Hammer Strength "ISO - L ATER AL CHEST / BACK / IL- CB"

[NickThe13th]

This machine is an incline chest press correct? I can't find it written anywhere but it looks like one. I have never used it or seen it in person but am thinking about driving an hour for a used one. Can anyone confirm?

[Bench905]

It's an Incline Chest / Front Lat Pulldown combo unit.

[gym62richard]

It's an Incline Chest / Front Lat Pulldown combo unit.

Yep, I tried this piece a few months ago, the front lat portion on the combo unit is very good and pretty much replicates the stand alone lat pulldown, but there's something off about the incline press, the movement just feels much better on my single station HS incline press.

[NickThe13th]

Yep, I tried this piece a few months ago, the front lat portion on the combo unit is very good and pretty much replicates the stand alone lat pulldown, but there's something off about the incline press, the movement just feels much better on my single station HS incline press.

Damn! Looks like I wont be getting it, there is also a stand alone incline available from a different seller for the same price, would of preferred the 2 in 1 but if its not as good as the normal one I'm gonna pass.

[ampire]

That is a great machine. Used to use it a lot at my old gym. It is nice that it has two features in one. The pulldown always felt perfect to me, I mainly used it for that.

[Rottweiler59]

For an hours drive if it’s a good price I’d go and try it. It’s funny the more kit you use the more you realise what suits you and what doesn’t. I bought a strive plate loaded incline press unseen. Was very excited to have finally secured one. Then discovered no matter where I had the seat position it was agony on my shoulder for some reason and couldn’t feel anything on my chest. I was gutted but had to get rid. I bought a hammer style upright and it feels fantastic on my upper chest.

[gym62richard]

Damn! Looks like I wont be getting it, there is also a stand alone incline available from a different seller for the same price, would of preferred the 2 in 1 but if its not as good as the normal one I'm gonna pass.

Hey if it's not too far away try them out and make your own comparison, the lat is superb, that's why I was trying to replace my incline and squeeze the combo unit into my gym.

ImO the incline chest just didn't feel right, you never know it may suit you.

[ampire]

Hey if it's not too far away try them out and make your own comparison, the lat is superb, that's why I was trying to replace my incline and squeeze the combo unit into my gym.

ImO the incline chest just didn't feel right, you never know it may suit you.

I thought the incline chest side was decent, didn't think it was too bad, but I do mostly free weights for chest. I would use it occasionally. It always felt kind of awkward at the starting position. The pulldown worked really well for me, I really liked it, used it a fair amount. It gives a lot of ROM and stretch on the lats. I've also used the version that is purely pulldown and they are pretty much the same from what I remember. Also its nice to have the same plates stored on the same machine used for both front and back. I've often thought that I'd get one of these combos if given the chance and the space for it, which I don't have now.

[gym62richard]

I thought the incline chest side was decent, didn't think it was too bad, but I do mostly free weights for chest. I would use it occasionally. It always felt kind of awkward at the starting position. The pulldown worked really well for me, I really liked it, used it a fair amount. It gives a lot of ROM and stretch on the lats. I've also used the version that is purely pulldown and they are pretty much the same from what I remember. Also its nice to have the same plates stored on the same machine used for both front and back. I've often thought that I'd get one of these combos if given the chance and the space for it, which I don't have now.

I think HS had to compromise on the incline press, as you say there is very little difference between the stand alone and combo lat

It's a different matter on the chest press, on the stand alone unit the seat is upright, on the combo it's set at a slight angle. Also the arms do not converge in the same manner.
I'm not saying there's anything particularly wrong with the combo chest press, it just didn't hit my upper chest as well as the stand alone unit.

[ampire]

I think HS had to compromise on the incline press, as you say there is very little difference between the stand alone and combo lat

It's a different matter on the chest press, on the stand alone unit the seat is upright, on the combo it's set at a slight angle. Also the arms do not converge in the same manner.
I'm not saying there's anything particularly wrong with the combo chest press, it just didn't hit my upper chest as well as the stand alone unit.

If the seat angle was adjustable, that would help a lot. Instead the height can be adjusted. Sort of unfortunate you cannot set angle.

[gym62richard]

If the seat angle was adjustable, that would help a lot. Instead the height can be adjusted. Sort of unfortunate you cannot set angle.

I agree, it's a common theme with many HS machines, the seat height is adjustable, the back or chest pad is fixed, not an issue on some pieces, but IMO the shoulder press and some of the row machines would benefit from some lateral adjustment, as would the combo chest/lat machine.

[EricAtl]

Any other opinions on this piece. I’m thinking about squeezing one into my gym. I tried it out last weekend but only a few reps. I took gym62richards advice on the incline chest and kept the seat high and this did not bother my shoulder at all.
There are a few other older threads that I found including this one.
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...3167771&page=1
Seems like pros are 2 in 1 space saving, with good function on each side. But I’ve always said that you rarely see a piece do two different things well.
Thanks.

[gym62richard]

Seems like pros are 2 in 1 space saving, with good function on each side. But I’ve always said that you rarely see a piece do two different things well.
Thanks.

I think you're correct, however I don't believe there's anything fundamentally wrong with the chest press portion of the unit, sure it does not exactly replicate the movement of the dedicated incline press, never the less IMO it's still as good as many dedicated commercial leverage chest presses, of course the lat section is one of the best out there.

[ampire]

I think you're correct, however I don't believe there's anything fundamentally wrong with the chest press portion of the unit, sure it does not exactly replicate the movement of the dedicated incline press, never the less IMO it's still as good as many dedicated commercial leverage chest presses, of course the lat section is one of the best out there.

I know he wanted additional user opinions but I'll reiterate my opinion above as well, its a big machine but if you have the space for it, it might be worth the floor footprint cost. The pulldown is amazing and the machine is about the same size as the HS ISO-Lateral Front Lat Pulldown, according to Life Fitness's site it's about 1 foot larger in width and height compared to the lat only machine. I really like the full stretch and range of motion on lats and biceps that you get from it. If you can use the chest part thats a nice bonus, it isn't a bad chest machine, I've just never been a chest machine person. I'd say it does the lat side 'amazing' and it does the chest side 'well'. Also it uses the same plate horns for both chest and back so you need to dedicate fewer plates sitting static on your machines as well. Also keep in mind it's not only big but a heavy machine, about 400 lbs.
https://lifefitness.com/facility/pro...ral-chest-back

[EricAtl]

I know he wanted additional user opinions but I'll reiterate my opinion above as well, its a big machine but if you have the space for it, it might be worth the floor footprint cost. The pulldown is amazing and the machine is about the same size as the HS ISO-Lateral Front Lat Pulldown, according to Life Fitness's site it's about 1 foot larger in width and height compared to the lat only machine. I really like the full stretch and range of motion on lats and biceps that you get from it. If you can use the chest part thats a nice bonus, it isn't a bad chest machine, I've just never been a chest machine person. I'd say it does the lat side 'amazing' and it does the chest side 'well'. Also it uses the same plate horns for both chest and back so you need to dedicate fewer plates sitting static on your machines as well. Also keep in mind it's not only big but a heavy machine, about 400 lbs.
https://lifefitness.com/facility/pro...ral-chest-back

Thank you guys.
It would be a tight fit since I like having a little open space in the middle of the garage. I still also need to have the sink moved which will help. Plus When my wife’s boot camp comes over a few times a year the ladies really like the “machines”.

[EricAtl]

Was somewhat leaning towards pulling the trigger but still undecided. Now it’s gone. I would not have been able to pick it up until next weekend anyway since I’m working this weekend. You snooze you lose.

[EricAtl]

Bumping.
Was planning on picking up a stand alone incline chest piece, but found a combo chest/back for less and a lot closer.
I already have a lat pulldown/low row, HS iso row, and pull-ups so I don’t need the pulldown.
Insert- it’s the equipment forum so what does need have to do with it.
I’m more interested in the chest part. I think it’s a no brainer. Get the combo. If I don’t like it I can always unload and get an incline which are much more common.
Happy new year.

[gym62richard]

Bumping.
Was planning on picking up a stand alone incline chest piece, but found a combo chest/back for less and a lot closer.
I already have a lat pulldown/low row, HS iso row, and pull-ups so I don’t need the pulldown.
Insert- it’s the equipment forum so what does need have to do with it.
I’m more interested in the chest part. I think it’s a no brainer. Get the combo. If I don’t like it I can always unload and get an incline which are much more common.
Happy new year.

Nice, it's a beast of a machine. The angle of the chest press is something between the stand alone chest and incline chest. The lat pulldown is every bit as good as the stand alone unit, and that's one of the best lat machines I've used.

[ArnoldHAMnEGGer]

that Hammer Lat Pull is awesome. one of their best pieces IMO. never been a fan of their Incline. Very unkind to my shoulder. come to think of it, most incline machines don't feel too nice on my shoulders. Only thing that has been somewhat helpful is going with a neutral grip. I know a lot of newer pieces have that, but many older ones don't. In recent memory, in terms of plate loaded, i can only think of one that does and that's the Nautilus Xpload Incline, which i liked.

[EricAtl]

Wife and I had been talking about getting an F150 for a couple of years, finally pulled trigger recently. Swallowed the chest/back combo. Both seat assemblies are in the back of the cab. I’ll get it cleaned up and assembled, then post pics.

[ah150]

I really like my HS chest/row combo. I noticed the same issues others have with the angle of the back seat pad for the incline chest press. I unbolted the seat from the unit and now roll my adjustable bench into the unit. I can now do the equivalent of flat bench and incline bench.

[EricAtl]

I really like my HS chest/row combo. I noticed the same issues others have with the angle of the back seat pad for the incline chest press. I unbolted the seat from the unit and now roll my adjustable bench into the unit. I can now do the equivalent of flat bench and incline bench.

Once I get some work outs in I’ll have a better idea about it. I would think I could add some spacers for the bolts at the top of the back pad to make it more vertical.

[EricAtl]

Need to get the sink moved so I can push the piece against the wall. I cleaned it up pretty well but will,have to work on getting that silly sticker off. I wire wheeled some of the bolts and will order some replacements for others from bolt depot plus some small parts from sportsmith or fullcircle.

[irongrandpa]

Eric, you been patient but have come up with a very nice assortment of HS pieces. Enjoy!

[Greybird2]

Very Nice!

[EricAtl]

Eric, you been patient but have come up with a very nice assortment of HS pieces. Enjoy!

Very Nice!

Thank you, reps for greybird, IG you are on spread. These are wants not needs so no need to rush to buy.
I regretted not pulling the trigger on one of these for 1200 that was in great shape. This one is a little beat up but for 500 I won’t complain.

On a technical note the handles for the chest part are about 18 inches apart at the bottom and about 11 at the end of my ROM. So they do converge just maybe not as much as the stand alone incline chest.

[gym62richard]

On a technical note the handles for the chest part are about 18 inches apart at the bottom and about 11 at the end of my ROM. So they do converge just maybe not as much as the stand alone incline chest.

That's a great buy, for $500 it's worth it for the lat section alone. If memory serves me, I believe you're correct, the press arms do not converge as much as the stand alone incline press, also I think the movement is not so steep, but a lower incline is no bad thing, you're probably going to get a better overall chest workout with your unit.

[EricAtl]

Need to get the sink moved so I can push the piece against the wall. I cleaned it up pretty well but will,have to work on getting that silly sticker off. I wire wheeled some of the bolts and will order some replacements for others from bolt depot plus some small parts from sportsmith or fullcircle.

I moved the sink, and got the chest back against the wall. New pad covers that I made, shown in my diy thread. Two weight horns added to one side. Almost all bolts replaced, new grip on the left pulldown which was a major pia to place. Overall very happy with this purchase.

[Duplicitous]

that Hammer Lat Pull is awesome. one of their best pieces IMO. never been a fan of their Incline. Very unkind to my shoulder. come to think of it, most incline machines don't feel too nice on my shoulders. Only thing that has been somewhat helpful is going with a neutral grip. I know a lot of newer pieces have that, but many older ones don't. In recent memory, in terms of plate loaded, i can only think of one that does and that's the Nautilus Xpload Incline, which i liked.

I had the Nautilus Xpload Incline (and a lot of other pieces in this line) at my old gym and used it all the time. Great machine imho.

[EricAtl]

Yes I have a problem.
The incline on the stand alone may be better than the combo unit. Only one way to find out, side by side comparison. It is kind of beat up but the price matched.
Cleaning it up, will order some new parts, and diy some new pad covers. Sorry about sideways pic, site has not done that in a while.