Quote Originally Posted by xmenWolverine
Free weights will always be better as the stabilizers have to work and you can rack it on any peg. Smith machine doesn't cause the stabilizers to work and what happens if tired and can't turn your wrists.
Also with a smith machine bar if you fatigue and can't lift the bar. Then its stuck on your chest till someone helps. With free weights don't use collars. If the bar is on the chest due to fatigue then tilt it to the side. Weights fly off and bar falls to the weighted side. Don't need a spotter.
jesus never seen that done but i bet it works.

although i train with a spotter i dont do assisted reps anymore or work to failure alot,hes there to help me just in case, i agree with warrior that overtraining and injury issues can arise from forced reps etc,i have absolute confidence in what i can lift so im never worried about the bar sitting on my chest,i dont use collars as my lifting technique is precise and controlled.

so all in all i prefer the free weights to machines.