Force USA Monster 45 Degree Leg Press Hack Squat Combo Review. (Review and Test)

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Got a couple more gym equipment reviews in the works. Should have a new one posted soon. If you are curious about any equipment seen in our videos please comment and id be happy to help.

[@stevewise1656]

Glad you pointed out how shallow the hack squat is with that stop post.

[@dozermendoza]

If I was to design one, it would have a larger area Leg Press plate. Companies always use a small plate that limits foot placement. The Hack Squat plate is ample, but leg press plate seems too small.

[@TysoniusRex]

Brilliant piece of engineering. Solid, and clever/convenient to switch between hack press and leg press configurations. Also, the review was fantastic. Hit on every feature, noted a couple issues (bottom stop, rear pin to move plate), including a way to address the tall height of the stop. Just fantastic all around. I'm looking for a leg press/hack press combo for my home gym, and this has all the boxes checked. It has a higher capacity than I need, but I do like the features: All in one!

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thank you! Glad we could help.

[@toodamaxm]

Great review, very detailed. Thank you.

[@notthatguy1447]

Great review and test. I'm looking for a leg machine for my home gym. I am 6' 3 3/4" in height so this was really helpful. Thank you.

[@60tree]

Just finished building mine for my basement this morning. Haven’t used it to train yet just took it for a quick run once assembled to see how it felt. I’m 5’11” and noticed the same issue with bottoming out the hack. Definitely will see if dropping that bolt adds a little depth, worst case I’ll just take a grinder wheel to the top of it 😂 Great review man, definitely thinking I’ll be happy with the purchase.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thank you! Yeah i have talked to a few people that said they ended up taking that post off completely. Let me know if you do, just curious how often that ends up happening. Glad you like the product and my review!

[@60tree]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations I ended up taking a sawzall with a fine tooth blade on it and cut about 3-4” off of the safety support which allows me to go hamstrings to calves on the hack squat (I’m 5’11”) as well as allows my wife to use the hack below parallel (she’s 5’1”). Then I got a hole tap and tapped the front 2 holes so I can still slide the safety bar and pin into place to set it up if I want to utilize the safety. Seems to work great!

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thats awesome. Good idea not taking it all the way off so you can still use it if you need it. I may need to do this to mine for my wife. Thanks for the update!

[@60tree]

@@Legendary-boxing yeah man I took a grinder wheel to it and chopped a few inches off and can reach full depth now. Quick 2 minute project, definitely worth it

[@tonydilnik5358]

Excellent video thanks! I'd like to point out that that pin issue isn't an issue because when you use the foot plate you want the pin locked into the desired hole but when you want to collapse the foot plate, before you collapse it pull the pin and turn it so it stays disengaged that way you can collapse it and still fold the plate back up without walking to the back of the machine to pull the pin. Then reverse the steps to re engage the pin for using the leg press. I hope this makes sense the way I explained it. Good luck brother! 👍😎

[@young20man]

Thank you for the very informative video. If you happen to get a Force USA leg press / leg extension machine, can you please do a review of that one too : )

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

We will definitely look into it!

[@RottiLoverZurich]

Love this review! I'm 5'4 do you think i'd have any issues using this machine espacially when doing squatts?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Leg press wouldn't be an issue the have squat you may run into some depth restriction but there are ways to modify it if you are interested. I will say my wife is 5'2 and use it for both and we haven't modified it just took the bumper out of the safety guard

[@Mackeem1]

Hey great video. Do u know how much this machine weights? You cańt find it nowhere which is ridiculous. Second question: Is this only available for 50mm? Or is there any 30mm version? Thanks in advance.

[@greaserfrankenstein]

Excellent review! Thanks man

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thank you! That means so much. Hope i helped

[@CC-vj6dd]

The hack seems ok but as a leg press, the support for the feet does not seem wide enough at all and the part where the back rests does not have enough height/it seems too short - I'm a small person and I bet I could not rest my head against that bench. I'm looking for a combo hack-leg press for my home gym but this is still NOT the model. Although it could. Manufacturers: please make the bench taller and the support for the feet wider.

[@clifforddittydotty175]

It is good for commercial use?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Depending on you size and budget I would say maybe. We have very few clients that use over 3-400 and we are a personal training facility with limited membership so for our needs it's a great fit. If you have a fairly high volume of members and people ranging in strength and size it will work but isn't ideal. If you have the money or time to save up I would recommend getting a heavier duty set up. Not knocking this but I would hesitate to say it would work for a public gym long term

[@DragonSnake1]

Great video!! Could you make a video on how to lubricate this machine, I have no clue how to maintenance this machine.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

I will try to work on that for sure. The easiest way to lubricate the rollers in my opinion is to put a small amount on the rollers directly and a light amount on the two main guide rodes and run the Sled up and down a few times

[@Daduu]

Thank you so much for this informative video! I’ve been bouncing back and forth with the titan leg press, the powertec leg press and now this. U explained this so well that i might have to go with this one because I haven’t found another vid explaining it with so much detail and unbiased opinion (which might be the deciding factor on why I might get this one lol) but Out of those three which one would you recommend?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

To be honest I have only used the Force USA. I do have a partnership with Titan and would have ordered it had it been in stock at the time. I am a little impatient so I went with Force USA. I am happy with the purchase but from my research they are very comparable. I am not sure about powertec. Hope this helps.

[@Daduu]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations thanks, ultimately ig it comes down to the price. 2k vs 1k .. hopefully in the future you order the titan leg press and compare both of them.. ive seen ppl debate on which one is a better bang for ur buck and would actually be a very interesting video knowing their hasn’t been anyone else to do a comparison video with those two. Appreciate it tho

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Ill keep you posted for sure. If we grow we will need a second one. Thanks.

[@rucktolive]

you can always. put 55 or 100lb steel plates on to maximize space.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

You definitely can. I will say with all iron plates you could probably fit 1000lbs which is the rating. I have no doubt it could easily hold over 1000lbs

[@waynewhitzell6641]

Nice review! Thanks for posting. I have their Folding MyRack and I love it. Is the back pad slippage in the leg press position concerning to you? I think I'd be worried about lumbar injury with heavy weight and a sudden slip of position. Have you discovered a work around, like putting the pad in the "slipped" position before the set or something?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

It isnt a huge jolt, I personally have not experienced any discomfort and I consistently have back pain. It just gives you a mini panic attack if you are not expecting it haha. You can go ahead and push the pad up when you get set so it doesnt move during the lift but just be careful when you are climbing out. In the slipped position it is no longer hooked so it can come out of place. It wont come out while you are using it but when you sit up and take the pressure off it can tilt out.

[@waynewhitzell6641]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations Thanks!

[@user-cv8fw3xr9i]

Nice video ! you think would be comfortable to use for people around 6'3-6'4 tall ?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

I have had 1 client about 6'3" use it no problem.

[@chasewhitney3145]

Did you get it?

[@vishisewnarain3669]

Great informative video

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thank You!

[@quickshifter6255]

Weight of the Sledge is 50kg.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thank you!

[@markjenkins4513]

Hows it going is it still all working tidy? Im about to buy one was going with the titan for price but seen this video and thought for the extra cash it is well worth it

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Almost 3 years and it went through a move and still works great

[@Aspengc879]

How is it holding up after a few months of use now? I am debating between this unit and the Titan, which is about $1k cheaper. This unit looks overall build much better. Wider foot plates, more weight capacity, a safety catch and linear bearings instead of rollers. also love how it has high and low band pegs.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Overall still holding up great. Make sure you keep the tracks oiled. The rubber rollers will start to wear down if you dont. Other than that still loving it!

[@arturoadame5286]

Were you able to get all of the rollers to spin? I’m having a lot of trouble aligning mine.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

We didnt have any trouble with ours. But I have kept our pretty well lubricated. I am sorry youre having trouble. Is any of your parts bent?

[@bradmacklin7265]

How has it been holding up? Looking at buying this for my garage

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

We are 3 years in and it is still going strong. Used almost daily and made it through a move without having to break it down. We just make sure to keep the guide rods lubricated. If you plan to do 1000lbs every week I cannot speak on that though lol.

[@manuelrossi9726]

HI. Is it ok for a person 190cm tall? Thank you

[@lbcitylacounty4982]

Can you use STANDARD PLATE?? Even to store it??

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Hope this video is helpful. If you have any questions about the product not answered in the video I will be happy to answer then here.

[@chvyguy21]

How much does sled weigh on its own?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

I have not been able too confirm the exact weight. I can say it feels heavier than 45lbs. I would estimate between 45 and 65lbs.

[@Quello_di_una_volta]

Nice review, thanks for sharing. How is it after a year?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Still holds up well. Have used it for about 18 months now heavily with multiple clients. I will say the biggest draw back we have found over the year and half is the foot plate on the hacksquat setup is fairly small. Limiting the setup

[@Quello_di_una_volta]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations Thanks for your answer :)

[@anthonyanthony284]

One suggestion and one question. You can easily get around the hack squat range of motion issue by building a raised foot plate. Could be as simple as putting a thick piece of wood down there. Question, when it says rated for 1000 pounds, does that mean it will collapse if you put more weight than that? That's more than enough for hack squats but leg press it's not that much weight really. OK 2 questions. Is the foot plate a bit small or ok?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

The only concern with the raised platform or wood would be the stability. Id be concerned about it moving across the metal however if you could secure it that could be a solid option. Not sure how high you can go before the top bumper becomes an issue on the lockout. As for the weight rating in my experience its what the equipment has been proven to handle without failure in testing. Id be comfortable pushing that a little as it seems pretty solid when i get in the 800 range. It could also be the space that puts that rating. I have had to use bumper plates because i ran out of plates but with all iron I think it can fit about 1000. You could stack on the foot plate though. And finally the foot plate isnt super large but i have had some large guys on it no problem

[@anthonyanthony284]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations Well it has holes you can put the seat pad in when leg pressing so when that's off you can put matching locks to stop the platform sliding. It would be kind of pointless if all you could do was 1000 pounds on the leg press. As far as loading more plates you can easily use those powelifting calibrated plates where the 45s are just 2cm thick. That was,what I was planning to do before I read the weight rating. Do you know what are the usual weight ratings for leg presses in commercial versions where it is just a leg press?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Most of the ones in this price range that I have found are 1000lbs you can find ones with higher ratings but from my research you are going to be looking at 3k or more. I found one that looks set up for more than a 1000 from a company called fettle fitness but it doesn't give its weight rating from what i can find. I can definitely recommend some great setups for heavy weight but it really comes down to how much you are wanting to spend. I am not sure where you are located but I know of a company out of Tennessee that could possibly custom build you a set up to your exact specs.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

rawmotiveworks.com/ is the website of the place out of Tennessee.

[@anthonyanthony284]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations Well thanks for the suggestions but I live in Hong Kong so I doubt that would be practical. I am about an inch shorter than you. How bad is it after you remove that little pin that gives you the extra 3 inches? Also, does 1000 pound weight capacity actually means that's all it can hold structurally? I heard they can hold a lot more but they have to say less for legal reasons.

[@ColonelJohnmatrix1000]

I put 4 inches and 2 inches on my quads and calves with this machine.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

That is awesome!

[@chasewhitney3145]

I’m 6’7” do you think I’d be able to use. I do r need to full lock out. But so far this is my fav looking combo press.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

I can't answer that with 100% confidence. Leg press would be no issue but for the hack squat it would be close. The tallest client we have had is around 6'2 or 6'3 and he fits. You could have a little issue with lockout but I think you would be close. I'm sorry I can't give a clear answer

[@raytrei13]

Hello I am 5"4.. Do I need to cut off that safety so I can do hack squat properly?? If lets say I cut it out am I going to have a full range of motion of going super deep?? I am like 50/50 of purchasing this machine because of that safety..

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

I have seen several people the have cut it off eith great success. People stating they are 5'2. I think if you are able to make that alteration go for it

[@raytrei13]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations if i cut that safety can i still use it for leg press? will i stil have a safety for leg press if i cut it out? i am just worried

[@raytrei13]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations i am worried i might mess up my machine

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

One person sent us there alteration on Instagram where they didnt cut it all the way off so they can still put the adjustable bar there just lower. Id be happy to share. Send us a message on instagram and ill send you the pics.

[@raytrei13]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations pls do! what is your ig? I will add you now. thanks!!!

[@vishisewnarain3669]

Hi there, hope you well. How is the unit holding up. Any issues thus far?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

After a year of heavy use in our facility we are still very happy with it. The rollers began to wear a little but that was our fault. After we reoiled them the flaking stopped. I would recommend regular checks of the bolts but again we have 30+ client that we use this with and have no complaints.

[@vishisewnarain3669]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations thanks for information. Much appreciated

[@MoeMoe-do1fd]

How do you compare the machine compared to other companies like Cybex, Hammer Strength, and etc? Is it the same quality or do you feel like it’s a cheaper quality machine?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

We have had this for a little over a year now and compared to the cybex, hammer strength and other commercial grade this is definitely a lower quality. That being said it has held up great over the year with a lot of use. Biggest issues is that when you get into the upper weights 600+ lbs it gets a little wobbly, but still safe. The biggest draw to this one is the transition of hack squat and leg press for the price. For instance the cybex plate loaded is way more structural sound but about twice the price with only leg press. Hope that helps.

[@MoeMoe-do1fd]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations thank you so much for replying! I keep seeing your video over and over to see if it worth getting it! I wish more companies made a machine combo like this with all 11 gauge steel! I kind of reminds me of the Body Solid machine. Just with a higher weight limit.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Yeah that's why we went with this one. Very few of this style have 1000lbs capacity.

[@richardpoelman8783]

I got the ATX Hack Squat Leg Press combo, absolutely a beast and rated at 600kg / 1325lbs

[@MoeMoe-do1fd]

@@richardpoelman8783 where did you get it from? Did you order in U.S.?

[@blakeogeris2494]

I would flip the leg press around to not worry about hitting the mirror

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thinking about rearranging the gym, but i need some pallet jacks or something lol moving by hand is too much 😆

[@blakeogeris2494]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations lol.. yea it weighs a ton!! I tried moving it a couple of inches and it almost took my soul !

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

@@blakeogeris2494 haha i bet i need to invest in a pallet jack for sure

[@ssfastlife1868]

It doesn't come with any weights does it ?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Sadly no.

[@Paintrain8765]

Thanks for the in-depth review man! Probably gonna pull the trigger on this after hearing about some of those ROM hacks with the stopper. What's your opinion on the overall build quality of the machine? Not expecting it to be as good as a commercial piece, but definitely hoping that all of the high touch areas (upholstery, pins, weight sled, etc.) will hold up for a long time.

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Super glad this helped. Thanks for the feedback. I have a feeling it will hold up well as long as you take care of it. It does come with oil to maintain the smooth movement on the rails. The quality is definitely high end home use and low end commercial grade. It has been used a lot in our facility over the last month with several 500lbs+ days and still looks like new.

[@Paintrain8765]

@@ellisonfitnessinnovations That's great to hear, thanks again for the review. Keep up the great work!

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

Thanks! Appreciate the feedback!

[@Luke-vj3qn]

all of these machine have horrible ROM. who the hell designed them?

[@spitz3287]

I am 6.4 tall, can I use it?

[@ellisonfitnessinnovations]

I know you could use the leg press no issue, the hack squat I feel like you would be OK, however I have not had anyone that tall on ours so I would be hesitant to say 100%