expired Posted by Seltzer • Aug 12, 2022
Aug 12, 2022 7:27 PM
Item 1 of 5
Item 1 of 5
expired Posted by Seltzer • Aug 12, 2022
Aug 12, 2022 7:27 PM
Costco Members: Inspire Fitness SF3 Smith Functional Trainer w/ Folding Bench
+ Free Shipping$2,000
$2,500
20% offCostco Wholesale
Visit RetailerGood Deal
Bad Deal
Save
Share
Leave a Comment
Top Comments
I have the FTX, it's a great product, especially at sale prices. If I didn't already own that, I would be buying this.
Most of the differences are the size (this is wider and IMO better for some moves), the bench fully folds and collapses to hang out of the way, and it comes with a couple of different accessories.
Aside from that, and the most important differences, is that this has a bar for use as a Smith machine and doesn't require plates. The FTX comes with a curl bar for pulls but it doesn't really work for squats or press movements. This also means that since I'm a baby power lifter that doesn't go over 330 lbs I wouldn't need a separate rack and plates (at least another $600+) for bench and squat, saving me a lot of money and space.
This also has a way to do a "weight doubler" since pulleys aren't actually the full weight listed for what resistance you are moving. As per the manufacturer website, each stack is 165 lbs with a 2:1 ratio for 82.5 lbs per pulley {85 lbs max with 5 lbs Add-On Weights}. However, the "Weight Multiplier" "Doubles weight for heavy lifters, while using the smith bar" so the Smith actually has a functional 330 lbs rather than the 165 effective it would be otherwise.
The FTX doesn't have this and is confirmed on the FAQ website for that product [inspirefitness.com] "The FTX has a resistance ratio of 2:1 per pulley, which means the maximum weight you can lift per pulley is 82.5 lbs per pulley."
Hopefully that made sense without over-explaining.
I wanted to point out a few things to think about THIS trainer for anyone considering it.
Although I've never used this one, it appears the "Smith Machine" aspect is still flawed with these trainers. If you wanted to squat ATG (a$$ to grass), you have to set the bar at the lowest position and then stand up. Starting at the bottom of the squat isn't gonna kill you, but I've used mine with a similar setup and it absolutely sucks having to end your set at the bottom. You can't do a hard burn out set knowing you'll have to collapse at the end. I got stuck once. I could be wrong, but I don't see how you'd get around this.
If it is indeed wider than the FTX, I would 100% not go with this. Yes, the FTX is too close for dual cable flys, this one might allow it, but it's going to ruin cable bench presses which is one of the most amazing movements to do on this machine. I know the pictures show using a bar for various bench movements, but just like the squat, you'll have to start with the bar at the bottom of the bench. You will kill the range of motion because you won't be able to start with it low enough (it really needs to go through your chest to mimic the benefits of a real bench press) and it will kill your shoulders pressing from there. If you don't use the bar, the FTX is at a great width that allows for a cable press that isn't too wide and gives a crazy chest pump.
Someone mentioned these machines being too short, agree/disagree. I'm 6'0 and can't stand up and do tricep work… but I can on my knees or sitting on the bench it comes with.
Another comment was talking about benches, I just wanna confirm the FTX does come with an adjustable bench that hangs on the machine itself. It's lightweight and very low to the ground. That can be positive to help if you have back pain, a negative if you just don't like a low bench, but the biggest positive is it makes for an amazing bench to have sex on. I know this comment just took a turn, but the truth is that it's so low I can be sitting in it and my wife can ride my brains out. Adjust the angle of the bench that hits the right spot for her and we're both orgasming our faces off. Lol I'm not joking, it's worth it for that alone.
Anyways guys, I would say get the cheaper FTX Trainer from Costco unless I am way off on the dimensions and Smith Machine setup. ✌️
With this, you and a partner could literally bang out 10 reps each during a TV commercial because there are no plates to change. It makes everything so much quicker. Also, the machine has lots of creative options for use if you look online a little. Many online complaints come from not learning the machine functions or not reading instructions. If doing squats, go to the dollar store, buy a pool noodle, cut it shorter, and then slit it down the middle to wrap over the red bar.
76 Comments
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
1. I have a rack, barbell and free weight already and there is no way I will leave them and do the major compound lights on smith machine. Smith machines takes away the balance part of the movement as the bar is locked in and you only need to move it up or down.
2. The weight stacks are the same. The ratio is same 2:1
3. This takes more floor space.
If you don't have budget or space you must consider using that in getting a rack and free weight rather than functional trainer. So overall FTX is pretty good. Just my 2 cents.
Agreed if you already have a free weight setup to do similar moves as the smith machine then this may not be for you unless you're ok with trading the balance aspect of free weights in exchange for space saving.
When I was at a paid gym I was benching/squatting closer to 300lbs. I have the ftx now and once I get back to that strength I'm stuck at 165lbs and then have to spend more money and use clunky workarounds to get more weight on the machine. 2 gym pins + 4 45lbs and still can't to the moves you can with a smith machine.
For the longest time during lockdown I had a pull up / dip machine and set of bowflex adjustable dumbells and was able to get in a great workout but my strength went down due to lack of access to heavier weights.
As far as compact and versatile setups go, along with the price this is a solid option.
I wanted to point out a few things to think about THIS trainer for anyone considering it.
Although I've never used this one, it appears the "Smith Machine" aspect is still flawed with these trainers. If you wanted to squat ATG (a$$ to grass), you have to set the bar at the lowest position and then stand up. Starting at the bottom of the squat isn't gonna kill you, but I've used mine with a similar setup and it absolutely sucks having to end your set at the bottom. You can't do a hard burn out set knowing you'll have to collapse at the end. I got stuck once. I could be wrong, but I don't see how you'd get around this.
If it is indeed wider than the FTX, I would 100% not go with this. Yes, the FTX is too close for dual cable flys, this one might allow it, but it's going to ruin cable bench presses which is one of the most amazing movements to do on this machine. I know the pictures show using a bar for various bench movements, but just like the squat, you'll have to start with the bar at the bottom of the bench. You will kill the range of motion because you won't be able to start with it low enough (it really needs to go through your chest to mimic the benefits of a real bench press) and it will kill your shoulders pressing from there. If you don't use the bar, the FTX is at a great width that allows for a cable press that isn't too wide and gives a crazy chest pump.
Someone mentioned these machines being too short, agree/disagree. I'm 6'0 and can't stand up and do tricep work… but I can on my knees or sitting on the bench it comes with.
Another comment was talking about benches, I just wanna confirm the FTX does come with an adjustable bench that hangs on the machine itself. It's lightweight and very low to the ground. That can be positive to help if you have back pain, a negative if you just don't like a low bench, but the biggest positive is it makes for an amazing bench to have sex on. I know this comment just took a turn, but the truth is that it's so low I can be sitting in it and my wife can ride my brains out. Adjust the angle of the bench that hits the right spot for her and we're both orgasming our faces off. Lol I'm not joking, it's worth it for that alone.
Anyways guys, I would say get the cheaper FTX Trainer from Costco unless I am way off on the dimensions and Smith Machine setup. ✌️
Any reputable trainer will tell you:
1) The best weight are the weights you have access to. (If it's between waiting 30+min for the freeweights vs using the machine, they'll say use the machine. Or if you simply have no access to freeweights, etc.)
2) Completely dependent on your goals. If you're training to compete in lifting competitions, then yeah, you're gonna want to train in the environment for those competitions. Outside of that, do what works.
Having an extra set of dumbbells certainly will be beneficial, but if someone had to choose between adjustable dumbbells over a functional trainer, then functional trainer all the way, simply based on the plethora of exercises you can do.
Additionally, there are some exercises where the machine is better, as it can keep resistance throughout range of motion. One example would be the bent-over-Tricep-Extension.
With a dumbbell, while you're not extending, you're literally doing nothing. There is no resistance. On the other hand, with cables, you are constantly faced with resistance throughout the entire motion.
Try it.
There is no doubt a squat rack and a full set of weight plates/dumbbells will be a great option for those wanting to take it to the next level, but that's a significant investment in space compared to a functional trainer. Something not everyone has.
If space and money isn't a huge issue, having both a Functional Trainer and a Squat Rack with weight plates will pretty much replace your gym membership.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Realistically most people should just keep it simple as hell, either get a gym membership or just buy a couple of dumbells and a bench.
I love all things fitness, but I could say the vast majority of people who invest in something like this monstrousity will probably regret it. If it helps you actively work out and get in better shape it's unquestionably worth it. But most data suggests the odds are this just becomes an extremely expensive waste of space (and note I'm not saying go buy a Smith machine or squat rack, because again for 99% of people these see crazy ideas. The 2000$ price tag makes it even worse)
Realistically most people should just keep it simple as hell, either get a gym membership or just buy a couple of dumbells and a bench.
I love all things fitness, but I could say the vast majority of people who invest in something like this monstrousity will probably regret it. If it helps you actively work out and get in better shape it's unquestionably worth it. But most data suggests the odds are this just becomes an extremely expensive waste of space (and note I'm not saying go buy a Smith machine or squat rack, because again for 99% of people these see crazy ideas. The 2000$ price tag makes it even worse)
It would be more financially sound to invest in a cheaper gym membership and actually work on a good workout routine, concentrate on form, get your nutrition on the right track, and get a good understanding of whether you are going to be in it for the long run. Once you've established all that, then you would have no question of whether you'd have use for such a machine. You'd know.
Sign up for a Slickdeals account to remove this ad.
Leave a Comment