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Edited August 17, 2022
at 12:53 PM
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This is a relatively new product at Costco to go along with their other Inspire Fitness Functional Trainer. It has a few new key features like being a Smith machine that doesn't require plates. It also has a "weight multiplier" as pully systems are never the full weight, it allows it to be doubled (see manufacturer site -link below- for details).
Online Price $2,499.99
Less $500.00
Your Price $1,999.99
Ground Floor Delivery Only* (installation NOT included)
*$500 manufacturer's savings is valid 8/12/22 through 8/21/22. While supplies last. Limit 5 per member
Costco sales website [costco.com]
Manufacturer product website [inspirefitness.com]
Features:
- 1 Year Inspire Fitness App Subscription Included
- Includes Folding Adjustable Bench
- D Handles, Dual Hook Curl Bar, Tricep Rope, Ankle Strap, Chin/Dip Belt
- Dual Weight Stacks: (15) 10 lb. Plates & (1) 15 lb. Top Plate
- Plate-Free Smith Bar
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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.
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the "TOP" ? I see that it is 48 inches deep but that is the depth of the bottom of the machine.
What is the depth from the top when it is put against wall?I have room everywhere except the top as I have a beam going across the ceiling- which is why I am asking if anyone can please help with the measurement (depth) from the top
the "TOP" ? I see that it is 48 inches deep but that is the depth of the bottom of the machine.
What is the depth from the top when it is put against wall?I have room everywhere except the top as I have a beam going across the ceiling- which is why I am asking if anyone can please help with the measurement (depth) from the top
The mfg site just shows what you reference:
DIMS (W X L X H)
59 in x 46 in x 84 in (150 cm x 117 cm x 213 cm) (note the 46" list here rather than 48" on costco's site)
But what does that mean?
I went to the next similar product on the Inspire website of the FT2: https://inspirefitness.
Fortunately they actually have a "FT2 dimensions" pdf on that page with an overhead view showing the FT2 Dimensions: 61" wide x 58" deep without bench; 61" wide x 89" deep with bench; minimum height 83"; maximum height 88"
This one seems slimmer and the FT2 has a pull-up bar that sticks further out overhead so I'm thinking that 46" is the longest depth from the wall, bottom and top (not including room for bench). Especially since the legs on the floor appear to go out further than the top of the machine.
The mfg site just shows what you reference:
DIMS (W X L X H)
59 in x 46 in x 84 in (150 cm x 117 cm x 213 cm) (note the 46" list here rather than 48" on costco's site)
But what does that mean?
I went to the next similar product on the Inspire website of the FT2: https://inspirefitness.
Fortunately they actually have a "FT2 dimensions" pdf on that page with an overhead view showing the FT2 Dimensions: 61" wide x 58" deep without bench; 61" wide x 89" deep with bench; minimum height 83"; maximum height 88"
This one seems slimmer and the FT2 has a pull-up bar that sticks further out overhead so I'm thinking that 46" is the longest depth from the wall, bottom and top (not including room for bench). Especially since the legs on the floor appear to go out further than the top of the machine.
Thank you for trying to find the actual measurements I really appreciate it
Can you please tell me the actual depth from the top thank you for doing this I really appreciate it
Please see my detail question below:
"Can anyone please help me with the dimensions from
the "TOP" ? I see that it is 48 inches deep but that is the depth of the bottom of the machine.
What is the depth from the top when it is put against wall?I have room everywhere except the top as I have a beam going across the ceiling- which is why I am asking if anyone can please help with the measurement (depth) from the top"
Please see my detail question below:
"Can anyone please help me with the dimensions from
the "TOP" ? I see that it is 48 inches deep but that is the depth of the bottom of the machine.
What is the depth from the top when it is put against wall?I have room everywhere except the top as I have a beam going across the ceiling- which is why I am asking if anyone can please help with the measurement (depth) from the top"
On a side note, these machines appear to be anything but a precision built thing so these measurements are YMMV and the top measurement is especially so. I have 0.68" foam flooring in that room that could skew this as the machine is weighted to the rear. I don't think that's skewing things, but since the machine does not have a frame brace at the top I have nothing else to measure against than the base and a gravity drop.
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On a side note, these machines appear to be anything but a precision built thing so these measurements are YMMV and the top measurement is especially so. I have 0.68" foam flooring in that room that could skew this as the machine is weighted to the rear. I don't think that's skewing things, but since the machine does not have a frame brace at the top I have nothing else to measure against than the base and a gravity drop.
Thank you so much for your help with measurements. I i have 40.5 depth available at the top. I am wondering if it is possible to flip the top bar and screw it that way. Do you think that will cause any issues or if it is even possible to do so? Again, I really appreciate all the help.
Obviously this takes up a smaller footprint, but is limited in weight as a trade off.
I bought it new directly from Valor Fitness (their site). It's crazy solid for a home gym at least.
Very happy with both the product and their service (I was missing one washer and they got a replacement to me fast).
Very happy with both the product and their service (I was missing one washer and they got a replacement to me fast).
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Also, I assume this thing is near impossible to move due to weight once it's fully assembled in case I need to reposition it?