Powertec Levergym - First Impressions Review

[@HDLifter]

I've had mine, 2nd hand, for nearly 2 years. One of the best investments in my well equipped gym.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

For sure! Gets used daily here.

[@apple-guy9394]

Thats cool I’ve been wanting this machine and I was able to recently order the 2019 model very happy to workout on this! Can’t wait to get it delivered..

[@DVDVAMPIRE01]

It's awesome. Finding the attachments now seems to be an issue though.

[@nzt4890]

If you buy a Spud strap, you can get more versatility. Lee Priest does a nice video on it.

[@charleschristian5628]

powertec makes a great product. I have an older multi-press for 7 years. best investment I made in my home gym.

[@Redheadkingpinn]

Ive had mine for 2 years now. Luv it man!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

feharida05 I'm on about month 3 or so. With very few minor complaints, I truly do enjoy this thing. It was on my hit list for a couple years, I just needed the room. Once I made room, it took a few weeks to find one used and I've been stoked since.

[@Redheadkingpinn]

Gray Matter Lifting 👍🏽 Lukn forward to more vids from ya.

[@lonefoxbushcraft]

Gray Matter Lifting are these as good as free weights cos I want little bulk n shape but then define it vascular ?

[@tomaszgolebiowski5321]

I just bought it last night, that latest version , I had the ironmaster super bench with the other attachments but took too much space and I had to sell it and bought the Powertec , can't wait to use this machine yeahhhh 💪💪💪

[@portfoliomanagement1781]

Man this is just a great review! Think you kinda helped me make the decision to this👍🏿 Thanks for the review

[@dontwantnone09]

Thanks! I'm a few months in and still really enjoy the unit. A few minor pieces I wish they had tweaked, but for the price and footprint its really hard to beat.

[@ericperry72]

Looking for one of these now!

[@chriss2595]

Very honest review. Thx.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Chris S you got it!

[@jerrynewson1206]

for squats i added two holes higher up so i could start from a standing position ....

[@GrayMatterLifting]

jerry newson nice! Any idea what sized bit you used?

[@tonymediati8274]

jerry newson that’s a great idea

[@scottgood7888]

I'm thinking of getting one of these. One concern I have is with the racking of the squat exercise. Are you able to unrack (take pin out) in the standing position, do your squat reps, then re-rack by putting the pin back in while the weight rests on your shoulders? Are your arms able to reach the pin area? Thanks

[@jerrynewson1206]

Joe Gray can’t remember it was the same as the original hole size

[@jerrynewson1206]

Scott Good yes

[@nzt4890]

What I ended up doing was taking off the side storage poles, and I used a weight tree.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

NZT 48 so my problem there, is the unit being incredibly wobbly. When I didn't have any plates weighing it down, it was horrible. I have a weight tree for my other weights as well.

[@hulkyouup]

You could keep plates on the lat pulley set up right when needing help with stability?

[@futbol1972]

This machine has the same movement as the rogue leverage arms. People keeps complaining that is not a natural movement when using leverage arms is that true?

[@fan369rc]

Thanks for the review! Can you/have you tried dips on this? Do you think it's sturdy enough for dips? How about chin-ups? The Bodysolid Leverage gym seems to go higher, allowing pull ups....but I don't see that you can pin the arms that high on the Powertec unless you drilled a hole in the frame to place the pin. I'm undecided on which leverage gym to get.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

fan369rc I've tried dips, but wasn't a fan. Mostly because the handles are straight and wide, opposed to narrow and angled. If you had nothing else, it would likely work, but I'd rather have just about any other option for dips. Pull ups, I think you are correct. Not high enough. If you are buying from scratch brand new, I'd strongly consider the body solid. I have not used it myself, but it looks very similar. Their bench looks a bit better too.

[@fan369rc]

Appreciate the feedback!

[@hulkyouup]

Looks like a great machine, as far as the point you stress at 8:35 about plates hitting plates on the storage pegs, if I were doing deadlifts I would just remove the weights from the storage pegs, maybe have some on the lat pulley station to help with stability. Your feet are on the floor plate so it should be fine. Or am I overlooking something?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

hulkyouup it works, just really inconvenient. The fact that you have to move plates off of the storage pegs, onto somewhere else, to keep it stable but be able to use the machine as intended is a design flaw in my eyes. What if the plates on your storage pegs, are the ones you want to use? And that foot plate is horribly overrated. Pretty crappy in my opinion. I'll have a full 1+ year review in the near future. I've made some modifications, cut things, removed stuff, you name it. I can now safely use it at 100% of the intended setups, without moving things out of the way.

[@futbol1972]

Need some advice bro. Debating between the powertec WB-LS-YY gym or titan selectorized machine? Already have rack, ft amd many other stuff. Powertec it's about $1600 out the door and titan lat pull down is $1800

[@GrayMatterLifting]

The Titan is probably going to be the "better" high and low cable. But the Powertec does SOOOO much more. Do you like to do a lot of accessories? Bench, rows, press with a machine? If so, I gotta go Powertec. If you just want a high and low cable tower, Titan is gonna be superior.

[@futbol1972]

@@GrayMatterLifting but I can also do lat pulldowns and rows with powertec right. The only thing is that they are plate loaded

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@futbol1972 correct. I use mine for cable work daily

[@maleka58]

I love mine it has such a smooth action :)

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Yep! Excellent machine. They could do a few things to make it better, but overall excellent.

[@bigdan9850]

Hey! Have you done a 1 year review on this yet? Looking to buy a used one and its between this and a power rack. Im leaning toward the rack, mainly because im 6'5" .but need stability of a machine due to a big toe I had amputated! Amy opinions would be appreciated!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

I have! Should be on here, alongside a written version I did. At 6ft 5, you are going to have problems with this unit.

[@bigdan9850]

@@GrayMatterLifting thanks!!

[@kleanthisXenophontos]

I would say find someone who is a welder to jumbosize this machine to your specs. Maybe add pullup bar on the top where the cable is. it's not gonna be cheap but it's gonna be a trully trully herculean machine!!!!

[@bigdan9850]

@@kleanthisXenophontos I am best friends with the welder so I will take this into consideration I appreciate it.

[@strictlyaesthetic9202]

Why no construction yellow? Back in the day Powertec was known for construction yellow.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@strictlyaesthetic9202 they still are for sure. Personally the yellow is a little much. Totally cool if it fits into your gym, just not my cup of tea

[@strictlyaesthetic9202]

@@GrayMatterLifting Bro I was a one-time seller of high end fitness equipment. Powertec was known for its shocking yellow color. It turned some clients off however it got the attention away from Hammerstrength. When you know you know.

[@wsalas13]

Do you feel the weights when doing squats...or is there too much leverage?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

You definitely feel them. For me the powertec is an accessory movement. So squats are done slow and controlled for higher reps.

[@wsalas13]

@@GrayMatterLifting Good info...thank you sir...no need to reply...but guy on one vid said he also does leg presses by laying on floor in front of machine...let us know if you ever tried it...could be a good idea for a vid...definitely would be another good selling point for the machine... be safe brudah!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@wsalas13 I have done that. It's "ok". My unit has the iso lateral arms, so trying to press the feet up in a 100% uniform pattern is essential, otherwise it gets wobbly. If you had an older model that was one piece it might work better, or if you put together a foot plate like a real leg press would have it would work better. If you have his video I'd love to check it out.

[@wsalas13]

@@GrayMatterLifting Thanks Joe...there is no video...he just mentioned in his vid that he also does leg presses that way. Be safe brudah!

[@jackbrown5269]

Hello, I'm tall 184 cm, I have some doubt about using it as shoulder press due to my height (even if I'm not too tall) Do you think that I will have problem ? How tall you are ? Are you experiencing problem using it as shoulder press?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

I'm just 1 or 2 cm shorter than you, and no. Zero issues performing any movements including overhead press.

[@eddiediandre86]

Have you come up with an ideas for stabilizing the machine without having weights anchoring it? I been looking at and and wondering if I should buy now or wait until 2018 in hopes that a new model comes out lol

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Eddie DiAndre I haven't myself, entirely because I'm using the storage for my bumpers and some extra plates from my set. If I ever have the room to move those off, I'll be on the hunt again. A friend of mine on IG uses a form of yoga tie downs. I've seen people use some type or sheet metal and screws, etc. Basically, it's all DIY options that are likely to be less than stellar unless you are just really DIY inclined. I know I'm not the only one complaining about the placement of the posts. So I'd hope it's on their list, but I'm honestly just not positive as their social media game is whack so updates on product development is basically non existent. I don't think it's a deal breaker, just depends on your intended use. It could function better for belt squats, deadlifts, and prone rows if the plate storage wasn't there. Pretty much everything else is fine. Assuming you have enough plates to lock yourself down and lift at the same time.

[@eddiediandre86]

Thanks for the reply. I was looking at this model and the larger powertec too. I'm not looking to do any deadlifts with it but if I did maybe I could rig something up. However, the larger powertec has a bar for the bench press that allows you to do curls and close hand tricep press, so you think that can be done with this machine? I ask because I think it comes with that bar that you can do squads with.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Eddie DiAndre this model has the straight bar too. I use it for squat variations, close grip bench, etc. I've seen others that have the larger model. Positive of the bigger one, is multiple stations can be used by multiple lifters or in a circuit fashion. Otherwise, this model does everything the larger one does with a smaller footprint and price tag.

[@40blockstudios60]

It's been a year...so what do you think??

[@GrayMatterLifting]

40 Block Studios ha!!! 1+ Year review is almost finished. Goal is to finish this week with a full video review, written review, and some more comprehensive turtorials for exercises and the like. Short story, out of the box its good. With some DIY retrofitting, it's pretty fucking fantastic. The 2014 bench I have leaves a lot of room for improvement, but I've heard good things about their 2016 model. If you run a more bodybuilder style program out of your own house/garage, I can't think of anything else on the market that fills as many gaps in your typical machine selection as this guy does with such a compact space. It's not perfect, but I'm not about to try and say that $1500 all in one is equivalent of 30+ hammer strength machines.

[@40blockstudios60]

Joe Gray Thank you.. looking forward to the video. I definitely need a compact machine as I don't have much space. Can I get this unit without the bench and just use one I already have?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Yep! In fact I'd recommend it.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@real Real I believe total for both arms it is 500lbs. I've had about 300 plus some bands and don't see any issues.

[@burtbakerack1110]

Joe, Do you think the levergym is worth the retail price? I live in a part of Canada where the used market isn’t great. I’ve seen a few of the older generation lever gyms but sellers are still asking around a thousand for them. I can order a new tower without a bench for $1200. I have a full rack, barbells, powerblocks, etc but was looking for something multi-function for those days when the free weights don’t feel awesome on the joints.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Curtis Mitchell that's probably one of the hardest questions to answer. For me, and my workouts, I'd say it has earned its cost ten fold. It gets used more than anything else I own, outside of the plates. There are entire days that all I use is the powertec. It has filled a gap in my training that was sorely lacking for a few years. That said, I'd probably put used powertec as option A... Used Hoist V series as option B... And then brand new powertec as option C. Other option to look at, is Bodysolid makes a levergym. Worth a look to see on costs. I also have heard that retail locations offer powertec items cheaper than their direct site, might even check Amazon. But in general, I can't imagine a garage gym at this point without a machine of the same caliber. I'm putting out a full detailed 1 year review beginning of August, if you want to wait and see my thoughts there.

[@burtbakerack1110]

Joe Gray - Awesome, that helps. Hoist is a little easier to find around here but they are sold locally. Still, the used market is thin and most stuff is still overvalued. Maybe I’ll just continue to watch the used market hoping to score a deal. What is it about the movement of the powertec you like so much?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Curtis Mitchell the overall function of the machine is just very smooth. The arms and cable system move great. But its really the multi function ability that always excites me. I can do multiple exercise varioations for each main body part on the unit. So decline to full overhead pressing, multiple row and shrug variations, squats, split squats, machine deadlift, and then everything with a high and low pulley. Nothing else out there, in my experience, is giving you the same bang for the buck, floor space, etc.

[@lonefoxbushcraft]

Are these just as good as barbell and dumbbells ? And what's your impressions on the powertec functional trainer ?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Lone Wolf In my opinion, not at all. This is a great compliment to a steady diet of barbell squats, bench press, and deadlifts. I'd never recommend solely a machine, unless under extreme health concern reasons and restrictions. No experience with their functional trainer, so I can't comment unfortunately.

[@MrWAVE4152]

Which is better, between Powertec Levergym and Powertec Multipress?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

MrWAVE4152 I've personally only used the lever gym, but from reading others reviews of the two and figuring what I wanted, here are a few things to consider. the lever gym is going to add a high and low pulley option, as well as the ability to use the station without the bench for squat variations, calf work, shrugs, etc. the multipress takes up a bit less room, and if you already have a lat tower of some kind is probably a decent trade off. other benefit of the lever gym, which simply comes from a wider footprint and heavier frame, is it's a bit more stable (this is what I've heard).

[@MrWAVE4152]

Gray Matter Lifting Thanks, now I've decided to buy lever gym because it's so versatile and save space.

[@WhistlerUK]

The lever arm is positioned slightly lower on the Multi press 2016 model, IMO this leads to a more natural flat bench press, where as with the LeverGym it feels like your pushing against the frame.

[@johnnylira3312]

I need that shit for benching. Can't do flat bench because my dogs can't spot me.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

For sure!

[@simoneorecchioni7352]

Power rack

[@losboxing7837]

these are excellent bang for the buck

[@GrayMatterLifting]

LOVE IT! Still going strong at this point.

[@Zach_Rowen]

How do Tricep Pushdowns feel on it? Also does the plate loaded dip attachment work with this model?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Zach Rowen no issues at all with triceps work. I do it regularly. I haven't used the plate loaded dip attachments, mostly due to space limitations, but I believe it attaches to the bench, so yes, it would work.

[@sacric1de]

QUESTION!!! I had one of these in the past, I liked it, considering another. However I had a issue with the left and right press arms being off center from where the bench sits, like by a few inches. Has this issue shown up on your model? I've read a few times of this popping up in reviews, curious if it was addressed by powertec

[@GrayMatterLifting]

sacricide X interesting! So I just went out and did some measurements. If I align the bench "visually" with what looks to be even with the back support of the lever gym unit, it's off by a solid inch or so. If I instead align it straight by using the feet and the floor piece of the lever gym, it's about as perfect as you could ask for. So I'd say the real win here in the new models, is that the bench is a stand alone bench, so it can be adjusted left or right, etc. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@charleschristian5628]

nice platform btw

[@DesignInNature]

Sounded like a very negative review of this machine. It was mostly cons. I was seriously considering this for my apartment set up. But now I’m a bit worried I should just keep going to the gym instead.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

DesignInNature I did say at the end that these were nitpicky. This thing is AWESOME for what it is and the price. There are a few glaring stupid issues like the weight storage, but it's an incredible piece for the price and size. If you check my instagram, this gets used daily. Is it comparable to a full commercial hammer strength line? Not at all. But that would require a warehouse. This needs about 10 feet.

[@scottgood7888]

I agree. The review made some good points that I'm glad were made. Especially the instability of the machine while squatting with no storage plates for stability. I'm also concerned about the racking on exercises, namely the bench press and squatting.

[@DesignInNature]

@@scottgood7888 Hi. It's been two years since my original comment on this machine. I went instead with a power rack. I no longer live in an apartment, but if I did, a squat stand/half rack would have been my choice. But Heavy benching and squating are the only two exercises that require such equipment. I got myself a full set of dumbbells 5-50 lbs, 3 kettle bells, and a very sturdy bench. I can tell you that I think I went a bit overboard, as just the dumbbells, a pull up bar and the bench would have sufficed in all honesty. We all let our desire for equipment overshadow our rationality. After 2 years of working out at home, I don't miss the gym at all. I spend most of my training time with the dumbbells, but I still find the track useful for the 2 exercises mentioned above. Best of luck.

[@jamesunderwood9100]

Captain negative!!!!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

What?