Hack Squat - Leg Press Machine brand recommendations.

Hello,

I am a 50 year old fatman, still lifting weights. I am about to purchase a
hack squat - Leg press machine. I am not so worried about leg pressing, but
for a little more $$$, it looks like you can get both in one machine. I am
considering Body Solid, but would rather buy American made, if I could.
What brands are considered reliable? I squat circa 345 lbs, for a set of
10, if that helps. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Planning to keep lifting for another 50 years,

John

John wrote:
> I am a 50 year old fatman, still lifting weights. I am about to purchase a
> hack squat - Leg press machine. I am not so worried about leg pressing, but
> for a little more $$$, it looks like you can get both in one machine. I am
> considering Body Solid, but would rather buy American made, if I could.

I have the Body Solid machine, and for the price it's pretty good. It's
good being able to angle the footplate down for calves too.
Although - it's rated to 1000 pounds, but good luck getting that much
on there (unless you have 100lb plates). The most I've put on is about
800.

Also, the "undercarriage" design means that when you really load it up
for leg presses, it feels like it binds a bit, because the sled will
raise a bit at the front. This can be countered by putting some plates
on top, but it's something I've only just started experimenting with.
(I intend to modify it so that I can put more plates on top too). I
think all these domestic LP/HS machines are the same in that regard
anyway due to the compact design.

I personally prefer the roller design of the Body Solid over those with
linear bearings. Try both and see what you prefer. I think the linear
bearing ones tend to have a lower load rating.

If you're primarily going to use it for hack squats, then the Body
Solid is a great machine, and as I said, the calf position of the
footplate is a nice bonus.


Stu