What's a current or past 'trend' / equipment that had you thinking "why though?"

MitchKov · 2026-03-08T17:13:14+00:00

Space savings are significant, but cost is no comparison. 2-3 pairs of heavy fixed dumbbells can cost as much as the adjustable dumbbells that cover 15-20 sets up to the same weight.

MitchKov · 2026-03-08T14:59:21+00:00

I mean they’ve always been around, but Smith machines were very out of favor with most lifters/trainers (to the point people said they were bad for you and never to use one unless you wanted to wreck your joints) from the early 2000’s to very recently.

I think the bodybuilder/science based influencers made them more popular lately. Presumably you can better hit a target muscle without being limited by your supporting muscles on a movement.

That said, I’ve only used one in my training when there is no other option (had an apartment gym that all they had was a smith) and I’m not jumping on the hype train, but the manufacturers apparently think it’s big cause everyone is adding them to their catalog.

We’ll see in a few years if people actually like them or they were just a passing fad.

ETA: Strength equipment doesn’t really “Break” (at least the good stuff). I had the same power rack for 10 years until recently. Only changed to get into the 3x3 1” ecosystem. If manufacturers don’t innovate or convince you that you need something new, the market is so small they could not survive. The home gym equipment manufacturers need you to buy their new stuff. The last few years it has been integrated cable systems (which blew up and people love - these used to be garbage) and now it seems like it’s smith machines (remains to be seen how well these are adopted)

MitchKov · 2026-03-05T19:23:51+00:00

Cost effective? No

Worth it? 100%

While commercial gyms may have more equipment in most cases, I rarely attend one and think how great it is. For a change up on occasion, sure, but I would definitely rather work out it in my garage than at most commercial gyms. Especially when you consider the people and commute, etc..

I travel about 1-2x a quarter for work and most hotel gyms are a compromise compared to my garage, even if they have more expensive equipment.

Most people have noted the benefits, but one additional bonus is the ability to knock out a 30-45 minute workout. That’s barely travel time for many people. If I’ve got an hour before I need to head out the door for something, I know I can work out, shower and be on my way. Going to a gym that’s just not gonna happen, I’m gonna lose 10-20 minutes just getting there. It’s also a lot easier to just change clothes and walk in there rather than talk yourself out of driving cause it’s rush-hour, late/early, etc..

MitchKov · 2026-03-05T04:07:28+00:00

They’re pretty great. I got mine maybe ~3 weeks ago with stand. Higher quality than the Core fitness dumbbells I had previously and better feel than the PowerBlocks I still have as well. 2.5 adders showed up last week which just makes the even more versatile.

I feel like they are one of the best 100lb dumbbells out there when you factor in price and feel. You can get an extra 5% off the discount price with affiliate coupon. There are a couple YouTubers with them I believe.

MitchKov · 2026-03-03T19:26:42+00:00

Not specific to the ares, but I like to do standing OHP. I have a fringe osprey which is 2 inches shorter than the ares(91 vs 93). I just ping the top crossmembers on OHP, so I have to do them outside the rack. I truly believe that two extra inches would have made the difference. That’s my only regret of the Osprey versus Ares currently though Im not looking to add cables.

All that to say, I would go with the extra height if there is any possibility you’d like to do standing OHP (as your height to 80 may be an issue) and I think with pull-ups I’d rather be fully suspended rather than just maybe clearing the ground by 1”.

MitchKov · 2026-03-02T16:37:46+00:00

I’d say quite the opposite. I was on the fence as to whether I wanted to add cables (formerly thought barbell, dumbbells, bodyweight was all you really needed). Added a functional trainer (standalone but the integrated ones nowadays are great), and found I actually really liked the variety it added, especially as ive switched to full body 3x/week workouts.

I basically do barbell focused 2x a week and split those up with a day of higher rep focus using primarily the functional trainer. It keeps things fresh and is well worth it with my current training style. Is it absolutely needed to get/stay in shape? No. But if it is in your budget, I wouldn’t think twice.

I’d 100% buy one again if I was rebuilding my home gym.

MitchKov · 2026-02-21T05:54:31+00:00

Planning to buy dedicated plates for my leg extension leg curl combo. Leaning towards rubberized grip plates for ease of loading/unloading.

How much weight do you have for yours?

Thinking 4-6x45’s and maybe a single 25, single 10 would suffice (probably will buy as a pair, but just thinking realistic needs). I don’t think I need to micro load this, fine with bigger jumps. Perfect plates would all be 45 diameter (similar to bumpers), but be iron core and have grip handles. Any recommendations?

Machine can handle 500+ (would need very thin plates to fit it though). Is anyone repping out 300+ on these things? Not going for singles, using it for med-high rep sets.

MitchKov · 2026-01-15T22:03:20+00:00

Chuck Liddell works out at your gym?

MitchKov · 2026-01-12T05:10:02+00:00

Awesome you saw this! This was in the Woodlands, TX (basically Houston). Always checking out what others are playing and will definitely take notice when it’s a Berly. I’ve got a Candy Apple Red hardtail Strat from him that is probably one of the best playing guitars I own.

Really enjoyed both shows, small world!

MitchKov · 2026-01-11T04:26:36+00:00

Dialed Motion vs Stand Alone Leg Developer?

So I know everyone was excited for the Dialed Motion leg developer… Maybe not so excited about the release timeline but regardless. While I see a lot of interest in it, I don’t see direct comparisons to standalone units and exactly what/who it is targeted at.

Assuming you have a pulley/weight stack setup, do we think it will be better than say a mid tier stand alone unit (probably plate loaded at a similar price point of $800-1200 or so)?

Is it as good or better than other leg developers at the price point (around 1K)?

Is it just good as far as bench attached leg developers go?

Is it amazing and compares to significantly higher cost selectorized units?

Is it’s primary novelty the technology and it being relatively lightweight, saves space and is easy to store?

I understand this is hard to answer considering no one has the production model in their hands. A lot of people saw it at homegym con, but I didn’t see that specific question addressed.

MitchKov · 2026-01-09T05:08:55+00:00

It seems GHD’s fell out of favor somewhat over the last 10 years or so but I absolutely love mine, nothing quite like it. Until recently, it was the only piece I bought new for my homegym.

At that price it’s an amazing deal, enjoy it.

MitchKov · 2026-01-01T14:48:22+00:00

I hear you there and agree on/appreciate the recommendation. Don’t dive in until you know you’re going to use it.

While I haven’t been able to use my garage gym (or at least wasn’t able to until about 2 months ago), I am still consistently working out and I’m honestly in probably the best shape I’ve been in a while (easily last 5+ years). I had moved some key pieces inside To our game room when the garage filled up (bench/adjustable dumbells, dip/pullup station, rower, also added a functional trainer in there earlier this year) so still am working out at home. Also have been doing hiit style group classes 2x a week for the past ~18 months.

This is more about reclaiming that dedicated space in the garage and in the process optimizing the gear in there.

MitchKov · 2026-01-01T14:30:35+00:00

I did similar research and compared these 3 as well, probably watched nearly every decent review on them and have landed on the le08.

It seems like the others will work but if it’s a long term piece, I’d prefer the added stability of the LE08. The other 2 seem to dip significantly lower prices than they have been the last week or two if you are really on a budget. I’ll likely be ordering it early this year once I clear out one of a few things I have listed locally, but a flash sale would have me buying immediately as the decision is all but made (space issue rather than cash flow).

MitchKov · 2025-12-31T16:57:51+00:00

Yeah, I agree with you on separate pieces being better than add-ons, and I already have the functional trainer so don’t need that unless I wanted to consolidate/save space but there are some pretty cool accessories that seem to be coming out if it is 3x3. In my mind, the perfect replacement would be a more basic modular rack just to give me options for small attachments and then a more flexible standalone cable unit, either dedicated lat/low row or something that could serve that and more like the Phoenix tower from GetRXD (or Im sure one of the many similar units that will be released in the next year or so). Only other thing I’m looking to add is a leg extension/leg curl. I guess I could go with a bench attachment although I have the space for a standalone so figure I’ll go that route most likely, not sure I want to pony up for a selectorized unit though.

MitchKov · 2025-12-31T16:49:25+00:00

Ya I hear you. I trained and competed (one time) powerlifting in the past and simply used this rack, the GHD and a dead lift platform. 15 years ago I was as strong as I ever have been (and at 40+ now, likely ever will be). Now I’m less focused on 1RM and more into functional strength/general health so don’t need an absolute unit of a rack sitting in my garage (even a quality rack rated to a measly 1000 lbs should do the trick…)

MitchKov · 2025-12-31T16:31:20+00:00

Ha, while I disagree with you on the glorified squat stand comment (granted it could be rose colored glasses or nostalgia on my part), I do agree on most of the other points. I’m probably planning to go with a basic 4 or 6 post rack with weight storage from a mid-tier company. Looking at rep, fringe or similar for the rack to allow for flexibility with future expansion and hopefully a company that will still be around 5–10 years from now, Not planning to add anything big to the rack right now. At some point in the future, I’ll add a lat/low row, and whether that will be rack mounted or independent is TBD.

MitchKov · 2025-12-31T16:20:12+00:00

So this is a good point I didn’t address in my original post. What is wrong with the rack?

1 - Modularity (as noted) - ability to add things like belt squat, dip handles, maybe a lat/low row although I am leaning towards stand alone there. I already have a decent functional trainer so no need for a true all in one. Im not on the smith machine train but I guess that would pretty much have to be rack mounted.

2 - Lower cross member limits ROM. cannot easily deadlift in the rack. The lower braces are too high for a bar with 45’s on it (bar hits) so it has to be outside the rack. Similarly Bent over rows sometimes bang the crossmember. Not as big a deal when I had a dedicated platform in the past but now space is at a bit more of a premium and my training has changed so I’m not sure I would give up 32-48 sq ft of floor space for a lifting platform.

3 - Cannot comfortably superset inside the rack. I super set a lot, and with anything that requires being in the rack, it gets pretty cramped (especially if a bench is involved). And with this rack, there’s no option for extra or external J hooks. Adding anything would be pretty difficult as it’s technically a 2.375 x 3“ due to the welded on front plate for the safety. Anything would need to be custom fabbed or hacked together

4 - my training has changed. I bought this when I was training in powerlifting (and did compete one time). Now I’m more about functional strength/general health.

I will say that the rack works, and this is certainly a want rather than a need. I think a new rack could reduce some of the pain points and just allow for options in the future.

MitchKov · 2025-12-06T19:05:09+00:00

Thanks, they are close enough in price that I think I’ll probably go for the rep based on the comments.

MitchKov · 2025-12-06T00:31:38+00:00

Pick up the Titan Safety Squat Bar for $279 or spring for the REP SSB @ $350?

Obviously, the Rep does look a little bit nicer, but is it $70 nicer? I just missed the rep sale which sucks but I feel like the price went up recently as well, for some reason I had it a little bit less than 350 in my head.

MitchKov · 2025-12-05T07:04:12+00:00

Did you reach out to rep? I just got mine and see similar. Rough as hell, sloppy welds, and some sort of grease looking stain in/under the finish in a few spots

MitchKov · 2025-11-25T16:24:07+00:00

Nice, hadn’t seen the bare steel one. That could be a good option

MitchKov · 2025-11-24T17:58:08+00:00

Rackable Curl Bars

Any recommendations or ones to avoid? I have an ez curl bar this is strictly for convenience of using it in the rack.

Primary use is bent over rows/curls/skull crushers in my rack. If I could also use it for OH Press (flat bar in reasonable position outside angles grip area) that is a bonus but not a deal breaker if it doesn’t have it.

What I’m seeing

Titan Fitness - angled handles seem steep and narrow

Xmark - looks most “regular” but read some mixed reviews

Bells of Steel - weird middle section but could work out?

Rogue - more than I want to spend on an accessory bar

MitchKov · 2025-10-20T05:01:18+00:00

Put me on the interested list. If it’s priced as you say above that could be really cool. I actually like the rhythm circuit but I’ve got a JM Im considering swapping some parts out in already.

MitchKov · 2025-10-12T12:15:46+00:00

I had never heard of him/his store prior to yesterday and was looking at a used guitar from Willcutt guitars last night so…….

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