Hey all!
This is only my 2nd post in many, MANY years (apologies if this thread exists elsewhere); hoping you can help out with a decision based on company history/product support:
- Inspire's FT2 up against TuffStuff's CXT-200
- (built-in Smith on the FT2 not a real selling point for me, but nice bonus)
I'm more so about post-purchase support, i.e. once it comes time to replace parts/honor the Lifetime Residential Warranty that both companies offer. Also, I live in Ontario, Canada, if that affects either company's support/response time at all...?
Thank you in advance for your input/time!!
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03-27-2021, 07:59 AM #1
Functional Trainers: INSPIRE FT2 versus TuffStuff CXT-200
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03-27-2021, 12:37 PM #2
i would definitely lean towards the TuffStuff brand over the Inspire for there over all better fit and finish as well s long term durability. The CXT has also been refined over quite a few years now.
I have been in the industry 25 years and have always sold/serviced TuffStuff. They have always been supportive with there parts availability and don't just make a new model every few years, so you can be confident parts will be available for a long time.
You can always add the smith to the CXT as well. Its also really cool that its designed to fit in a corner so well and has the 4 to 1 or 2 to 1 ratio option on the fly.Last edited by ripper238; 03-27-2021 at 12:45 PM.
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03-27-2021, 12:58 PM #3
Thank you, @ripper238!
I appreciate the experience - especially noting that TuffStuff parts should be available for some time to come. They've been around longer (70's, I believe?); however, Inspire looks to have been founded in 2002/2004 by former Precor pros. Their stuff seems to have exploded as of late; I'm in no way a fan, but Dana White has the FT2 in his gym when he stays in *****! Again, not to name drop but it's one of those, "If THIS GUY's got it, and ***** of all places use it, maybe there's something to it?!", you know what I mean?
I like the corner design of the CXT-200, the aesthetic with the fully-covered weight stacks... but FT2 is firmly tugging the other way.
Here in Canada, I can get the FT2 for $4600 + $200 delivery/drop-off, or the CXT-200 for $4300 + $200 del/drop. Here's another point: the FT2 comes from FitnessDepot, a long-term (over 30 yrs) shop; the CXT-200 is from a slightly younger/smaller retailer (thinking for support down the road as well).
It really IS down to the company/longevity and support, as a $300 separator is not a huge deal-breaker...
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03-27-2021, 01:52 PM #4
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03-27-2021, 02:13 PM #5
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03-27-2021, 02:57 PM #6
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03-27-2021, 03:02 PM #7
I appreciate that! Inspire seems to be the "in"-brand currently...
Sadly, Prime Fitness and Cybex aren't options in my area - interesting side note: it's Cybex's BRAVO Functional Trainer that introduced me to these types of machines MANY years ago!! Loved it, but back then I think it was $6000+, unfortunately. Now, simply unavailable!Last edited by r0undeye; 03-27-2021 at 03:29 PM.
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03-27-2021, 03:20 PM #8
ripper238 - I need your input on two things, please! Anchoring, and the warranty:
1. How critical is anchoring/bolting the unit to the floor? The CXT-200 manual makes the following mention:
"Anchoring of equipment must be completed at time of
installation and inspected prior to use. Failure to anchor the
machine to the floor could cause the machine to tip or fall over
due to incorrect usage and misuse, and could result in serious
injury or death."
I know it states "incorrect usage/misuse", but on the flip side, FT2 users/reviews specifically call out the fact that it doesn't even have bolt holes/need to be anchored. I'm 40+ and not going to be going crazy tugging on the unit, ha!
What's your take, please?
2. Also, regarding wear warranty/component replacement, TuffStuff seems a little ambiguous: it initially says ONLY on defects... so normal wear & tear is not covered??
Then if you read the four "This warranty does not cover" points online/in the manual, it doesn't mention anything about NOT covering normal use, only MISuse! Weirdly ambiguous, haha!
- So if in 3 years or 7 years or whenever down the road pulleys/cables need replacing despite my following the maintenance schedule, I would need to purchase them direct from TFI, or would they replace free of charge?Last edited by r0undeye; 03-27-2021 at 03:29 PM.
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03-27-2021, 06:38 PM #9
Inspire is so popular because of the quality for the money. The top 2 FTs you can buy for $2,500 or less are both made by Inspire (FT1 and FTX). I don't think there's another FT out there in that price range that is as smooth. Heck, the FTX is about $1,400 and it comes with a bench to boot. If you start including used models for the same $2,500, the field opens up quite a bit as you can often get a full commercial FT for that or not too much more. I've never used the CXt-200, but my experience with TuffStuff has been largely positive so I'm sure it's a good machine. At the $4,500 price point though, I could have my pick of used, full commercial units including the Bravo, Star Trac Instinct, Life Fitness CMDAP, Heck, at that price you are most of the way to Legend's FT Fusion piece.
None of the manufacturers are going to cover wear components like cables unless there was some clear indication of a premature failure caused by an obvious defect. If, for example, the crimped end of the cable were to become detached from the cable while you were using it to lift no more than the weight stack provided with the machine, they would probably cover that. The vinyl wearing through over time, however, would be on your dime. Pulleys will eventually wear as well, but as long as the cables aren't permitted to get down to bare metal, a good pulley usually lasts 20 years. They're only about $10 anyway, so I wouldn't put any real thought into it.
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03-27-2021, 06:58 PM #10
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03-27-2021, 08:11 PM #11
@Duplicitous, I can't thank you enough for both of your thoughtful responses. I've had no experience with FTs outside of the Cybex BRAVO back in 2012 or so; reading what you wrote certainly helps take away a lot of the "what ifs" down the road. Also, knowing the components aren't ludicrously pricey is a massive relief as well! (Provided either company is still around & I'm still upright, haha!) Thanks for clarifying, along with the example.
EDIT: I *did* look into the other FTs you mentioned as well - none available readily in Canada, unfortunately. Funny thing, though: none seem to have the high/low pulley stations that allow for rows/etc using the double-stack!
One thing I am lamenting in the design of both the FT2 as well as the CXT-200: no neutral-grip pull-up handles. Dropped ball there on both manufacturer's parts.
Really appreciate your time!!!Last edited by r0undeye; 03-27-2021 at 08:18 PM.
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03-27-2021, 08:25 PM #12
@Asjogren - too funny! Same machines that I'm currently considering??! 5 years strong (pun intended), and no issues with the FT2? I appreciate the input very much. It looks like an absolute monster - I guess there's where the patented corner-design of the CXT-200 comes out on top, when it can be tucked into any corner with the way it's legs are spread... though maybe that wide open stance is why they say to anchor it into the floor..??
Thank you for adding your thoughts to the information pool!!
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03-27-2021, 08:26 PM #13
Np. The 2 main wear components on an FT are going to be the cables and the pulleys. Pulleys can be obtained from a variety of places ranging from gym supply houses to industrial supply houses to eBay. Cables can be purchased from any major fitness parts supply house. If you can't get an OEM cable, both Sportsmith and National Gym Supply, for example, offer cables custom cut to any length you want.
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03-27-2021, 08:35 PM #14
^ That right there is tremendous help, to be completely honest - you read my mind. I had figured those would be the main 'pain points' regarding wear/replacement. It's awesome to know, should it be a huge hassle to source OEM, that there are options available - namely the nylon-sheathed cable. I was wondering where the heck to turn if either company made it difficult down the road! Here's hoping they ship to Canada so I've got that in my back pocket whenever the time should come.
In your opinion, any reason why TuffStuff's pretty adamant about bolting to the floor? Simply liability coverage on their part for people who misuse/monkey around with the equipment? I was surprised to read that requirement in the downloadable manual...
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03-27-2021, 09:35 PM #15
While I haven't used that particular machine, it's hard to imagine it toppling over with normal usage at 740 lbs. My Life Fitness CMDAP weighs in at 1,265 lbs and still carries a warning that bolting to the floor is recommended and, moreover, that you get a licensed contractor to do it. So yes, I think it's just a legal CYA approach. I have not bolted any of my equipment to the floor and all of it has the means to do so.
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03-28-2021, 06:54 AM #16
I agree. No way you’re tipping that thing over. Most companies have that CYA type of language. With the stack locations on most of the functional trainers,the center of gravity would make it real hard to tip
Almost bought that Life Fitness unit but my ceiling height of 88” wouldn’t allow it. Nice unit and was in like new shape and a good price of $2500. Very Disappointing it wouldn’t fit. The FT2 fit and was adjustable and I got it new for 3k(he matched the Tuff Stuff sale price ).
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03-28-2021, 06:59 AM #17
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03-28-2021, 07:30 AM #18
Standard CYA-clause - noted, haha! Not surprised in the least, but it helps to hear that others aren't bolting to the floor.
At this point I'm leaning towards the FT2, simply because they've actually been responsive to emails whereas TuffStuff for some reason has yet to reply (been over a week). I kept my email to two sentences, even (as you can imagine, I'm prone to dialogue, haha), yet nothing in terms of a response.
As I mentioned before, I can't overstate how much I appreciate your time and input!!
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03-28-2021, 07:37 AM #19
@Asjogren - I mentioned the Canadian pricing earlier ($4300 + $200 delivery for the TuffStuff CXT, $4600 + $200 delivery for the FT2) from two separate retailers (neither carry both brands, sadly)... the CXT-guy dropped his price by $200 to reach that number; I mentioned it to the larger retailer re: FT2 but they wouldn't budge; glad you were able to get your store to match!!
The choice is now primarily aesthetics (I'm visual, so silly as it sounds, it's kind of a biggie, haha!) and a $340 differential after taxes...
I appreciate your/everyone's input so much - it's hard for me to part with that much money (especially during uncertain times), which is why all the feedback means a ton to me!
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03-28-2021, 07:43 AM #20
Anchoring is simply an option for those who want to, TuffStuff tends to provide more overkill than some. I have never bolted one down and they are very grounded and solid without doing so. I wouldn't worry about it in ether case.
Most manufacturers are not going to cover regular wear unless they are blowing smoke up your... Its unlikely you would wear anything out on the CXT for many many years, this thing is at LT Commercial facilities for many many years. I have yet to have a client call me do to warn out CXT cables or any issues. You can always get parts from the manufacturer or local dealer. TuffStuff can send you parts directly if ever needed but if its normal wear you would need to pay for it.
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03-28-2021, 07:49 AM #21
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03-28-2021, 01:57 PM #22
@ripper238 - one quickie/final question, if you wouldn't mind: the FT2 has seen some revisions in the past 2 years or so (all-black + chrome frame now, some decals are actually now badges already affixed, etc); do you know if I should be watching out for a certain model/serial # series on the CXT-200 to ensure it's the latest & greatest revision and not stock from 2018 from the back of the warehouse, haha!!?
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03-28-2021, 02:24 PM #23
I don't imagine any equipment seller/manufacturer has equipment lying at the back of the warehouse, the pandemic has stripped sellers of their old stock, both in the home and commercial sector.
I have the Cybex Bravo and really rate it, I picked mine up a couple of years ago, since the pandemic they're fetching stupid money and you'd be lucky to find one.
I've also spent a fair amount of time on the Inspire FT1, it's a great little unit, both quality and functionality wise, it's as smooth as my Bravo, I'd still rate it the best value Functional Trainer for home use.
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03-28-2021, 05:50 PM #24
That's a good point, @gym62richard - makes sense considering the pandemic-related run on gym supplies/equipment. Thanks! I couldn't even find a retailer in Canada that sold Cybex equipment; figured maybe around here they only sell to gyms. (I was curious as to what 2021 pricing was, but oh well!)
I had initially considered the FTX, believe it or not - however, the high/low pulley stations are pretty important to me, so I've made my peace with ponying up some extra $$$ for a unit that'll last a lifetime along with no compromises!
(Except for that damn lack of neutral grip positioning on the pull-up bar, haha!!)
Certainly sounds like either unit is a winner - really appreciate the support, all!!Last edited by r0undeye; 03-28-2021 at 08:04 PM.
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03-30-2021, 07:56 AM #25
- Join Date: Apr 2007
- Location: Pennsylvania, United States
- Age: 50
- Posts: 2,541
- Rep Power: 12688
As an aside, a few months ago I saw what may be the greatest equipment deal ever found...mint Bravo top end unit had for like $300-500 (want to say 300 but can't remember) by a guy who posted it on a ******** Group. Unbelievable at the best of times but during this pandemic...shocking.
▪█─────█▪ Rogue Barbell Crew #27 ▪█─────█▪
▪█─────█▪ Mech6 Crew #26 ▪█─────█▪
▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #83 ▪█─────█▪
Haven't been able to "rep" many of you for a year or more...not for lack of trying.
Home Gym: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=175136471&p=1615740991&viewfull=1#post1615740991
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03-30-2021, 08:47 AM #26
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03-30-2021, 09:28 AM #27
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03-30-2021, 12:16 PM #28
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03-31-2021, 07:17 AM #29
- Join Date: Apr 2007
- Location: Pennsylvania, United States
- Age: 50
- Posts: 2,541
- Rep Power: 12688
From what I recall, he pinned it down and showed up ASAP so asking price paid. No details on anything else but if there was any issue in the transaction I gather he'd have mentioned it. Ultimately who knows though. Gorgeous mint unit. Private residence and hardly used if I recall.
▪█─────█▪ Rogue Barbell Crew #27 ▪█─────█▪
▪█─────█▪ Mech6 Crew #26 ▪█─────█▪
▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #83 ▪█─────█▪
Haven't been able to "rep" many of you for a year or more...not for lack of trying.
Home Gym: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=175136471&p=1615740991&viewfull=1#post1615740991
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03-31-2021, 12:52 PM #30
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