Smith machine or power rack?

**Hammersmashedface** · 02-15-2009, 07:48 AM

Was originally lookin into a Bowflex,decided to go with either a Smith or a power rack.......wondering what the pros and cons are between the two.....I'd also like to add a cable crossover system,which machine would be more cable friendly?Thanks in advance....

**rockinred** · 02-15-2009, 09:08 AM

Bro, the difference would be pretty dramatic depending on your goals as a lifter. the smith system will have it's limitations. Power rack is the way to go if you ask me...check my profile by clicking on my username and click on my albums... I have pictures of my powerrack with a weight selector and a pully system. It was reasonably priced and there is absolutely nothing you can't do with that system that you can't do at a gym. In fact you will spend more with a smith system than you would a power rack... for the price of a smith system you will be able to pay for a power rack the way mine is set up easily....Let me know if you need some more info.

***D7M*** · 02-15-2009, 09:19 AM

definitely go with the power rack.

rockinred, I'm pretty impressed with your home gym.

**rockinred** · 02-15-2009, 10:14 AM

thanks bro, i threw it up to show it off i guess (in a good way)... but hopefully it can help others get ideas too.

**green22** · 02-16-2009, 08:37 AM

power rack fo sho!!!!!!!

**Nooomoto** · 02-16-2009, 10:00 AM

Power rack...in the long run a smith machine will hold you back, and that's a big problem if you're spending your own money on it.

**hankdiesel** · 02-16-2009, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by rockinred

thanks bro, i threw it up to show it off i guess (in a good way)... but hopefully it can help others get ideas too.

Nice! My wife and I are going to buy a house in a year or so and I'm going to put a gym in the basement. I hope mine looks as good as yours does. I am a personal trainer and my plan is to eventually work out of my home.

**Fat Guy** · 02-16-2009, 11:07 PM

Go for a power rack… smith machines are for girls! Rockinred you gym is awesome… I want one and a motorcycle like your too

**Hammersmashedface** · 02-17-2009, 05:30 AM

Thanks fella's ...Power rack it is......any suggestions on which ones......I'm on a limited budget........lookin to spend about $500 initially......then slowly add on.....

**rockinred** · 02-17-2009, 07:41 AM

thanks bros... I don't want to hijack hammers thread, but wanted to say thanks....

hammer,

http://www.shoppowertecfitness.com/
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/
http://www.elitefts.com/
http://www.pro-elite.com/

I bought mine from Newyorkbarbells, because they had the most attatchments with the two pulley system and the leg press that was heavy duty for a non-commercial price. I did notice that other places have some things that are better, but you have to balance it out. most cages will run about $500.

If your budget is only 5bills for weights and bench and cage, then you will have to hit up a used store, craigs, or something like that... good luck and let us know how it goes.

**RJstrong** · 02-17-2009, 09:21 AM

I would chose the power rack hands down. Bench, squat, range of deadlifting (above and below pins), shrugs, variety of lockout work, barbell rows, floor presses, you get the idea the list goes on and on. IMHO far more effective in comparison to a smith machine in terms of gaining overall size and strength.

**Hammersmashedface** · 02-18-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by rockinred

thanks bros... I don't want to hijack hammers thread, but wanted to say thanks....

hammer,

http://www.shoppowertecfitness.com/
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/
http://www.elitefts.com/
http://www.pro-elite.com/

I bought mine from Newyorkbarbells, because they had the most attatchments with the two pulley system and the leg press that was heavy duty for a non-commercial price. I did notice that other places have some things that are better, but you have to balance it out. most cages will run about $500.

If your budget is only 5bills for weights and bench and cage, then you will have to hit up a used store, craigs, or something like that... good luck and let us know how it goes.

Thanks bro...I'll check those links....I already have all the freeweights i need......I'll need a bench and def a crossover type pulley system.........I've seen some pretty elaborate racks.......I've no doubt that once i start adding on to one that it wont be long before its badass.....

**mrdude** · 02-19-2009, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by rockinred

Bro, the difference would be pretty dramatic depending on your goals as a lifter. the smith system will have it's limitations. Power rack is the way to go if you ask me...check my profile by clicking on my username and click on my albums... I have pictures of my powerrack with a weight selector and a pully system. It was reasonably priced and there is absolutely nothing you can't do with that system that you can't do at a gym. In fact you will spend more with a smith system than you would a power rack... for the price of a smith system you will be able to pay for a power rack the way mine is set up easily....Let me know if you need some more info.

Yeah. I like doing squats and incline benchpress in powerrack more than in smithmachine because I like free weights.