An Honest & Detailed First Look: The Major Fitness B52 Combo Rack

[@GymCrafter]

Update... Since Major Fitness threatened me with legal action if I posted the final review of this, I'll just leave this note here. Everything I tested from them fell apart in 4 months or less. Buyer beware.

[@calinthematrix]

I’m confused. I’ve been doing a lot of research on all of these racks, and I really liked your review. I was about to order a B-52 because it fits the needs of me and my family but then I read this and I’m confused as to why it goes completely against your reviews stating that it was built well and now you say everything has fallen apart. So which is it? Are you just angry because the company was a douche bag and threatened? Regardless great content!

[@GymCrafter]

@@calinthematrix​​⁠This video is an unboxing. Right out of the box, little to no use. Even in this video you can see some of the issues already. 4 months of use and it fell apart. The smith machine is three times as loose, it’s rusting inside the uprights, the cables have frayed down to the metal, it’s bending out of square, and the list goes on and on. I have full four month review done, but was threatened not to post it as “it will hurt our sales”. So, until next year when I. A legally post it, I out this pinned comment here so people will know. This is exactly why I review this way. Out of the box lots of things seem okay. Once you use them for a while, that can change.

[@calinthematrix]

Ok, fair. Then what model/brand do you recommend that covers all the same bases as the b52? I’ve been researching this for months, and it’s really difficult to find anything negative on the B-52. Is there another make/model that you would recommend after using it for a while? I appreciate the guidance.

[@GymCrafter]

@@calinthematrix So keep in mind that Major and Jacked Up intentionally delete or don't post negative reviews. I suspect other do too, but I know first hand that those two companies definitely do. As far as all-in-one units that I've actually used, Force USA is my top pick. The G3 is the most comparable to the B52. I also liked what I saw from Vesta at Home Gym Con last year. Get Rx'd is making some outstanding units right now and the new stuff with their "tornado arms" is really awesome. The Rit Fit M2 is another that I'm shooting a review on right now. It's less than the Force USA and not as good, but durability wise, their stuff stood up the best out of all the budget stuff I tested. it doesn't look as cool, but it worked okay for the price.

[@calinthematrix]

@@GymCrafter thank you! I was about to pull the trigger on the g3. Then I saw the RitKeep PMAX 5600. Thoughts on the 2? I will probably order one this week. Thanks man!

[@waltgrizzly4879]

Was looking into this machine. saw some reviews and wasn't convinced, your review made me shy away from it a bit. which is a good thing. loved your breakdown and your honesty.

[@GymCrafter]

Thanks! Shy away from this a lot! As well as everything else they make. I have 4 reviews ready to post and they threatened me with a lawyer not to post them. I haven't trained on anything more poorly made than this stuff from Major. All of it fell apart in 4 months.

[@nonessentialdev]

​@@GymCrafter Damn! Really? I was planning on buying this or the RitFit M1. You are the only person that talked about it honestly. Might have to save up for a Body Solid or Rogue then. Edit: I've seen your other comments. Do you think a functional trainer is necessary? Or will a rack, barbell, and adjustable dumbbells be enough. I keep looking to an all in one but I question myself if it's even worth all that

[@GymCrafter]

@@nonessentialdev The RitFit is okay and I've got a review coming out soon. Of all the budget stuff I tried, it was the better choice. That said, it you have the budget for a Body Solid, Rogue, Rep, or Force USA, definitely go that way. For me, it's the Smith that isn't necessary. I love having cables in the gym as there is a ton of stuff you can do with them.

[@nonessentialdev]

@@GymCrafter For sure! Glad I came across your video, or I would've been a victim of Major, lol. So many paid reviews on it... I will probably go for a Body Solid GPR 400 and add the functional trainer attachment in the future, once I save up. Saw your other videos, so I pretty have everything decided besides plates. Have you heard of the Homegrown Lifting Plates? Dollar per pound, not sure on quality though

[@GymCrafter]

@@nonessentialdev Homegrown makes awesome crumb rubber bumper plates. Kind of smelly, but the best crumb rubber bumpers for the money for sure. If you want bumpers that don't smell, go with Living.Fit at the budget price point or Fringe Sport for the best in the biz, but still not the most expensive.

[@devastator2773]

I just got mine built. Did not take no six hours. Mine also doesn’t shake like yours does. Started to scare me with this video but I’m pretty sure it BS. I’m very impressed with it. The only thing I’m not the happiest about is the smith machine. Not tightening bolts until the unit is assembled is general for almost anything you build. I’m a mechanic that’s just how it is or you’ll have problems. Now as for longevity will see. I am a serious lifter and will put this thing to work at least 6 times a week.

[@GymCrafter]

Good luck! Mine fell apart in four months. Will be posting the review next year once I can. For sure not BS. I make zero money with a negative review. Would have been much easier to say it's all great, buy through my link. These things pay just under $150 per unit sold through my link, so this review has cost me a ton of money. But I'd rather be honest. Sincerely hope yours works out better than mine did.

[@Southpaw-qc9gh]

Great review man, appreciate you taking the time. This has been all over my fb feed

[@GymCrafter]

@@Southpaw-qc9gh Thanks. I wish I could say their other stuff was better, but not so much.

[@cdodmcerry4770]

Thanks brother for an honest look at it. So many reviewers gloss over major issues, like the hole spacing and loose tolerances.

[@GymCrafter]

Next Aug, I'll post the final review. It didn't hold up well at all. If you think things are loose in this video, you should see it after only 4 months!

[@TheKurtlocker]

What a good look at this unit. I have a potential opportunity to work with Major, but am apprehensive, so I appreciate your work here

[@GymCrafter]

@@TheKurtlocker The analogy I've been using is the the Major stuff is like AI artwork. At first glance, it looks amazing, but the closer you look the more you realize that people have 3 eyes, are missing fingers, etc. So many details are wrong because their stuff is clearly designed by engineers looking at pics and specs, but no one is training on the stuff. I'm guessing their more basic stuff is better, but the Smith machine (which rides on hollow tubing, so flexes bad under weight) is a great example of what I'm talking about. I know a lot of channels are making a ton of money by riding their huge marketing push, but I just couldn't do that in good conscience.

[@firstname7330]

Do you have a video with some of the accessory pieces? I think they have a leg extension attachment. Not sure what else.

[@GymCrafter]

No. This thing fell apart in 4 months and they threatened to sue me if I released the negative review. I won't be reviewing anything else from them and do not recommend buying anything from them.

[@firstname7330]

@@GymCrafter Appreciate the response. Can I ask, how much weight do you lift in your workouts? I am in my 50's and squat 3x10 reps of 175lbs and bench 3x10 reps of 125lbs. I am just curious if someone who doesn't approach the limits (i.e. 300lbs squats or bench) of this machine might have better luck.

[@GymCrafter]

@@firstname7330 Amount of weight doesn't matter. Smith machine is loose from the start and gets worse fast. Inside of the uprights rusted. Cable jackets flaked off. Just terrible all around. Seriously, don't buy from them.

[@texaho]

This was the review I needed! I almost pulled the trigger on this rack. As an older woman, the B52 would probably serve me well. I *really* wanted this rack to work for me but the issues you pointed out, especially the hole spacing and Smith machine, would annoy me. Short spotter arms and the inability to dial in the safeties are safety concerns that I rather not skimp on. My Fitness Gear half rack, another budget brand, is far superior in those respects. The Spirit B52 definitely has potential. Hopefully, Major Fitness takes your review into consideration and makes a few simple fixes/ improvements. Thank you for a very fair, detailed review. I've watched other channels critical of this rack but they failed to note many of the complaints you pointed out.

[@GymCrafter]

@@texaho Thanks! I appreciate that and am glad I saved you the money. The RitFit M1 is better and I'll have a similar overview of it soon. The spotter arms are even shorter, but the Smith is a lot better. there's just some things you don't notice until you actually train on things for a while!

[@tomo4206]

Is there another rack similar to this you recommend? Was going to purchase this but how the smith bar wasn’t sturdy at all with weight on it, I think I’ll pass on this. & thanks for the in depth review of this

[@GymCrafter]

They threatened me with a lawyer if I posted the final review of this. The Smith machine basically fell apart. Take the amount of play you see in this video and 10x it after just four months of use. Really terrible piece of gear. I'd look at the Force USA G3. If you have to be at the lower price point, the RitFit M1 v2 is prob the most acceptable of the budget priced stuff I've tried.

[@tomo4206]

@ tell them to come onnn with it. Thanks though, will take a better look at the g3.

[@truthhurts7529]

Can I use treadmill lube to lube the pullys?

[@GymCrafter]

Silicone lubricant is the recommended lubricant for the poles and the pulleys, but don't lube the outside of the pulleys, just the bearings in the center.

[@mahmoodbina2193]

Thanks for honest review , i have to pass it , I changed my mind to buy it .

[@rayal6324]

Best review for this product! Thank you sir! Hey, is the rack too narrow for wide grip bench press?

[@GymCrafter]

I would say that depends on how wide. At 6'6" with some pretty long arms, I've never felt restricted. A bigger issue is that mine is now pretty much falling apart after just under 4 months. I made a review video that points out like 10 serious issues (rust, Smith machine is coming apart, cables are fraying, etc), but Major won't approve the video for release. Real bad sign that they don't want ANY negative anything out there about them. Lesson learned on my end. I'll never work with another company in the same way again.

[@johnyk2343]

@@GymCrafter What all in one machine do you recommend getting? I've been trying to do a bunch of research as I want to get one before the end of the year.

[@GymCrafter]

@@johnyk2343 After having used most of them, I can confidently recommend Force USA and Vesta. Anything in the Force USA lineup will be great, with Vesta I'd stick with their 3x3 11gauge stuff, I wasn't impressed with their scaled down offerings. If you are looking at a B52, I'd look hard at the Force USA G3. If you can spring for it, go with the G6 as having a weight stack is a ton nicer than going plate loaded.

[@GarageGymLifeMedia]

Love the attention to detail as always Tim! I’ve hit my head multiple times on these short racks they’re making these days and as you know I’m much shorter than you! Didn’t save me though 😂

[@GymCrafter]

Thanks! I barely fit in this thing. It makes me claustrophobic almost.

[@GarageGymLifeMedia]

@@GymCrafter it’s definitely for the wellness center in Smurf village 🤣

[@Mrwatson185]

My prediction: nobody will talk about this in 6 months, KZbinrs will remove them from their gyms as they are not worth the space, and those who bought them will ultimately end up selling them on FB marketplace for Pennies on the dollar.

[@GymCrafter]

First, 100% agree these will have zero resale value in 6-12 months. As far as this type of rack, I've been surprised to see some sales numbers from different companies. This type of rack outsells traditional power racks by as much as ten to one in some instances. Your average person who isn't really building a home gym, but just wants something to work out on loves this format. It's just the price point of this one, along with the astronomical amount of marketing they are doing, that has people interested. Every time I showed this to someone who has never worked out at home, I was shocked by how much they liked it. And since they have no base of comparison, they were completely blind to the things that could be better until I pointed them out. All that said, the type of person that buys this type of gear at this price point usually doesn't stick with it and it becomes a clothes rack sooner than later. I wish that wasn't the case, but consistently working out isn't something a very large % of the population ends up doing.

[@HughLeFitness]

Agree. Some say it's good for beginners but even beginners will grow out of it in due time and be forced to upgrade into something better. You get what you pay for and investing more for long term would be much better.

[@danielneil-h4m]

How much does the assisted bar weigh is it standard bar weight or a lot less like 15-25 lbs

[@GymCrafter]

@@danielneil-h4m It's not assisted or counterbalanced at all. I haven't weighed it, but I'd guess around 25 lbs.

[@BrianRichardson-k6w]

THANK YOU for your pinned comment!!!

[@zishenye3444]

Does the force USA g3 have a better quality than this? they look similar.

[@GymCrafter]

@@zishenye3444 And you just hit the nail on the head. The Major "looks" good. That's kind of it. The Force USA is a lot better in every way. Literally every part of it is better. Most of them better by a lot. It's 100% worth the additional price. I just released a 60 second quick look at it and the G6 (their weight stack version) on the GymCrafter Instagram page if you want a closer look.

[@operationtruth288]

Have you done a hands on review of the Rogue Westside Powerbar?

[@GymCrafter]

Unfortunately, I don't review much, if any, Rogue stuff.

[@Hahahahe]

3:24 “This thing is solid” as he shakes it effortlessly with 1 arm and the whole thing rattles about to fall apart. lol

[@GymCrafter]

100%, I thought that when I was shooting the video. It's just the cables with no attachments keeping them taught, but it sure sounds bad, doesn't it? At over 400 lbs, it's stable, but as I mentioned, if you lift heavy, this isn't the rack for you.

[@Thezone-23-e7d]

@@GymCrafterwhat would you recommend for around 2000-2500?

[@GymCrafter]

@@Thezone-23-e7d Force USA G3, $1999, I'm literally editing the review right now and it will post on thursday.

[@Thezone-23-e7d]

@@GymCrafter thank you

[@apuz13]

Great video. Thanks

[@GymCrafter]

Glad you liked it!

[@ven412]

I’m if the opinion that smith machines are way too dangerous to use in a home setting. No great way to get rid of the bar or even tilt the bar to dump the weight. They should only be used in a gym or at least with someone else nearby if you do insist on using one at home.

[@GymCrafter]

Interesting, I've never heard someone look at them that way. In my opinion, it's way easier for someone to turn the bar than to bail on a lift. Not to mention there are safeties that will stop the bar at any height you set them at and they are a lot easier to set than pins or straps on a standard rack. Literally everyone I've ever talked to who wants one and hasn't had a home gym before wants one because they feel safer on a Smith machine than under a standard barbell. All that said, as you can see in the video, the Smith portion of this unit isn't all that good. They use hollow tubing instead of solid bars and that's what creates the wobble I show in the video. It bothers me every single time I use it, which is unfortunate as I still have a couple of months using it before I can post a final verdict/review and move on to something else. Thanks for the comment, I love seeing different points of view like this.

[@ven412]

@@GymCrafter agree if you were locked out or halfway up on a bench, the smith machine is easier to bail from, but in a critical situation when the weight is sitting on your head, neck, or chest then turning the bar won’t do you any good. You need to get the bar off your body and the smith has no easy way to do that. I read a story about an experienced lifter who suffocated under a smith machine under such conditions. A smith machine which was working properly. (and yes people have died in power cages with improper safeties). In a power cage, you could suddenly faint in a squat and you would be fine as your straps or pegs would let you crumple safely to the floor. No wrist rotation needed. Agree 100% that if you ask 100 people, 98 of them would say that Smith machines are leaps and bounds safer than a barbell lift. I argue that’s a false sense of security. The false sense of security with smith machines (even good ones) leads people to be a little more lax which in turn leads to more serious injuries. Nothing is 100% safe so anything that makes you feel safer than you are is adding risk. Also, if someone really wants that smith safety experience of not having to get the barbell all the way back to the top in an emergency, get a shitty set of $40 JCups on Amazon and put them 1/2 - 3/4 way down from your bench J Cups. Use them in an emergency.

[@Rememberedbutforgot]

Respectfully, it's difficult to believe anyone these days. I don't know you personally so it's hard for me to judge. But logically, the reason I find it difficult to believe what you're saying is because they also review well on outside sources such as trustpilot, Reddit by real consumers, and similar consumer reports. Certainly the business itself has the ability to delete bad reviews from their own website but they don't have the ability to delete bad reviews from consumer report websites or from just real people doing reviews online on open Internet. This almost has a feel as though you've got something personal going on with them. In any case it's just really hard to know who to believe anymore. Either way, I wish you well, and happy new year.

[@GymCrafter]

I love this comment, thank you. You are absolutely right, it's hard to know who to trust these days. Let me give you a few more pieces of the puzzle that may help... First, I could have made a small fortune if I'd recommended this unit or anything they make. They have one of the highest affiliate rates in the industry as well as paying influencers directly for content. Not only did I completely lose out on that by being honest, but they also offered my $2k per month to not post the bad reviews, take more gear, and post positive reviews (I'll be posting that email in its entirety when I am legally able to along with the other emails clearly showing their shady tactics). GymCrafter is my sole source of income and simply going along would have more than doubled my companies revenue for the year. There is literally nothing in it for me to tell the truth except that I won't sacrifice my integrity to sell stuff. As far as the other consumer reviews, you have to take into account a couple of things. First, this is usually the first and only unit of its kind that any of these people have bought. Of course their review will be good, they have nothing to compare it to. Second, almost all of those reviews are posted within a few days of getting the unit and putting it together. Virtually no one other than myself have even bothered to use it first to see how it held up. And it didn't. This video is right out of the box. Over 4 months, the thing literally started falling apart. In August of next year, I'll not only be posting the review that I shot showing all of the things I'm telling people on video so you know none of it is BS, but I'll also be posting all of the emails they sent me trying to manipulate what I posted. I have to wait until then because I signed a contract with them stating they get to approve all content posted from me within a year. I'll never be signing anything like that again. I have a long email chain where I tell them I'll only post honest feedback, even if it's bad and they responded that that's what they wanted, it was welcome. They lied. But all that said, I really do appreciate your comment as I know it's what a lot of people think. It's hard to look at all the paid reviews disguised as honest consumers along with some genuine positive reviews (that won't be positive within the year if they train on this thing at all). All I can say is that behavior speaks way louder than anything and if you continue to watch my channel, you'll see that I always put integrity and honesty above everything else. It costs me a ton of money, buy my goal is to help people first, make money second. Hopefully that comes through and if you ever think I'm not doing that, I always welcome people calling me out.

[@Rememberedbutforgot]

@@GymCrafterthank you for the reply. It helps. For something in this same sort of class, do you have a suggestion for my wife and I to take a look at?

[@GymCrafter]

@@Rememberedbutforgot Force USA G3 or the RitFit M1v2

[@Rememberedbutforgot]

Im considering the c10 now (i saw your review...well done....but now Im wondering if the g12 might actually be worth paying a bit more...will you be doing a g12 review?