Budget Leg Extension/Leg Curl KING…Gronk Leg Ext/Curl Review!

This plate-loaded leg extension/curl machine has some great features for the price, but is it enough??
🔥 Gronk Fitness Leg Extension/Curl: www.garagegymreviews.com/go/g...
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0:00 - Budget Leg Extension/Leg Curl - How it Works
1:07 - Overview
2:59 - Strength Curve & Adjustment Angles
4:07 - How to Set Up the Machine for Optimal Strength Curve
7:37 - The Leg Extension Vs. Curl Function
8:20 - The Adjustable Thigh Pad
8:59 - Padding & Vinyl Quality
10:46 - Back Pad Adjustment System
11:48 - The Lack of Ankle Pad Adjustment
13:21 - Overall Construction Quality & Stability
14:21 - Where's The Removable Stopper Pin?
15:11 - Pricing & Comparing to the Competition
16:22 - Consider this Alternative...
16:42 - Final Thoughts
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[@andruwcolby5233]

Bro I’ve literally been looking for one of these for months Just got to the end of the video and realized I’m broke

[@Michael-co3sf]

There are very few things ggr reviews that I can afford either. Gearforfit has one that I’m really interested in. It seems like it could be good. Would like ggr to review it. Its like $250cad

[@MrMoosefire]

Why did it take so long to realize you're broke?

[@nathanhyde2079]

Just grab a dumbbell with your feet lol

[@grdnbrow]

I picked up one of the syedee brand ones, way cheaper and I am honestly impressed by the build quality, not gonna be able to get sulek weight on it, but sweet addition to the home gym for burnouts

[@ethanross3157]

Gwmd

[@josephkrieg5240]

This is listed at $689 today on Gronk Fitness.

[@FitInTheGym]

@@josephkrieg5240 it’s been listed at that I don’t know where he got $850 from

[@ulrikvonliektenstein9907]

THANK YOU for including a hands on portion of you’re recent reviews. I’ve admittedly complained a lot about this in the past but have noticed you’ve recently fixed that, and I think it significantly improves the quality of the videos. Keep it up!

[@g__l7217]

What did he used to do?

[@ulrikvonliektenstein9907]

@@g__l7217 for a while, like the past 4ish months ever since they increased their budget, coop would just sit in front of a camera on a chair and talk about the product and they would only show high quality 1-3 second b-roll clips of him using the product. So he wouldn’t every walk you through how the product worked with a hands on demo. It’s funny cause they used to do the hands on thing all the time because it’s cheaper, but they got too fancy with the increased budget and cut that out in favor for a high quality production with b-roll. Now they are doing both and it’s much better imo.

[@Hil-z9c]

thanks for this coop. i've had this for a month now, and it's fantastic. bought it over the titan model. it's got a commercial feel to it

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

Don't sleep on Xmark's version. Smooth vinyl and more adjustment positions.

[@jonsynstad772]

Awesome review! I’ve been following your channel for years since your DIY video days and I have to say I really like how you outlined how well this works for the training itself intended for (bodybuilding training) and pointed out tips to get the optimal ROM and resistance curve out of the adjustment arm of the machine. I think this was very valuable to a lot of garage gym owners especially since it is very difficult to get specialty bodybuilding pieces into a home gym. Many times it’s about improvising and how you use the equipment you have. Thank you for the review man! Great job.

[@murdog04]

Looks like a good machine. I have the BP Isolator for these movements and I love it. Thanks so much for the great review.

[@Bartimaeus147]

With my titan leg ext/curl, I’ve found it easier to put a 35lb plate on the pin next to the weight arm - this starts the weight higher up and fixes the resistance curve without having to do all that awkward push up and slide in you showed

[@jtrnk]

I've used a 10lb plate and wrapped the lever arm with electrical tape to stop the metal on metal. Fixes the strength curve problem in both extensions and curls, without the swing all the way around problem.

[@nickstrasser6173]

The 35lb plate is what I do. Works great. I’ll pull the pop pin and swing the weight horn up and over to the other side to go btwn ext and curl. Would love to have a selectorized one at some point. Hoping REP figures ones out 🙏🏼

[@renablistic]

I use 10lb plates on the stop pin and it fixes the resistance curve. I also put a short 9 inch band and loop it from the leg on the ground to the weight horn. This adds resistance at the top and stops you from going all the way around. I have the $300 GMWD version with longer legs though, so the band might not be possible on the gronk or Titan versions.

[@fromontgomery]

I use a piece of 2x6 about 18” long painted black as a spacer on the pin.

[@johnfrick7898]

I have this and have non regrets

[@vintageweightspgh]

This juuuuuuust might fit in my garage. And it’s cheaper than a Bulletproof Isolator (which I sort of want). Fair review. Nice work, Coop! 💪

[@shiwakuseven5859]

The Isolator looks like a better deal since it can also be used to do preacher curl while saving gym space.

[@beautyofgrace3915]

Just started looking for one of these thanks Coop 😊

[@AndrewFrancisFreeman]

They should add a pulley on this , so you can hook it up to a cable machine. I think that would improve the resistance curve

[@tylerwilliams5291]

I've seen people just put an ankle/wrist strap around the weight horn and attach that to the cable. Seems to get the job done

[@AndrewFrancisFreeman]

@@tylerwilliams5291 I was just wondering if you did that with a pulley. Would it be a better resistance curve?

[@joelserna7981]

Body-Solid Gleg Bench has the possibility to join the pulley with a functional trainer.

[@Fidelio13]

It's a great idea. Adding too much resistance on the pully would in turn add a lot of torque on the radial arm and would cause it to twist and bend. It would have to be reinforced with thicker metal. If they added some sort of band peg or hooks for bands to add resistance at the end of the movement, it would be sweet.

[@NRRLavallee]

This is a branded version of the same leg extension/curl that I bought from Extreme Training Equipment a few months ago. It's literally the exact same thing but the Gronk one is $150 more expensive. I'd share a link, but KZbin blocks links in comments.

[@chadd980]

Crazy i posted a comment with and without a link (I got mine with IRONAX branding) and both comments got deleted. gunna try and post again

[@silverjackaI]

yeah the Gronk stuff is just mass produced junk by other companies with his name slapped on it. Its just a drop shipping company

[@FitInTheGym]

While I agree it’s cheaper. When you count in the shipping it destroys any desire. I was looking at that particular one as well but wasn’t interested in paying that shipping.

[@chadd980]

@@FitInTheGym luckily for me I lived close to the company that sells it in Toronto. So I just drove there and picked it up.

[@FitInTheGym]

@@chadd980 yea the closest one to me is in North Carolina that’s still 4 states away. I’d still be interested in trying it out someday.

[@dragontalontsiawd]

Found on Amazon for $700+ as of 7/9/2024... Only a dozen or so left in stock. Had a nice description of the owner, Gronkowski. I'm considering this machine

[@lincolncurtiss6727]

Hey Coop! I would love to see a selectorized leg extension leg curl review!

[@Derek87829]

Love this Machine. So many tight holes to choose from

[@theoso6045]

I like the way coop said “it’s grippy” .

[@mcfadden3413]

Coop, you need to do a review on the YUKON Fitness Equipment Leg & Core Machine. It's a 5 in 1 unit (Seated & Prone Leg Curl, Leg Extension, Low Back & Ab Machine) currently priced ~$400. It's been around a while and has a bunch of features similar to this one, but also many of the things you disliked they have solved (like numbered holes on the 360 plate, a pop pin for the safety pin at the bottom, etc.). Its not a perfect unit, but as a home gym piece, the footprint is small, versatility is huge, and at that price... it's a winner. I have one that's well loved, and it still works great!

[@kiranb9275]

How is the resistance curve? Can you place a 35lb weight by the lever arm to adjust the starting position like the Titan and other brands?

[@HaggardDouglass]

Hope to see the Body-Solid GLEG reviewed soon!

[@joelserna7981]

Coop. I also think this will be a great review.

[@nipauruddy4794]

yo coop ! can you do a review of this one Arsenal Strength Reloaded Leg Extension/ Seated Leg Curl ? Please

[@HeelerGSD]

On Coop's point on seated vs prone leg curls: I have the bulletproof isolator and have tried both... and will no longer even do the seated because the strength curve sucks relative to prone. Coop is right about seated vs prone -- for commercial equipment. I'd love to see the same study done for plate loaded. For prone, the strength curve favors the stretched position.

[@ygloo5525]

Hello Coop ! I recommend you the "Newton Fitness Black Series BLK-60 Multi Functional Leg Extension" that have the same features PLUS allow you to do lying leg curl and back extension and also have pin for the adjustement of the foot

[@JoeyLisano]

This review makes me look forward to the Freak Athlete add-on leg extension/curl piece.

[@fatboitino2]

I want to see someone do their lat pull-down

[@warrenwright7078]

So Coop,I was just getting ready to order the titan then saw this video. In your opinion between the 2 which way should I possibly lean?

[@makeitgo]

You can put a 10 or 25 pound plate on the pin to adjust the weight curve as opposed to having the leg roller place in an awkward position.

[@yermanoh]

the lackof constant tension is the only problem with this type of machine, its good for those on a budget but if you can pickup a second hand selectorised machine that would /might be better

[@SunsyloSouvannaraj-rh6zm]

I been exercise since grade school started lifting weights at 13 years old just for a better health I’m 51 now and definitely don’t really need an expensive gym equipments to get a good workout but do you 😀

[@geodesicmonkey]

Seems like looping a resistance band around the weight pin down to a static point on the ground would help to balance out the resistance curve at the top due to where the weight starts.

[@MrBdiddyp63]

Really curious about GMWD. Bought their leg press/hack squat w linear bearings and it’s pretty solid

[@AMarinelikeperson]

Also interested in the GMWD

[@kilburn65]

Gmwd boke on my 1st time out with only 55 pounds totally unsafe

[@FaheemRashid]

Review the Powertec Leverage gym

[@avinashtyagi2]

I want to see the Quantum Trainer

[@user-ug9qd3df1d]

Could you do a review of the Gronk fitness belt squat? I have seen the Titan version and I would like to have a better overview compared to the gronk fitness version Your reviews have been key for me when buying or not buying a machine and the belt squat has been on my list for a while, but I would like the recommendation of the best. 🙏🔥

[@ericcartmansstrengthandpow5960]

I'm waiting for the Aaron Hernandez signature edition leg curl/extension to drop. I've heard it's a killer machine.

[@Dungwader]

Do you think that there would be an easy way to add some bands so you could increase the resistance at the end of the rep range?

[@thebooper8988]

You could probably fix the strength curve with a red mini band on it using the peg as a band peg. That way there's some tension at the top and little chance of it flipping around 360.

[@jarrod1687]

Looks decent, wouldn't mine one to add to my home 'gym' which is just a power rack and bench

[@chasingstoke]

As an Australian the concept of calling your company "Gronk" is such a crazy choice.

[@huntj85]

I have this machine from Ironax here in Canada. It’s a good quality machine for the money, but I’ll say that if you’re under 5’5” this machine may not be the right fit. My wife (5’4”) has to reach quite a bit to keep the shin pad behind her heels while doing leg curls. I also found that putting a 8 or 9” block under the weight (so it can’t fall to completely vertical) is the best way to improve the resistance curve. It’s much easier to get in and out of the machine than what’s shown here.

[@gianlucacerri4398]

It would be great if you could review other Gronk equipment.

[@planetquarantine3473]

I'd be interested in a review of the Body Solid bench with the leg curl/leg extension attachment that connects to a functional trainer or cable low row machine.

[@elisebrown5157]

Coop, when you review plate loaded machines, it would be nice if you could show whether they could be hooked up to a pulley and stack. This would add functionality to something like the Ares if we could use that weight stack for even more. Show how it could be hooked up, whether this improves the resistance curve or not, and how much of a hassle it would be. I'm not a huge fan of moving my plates from machine to machine, as I want to just move seamlessly through a workout. If this could be selectorized, that might make a difference.

[@JasonJLopez]

Would like to see a review on the Tuff Stuff CPL-400 Light Commercial combo and the PPL-155 Commercial combo.

[@TLarose.]

I have the same machine, but branded as IronAX from Treadmill Factory

[@markusreschke5489]

They added gribby vinyl just for coop, because they thought that was the only alternative to make a vinyl with knurling. 😁

[@robertmedina3195]

Welp, I guess I'll get a dedicated station for my Bulletproof Isolator, without a dedicated rack it SUCKS lol. Adjusting it and taking it off is the reason mine has been collecting dust for a long while now.

[@JRT140]

I get the thing about watching you speak in profile. I wonder if you can put a band on it for the strength curve issue

[@brettgoode8473]

Can you do a review on the budget friendly GMWD leverage gym or Spart leverage gym!?

[@kilburn65]

Gmwd is trash plate hold bent with 55 pound plate now they won't refund me. Used it once it's unsafe

[@ChaosStorm24]

Get that Prime leg combo order in Coop!

[@pastorrick]

How does the Gronk leg extension/curl machine compare to the XMARK version?

[@authentichealthcoach4142]

I would love to see what you think if you attached the cable from your freemotion to this and then got your recommendation- for us folks that have the functional trainer but not a leg extension / leg curl- i use my freemotion dual cable cross for leg extension and curls but wondering if this makes it even better

[@danielhewitt8]

Please to the Tuff Stuff Performance Plus Plate loaded leg extension/leg curl. It might be the ultimate home gym combo as the build quality is great and the lever arm is belt driven to get over the radial arm force curve issue.

[@INoahGuy92]

Looking forward to reviews for the SledTread and Nordic Extension V2 by Tib Bar Guy. I want to know if they are worth the money. Help me Coop!

[@CnC_Network]

Any chance you could get Jeff Nippard on the show to rank home gym equipment mods and rank based on how optimum they are for strength training? I feel like sometimes the community jimmy rigs things that makes it more optimum than standard gym equipment.

[@ShawntreezyBreezy]

When i saw "Budget" i got excited but when i saw "Gronk" i was dissapointed because the price goes up for the same ol shiii

[@dadav5330]

All these adjustments are trying to get full resistance, and I have mines hacked with a pulley to attach to my functional trainer for full resistance start to finish. When companies start considering cable attachments to rack and functional trainers is when these style of machines will reach better potential.

[@teambdugz]

The point technically isn't a flat resistance across all points of the movement. It's either supposed to match your muscle's inherent str and weakness curve OR heavier in the stretched/lengthened and less in contracted.

[@Jeremy-mc8ee]

That could work, but it sounds like it would be a pain. Don't you need to move your machine in front of the functional trainer every time you want to use it? And then if you want switch between extensions and curls, you have to disconnect the pulley, rotate the machine in the opposite direction, and reconnect everything.

[@dadav5330]

@@Jeremy-mc8ee my machine has rollers for quick moving and is a simple cable connect. The pulley is fixed to the machine and doesn't move. The pulley allows the cable to stay lower to get resistance through the entire ROM. You don't have to move the machine. Just change from extension to curl and a simple reroute of the cable. Takes less than 10 seconds to reroute.

[@mattg5930]

For the strength curve issue, would bands help even it out? And prevent it from over-rotating at the top?

[@WhoIsJonHarris]

I have a knock off version of this from Extreme Training Equipment. It's basically a chinese model that I'm sure Gronk just licensed I bet. I think this is the best you can get for the plate loaded style. Been blowing up the group with it.

[@alivideo403]

Found a used Icarian leg extension with 200 lb weight stack for $400..... nothing like Old Icarian👍

[@chrisl06340]

Here's an idea. First, remove the stopper pin. Next, take a $5 cable machine ankle strap and put it around the weight horn and connect the other end to the Fringe functional trainer that's five feet behind you. It only takes two seconds to switch between leg extension and leg curl by rotating the weight horn. Now you have a weight stack version of this machine with constant tension for both leg extension and leg curl. I do this with the XMark leg ext/curl machine and connect it to a lat machine at the low row pulley. Now lets see "Budget Leg Extension/Leg Curl King...Gronk Leg Ext/Curl Review!" take two.

[@MacMayhemMiller]

Can you review the GripZilla Tornado? Please

[@johnshoup9060]

Dude has a knurled wedding band... that is Awesome looking. Even if it might be uncomfortable.

[@gymbob79]

Band attachment points wound be nice too

[@bobbypilon3144]

Most resistance with most tension. You do listen to Dr Mike

[@andrewcarfax-foster5046]

2:34, a gym near me has an old set of these prime machines, branded as strive machines. Must be an old branding? Might be an alternative fit second hand hunters

[@fatboitino2]

The Gronkowski family also owns Body Solid

[@michaelpietrzak2067]

Prime fitness doing three posts for strength curve is not their idea. Cybex did it in the early 2000s.

[@MrHammerdance]

that bottom pin can it be flipped to the other side? then it won't go under the bench.

[@piglegluckson9156]

The only leg training machine anyone needs is ... Bicycles with the right gears. Try going up 20%+ grade uphills for 2 blocks.

[@simthai173]

1- Just put a regular 35 lbs on the save PIN. Or better you replace the PIN by a longer one. 2- On your leg curl your knees are to much on the front. The knees need to be align with the center on the chrome disk (like you do with your leg extention) to have a natural movement on the entire range of movement.

[@jenga2017]

Does that 35lbs plate on the stopper pin actually make it feel more like a commercial machine?

[@simthai173]

@@jenga2017 Yes it's fixing the issue he talked at 4m58. You will always have tension with the plate on the stopper pin. Lots of videos about it, just search for seated leg curl review.

[@AaronCurtin]

Could you potentially hook on some resistance bands to increase resistance at the top end?

[@FitInTheGym]

You can attach a resistance band to the back peg that holds weight and wrap it around the leg. It works great for both curl and extension

[@Shmee2642]

Does it come with stickers? If it doesn't have a sticker to add to my mirror I dont want it.

[@josh-q6x]

like to see a review on SB Fitness LELC200S Commercial Leg Extension/Leg Curl Combo $2500 for a commercial unit

[@FitCoachJeremy]

I need a review on the gmwd cause I’m cheap and can’t spend $600-$800 on one Machine

[@seancreighton4393]

Why not test modifications to use with a cable tower to test that for the viewer too?

[@NicksGotBeef]

Add a voltra to it for consistent weight tension ..

[@bdog98765]

Do the shoulder press and seated row and chest press

[@olgrandma9350]

is this better than titans?

[@hermsdog02]

Any ETA on the Rep Adonis review?

[@bmstylee]

Most commercial gyms suck for barbell work. It's a fact. But for a small monthly payment I can have access to probably a quarter million dollar of commerical grade cables it's a no brainer. It makes it hard to justify spending a bunch of money on dumbbells, and leg machines, and cable machines. Before you know it you've spent $10k on equipment.

[@HighSpinSwingSpeed]

Yeah but you don't need 10k in equipment to get shredded. Honestly adjustable dumbbells, squat rack, barbell, plates, adjustable bench, and minor attachments like pull up bar, dip handles, landmine is all you really need to get very strong. You just need the motivation to get the pump and don't get bored because you don't have all the bells and whistles.

[@bmstylee]

@@HighSpinSwingSpeed absolutely. It's funny to read the comments with people drooling over overpriced unitaskers they think they need to get strong. Especially when you're spot on that you don't need tons of specialized equipment to get strong. My setup is basic with a few barbells, a squat rack and a deadlift platform. Those were expensive because I built when you had minimal companies to get good equipment from. I use bands to accomplish what people pay a fortune for cable machines. About the only thing I can't do is leg curl/extension, leg press, and hack squats. No room or desire to spend the money. Although that rack mount curl/extension machine is tempting.

[@thehourofpain]

@@HighSpinSwingSpeedit’s not all about getting really strong. Tension based workouts are incredible and you can’t get that with bars and dumbbells. Take for instance the fly. The cable fly is absolutely KING

[@HighSpinSwingSpeed]

@@thehourofpain If lifting weight is not about getting strong, then what’s it all about? I’m not saying gym equipment doesn’t serve an excellent purpose. My point is you can get just as strong without it. For example, if you only do barbell chest exercises, naturally, your fly will increase significantly. On the flipside if you only do fly chest exercises, your barbell lifts or not increase that much.

[@gmontenegro9711]

Only reason I wouldn’t buy this is because from wear and tear, the beam that your ankles are placed on starts to slant. So one leg is a bit more extended than the other and totally effs up the balance and mind/muscle connection.

[@djack5112]

This might be a dumb question but can you provide a link to your sneakers? I’m looking for an affordable pair of sneakers to wear to the gym.

[@lealyk5815]

Those are xero barefoot shoes. Look like the hfs model. at 120 a pop not sure if that's affordable for you

[@cnetate]

I just don't know why they don't make a cable version where you load the weight on it. 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Markinator83]

the ankle pad rolls up and down because you are sitting wrong. The knees have to be aligned to the axle of the machine - problem solved. Because of this it would also make no sense for the backrest to have more adjustments. Body Solid should be mentioned as alternative, especially because of their lifetime guarantee.

[@bastipear2864]

Wanna have!

[@justinh2121]

I wonder how the freak athlete leg attachment compares to this.

[@PessimisticNic]

It is like all these companies dont want Canadians to have ripped quads

[@chadd980]

Look up Ironax leg extension/leg curl from treadmill factory. Its literally the EXACT same machine. just different branding

[@Smozi]

Lack of tension at the bottom position is the downfall of the Ironmaster Leg Curl/Extension addon for their bench. Works great otherwise but never use it any more.

[@dragontalontsiawd]

Also 2nd comment, those welds are rusting already @13:28 so I would beg to differ on the powder coating brother. So either you damaged it building it, or they sent it to you like that. Double check those welds under the seat, maybe I'm dumb deaf and blind.

[@Bargawd]

This machine - and many others in the Gronk product line - are white label products. In other words, they slap their branding on it. I have the same machine from the Treadmill Factory (based in Canada) and branded as Ironax.

[@alegro4046]

nice shoes

[@anonymouslakernerd7214]

Which has the smaller footprint, this or the Titan?

[@FitInTheGym]

@@anonymouslakernerd7214 titan

[@covidcarl7480]

isn't the gronk just slapping Gronkoswki's label on body solid?

[@FitInTheGym]

I’ve never seen it at $850. When I price matched mine it was cheaper than Titan fitness and better quality. I paid a total $620 including the shipping for mine. Good review But I would put the Gronk up against any of the plate loaded leg combo machine except the prime fitness

[@tonyspamoni5641]

they gotta change that logo

[@enriquel1993]

Nah, man. For that much and for it to have resistance issues just like every other combo on the market is insane. Imagine spending this much just to have to do some hacks to make it function better.

[@psbjr]

No reason you couldn't use a band attached to a power rack to even out the top of that force curve.

[@DrSmokeTrees]

Where's the price? It should be clear in multiple parts of the video, not trying to catch one specific part

[@ChrisP3000x]

Or just buy the old school tried and true Powerline flat style for way less than half the price and no fumbling around with adjustments. They all suck unless you use cables anyway.

[@franciscoiramain3337]

Ain’t no way this is worth $800 lol