Gym machine that isn't "commercial" grade, worth it or no?

[Rows4lyfe]

I already have a full weights set at home (along with a rack and bench) that i got a few years ago. I'm looking at getting back into weights after taking a break at 18, and just wondering if this is worth getting:

http://www.lifespanfitness.com.au/SS2-Single-Station

Would get some more weight stacks to go with it, so it'd be a 105kg stack

Mostly want it for the exercises that you can't do with just a bar. Pull downs, Push downs, machine flies, Preacher curls, Face pulls, leg extensions etc. I'm also interested because having a machine would make my workouts more varied and entertaining. I lifted with nothing but the bar for 2 years, and although my progress was fine, it was getting a little boring towards the end and that's ultimately why i stopped.

So do you think this "cheap" machine is worth getting? Or just stick with the bar and try not to get bored this time? Not interested in joining a gym, as my weight set/rack/bench wasn't cheap and i don't want it to go to waste. Plus i've just gotten used to working out at home, much more convenient to walk downstairs to work out as opposed to driving for 15 minutes first.

Thanks.

[daniel327]

That machine is a POS. You'll max out the weight stack by the end of the month, and you'll hate using it because the ergonomics are incorrect.

Either buy decent equipment or don't bother.

If you really need to buy an all-in-one type machine, I'd suggest you look for a second hand Powertec, Bodysolid or Inspire machine. At least their ergos are close to correct.

[Rows4lyfe]

That machine is a POS. You'll max out the weight stack by the end of the month, and you'll hate using it because the ergonomics are incorrect.

Either buy decent equipment or don't bother.

If you really need to buy an all-in-one type machine, I'd suggest you look for a second hand Powertec, Bodysolid or Inspire machine. At least their ergos are close to correct.

Thanks, might stay away from it then. Honestly, i'm not really in need of an all-in-one machine, just trying to find ways to make my workout a little more interesting. Might get some Dip bars to start off with, seems like a cheap way to add in some different exercises.

[daniel327]

Thanks, might stay away from it then. Honestly, i'm not really in need of an all-in-one machine, just trying to find ways to make my workout a little more interesting. Might get some Dip bars to start off with, seems like a cheap way to add in some different exercises.

Dips and chin ups will take you a long way. Get a chin up bar too.

[gym62richard]

That machine is a POS. You'll max out the weight stack by the end of the month, and you'll hate using it because the ergonomics are incorrect.

Either buy decent equipment or don't bother.

If you really need to buy an all-in-one type machine, I'd suggest you look for a second hand Powertec, Bodysolid or Inspire machine. At least their ergos are close to correct.

I agree with this. If I could only add one machine to my gym, it would be a lat pull/low row, high and low pulleys and dip bars would add a lot of variety.

As above, Powertec, Body Solid, plus Megatec all produce decent lat/low row units, or look for a used commercial model.

[BulkMore]

that machine = pig vomit

[irongrandpa]

Dips and chin ups will take you a long way. Get a chin up bar too.

A set of rings will work well with the chin bar for some variety

[Deep-Voiced-One]

As stated above, the Powertec and Body-Solid club line version are great non-commercial lat machines.

The Powertec has weight horns that can be loaded up to 300 lbs and has the capability to go up to 500 lbs if you purchase the 190 lbs selectorized stack, it also has round guide rods which are smoother and favorable. Aside from the high pulley, it also has low row capabilities which is great for low rows as well as all sorts of cable curls, standing cable rows, etc.

The Body-Solid Club Line cost more (due to its heavier duty 2X3 11 gauge build) and also has the favorable round guide rods, is selectorized only and goes up to 300 lbs and I think can even go a bit heavier than that with the rubber, or magnetic weight add ons. This one unlike the Powertec has a seated mid row capability which is awesome if you don't want to sit on the floor on rows sitting down, but compromises range of motion (due to it being a seated mid row) on movements such as all cable curls and standing cable rows.

Both these pieces are height friendly (Powertec is 82" and the Body-Solid Club Line one is about 84", or just a hair lower) which means if you're real tall, it might mess with your range of motion a bit so keep that in mind if you're in the 6' something crowd with the non-commercial pieces. (I'm 5'8" and own the Powertec, so no concerns with that lol).

[AttyGuy]

That machine is a POS. You'll max out the weight stack by the end of the month.

C'mon now. You'll hurt somebody's feelings with that kind of talk, And if the equipment was sold under the Titan name, the fanboys will come out...