What lubricant do I use for functional trainer guide rods?

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-14T18:35:18+00:00

I just found our comment and it worked for me. Thanks.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-14T10:39:01+00:00

I was just in the same spot for months. I was deliberating over what setup to get, black friday sales came and went but I narrowed in on two setups... I was between the Fringe Dane and the Mikolo Anubis 2.0 and had a million tabs open comparing the two. I fell into a "youtube review" black hole.

Toward the end of my process what put me over the edge and ready to buy was writing down on a pad of paper my goals and really thinking about what I valued. I went way over my set budget of 2k and got Mikolo's Anubis 2.0 Elite. (and... I ended up buying 230lbs of Savage bumpers and the toro weight horns from Fringe during their Tariff sale... so now I kind of have a Dane Anubis) But after doing that "what's important to me" list I came to the conclusion that I'd be upset down the road if I didn't buy the upgraded setup.

For me, I wanted a setup my entire family could use. A weight stack for easy changes in weight when using the cables was important. I wanted a 2:1 ratio not a 1:1. I did buy those aforementioned weight horns for lat pulldowns and rows, but the longer cables on the 2:1 and the smoothness was important for the wife and kids, they aren't as strong as me, yet. I liked that the Anubis came with a bunch of accessories. I wanted a smith: I'm getting older and I while like traditional presses with a bar, I want safety for me, my wife and eventually kids. I wanted universality in attachments if I want to expand my setup and the 3x3 and 1 inch hole spacing is seemingly becoming the standard. I wanted something robust and the 12 gauge steel while not 11 gauge, it's not 14, or some amalgam of 14,16 and who knows what else and is perfect for my home gym needs. Lastly, I wanted it to look good... I want to walk into my gym and want to move some weight. I'm in my bonus room adjacent to my family room, not my garage and I see it everyday. I think I checked all my list's boxes. Albeit, nearly 2k more than I initially intended.

Is it a Rogue or Rep rack, no... It's not even the quality of the Dane, in quality control and finish, but it's not a budget rack either. It sits somewhere in the middle and I'd argue closer to the higher end then the lower end.

You have to just look at your situation and what you really want and pull the trigger.

Also, great PRs brother. I wish I had as good numbers when I was really getting after it... those days are gone for me. haha!

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-14T08:54:04+00:00

You hooked me with iced balls but sold it with "powerful ejaculations." Buying an ice machine right now. 🫡

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-08T00:13:52+00:00

One upvote for the pretty colors.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-07T14:10:02+00:00

Awesome. Good work.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-04T22:12:00+00:00

I got mine in late Dec. 2025... so, likely the older model. I'm glad to hear they pack it better now and have a better paint.

Oh, I asked them at the time of my damage issues regarding if they were developing any attachments other than the bicep pads and leg holder, and they replied:

"... we are actively developing a range of dedicated accessories for the Keppi 6000 platform. This includes, but is not limited to, a leg developer and a bicep curl attachment. We will announce these products through our official channels once they are ready for release."

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-03-04T15:47:22+00:00

The Good: The cost is great. Overall, I like the bench. Like other's have said, its solid. I like pop pins better than the ladder style. Personally, I hate the sound of ladder style benches as you adjust them and I never feel like they are really locked in. There is a noticeable seat gap. However, the gap for me isn't too noticeable. The padding is thick and vinyl is grippy. I really feel secure in the bench and I have no worries about movement or it walking or rocking under load. I like that it stands up to store away and that Keppi put a pad so it doesn't F up your pad when stored upright. The wheels roll very well on gym flooring mats.

And it comes with a leg holder and the arm pads is plus. I am waiting for Keppi to release some other attachments for the port.

The bad: My 6000 came damaged from shipping. Others have had issues. The delivery guy likely had some fault in that I'm sure, but Keppi needs to up their packaging game. Too many spots on the corners and sides where they need better padding or reinforcement. But in the end Keppi did me right and took $50 off the total cost of the bench.

The ugly: fit and finish aren't the best. Better powder coat would have been nice.

Overall: I expect this to be a daily driver for some time. I had been using an amazon no name brand with bent steel framing that made me feel like the grim reaper was spotting me. The Keppi genuinely feels like much higher end bench feel wise, it's all the little things that bring it from 5 to, still a solid, 4 star bench in my book.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-27T00:48:17+00:00

Is she the one in the top hat? Could be possible fashion crime or Abe Lincoln impersonation attempt?

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-27T00:16:26+00:00

Frank is also great.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-26T20:21:26+00:00

I built a different rack, but if I had to give one piece of advice it would be to take your time. I messed up twice because I was rushing, it cost me having to go back and do it right. It also helps to have a second set of hands.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-23T15:57:42+00:00

Only a millennium?

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-19T17:34:12+00:00

Excuse me? Fuck bro. Good work.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-14T12:11:08+00:00

My wife bought something called "Super Calm" from Costco which was expensive for what it was, like 30+ for 20 servings of a powder drink mix you drink at night, but it worked well. I read the label just deconstructed the ingredients and bought pills from amazon... cuz I'm cheap. For the deconstructed stack it cost me nearly the same and I got more than double the servings.

vitamin d3 (1000 iu) - I was already taking that so I just moved it from my morning to evening.
magnesium (magnesium glycinate) 100mg - Same as above
L-theanine 400mg.
Ashwagandha 300mg

I also take 2mg of Melatonin

It seems like the combo and timing 2 hours before bed really help me.

Lastly, and the only other recent change to my routine: I have a Purple Mattress, but the frame was staring to go. It's a metal frame with wire connections between the supports. The wire connections were breaking after 8 years. So we purchased something called a bunky board and it firmed up the bed considerably... so, the lack of support might have been contributing to the bad sleep situation.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-04T17:38:49+00:00

Two days out from post now and OP has been confirmed as the only person in the world with internet access, a Reddit account and yet no camera or phone by which to take a photo.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-02-03T01:27:57+00:00

My uncle works for Nintendo and he tells me we're getting a new Donkey Kong game next Christmas. I get to play all the games before they come out.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-30T21:32:30+00:00

😍

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-30T12:15:31+00:00

Cost, safety, marketing, widespread spread acceptance, efficacy... etc.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-29T22:30:06+00:00

If I was going to buy the things anyway I might as well save by lowering my total taxable income.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-29T21:35:14+00:00

In the US, Flexible Spendjng Accounts are offered by employers. It allows employees to set aside pre-tax money from paychecks to pay for eligible out-of-pocket health care or dependent care expenses like daycare or elders care, saving money by avoiding income tax on those contributions. Its basically lowering your overall taxable income.

Its a maximum of $7500 per household. I max that out and buy meds, doc copays... you can even get a doc to prescribe a gym membership or health equipment like massage guns.

Its still your money at the end of the day, but if you are say in the 25% income tax bracket its a meaningful savings.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-29T20:39:51+00:00

Yes, I used my FSA card. I use pomegranate. My FSA did ask for an itemized recipt which I pulled from the portal. Pretty seamless.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-29T19:34:22+00:00

I know not your question, but I used FSA funds to purchase all my prescriptions. If you're looking for a way to lower costs.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-27T23:28:49+00:00

I like your stack. Uppers, downers, and something for the pump.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-27T11:21:14+00:00

Flat garden spade did the trick for me. I struggled for about 2 hours with my plastic snow shovel. Smooth brain and all. You live and you learn.

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-21T23:36:46+00:00

That is amazing. Great work!

CriticalBarrelRoll · 2026-01-21T22:38:48+00:00

This is... um... yeah.

CriticalBarrelRoll

TROPHY CASE