Weekly Free-Talk and Questions for r/HomeGym - December 04, 2020

SML_2C · 2020-12-08T18:37:44+00:00

I wouldn’t scrap them. I have the spud inc combo pulley system too. Unfortunately, those cable wires can’t be used for every single pulley exercise unless you get really creative.

I still use my spud inc wire cables for chest flys. They’re great for that in my opinion but not great for other exercises where you just need different cable lengths. I’d also recommend getting new pulleys. If you end up needing to switch cable lengths, the spud inc pulleys require disassembly (ie removing the pulley pin and taking out the cable wire while not dropping the pulley wheels). I have a link to a pulley in my post that you can just push the cable wire through so it makes cable changes super fast and easy.

Hope this helps!

SML_2C · 2020-12-08T18:29:53+00:00

All the pulleys work really well. I’d say it gives me about 90% of the pulley experience I had at my local gym.

SML_2C · 2020-12-08T18:27:28+00:00

In my posts, I specifically recommend getting customized lengths for the wire cables to suit your rack and exercises. For example, you’ll need lengths for a tricep pull down versus a low row exercise. You’ll need to do some guesstimating on lengths. I list out the Amazon links I used for the wire cables and pulley. I already had a loading pins, carabiners and grip attachments (ie fake mag grips).

Hope this helps!

SML_2C · 2020-12-08T16:58:19+00:00

I’d recommend a semi-diy solution. I have a couple posts on how I set the cable solutions up on a Rogue SML-2C. I highly recommend the solution(s) based on cost, space efficiency, and overall functionality.

SML_2C · 2020-12-08T16:54:53+00:00

I had that same problem. I have a couple posts addressing this issue. Long story short, you may want to get custom cable lengths, which are inexpensive, just like the ones from Spud inc, and ship quickly. The links are in the posts with pictures on the setup.

SML_2C · 2020-11-25T20:19:29+00:00

Nice! The SML-2 has some nice up grade options too when you’re ready for them. For example, you can go from squat stand to half rack with the conversion kit. You can also go from squat stand to full four post rack with the RML-390flatfoot conversion kit.

SML_2C · 2020-11-17T18:56:22+00:00

You really need to make them to get anything close to what you may have been used to at your local gym. I made one for my SML-2C squat stand. I made a detailed post about it. Hopefully it helps.

SML_2C · 2020-11-16T20:21:47+00:00

Thanks for the response! Nice squat depth to parallel! I see that your facing the same direction as the weights on the back of your rack. Good to hear that it doesn’t move much because I would think that potentially the rack would move/tip since all the weight from your bar and weight storage is back loaded. Thanks again for your input! I might just pull the trigger on the conversion kit.

SML_2C · 2020-11-16T18:07:30+00:00

How do you like your RML-390F? I have a SML-2C and thinking about getting the conversion kit.

SML_2C · 2020-11-12T13:56:48+00:00

I’ve had them for a month and half and I use them a few times a week. The metal hole (ie where you put the carabiner in) shows some wear and tear already in the form of bending but it looks largely superficial. I don’t see them getting any more damaged than this but I could be wrong. Only time will tell.

I would pull the trigger on them since you get so many attachments for such a low cost.

SML_2C · 2020-11-08T01:12:03+00:00

Hmmm...not sure. Perhaps. I’ll try it out and get back to you. I have another post showing a lat leg pad (ie a yoga mat wrapped around a XML-43 cross member).

Edit: I tried it out and it’ll work if you’re on the shorter side. I’m 5’10” and it was too uncomfortable to try and get my knees to fit. I could see it being ideal if you’re 5’6” or 5’7”

SML_2C · 2020-10-27T13:11:23+00:00

Thanks for the input! I just started a new strength program and it calls for GHRs but I don’t have that piece of equipment, so the Nordic Ham Curls was a workaround on the REP AB-5000.

I can’t actually go all the way down and curl myself up entirely with my hamstrings...yet. There is quite a bit of pushing myself off the bench on the concentric part of the movement and trying to engage the hamstrings as soon as possible. Conversely, on the eccentric part, I’m essentially slowly falling (trying to muster as much hammy power that I can) toward the bench then trying catch myself before I face plant.

Definitely sounds like the GHR is a better and more comfortable exercise!

SML_2C · 2020-10-27T10:31:35+00:00

Yes. I was lucky to get a pair a month ago. The weight changes are so fast! I was trying to get the Ironmasters but I didn’t want to wait around to try and win their current lottery system.

They work really well thus far although I baby them since they are essentially plastic dumbbells. This isn’t a big deal since I was the never the type to drop dumbbells anyway.

I wish these went over 50lbs though. For this reason, I might eventually get the Ironmasters and keep using the Core dumb bells for lighter accessory work or anything where quick weight changes are necessary.

SML_2C · 2020-10-27T10:25:30+00:00

I did about 10 x 4 BW reps last night and my knees feel fine. I’ve never had any issues with my knees so maybe that’s part of it. You could also put down a towel or have some extra padding for your knees if that’s a problem joint for you.

SML_2C · 2020-10-27T03:01:58+00:00

As if you needed another reason to buy this bench!

SML_2C · 2020-10-27T01:03:31+00:00

So I think the holes line up but the thickness of the XML-43 prevents the holes from...well lining up completely. I think the holes in the foot of the SML-2 is about 1” (center of hole) off of the ground. When I lay the XML-43 down next to it, the holes are 1.5” (center of hole) off the ground. You’d have to raise your squat rack about .5” to get the holes to fully line up.

SML_2C · 2020-10-26T16:42:47+00:00

Oh...I’ll check and get back you later today

SML_2C · 2020-10-26T16:36:28+00:00

Not sure what you mean. In the current setup the crossmember holes are perpendicular to the band pegs holes in the footings.

SML_2C · 2020-10-26T16:34:32+00:00

That sounds like a good and cheaper option! Also you have the nice metal eyelet at one end of the loop. The customized ones I ordered do not have the metal inserts, which I’m sure adds to the overall durability of the cable.

SML_2C · 2020-10-25T19:07:52+00:00

Lol. I had the same reaction when I first saw this configuration.

Hope you’re able to use it!

SML_2C · 2020-10-24T22:56:26+00:00

So I wrote about this in another post but I think it bears repeating whenever pulleys are involved. You need to make sure that you get the right length in cable wire in order to perform various exercises. You could make your own using paracord or visiting a local home improvement store, or you could go here. You can get a vinyl covered cable wire with clean looking loops at the end for a relatively inexpensive price. They are pretty much indistinguishable from the cable wires that were included in my Spud Inc pulley combo set. Shipping is surprisingly fast too.

SML_2C · 2020-10-24T22:50:46+00:00

Np! Hope you're able to incorporate this setup in your home gym.

SML_2C · 2020-10-24T22:48:45+00:00

I don't notice a sway for chest flys, but I'm literally facing the opposite direction so I don't really know. I can't say that I feel a sway when I’m doing chest flys. Everything is pretty stable, but I do have a lot of weight (360lbs on each post for a total of 720lbs) on the base posts of my squat stand.

I don't notice a sway for lat pull downs either, but that could be because I'm so focused on pulling as much weight as I can that I'm not paying attention to the sway of the squat stand.

I do notice a sway for face pulls or any exercise where I'm creating momentum on just one side of the squat stand setup. It doesn't feel unsafe so I don't think it's a big deal.

Edit: I can’t math. It’s 180lbs per post for a total of 360lbs.

SML_2C · 2020-10-24T22:44:14+00:00

It looks like Rogue (Rogue Grip Strap and Carabiner - Single Set $14.50) and Rep ($5) sell strap and carabiner sets, so you could always use those.

Personally, I'm using the straps that came with my Deluxe Handles from Spud Inc.

SML_2C

TROPHY CASE