I watched the video. My real question is how easy that horizontal movement is. This might alleviate some of the issues with the Smith having a fixed ROM.

I note that the device is already on overstock sale.

Posted by: Bud Gibson | July 12, 2006 5:16 AM

I’m curious as to what sort of person would use this; I can understand the lure of 2D models (though I’ve never been tempted to try them myself), but this one is only a short step away from a power rack.

Posted by: Scott | July 12, 2006 9:47 AM

I think the power rack sounds good. I think once you break out of 2D mode, you’re really looking for freedom, and constraint beyond safety stops is unwelcome.

Posted by: Bud Gibson | July 12, 2006 12:38 PM

It’d be interesting to hear your views on the feel of Smith vs free squats.

Posted by: Scott | July 12, 2006 3:37 PM

ummm…this isn’t actually anything new. There is one of these contraptions at one of the YMCA’s that I workout at. For squats they are very difficult to get used to. I’ve only used it once or twice, but I just felt all out of whack using it. Now I might use it for some pulls because it’s the closest I’ve to being able to do rack pulls.

Posted by: Chris D. | July 13, 2006 6:41 AM

Like Chris said, nothing new. I was wondering what this thing was called three years ago. So, a 3D Smith it is. Like a powerlifter should, I don’t really use Smith machines, but this one was quite good for stuff like shrugs and stiff-legged deadlifts, floor presses also worked nicely. But for squats, hell no! ;-)

Posted by: Kris | August 19, 2006 5:15 AM