact info? I am definitely interested![/QUOTE]

I think it was 12-18 months back. Probably 18. If he doesn't have it anymore he probably has the best ideas on where to find them as he does equipment servicing in the Pittsburgh region which is home of Strive/Prime.

I'll PM you his name/phone etc...

From my experience that is exactly the advantage of the plate loaded vs selectorized—the selectorized “locks” you into specific strength curve level vs unlimited strength curve variability with plate loaded. I have the strive plate loaded bicep and prefer it to selectorized. To each his own.

[QUOTE=smokinHawk;1578651741]Curious what faults you felt the strive selectorized had compared to the plate loaded. I've had both an biomechanicaly they felt the same to me. Kept the selectorized because of the speed of change overs[/QUOTE]

Pretty sure both selectorized and plate loaded have exactly the same biomechanics..... it’s just that the weight stacks are interchangeable.

Here’s the original HNMD post.....

[url]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=127962753&p=768840523&viewfull=1#post768840523[/url]

[QUOTE=rpark;1578677561]Pretty sure both selectorized and plate loaded have exactly the same biomechanics..... it’s just that the weight stacks are interchangeable.

Here’s the original HNMD post.....

[url]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=127962753&p=768840523&viewfull=1#post768840523[/url][/QUOTE]

,
I can tell you if they were identical, I would have chosen the selectorized version. The comparison I made a while back, but if I thought the selectorized was as good as the plate loaded, I would have purchased that version.

If buying new, I would get the Hybrid version. I'm not a fan of the new small cams. The original cams are much better.

I love Strive and the Hybrid Prime that maintains the Strive cams. I just found that the Power-Lift selectorized preacher curl was so amazing, that I really didn't need any other preacher curl machines (Which I then proceeded to sell the Atlantis preacher curl and the Strive).

I made contact with Gym80.

I'm planning to visit Gelsenkirchen Germany during my trip to see Panatta at the end of August.

Look forward to reviewing all of the latest Panatta and Gym80 pieces. Once that is done, we can put together a group order for both in September.

[url]https://gym80.intelligentstrength.net/[/url]


[youtube]R2sZj-cBGkE[/youtube]


[youtube]RMRwfssFnmc[/youtube]

[QUOTE=nnclark11;1578669981]From my experience that is exactly the advantage of the plate loaded vs selectorized—the selectorized “locks” you into specific strength curve level vs unlimited strength curve variability with plate loaded. I have the strive plate loaded bicep and prefer it to selectorized. To each his own.[/QUOTE]
This is actually a myth If you think about it. When you load say the middle peg you are still gaining resistance on the beginning and end of the movement. Same when loading the top peg you still gain on the middle and end.
It's not like your only adding weight at the beginning. The weight is just less in other places but you still add to the others.

[QUOTE=smokinHawk;1578725701]This is actually a myth If you think about it. When you load say the middle peg you are still gaining resistance on the beginning and end of the movement. Same when loading the top peg you still gain on the middle and end.
It's not like your only adding weight at the beginning. The weight is just less in other places but you still add to the others.[/QUOTE]


Actually with the plate loaded strive, you can shape the curve and the peak by using all three at the same time....

Selectorized you cannot change the peak or shape of the strength curve, you can only change the position of the peak.

That being said, no other machine company I am aware of has really done this to any significant degree.

One example is the pendulum power squat pro.

I just spent two days at Prime for one of the N1 classes, using the machines extensively. They are awesome. I'm curious how you feel about some of their pieces vs. Panatta if you've had a chance to test out most of the Prime pieces.

The tricep extension was the first comfortable one I've ever used. Several row pieces were great. Hybrid incline press was great for my mechanics and that is one that I rarely find a good fit on. Functional trainer was great as were all the Prime Prodigy pieces. I am very torn between plate loaded and selectorized for that one.



[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1578725871]Actually with the plate loaded strive, you can shape the curve and the peak by using all three at the same time....

Selectorized you cannot change the peak or shape of the strength curve, you can only change the position of the peak.

That being said, no other machine company I am aware of has really done this to any significant degree.

One example is the pendulum power squat pro.[/QUOTE]

Chris what was your verdict on the hammer strength h squat?

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;1578711881]gym80.intelligentstrength.net/

R2sZj-cBGkE[/youtube]


RMRwfssFnmc[/youtube][/QUOTE]


I've been looking into their stuff.
It seems those two brothers collaborate with a German manufacturer Gym80 to build heavy-duty equipment.
That's a dream combination for me. To find a serious fabricator that already knows their craft, and then bring a few pieces to the next level.

This leg press is just the kind I've been imagining.

[youtube]J78Fb1KExOU[/youtube]

Considering how overbuilt it is, it doesn't have a huge footprint.
Unfortunately price tag is 9000euro/10.000$. Even if I had the money I couldn't justify that. My entire home gym cost well bellow that.

This is probably the machine they started with:
[url]https://www.gym80.de/en/pure-kraft-leg-press/[/url]
Also a nice piece.

[QUOTE=Afo3;1579052091]I just spent two days at Prime for one of the N1 classes, using the machines extensively. They are awesome. I'm curious how you feel about some of their pieces vs. Panatta if you've had a chance to test out most of the Prime pieces.[/quote]

I/We have discussed this at length in Part 1 and Part 2 of the Cost No object thread. Every single piece of Strive/Prime has been discussed. Part 1 of the Cost No Object list got maxed out over 7 years, so we had to start a Part 2. I would check out Part 1 and this part 2 thread as well.

I can tell you briefly which pieces of Strive/Prime I have (I also recommend the Classic Line or Hybrid Line since the old cams are superior: more aggressive)

- Rotary Torso Selectorized with heavy stack
- Deltoid raise delectorized with heavy stack (Including the modification to remove the stops (in Part 1)
- Lower Back ext (Plate Loaded or Selectorized)
- Plate Loaded Leg ext
- Plate Loaded Bicep

There are a few other worthy pieces from Prime as well, probably mentioned on the Cost No Object list.


[quote]The tricep extension was the first comfortable one I've ever used.[/quote]

Once they finally removed the notch from the arm pad, that helped. I just found the CYBEX version of that type of Tricep extension to be the best.


[quote] Several row pieces were great. [/quote]

I am often tempted by the Strive Extreme Row, but it still feels 'off' to me. They made some changes, but not in a manner that fixed the biomechanics. The Extreme Row needed a bigger adjustment to the chest pad. The made is adjustable only at the bottom... to me the angle is still off. I really love the concept, but just feels awkward and 'off'. Can't say I liked the Strive Row pieces enough to recommend them, at least relative to other pieces on the Cost No Object list.


[Quote]Hybrid incline press was great for my mechanics and that is one that I rarely find a good fit on. Functional trainer was great as were all the Prime Prodigy pieces. I am very torn between plate loaded and selectorized for that one.[/QUOTE]

Certainly Strive/Prime is one of the few very good companies left. that is great you were able to make it to their showroom.

I can't emphasize enough how amazing the Panatta Chest machines are... The Panatta Chest machines to me have no equivalent. The Lat Pulldown as well.

As far as ROWS: I think every company fails or struggles at making good row machines. For rows, make sure to check out the Cost No Object List. I need to do some minor updates to that list as well....

[QUOTE=Oxidated;1579117051]This leg press is just the kind I've been imagining.

[youtube]J78Fb1KExOU[/youtube]

Considering how overbuilt it is, it doesn't have a huge footprint.
Unfortunately price tag is 9000euro/10.000$. Even if I had the money I couldn't justify that. My entire home gym cost well bellow that.

This is probably the machine they started with:
[url]https://www.gym80.de/en/pure-kraft-leg-press/[/url]
Also a nice piece.[/QUOTE]


I'll check it out. I love the cost no object approach. Looking forward to visit them in August. Will take lots of videos to share on the forum...



Do you see any more videos of the NO BULL**** LINE? I've seen the Shoulder (I plan on purchasing the Shoulder).

I've seen some of the chest ones, but I haven't had time to search for them. Post more of the NO Bull**** Line if you find more videos.

[QUOTE=solarfuel;1579094671]Chris what was your verdict on the hammer strength h squat?[/QUOTE]

It is a winner... The original springs were poorly designed. Spring Physics is a joke, very easy. I came up with a bad-ass spring design and had a spring company in California make them. I already posted about that in this thread somewhere. One of the forum members was able to get a set of 4 and posted about his experience.

There are some other mods you can do as well with the footplate (lowering it to the lowest setting), and some pad mods.

Yes, I recommend it with the new spring design and some easy mods...