The Best Commercial SMITH MACHINES to Pump Up Your Gym This 2023!

Strength training is a fundamental body conditioning workout. Any gym-goer will have to undergo strength conditioning one way or another. Plus, bulky muscles and brute body carries the image of a professional commercial gym.

The smith machine is one of the basic pieces of gym equipment any gym weight room should have. The machine has famous versatility and uses in strength training programs. Many exercises can be done in such a simple machine with superb safety.

Gym owners, distributors, and wholesalers of exercise equipment would never pass up the opportunity to make a profit on the smith machine.

But, the million-dollar question is: 

Table of Contents

1. Which Commercial Smith Machine Should You Choose to Invest Among the Hundreds in the Market?

We have researched and evaluated the smith machines that are currently out in the market. And we have picked just the ten of them that pass our criteria. We have judged each smith machine according to its build quality, safety features, functionality, accessories, and price.

If you are too busy to read through the whole review while chilling on a hot brewed coffee, then you can get the highlights here. Take your pick in this comparison table.

2. Top Smith Machines 2023

(Comparison Guide)

PRODUCT NAME	LINEAR BEARING	FEATURES	PRICE (US $)
Jiangsu JX- SM3300 Smith Gantry	YES	Smith machine with a functional trainer	1,050 (minimum of 2 sets)
Impulse IT7 Smith Machine	YES	With a quick racking mechanism	1,890
Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine	YES	Vertical and horizontal weight exercise; portable FID bench and multi-handle pull up bar	980
Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series Angled Smith Machine	YES	Angled motion for smith machine with a wide-open frame for partnered weight training	4,600
V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine and Function Trainer	YES	Selectorized smith machine with a cable machine and pull up bar	Contact Supplier
Shua SH-G6853 Smith Machine	YES	Counterweighted at 55 lbs for novice lifters	950
Shandong DGZ-1767 Commercial Multifunctional Smith Machine	YES	With cable machine and efficient damping system	950 (minimum of 5 sets)
IRFB24C Smith Machine	YES	Angled smith machine at 5 degrees	2,560
GT-8001 Counter-balanced Smith Machine Barbell Strength Training	YES	Maximum bar loading at 660 lbs	Contact manufacturer (minimum of 10 sets per order)
BFT-3081 Multifunction Smith Machine	YES	Smith machine combined with 4 cable attachments and a pull-up bar	1,310

Before we dive into this epic review, it may be wise to erase the misconceptions of what a smith machine is. Some of you may not have a clear understanding of what a smith machine really is. So it’s better to clear the fog from it.

For those who know well what a smith machine is. And for what purpose it is used, you can skip this part and go right to the review.

3. What is a Smith Machine?

 In a nutshell, the smith machine is a power rack with a self-spotting feature. 

If you have seen a barbell that’s attached to a track, that’s the smith machine. The rail or track guides the barbell. It keeps it in place all throughout the weightlifting exercise. 

Just like a power rack, the smith machine also has pegs where the barbell bar can be hooked onto when not in use. 

Smith machines are common strength equipment in the weight rooms of gyms. But the smith machines you might have seen in fitness centers are multifunctional. That’s because efficiency and space are important in commercial gyms.

And so, gym equipment manufacturers combine the smith machine with other strength equipment. They can mix the smith machine with a bench press, functional trainer, or power rack.

The smith machines you see in gyms will either have one of these tracks:

• Vertical track
• Angled track

The angled track can only tilt 5 to 7 degrees. Angled smith machines are favored by some users because it gives a more natural range of motion.

Now that you’re more familiar with the smith machine and its types, let’s move on to getting you the best smith machine for your gym.

4. TOP Commercial SMITH MACHINES OF 2023

The Ultimate Review!

4.1 Jiangsu JX- SM3300 Smith Gantry

Dimension: 69.2 x 84.6 x 88 in

Main Frame Size: 45 x 75 x 3.0mm

Equipment and Accessories Included:

• Smith Machine
• Seated front press
• Seated back row
• Leg extension
• AB crunch
• Lat pulldown
• Standing biceps curl
• Shoulder pull down
• Triceps pull down
• Leg kickback
• Lat bar
• Triceps trap
• Single pull handle
• Ankle strap

Figure 2.: Jiangsu JX- SM3300 Smith Gantry

The Jiangsu JX-SM3300 gantry is a smith machine combined with a functional trainer. Your trainees can have intense full-body strength training in this equipment. It is a multi-functional machine with exercises for lower and upper body strengthening.

Main Frame

JX-SM3300’s mainframe is of gauge 10 (3mm thickness). This is just slightly thicker than the standard steel used for home gyms (gauge 11). 

The thickness of the main frame promises a more durable and heavy-duty smith machine. Its other accompanying equipment and accessories attached are expected to last longer too.

Smith Machine Barbell

The JX-SM3300 smith machine uses an Olympic barbell. The barbell has a rubber cover in the middle. It is for grip enhancement and for the protection of your users’ backs when doing squats on it. 

If you have standard weight plates in your gym, you can always buy an adapter sleeve. This will convert the bar into a standard one.

Direction of Motion

Armed with linear bearings, the JX-SM330 provides a smooth fixed motion for all your users. It creates an almost frictionless free weight exercise. Yet still gives utmost safety for your users by the smith’s guard rails.

Your users can enjoy their progressive weightlifting exercise in the JX-SM330 just as they can on a power rack or bench press.

Linear Bearings

Lifters in your gym can perform an unlimited number of exercises with the cable machine attached to JX-SM330. The cable machine can be adjusted overhead, at chest length, or at floor level. 

These few height adjustments alone will allow your users to do many exercises. This can include cable crossover, standing biceps cable curl, and abdominal cable crunches. Seated cable rows, lat pulldowns, triceps pushdowns are possible as well.

The cable machine attached to the JX-SM3300 uses a double pulley system. The double pulley makes it easier for your gym users to hoist up heavier weight plates. And it lets the smith machine be open for use for your beginner weightlifting chaps.

Cable Machine

Lifters in your gym can perform an unlimited number of exercises with the cable machine attached to JX-SM330. The cable machine can be adjusted overhead, at chest length, or at floor level. 

These few height adjustments alone will allow your users to do cable crossover, standing biceps cable curl, abdominal cable crunches, seated cable rows, lat pulldowns, triceps pushdowns among others. 

The cable machine attached to the JX-SM3300 uses a double pulley system. The double pulley makes it easier for your gym users to hoist up heavier weight plates. And it lets the smith machine be open for use for your beginner weightlifting chaps.

Plate Storage

You have an option to store weight plates on their 8 weight pegs at the back of the four-frame equipment. Each weight peg can store up to 100lb of weights. And a lock pin comes with the JX-SM3300 so you can place the weight plates securely on the pegs.

Who CAN use the Jiangsu JX- SM3300 Smith Gantry

• Gyms that will have light traffic of clients every day, at about 50.
• Personal training gyms that only have a handful of customers. And, those that offer weight training to novice lifters.
• Boutique or CrossFit gyms that have 15 to 20 athletes using the facility.

Who CANNOT use the Jiangsu JX- SM3300 Smith Gantry

• Big box gyms that have a high volume of clients every day.
• Fitness centers that are specialized for weight training.
• Gyms that have the budget to spend more than $700 for a far better multifunctional smith machine.

4.2 Impulse IT7 Smith Machine

Dimension: 89.6 x 53 x 94.8 in

Metal Gauge: 2.5mm

Weight: 400 lbs

Max User Weight: 330 lbs

Racking positions: 10

Figure 3. Impulse IT7 Smith Machine

The Impulse IT7 smith machine is the most popular out of the three smith machines created by Impulse Fitness. The IT7 is great for all levels of fitness. It is durable enough to endure continued usage in a commercial gym setting.

Barbell Design and Features

Let’s start with its barbell. The Impulse IT7 comes with a heavy-duty 20kg or 40lb Olympic barbell bar. It makes your advanced users feel comfortable. But still, giving them the benefit of accurately tracking their progress.

Of course, your advanced weight lifters are not just the only ones that gain from IT7’s barbell features. The weighted 20kg bar also helps beginner weightlifters get the feel of how free weight training should be. 

Plus, the knurled portions of the barbell provide them a greater grip on the equipment. It allows them to generate maximum strength.

Linear Bearing 

Impulse IT7’s commercial-grade linear bearing ensures a smooth frictionless motion. This helps lifters have a better mind-muscle connection. And in return, more muscle growth. 

The smooth bar and track spare your users from joint pain. It also helps them recover faster after the workout.

Hooks/Re-racking points

With Impulse IT7’s almost intuitive design, any user can take their ride on it. But of course, they should have the basics of weightlifting techniques to use them properly.

Any of your gym customers can easily load the weight plates on both sides of the bar. They then can unhook it from its 10 lockout points. With the lockout points distributed evenly along the machine, the user will have no trouble releasing the barbell any time he needs a break.

The re-racking action can just be done in 5 seconds. Your users will only need to slightly turn their wrist and instantly lock the barbell in place.

Safety Catch

Even with the “no spotter” feature of Impulse IT7, there’s still a chance of accidentally dropping the barbell. To solve this issue, Impulse has added a safety catch so that even when the barbell slips, it won’t fall to the user’s body.

A highly visible yellow adjustment lever is attached to the rails of the smith machine that.  It acts as a safety catch for barbells. This safety catch is adjusted overhead the trainer at any height along the rail.

Advanced lifters and novices alike can train to failures with peace of mind.

Who CAN use the Impulse IT7?

• Gyms that only need a new or replacement smith machine to complete their weight training equipment.
• Gyms with heavy foot traffic in their weight rooms.
• Fitness centers that can spare up to $ 4,000 for a smith machine.

Who CANNOT use the Impulse IT7?

• Budget gyms that have a tight belt on their investment money.
• Startup gyms that cannot spend too much for their initial capital.
• Fitness centers and other recreation areas have tight spaces.

4.3 Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine

Dimension: 66 x 88 x 88in

Frame Size: 50 x 70 x 2.5mm

Equipment Weight: 330 lb

Racking positions: 15

Figure 4. Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine

If you need a multi-functional smith machine that will give your clients full-body free weight strength training, then you should look your way to Yanre H-69 Smart Way Smith Machine. 

The machine is packed with several strength equipment and accessories. Yet, it still retained a compact design. This feature is very convenient for any fitness center and commercial gyms out there.

Frame Construction

Yanre H-69 is made of Q235A steel that is both durable and very flexible for molding. The Q235A can be formed or molded even without being exposed to high temperatures. That means it never loses the original structural integrity of the steel. Even after it is shaped to its form, it still has its original strength.

The framing of Yanre H-69 is 2.5mm thick which is graded for commercial heavy-duty use. No matter how many people use the smith machine or for how long, it can always endure it even on high impacts.

Multi-Functional Features

Multi-handed Pull Up Bar

The first piece of equipment that got our attention on the Yanre H-69 is its multi-handed pull-up bar. It’s not just a straight bar that hangs on top of the rack like other smith machines. 

The multi-handed pull-up bar integrated into the Yanre H-69 was designed to be like a wall pull-up bar. Your users at the gym can do pull-up exercises at different hand positions and distances. It provides them a lot of options for body weight exercises.

FID bench

Yanre H-69 comes with a detachable and adjustable FID (Flat, Incline, Decline) bench. This simple tool allows them to work their upper body dumbbell exercises in no time. 

The FID bench is easily assembled. You can prepare it beforehand then just attach it to the H-69 when one of your clients requests it.

The multi-angled settings of the back pad and the seat adjustment for a decline, incline, and fully upright bench is very convenient. It can be used for military press exercises. If fully rolled out, the FID bench of H-69 can be a piece of functional equipment for free weight barbell workouts.

Linear Bearing

The H-69 Smartway Smith Machine is also equipped with chrome linear bearings. The bearings have Oilite bushings that glide over the solid chrome rods. It creates a piston-like action that helps in smoothly gliding the barbell along the tracks.

The carriage the Yanre H-69 has can instantly lock into the safety catches with just a quick turn of the wrist. This enhances the safety features of the H-69. And the efficiency of the smith machine is enhanced to aid as a spotter in free weight exercises.

Mechanical Spotting

The most important for all smith machines are their spotting ability. The Yanre H-69 Smart Way smith machine has 15 chrome bar catches on either side of the rail. This is to safely self-spot your gym weightlifters when using the machine. It also has safety J-hooks for added protection of your users.

Weightlifting Direction Of Motion

Yanre H-69 Smart Way smith machine is a 3D weightlifting trainer. It can be used both in vertical lifting as well as horizontal weight training. It makes the Yanre H-69 so much more versatile than other smith machines in the market.

Row exercises with squats and lunges can now all be done by your clients in one machine. Plus, you have freed up just more than half of your machines for other users and clients. That’s fantastic!

Who CAN use the Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine?

• Personal training gyms that want multi-functional equipment for their clients.
• Boutique gyms that offer strength training classes for their clients. And those who want a space-friendly multi-functional smith machine. 
• Box gyms that need to save some space. And those who want to gain more clients for their strength training facilities.

Who CANNOT use the Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine?

• Gyms that only need a standalone smith machine.
• Fitness centers that need a cage smith machine.
• Recreational areas in hotels and other leisure areas that want a nicer design finish for their smith machines.

4.4 Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series Angled Smith Machine

Dimension: 42” x 86” x 83”

Equipment Weight: 467 lbs

Max. Storage Weight: 700 lbs

Starting Resistance: 25 lbs

Figure 5. Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series Angled Smith Machine

The Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series Angled Smith Machine is a no-fuss straight-forward smith machine. It is equipped with the basic goods to allow the equipment to serve its purpose. Made from very durable framing materials and packed with a lot of storage weight pegs. You can surely make use of this self-spotting free weight equipment.

Self-Spotting Barbell Technology

Though not as functional as other smith machines in the market, the Matrix VY-M49 does an excellent job in its primary purpose. That is to provide a safe and “no spotter needed” free weight training to gym weight lifters.

The Matrix VY-M49 is equipped with an Olympic bar mounted to almost frictionless linear bearings. Its shaft is angled at 7-degrees. Its Olympic bar is padded with a PU foam cover to protect your clients from back pain.

The linear bearings of Matrix VT-M49 provide a very smooth pumping action. Your lifters would even think that they are training on free weights with a perfect spotter in place. It gives an effortless glide on its shaft or tracks.

Angled Frame Design

To give a boost to the efficiency of the Matrix VY-M49 on its self-spotting capability, the frame that secures the Olympic barbell is angled at 7 degrees. This provides a more natural free weight exercise for your lifters.

It has been long proven that angled smith machines are better in simulating a natural lifting motion to pressing exercises. The angled motion enhances triceps activation. It helps your users lock the weights efficiently for an overall increase in strength.

Wide Open Frame

Apart from the angled track of the barbell, the Matrix VY-M49 is designed to have an incredibly more open space than other smith machines. This open space is great for individuals in your gym that are used to training with a partner.

The walk-through design of the Matrix VY-M49 provides safe and convenient use of the machines. That means your patrons don’t need to climb over the bench just to get to the free-weight workout area. 

Compact Design

Despite the seemingly very wide workout area provided by Matrix VY-M49, it still managed to occupy the least minimum space. The machine will not meet any trouble in fitting into the tight spaces of your gym.

Weight Storage

Among all the smith machines featured here, the Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series smith machine has the greatest number of weight pegs there is. It has 12 weight storage horns and a maximum capacity of 150 lbs. The highest storage capacity there is for just one weight peg.

Who CAN use the Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series Angled Smith Machine?

• Gyms that are looking for a compact smith machine for their facility.
• Fitness centers and sports facilities that need a smith machine which will allow training in partners.
• Big box gyms that need another smith machine for their patrons.

Who CANNOT use the Matrix VY-M49 Varsity Series Angled Smith Machine?

• Fitness gyms that need more than just a smith machine.
• Boutique and CrossFit gyms that want to have a more versatile strength machine.
• Fitness studios that don’t have space to fit a single function machine in their facility.

4.5 V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine and Function Trainer

Dimensions: 110 x 65 x 96 in

Equipment Weight: 1114 lbs

Frame Material Size: 100 x 50 x3.0mm

Function and Accessories:

• Smith Machine
• Chest press
• Lat pull (front and rear)
• Low row
• Parallel bars
• Comprehensive training of abdominal, arms, back, chest, buttocks

Figure 6. V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine and Function Trainer

The V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine is a piece of US-designed equipment. It combines a smith machine with a functional trainer. If you are looking for a selectorized smith machine slash functional trainer for your gym, maybe the V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine is right up your alley.

Frame Construction and Design

The V-2048 Multi-Function smith machine is claimed to have been designed by US engineers. That is why it was decided to coat it with a bright dark gray. That is to match the sophistication and complex manufacturing of the equipment.

Its framing is cut by laser for the best precision and assembled by a robotic welding machine. The V-2048 smith machine holds true to its manufacturer’s durability claim. Besides that, the machine uses a 3.0mm or gauge 10 steel flat oval tube. The metal thickness is used only for commercial heavy-duty machines.

The combined skill in design and accurate manufacturing is what brought the V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine incredible durability.

Selectorized System

V-2048 operates on a system of pulleys and weight stacks. The resistance or amount of weight desired is dependent on the weight stack chosen.

The system promises a quick transition for progressive strength training of your lifters. The cable and pulley also make the load a little lighter to carry. So, novice users in your gym as well as pro trainees can use the cable machine.

It uses a steel cable with 1500 kg (3300 lbs) of tensile strength. Superbly more than enough to lift a set of weight stacks up to 1000 kg. 

However, the one drawback of a selectorized smith machine is that the system is too complex.  It will need a pricey maintenance job once it breaks down.

Track and Guide Rods

The vertical track installed on the V-2048 multi-function machine is made of 25mm diameter C45 grade steel. It is more than enough to withstand high impacts. It will also keep the smith machine do its job in providing a safe lifting exercise to your users.

More than that, it uses linear guide rods to keep the power bar or barbell from jarring. This instead gives it a smooth up and down motion on the track. The guide rods also protect the vertical tracks from getting derailed by the power bar.

Accessories

Cable machine

Though not essentially a full capacity cable machine, the manufacturer of V-2048 has made it possible for the cable and pulley system to be put to good use. That’s why your users can now do cable crossovers, cable rows, triceps pushdowns, cable curls, and many others.

What’s more, is that the V-2048 has been installed with two adjustable cable machines on its left and right sides. So, it can almost function as a cable machine for your users who need to do build up their upper bodies.

Pull up bars

The two separate pull-up bars mounted above the V-2048 multi-function smith machine are very useful. Your users can do bodyweight exercises as part of their strength training routine. 

The pull-up bars were specifically designed to allow for different hand positions. The multiple handles of the pull-up bars open more body weight exercises in the machine.

Plate Storage

Though the V-2048 smith machine doesn’t need weight plates to operate, weight plate storage was still built anyway. This is to cater to any free weight bench press exercises for your users.

Who CAN use the V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine and Function Trainer?

• Recreation areas of high-end hotels, residential, and corporate gyms with sophisticated types of clientele.
• Gyms and fitness centers that have the cash for high-cost maintenance equipment.
• Fitness outfits that want their customers to have a fast and efficient smith machine.

Who CANNOT use the V-2048 Multi-Function Smith Machine and Function Trainer?

• Gyms and other businesses that can’t afford pricey equipment with costly maintenance needs.
• Fitness centers that want a plate-loaded smith machine for their users.
• Big box and boutique gyms that have a difficulty in fitting in a large piece of equipment such as the V-2048 smith machine in their facility.

4.6 Shua SH-G6853 Smith Machine

Dimension: 87.4 x 59.4 x 99.40 in

Main frame material and size: Q235A steel, 120 x 50 x 2.0mm

Gross Equipment Weight: 360 lbs

Power bar counterweight: 20kg (44 lbs)

Power bar maximum load: 150kg (330lbs)

Figure 7.  Shua SH-G6853 Smith Machine

Shua SH-G6853 smith machine is another basic yet packs a punch smith machine in this line-up. The equipment is made of mid-heavy-duty steel at 2.0mm thickness. It is quite an adequate solution for gyms and fitness establishments that want a budget-friendly machine. But still gives the best performance in self-spotting lifting activities.

Main Frame and Construction

The SH-G6853 smith machine is made of mild steel tube at 120 x 50 x 2.0mm size. While it is not as heavy-duty as some of the commercial smith machines presented here, it is the most viable option for gyms that need to tighten their budget in investing in their fitness toys.

The Shua SH-6853 uses a pillar tube that’s 2.5mm thick. The material is sturdy enough to withstand sudden impacts. It can also endure constant vibrations of the lifting and re-racking motions. The frames and tubing are quite strong to hold up at most 330 lbs of sudden and high impact force.

Power Bar

The power bar installed in SH-G6853 is counterweighted at 25 kg (55 lbs). That means novice weight lifters in your gym can still use the equipment even if it is set with a higher weight amount than their capacity. It helps them to progressively train without injuring their bodies.

Shua SH-G6853 has an Olympic power bar which is convenient to most body-building gyms. These gyms quite often use Olympic weight plates for the other strength equipment they have in the gym.

Track and Linear Bearing

For Shua SH-G6853, its linear track is made of an aluminum alloy. The material gives it incredible mechanical strength. The material also provides the track or carriage with considerable corrosion resistance. A helpful property to the constant humid air in your facility.

The SH-G6853 is also armed with chrome-plated linear bearings. These small but efficient part of the carriage makes the lifting exercise of your customers a smooth sailing job. They can experience an almost free weight workout.

Self-spotting System

To complete its purpose, Shua SH-G6853 has 10 hooks sufficiently distributed along the track. Re-racking the barbell will only need a minute or they are through with their workout. The re-rack action only needs a slight motion of the wrist.

The SH-G6853 also has a safety catch. An adjustable knob that your users can fix if they are planning to workout out until muscle failure. This is especially helpful for CrossFit and HIIT trainees. They usually undergo a lot of physical stress during training that muscle failure is unavoidable.

Weight Storage

So that your users don’t need to waste time fetching weight plates from your rack, the Shua SH-G6853 has 6 weight pegs. This is more than enough for the storage of weight plates needed for the exercise. 

Each weight peg can accommodate up to 100kg of weights. That’s about 600kg of weight! That means it can store as many weight plates as possible for your users’ progressive training.

Who CAN use the Shua SH-G6853 Smith Machine?

• Budget box gyms that only need a simple serviceable and cost-saving smith machine for their gym.
• Bodybuilding studios that need a compact smith machine for their patrons.
• Boutique and personal training gyms that cater to novice lifters. And those that use the gym for occasional strength training of their clients.

Who CANNOT use the Shua SH-G6853 Smith Machine?

• Gyms need more than just a smith machine for their client’s needs.
• Budget CrossFit gyms that want a set of smith machines plus functional trainers for each of their athletes.
• Big box gyms that have heavy foot traffic of patrons and expect high usage of the smith machine.

4.7 Shandong DGZ-1768 Commercial Multifunctional Smith Machine

Dimension: 80 x 88 x 88 in

Equipment weight: 300kg (660 lbs)

Frame material: Q235, 50 x 100 x 3mm

Multi-function Capability:

• Smith machine
• Lat pulldown
• Pull up bar
• Cable curl/crunch
• Cable exercises

Figure 8. Shandong DGZ-1768 Commercial Multifunctional Smith Machine

The DGZ-1767 is a multifunctional smith machine built for gyms that need more strength training equipment than they could fit into their facilities. Your users can make use of the wire rope attachment in the equipment for more strength training exercises.

Framing and Build

DGZ-1767 is built from Q235 steel. A metal that still retains its original strength even after being formed or bent. That is because Q235 does not need to be heat-treated for the production team to form or mold it into usable parts. 

As we all know, heat causes metal to lose its strength. And that’s why metals like Q235 can hold their strength just as before they left the steel factory.

Another strong quality of the DGZ-1767’s framing is its extra-large size. When others are only at about 50mm in length, the DGZ has doubled that. And the thickness of the metal is 3mm. This is more than what other manufacturers use for their smith machines.

Vibration Control

Because it is expected that smith machines will be exposed to continued vibrations and sudden impacts, it was made with a heavy-duty damping spring. The spring absorbs the vibrations and sends back a weaker one that can be easily handled by the machine. The relayed vibration won’t even be felt by your users at the gym.

Aside from the damping spring, anti-slip foot pads are also installed with the DGZ-1767. It helps the foot soles of the equipment are not damaged easily. It also assures that your floor at the gym is scratch-free with no blemishes.

Cable System

The cable used for the DGZ-1767 that runs through a double pulley system is a 6mm fiber core with polyurethane coating. Fiber core wire ropes have a superb breaking point. These wire ropes don’t break until a ton of load is added to them. 

The polyurethane coating protects the fiber core wire from being grazed or cut, corrosion, and moisture inside your gym. It ensures that your users can exercise on them for a long time and would not cause an accident.

Multifunction Equipment

Bodyweight Exercises

With a pull-up bar, the DGZ-1767 can be used for the bodyweight exercises your users need for their strength training. The pull-up bar overhead the smith machine have a PU leather anti-slip grip covering. Your users are protected and will not slide off while doing the exercises.

Cable Exercises

As mentioned, the DGZ-1767 has a cable wire installed on it for various cable exercises. However, to manage expectations we should note that the cable and pulley system is not adjustable. The attachments are fixed overhead and near the floor.

So, the cable exercises that can be done on the cable are only limited. Your users can do curls, lat pulldown, crunches, pushdowns, and seated and standing rows. Lunges and calf raises are possible too. Though there’s a limitation on the number of exercises, it still amounts to quite a lot.

Who CAN use the Shandong DGZ-1767 Commercial Multifunctional Smith Machine?

• Gyms that have the space to fit the large smith machine. DGZ-1767 needs at least 60 square feet of workable space. It includes the area for your users at your gym can safely and sufficiently workout on it.
• Recreational centers and commercial gyms need a good enough multifunctional smith machine for their residents and guests.
• Health and fitness facilities that want functional strength equipment for their clients.

Who CANNOT use the Shandong DGZ-1767 Commercial Multifunctional Smith Machine?

• Commercial establishments that don’t have a lot of space to accommodate the machine.
• Gyms and fitness facilities that only need a smith machine for their facility.
• Fitness centers that only need basic strength training equipment for their patrons.

4.8 IRFB24C Smith Machine

Dimension: 60 x 88.8 x 88.8 in

Main Frame: 100 x 50 x3mm

Equipment Weight: 192 kg (420 lbs)

Barbell diameter: 40mm

With linear bearing: Yes

Figure 9. IRFB24C Smith Machine

The IRFB24C smith machine is just one of the series of machines manufactured by Nantong Iron Master. It is sold internationally in countries like the US, UK, parts of Europe, and Australia. The IRB24C sports a heavy-duty frame at 3mm thickness. 

If you need a simple yet heavy-duty smith machine for your gym, then the IRB24C smith machine may be the right one for your facility.

Framing

First off, the chrome-plated Olympic barbell installed in the IRFB24C smith machine has a diameter of 40mm. It will give more grip assistance for your lifters at the gym. 

It also has a counterbalance. This can be unattached if your users want to exercise with the real deal lifting.

The carriage uses a high-strength solid steel round bar. It is combined with commercial-grade linear bearings rated at 400 kg guiding the bar. The ball bearings create a smooth and almost free-weight feel of lifting.

The track and the frame itself are also angled at about 5 degrees. This is to give your gym users a more natural path of motion for their lifting exercises.

Carriage and Barbell

To make the IRFB24C worthy of its name, the manufacturer has seen to it that it has on-spot and excellent self-spotting ability. The IRFB24C smith machine rack is made with 14 quick mountable hooks. They are spread through the length of the track for a safe and easy re-racking of the barbell.

It also has adjustable safety catches. Your lifters at the gym can work out to failure and be satisfied with their strength training. The IRFB24C guarantees a safe and worry-free workout for your gym-goers.

Self-spotting System

To make the IRFB24C worthy of its name, the manufacturer has seen to it that it has on-spot and excellent self-spotting ability. The IRFB24C smith machine rack is made with 14 quick mountable hooks spread through the length of the track for a safe and easy re-racking of the barbell.

It also has adjustable safety catches so your lifters at the gym can work out to failure and be satisfied with their strength training. The IRFB24C guarantees a safe and worry-free workout for your gym-goers.

Weight Storage

Since the IRFB24C is a plate-loaded smith machine, it is installed with 6 weight peg storage. This is enough storage for all the necessary weight plates your users need to achieve muscle failure.

Who CAN use the IRFB24C Smith Machine?

• High-end residential gyms and establishments that can invest in a $2,000 smith machine.
• Commercial fitness centers that have enough space to spare for the IRFB24C.
• Gyms that need a heavy-duty simple smith machine in their facilities.

Who CANNOT use the IRFB24C Smith Machine?

• Budget gyms or personal training gyms that want to cater to the general public.
• Recreational facilities that need more than just a smith machine for their clients.
• Gyms that don’t have the space needed to fit the IRFB24C.

4.9 GT-8001 Counter-balanced Smith Machine Barbell Strength Training

Dimension: 55.3 x 94.2 x 84.4 in

Main Frame Size: 114 dia x 3mm thick

Equipment weight: 572 lbs

Transportation Wheels: Yes, one at each side

Maximum load of bar: 300 kg (660 lbs)

Figure 10. GT-8001 Counter-balanced Smith Machine Barbell Strength Training

The GT-8001 counterbalanced smith machine is for gyms that offer specialized weight training in their facilities. Its total capacity of 300 kg (660 lbs) on its power bar is unheard of and is very rare in any smith machine.

Even with its weight capacity soaring, the GT-8001 can still be used by novice and advanced lifters in your gym.

Main Frame

GT-8001 counterbalanced smith machine was made with a 114mm diameter tubing at 3mm thickness. The thickness and the size of the mainframe alone are enough to carry a ton of force. That means you can be assured that the GT-8001 will never break down due to a weakness in its mainframe.

Added to this sturdy mainframe is its strong ellipse tube. It holds the carriage and linear bearing together sized at 50 x 100 x 3mm. Both the mainframe and the ellipse tube can withstand constant vibrations and high impacts while the machine is being used.

Power Bar and Linear Bearing

The Olympic power bar that the GT-8001 smith machine comes with is counterbalanced at 7.5kg (15lbs). That means your users can enjoy using the smith machine with almost the exact amount of weights hooked into the bar.

The LM30 linear bearing of the GT-8001 has a capacity of 400kg. It makes possible the smooth and almost gliding motion of the bar along the carriage.  It is capable enough to bear the maximum loading requirement of the bar. 

The LM30 also is a non-maintenance bushing. This is good for gyms where the smith machine will be heavily used.

Carriage

Along with the sturdy ellipse tube and the super-strong linear bearing, a 30mm diameter solid steel guide bar helps the barbell maintain a straight line of motion up and down the carriage.

The 30mm diameter bar is chromium-plated which makes the bar highly resistant to rust. It also makes it sturdier and helps in the easy cleaning of the guide rod. 

The guide bar, power bar, linear bearing, and strong carriage make the GT-8001 counterbalanced smith machine great weight training equipment.

Safety Features

With the incredible amount of weight plates the GT-8001 smith machine can handle, the safety and protection of the user are of utmost importance. That’s why the GT-8001 is equipped with 19 catch hooks. I repeat, 19 catch hooks!

That’s more than any other smith machine we’ve evaluated has. Plus, it has adjustable safety catches. Your pro lifters can do their workouts until muscle failure is achieved. They can safely let go of the bar when their muscles have lost the capability to do so.

Weight Storage

The GT-8001 is installed with 6 weight pegs. Your weight lifters can conveniently adjust their training whenever they want to. The 6 storages are more than enough to keep all the amount of weights they need for progressive weight training.

Another utility of the GT-8001 smith machine that should be mentioned is its two transportation wheels at each side. Smith machines are usually fixed equipment since stability is important to it. But the manufacturer of GT-8001 has found a way to give it stability yet making it portable as well.

Who CAN use the GT-8001 Counter-balanced Smith Machine Barbell Strength Training?

• Gyms for professional lifters that need more than just the usual sets of weight plates for their body conditioning needs. 
• Big box gyms that have a lot of weight lifters who could make use of the close to an exact lifting weight capacity of the GT-8001. The very minimal counterbalance installed on it makes this possible.
• CrossFit and HIIT training gyms that need an accurate and more than average smith machine for their athletes.

Who CANNOT use the GT-8001 Counter-balanced Smith Machine Barbell Strength Training?

• Commercial fitness centers that only want to have the basic smith machine capacity to complement the need of their users.
• Boutique gyms that want only strength training equipment for occasional or casual exercisers in their gym.
• Gyms that need a much lighter smith machine than 600 lbs.

4.10 BFT-3081 Multifunction Smith Machine

Dimension:  108.4 x 56.9 x 101 in

Equipment Weight: 320 kg ( lbs)

Max User Weight: 150 kg (330 lbs)

Main Frame Material and Size: Q235 Steel Tube, 120 x 60 x 3mm

Figure 11. BFT-3081 Multifunction Smith Machine

A combined plate-loaded and selectorized equipment, the BFT-3081 Multifunction Smith Machine is packed with strength training gears that your gym users would love. The smith machine itself is plate-loaded. And its several cable and pulley systems are hooked on a weight stack at the sides of the giant multifunctional trainer.

This packed trainer is very suitable for a gym that only has space for one or two strength training equipment on their premises.

Framing and Construction

The BFT-3081 is made from Q235 steel which is a very durable material. The Q235 does not need to be heated to be molded. So, it retains its original strength after being shaped and cut into tubes for the machine.

More than that, the frame has a 3mm thickness and can withstand a ton of force. The mainframe is also assembled by a team of programmed robots that cut and weld the parts in a very accurate measure. 

This means you are purchasing a machine whose frames are built with precision. And precision means the integrity of the machine is protected by using the design measures on the blueprint.

Carriage and Guide Rail

The carriage of the barbell for the BFT-3081 is also made of Q235 steel. It can promise a strong and reliable system to hold the barbell in place. The 11 hooks distributed along the length of the carriage are made of solid Q235 steel. They are chrome plated to withstand the constant re-racking action.

BFT-3081’s guide rails are made of solid stainless steel. It is combined with commercial-grade linear bearings on them. The linear bearings make it possible for the barbell to slide effortlessly. The barbell will not experience any jarring movement when used.

With the commercial-quality material and high-quality build, the BFT-3081 can promise a smooth and satisfying weight training exercise for your lifters at the gym.

Cable machines

As mentioned before, the BFT-3081 is a cable and smith machine combined. The BFT-3081 has four cable or wire ropes attached to it. So, if your lifters have training partners, they can share the BFT-3081 while working out.

The four double pulley cables are equipped with two separate weight stacks, one on each side. That means even not with a training partner, your guests at the gym can use the equipment three at a time. Two for cable exercises and one for weight training at the other end.

Weight Storage

Even with the jampacked cable attachments and smith machine, the manufacturer of BFT-3081 has managed to still install 4 weight pegs for storage of the weight plates. 

Unlike other smith machines where the weight pegs are placed at elevated levels, the BFT-3081 has the weight plates safely stored close to the floor.

The height of the weight storage guarantees the safety of multiple users of the machine.

Who CAN use the BFT-3081 Multifunction Smith Machine?

• Commercial gyms that have the space needed to accommodate 50 sqft equipment. And with enough area left for the safe workout of the users.
• Budget gyms or fitness centers that can fit a limited number of strength training equipment in their facility. The multi-functional feature of the BFT-3081 can be a space saver compared to fitting a number of standalone machines.
• CrossFit gyms that can make use of the multiple cable attachments and smith machine in the training facility.

Who CANNOT use the BFT-3081 Multifunction Smith Machine?

• Gyms that don’t have a need for multifunctional equipment.
• Residential and hotel with recreational facilities that have casual or occasional strength trainee users.
• Fitness centers that only need a standalone smith machine for their clients.

You’ve finally met all the top smith machines we’ve personally selected for you. Now, what’s the machine that fits your commercial space?

5. Our Recommendation

For us, most gym owners would go for Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine. 

It’s because it has a great multifunctional ability that any of these smiths never had, the horizontal motion of the barbell. With only this, your lifters can do most of the exercises in their workout routine with just one machine. Combined with the multi-handed pull-up bars, they will only need Yanre HG-69 Smart Way Smith Machine to complete their strength training workout.

6. Takeaways

Smith machines are perfect strength training equipment when you don’t want to hire more staff and spotters in your gym. Anyway, most gym-goers want to be left alone when doing their own thing in their personal spare time.

For a great smith machine, it must have excellent self-spotting features for it to be useful for your clients. Add to that a multifunction ability so you don’t have to purchase some more equipment that would eventually cramp up your space.

This sounds like the Yanre H-69 Smart Way Smith Machine, isn’t it? If I were you, I’ll inquire about this one first. It’s the most viable option for most gyms and commercial fitness centers out there.

Related reading: top 10 gym equipment brands in China

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