Speediance Gym Monster 2: First Look and Honest Review

[@hybridresistance]

I'm not sure Speediance liked this video, but I wanted to keep this video as real as possible. They also updated me that the web browser function I discovered was also not supposed to happen, so that is not a feature on the new units along with not coming stock with the new bluetooth handles featured. As always I'll keep everything updated on this video if there's any issues, news, or anything else of concern with the product. Let me know (as well as the company) think about this "version 2" of the Gym Monster or any other issues you're having with these.

[@JayB-JayB]

A very cool machine. Mike, I guarantee you that the company has watched your reviews of Version 1 to improve Version 2! Great channel! 🙂👍

[@hybridresistance]

@@JayB-JayB thanks Jay. Couple things I wish on this new model for sure.

[@Mrwatson185]

Great move from Speediance to give Mike an early version for an honest review. This is right up your alley and probably a direct overlap with your audience. Thanks Mike!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks so much.

[@Merciuh]

The Unitree Pump Max is being early released on kickstarter tomorrow! I think it's something you'd like if you haven't already looked into it. 70kg/150lbs per machine (most people will be buying 2 machines) and they have a custom bench/gym board that you can get and do every movement with. Much cheaper than other options like Beyond Voltra and Vitruvian too which is pretty great!

[@hybridresistance]

They reached out to me awhile back, but I really didn't want to do any paid promotional stuff or be tied down to specific talking points. I do have another very similar unit that I've had for over 2 months that I'll probably review soon.

[@Merciuh]

@@hybridresistance Great to hear! Is that the Voltra?

[@hybridresistance]

@@Merciuh not the Volta. Feel like that’s been covered already. Definitely cheaper though

[@rambojohn7118]

Hi Mike, I have 3 important questions: 1- Does the GM2 come with a ring to attach to the barbell to control the weight ? 2- Can the Rower be locked into a position or not, what I mean can it be locked when fully extended or in the middle so than the user can do Low rows better ? 3- Does the Rower feel like it’s better made than the last version ? Thanks Mike

[@hybridresistance]

@@rambojohn7118 1. The ring still goes on your finger (or at least that’s all I got) 2. No, the rower does not lock into place. 3. I can’t comment as I didn’t have the old one. The rower feels good, but I’d personally be worried about wear n tear about excessive use of the motor / cables. But that’s just me. Thanks for watching.

[@speediance9951]

Thanks for the great review! We’re excited to announce that Gym Monster 2 will officially launch on October 23rd! 🎉We can’t wait for you all to try it!

[@LeMaNa858]

Oh that's so nice ♥♥🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Will it be launch in Europe / Germany to the same time?

[@ThomasMueller90]

Will Gym Monster 1 be cheaper after Release of Gym Monster 2?

[@kyles8391]

I agree this looks like a v1.2 instead of 2.0. Since the beginning people have asked for a higher weight limit and a larger frame to accommodate taller users. When the machine launched it included smart handles so bringing them back is a 1.0 feature, not 2.0. Any changes to the display could be done on the 1.0 version since it's just a computer.

[@hybridresistance]

I'll be eagerly anticipating what they change on future models, but I with you that maybe the biggest issue here is just in the name of the new model.

[@rambojohn7118]

I noticed that there’s no Bluetooth clip for the barbell to turn the weight on and off. I do like the new handles. The price is high.

[@Tommy123653]

Was hoping for a bit more. Trying to decide between this and the new Echelon Strength Home which has a little higher resistance (well, conflicting info. Waiting to hear back for clarification) and comes with the smart handles. Only draw I can see for this over it is the no subscription fee. Decisions decisions.

[@hybridresistance]

I was told by them it does not come with smart handles.

[@RajeSharm]

Great review.thanks .

[@thomaskennedy7842]

Feel like they are missing an obvious potential upgrade insofar as the machine still does not have a true vertical pulldown. Cantilever it off the uprights. Use a heavy set screw to attach and a second set of pulleys. Done.

[@hybridresistance]

@@thomaskennedy7842 great point.

[@TomOhle1]

Cracked me up with the ghostbuster 1 and ghostbuster 2 logo! Great review - one question for you Mike.... I sometimes workout with my wife in the same room. It annoys her when I do a follow along workout and she can hear music and stuff coming from the workout. Does the Speediance allow you to tether to bluetooth headphones or does it only use it's own built in speaker in its audio system?

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks Tom. I was actually just thinking about you today and how you're doing. As far as I can tell you cannot (at least at this time) pair bluetooth headphones on the GM. So it does just use its own speaker sound system, which you can silence all together. And while I didn't try it, I was told you can connect or pair apple music to the system. I really waiting for them to simply allow you to stream say Spotify through their speaker. I'm not sure why they're not allowing that yet. I think it would sound great with the new sound system. Great to hear from you Tom and hope all is well with you and your wife.

[@hi1mham]

Users have been asking for more max weight and ability to do lat pulldowns and a taller machine. Very confused.🤔

[@hybridresistance]

I hear you. That why I think this maybe should be renamed something different as some of the main updated features are not there yet. For sure, still a great machine none the less.

[@mr.c6674]

The low height is my biggest concern.

[@kyles8391]

One of the reasons why I sold my Gym Monster

[@hybridresistance]

For sure depends on the person and needs. I think these are really ideal for people in apartments or want to maximize space.

[@markandrewkoval8920]

Bleh, I personally do not like tech integrated into fitness equipment. I’d like to see these kind of systems offer less tech heavy alternatives (analog controls, dials, etc.) for those of us who vehemently hate touch screens. Maybe in another decade or so when things pan out more and the tech hate becomes more mainstream

[@hybridresistance]

I can kind of relate to what you're saying because I would for sure be in favor of more physical controls. I will say of all the equipment I have, the one thing that everyone always marvels at is the Gym Monster. I had family over yesterday and ine of my high school nephews who into working out, was pretty shocked at what the machine could do and how it felt.

[@markandrewkoval8920]

@@hybridresistance nothing against using a motor for resistance; seems pretty interesting even if it doesn’t quite feel the same. Just the lack of control (clunky, awkward, easy to make mistakes) with touchscreens and software updates, company ability to enforce subscriptions and/or lock features of something you buy only to not truly own it

[@Zandian]

Well then this is obviously not for you. Buy some free weights and you’re good to go.

[@coaltowking]

Physical controls add significantly to manufacturing costs, are additional failure points, and limit the ability to make changes to the system in the future. That's why most things are getting rid of them.

[@markandrewkoval8920]

@@coaltowking conversely digital control is a great way to siphon more money from you & prevent you from owning said product. Digital obsolescence…don’t come crying to me when your machine no longer functions when updates are discontinued/you get forced to buy more updated version

[@markshenefelt7611]

if it had more weight it would be a win for sure

[@florian-schmidt]

Great comparison! However on FB Speediance posted that the 2.0 has a 12% smaller footprint than the 1.0. Is that good or bad? I found the 1.0 to be a tad small aready…

[@hybridresistance]

@@florian-schmidt I saw that as well but could honestly tell a difference between the two. I think it’s only shorter lengthwise on the platform but not in width. Which to me is fine for how it’s used.

[@florian-schmidt]

@@hybridresistance Thanks! Yes the length is not critical, as long as they didn‘t reduce the width. Sounds good!

[@maccam26]

My cable got caught in the button that you push to open the base this morning, guess that’s why they fixed it on version 2. I’m in the return 30 days on mine… think I’ll keep version 1 since I got it for under $2400, doubt I’ll pick up a gen 2 anywhere close to that

[@asbury2625]

I've wanted one since your first review, but have hesitated to buy it because I've read that their customer service is non-existent. Have you personally experienced or heard of poor customer service with this product? Are there any support offices based in the USA, or is everything based in China?

[@hybridresistance]

I covered this concern on a past video from a user's comment to me, but I was answered back in the comment section that their customer service was great. So I honestly have no idea, because I've not personally delt with it and have heard mixed things. But as far as I know, yes, everything is based over seas.

[@scotchbudmeister9018]

Another great review. Thanks!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for watching my friend.

[@balboa0621]

Thumbs up even before the video started. I hope they improved the cable life. As time has gone on, that has been a big problem with v1. But that price hike? That's a big NO for me.

[@hybridresistance]

@@balboa0621 definitely fill me in more on that. I’m not putting it through heavy use so that information would be great to hear.

[@Zandian]

@@balboa0621 from what I’ve been able to tell the cable will probably be the same as the most recent version available for the GM1, but the difference in the back of the GM2 appears to be easier access to be able to replace the cable when needed. They aren’t all that expensive to replace. I’ve done it on my GM1. But hopefully they’ve improved the access for when you have to do so.

[@Zandian]

You mention being able to load a browser. Any way to possibly add android apps, or simply a browser? Either way, might be cool to be able to pull up Netflix, Max. Etc videos while working.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Zandian from what I’m seeing the skeleton is there for all integration but really nothing that’s useful yet. I suspect this is where the updates hopefully come in to customize the media experience.

[@Zandian]

@@hybridresistance wondering if that can also come in an update to the version 1 or if this is a distinction with the version 2. Guess we will see. Thanks for the video!

[@markshenefelt7611]

Have you tried the Vitruvian. If so, which do you like more

[@hybridresistance]

@@markshenefelt7611 I haven’t tried it, but that’s mostly because I’d prefer something that had the top cable option. Those guys really need to make something similar.

[@chelseagriffeth9347]

@@hybridresistance ⁠​​⁠I think that’s my last determining factor between tonal vs oxefit vs Vitruvian vs Speediance… Of those 4, newest with the biggest package, would you get if you had no home equipment at all, for 2 teen girl gym rats and their old, lazy (former fitness junkie) parents? We’re doing this instead of a vacation for the fam Christmas gift.

[@chelseagriffeth9347]

That and a cardio machine. Which one should we get? Treadmill, elliptical, bike, etc.?

[@sobutterysmooth]

That is quick!

[@Zr0din]

Did he say they made the max weight higher?

[@hybridresistance]

Unfortunately no.

[@JayB-JayB]

6:50 🤣👍

[@Goetterdaemmerung]

Can you use an atx bench on that Thing too?

[@hybridresistance]

I assume you could.

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

at almost $3000 this thing should have at least 300lbs resistance

[@hybridresistance]

The next time around, they for sure need to jack up the weigh to at least 300lbs.

[@naegleriafowleri2230]

@@hybridresistance in 5 years maybe lol

[@goodbyetothepeople92]

Big fail not making the machine slightly taller and wider.

[@loulopez554]

Nice and not a huge footprint.

[@hybridresistance]

@@loulopez554 thanks Lou. And I still gotta get back to you on those other suggestions you sent me.

[@crocodilegamingtv1178]

Smh, i just bought a 1 smh.

[@hybridresistance]

The 1 might be a better play for the value

[@crocodilegamingtv1178]

@@hybridresistance thanks you.

[@stevenintexas6947]

Pretty useless review. You spent the first half talking about the appearance, speakers and sound volume. It’s supposed to be a machine for resistance training not a sound system.

[@hybridresistance]

I appreciate it my friend. I was really just talking about what was noticeably different to v1 which is why prefaced at the start I wasn't going to rehash everything from v1 and to check those videos out if you're interested in the base feature. Also just going in order in what I discovered in the first impressions. Regardless, I appreciate the comment and watching. God bless you brother.