I'm digging up an old question, but wanted to get some more recent input on the subject.

1) Do you think that the Hammer Strength machines will give you the same mass building potential as the free weights?

2) Does Hammer Strength slow down your strength gains?

3) Which is superior?

I tend to get a better pump out of the hammer strength and seems like there is more isolation on the chest or particular muscle, but I don't know if I were to concentrate more on Barbells, if I would build muscle faster.