A Must Read Before Buying Any Weight Equipment

There are many factors to consider when purchasing weight equipment. As the person making the decision you should look at construction, functionality, cost, customization and delivery method. After 13 years of selling and manufacturing equipment I have seen hundreds of thousands of dollars wasted on cheap and sometimes expensive equipment.

Construction

Gauge of Metal – Many companies have gone to 3/16” (7 gauge) steel for their frames. There are several reasons. One is the popularity of cutting out one or two of the corners of power rack post for J-Cup adjustment. This greatly reduces the strength of the steel so a thicker steel is needed. Another reason is that some companies have gone to tapping the metal post with threads for bolts instead of using lock nuts. Although some people feel that this looks better we feel that when properly constructed ½” bolts with backing plates and lock nuts is a superior method. Companies that tap the tubing have a very hard time making changes or customizing their equipment, because it takes a lot to change the tooling setup. Companies that use the nut and bolt method but do not use backing plates have a hard time keeping bolts tight as the tubing will cave in over time and get worse as you keep tightening the bolts. This is the single most important safety issue to consider when looking at the less expensive equipment available. It may work ok on day one but give it 6 months of use and you start having problems.

Functionality

Does the company just sell or manufacture equipment or do they truly have innovative ideas. We were one of the first companies to have adjustable band attachments so that workout bands could be incorporated with weights for all types of training. Many companies have tried to add some type of band attachments but have no clue how to make them work correctly or just add them to say they have them. They must be able to quickly be adjusted to provide the right tension and range of motion for different sized users, otherwise they are useless.

One of the most important pieces of equipment for training athletes is the Glute Ham Machine, but it is one of the most poorly designed pieces companies produce. The four biggest design flaws are roller pads, too small foot plates, too short range of adjustment between the foot plate and the main pad and main pad design. On the surface roller pads seem like a good idea, but they make the exercise way too easy for trained athletes. Users like them because it makes the exercise easy, but it greatly limits how strong someone can train their glutes and hamstrings. If you need one for beginners then fine, but you can help spot someone on a non-roller pad model until they can build up strength. Many models have small foot plates that do not allow proper toe contact during the exercise. Make sure toes can be driven into the foot plate no matter where the foot pads are adjusted. A glute ham machine must allow enough forward adjustment for the shortest user to make knee contact with the main pad. Many models do not adjust forward enough so they are no more than a fancy hyper extension. The main pad construction is also very important. If this pad is not of the highest quality do not waste the money purchasing the machine. Too soft of a pad will subject the user to pain in the knees and thighs.

Cost

The cost of equipment can be very very deceiving. Most of the time you get what you pay for. Generally companies selling in the lower price range cut as many corners as possible so that they can be the lowest bid. They know most all purchasing agents do not make sure the specs are the same. They are use to buying desks, A/V equipment, etc that most of the time two similar products will work or last the same time so the lower price item is the best choice. With weight equipment 9 times out of 10 there is a very good reason one item cost less than the other – it will just not hold up over a short period of time. Once you get past the least expensive equipment then at least the longevity of the product is similar. Companies that use large catalogs full of cheap equipment have only one way to market – Quantity - make it easy to buy and cheap. These companies have a very hard time making repeat sells. You must talk to customers that have bought and used the equipment you are looking to purchase. Some companies go to the other extreme and over design and build equipment. Case in point – some 0-90 benches are way to complicated, cost way too much and have no more functionality than well built lesser expensive models.

Customization

What level of customization does the company offer? Most companies offer some frame and pad colors and platform logos, but can they truly give you a custom room that is unique not only from appearance but allows you to train just like you want to. Custom laser logos, full color high wear head guards, many frame and vinyl colors (if they make it we can get it) all go into making your weight room special. We do not put large Williams Strength stickers all over our equipment instead we like to put your name and logo on the equipment. This way your room does not look like every other room that has the same brand of equipment. Companies that pre-build their equipment have a very hard time allowing you to make any changes that you want to fit your needs.

Delivery Method

Is equipment delivered in a box with a lot of assembly or is the equipment mostly welded construction delivered assembled or installed by the company? It is a little more expensive to ship not broken down, but less bolting together leads to much more durable equipment in the long run.

If you are going to take the time to put together specs on weight equipment then hold companies accountable and make sure they meet the specs and include everything on the bid. When construction companies bid on a building that requires block and brick construction you don’t allow them to construct it out of wood and get away with it. But time and time again I see bids that do not meet half the specs or have delivery or items missing get awarded the job. Who wins in this case? Not you. The equipment buying experience should benefit all parties involved. So please do your home work and check references closely.