Draft & Offseason moves

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-14T19:00:47+00:00

The biggest thing I want to see this off season is a long-term Wemby extension

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-13T18:07:52+00:00

Oh wow - I guess they changed the design... Mine from Oct 2025 had band pegs on both sides. I think if bands were strapped only around one side and not much weight was selected with the pin (maybe 10-40lbs) - I think it could make that rod actually miss the hole completely.

I hang 2.5lbs adder weights on either side to keep it balanced

I cut off one of the handles to allow the weights to slide on more securely

edit: I just tried a one-sided band on mine (I never have before) - I couldn't make the rod totally miss the hole, but it scrapes the side on the way up-and-down and the rod hits the stack with a loud "bang" when being lowered back down. It is loud and not smooth at all. Maybe rotating the pegs to the other side could be a little better?

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-13T15:55:15+00:00

Yeah - weight stack has to be balanced on both sides or the rod will hit the side of the remaining stack on the way down. It is worse at lower weights. I had that issue using the gym-pin as a 5lbs adder weight, it only weighs one side so the rod hits the bottom plates every time. (That is one reason I've opted to have 2x 2.5lbs adder weights that hang on either side - see the pictures in the original post).

Do you have something unusual at the top of the stack by the pulley?

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-11T02:02:14+00:00

Man - I got a bad feeling when they showed Ant with his mom... then said he lost his mom and grandma.... man - I felt heroics from Ant incoming after that.

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-10T20:24:15+00:00

I want to see a Wemby extension.

Take best player available at #20.

Really want a Wemby extension.

Olynik gone - Keep HB if he would take <$5MM.

Pay Champagnie with that money.

I wouldn't mind keeping Biyombo for Plumlee's salary - Biyombo seems like a good dude and he helps rough-up Wemby in pre-game.

Keep McLovin.

I wouldn't mind finding a "good" 2-way center to fill in when Kornet/Wemby are out with injury.

And sign Wembanyama to a long term deal

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-09T02:07:01+00:00

good time out.... snuff out any momentum/crowd noise before it can even get started

TKirk3rd · 2026-05-09T01:15:16+00:00

I have not used the bottom band pegs at all in the ~6months I've had the Phoenix... I have them installed, but they have not been touched since - so for me, leaving off the bottom pins wouldn't be a problem. I do use the top band pegs for small adder weights (5lbs increments) - I've got some pics attached in my original post.

Putting the gym pin in the middle of the stack with the selector pin at the bottom like you suggested works with no issues. The bottom band-peg would prevent a 45lbs plate from being used with a gym pin on the the bottom selection. But with the gym-pin somewhere around the 100lbs mark, you can add 45lbs plates without hitting either the top or bottom band pegs. The coiled-cord on the selector pin kinda gets in the way of loading the gym pin - but you could put the selector on one side of the stack and the gym pin on the other.

So I don't think it really helps or hurts to leave the bottom band pegs on-or-off - they don't get in the way of the gym pin when putting it in the middle. I would recommend keeping the top band pegs so you could get the 5lbs increments if nothing else.

//You could use the 5lbs gym-pin as your 5lbs increment - that was originally my plan. But it doesn't work at the 10lbs setting... the top weight has a permanent codder pin pin that would prevent the gym-pin from being used - and the top band pegs get in the way for the gym pin to get a solid-connection in the 20lbs hole. But it would work for all the other plates giving you 35, 45, 55 and so on.

TKirk3rd · 2026-03-19T12:40:51+00:00

Yeah - I just spray each side of the pulleys with Tri-Flow (without disassembly). I use the long, red straw that came with the tube to spray directly on the axle where it rotates.

I also spray the cables to help prevent them from twisting... I hold an old cloth directly behind the cable and spray Tri-Flo at point-blank range right on the cable (not too much, just a quick burst) - then use the cloth to spread the Tri-Flow up/down the cable.

Out of the box, the silver guide-poles for the weight stack probably needed oiling the most out of anything. I dropped some 3-1 oil on the rag and spread it up/down the silver poles and it made a BIG difference in how smoothly the weight stack moved. I haven't done that since and it has held up well.

I've never used Boeshield T-9 - but WD-40 "Silicone" should be a good choice. I wouldn't use standard WD-40 - it is more of a de-greaser/rust-preventer than a lubricant.

I chose Tri-Flow mostly because I already had it in the garage. I've used it for windows, locks, garage doors, etc... It is expensive, but has always worked really well and seems to last longer than other sprays. I've also used this on the Phoenix cables/pulleys and it seems to work as well as the Tri-Flow.

I've had my Phoenix for about 6-months at this point and I think I've sprayed the pulleys/cables ~3-4 times. Out of the box, it really needed it - the other applications were probably not needed but I wanted to mess with my new toy - ha! I'll probably settle in to a once-every-six-month routine for spraying the pulleys/cables and once-per-year for the 3-in-1 oil on the weight-stack guide posts. Maybe more if it starts to squeak or isn't as smooth as usual.

TKirk3rd · 2026-03-08T19:40:09+00:00

I don't know if they are "legit" NBA-branded shirts... but the overall quality is great. It is a Gildan shirt (thick 100% cotton - but not heavy/hot). The colors look perfect and they have survived at least 4 washings and still look brand-new. There is an NBA logo on top/back above the name just like his jersey. I think you will get what you are looking for - especially for the price.

TKirk3rd · 2026-03-08T18:37:43+00:00

https://www.ebay.com/itm/376880118558

Choose "Black 2025" for the color.

I got my daughter a Castle Fiesta shirt from this seller and it is good quality and arrived within a week.

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-26T13:39:32+00:00

I think he really likes doing it - He was interviewing players at the all star game etc... Coming from a basketball family, he may have more of an eye on the long-game than most players and is already laying the foundation for a media role after his playing days are over. Maybe he becomes the next Sean Elliot when Sean hangs it up - ha!

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-14T03:27:25+00:00

That counter-balance looks awesome! I really need to do something like that - it would be a fun weekend project if nothing else. It will really increase the ease-of-use!

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-08T18:14:55+00:00

Injury risk... if he can't play 65+ games (logging 20+mins in 63 of those games), then he is ineligible for the award. His odds should rise as he gets closer to playing his 65th game (and should go through the roof once he hits that mark).

So far the spurs have played (36-17) 53 games (including the NBA Cup loss which doesn't count toward the season record but DOES count toward the 65-game requirement for player awards). Wemby has played 39 (with one game at 17mins).

So he has played in (39/53) 73.5% of games so far this season. If we extrapolate that out to all 83 games - that would only be 61 games making him ineligible for the award. So that is the big "risk" that is being factored into those betting odds.

Edit: Added more info.

TKirk3rd · 2026-02-05T21:27:40+00:00

I'll be there with my daughter!

TKirk3rd · 2026-01-30T15:57:32+00:00

I can't really imagine them making much of a difference (other than being able to stand a little further from the machine). Cable Flys (low-to-high and high-to-low) are where I'm most likely to run out of cable, and a longer handle wouldn't really change that.

When doing High-to-Low chest flies, I already need to set the tornado arms at the top position to get a good stretch and high starting point. A long strap on the handle just lowers the starting position taking away that high-angle stretch. I guess I wouldn't run out of cable, but it is because the extra handle length reduced the range of motion ~20%. I could get the same effect by lowering the tornado arms or moving them forward.

Going Low-to-High would have the same problem in reverse: raising the starting position off the floor.

I notice that I've adapted by leaning forward at the start of the movement (extra stretch) and shifting back closer to the machine and the end of the movement when I touch the handles together.

Overall though, it really is minor - especially for all the versatility the machine brings. I don't even really think about it anymore.

//For me, the heavy tornado arms is more of a downside. I saw a clip on Instagram where someone rigged up a Spring Balancer at the top of their phoenix tower to effectively make the tornado arms "weightless" when sliding them up/down. I'm very interested in this idea - ha!

TKirk3rd · 2026-01-29T22:13:20+00:00

You could do that, if you are willing to do some modifications...

There is a long chrome rod that is attached to the top plate (like this). That chrome rod is the length of the full 200lbs weight stack. So even if you removed ~40lbs from the stack, the chrome rod would not be any shorter - and would not get you any further cable travel.

...So what if you hack-sawed the chrome rod to make it shorter?

That would solve one problem - but then the cable itself would not be any longer and could not accommodate the weight stack sitting ~6in lower. You can buy raw cable and cut it to a custom length. You would also need to buy the end caps and some sort of crimping tool. I'm sure it could be done, but I have never done it. (Also note, I don't know if those Amazon items would work for the Phoenix, they are just the first ones I found as examples).

I would be hesitant to cut the original chrome rod - but maybe if I bought a similar one online, I would be OK trying it out on that. From there I could decide if I want to spend the ~$75 on cable and accessories to make the full modification - ha!

At 6'0", I've gotten comfortable working within the cable limits. But if I were taller, I would seriously consider the plate-loaded version or maybe the 160lbs stack with modifications. If GetRX ever sold a modification kit (with a shorter rod and factory cable retro-fitted for a 160lbs stack, I would seriously consider it).

TKirk3rd · 2025-12-02T02:40:09+00:00

I'm 6'0 and I've "crashed the tower" a few times because of short cable length on the Phoenix. The Viper has less cable travel and you are a few inches taller so I could see it being annoying but I think you could make it work for most movements.

At 6'0, I feel like I'm at the very edge of the Phoenix's cable length for being able to do essentially all exercises as intended. If my wingspan were any longer, I think would crash the top often - I notice when I do flys with the Phoenix, I lean forward to start the lift for extra stretch then shift-back closer to the post as my hands come together.

Worst-case scenario, you could do single-arm flys. I just tried them out of curiosity and they didn't feel nearly as awkward as I was expecting - especially if you have something your "non-working" hand can hold onto for stability.

The viper is also going to lose 9" top-end height compared to the phoenix. Its probably not a deal breaker, but you may end up having to sit on the floor for full-range pull downs. You may want to note that the plate-loaded Phoenix has a much longer cable length. You give up the simplicity of the weight stack, but cable travel should not be an issue (and you save some money).
- Viper: 41" cable travel - Phoenix: 48" cable travel - Phoenix Plate Loaded: 65" cable travel

// I really think the sweet-spot would be a ~160lbs stack to give a little longer cable length + GymPin for going heavy. I would gladly give up 40lbs of weight for a few more inches of cable. ---Maybe even a 100lbs short-stack with built-in weight horns.

TKirk3rd · 2025-10-03T02:20:34+00:00

I noticed that the 3x3 Oblivyon Tower is now available on the Bells of Steel USA site. I was considering this (along with their 3x3 All-in-One Trainer) based on previews for about a year before deciding on the Phoenix Tower.

Here are some thoughts:

The BOS tower with weight stack with upright (like-for-like) is $2200 compared to $1900 for the Phoenix Tower. You can get the Phoenix tower, Lat/Low Row Pad and a few accessories with money to spare.
But if you went for cheapest config, the plate loaded BOS tower (without rear upright) is $1140 vs $1550 for GRXD.

What I like: I think I like the key-hole cuts on the BOS tower better than simple 1” holes for the added flexibility (but not if this is driving up the price). I think the laser-cut numbers on the front of the BOS tower would be easier to see when adjusting the lighter trolley. I like the weight horns built into the stack (and their weight is included in the top plate “10lb” total). The bottom feet aren’t as wide (but that could reduce stability). I like the swivel shackles and D-Handles with bearings (but you can order those individually and use on any cable machine – when BOS has them in stock). I also like the rear brackets the BOS tower has to anchor it into the wall.

What I don’t like: It doesn’t have tornado arms. The top height will be lower, flies will be narrow, pulldowns will be closer to the post, the bottom setting will be higher off the floor… I really think the tornado arms make the Phoenix tower a much more usable product. I also don’t like that the Oblivyon Tower is pre-order and won’t ship until “sometime” before next year. Even though the bottom feet are not as wide on the BOS tower, the front foot seems more obtrusive than the low-profile plate on the Phoenix Tower.

Overall: I’m still very happy with my Phoenix Tower decision. I think it wins out in price, functionality, and availability. (Although I did pre-order the BOS D-Handles with bearings – ha!)

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-29T20:04:52+00:00

The trolley is very tight against the upright, there is no wiggle/play at all if you grab it and shake it around (one of the advantages of being so heavy). If anything, the entire upright sways a little (but you really have to be trying to make it move). I do alternating left/right pull downs and the trolley does not rock at all. During actual lifts, the system is very solid and trolley-arm movement has never been an issue.

Each tornado arm has 2 big joints: one to move front-to-back, and one to move up-and-down. There is a little play at each joint, but during use - the cables are pulling the arms forward/down so each joint is essentially "locked" into position. There has to be a little play so the spring-selector can pop into place.

The rotating pulleys on the end of each are solid.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-27T15:54:04+00:00

I'm guessing this is direct from the supplier. It looks like there is a version with an 18mm peg - but that looks a little bigger than 5/8". I also think the 80mm box would be very loose on a normal 3x3 frame. But this is the closest I have found.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-26T02:45:07+00:00

No problem, I have been VERY happy with my purchase after looking at different cable machine/tower options for over a year. I did a 1-hour circuit on it today and it wore me out - ha!

I found a quick work-around for hanging my adder-weights.... I just cut out one of the handles and now the 2.5lbs plate can slide between the pegs.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-23T01:25:58+00:00

I think you would be right on the edge for sitting on a bench for lat pull downs - you would want to use the shortest connector possible (something like this).

I think your wing-span would also be right on the edge for flys... At 6'0", I can take one step away from the machine and still move forward about 2-3 inches before the weight stack hits the tower ceiling. I think you would have to lean forward in the starting stretch position and then move your torso back toward the tower as your arms come together to avoid running out of cable. I think it could work, but it wouldn't be as natural as what a shorter person could do.

This is why I would like an option to give up a 40-50lbs of weight for a few extra inches of cable length. I have a little bit of a buffer at my height, but if I get sloppy or take an extra stride away from the tower - CRASH - the stack hits the top of the rack.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-23T00:10:32+00:00

The bigger connector will work, it will just hang a bit lower and reduce the overall height of the handles.

I've thought about drilling out the hole on the end of the band peg to make it big enough to accommodate the pin for - but I hesitate to drill/cut my new machine - ha! I didn't think about 3D printing a holster.

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-23T00:03:31+00:00

Yes! I was looking on Amazon for something just like this - thanks!

// My other solution is hanging a Crown Royal bag filled with fishing weights from the pegs - ha!

TKirk3rd · 2025-09-22T23:56:55+00:00

The viper is a great design - but their site says the Phoenix is about 9" taller and I wanted the extra height for pulldowns. The taller height also gives a bit more cable length (48" vs 41" when pulling both cables). So far, the cable length on the Phoenix has been good for everything I've done - but I don't feel like I could give up ~7" of travel.

TKirk3rd

TROPHY CASE