The Compact Budget Functional Trainer From Bells of Steel - A Review

[@BELLSOFSTEEL]

Appreciate the in depth look at our trainer adrian 😁😁

[@Superman-xr1oh]

2:1 pull ratio, deal breaker for me.

[@freedomfitnessequipment]

Personally used and sold this trainer - it's more solid than many machines that are more expensive.

[@GlucksGym]

Always nice to have someone back me up!

[@majorgear1021]

How long did you have it before you sold it? And what was wrong with it that you decided to sell it?

[@steverapos3904]

I live north of Toronto and was able to try this out in their showroom - it is a great unit! I was going to buy it but there was a long backorder wait at the time so I ended up buying a used machine from another brand. Other cheap models I tried always seemed to have always have a down side - i.e. unstable, issues with the weight pin hitting the stack, bad weight ratios, resistance/friction in the pulley's that ruined light weight movements, etc (and some had more than 1 of these issues). For the price - the quality and function are fantastic.

[@andytomescu2968]

I'm also in the Toronto area (Hamilton) and was planning a trip to the Bells showroom but hate the traffic in this area. What used machine did you end up buying? Are you happy with it? I am hoping to find something around 1,500 out the door. I am also looking at the Inspire FTX and the Rep 3000.

[@steverapos3904]

@@andytomescu2968 I bought a body Craft HFT unit - also great quality. Inspire FTX should be good - the reviews are always good, but never used it. Also, if you can increase your budget and want an all in one the Inspire SF3 at Costco with the built in Smith machine is a great option.

[@SBOutrich]

I’ve had mine for about a 7 months now and it is great. Does the job for a cheap price. The assembly videos are clutch too on all there stuff.

[@murdog04]

Definitely adding a REP 6 post with the Aeres. Going to do it right the first time. Just waiting for REP to get some of their equipment back in stock. Thanks so much for the awesome review.

[@GlucksGym]

Thanks for the kind words! A 6 post Ares is a killer setup!

[@Jorge_Magallon]

Great review! Really enjoy this tips like the “gym pin” to relatively easily address any limitations a product might have.

[@AyoSoma]

I like my inspire SF3, the smith bar has a coupler on it that allows you to use a 1:1 ratio on the weight stacks

[@steverapos3904]

I also think that one is a great deal - how do you find doing squats on it? I would imagine it could be awkward starting from the bottom...

[@Chris-je2kx]

Did you ever review the plate loaded functional trainer that you alluded to @9:03?

[@fwiffo42]

Great review! Thanks for testing the stack connection. It looks like you’d need a longer d-handle or something like the modbar to make that work better. I’d also love to see much better use of the back of the unit for storage.

[@GlucksGym]

Bells makes their own connector but I don't own it. Agreed, they could do better with the storage but it seems like all of these units could.

[@fwiffo42]

@@GlucksGym absolutely on the storage. At this price range it’s all very minimal.

[@hyg71886]

Honestly my dream setup for a functional trainer is similar to what you have which is where I got the idea. Have the ares separate from my power rack but I can see how a lot of people will like this

[@GlucksGym]

I like the 3 in 1 of the Ares but a good dedicated unit (or 2 in this case) would be better but obviously take up much more space.

[@williegarcia3945]

The pull up bar reminds me of the black widow one I own. Having said that I have the same issue

[@timmynguyen6121]

Your review is very entertaining. Thanks

[@RoryEllisMusic]

This may actually be perfect for my brother-in-law. He wants one for his garage and he’s not super into lifting so he’s looking for something a little bit cheaper and this looks like it would be a pretty good one. I’ll send him your affiliate link.

[@GlucksGym]

Hahaa my kinda guy!

[@SBOutrich]

It’s a nice piece of equipment. I see and feel no difference between this or something in a gym

[@bradalessi1692]

Any thoughts on the inspire SF3? Seems to be a great functional trainer with a smith machine. Costco usually has it at a discounted price. $2,000-$2,500

[@keithhoneycutt2324]

Random Comment Idk what I would do on a functional trainer. I keep toying with the idea of getting rid of the reverse hyper but have yet to find anything more useful to me with similar foot print

[@GlucksGym]

If you got rid of that I'd still recommend a combo unit in it's place. Ours has done wonders for both our backs. Wynie also said after watching this, how many "random comment"s will you get 😂

[@spencerd1079]

I prefer the Inspire FTX, I think it is a little more compact and my opinion just looks better. You also cannot beat the price at Costco

[@codyhuffman9886]

I was lucky and caught a sale for one back in November and I want to say after purchasing a Costco membership paying for the machine and taxes about 1550-1600 dollars. I kind of wish I would have held out for a unit like this one with aluminum pulleys though.

[@steverapos3904]

FTX is an amazing deal! I tried both, main thing BoS has is the pulley's are farther apart and the chin up bar has more angles. BoS with the aluminum pulley's is a little smoother but it is really immaterial as Inspire is more than smooth enough. Overall, with the bench and accessories added the FTX is the best value out there for a good quality functional trainer.

[@ryanbarker4573]

Thanks for a solid review! I was going to choose this over Titan's based on price but they just had a 20% off sale for Valentines Day so I snatched it for $2000 :)

[@tysonlarson1294]

Where did you see the 20% off?

[@ryanbarker4573]

It was a special Valentines Day sale.@@tysonlarson1294

[@majorgear1021]

How was your experience with the Titan FT? I mean assembling it and such.

[@majorgear1021]

Since my basement gym is short of floor space, I’m torn between getting a BOS pulley system for my Titan rack (if it is compatible) and getting a func trainer for the versatile pulley system. Thought on pulley system vs BOS func trainer? I’d also prefer the plate loaded version so that I can use the plates that I already own!

[@scooobyj8714]

BOS has been on absolute 🔥🔥🔥 this last year and a half to two years. They have been pumping out some awesome equipment. Not a functional trainer, but I just got their curl bar. It is top notch.

[@GlucksGym]

Which curl bar? I've got all of theirs (yes, all 😂).

[@scooobyj8714]

@@GlucksGym I got the EZ curl bar 47”. That is all that was in stock. I am used it for the first time last week. It is great quality. Much better than the one I got on OfferUp during the Covid lock down.

[@GlucksGym]

Gotcha. Yeah that one's not bad! Wynie uses it mostly because I always use my Rogue one

[@scooobyj8714]

@@GlucksGym so far it has been great. The rogue curl bars are nice. Especially because you can get them in a customs cerakote color.

[@GlucksGym]

They're also like twice the price 😬

[@sanfordzeitz9077]

Price difference aside, which would you prefer-the Bells of Steel FT or the Rep 5000 2.0 (the new update to the 5000)? The Rep is 11 gauge steel and has 212 pounds on each stack, but as pointed out has the higher 12.5 pounds minimum weight.

[@GlucksGym]

I'd take the FT 5000 for the build quality upgrades and the fact the 12.5lbs wouldn't bother me much but my wife would not be happy with that starting weight. It's a nice machine but at 600+ price difference that's a good chunk of change.

[@sanfordzeitz9077]

@@GlucksGym Thanks!

[@bulletprooff1k]

@@GlucksGym hi im mainly buying a ft for cable flys. I was going to buy this one but noticed the 5000 is wider. Is it over kill when it comes to cable flys? Im looking for a ft wide enough for cable flys. They always taken at gym

[@GlucksGym]

I think the Bells FT and both versions of Rep's FT are wide enough for flyes. We're working on our review of the Rep FT 3000 still

[@kznsky14]

I'm glad you tried to pull it over on yourself. Having 3 kids this is always one of my worries with these.

[@GlucksGym]

That's what I was thinking with my son. He always tries to load things up and pull on them

[@steverapos3904]

Some of the cheap competitor FT machines in this price range are way less stable and could actually tip - BoS machine is soo solid consider it is a smaller unit that goes to 160

[@gariejoyce5263]

You said that the gym pin pro D handle doesn’t work well, but at the start of the video you seem to be doing neutral close grip pulldowns with it just fine. The gym pin pro doesn’t have to be the exact same width as the functional trainer, as long as it connects the pulleys will swivel into position. You will get the same resistance Whichever direction the pulleys swivel within 180° .Thats exactly the way it fits on my Functional trainer, and i have zero complaints when doing rows, and pulldowns .

[@GlucksGym]

The issue is with the width of the trainer. The first plate has to be a few inches in the air as the sides a bit far the Pro D handle. The handle itself is a great attachment.

[@gariejoyce5263]

@@GlucksGym all you would have to do is add another carabiner per side ( carabiner centipede ) for some length without worrying about the first plate lifting up.its really a very simple fix. I didn’t want the person that ask the question to think it doesn’t really work, because you didn’t tell them the simple fix. I have the FTE functional trainer by inspire fitness. Its a little narrower than the BOS so the D handle just fits with the one carabiner per side.

[@GlucksGym]

If I added 3 per side that may work but I tend to not suggest fixes and modifications in reviews because the videos would get exceptionally long if I went into detail on every possible thing and nobody is going to watch specific fixes on niches inside of niches. Also it's not really an important part of this product as it's an adjacent accessory not the functional trainer itself.

[@gariejoyce5263]

@@GlucksGym ok makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the reply, and keep up the good work 💪🏾

[@mike3g841]

What size Gym pin does it use, 5/16 or 3/8. Thanks

[@CaptZenPetabyte]

It would be great to get something like this to be able to be weatherproof; Im here in Australia & prefer to do my gym stuff outside

[@Bloozguy]

2:1 ratio... I thought that meant it comes out 2 inches for ever 1 inch of upward travel? Not sure if that converts to lifting 1/2 the weight? If it was 1:1, you wouldn't get very far with it, would you?

[@alexislandry4827]

Is there a huge difference between single and dual stack for muscle growth while using both handles at the same time?

[@thiagovalle]

Curious what your take is on Force USA? Wondering if you’ve been able to try a one of their machines somewhere. Haven’t personally seen you mention them and am curious if you have thoughts about the G3 or even the G9, in comparison to the units you mentioned in this review. Congrats on the channel and what you’ve built!

[@GlucksGym]

Haven't had enough personal experience to feel that I'm really qualified to give much of an opinion. Hopefully someday we have that kind of reach!

[@thiagovalle]

@@GlucksGym 🤞🤞

[@scrappylifter8318]

I could research this myself, but want to do my part to help the algorithm...are there any functional trainers that also have a set up for barbell bench, squat, and deadlift? Is that the Hydra? I'm trying to stay in the same footprint as my residential power rack and use stack pulley in place of my plate loaded lat pull down that's in the power rack.

[@GlucksGym]

There are some each setups that have trainers wtf built into them. Do you mean kind of like a 6 post Ares?

[@scrappylifter8318]

@@GlucksGym maybe? Just wondered if there’s a functional trainer that you can put Jcups on and squat and bench, that the functional trainer part doesn’t get in the way. I’m not saying this well. Think I’ll scroll through some of your past reviews. You’re very thorough so I know you would have addressed the capability.

[@GlucksGym]

Yeah the Ares could work or something like Bells plate loaded functional trainer but it's kinda short (and still in development) but there's others

[@davesjkim]

anyone know product Gluck is using at 00:00:39 to hook both ends of the cable machine clips to?

[@GlucksGym]

Gluck might 😁 it's a Gym Pin Pro 30" d handle. gluck.fit/GymPin code gluck saves 10‰

[@davesjkim]

​@@GlucksGym thanks for the reply! been looking for something like this for my setup

[@JustSheilz]

This one actually looks doable in my basement! Im going to have to double check my height measurements tho.

[@GlucksGym]

One of the big appeals to it IMO is it still feels like a fully functional trainer vs some others that sacrifice in this price range

[@bobbyhunt3009]

Hey Man, What stand alone FT is the best value in your opinion? I think this BOS unit might be it. REP's 2.0 upgrade was more of a "horizontal" grade instead of an "up" grade LOL. Then there is Titan, but Titan is Titan so I will pass on that one. Rogue isn't even in the running with their $6,500 price tag. People that buy that machine have so much money that it doesn't matter who has the best deal. I could say the same thing about Rogue's lat pulldown/Row machine, right at $4,000 to your door. Prices like that turns a home gym company into a Sorinex type company that sell to universities, pro teams, and commercial gyms. IMO, it's either the REP FT 5000 or this BOS unit and I'm not sure which I would buy if I was in the market. My friend however is in the market and U are the most honest reviewer out there, so with him trying to stay under $2,500 which FT stand alone should he buy? Thnkx, Man and Take Care, say Hey to Wynie

[@steverapos3904]

If you are ok with a smaller one - inspire FTX is the best value - sells at Costco for like 1,500 (actually on sale for 1,200 right now) - it also comes with a bench and accessories too

[@GlucksGym]

I'd probably go Rep 3000 or Bells in this price range. No offense to Inspire's, there's a lot of people who love it and you can't argue with the price but it just doesn't feel the same quality or build imo.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

@@steverapos3904 I appreciate the input. Thnkx man

[@bobbyhunt3009]

@@GlucksGym U Know I love REP but comparing the two I like BOS's machine better, it looks sharper. Sorry, I haven't sent my Patreon money yet but it's coming. Long story Thnkx man

[@GlucksGym]

Kinda funny because I thought Reps is the better looking one. Hahaha no worries. We don't expect anything from anyone.

[@GravyBoat]

Gym pin size for this?

[@squealer42]

I can fix my shoulder problem by getting into cross-fit? Awesome! Is there a functional trainer flipping entrance exam, or are all apprentices welcome?

[@GlucksGym]

There is an entrance exam, it's very difficult. Unfortunately XFit didn't help my shoulders 😬

[@tysonlarson1]

What do you think of the XMARK 7626?

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

Looks like a solid option! Also glad you didn’t succeed in crushing yourself when you attempted to flip it😅 great video!

[@GlucksGym]

I'm also very glad I failed 😂

[@cmv07]

Does this mean it does not need to be bolted to a wall or floor?

[@sdrawkcabvag]

Given the height and kind of crowded footprint, are you able to hang rings for this or is it better to have a separate space for that?

[@timbr3104]

You end up close to the floor, but yes, it's possible to hang rings from this thing.

[@CaptainThemerica]

There’s a store by my daughter’s daycare called Glück Tea. Never shopped there, but it makes me think of gym equipment every time I drop her off. Hopefully that was random enough for the algorithm.

[@GlucksGym]

That was very random. That's our other KZbin channel

[@timfritton469]

Congrats on your fitness modeling career!

[@royramdas7298]

That a great machine for the price. But I pick up the inspire FTC for 799$ at Costco. Hopefully I will get the space for a REP one day.

[@GlucksGym]

Hard to argue for $800, what a friggin deal!

[@jimbopetrella]

What model is it?

[@thatagentkelly]

great video. do i need to bolt this down? Thanks!!

[@timbr3104]

I have this unit. No, it does not need to be bolted down. I'm 160 lbs and I've played with TRX style suspension off of that pull up bar without any instability concerns.

[@Sobersunrise]

Great video!

[@GlucksGym]

Thank you!

[@gratefuldad]

What’s your thoughts on TRX system?

[@FPShkED]

I'm still lost at what trainer to buy.

[@djbakasan]

What’s the bar you use at 0:39 mark that allows for all the accessory spacing? I could see that being SO handy for a bunch of different movements.

[@GlucksGym]

Gym Pin Pro d handle 30". gluck.fit/GymPin code Gluck saves 10%

[@djbakasan]

Ha you feature it later in the video… my bad for jumping into the comments immediately :D

[@GlucksGym]

That's ok, me and the algorithm thank you 😂

[@ginaruck1342]

This looks like a great option for my basement gym, and the price point is low enough I think I could talk my husband into it lol!

[@GlucksGym]

Hahaha. Good to see it goes the other way and it's not just me convincing my wife

[@majorgear1021]

Get 2 , I’ll send you my shipping address.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

Great Review The parts of the machine look nice and I really like this machine but I have two reservations about this product. The low gauge of steel used and the small weight stack. Most men want a sturdy, solid machine with that 200 lb. stack (at least 200 lbs.) but I get it, they felt they had to keep it under $2k. I'm still on the fence whether I'd get it. Just saw the new REP FT 5000 2.0 and as much as I love REP they sure messed up on that upgrade. The 2.0 is the 1.0, except with cheap looking alum. pulleys added and etched numbering on the uprights. Just when REP looks like they're gonna take the podium and stand beside Rogue, they make something like the FT 5000 2.0 upgrade where they droped the ball completely. REP's lack of slamming the door on the FT market when they had the chance put BOS back in the FT running. BOS could've taken a big jump on companies if they came out with the best FT but they give us this budget friendly one. Nobody wants to take over the FT market IMO because they think most home gym owners either cannot afford FT's or they don't have the space for them so the Ares is top dog and they think why bother to create something most are not gonna buy. Just my opinion Take Care, Man

[@richardmather1906]

"most home gym owners . . . don't have the space for them" Exactly. Even where the price is doable, the space is not. At least, not without getting rid of the power rack. And having to choose between them, most will take the power rack.

[@johnnyguitar4391]

Coupon code is dead, any new one?

[@GlucksGym]

Thought I edited they out of the description. Sorry about that it was a limited deal

[@zachanderson9649]

Would love to see this in a future Massenomics gym tour.

[@GlucksGym]

I would love to conduct a team Gluck Massenomics gym tour

[@johnrobertson4131]

Discount code didn’t work?

[@GlucksGym]

It was good for a week. Guess it ran out

[@dobromirgospodinov2042]

Better than inspire?

[@GlucksGym]

Feels a little more fully functioned and a bit more robust IMO

[@stevenarvizu3602]

One thing that really bothers me is the lack of mid tier price points in the home gym market. Some companies have tried, but there seems to be only two true options when it comes to full gym ecosystems; either money is no worry 3-5 thousand dollar per machine, or “I have no money” 200$ pieces of crap that aren’t compatible with anything and are subpar at best. I’m really waiting for a company that makes 1. A modular ecosystem so you can build out a gym with the specific equipment you want without worrying about compatability, and 2. A price point that isn’t so cheap that it’s borderline dangerous, but isn’t so expensive that I need to start pinching pennies to save up for it. When that company exists, they can have all my money.

[@steverapos3904]

I think Titan and BoS are trying to fill that space - although the cost still adds up quickly

[@GlucksGym]

I think that's what both are attempting to do. Rep has inched towards higher end consumer and your big "budget" are Bells and Titan

[@LukesGarageGym]

Sick!!!

[@GainsDepartment]

Chest looking JUICY in the thumbnail

[@GlucksGym]

Hahhaha. This wins best comment

[@kkce1111]

inspire ftx is 1199 at cosco so it would be the cheapest

[@GavinBrown]

[3:00] 160 lbs -> 80 lbs -> 36 kgs It just keeps getting smaller and smaller...

[@GlucksGym]

The match checks out 😂

[@GavinBrown]

@@GlucksGym But not the spelling...

[@GlucksGym]

You'd think I'd spell check but here we are

[@GavinBrown]

@@GlucksGym More comments for the KZbin algorithm, so all good.

[@avinashtyagi2]

Rep Ares photobombing the entire video

[@GlucksGym]

Hahaha always looking for attention

[@myyrkezaan]

A better comparison than the Rep Ares would have been the Rep Athena.

[@GlucksGym]

True but the Ares was in view of the camera 😂 and they share alot of similarities

[@myyrkezaan]

​@@GlucksGym Was wondering if closeness was a factor :). They do share a lot of similarities, price is not one of them :).

[@baylee0831]

wait ur 6 feet tall?

[@runiniscrazy]

He's 6ft with shoes on. After decompressing with gravity boots and adding on a few cm of hope and dreams.

[@baylee0831]

@@runiniscrazy LMAOOOOO

[@baylee0831]

@@runiniscrazy i’ve known him irl for like… 8(?) years and i had no idea he was 6’ until rn

[@GlucksGym]

​@@baylee0831I tower over you little girl! How tall do you think I am?!

[@baylee0831]

@@GlucksGym idk like 5’10 idk!!

[@Jeremy2A]

You definitely missed a lot of small unit jokes 😂

[@GlucksGym]

Sometimes I behave but it next lasts

[@carps_gym]

🥈

[@metalaxe416]

Random comment for the algorithm 🤗

[@GlucksGym]

True supporters watch the full video 😁

[@Wellster]

5th comment

[@MrBlueacara]

I miss the funny intros!!

[@GlucksGym]

They were so much work 😢

[@ultrablue937]

nicw

[@shahaf75]

Random comment for the KZbin Algorithm

[@GlucksGym]

The best viewers watch until the end 😁

[@baylee0831]

first