A Smith machine is good for beginners all the way to advanced athletes. Since the Smith machine has a fixed bar path and integrated safeties it’s a safer training tool than a free barbell, making it great for beginners or those trading alone. For advanced individuals, the Smith machine allows for increased hypertrophy as it can enable high muscle recruitment, activation and isolation, by removing the stability aspect from the exercise and really allowing the user to focus on the movement and target muscle. It also allows for a safer way to train to failure.

The Smith machine is rated for 400 lb max loading. The bar weight is approximately 15kg. There is no counterbalance. REP has worked to lighten the bar enough so that a counterbalance was not needed and would only increase complexity and price of the product.

Premium linear bearings and ultra-tight tolerances ensure smooth and nearly frictionless bar travel.

No, it’s vertical at 0 degrees. 

We always recommend floor-bolting your rack for safety purposes and to get the best performance.

The Altitude™ smith machine attachment barbell comes only with the Colorado knurling (volcano/medium). Volcano knurling has a good amount of grip without tearing up your hands. Learn more about knurling here.

Yes, the smith machine attachment mounts to the outside of the rack frame, which allows you to use your safeties as normal.

Yes, plates will clear the trolley. With the Rack + Smith Machine + Cable Attachment configuration, you can load plates onto the Smith Machine and still move without interference. The Altitude™ smith attachment and cable attachment paths are designed to coexist.