Leg Press Hack Squat Machine That Does Both Well? Bells Of Steel Review
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- Опубліковано 22 тра 2024
- Let's see how the Bells of Steel leg press hack squat machine stacks up against the competition. In this review and comparison we put it up against ForceUSA and other popular options to see who comes out on top.
▹ Bells Leg Press Hack Squat gluck.fit/BellsLegPressHackSquat
▹ ForceUSA Leg Press Hack Squat gluck.fit/ForceLegPressHackSquat
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▬▬ Jump to Chapters ▬▬
0:00 Bells of Steel Leg Press Hack Squat Machine Review
0:58 Range Of Motion
1:51 Swapping Between Leg Press & Hack Squat
2:46 How Well It Works As A Hack Squat
4:23 How It Works As a Leg Press
7:03 Assembly & Packaging
7:45 Build Quality
8:48 Final Thoughts & Recommendation - Спорт
Don't worry gluck we still are here for you. We welcome the criticisms, its clear we need to make some improvements for this product to really stand out against our competitors. We appreciate the honest review as always! Thankfully R&D didn't make a "funny" shaped pad increasing the footprint, I can't imagine what you would say to us if we did.
Good for you BOS for taking criticism and trying to make it better.
This is what us garage gym owners want to hear from the brand. Continuous improvement
You guys are class
This is the kind of thing I look for in a company! Being able to take criticism and being involved with the community!
I hope BOS comes out with a competitive resistance magnetic push/pull sled🛷❤
"Remember kids, no one wins when you die."
😁 I thought that one was pretty funny but what do I know 😂
It was.@@GlucksGym
Someone needs to make a quality leg press/hack squat where the plates load underneath (like this one) to save width, but FROM ONE SIDE so it can be placed up against a wall. That would be a huge amount of space saved in a home gym, and for many people it would be the thing that makes one of these machines workable.
That's an interesting idea. I think that would be cool especially if it's reversible so you can install it to load from either side
Appreciate the honest take as always!
Thank you Brandon!
I really appreciate your honesty Gluck. You're a real one 🤝
Keep them coming! Love your videos. You’ve become my favorite home gym reviewer 🙏🏽
Thanks 😀 That's an awesome comment!
Stellar review! You may be the most trusted reviewer. Coop may sometimes gloss over cons of equipment. You're clearer and more thorough at revealing concerns. Both of you are charming and produce with high quality. Bravo sir! I've purchased several items from Bells and I like them. This is a fair review and I'm more likely to continue to support Bells when they send their equipment to reviewers such as yourself with honesty and integrity.
Thanks! I'm not sure anyone has called me charming before 😂😍
I was really considering buying this but not now. Thanks for the review!
I would like to thank you for taking the time to make so many awesome videos. You and your wife make it so much fun to watch!!!
Thank you!
Thanks for these super honest reviews. It makes me feel more confident that when something does get high praise, it’s actually warranted and not just a conflict of interest. Truly speaks to your character. Also love the wife cameos. Keep them coming!
I've been waiting for this.
I really think there's a lack of good options for these machines for the home gym community. I don't see a reason to not get a commercial piece with the current options out there.
Thanks for an excellent video: The plate flexing, width and the slip safety stop issues were serious ones when using heavy weights 300 lb and up for example.
Great, as always! Was surprised to see you didn't get the jump on REP's storage releases earlier this week. Get on it!
I would've loved to but I've been too busy running this channel 😢 I'll check them out.
Glad you did this review. Been debating about getting one for awhile and this helps me save $2 grand
Nice honest review mate. These machines are appealing for home gyms but you’re right, they struggle to replicate the commercial feel and can be quite expensive..
A 1,000lb leg press and someone could crush themselves... wow that is scary. There is a reason why bells of steel is on version 4 of their safety squat bar... v1/2/3 were bad. I'd be hesitant to buy anything from them. Thanks for putting out honest reviews Gluck.
Version 3 of their SS bar might be my fault too 😁 they've tweaked all the things I complained about. They've had some great launches but this isn't one.
Good review so the hack squat/leg press for home are the force USA?
Seems like these machines definitely need another round of innovation. Good video!
Thank you, and yes, definitely needed another round.
I just started watching your channel, and was wondering if you have done a review on the body solid leg press/hack squat machine?
Haven’t even watched the review yet but I already know it’s gonna be hilarious
Entertaining & honest. Appreciate what you do!
Glad I didn't disappoint
Thanks!
😁 Thank you!
Thorough honest review as always! How about the 2-In-1 Iso Leg Press & Hack Squat Machine?
I debated that one vs this and figured this price point would be more appealing to people. Now we have two issues, 1) I'm scared that one is even worse because of the complexity and 2) does Bells want to risk my take on another of their leg machines 😂
well you didn't pull any punches there. good for you. keep up the good work.
I went with a French Fitness Monster Hack Squat/ Leg Press, because the leg press foot plate was 28" x 36. I think it has the largest foot plates of a combo machine.
Great review, thanks for sharing! You mentioned the RitFit leg press/hack squat a few times, and I was curious if you had any thoughts on it? The price is hard to beat...with a discount code and after tax I'm at $760 shipped. Small footprint too. I'm really trying to find a solid leg press, and I have always eyed the Force USA model, but it's tough when Rit Fit is offering one for less than half the price.
Any help and guidance you can offer would be really appreciated. Thanks!
Excellent review...while not a perfect machine it still looks pretty solid. The safety issues need to be addressed though
I'd love to see someone compare these machines to the Powertec compact leg sled and leg press
Excellent feedback- it’s almost like BoS could have just used it themselves before bringing it to market.
😬 definitely needed some more work
Looking forward to you cutting this one and the other 10 on the market in half for a full comparison video one day 😅!
Hahahaha. What to cut next...
Great review! My conclusion - lift at home, leg press at a cheap gym.
Thanks I almost decided to buy this and drop that kind of money on it. I was dreading assembly and not being able to return early if I was not satisfied. Maybe v2 for me.
I've been looking for a dual leg press/hack squat, hearing we can expect at least 3 other options in 2024 so will wait until a vendor gets this right.
for the price its gotta be more stable/secure. if i dropped nearly 2k id be a little pissed about the give that plate is showing on leg presses out the box. i wouldnt be able to enjoy the machine if i cant load it up without having snapped legs in the back of my mind.
Think I’ll stick to saving for the ForceUSA for now. Any chance you could do a video doing a comparison of a hack squat machine like this and different exercise variations utilizing a smith machine instead? I have a smith and can do hack squats with it and have the plate for vertical leg presses. Are there extreme advantages to using a machine like that over the smith variants that warrant a $2k price tag and floor space footprint?
I considered buying this recently but ended up just buying a robust dedicated 45 degree leg press and foregoing the hack squat functionality, After watching this video I believe I made the correct decision.
Great review. I'm definitely interested in one of these, but I want to wait for a "gold-standard" product to come out and it seems like there still isn't quite one in the market but I haven't done much research. I'm thinking something like the Rogue Manta Ray of Leg Press / Hack Squat machines.
The Rogue Manta Ray of leg press hack squats 😍 can I start using the Manta Ray to describe things like that!?
For me, I think the Fettle Fitness "Pendulum Total Leg Press" (aka pendulum squat) is the best bet. It's footprint is a bit smaller than this machine (79" x 36") and it's a relatively comparable price (works out to $2250 for me, shipping varies) but significantly higher quality from what I can tell. If I had the space, money, and I knew I was never moving, it'd be my go to.
Otherwise, the TuffStuff Lying Hack Squat/Leg press (85x33). Made In USA, $2800-3000 new. It's plate-loaded but uses a pulley to make it a 1:1 ratio.
I have the ISO leg press. Are you going to review it as well?
Check out the Bolt Fitness outlaw! Huge, adjustable plates on both sides, 4 weight horns, 5 different levels for the redundant, 2nd safety that uses 1 inch hitch pins, and 4 safety levels for the catches. Deep ROM for me too. But alas, not free like this was cx
The butt pad is still small, $2,600, and no video on the product page where the top pics are. 640 lbs. gotta compare it to bells higher end model
@lawrence09151 lol small? It's 20" x 30" and 27.5" x 29.75" on the other side, with the pad being even taller than the footplate and like 35 inches. It's huge vs this and frequently on sale for barely more than Bells, no tax either
Hot shoes, Glucky!
I assume making the seat bigger reduces the range of motion or is it even an issue as it looked like it has loads to spare.
I never understand why the foot plates are not made biiger on these machines, there is literally noting stopping them. I always said if i bought one i would get a bigger foot plate made.
Great review, i think in Europe my only option is BodySolid.
Any plans on reviewing their iso leg press hack squat combo? It seems like it would address some of the issues here like the foot pad sizing. Hopefully you do as I would love a look at it before purchasing myself
I originally decided not to after seeing all the issues here. It's a much more complicated machine and they're were developed side by side and from what I was told and have seen I was leery but I'll review it if that's what people want to see.
@@GlucksGym totally up to you. It just annoys me that not even BOS has a video of it. Anyways thanks for the quality videos!
I had the Force USA, it is really ok. Switched to the Powertec because I almost never used the hack squat. As a leg press the powertec is better and a steal!
1:06 "Die By Thigh" 🦵 or 3:36 by 🎂🤔🤔 BOTH/EITHER!!! 🤤🤭Great Video Guys!!!! 😉
Have you done a full review on the Force USA one? Been looking at that product for awhile. Glad you recommend it above the competition, but wondered what setbacks it has.
I have not done a dedicated review. I think the build quality is well above this one, very smooth movement, and more robust overall. The downsides are the footprint is larger with the 2 sets of loading pins and the ROM on hack squat will be an issue on shorter people.
@@GlucksGym ok yeah that sounds like a good fit for my set up. Thanks for responding and love the channel!
@@jedolson6015 anytime. Happy the review was helpful. Feel free to use the link so I can force Forcer work with us 😂
@@GlucksGym absolutely! I believe I tried to use your links a few months ago with some rep stuff. Hope they worked. Been upgrading my gym the past year from my FB marketplace equipment to new stuff bc of you channel!
Just recently purchase the Force USA. It’s hands downs the best of the $2000.00 price range. No problem on hack squat 6-5 over here…..
Can you please review the force usa hack squat that you're speaking about in this video. It looks like they came out with a V2 that solves the depth issue that you mentioned
That is the V2 in this vid. I've reached out to them but no luck yet. We're on their "watch list" last I heard 🤷
Seeing you have both Rogue and Rep Fitness uprights in your gym I figured you'd be the one to ask... With Reps new modular storage would it be possible to connect shelves between Rogue and Rep fitness uprights? Do the hole heights match up? Thanks in advance
It's a possibility but I don't like to say things unless I've tested it myself. Our 11 post rack has Rep and Rogue crossmembers so it actually goes Rep PR-5000 to Rogue and then back to Rep at the Ares. Long answer short, I think yes because you're not spanning a long enough height for the differences to matter but again, I'd like to check for myself.
I see Bells already has a new version on their website for pre order!
No they do not. They have an Iso leg press but that's not this one. I'd hope it performs better than this but it's a more complex machine and they were protyped and released together.
Not the biggest fan of the combo machines to begin with- curious on your views of Powertec Leg Press because of the much larger foot plate.
Ill be honest i much prefer the body solid version, the pad doesnt get lost because its on a swivel for the leg press and is built into the hack as well.
Bails of steel
Brutality! It sounds like once they refine it, it'll be a definite buy. Haha.
$1900 POS good to know. Thanks!
I am that guy who never squats and prefers leg press.
Which type of squat bar is the best to leg press lover, anti squat person?
The pad looks a little short on the leg press too because I like to rest my head there and just take my entire upper body out if I can. Especially because I have some cervical spine damage and like to rest my head as a result of that too.
Good point. It's def a little short. Another easy fix at least.
I think due to my build (6'6--300lbs) I think it would be best for me NOT to do a combo machine but instead get a separate Leg Press and Hack Squat.
Do you have any upcoming standalone LP or HS machine reviews?
Agreed, though I'd say in general a dedicated unit will always beat a combo.
We don't currently have any in the works but not for lack of trying.
Have you looked into the Bolt Fitness Outlaw Leg press/Hack squat combo? This is the one I've been keeping an eye out for but no one seems to review this company.
I've owned the Outlaw for 7 months. Got it delivered already assembled in Houston. Wide foot plates, full ROM, and shorter than the ForceUSA. Great customer service from BOLT as well. Very happy with the purchase.
@@Danny-mw9on I've only heard good things from customers. I think a full review from Gluck or coop comparing it to the others would be awesome.
@@Danny-mw9on I'm also close enough to Houston that I could go pick it up and save on shipping.
i have it as well. my wife and i like it. noisy while using but thats only complaint.
They must not have an affiliate program because you’re right, no one reviews their stuff even though they seem to make good pieces.
What about Body Solid's version?
This was my thought as well. I suspect there’s no affiliate program for body solid as there’s very little said about them across the UA-camrs I watch.
They have an affiliate and have reached out to us but this is a 1 man show, it's hard to cover everything.
There's some similarities between the two and they're different enough but as I mentioned, we have to really think about what we're going to cover. There's just too much that goes into each video.
Soooo Bodycraft F760??
I would like to see an honest review on those “commercial grade Amazon machine.”
For me, I’m not sure that I’ll be ready to spend 2k and more (I’m in Canada) for a machine like this. I would try to get a used commercial unit even if it would be a pain to move. Sure, the home gym unit would be smaller… but my legs are somewhat strong and I would fear I would kill myself with this one.
However, I do like other BOS products like the SS3 and I plan to purchase several manticore attachments in the mid terms…
Formerly Sneed's Gym
I still struggle to understand why these are always at 45 degrees. Maybe someone can enlighten me and I'm missing something obvious. Stability, perhaps, but I can't see that being an issue really and could easily be sorted if it were bolted down or weighed down somehow. I appreciate there probably needs to be some sort of angle for easy access and adjustability, especially for the leg press seat. But if it were, say, 30 degrees, you a) reduce the footprint, and b) reduce the requirement for as much weight (cos, y'know, physics).
"Booty enabled" got me. 🤣
Thank you, thank you 😂
Ok. Is this machine really made by BOS or they just take it from Chinese factory and put their logo? I just looked in aliexpress/baba and the machines are the same with the same small footprint for leg press. Why didn't they just made the pad bigger and stronger? Why they didn't just improve it? And thats not only problem with them.
It doesn’t look like a unique design so it’s probably standard from some factory. a lot of companies doing that.
@@BrandonSchwartz1 Yes i know. I see one of the Force Usa machines that was made from 10 companies or more but with this machine he tells that their product is better. I was really thinking to get this type machine from China but this review changed my mind.
the wobbly footplate is a no go. How can such a product be released?
Not starting beef but I rock with Gluck over Coop all day plus big Gluck u can tell he actually lifts. I think Coop just reviews equipment an doesn't actually utilize it
I own this machine and the safety handles simply don’t work. I had to leave the bolts on mine loose in order for them to not have so much friction that they didn’t work which is pretty sketchy.
Incredibly sketchy. I read some reviews of people having the same problem and really thought it should be called out in a review.
@@GlucksGymyeah I bought some WD40 so I’m hoping to lube the hell out of them but I found it quite disappointing. Not sure if I simply got bad parts with more mates to the machine. Anyways, great video. Exciting to see you reviewing expensive product all’s like this
@@GlucksGym wonder if they will recall it. Safety hazard.
All you need is a Vintage Cybex Hack Squat and a Vintage Leg Press from Hammer Strength and you're done ✅
Body solid sells the same machine for $1,500 with shipping included.
Not quite the and machine (thankfully) 😂
@@GlucksGym it's the GLPH 1100 model. I'm pretty sure they are made in the same factory in 🇨🇳. I love your videos and most of all the honest reviews 👍
gluck where ya get that flag made behind the red rack?
I think I got it from anley.com
Irwin bench review coming?
We delayed delivery because we're getting them to make a dumbbell rack for us as well and then it can all get shipped together. So long answer short, yes, eventually 😂
Also there is not a good way to do calf raises with this which is pretty disappointing
Yep. I talk about and demonstrate that at the end.
@@GlucksGymlol sorry man - this machine had me so heated I couldn’t finish the video without attacking bells of steel in the comments
This won’t be at Home Gym Con.
I’m still steamed about that
Idk why companies don't ask for feedback on hacksquat equipment and how it's setup. It's like they took the hankies people and thought it would only be used for them. Kudos for BoS making the range of motion actually decent. No one really likes the equipment, most just like they can put large numbers on it.
Atlantis did it right and no one notices
Why would I choose this one that's 1700 dollars... that has a small platform, weird position hack squat handles.... when I can get the GMWD leg press/hack squat for 1000 bucks...
Bells of steel really taking it on the chin hard - First the flack for backing out of Home Gym Con and now this.....
We send our equipment knowing this could be the case and we welcome it in order to improve. Also the Home gym con was an unexpected outcome for us as well due to various internal reasons out of our control.
These machines should be under 1000 bucks like the Rift or GWD one.. They are too expensive for non comercial machines, I rather buy a Bolt one..
Did i beat baylee?
yes u did 🎉
Man, that flex was sketchy 😳
You should've seen me with it over 600lbs
Hmm, don't think it is viable until they add better safety stops. There are also more issues than I expected for BoS product
Great video. Sorry that machine doesn’t work for hyper glute positive people like the glucks. Haha
hahahah! Just trying to represent my people
After watching this video I feel much better about buying a hack squat/leg press from one brand on Amazon for less than half a price (with a coupon) - the weight capacity is smaller, but it works just as good as this one and maybe even better
Let me get my hands on it 😂 Those Amazon ones often have some pretty big issues. Which ones is it?
@@GlucksGym yesss please review the ritfit and gmwd!
The conspiracy to make you train legs continues. I suspect companies will only send you leg machines from here on out. Which begs the question, did you figure out a way to curl on this machine?
Wait, wait, this is new, you mean there is a reviewer who tells the truth and is honest even though he recieved the equipment for free. Drum roll please,
His name is
GLUCK
😂 Just trying to stay firm on the reasons I started this channel.
@@GlucksGym
You started out as the man and you are still the man!!!!!!
Not something I'm currently in the market for anyway, but oof disappointing.
All hack/legpress combo units suck in my opinion. Too many compromises with small foot plates, thin seat pads, and limited weight loading. They all have severely limited weight capacities due to only having 2 weight horns instead of 4 weight horns like most 45 degree leg presses. The only way to get by with only two weight horns is with a vertical leg press where the weight requirements are much less due to gravity.
Yes, that why I have the Arsenal Vertical LP in my future
fifth
That footplate is atrocious. It's like the Chinese factory just slapped on old parts they had leftover. Zero athlete testing on a $1800+ machine? Com'on...
Tried them there rubbish 🇬🇧