Need opinions on shoulder press machines

[MajorTendonitis]

Hey all , if I don’t end up installing a True leg press machine in the corner of my gym, I’m seriously considering getting a stack loaded shoulder press machine instead .
I would prefer to stay away from plate loaded machines , as I’m trying to maximize the amount of room I have left in the corner of my gym .
I have never liked bench pressing with those machines that you find in motels , and find I usually aggravate my rotators .

But I find this machine interesting because it does different angles , as you can go from flat to incline to shoulder press .
Multiple bar gripping areas a bonus to .







My second option is to go with a dedicated shoulder press . This is much less versatile,but I like how the arms are attached in a way the they arch as they go up .
Thought maybe that would be easier on your rotators , although I wish there were grip positions like the machine above

[gym62richard]

I picked up one of those Multi Press units, BH Fitness, commercial quality and really well engineered, but the bio-mechanics were just off, it did nothing particularly well, flat, to about 85 degrees, there was plenty of adjustment on the sliding seat assembly, If memory serves me correctly 5 pressing positions, but none of them felt comfortable and the shoulder press in particular, I think the lack of convergence was a big issue with this machine.

If at all possible I'd recommend a unit where the arms converge and if possible I think independent arms is also very useful.

I realise you prefer the space saving qualities and convenience of a stack unit, but the two best shoulder machines I've tried is the Hammer Strength shoulder press, which I had until last November and my present unit the Panatta Deltoid Press, considered to be the best shoulder machine in the cost no object thread.

I bought the Panatta after only trying it once, it's just a superb piece of equipment, the sliding back pad and pre load foot lever sets it apart. I can eulogise about this machine, but unless you've used it it's difficult to imagine just how good it is.

[Asjogren]

I picked up one of those Multi Press units, BH Fitness, commercial quality and really well engineered, but the bio-mechanics were just off, it did nothing particularly well, flat, to about 85 degrees, there was plenty of adjustment on the sliding seat assembly, If memory serves me correctly 5 pressing positions, but none of them felt comfortable and the shoulder press in particular, I think the lack of convergence was a big issue with this machine.

If at all possible I'd recommend a unit where the arms converge and if possible I think independent arms is also very useful.

I realise you prefer the space saving qualities and convenience of a stack unit, but the two best shoulder machines I've tried is the Hammer Strength shoulder press, which I had until last November and my present unit the Panatta Deltoid Press, considered to be the best shoulder machine in the cost no object thread.

I bought the Panatta after only trying it once, it's just a superb piece of equipment, the sliding back pad and pre load foot lever sets it apart. I can eulogise about this machine, but unless you've used it it's difficult to imagine just how good it is.

That machine is beautiful. Glad to hear it works as good as it looks. Very nice

[MajorTendonitis]

I picked up one of those Multi Press units, BH Fitness, commercial quality and really well engineered, but the bio-mechanics were just off, it did nothing particularly well, flat, to about 85 degrees, there was plenty of adjustment on the sliding seat assembly, If memory serves me correctly 5 pressing positions, but none of them felt comfortable and the shoulder press in particular, I think the lack of convergence was a big issue with this machine.

If at all possible I'd recommend a unit where the arms converge and if possible I think independent arms is also very useful.

I realise you prefer the space saving qualities and convenience of a stack unit, but the two best shoulder machines I've tried is the Hammer Strength shoulder press, which I had until last November and my present unit the Panatta Deltoid Press, considered to be the best shoulder machine in the cost no object thread.

I bought the Panatta after only trying it once, it's just a superb piece of equipment, the sliding back pad and pre load foot lever sets it apart. I can eulogise about this machine, but unless you've used it it's difficult to imagine just how good it is.

Thanks and good point regarding the independent left and right , as that did cross my mind . I may kibosh this for now .
I just always find myself skipping shoulders . I do have an issue with an injury in my right rotator from stupidity when I was young . Shoulder presses aggravate it the most so I usually don’t bother .

[Greybird2]

That machine is beautiful. Glad to hear it works as good as it looks. Very nice

I was going to post that too....

[grumpytude]

Hey all , if I don’t end up installing a True leg press machine in the corner of my gym, I’m seriously considering getting a stack loaded shoulder press machine instead .
I would prefer to stay away from plate loaded machines , as I’m trying to maximize the amount of room I have left in the corner of my gym .
I have never liked bench pressing with those machines that you find in motels , and find I usually aggravate my rotators .

But I find this machine interesting because it does different angles , as you can go from flat to incline to shoulder press .


Multiple bar gripping areas a bonus to .







My second option is to go with a dedicated shoulder press . This is much less versatile,but I like how the arms are attached in a way the they arch as they go up .
Thought maybe that would be easier on your rotators , although I wish there were grip positions like the machine above

I've never liked this type of machine either- always felt I was fighting with the machine. went to disney a few years back they got rid of all the cybex machines and replaced with all life fitness cable-stacked machines. pretty much hated them all.
There are a few plate loaded machines that don't take up alot of room and won't cost you a fortune. like the corner leverage units from powertec and body solid.
Maybe a powertec multi-press unit. you can do much more than shoulders on all of these units.
Just a thought.

[MajorTendonitis]

I've never liked this type of machine either- always felt I was fighting with the machine. went to disney a few years back they got rid of all the cybex machines and replaced with all life fitness cable-stacked machines. pretty much hated them all.
There are a few plate loaded machines that don't take up alot of room and won't cost you a fortune. like the corner leverage units from powertec and body solid.
Maybe a powertec multi-press unit. you can do much more than shoulders on all of these units.
Just a though

Ya I’m definitely putting the kibosh on this . As Richard pointed out ,the Panatta can be deloaded at the lower part of the stroke , saving your rotators .
From memory now, I seem to have aggravated my shoulders when I tried to move the bar from the lowest most point getting it into position.
I think I’m going to pull my resources for a leg press instead now , as I was looking at either or .
You guys have been very helpful in pointing out issues . Much appreciated

[Rottweiler59]

That machine is beautiful. Glad to hear it works as good as it looks. Very nice

Do you mind me asking what sort of price uk you paid for these pieces. I am toying with the idea of some panatta pieces

[Rottweiler59]

Apologies that should have been for gymrichard

[gym62richard]

Apologies that should have been for gymrichard

I've sent you a PM.

[Recidivst]

If you can give the cybex vr2 overhead press a look.
It does regular overhead presses or a converging movement has linear bearings on the weight stack a kevlar belt and a small footprint and they are built like a tank.
On the used market they are priced very reasonable IMHO

[Skidmarx]

Kinda big, but Hammer Strength makes a nice plate loaded shoulder press

[Garage Rat]

IMO you'd be better off with a bench that adjusts up to 90 degrees and dumbbells.
With machines your in fixed position and your press has to travel in the machines groove instead of the natural groove your body has it do.

[MajorTendonitis]

IMO you'd be better off with a bench that adjusts up to 90 degrees and dumbbells.
With machines your in fixed position and your press has to travel in the machines groove instead of the natural groove your body has it do.

I agree thanks . Just did dumbbells again and I think it’s probably the best scenario for my rotators.
I have a new bench on route , and it should be here soon . I don’t really like my
IronMaster bench for seated incline ,so I ordered a new bench from bells of steel.
As I looked at the Panatta shoulder press , I see that they are smart about not making you press from the bottom of the stroke , as that’s where I have issues and it aggravates my rotators.
So I guess it’s back to dumbbells, as I don’t have the money to invest in machines such as Panatta .