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

[Greybird2]

You think? Even if they are Cybex clones the soundtrack accompanying the video definitely rocks!

By no means am I dissing that equipment. It looks like nice stuff.

[gym62richard]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMtq5OFf0T4

Not sure what country this equipment is produced but looks pretty good.

I think Gervasport is based in Spain, there are a few Spanish companies producing decent equipment, I used to have a few BH Fitness pieces, they were very well made and Gervasport also look very good.

There are a number of what appear to be Cybex, Hammer Strength etc clones available in Europe.
A lot of the manufacturing is done in Eastern Europe, some of the equipment looks very good, but apparently overall quality does vary.

[HealthNutMD]

Hope everyone had good holidays.

I've been really busy with work and the piece of land I purchased. It will be an amazing gym, but I'm afraid it will take a few years or so... In the meantime, I'm heading to Panatta at end of May (So I'll probably be at Rimini Wellness Show as well). I'm planning on picking up 3 - 5 pieces depending on how the demoing goes... I'll be happy to let people join my order when the time comes, probably placing it within a month of coming back from the visit (sometime in June, but flexible though).

[joropower]

Hey Chris if you know anyone who wants a plate loaded Panatta lat pull down let me know. I decided to move out to Wyoming from Fl and am I tired of moving equipment across the country, so I am just getting rid of everything and getting new stuff when I get settled in! Mine is the red and black one.

Hello, do you still sell your equipment? Can you please send me inventory list with prices.

[McBrody]

I think Gervasport is based in Spain, there are a few Spanish companies producing decent equipment, I used to have a few BH Fitness pieces, they were very well made and Gervasport also look very good.

There are a number of what appear to be Cybex, Hammer Strength etc clones available in Europe.
A lot of the manufacturing is done in Eastern Europe, some of the equipment looks very good, but apparently overall quality does vary.

Richard I'm curious if the equipment is built in one specific country in Eastern Europe and what country that would be or is it built all over various parts of Eastern Europe, thanks.

[gym62richard]

Richard I'm curious if the equipment is built in one specific country in Eastern Europe and what country that would be or is it built all over various parts of Eastern Europe, thanks.

It appears there are a number of small to medium sized fabricators based around Europe, certainly I've seen equipment that was manufactured in the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Poland, all three nations have strong traditions in the engineering sector.

I also believe the Life-Fitness group have a very large facility in Hungary.

[McBrody]

It appears there are a number of small to medium sized fabricators based around Europe, certainly I've seen equipment that was manufactured in the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Poland, all three nations have strong traditions in the engineering sector.

I also believe the Life-Fitness group have a very large facility in Hungary.

Interesting, I remember you mentioned UK based Primal Strength's equipment is made in Eastern Europe. Zydrunas Savickas is a big fan of Life Fitness and has their equipment in his gym (Savicko Sporto Klubas) along with Ziva dumbbells which is a Chinese company based in Shanghai. I'm always interested in what equipment the monsters in Europe train with.

[gym62richard]

I'm always interested in what equipment the monsters in Europe train with.

Pretty much the same as in the US, the majority of European lifters use US designed/built equipment.

Of course Watson have a strong presence, particularly their Animal range, Pro Dumbbells and speciality bars.

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

Grun Sport is based out of the Czech Republic and a lot of their stuff looks great. Some of their pieces look like the David plate loaded from about 5-10 years ago. I'd love to get my hand on one of their hack squats that has an adjustable foot plate and sleeves at the bottom of the back rest (rather than the top like most). I need one more post before i can post a link so i can't just yet but if you google "Grunsport" you can check them out.

[Oxidated]

This company is looking more and more serious.
Predator Strength --- instagram.com/predator_strength/

Check out the belt squat: instagram.com/p/BtSrLpbFX7f/

I've never used or seen any of it, and I'd love to hear an objective opinion.
They say bio-mechanics are important in their design.

[harrisg83]

This company is looking more and more serious.
Predator Strength --- instagram.com/predator_strength/

Check out the belt squat: instagram.com/p/BtSrLpbFX7f/

I've never used or seen any of it, and I'd love to hear an objective opinion.
They say bio-mechanics are important in their design.

That bi-lateral leg press looks like an exact copy of the original Nautilus leverage leg press.

[C123C]

Pretty much the same as in the US, the majority of European lifters use US designed/built equipment.

Of course Watson have a strong presence, particularly their Animal range, Pro Dumbbells and speciality bars.

Love being in US but I'm a bit envious of Watson and Panatta over there. Can't have it all!

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

This company is looking more and more serious.
Predator Strength --- instagram.com/predator_strength/

Check out the belt squat: instagram.com/p/BtSrLpbFX7f/

I've never used or seen any of it, and I'd love to hear an objective opinion.
They say bio-mechanics are important in their design.

their stuff looks pretty good to me, especially their belt squat. the problem i think i see with a lot of the popular belt squats i see here in the States is that a lot of them appear to utilize a design that puts more of the stress on the hams and glutes, i guess similar to a powerlifting "hips back" style squat. That's what it looks like in the vids. That's what i've heard too. However, i've never gotten to use one so i can't say that with certainty.

[Ironsports]

This company is looking more and more serious.
Predator Strength --- instagram.com/predator_strength/

Check out the belt squat: instagram.com/p/BtSrLpbFX7f/

I've never used or seen any of it, and I'd love to hear an objective opinion.
They say bio-mechanics are important in their design.

That bi-lateral leg press looks like an exact copy of the original Nautilus leverage leg press.

And the belt squat seems to be heavily inspired by the ATX Belt Squat Machine

Instagram: /p/BqkZf99gJs5/
Youtube video: /watch?v=0gJZqSWhjLE

(I cannot post links yet)

[smokinHawk]

their stuff looks pretty good to me, especially their belt squat. the problem i think i see with a lot of the popular belt squats i see here in the States is that a lot of them appear to utilize a design that puts more of the stress on the hams and glutes, i guess similar to a powerlifting "hips back" style squat. That's what it looks like in the vids. That's what i've heard too. However, i've never gotten to use one so i can't say that with certainty.

It all depends where you stand on how it affects the muscles and if you hold on to the posts. You can make almost any belt squat target the quads or hams and glutes based on you position

[C123C]

I wouldn't make any training progress in that gym.
I'd probably be trying out every piece six months on.

By the amount of business he has, it sounds more like the most equipped home gym ever.

He's kinda funny, reminds me of Kenny Powers.
- youtube.com/watch?v=Z32XaKpoNfw


One more edit:
Better view of the equipment: - youtube.com/watch?v=Ei0qiZOOPSM
Have your hand lotion handy.

Damn - I'd join that gym in a second. Crazy.

[Oxidated]

That bi-lateral leg press looks like an exact copy of the original Nautilus leverage leg press.

And the belt squat seems to be heavily inspired by the ATX Belt Squat Machine

Instagram: /p/BqkZf99gJs5/
Youtube video: /watch?v=0gJZqSWhjLE

(I cannot post links yet)

I don't really mind that.
I'd rather see improvements to an already well designed machine than a reinvention of a wheel.
Very few things are truly original, not to mention original and perfect from the start.

I've trawled their Instagram and counted about 16 machines I really like. That's on pair with my Panatta dream list.

[Ironsports]

ATX Combo Rack (Europe). Beefy as hell!

Link: megafitness.shop/atxr-competition-combo-rack-wettkampf-rack.html

[HealthNutMD]

Picked up a Nautilus 2ST Hip Ext.

Other than that, waiting to head to Italy to evaluate the latest Panatta machines: end of May, or end of Aug at the latest...

[ironforgedgym]

Chris,
What do you think of the 2st Hip Ext? I had one for a few years but sold it when I moved. Haven't felt the need to replace it yet. I liked the 400lb stack and the slight incline on the bench was a nice improvement over original hip and backs but I wasn't really fond of the strength curve...
Im pretty jaded on this movement, I had access to 2 different types of super geared hip and backs my first decade of training. I really wish I could find those still today, I think those may be the hardest to find machine on my list. I have only seen one for sale in the last 10+ years. Its a shame all my recollections of those machines were from my teenage and twenty something body. Not sure I would still like them in my mid 50s but there is something special about a machine that weighs a ton without the 500/600 lb stack.

[HealthNutMD]

Chris,
What do you think of the 2st Hip Ext? I had one for a few years but sold it when I moved. Haven't felt the need to replace it yet. I liked the 400lb stack and the slight incline on the bench was a nice improvement over original hip and backs but I wasn't really fond of the strength curve...
Im pretty jaded on this movement, I had access to 2 different types of super geared hip and backs my first decade of training. I really wish I could find those still today, I think those may be the hardest to find machine on my list. I have only seen one for sale in the last 10+ years. Its a shame all my recollections of those machines were from my teenage and twenty something body. Not sure I would still like them in my mid 50s but there is something special about a machine that weighs a ton without the 500/600 lb stack.

I tried it once before briefly. Not enough to have an opinion on it.

[HealthNutMD]

This video speaks for itself. I'll be adding this to my order. Sure, I'll demo it when I go to Italy, but I think it is safe to say this is just amazing!!

[gym62richard]

This video speaks for itself. I'll be adding this to my order. Sure, I'll demo it when I go to Italy, but I think it is safe to say this is just amazing!!

I love Panatta equipment, that's a really great piece. Watson also build a vertical leg press with adjustable footplate, back pad etc, I've seen, but not used the Watson Animal unit, it looked to be a heavily and well engineered machine.
Functionally both units offer a lot of variety, It would be interesting to do a direct comparison.

[harrisg83]

Nice design, but why don't they add 4 bar linkage or a cam with a proper strength curve to a vertical leg press?

[/QUOTE]

[HealthNutMD]

Nice design, but why don't they add 4 bar linkage or a cam with a proper strength curve to a vertical leg press?

Its a linear leg press, like all of those types of designs.... I like linear for this type of design. If you want the strength curve to increase towards the end, you can always add bands.

[solarfuel]

What are your thoughts on the Nautilus selectorized Nitro Plus Lat Pull Down? I see the old Nautilius stuff is held in high regard, but what about the newer stuff?

I am finishing up my home gym and have the opportunity to pick one up for cheap. I am a buy once cry once kind of guy, and already regret a few of my purchases after finding this glorious thread! I wont make the same mistake again!

Any future Panatta group buy in the works?

I have about 800sf (12' ceiling) with the following equipment already in hand:

Atlantis Pivot Press - Plate Loaded
Atlantis Hack Squat/ Calf Raise - Plate Loaded
Atlantis Seated Incline Converging Chest - Selectorized
Atlantis Seated Converging Shoulders - Plate Loaded
Atlantis Deadlift/Shrug
Atlantis Decline/Incline/Flat Benches
Atlantis Incline Hyper @ 45 degrees
Cybex Smith Machine - Looking to Replace with a Nebula Adjustable Smith if one ever pops up.
Legend Adjustable Cable Column with Heavy Stack
Life Fitness Synergy 360T with Heavy Stack, Dip Station, Jump Platform, 2 Pull Up Stations, Landmine, speed ropes & TRX Station. Might add a heavy bag instead of one of the pull up stations.
Matrix Aura Seated Chest Fly/Rear Delt - Looking to Replace with a Atlantis or Panatta?
Rouge GHD
Rouge Reverse Hyper
Rouge RM-6 Monster Rack
Rouge Echo Bike
Watson Standing T Bar Row

About 2k pounds of Ivanko Omezh Plates, and Iron Grip Dumbells from 5-100 in 5 pound increments. Mag Grips and Black Iron Strength Attachments for the two cable systems.

What are your thoughts on the equipment above? See any glaring holes /"must-have" pieces i should be saving room for? I could expand by another 800 sq feet or so, but would take from the "sports bar" adjacent to the work out area.

[EricAtl]

What are your thoughts on the Nautilus selectorized Nitro Plus Lat Pull Down? I see the old Nautilius stuff is held in high regard, but what about the newer stuff?

I am finishing up my home gym and have the opportunity to pick one up for cheap. I am a buy once cry once kind of guy, and already regret a few of my purchases after finding this glorious thread! I wont make the same mistake again!

Any future Panatta group buy in the works?

I have about 800sf (12' ceiling) with the following equipment already in hand:

Atlantis Pivot Press - Plate Loaded
Atlantis Hack Squat/ Calf Raise - Plate Loaded
Atlantis Seated Incline Converging Chest - Selectorized
Atlantis Seated Converging Shoulders - Plate Loaded
Atlantis Deadlift/Shrug
Atlantis Decline/Incline/Flat Benches
Atlantis Incline Hyper @ 45 degrees
Cybex Smith Machine - Looking to Replace with a Nebula Adjustable Smith if one ever pops up.
Legend Adjustable Cable Column with Heavy Stack
Life Fitness Synergy 360T with Heavy Stack, Dip Station, Jump Platform, 2 Pull Up Stations, Landmine, speed ropes & TRX Station. Might add a heavy bag instead of one of the pull up stations.
Matrix Aura Seated Chest Fly/Rear Delt - Looking to Replace with a Atlantis or Panatta?
Rouge GHD
Rouge Reverse Hyper
Rouge RM-6 Monster Rack
Rouge Echo Bike
Watson Standing T Bar Row

About 2k pounds of Ivanko Omezh Plates, and Iron Grip Dumbells from 5-100 in 5 pound increments. Mag Grips and Black Iron Strength Attachments for the two cable systems.

What are your thoughts on the equipment above? See any glaring holes /"must-have" pieces i should be saving room for? I could expand by another 800 sq feet or so, but would take from the "sports bar" adjacent to the work out area.

Super strong first post. Welcome to the forum. Now open the pics or your home gym thread and get some pics of your awesome equipment up ASAP.

[solarfuel]

Super strong first post. Welcome to the forum. Now open the pics or your home gym thread and get some pics of your awesome equipment up ASAP.

Been lurking on here for about 8 years

Finishing up the prep on my concrete floors now. Had to scrap off the three layers of "paint" the previous owner put down, before i can put down the fresh epoxy and my 3/4" mats. Should be all done in a few weeks though! Wont have to waste 5+ hours a week traveling to and from the gym anymore.

[gym62richard]

Been lurking on here for about 8 years

Finishing up the prep on my concrete floors now. Had to scrap off the three layers of "paint" the previous owner put down, before i can put down the fresh epoxy and my 3/4" mats. Should be all done in a few weeks though! Wont have to waste 5+ hours a week traveling to and from the gym anymore.

Sounds as if you have some superb equipment, but we need to see pics.

[HealthNutMD]

What are your thoughts on the Nautilus selectorized Nitro Plus Lat Pull Down? I see the old Nautilius stuff is held in high regard, but what about the newer stuff?

It has nothing to do about old vs new.

In regards to nitro plus lat pulldown, I'm not a fan. I've burned thru a ton of lat pulldowns to get to the point where I am now... The Panatta remains my favorite by far. I do enjoy the old Flex Fitness plate loaded lat pulldown as well. The old Nautilus series 3 pulldown with the curved handles is also a winner. Not Surprisingly, all 3 share a similar motion path, direction of pull, and seat arrangement....

Any future Panatta group buy in the future?

Yes. I'm planning one for after my visit... I was hoping to go visit Panatta end of May, but it looks like it will be end of August. I plan to do videos and reviews of the equipment since there are a ton of new pieces. I will be picking up 5 to 9 pieces myself, depending on how the demos go.... We can place the order in September.