Best Smith Machine – A smith machine or smith cage is no doubt a great tool to utilize for squats. It is excellent for establishing strength and boosting the amount of weight capacity you can lift.
However, you must be familiar with the limitations of performing a squat in a smith cage. Keep in mind that it follows a guided path.
Hence, it doesn’t enable the similar response you receive from performing a free barbell squat.
The machine does the stabilizing job for you. That makes it safer. Nonetheless, it won’t help you fix your lousy form or improve essential stabilizing muscles.
If you’re curious (or in a hurry), Here’s Our Top Picks…
Designed for Home, but built like a Club Machine
Top 3 Home Smith Machines in 2021:
- Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage
- Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine
- Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer & Smith Station
Amazon’s Picks:
The folks at Amazon also have their own list of best Smith Machines for Home Use below – many are on sale.
Today’s Best Seller Strength Training Smith Machines List:
List Updated:
Monday, September 25th 2023
The following are the top 4 best home smith machines.
CLICK ON ANY IMAGE IN THE TABLE TO LEARN MORE
Top 4 Home Smith Machines in 2021 – Reviews and Comparisons:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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Editor’s Choice
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1. Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage |
Brand: Marcy |
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Runner Up
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2. Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine |
Brand: Valor Fitness |
Check Price On Amazon |
|
Runner Up
|
3. Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer & Smith Station |
Brand: Nautilus |
Check Price On Amazon |
 |
4. Body-Solid Series 7 Smith Machine |
Brand: Body-Solid
|
Check Price On Amazon |
Best Smith Machine for Home Gym Reviews
You should only buy a practical, strong, and rugged smith machine considering their price and how roughly they are utilized.
Our best home smith machine reviews looked at some of the best smith machines you can use for your home gym:
1. Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage – Editor’s Choice
It retails at a reasonable price but still features all the amenities and features of a complete home gym.
The Marcy Diamond Elite Smith Cage comprises a footplate, two handles, a leg developer, curl and low row bars, and a weight bench. The Marcy Diamond Elite is ideal for a long list of full-body exercises.
It provides a 2-year limited warranty on its parts. You can buy this on amazon com. This body training system features a smith machine, with precision, linear bearing smith, an Olympic free heavyweights track, and cable routed pulley systems.
This smith machine features different stations for you to work your whole body. It is made of all-steel construction, which makes it one of the strongest home gym available.
It comes with a pectoral fly station, cable crossover, preacher curl attachment, and different interchangeable attachments for the cables.
Pros
- High safety standards
- A variety of exercise range
- Excellent heavy duty stability
- Economical
- Has a weight capacity (on weight bar) of 300 pounds
Cons
- It is massive
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2. Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine – Runner Up
The Valor Fitness BE-11 is a tough, well-designed, and durable smith machine.
The Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine Squat Rack with Olympic Plate Storage Pegs is a good option if you do not have sufficient space at home gyms.
It is also ideal for users of any experience levels, presenting exercises of different resistance.
This smith machine has a weight limit of 1,000 pounds of weights along with relative comfort. It provides a flawless and dependable performance.
Pros
- Affordable
- High-quality material and heavy-duty, with a power rack,
- linear bearing smith, adjustable bench, and more
- Compact
- Has a weight capacity of 1000 pounds
Cons
- The Valor Fitness BE-11CB Counter Balance sold separately
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3. Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer & Smith Station
– Runner Up
The Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer is considered one of the most comprehensive body workout machines available on the market today.
It is accessible in two types: a fully loaded model and a regular bench less model.
The Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer’s basic set comes with an EZ curl bar, chin-up bar, straight bar, ankle cuffs, squat rack, a triceps rope, a swing handle, add on weight plates, and a pair of D handles.
What’s more, the Fitness FT2 Functional Trainer features a complete array of optional modifications. It has a weight limit of 450 kilograms.
This smith machine is a home gym-quality you need to consider. Inspire Fitness FT2 Functional’s linear bearings track performs an Olympic pull up bar and weight stacks instead of weight plates.
The Inspire is completely stocked as well compared to other smith machines out there. The only negative about this is the 330 pounds max of the weight stack, not to mention that you need to spend extra cost for the machine.
Pros
- Highly customizable
- Average-sized
- Has a weight capacity of 450 kilograms (1000 pounds)
- 100% comprehensive
- Low maintenance expenses
- Comes with different accessories such as straight bar, squat
- rack, adjustable bench, bearing system,
Cons
- A bit costly
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4. Body-Solid Series 7 Smith Machine
Did you know that the Body-Solid Series 7 from the company Body-Solid is a very compact smith machine?
The Body-Solid GS348QP4 Series 7 Smith Machine Gym Package is intended to fit in-home gym. The Body-Solid Series 7 Smith Machine is customizable and could be beefed up with added attachments.
This Smith Machine comes with heavy-duty rubber to avoid damage and scuffing to the walls.
The Body-Solid Series 7 Smith Machine suits Olympic plate specifications such as leg developer. The Series 7 Smith Gym could be either be the key machine or function as a supplement to other home gym fitness equipment. It has a weight limit of 450 kilograms.
Pros
- Rustproof and heavy duty
- Customizable
- Has a weight capacity of 450 kilograms
- Compact
Cons
- Doesn’t have any bench
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Other products we considered:
What Is the Best Smith Machine? Here are some of the best smith machine in the market today:
Yukon Caribou III Smith Machine
The Yukon Caribou III Smith Machine is a reliable option. The cage of this smith program is designed to provide squatting even though it comes with a pull-up bar. The Caribou III features an integrated dip mount station, an Olympic adapter for the smith bar, and self-oiling bushings.
This smith machine is sturdy and simplistic at the same time. You won’t find any weights included in the Yukon fitness product. It has a weight capacity of 1000 to 2000 pounds.
XMark Functional Trainer Cable Machine
This smith machine is another powerhouse of a home gym. There’s no need for you to wait or take some breaks in the middle of circuit weight training to change the pulley system adjustments.
The lateral and height adjustments make this model versatile as a home gyms exercise piece of equipment. Moreover, the heavy-duty build guarantees the steel frame is a robust program designed to provide daily pressure and long-term use.
Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine
The Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing Smith Machine DF4900 was created to perform with a strong steel frame and flawless running Deltech fitness linear bearing.
It has a 700 pounds weight capacity. Hence, it can handle pretty any exercise you can throw out. Deltech Fitness Linear Bearing is one of the best Smith machines you can find today.
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Smith Machine Buying Guide
Are you planning to buy a smith machine for a home gym or commercial gym?
Here are the factors you need to consider when purchasing.
Linear bearings
That is not a good thing if the ride is coarse. The one-of-a-kind design of the linear bearings establishes a flawless, snag-free slide throughout your movement.
Keep in mind that linear bearing smith is one feature that differentiates a smith machine.
Linear bearings smith enhance the function of the smith by offering resistance-free vertical over bars. The linear bearing smith sleeves could be noticed on both sides to ride up and down on chromed guide rods, solidified for a long-lasting smooth finish.
Plates or Weight stacks
You also need to consider how the smith machine is loaded, either weight plates or weight stacks. You will notice different weight stack and pins in the gym, as they are fitted for novices, not to mention they are safer. You cannot drop such on your toes.
Meanwhile, the weight plates provide much versatility. Stacked pins and weights need more maintenance. They are also more likely to malfunction in the end. Using plates allow you to glide them on the barbell, and you are good to go.
Storage and size
Did you know that the best bench smith machines are the primary piece of fitness device you will find? Such things could weigh more than 800 pounds and could take a massive amount of space.
After all, the last thing you wish for is a bulky machine stuck in your garage with no wiggle room to walk around or beside it. Not measuring the space not or adequately researching the exercise equipment dimensions means it won’t be comfortable using a smith machine. It could be risky to use, as well.
Angle or no?
You will find various frame styles when looking for a smith machine. The frame styles talk about the tilt or uprightness of the barbell’s travel on the track. You will find an upright frame, and there is a five to 7 degree frame too. Remember that an angle is a preferential option.
Maintenance
The Smith system does need a bit of maintenance. Do you often feel the “track” sticking on your squats and bench presses? Then that is a good indication you must add a lubricant.
Take note that not every lubricant is made similarly. Some are more efficient and cleaner than others do. You want a lubricant that you can spray, so you don’t need to apply it manually.
Warranty
Warranty for smith machines is liberal, as no technology can malfunction. However, they could still differ depending on the model you are planning to use.
You can expect to see ten-year warranty to lifetime warranties on a steel frame and parts. Nonetheless, ensure you read the paper as there are instances when warranties are “limited” and do not cover anything. The quality of the machine’s warranty is quite indicative of product quality.
Do you plan to use the machine often? Then it would be worth spending a bit more for added peace of mind.
Budget
Every smith machine is built differently. That only indicates you will have some changes in pricing as you narrow down your hunt. Contemplate the things you are eager to spend before you begin comparing.
Fortunately, such machines are more likely to last forever. Hence, you will find more choices for purchasing second hand. You can look at Craigslist or amazon com.
Is A Smith Machine Worth It?
You will find a plethora of reasons why smith machines are worth it. You might see some things more practical than others, depending on why you like a smith machine.
Below are some of them:
Added safety
You have a well built-in spotter because of the smith machine’s hook system. You can set pins into the frame so the bar could fall a specific distance only.
For instance, you want to push your bench press weight and do not have someone around. The smith machine provides a means for you to set a pin at a spotting point. Doing this guarantees that you reach your goal.
Massive muscle gains
Another benefit of taking balance out of the equation is improved muscle growth. You see, the barbell might already be fixed. However, your center of gravity isn’t. You can change your center of gravity and body around to concentrate on a specific muscle.
That enables you to push your maximum, add more challenge and weight to a more satisfying body workout.
Different square positions
The fixed linear bearings enable you to change your footing to accommodate various squat positions. Notable, isn’t it?
You usually are working your quads, glutes, and hamstrings if you perform weight squats. Hence, you cannot aim at any one muscle precisely. However, you can do that with a smith machine!
You can lean into the bar since it is fixed. On top of that, you can put your feet further forward. That movement enables you to aim your glutes without losing any balance. You see, that’s something you cannot perform with a free barbell.
Fixed plane of motion
Having your barbell fixed to a track could be perceived as both useful and limiting. What this does is separate the legs and take the stress off your core and lower body.
In short, secondary muscles and stabilizers are not tested as much that may or may not be a good thing depending on the things you are going for.
What Is A Smith Weight Machine?
A smith machine was designed to add more stability and predictability to your squat. It is composed of a barbell affixed to a track, allowing you to move confidently and flawlessly through one plane of motion.
These smith machines are seen in many commercial gyms. Sometimes, they are one of the essential parts of a home gym.
A squat is a strength exercise in which the trainee lowers their hips from a standing position and then stands back up. Source: Wikipedia
Who Are Smith Machine Made For?
Smith machines are massive and bulky machines that facilitate most weight. That’s why they are made for those serious weightlifters.
Are you one of those powerlifters seeking to maximize your bench press or squat but don’t have a spotter? Then a smith machine is a good option for you.
The good thing about these machines is that they offer you peace of mind, especially if you are employing lightweight for repping out bench press or squares. The well built-in stoppers provide extra safety and offer you comfort when you are pushing your own to your limits.
Related: Smith Machine Bench Press vs. Barbell Bench Press
How Does A Smith Machine Work?
The smith machine is fitness equipment, which forces the bars into a vertical path, so you don’t need to control it. Hooks support the bar in place, and you should somewhat raise then rotate the bars to free it. You must turn the bar back quickly in position if you get stuck.
That might not always be possible. Hence, a spotter is recommended for every workout. You will not find a built-in spotting feature, nor are there bars you could set to catch the weight if you want to dump it.
What Are The Different Types of Smith Machines?
You will find various kinds of smith machines for a home you might come across. Below are a few of the sought-after styles available in the market:
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Selectorized
This type of smith machine for home performs a different weight-bearing style. They are also less common types. The barbell connects to a weight stack rather than loading the machine with weight plates. Put a pin in the weight stack and start after you choose the bar’s height.
All-in-one
Did you know that the multifunctional smith machines are the types you will find in an in-home gym? This type caters to a bigger audience and offers you more choices for your exercise.
Many all-in-ones come with cables for lat bar and handle and a weight bench for chest pressing. Others come with an accessory for preacher curl attachment or extensions.
Commercial-Grade
Typically, commercial-grade smith machines are more straightforward than others do. Moreover, they are stand-alone squats bars along with weight trees. Commercial grade doesn’t have other accessories, such as a bench or cables.
Angled
You will find some smith machines that are designed with a track. But why an angled track? Other users believe that the angle better covers their form and posture. That provides them a much natural range of motion. Angled smith machines enable the lean, which targets the glutes more.
Can A Smith Machine Be Utilized in Losing Weight?
Yes and no. Take note that a deficit in calories causes weight loss. However, a smith machine for home is strength training as well.
Studies have proven that strength training is an excellent aid for weight loss. Compared to cardio, resistance training and strength training could help you lose fat and keep your lean muscle simultaneously.
How Much Weight Is Taken Off By A Smith Machine?
The standard starting weight of a barbell on smith machines could be anticipated to weigh at least fifteen to thirteen pounds. Hence, are you choosing to use the smith machine over a free barbell? Then it would be best if you considered that when selecting your weight to lift.
What Is The Point Of A Smith Machine?
Most heavy lifters don’t love the smith machine as the barbell follows a fixed path as you lift. It does not exercise essential stabilizer muscles.
However, you will find various advantages of using a smith machine.
A smith machine is also an excellent tool to utilize after you have exhausted your muscles with a free barbell. It enables you to continue pounding and weight, lifting out reps.
You will find a place and time for this machine. It is practical if you do not have a spotter around to catch your barbell if you fail to lift it.
Does a Smith Machine Make Weight Lifting Simpler?
It would help if you kept in mind that the home’s gym machine doesn’t make your life simpler. Note that having a fixed motion removes the stabilizing muscles, which are worked if there is free weight.
Moreover, free weight is a good alternative for a much functional physique, which could fit in different motion planes than a smith machine.
Is It Safe To Use a Smith Machine?
Unlike a barbell, it might be a bit secure because of its predictable and fixed bar path when doing lifts. That supported motion will remove most thought put into a lift but offers the lifter enough confidence.
Is It Simpler To Do Bench In Smith Machines?
It was indeed simpler to bench with a smith machine, especially if it has an adjustable bench. That’s because of the minimal amount of muscles needed to stabilize the bar and stabilize the device.
Why and When You Need to Use Smith Machines?
Most individuals utilize the smith machine for home gym as training channels for their barbell lifts. Another good time to employ this machine is when all the barbells are utilized, but you still wish to get that lift without waiting longer.
Can Smith Machine Build Muscle?
Can you build muscle using the smith machine – Any cable systems or machines moving the muscles through a complete range of motion and enabling progressive overload can generate results.
Are Smith Machines As Good As Free Weight?
Take note that no weight lifted on any system or gym machine is like utilizing free weights. Most of the time, less effort is needed to stabilize the weight, making the heavy-lift more straightforward.
In other scenarios, the smith machine has a counterweight, which lessens the value of the bar. There’s no way to determine by how much.
That bar path is different because you don’t move in a straight line. That’s especially true regardless of how it may look. Meanwhile, a smith machine might enable you to employ more weight. However, you must identify first if the result will be worth it.
How Do You Maintain a Smith Machine?
Smith machines for the gym are designed to last a long time. Even so, regular maintenance will let them function at their best weight capacity even longer. Routinely scheduled maintenance will massively boost the need to spend a single dollar on repairs.
Below are practical maintenance tips for your gym smith machine:
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Cleaning
Ensure you carefully clean your gym machine after every use. Utilize a cleaning rag to remove any sweat or secretions, which might have landed on the gym equipment during use.
Letting bodily oils and moisture to stay on the equipment might not just leave unpleasant stains. It might also ruin the metal parts and gears over time.
Hence, have some dry towels and cleaning rags handily accessible to do some spot wipes after using the gym equipment. You can also utilize quality metal cleaning products to help avoid any rust.
You will also like to employ clean towels to carefully wipe your weight discs, weight plates, barbells, and free weights.
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Lubricating
As much as possible, lubricate your smith machine monthly. Spray silicone into a clean towel and utilize it to wipe your machine’s weight tracks meticulously.
Is Smith Machine True Weight?
An average bench presses barbell weighs at least forty-five pounds. Nonetheless, the weight of a smith machine is a bit lighter. You see, the machine is intended to make the bar slide up and down. The machine on the sides of the smith machine, which enables it to slide, could make the bar much lighter.
Can You Do More Weight On A Smith Machine?
The bar path is slightly different because you don’t need to move in a straight line, regardless of its looks. Fortunately, the smith machine might enable you to consume more weight. Still, you need to identify if the results are worth it.
Is Smith Machine Good For Chest?
You can commit 100% of your attention to pumping up the pecs as you don’t need to stabilize the bar – the focus results in a much stronger mind-muscle connection.
Why Is It Called The Smith Machine?
Did you know that the smith machine was named after Rudy Smith? Rudy was the gym owner who created such an innovative device. You have two rods, which support the barbell, allowing it to move vertically.
You also have safety stops situated on the guide rails so you could set how far your bar will descent.
Is It Okay To Deadlift On A Smith Machine?
The smith deadlift could be one of the riskiest and dangerous yet efficient smith machine back exercises. However, it all depends on the method, depending on how you do it.
How Do You Lubricate A Smith Machine?
Lubricating a smith machine for your home is very easy. First, clean the rods with a clean cloth. You can check the rods for any possible damage. Spray a small amount of silicone (Silicone Spray Lubricant for Smith Machine) or a PTFE lubricant on the rods and spread with the fabric.
Allow the silicone or the lubricant to dry off before you utilize the machine again.
What Is The Difference Between A Smith Machine And A Squat Rack?
Smith Machine vs Squat Rack – You aren’t working with free weights, unlike squat power rack. As an alternative, a bar is connected to the smith machine and a pulley system like structure. The only thing you need to do is to add weights and begin working out.
Meanwhile, a smith machine for your home is framed to enable straight vertical motion of the weights. You can’t lift it in the wrong way.
Is It Okay To Squat On A Smith Machine?
Remember that putting every movement is risky when done improperly. Squatting in a smith machine means you are stuck in a fixed angle, which not be ideal for you.
That may cause too much forward lean in your squat or not enough forward lean, potentially resulting in a knee or back injury because of the movement’s lack of freedom.
Which Way Do You Face Smith Machines?
Many things depend on the angle for squats. Is your machine straight? Then it does not matter.
However, it is practical to have the wrists flex back to unhook the bar. Hence, you will face outward. You will face outward with angled squats. That will have you leaning back into the bar as the machine angles away from you. What about chest pressing? Your position is your preference in this case.
Keep in mind that various angles of chest pressing work multiple muscles. Always do your thing.
How Does Smith Machines Spot?
You will find plate storage pegs along the track like you would notice on a standard free weight squat cage. Smith machines, however, are locked in place until you start engaging movement. The safety hook pops out with an easy twist of the wrist.
You are free to slide into the motion. Are you stuck mid-set? You can free the slight torque, and the hook will go back in place, preventing the movement.
Can You Leave Smith Machines Outside?
Keep in mind that the best smith machine for home use could rust when they are left outside in the rain. We suggest that you utilize them indoors. But if you need to place it outside, ensure the machine is appropriately covered.
Does Smith System Help During Squats?
A smith machine does not help you. The bar usually is twenty to twenty-five pounds lighter than Olympic plates you would utilize to squat in a cage. Hence, it might feel as if it is helping due to that difference.
What Are Other Exercise You Can With a Smith Bar?
You will find another famous move you can do with a smith machine: chest press. Most of the best smith machines come with a weight bench. That provides a means for you to work on an incline, decline, or flat pressing. You can also try a yoga ball if you like to press lightweight and don’t currently have a weight bench.
What Are Stabilizer Muscles? Why Do Others Say Smith Machine Does Not Work Them?
Remember that the upper and lower body is composed of big muscle groups. However, you will find many small players, which hold everything in place. Such small muscles maintain their contractions to control balance, safeguard joints as they are in motion, and support your trunk.
What Exercises Can You Perform with a Smith Machine?
Typical exercises you can do include:
- Overhead press
- Hip thrusts
- Split squats
- Bent over rows
- Bench press
- Deadlifts
Conclusion
A home gym is hygienic, economical, liberating, and time-efficient as well.
Make sure you consider all the information we have provided in this guide. Are you now planning to buy the best smith machine? You can always depend on the buying factors before opening your wallet. These are the things you need to consider when purchasing.
What are your thoughts about this post? Feel free to share your insights with us by leaving your comments below! We wish you the best of luck on your journey.
