5 Best Smith Machines – 2017 Reviews and Top Picks
The first Smith Machine was invented by Jack LaLanne, the Godfather of Fitness. However, it was developed and produced commercially in the mid-1950s by gym executive Rudy Smith.
Smith Machine is designed like a modified rack. It has vertical posts with hooks which hold the barbell inside steel rails. Looking for the best smith machine is not easy so we round up the most popular ones to help you.
More...
Our Top Picks In Smith Machines - Product Summary
Be sure to familiarize yourself with outstanding features that make the best Smith machine before purchasing one. Below is the short list of products for your perusal.
Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station
It is a comprehensive home gym machine with 2 variations: a fully-loaded with bench and a regular model without bench. Package comes with basic accessories. It offers optional customizations.
This robust part Smith, part multi-gym and part cage machine is aligned with high-end gym technology. Its 7-angle and 14 vertical points allow you to perform various Smith workout motions.
Yukon Fitness Caribou System Smith Machine
Yukon is known for manufacturing excellent gym equipment. This product is no exception. It is durable and long lasting. It has features which allow you to perform more exercises.
With leg developer, bench, foot plate, row and curl bars and 2 handles, this Smith Machine is an almost complete home workout gym. You can do a range of workout routines with this versatile equipment.
Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine
This Smith Machine comes with FID bench and built-in storage rack for your free weights. It is a complete workout Smith Machine which allows free weight routines. It comes with a warranty and assurance to last a lifetime.
Product Name | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
---|---|---|---|
Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station | A | $$ | |
A | $ | ||
A | $ | ||
A | $ | ||
A | $ |
**Below, you'll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Reviews Of The Best Smith Machines
#1- Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station
Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer and Smith Station has round, tubular, heavy-duty rectangular steel frame which safely integrates weight stacks with the Olympic bar. The complete set has 2-160 pounds weight stacks with center drilled holes and magnetic weight pin to ensure user safety.
Its dual pulley system is adjustable up to 32 positions enabling you to maximize workout routines. You can easily work on either side of your body. It also facilitates balanced workout.
The ball bearing system allows smooth action. The pull-up bar is easily adjusted to your height. There is an optional leg curl or leg extension requirement which can be easily hooked up to weight stacks. It also has leg kit and SCS bench. For heavy lifters, there is an innovative weight multiplier which doubles up the maximum resistance.
Users of this machine said that it is an expensive piece of fitness equipment but a very functional home trainer.
Things We Liked:
- Ball bearing system is maintenance free
- Durable Electrostatic Powder Coat Finish
- Pulley is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon
- Limited 10-year warranty for frame and parts (Commercial)
- Limited warranty on frame and parts (Residential)
Things We Didn’t Like
- Requires a 7 feet tall space in your home
- Necessity to buy extra weight plates for advanced workout routines
- Need time, skills and lots of patience to assemble the whole machine
#2- Body Solid Series 7 Smith Gym
Body Solid Series 7 Smith Gym underwent design recalibrating and fine tuning to provide the finest Smith training system. Its 2” by 3” main frame is set in 7 reversed pitch angle.
This angle is vital because it provides easy upper or lower motions. These movements give better gluteal and chest stimulation during squats and bench pressing.
This machine allows users to perform 50 kinds of exercises. The Smith linear ball bearing pulley system has 20 cross-member lockout points which help you bail out from motion safely. It is durable and strong so you will be more confident to use it.
Many users love it because of its easy assembly and features. It is a little pricey but the multi-functional features make it worth the cost.
Things We Liked:
- Precise 7 angle Smith Machine
- 20 cross-member lockout points
- Linear ball bearing system
- Olympic plate storage pegs
- Heavy duty 11-gauge 2” by 3” main frame
Things We Didn’t Like
- Complex assembly instructions (there is a mix-up with imperial and metric units in indicating dimensions)
- The pulley system is not very robust and a bit jerky
- The bars for lat weight attachment are just basic bars covered with foams
#3- Yukon Fitness Caribou System Smith Machine
This Yukon Fitness Caribou System Smith Machine combines a Smith machine and a heavy duty multi-gym. It has an iolite bushing feature which allows easy sliding motion in the solid chrome rods. It helps you perform piston-like motions with ease. A quick wrist turn will lock you out anytime you like.
The machine’s Caribou system offers safety rail spotter arms and dual bar holders. Yukon’s Smith Machine comes with quality control and safety features. It helps you make unilateral motion and allows you freedom to use free weights.
Other features are dual lat station with leg curl/extension, flat/incline/decline bench and Smith bar. Available colors are black and white. This total body gym measures 85" (top to bottom overall height), 68” (side to side overall width) and 48” (front to back overall depth).
Users of this Smith machine found it awesome because the upgraded features help them work on every muscle they want to develop and strengthen.
Things We Liked:
- Chin-up bar
- Self-oiling bushings
- Dual bar holders
- Integrated dip station mount
- Safety rail spotter arms
Things We Didn’t Like
- Linear sides require regular lubrication
- Prone to binding
- Bar ends are thicker compared to Olympic plate which necessitates grinding for plates to fit in
#4- Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage
Marcy Diamond Elite is more than a Smith Machine because it is a whole compact workout package. It is specially-designed for home use. Its impressive layout includes high & low pulleys, padded incline bench and preacher curl attachment.
Macy Diamond’s ultra-glide linear bearings, press bar with sealed linear bearings and dual function leg developer make it stand out from the rest.
The machine’s low pulley with foot rest helps you make seated rowing motions. It is easy and smooth to operate because of linear bearing pulley system which allows independent movement.
You can do more than 100 exercises and sports-essential motions with Macy Diamond Elite Smith Cage. It weighs 237 pounds and measures 84” x 20” x 8”. It comes with 2-year limited warranty on parts.
Users usually said that this type of Smith machine is a great fitness and health investment. It is perfect for total body workout. Although a little expensive, having this legitimate home gym machine inside your home provides better benefits than going out to fitness center.
Things We Liked:
- Off-floor base frame design provides better stability
- Adjustable safety stoppers and bar catches
- Olympic plate storage pegs
- Diamond plated non-slip foot brace
- Dual action leg developer which comes with row/curl bar and 6 oversized pads
Things We Didn’t Like
- Hard to set up Pulley system
- Tall users wouldn’t be able to do full stretching with its arm attachment
- Slides on carpet
#5-Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine
Deltech Smith Machine is a practical choice. It offers basic, no-nonsense functionality such as solid 14 and 11 gauge steel tubing, precision linear roller bearing in steel bars and heavy-duty built-in spotters.
The minimalist footprint allows you to sit along the power rack with ease. There are 6-inch spaces between lockouts. The connections are all welded in accordance with the specification of American welding society. Mechanical parts provide fluid and smooth motions. It can support 700 pounds.
This Smith Machine is durable and can last a lifetime. It provides full warranty which is a great advantage.
Users who bought this home gym machine usually love its pull-up bar among other good features. It is also inexpensive when compared to long-time gym membership. It was a good product with reasonable price.
Though assembling it was a little difficult and required assistance from someone. Most of them haven’t encountered major issues since they purchased the machine.
Things We Liked:
- Olympic Bar holding 700 lb. capacity
- Precision Linear Roller Bearing
- Rear Supports Unused Plates
- Free Shipping in United States
- Reasonably price
Things We Didn’t Like
- No extra pulley or bench
- Lockout spacing is a bit large
- Requires assistance from another person to assemble the machine
What Are The Benefits Of The Smith Machine?
Smith Machine’s popularity as prime home fitness equipment soared after they became more accessible in the market. People who cannot regularly go to gym preferred to buy one to keep up with their physical workout. This is beneficial for those who want to maintain excellent physique and develop strength in the confines of their homes.
If allows various growth tactics strength techniques. You can work on your angle-specific isometrics, pull or press against bar, do reverse movements, rest-pause and negatives. It helps you go through ballistic set of exercises to boost power and build meaty muscles.
- Supports squatting and other motions
- Balances weights and stabilizes movements
- Helps you focus your whole attention on pulling or pushing motions
- Builds muscles quickly
- The pulley system reduces the actual barbell weight
- Allows users to target specific muscle group
- Provides safety factor with built-in spotter
- Allows partial reps by locking out
How To Choose The Best Smith Machine
Think of your fitness goals, location and budget when searching for the best Smith Machine. Basically, you want a quality, solid and complete all-in-1 Smith Machine at home. It should fit your home space and durable to withstand regular workout routine.
You need to choose a model that would comply with your specific personal workout requirements, so that means you’ll need to consider the kind of exercises you like to do or plan to accomplish. Finally, do not just look at the price but also consider value of your money.
Who Can Benefit From A Smith Machine?
Individuals who belong to intermediate or advance training category can benefit from this machine. They already mastered proper muscle movement patterns and know to target specific muscles.
If you are a beginner, build a foundation first by integrating natural movement and neural motor patterns through free weights before using Smith Machine.
However, Smith machine benefits casual strength trainees who are not yet confident of performing heavy weight-lifting routines.
Tips In Using the Smith Machine
- Avoid using it as crutch
- Do not try to lift heavier weights beyond your normal capacity
- Never use the machine to cheat on complex workout you cannot do
Conclusion
We believe that it would be easier for you to choose the best Smith Machine after reading the information and reviews provided in this article.
We highly recommend Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage. For us, it stands out among the smith machines we reviewed for plenty of reasons. For starters, it is affordable. It is almost a complete home gym package. Its versatile design allows various forms of workouts to help you build strong muscles and strengthen your core.
It is made of high-quality materials. It requires huge space but the trouble of clearing out and reorganizing your home to accommodate this Smith Machine is worth the investment. It offers the same functionality like commercial machines at luxury gyms.
Now, the final decision is yours to make!