If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best smith machine for strength training at home is, then I’d recommend the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine as the best one.
The importance of a smith machine to a home workout plan cannot be overstated, especially due to its efficiency in building muscle mass and overall body strength.
With a smith machine at your disposal, you can manage to perform several workout routines and achieve your fitness goals in no time.
Due to the availability of numerous products in the market, finding the best smith machine can be a daunting task, especially for first time buyers.
Also, to help you make a purchase that suits your personal needs, we will analyze five of the best performing products in the smith machine market.
Hopefully, by the end of the review, you will be well placed to select the product that suits you best.
Here are the top smith machines we’ll be reviewing:
- Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System
- Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine
- Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station
- FORCE USA Monster G3 Power Rack
- Caribou III Smith Machine
Important Features to Consider
As we have already established, purchasing a smith machine is not a walk in the park.
Unfortunately, due to the lack of adequate information, a large number of first time buyers end up making wrong choices.
Read on to find out the most important factors that you should consider when looking to purchase the best smith machine.
Weight Capacity
Before making any purchases, it is important to consider the overall weight capacity of the various options.
Of course, as a beginner it is advisable to start small as you gradually build your endurance, strength and muscle mass.
However, starting small does not mean you select a smith machine with low weight capacity.
When starting out, I made the mistake of purchasing a smith machine with low weight capacity which cost me a lot as I had to replace the machine once I gained muscle strength and endurance.
As such, it is important to think about your future work out goals before settling down for your preferred brand.
Available Space
Size is another important factor that should be considered when it comes to smith machines. The best smith machine is one that will fit your workout space perfectly.
As such, be sure to counter check the dimensions, especially height and width measurements.
In fact, before analyzing different features, you should first check on the measurements to ensure that you compare machines that can actually fit in your workout area.
We recommend selecting smith machines that will leave enough space in your home gym. Remember, working out in an overcrowded space can lead to injury.
Safety
Since most work-out related injuries occur due to improper use of equipment, it is important to go for products that come with user manuals.
Always ask for a user manual before purchasing any smith machine.
Not only is a manual important for assembling your machine it also provides useful tips on proper usage of the workout device.
Always check on items such as footplates, barbell squat pads, and bar sleeves as they usually go a long way in enhancing your safety during use.
The base area is also a crucial area of consideration when it comes to safety. Due to this, it is advisable to go for products that have safety enhancing features.
Frame and material
Since smith machines are usually costly to purchase, it is important to select a brand made from high quality material and a strong, built-to-last frame.
The machine will be required to support massive weight and as a result, it must be strong, sturdy and capable enough to handle the weight demands.
To be on the safe side, we recommend settling for machines built mainly from metal.
The more the steel concentration on your smith machine the stronger your workout device will be.
Stability
Without proper stability, a smith machine can lead to injury or damage of other equipment in your workout area.
As such, you must prioritize stability when looking to purchase the best smith machine. To enhance stability, always go for machines with long legs and a wide base.
A wide base will increase your machine`s surface area, making it safe to use even when dealing with heavy weights.
Before making any purchase, always ask about stability and safety enhancing features of your preferred smith machine.
Storage
Although not compulsory, onboard storage is a good feature that is guaranteed to enhance your user experience.
On top of helping you conserve space in your work out area, weight pegs help to improve your machine`s stability.
Additional storage space will go a long way in making your workout space appear neat and organized which helps to reduce injuries or damage to equipment.
The Top Smith Machines
Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System
The Marcy Diamond Elite Smith System boasts of an impressive full steel construction that enhances its durability.
Impressively, the frame is made from heavy duty steel which ensures the machine remains stable and sturdy during use.
To help increase efficiency and versatility the product comes with a unique aircraft cable capable of managing strengths of up to 2000 lbs.
Additionally, the Marcy Smith Cage Workout machine has press arms that are multifunctional to enhance versatility when exercising the upper body.
Pros
- Uses a frame made of heavy duty steel which makes the product convenient for heavy and high intensity workouts.
- The presence of press arms with dual functions enhances the product`s versatility making it convenient for several workout routines.
- Boasts of neatly constructed leg developers that have a curl bar and six rocker pads for effective leg workout.
- Comes with 6 weight pegs that allow you to use weights during workouts which make it easy to organize your workout area.
- Linear bearing for smooth motion without any snags.
- The steel frame is reinforced with powder to prevent the steel from wearing off over time.
- Bench comes with preacher pad while the leg developers have Olympic sleeves.
- Has a unique base design that allows the stands to increase stability during use.
- Appropriate for seated row routines due to the presence of a diamond plated foot brace designed to prevent slipping.
- The leg developer has a pivot point that allows for muscle isolation.
Cons
- Can be difficult to assemble
Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine
The Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine is designed to fit your workout space as it has highly convenient measurements that allow it to fit perfectly in medium sized workout areas.
For increased safety, the product has a large walk in space that is wide enough to prevent workout related injuries.
The Marcy Smith Cage Machine is designed to last for long as it boasts of a 14 gauge steel tubing.
On top of the steel tubing, the product also comes with a back pad for additional back support during workouts and a diamond marked foot plate to prevent slips which can lead to injuries during workouts.
Pros
- Comes with four storage posts that allow for the proper organization of weight plates.
- The pack pad is easily adjustable allowing you to isolate specific muscle groups when working out.
- Boasts of high quality leg developers which allow you to focus on building lower body and leg muscles.
- The presence of strategically placed safety catches make the product safe and convenient for strength training routines.
- Comes with several accessories such as shiver bar, triceps rope, v bar, ankle strap, chain link and two handles which increase the machine`s versatility.
- The presence of a strategically placed foot plate ensures that you are safe from slips all through your workout.
- Bottom pulley is convenient since it allows for thorough lower body training.
- The bar catches and safety stops are adjustable which increases both comfort and safety during use.
- Adjustable, well-padded utility bench
Cons
- Can be hard to assemble properly for first timers
Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station
The Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station comes with a state of the art ball bearing mechanism that enhances free action while allowing for smooth, efficient workouts.
Impressively, the product boasts of two 165lb weight stacks with centrally drilled holes that have a magnetic pin for increased safety.
The weight stacks allow for the proper isolation of large muscles thus promoting a proper balance during work out.
The Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station prioritizes muscle movement in its design as it integrates weight stacks and the Olympic bar thus removing the need for weight plates.
Pros
- Utilizes a dual pulley mechanism which is adjustable up to 32 positions thus increasing versatility
- The pull up bar can be adjusted height wise in a bid to accommodate low ceilings Comes with the option of a leg extension attachment which can be connected to the weight stacks and facilitate a thorough leg workout.
- Does not rely on weight plates due to the presence of weight stacks
- The product can either come as fully or partly loaded. Partly loaded options lack the leg extension and preacher curl attachments
- Dual independent 165lb weight stacks allow for a balanced workout
- Clear, easy to follow instructions
Cons
- The bench is not fully adjustable to accommodate the needs of different users.
FORCE USA Monster G3 Power Rack
The FORCE USA Monster G3 Power Rack combines the smith machine, cable pulley mechanism and power rack into one highly dynamic training system.
Designed to save on space, the product is also built with a focus on security as it comes with safeties and J-hooks which can be adjusted to meet your workout requirements.
Provided you set up the device as per the instructions, you can perform over 75 exercises.
Pros
- Has a unique space-saving design that prioritizes on safety
- Comes with adjustable safeties and j-hooks to any preferred height.
- Comes with a functional trainer mechanism which allows you to perform multiple exercises.
- Well angled to guarantee a balanced workout whenever in use
- Westside spacing holes to allow for easy height adjustment
- Comes with an optional leg press attachment
- Can manage up to 770 lbs
Cons
- Difficult to assemble the leg press once the entire machine is assembled.
Yukon Caribou III Smith Machine
The Caribou III Smith Machine boasts of an intricate, space conserving design that will allow you to work out efficiently at home.
The product is designed to last as it comes with bushings that are designed to self-lubricate.
Unlike most products in the market, the Caribou III Smith Machine has 18 and 47 inch bars in addition to a foot plate.
These features make the Caribou III Smith Machine one of the most convenient smith machines to use at home.
Pros
- Durable due to the presence of self-lubricating bushings
- Comes with a chin up bar for extra upper body exercises
- Dip mount that is fully integrated
- Comes fully equipped with a bench, smith bar with Olympic adaptors and foot plate.
- Has a straightforward design that makes it easy to assemble
- Well-padded bench
Cons
- The bench`s angle of incline or decline is not great.
Final Thoughts
As we have established throughout this review, the best smith machine should be versatile enough to allow for the proper training of different muscle groups.
However, due to the fairly high cost of smith machines, it is crucial to be careful enough to ensure you purchase a durable, high quality product.
Although buying a smith machine can be difficult for first timers, the above review will help you to narrow your focus and compare five of the best products in the market.
If you have long term goals of heavy lifting, it is advisable to go for a machine that will support your goals as a beginner and later on as an expert.
As such, we recommend the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine as it has all the features required by both beginners and experienced users.
With the Marcy SM-4008 Combo Smith Machine workout, you will have an impressively high weight range to train with which eliminates the need to make another purchase in the future.
Since all the products discussed in this review are of the highest quality, it is now your turn to select the product that best suits your individual needs.
However, as you look to improve your overall fitness levels, be sure to always counter check on important details such as safety enhancement features, usability, versatility and overall size before making any purchase.
