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

Sadly, I like my machines form to follow function. I can't stand plastic guarding on equipment, I find that it takes away from the "feel" of the machine in a more abstract sense. I like seeing simplicity of design, open drives, cogs, pulleys, and belts. It gives me more of a sense of connection with the equipment. I'm sure it sounds strange though, lol. It's the same with my love of hot rods, the more stripped down the better. This philosophy could also apply to women, the more stripped down he better!

I'll check back on that strive lateral raise. Thanks!

[QUOTE=Jetigen;990620853]Here is a Picasa album of the Sorinex equipped Auburn University weight room.
[url]https://picasaweb.google.com/goergen2/AuburnUniversityWeightRoom#[/url]

Sorinex rack with lat-pull down and cable attachments is a dream.

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5158853&stc=1&d=1354940518[/img][/QUOTE]

How much does a weight room like that cost to equip out ? maybe 300K ?

[QUOTE=Aussieguy101;992751883]How much does a weight room like that cost to equip out ? maybe 300K ?[/QUOTE]There is no telling. Best way to find out is to call Sorinex directly.

Life is good!!! I sell gym equipment in Ireland and I had 2 guys come to me about a new gym they are opening. Honestly, they didn't really have a clue how to run a gym but were very passionate and had found a fantastic 24000 sq ft premises with pool and jacuzzi already in it. I made them an offer to give the equipment to them in return for equity and I'm now a partner in the business! So far I've ordered 20 hammer strength pieces, a 5 station and an 8 station pillar cable stations, an 8 piece strive plate loaded circuit and hopefully I've just found a samson dual leg press so hopefully I get that aswell. Also ordered boring cardio, 5 cybex treadmills, 8 precor crosstrainers and a few bikes and concept 2's. I'm not going to lie, this wont be a cost no object gym so I'm buying everything second hand but I do want the best equipment available. I still need a hack squat, smith machine, selectorised circuit, I'll pick up a 20 piece circuit, I was looking at a magnum 25 piece which was v cheap but I've no experience with magnum, is it any good? Any recommendations of the best selectorised circuits, never been a fan of life fitness, cybex is ok but I don't really know much about other brands, my business is selling free weights and racks ect.

[QUOTE=irishmickk;992788923]Life is good!!! I sell gym equipment in Ireland and I had 2 guys come to me about a new gym they are opening. Honestly, they didn't really have a clue how to run a gym but were very passionate and had found a fantastic 24000 sq ft premises with pool and jacuzzi already in it. I made them an offer to give the equipment to them in return for equity and I'm now a partner in the business! So far I've ordered 20 hammer strength pieces, a 5 station and an 8 station pillar cable stations, an 8 piece strive plate loaded circuit and hopefully I've just found a samson dual leg press so hopefully I get that aswell. Also ordered boring cardio, 5 cybex treadmills, 8 precor crosstrainers and a few bikes and concept 2's. I'm not going to lie, this wont be a cost no object gym so I'm buying everything second hand but I do want the best equipment available. I still need a hack squat, smith machine, selectorised circuit, I'll pick up a 20 piece circuit, I was looking at a magnum 25 piece which was v cheap but I've no experience with magnum, is it any good? Any recommendations of the best selectorised circuits, never been a fan of life fitness, cybex is ok but I don't really know much about other brands, my business is selling free weights and racks ect.[/QUOTE]Magnum has long been one of the 5-10 leading companies producing full lines of commercial equipment in America. I don't think that anyone here would disagree that they make very nice equipment. You won't go wrong equipping your gym with Magnum gear. With that being said, this thread is about picking the very best caliber individual pieces from companies and circuits. Really it is just a collection of opinions from those individuals that have used certain pieces of equipment and contributed there thoughts to the thread.

i like my magnum perfect squat 400. if i make one change, and i might, i will build a metal platform over the bottom one, so my butt can bottom out further down. i bend a lil below the knees doing the squat but its not a full one. i can raise the height of the machine since its adjustable and i still won't have to stoop in like some leverage squat machines even with a higher base. i look forward to doing this at some point :).

ok maybe not quite as far as i said :p

[youtube]mvL8b4T7mHk[/youtube]

Here Is a Tk Starlumbar support / pullover bench I have been searching for this for a while and haven't been able to find one

[IMG]http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j111/tjlynch777/54D0D1E5-3B85-4218-8C46-44647D1D7964-123-00000015846F2F6D.jpg[/IMG]

I did get 3 more avengers yesturday they are encredible. If I i had the room i would of bought every one. I will be making room and putting them to good use soon enough.
There was several more avengers still available if your interested pm me and I will set you up with the seller. Truly the best built machines ever...

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;992648243]Ok, 2 of you people really love this machine. I was just about to pay for the plate loaded version of the MTS, but now I have heard two people mention they really love this Nautilus One machine.

I guess I'm heading back to San Jose 24 Hour Fitness Super Sport tomorrow or Thursday just to demo this piece. Certainly, I'll demo the others while I am there.

For some reason, I don't recall this machine 'crunching' as well as the Hammer AB crunch.[/QUOTE]ROM is similar to the Hammer. It is just designed and built a little better and alot more comfortable to use. You can straddle the seat corner and work the obliques just like the MTS. There is no way that I would pay anywhere remotely close to full price for the Nautilus One (or the MTS) though. If I could do it over again, I would have gotten a clean used plateloaded Hammer even though the movement is the same as the MTS.

Not sure if anyone posted this earlier, but Regeneration has an informative website on just their Avenger equipment now: [url]http://avengerstrength.com/[/url]

Quick question for those in the know, did Regeneration buy out the patents/rights to produce the Avenger equipment from MedX?

[QUOTE=irongym;992984343]Not sure if anyone posted this earlier, but Regeneration has an informative website on just their Avenger equipment now: [url]http://avengerstrength.com/[/url]

Quick question for those in the know, did Regeneration buy out the patents/rights to produce the Avenger equipment from MedX?[/QUOTE]
Yes, I did see that site and yes Ken has those rights. Doesnt that site list his pricing for some of the new Avengers?

Yes, it looks like they do on some of them:

-Leg Extension $2995
-Leg Curl $2995
-Leg Press $5295
-Pulldown $3295
-Seated Row $2995

I'm very interested in the pulldown. I like that you can do either close or wide grip for variety. I really like my Hammer Strength front pulldown, but wish it had these handles. At the same time I wish the Avenger had the option of isolateral, and a convergance on the handles would be great too. Do you know if they have any plans to update some of the designs? An isolateral converging pulldown with the adjustable handles... I'd buy that.

[QUOTE=irongym;993082213]Yes, it looks like they do on some of them:

-Leg Extension $2995
-Leg Curl $2995
-Leg Press $5295
-Pulldown $3295
-Seated Row $2995

I'm very interested in the pulldown. I like that you can do either close or wide grip for variety. I really like my Hammer Strength front pulldown, but wish it had these handles. At the same time I wish the Avenger had the option of isolateral, and a convergance on the handles would be great too. Do you know if they have any plans to update some of the designs? An isolateral converging pulldown with the adjustable handles... I'd buy that.[/QUOTE]
PM TJ and ask him which pulldowns DAVE has left in Pennsylvania. He may have another ISO pulldown. You can save some coin if he does. The Avenger ISO pulldown is quickly becoming one of my favorite pieces. I am not sure if Ken will offer the pulldown ISO option. I dont see how the Avenger pulldown could ever be designed with convergence. The Avenger ISO pulldown is by far the best that I have used and it really compliments my cable style pulldown well giving me great variety.

[QUOTE=irishmickk;992788923]Life is good!!! I sell gym equipment in Ireland and I had 2 guys come to me about a new gym they are opening. Honestly, they didn't really have a clue how to run a gym but were very passionate and had found a fantastic 24000 sq ft premises with pool and jacuzzi already in it. I made them an offer to give the equipment to them in return for equity and I'm now a partner in the business! So far I've ordered 20 hammer strength pieces, a 5 station and an 8 station pillar cable stations, an 8 piece strive plate loaded circuit and hopefully I've just found a samson dual leg press so hopefully I get that aswell. Also ordered boring cardio, 5 cybex treadmills, 8 precor crosstrainers and a few bikes and concept 2's. I'm not going to lie, this wont be a cost no object gym so I'm buying everything second hand but I do want the best equipment available. I still need a hack squat, smith machine, selectorised circuit, I'll pick up a 20 piece circuit, I was looking at a magnum 25 piece which was v cheap but I've no experience with magnum, is it any good? Any recommendations of the best selectorised circuits, never been a fan of life fitness, cybex is ok but I don't really know much about other brands, my business is selling free weights and racks ect.[/QUOTE]which line of magnum are you looking at?

[QUOTE=Aussieguy101;992751883]How much does a weight room like that cost to equip out ? maybe 300K ?[/QUOTE]

Sorinex pieces can be pricey compared to EliteFTS, Legend, Williams, etc. The lat/low row (pictured attached to the rack) is $3k US compared to approx $2200 from most other manufacturers (direct). I'd imagine that piece is $9-10k because it appears to be a high low pulley, adjustable column, and cage but no platform. I believe you have to attach the cable to use the low pulley on this one, which sucks considering the likely cost. Legend has an awesome 1/2 rack with lat low row for around $6500. I wish they'd come out with a full cage version with Westside spacing.

[QUOTE=irishmickk;992788923]Life is good!!! I sell gym equipment in Ireland and I had 2 guys come to me about a new gym they are opening. Honestly, they didn't really have a clue how to run a gym but were very passionate and had found a fantastic 24000 sq ft premises with pool and jacuzzi already in it. I made them an offer to give the equipment to them in return for equity and I'm now a partner in the business! So far I've ordered 20 hammer strength pieces, a 5 station and an 8 station pillar cable stations, an 8 piece strive plate loaded circuit and hopefully I've just found a samson dual leg press so hopefully I get that aswell. Also ordered boring cardio, 5 cybex treadmills, 8 precor crosstrainers and a few bikes and concept 2's. I'm not going to lie, this wont be a cost no object gym so I'm buying everything second hand but I do want the best equipment available. I still need a hack squat, smith machine, selectorised circuit, I'll pick up a 20 piece circuit, I was looking at a magnum 25 piece which was v cheap but I've no experience with magnum, is it any good? Any recommendations of the best selectorised circuits, never been a fan of life fitness, cybex is ok but I don't really know much about other brands, my business is selling free weights and racks ect.[/QUOTE]


I don't reccommend buying complete lines. The most updated cost no object list is on page 102. I plan to update the Cost no Object list in late January after all the dust settles from everyone's recent splurges on this forum...

Anyone try this lateral raise, or a similar design?

[url]http://www.luckis.ca/wecs.php?store=luck&action=display&target=ITC+1130[/url]

[QUOTE=irongym;993234333]Anyone try this lateral raise, or a similar design?

[url]http://www.luckis.ca/wecs.php?store=luck&action=display&target=ITC+1130[/url][/QUOTE]


Yes, that is the older version of the one I demoed at Atlantis in Quebec. Same biomechanics. Seems they are going back to square tubing to save money, so things are going full circle... square... oval ... square again. Funny thing is Strive feels the need to change to oval, but the people who have gone oval are going back to square. Strives new line will be coming out soon and I think it will be outstanding, with tweaks, but maintaining the same quality level.

In any case, the problem I had with that machine, it that it really offers nothing over standing dumbbell lateral raises... As you know I'm all for a good machine, but that type of machine is useless in the sense dumbells are just better.

The new strive lateral raise has round pads and many tweaks. Its a complete A++ I bought it based on my demo of the old design, but whet was shipped to me was amazing, and much better... offering the ability to do the old school Cybex/Nautilus old school shoulder (like the pec fly, but shoulder).. *and* the standard where you grab the handles and push up with your elbows. Throw in the adjustable strength curve and it is the best machine (actually for me it is 2 in one) I have ever come across of that type. I used to love the Cybex full round pad classic shoulder, but you can do the whole stack... except the Strive is better and actually has a more than adequate weight stack.

Went to 24 Hour ****ness Super Sport San Jose to re-evaluate the Nautilus one line. Seems they have 12 machines, I went down the list with Deadwood Gregg.

I'm not feeling the seated leg curl. I thought the Flex Fitness Hamtractor (seated leg curl) was better than the Nautilus one. Further, I could pull the Flex Fitness hamtractor further back (more contraction) than the Nautilus One.

The bicep and Tricep machines were 'floppy'... they tried to have 'IDA' independent arm like motion, but they do not feel good. Just Like the Cybex Eagle Line uses lots of user defined motion, that does not mean that is beneficial. I think a lot of the user defined motion path machines, like the Cybex Eagle, often feel awkward. The motion path has a lot of momentum, and the motion path often feels awkward. So sometimes all this marketing hype about user defined motion with machines really does not translate to a superior machine, in fact, quite the opposite.

The Pulldown weight stack was a joke. Also, It pales in comparison to something like the pendulum puldown or Avenger, or just about every other pulldown... In fact, I'm sure the XPLOAD is better than that. 250 lbs max weight on that pulldown was a joke.

Back to the AB Machine, which I think we were all in agreement is the best piece in that line (Although Greg likes the seated leg Curl which he think is outstanding).

I think the Ab Machine is probably the only one in the Nautilus One line that has an adequate weight stack. I really spent a lot of time with this machine. I probably did 20 sets over an hour and kept coming back to it every 5 minutes or so. I think walked thru my door and jumped on my Hammer MTS to compare as quick as possible.

When it comes down to the bottom line comparison, they are very similar in most ways. The Nautilus one throws your head back a little more. Overall, the range of motion is similar. One person here that has both thought the range of motion was greater with the Nautilus One, but I think that is mostly because your head tilts back further. I tried various weights and various seat heights. One of the things I like better about the Hammer is that I was able to crunch harder at heavier weights. For some reason, at heavier weights with the Nautilus One, I could not get into quite as comfortable of a position. One of the most important critiques of a machine is how they feel towards heavier weights: I think the Hammer stands up very well in that regard. No matter how much weight I put on the MTS Ab crunch, the Hammer MTS feels comfortable and controlled. With the Nautilus One, I could not quite get that secure motion path feel. That being said, I think much more highly now of the Nautilus One Ab crunch now that I have spent a lot more time with it. I think it deserves a spot on the cost no object list in the sense that when people go to chose Ab machines, they should compare the Hammer MTS, Hammer Plate loaded, and Nautilus One. They are overall very similar.

I also jumped on the Hoist plate loaded and selectorized ab crunch machines that are also at the San Jose 24 ****eness Super sport. I wasn't feeling the Hoist at all. I went over all the Hoist plate loaded and selectorized and it just reminded me of why nobody here has ever nominated a Hoist machine for the cost no object list. Essentially the San Jose 24 Hour ****ness Super Sport is: Life Fitness, Free Motion, Hoist (complete line of plate loaded and Selectorized), and the 12 machine circuit of Nautilus one. I guess that guy will realize tomorrow I gave him a fake number when they follow-up to see if you want to join.


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176583&d=1355385390[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176593&d=1355385437[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176603&d=1355385463[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176613&d=1355385494[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176623&d=1355385800[/img]

Personally, I did not find any of the rest worthy of purchase. The lateral raise was comfortable, but I did not test max weight. Its not like it is remotely close to being as good as the Strive, so it doesn't matter.



[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176653&d=1355388022[/img]


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176663&d=1355388039[/img]


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176683&d=1355388076[/img]

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;990340193]This is the most frustrating company I have ever dealt with. Do me a favor and call them and see if you can get any leads on where some of there stuff might be demoed. Some hillbilly chick keeps hanging up on me answering the phone... crazy.


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5157093&d=1354900926[/img]



[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5157083&d=1354900925[/img]



[url]http://quantumfitness.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=126&Itemid=56[/url]


I'd appreciate it if somebody could call and see if they can get anything useful about their products... cost, dealers, places to demo, anything... I've had no luck for 3 months... the people that answer the phone seem to be worse than government employees.[/QUOTE]




Now something like this machine might bring something unique to the table. The cool part of these machines is they also twist for obliques


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176743&d=1355389492[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176733&d=1355389453[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176763&d=1355389817[/img]


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176783&d=1355390286[/img]
[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176773&d=1355390252[/img]
[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176793&d=1355390484[/img]


I'd appreciate it if anyone else can make some progress with this company. Those ab machines look unique. If somebody could make some calls, talk to a dealer or someone in the company... any progress would be great.

Anyone knows the difference between the Elite Collegiate 0-90 Bench & the William strength signature 0-90 bench? They both weigh 150lbs and look exactly the same to me.

Collegiate - flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=167&pid=1380
Signature - flexcart.com/members/fatbars/default.asp?m=PD&cid=93&pid=255

Anybody know which brand this equipment is for the chest press?

It looks a little Light commercial but motion on chest press looks interesting

youtube.com/watch?v=-slnOoymzqA

[QUOTE=precx;993337853]Anybody know which brand this equipment is for the chest press?

It looks a little Light commercial but motion on chest press looks interesting

youtube.com/watch?v=-slnOoymzqA[/QUOTE]
[b]Hoist[/b] Plate Loaded Decline Chest Press (R11)

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176993&stc=1&d=1355398514[/img]
[url]http://www.diytrade.com/china/pd/10187928/Hoist_Plate_Loaded_Exercise_Machine_Decline_Chest_Press_R11.html[/url]

[QUOTE=yellowhello;993334423]Anyone knows the difference between the Elite Collegiate 0-90 Bench & the William strength signature 0-90 bench? They both weigh 150lbs and look exactly the same to me.

Collegiate - flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=167&pid=1380
Signature - flexcart.com/members/fatbars/default.asp?m=PD&cid=93&pid=255[/QUOTE]

I think Williams Strength makes equipment for Elite so they might actually be the same bench. Use the search function above and you can probably confirm this as I am sure it has been discussed before.

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;993305253]The Pulldown weight stack was a joke.....I think the Ab Machine is probably the only one in the Nautilus One line that has an adequate weight stack.[/QUOTE]All of the Nautilus One machines (except the leg press) use 250lb weight stacks with a 5lb add on weight. The only way to increase the weight would be to upgrade to the leg press weight stack (completely interchangeable) which is 425lbs with 20lbs of add on weights. Nice review Chris, getting multiple reviews on equipment can be beneficial to help others narrow down equipment choices as most individuals are unable to demo vast amounts of equipment on their own.

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;993305253]I guess that guy will realize tomorrow I gave him a fake number when they follow-up to see if you want to join.[/QUOTE]

Haha. I'm sure that's not the first time someone did that to him.

[QUOTE=HealthNutMD;993309233]Now something like this machine might bring something unique to the table. The cool part of these machines is they also twist for obliques


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176743&d=1355389492[/im
[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176733&d=1355389453[/img]

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176763&d=1355389817[/img]


[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176783&d=1355390286[/img]
[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176773&d=1355390252[/img]
[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176793&d=1355390484[/img]


I'd appreciate it if anyone else can make some progress with this company. Those ab machines look unique. If somebody could make some calls, talk to a dealer or someone in the company... any progress would be great.[/QUOTE]

Chris, I sent them an email about parts for an older machine and got a helpful reply the next day.I've never tried calling or checked about where to demo equipment.

[QUOTE=yellowhello;993334423]Anyone knows the difference between the Elite Collegiate 0-90 Bench & the William strength signature 0-90 bench? They both weigh 150lbs and look exactly the same to me.

Collegiate - flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=167&pid=1380
Signature - flexcart.com/members/fatbars/default.asp?m=PD&cid=93&pid=255[/QUOTE]


They are the same. William Strength makes all of Elite FTS equipment, just like REFLEX FITNESS makes all of Sorinex Equipment. A while back Williams Strength used to make Sorinex Equipment, but they had a falling out and apparently Sorinex stuffed them with some debt.

[QUOTE=deadwoodgregg;993350513]All of the Nautilus One machines (except the leg press) use 250lb weight stacks with a 5lb add on weight. The only way to increase the weight would be to upgrade to the leg press weight stack (completely interchangeable) which is 425lbs with 20lbs of add on weights. [/QUOTE]


That is really cool if any of their machines can be upgraded to a 425 lb stack. However, as you know, 425 lbs on their stack due to the pulley physics involved is probably 0.7-0.8 (of the stack weight). 425 lbs on those machines is probably like 275-300 lbs actual weight, and probably each machine has a slightly different multiplier. Biomechanically, I'm really not interested in those machines except for the Ab.

[img]http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=5176743&d=1355389492[/img]

Can somebody else get the INFORMATION REQUEST FORM to work? It will not work for me...