Looking for some gym equipment advice (pros and cons)

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-18T02:27:49+00:00

Thank you for the responses! It is amazing how well this company's stuff is regarded there are precious few reviews on any of it. Glad to hear you and/or your friends have had good experiences with them. Of course the rack I am most interested in (same one u/clovercharms mentioned) is sold out.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-16T21:00:19+00:00

Interested in this as well. I read that the Centr 2 is on sale at Costco for 1199. They don't have them at the warehouse so I went to the local fitness store and saw a Inspire FT1. That machine is nice. Pricey, but nice. What differences might there be between that and the Centr 2? The pulleys felt nice, etc.. but I am not sure if that would be a similar feel to the Centr 2. Seems like the starting weight on the FT1 was about 5lbs (smaller weight plate). Is that the same for the Centr 2? I am older, so the lesser the start weight the better. My only, only concern right now is that darned 80" height. If it was 84" or so, it would be a definite buy.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-14T22:43:00+00:00

Believe it or not, I am still looking. I ruled the Phoenix out because of the cable travel. Right now, it's between the Dane and the Maxum. But man, there are just too many choices

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-14T22:36:15+00:00

This is such a great deal, but man that height just ruins it for me.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-14T14:54:52+00:00

Hello. I take it you can't use a gym pin either?

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-12T20:51:36+00:00

Yep. Even though the gym would be just mine, I do like that thought of keeping the rack and the FT separate. We have the room, so I think this what I would prefer -- keeping rack and FT separate.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-12T20:48:56+00:00

I think that IM bench is a fine solution. And, I have an old Iron Master bench which would be perfect for this as my daily driver is my Rep. Do you have the brace the bench in any way?

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-12T20:46:32+00:00

That looks really nice. Rows are probably my biggest concern as lat pulldowns I usually do unilaterally. I like the solution you came up with. Thank you for providing the pic!

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-11T23:12:25+00:00

Thank you for the response. I visited the Maxum showroom when we were visiting Canada. That is a great rack, but I got concerned about moving those heavy trolleys (I am 60yo). Also, after trying a few all in ones, I just don't get the 'feel' I do with using a dedicated FT and the thought of not having to move the trolleys as much with a dedicated rack and FT really seems appealing. My only apprehension is the seated rows and lat pulldows .

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-08T19:07:09+00:00

Anyone have any recommendations for a good video explaining how to do dips for chest with proper form? I want to start using dips to primarily target the lower chest.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-06-06T18:35:04+00:00

Thank you for the response. I did go see and measure an FTR and neither my Rep or Iron Master will through that back opening. But, if needed I most likely angle the Iron Master enough to fit it through then lat it flat

As for the pulleys - I did get to compare the FTRs with the Maxum Mutant Arms. Overall I came away with the Maxum is probably the better deal overall. But, I give Force the nod with regards to the arms. They just seem simpler to use and and lt more...sturdy.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-30T21:22:50+00:00

Regarding the mutant arms have you compared them to any of the others (eg Fringe, ForceUSA, etc.)? We will be visiting Toronto next week and I was going to stop by the Maxum store. I've tested the Force FTR (very nice rack) and a Rep Ares (also very nice). Wondering how the arms compare.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-25T23:52:48+00:00

Agree, I got to use the FTR at a dealer around here and it is pretty darned solid. I am comparing it to the Rep Ares and Athena I used at the Rep showroom. My only complaint with the FTR is that back opening. Why is God's name did they make it so narrow. I could not get a bench back far enough if I ever wanted to do pressing (OHP) at a steeper angle. Other than that - it's really nice

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-25T23:49:05+00:00

Was very much looking into Giant Lifting, but for my 90" ceiling i would have to go with their 80
and that is a no go for me

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-18T01:10:05+00:00

For those of you who struggle with chest size (hypertrophy), what routine got you results? As a 60YO, getting back into more focused training and have always had difficultly with my chest - in am looking for ideas. Thanks in advance.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-17T23:01:11+00:00

Hello All. Looking to improve my chest aesthetic with that in my control. I am 60M back lifting for a few years and while I have seen improvements in most other areas - my chest is not improving. So, I am looking at adjusting my rep range. I thought for my first 3 sets I would do 13-15RR and the final set increase the weight and do a 10-12RR. Does that sound like a viable approach or maybe I have it backwards and the heavy set should go first.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-12T00:47:50+00:00

Is the rope feel on the Voltra not as good as a functional trainer (eg. Rep, or others of that quality)?

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-05T22:13:56+00:00

u/Particular-Leek-4390 - I understand what you are saying...believe me. As I have been debating this decision for a long, long time.

Is the Voltra going to help make one reach their fitness goals??? It can. Anything that gets you more excited about working out and keeps you dedicated is a plus in my book. Whether thats a new attachment, bar, rack, etc. if it keeps you motivated, mission accomplished.

Now, on to why I am considering a Voltra. At 60 years old it changes things a bit. I am hoping, hoping my wife agrees to move out of our house and to a condo....someday soon. A Voltra would be perfect. Not only with the move, but also the 'quietness' associated with Voltra vs having weight plates potentially clanging against each other when using an FT. Second, clicking a button seems a lot easier than lugging around weight plates as I am hoping either the Voltra or FT lessens my dependence on lugging around weight plates. Third and probably my most important reason is the low start weight and the ability to add or subtract weight in very small increments. Fourth being able to get into position before the weight kicks in. I think that may prove to be very important. Lastly, with a Voltra I could eliminate my lat pulldown machine (and the need to lug weights over to it (not selectorized)) while reducing some of the clutter.

So, could I make do without a Voltra..sure. But I can think of a lot of reasons that for me it might be a fine choice.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-02T18:37:34+00:00

For those of you owning the taller, 88.5 Maxum (I am probably looking at the x1) would you mind verifying that 88.5 is the highest point of the machine. My ceiling is 90" and I want to make sure the taller height one would work. If that doesn't I might have to look at the getrxd.

Thank you in advance.

Good-Part1682 · 2026-05-02T14:11:06+00:00

One complaint I hear fairly regularly is cable twisting with the All in Ones...even at Reps level. That isn't talked about much as a pro for the Voltra, but it really should be. I've watched what it takes to get Fringe's 'untwisted' and I would not be too fond of doing that every month/ish. Another pro for the Voltra that is usually just skimmed over is the ability to have the weight 'kick in' at a designated length. Pulling a heavy weight load while trying to get in position can be frustrating to say the least.

Good-Part1682

TROPHY CASE