SAM'S REVIEW: ATX® Compact Leg Press | ATX-CLP-700

[@69sergiosanchez]

This is just perfect timing as I'm in the market of getting leg press for my home gym.

[@powerplanthomegym]

Nice review! Been eyeing up one of these for my home gym 💪🏻

[@balboa0621]

Very useful explanation as to what makes this different from the powertec. Great job. A couple of points, though: This doesn't have a ROM limiter pin that many other models. Also, other brands have done away with the spring mechanism at the start of the set because it was a massive pain during assembly.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

In my opinion, and it is just an observation as I haven't actually seen or used the latest version of the Powertec Leg Sled, it still looks mainly like the last models I did import. The running gear looks the same. It would be like comparing a brand new car with a 8 or 10 year old model (both brand new of course). However unlike cars, the new technology actually works and adds to longevity - not gimmicks like seat warmers etc. They have taken the Powertec design and made it better over at least 4 revisions. Take for example the pop pins - the Powertec ones are cheap. ATX have made custom ones that will last longer. It uses a bolt for the start/stop mechanism latch. Just compare all these little features. In regards to the ROM limiter, that was a recent addition to Powertec. All the machines I imported never had one. I have never failed a rep on the sled. If you are using it properly and using correct form, you can cheat your last rep - driving through the balls of your feet versus your heel. Plus the lowest start stop position is pretty low so can lock out if you can't make it. It is probably one of the safest machines out there. In regards to the start/stop mechanism, the ATX comes in a crate. The seat section is pre-assembled.

[@tomaskuzma856]

Can you help me how to add more weight on older powertec leg sled?

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

Here is an article I did a long time ago - samsfitness.com.au/gym-equipment-articles/powertec-compact-leg-sled-weight-capacity/ That was before the thin style powerlifting plates - samsfitness.com.au/equipment/weights/powerlifting-plates/ - were readily available. We only sell IPF approved ones now. But the market is literally flooded with non-ipf approved ones now. If you look you could probably grab 4 x 25kg ones on the cheap. That is an easy way to add more weight. Or you can slot an Olympic bar behind the seat - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jaXTfmeHe7iAbMk - which would be the least preferred method. Honestly you have seen the size and strength of Lee's legs. If your legs aren't the size or strength of Lee's then don't worry. Lee always preaches about higher reps, especially on this machine. Go hard on barbell squats.

[@patfish3291]

I have to choose between the vertical and this compact leg press from ATX. Which would you get? thx

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

I have not used the Vertical Leg Press yet, but I can already tell the answer. My preference would always be the Compact Leg Press. The 30 degree angle feels so much better for me compared to a 45 degree leg press. It is easier on the knees, you can get better ROM and I prefer doing the exercise upright instead of on my back. The Vertical Leg Press will be a niche machine for old school bodybuilders. I am sure there will be some new trainers discovering this machine. Reckon they will be really good for hammys too.

[@patfish3291]

@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust Thx Sam for your long answer. I have to measure my space again :D It sounds like the only real pro of the vertical leg press is its small footprint.

[@nickc3365]

So how do i get this in canada. This is easily the heighest weight rated compact leg sled ive seen.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

Sorry! ATX have not launched in North America yet. They said they are planning to set up operations over there soon. I have not heard of any dates yet though.

[@jmartinez19944]

what are your thought on the hammer strength plate loaded linear hack press?

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

I have never used one myself. They look great, but they are probably 4 times the price of this machine.

[@dertrendtrader]

Thanks to this review I’ve ordered one.

[@dertrendtrader]

I got mine and love it! Really knees friendly.

[@ricardodesouza1605]

I noticed on the model before this one that the footplate had a section that could be lifted up to do calves. Has the lower plate been completly removed on this updated version?

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

Yes, the base section was removed, you don't really use it. So now you just do calves off the cut off section. Really clever. It reduces cost without affecting functionality. The old Powertec one in the video had a crooked footplate. They were often off center because the plate was so large and it only had one central connection point at the base. If the bends of the brackets were slightly off, the plate would look crooked. On the ATX it has 2 really solid supports either side. The manufacturing techniques have come such a long way.

[@ricardodesouza1605]

@@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust That's a pity, the previous footplate idea was in my opinion, better. In France it's still sold with just the 30mm horns, you have to buy the 50mm sleeves separate, but it's not so expensive. I have to decide between this machine and the powertec updated leg press....tuff decision.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

@@ricardodesouza1605 The only time I ever used the bottom of the footplate was for single legged, partial reps for knee rehab/prehab. On this new design I can get the same effect by just changing the angle of the footplate. Trust me it would not have been changed if it served a meaningful purpose. The Powertec Leg Press is great and was one of their machines that still was selling before I stopped importing Powertec into Australia. But it does highlight the difference between the 2 brands. Powertec are still using the same roller system and design that has been used for 10 years. ATX have so many advancements. The best example is the pop pin on Powertec back rest. They are cheap and generic. Still do the job. But ATX have their own custom pin that has evolved. But the Powertec is still a tank and great to use.

[@ricardodesouza1605]

@@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust Thankyou for your response.

[@ricardodesouza1605]

I just realised the back of the seat is no longer adjustable.

[@richardgleeson83]

Is this better than the latest powertec leg sled? Or is it essentially the same thing?

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

I haven't seen or used the latest Powertec Leg Sled. It appears to be using the same rollers as the Powertec sled in my video. The ATX rollers are better. The new sled appears to use these style pop pins - samsfitness.com.au/equipment/pop-pin-m16-30mm-8/ - the ATX ones are better. I could keep going, but from the pictures of the latest Powertec sled it just doesn't have the same quality parts. The build quality is great and it is a quality product. From my experience dealing with both companies, ATX have the ability to improve their range at a quicker pace than their competition. In my situation selling both items up until 2020, my customers choose the ATX products because they were superior. That is why I stopped selling Powertec. My customers stopped buying Powertec. It is still a great company and Scott is very knowledgeable and passionate about the product.

[@JP-vq7wg]

Where can I buy this in the U.S.?

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

Unfortunately ATX do not sell into the US at the moment. They are looking to start soon though. No dates as yet.

[@mr.t4471]

Do you know where or when we can see other reviews?

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

Sorry I am not sure, that is why I am doing them so people have more info. Honestly selling gym equipment is a bloody hard way to make money. I could make way more money for less time doing a lot easier jobs. I do it for 2 reasons. I love training. And because I have the 2 best brands in the world for their market segments. Not sure if you saw this video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYPUiKV3iZZ6j8k I hate doing these videos and seeing my head on the screen. You never see me on our main channel. The only reason I do them is because I know the equipment is the best. After covid so many people started selling equipment and a lot of it is shit. People come in and see ours and say they wish they knew about it before buying the rubbish. Let us know if you have anymore specific questions. We can provide extra information if you need it.

[@mr.t4471]

@@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust thanks for the link to the video. In some reviews/videos it is not shown how the range of motion really is. I’m all in for deep stretch and full ROM.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

@@mr.t4471 Sweet, the picture didn't stay up for long but if you pause here you can see the range - kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3vLoJd-eqeVldEsi=21XPzpR8pjt_MzE7&t=14 - you can see I can go deeper. The picture is kind of deceptive. It looks as though I am parallel. But if you did an ass to ankle measurement, and applied that distance to a squat, I think I would be below parallel. ROM is an issue on a lot of the cheaper versions. We had a customer come in last week who had tried one of the cheaper ones and said ROM was an issue. The guide rails stop well above the footplate.

[@nev7734]

Sam would you say this machine puts less stress on the back and knees than the compact belt squat? I currently do lever arm squats but my working weight is results in many days of knee and back soreness.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

That is tough one Nev. First up I have had the same problem. Really bad knee pain from training and some very mild sprint training. Honestly felt like I was up for a double knee replacement. Knees would throb with pain in bed. But I have worked my way back....... At the moment I am using the leg sled because I am training with my 16 year old son. It is just easier to nail the form for him. But next up I will definitely use the belt squat for a solid 2-3month program. The sled was definitely the easiest way for me to work my way out of my knee issues. The 45 degree leg press was good too, but we got the new sled in and I just kept using it. Barbell squats and leverage squats were more painful. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT PART. You need to work out the cause of your pain. In my case I have genetically weak VMO's - apparently 25% of people do. So I do exercises that work on that. As I have got older I just get so tight. My quads and hips especially. On instagram follow Squat University - there all tests to work out where you are tight. I stretch at least twice a day. Plus I do quick stretches whenever I get a chance. This week I upped my weight on the leg sled. Next day I was expecting knee pain and I haven't got any. My advice is sort your issue out. If I wasn't doing the stretching neither a belt squat or a leg sled would do the trick. I also understand how it can kill you not to bust a gut in the gym. Pushing myself in the gym is the drug I am addicted to. How I solved that was Dr Mike on Renaissance Periodization did a good video on training for old farts. Basically you can actually get better results from doing slow controlled reps with lighter weights for higher reps. Find a weight and rep range that doesn't hurt and start building from there. Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forward. Anyway good luck mate and let us know how you go.

[@dertrendtrader]

It’s better for knees and back. I have both machines in addition to a slipped disc in my youth, I also have a painful knee from playing handball.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

@@dertrendtrader Are you talking about the sled? I don't know what it is about the sled - I did not think the angle would make such a difference - but I find I get the least by quite a margin knee pain on it. But ultimately I need to spend more time stretching my old body!!

[@dertrendtrader]

@@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust Yes, the ATX Compact Leg Press. A 45degree Leg Press is pure pain for knees, lower degree is way better. Alternatively, presses that have a curved shape, such as the Cybex Squatt press, are also good for the knees. However, this is 5 times more expensive and very difficult to obtain. I love my ATX Compact Press for both, quads and calves. A must have for a homegym, if you have the money and the space.

[@samsfitnessaust]

@@dertrendtrader You would be surprised how hard it was to sell the Powertec sleds (Megatec/ATX was not making them at that time) because you could not load massive amounts of weight. Even I could lift a fully loaded sled with the shittest form, but I would not feel it in my quads. Brad had one of the best workouts - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKOZZX6MmbiefNk - the video does not do his legs justice. He won "Best Legs" when he competed in his state (not tested either) so he was a serious lifter. 13 years ago when this was filmed I had 3 kids under 3 years old, so I was a fat mess and not training properly. But I did that workout with him and it nearly killed me. Still with plenty of room to add more weight!

[@Blitz88ITA]

on the majority of sites the weight horns of this clp-700 are still the 30mm version , why?

[@david61136]

I also noticed this

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

Funny you mention this today. This morning I checked the ATX bulletin and it had the following message: "The ATX-CLP-700 now has a 50 mm weight plate holder. This also applies to goods that are already in stock and available in our shop. Even if the descriptions and pictures show it in 30mm. Pictures and descriptions will be updated in the next few days. " Europa is experiencing massive delays with shipping. One of the few advantages of doing business in Australia is that we have pretty good shipping times from China. So we often get new items before the Germans - like the WSX-680. Plus I think too it is big job getting so many new items set up and photographed.

[@david61136]

@@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust good to know, thanks for the insightful response

[@verablack3137]

Why call these leg presses instead of hack squats or hack press? It looks to be a baby version of a Hammer Strength Linear Hack Press, isn't your body position supposed to be with a straight back in a leg press? Either way the Hammer Strength Linear Hack Press is my favorite hack squat, so I bet I would love one of these at home.

[@samsfitnessgymequipmentaust]

In the internet age, you have to name things based on what people are searching. So in this case compact leg press is the most suitable. The original Powertec version was called the Powertec Leg Sled. A lot of people used to refer to them as hip sleds as well. The best way to describe the machine is that it is in between a 45 degree leg press and hack squat machine. You are in a 30 degree position, so it is closer toward a leg press.

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