The Truth About The Mikolo M4 Smith Machine: A Review 6 Months Later

6 months ago I got my first Smith Machine the Mikolo M4 Smith Machine and I was ecstatic about it! It was a huge step up from my first two ventures into home gym cage style hardware.
My first cage was the Fitness Reality 810xlt Super Max Power Cage and then 3 years later I got a Sunny Health and Fitness Power Zone Strength Rack. After 6 months with the M4 I developed some strong feelings about this guy and in this video I tell you exactly what they are. If you wanna hear my pro's and con's of this Mikolo M4 Smith Machine after 6 months hit the play button check it out and let me know if you have any questions in the comments. Love and peace everybody. Out!
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Vern Cowles | Usawa Fitness
[e-mail]
Mikolo Smith Machine, 2200lbs Squat Rack with LAT-Pull Down System & Cable Crossover Machine, Training Equipment with Leg Hold-Down Attachment（2023 Version）amzn.to/3rWN6tx
Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage | Optional Lat Pull-down Attachment and Adjustable Leg Hold-down amzn.to/2LmIiZ5
Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage | Optional Lat Pull-down Attachment and Adjustable Leg Hold-down | Power Cage Only amzn.to/37nsrSo
Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Strength Rack Power Cage amzn.to/3TSpdeH
ER KANG LAT Tower, LAT Pull Down and LAT Row Cable Machine
amzn.to/47pwOcB
LIONSCOOL 7ft Olympic Bar for Weightlifting and Power Lifting, 2 Inch Barbell Bar for Squats, Deadlifts, Presses, Rows and Curls, 700LBS Weight Capacity amzn.to/3JKpmhi
100LBS Swivel Swing Powerful Magnetic Hooks(6Pack) Black Magnetic Swivel Hooks Heavy Duty Magnet Hook Magnetic amzn.to/3FnUVfJ
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links in this description are affiliate links. I'll earn a small commission if you make a purchase and it's no additional cost to you.

[@vernita8672]

So, I have to admit that this is one of the most thorough reviews I’ve ever seen, but I guess it’s because you’re a physical fitness trainer so you’ve used it as well as watch those who you train. I appreciate your honesty as well as providing a hack to deal with one of the cons you mentioned. A definite plus to make this a purchase for myself. What can I say, professional, thorough and it’s apparent that Fitness is important to you. Keep doing what you do.

[@UsawaFitness]

Thank you for watching and the kind words! I'm glad you found my video so helpful. Thank you for the Super Thanks too! 🙏🏾❤️

[@bbreon75]

I've been wanting this M4 for awhile now but haven't pulled the trigger. Your review just made my mind up for me. Thanks!

[@UsawaFitness]

I really like it man. Those independent pulleys are clutch!

[@disaster6467]

the new version of this machine fixed all the issue mentioned in this video, no need to evenly add the weight on the cables, also they added safety stoppers for the hooks on the bar, so you cant miss the hooks anymore because the bar wont rotate all the way, and the landmine can be installed on the side of the machine, so the Olympic bar can be used on the side without having to clear space in front of it.

[@UsawaFitness]

Yep they updated it soon after this video. Great brand!

[@BBrown-km5mi]

​​@@UsawaFitnesswhen u say they updated it, did they make the adjustments by making another machine, or they just adjusted the M4 so that now when u purchase one, they no longer have those issues mentioned in your video?

[@UsawaFitness]

@@BBrown-km5mi They fixed the issues and swapped in new parts so when you buy the current model you get the fixes.

[@GrizzlyDan76]

Your 6 month video review of the Mikolo M4 has helped me out immensely! Especially when having to choose from multiple home gym systems out there. The convenience of a home gym is crucial for me when it comes to work/ life balance. As side note, it appears Mikolo may have addressed the pulley issue by swapping out that janky rubber ball and metal protector with a more ergonomic stopper design that doesn’t get caught up or scratched. I hope the other main issues have been corrected because I’m about to hit that order button! Sub’d and great review! Thanks again! Keep up the good work brother!

[@UsawaFitness]

Yep they fixed most everything I mentioned! I'm about to start work on my 1 year review. If you haven't already help me out and use my Amazon link if your ordering from Amazon. 🙏🏾

[@louie_4848]

Great review! I just bought one and it's awesome so far. Thanks for confirming free range squats are doable with the j hooks. They must have seen your review because they put stoppers on the slides to stop the bar from rotating!!

[@UsawaFitness]

I heard they upgraded it! That makes a good thing even better! Congrats. Please hit me put up and let me know what you think of it along the way.

[@DraxthemScounze]

Just bought the m4 from Walmart during the $999 sale. Thanks for the great reviews!

[@UsawaFitness]

Looks like a lot of people are finding em there. I can't wait to hear what you think. Please check back in!

[@DraxthemScounze]

@@UsawaFitness Just like your setup, I skipped putting the MIKOLO covers on the top! My rack has an issue with one of the smith machine slides clicking as I move the smith bar up and down, but overall the rack is great. I wish there was more storage options for all the extra accessories. During my setup, I applied silicone lubricant on all the bars and pulleys where things are moving to make it all glide smoothly.

[@carrolllindler9348]

You still killin' it V!!! Stay prayed up and devil free!

[@UsawaFitness]

Thanks Carroll!

[@canecorsorex1407]

Got one. Installed it today. Thanks.

[@UsawaFitness]

Congrats Terry! Please let me know what you think! I'm about to drop my one year review soon.

[@natalieteppert6114]

This was so helpful for me - thank you!!

[@UsawaFitness]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@user-ys3xx8yc8t]

Very thorough, as always!!

[@UsawaFitness]

Thank you! ♥️

[@vernita8672]

Thanks!

[@UsawaFitness]

Wow! A super thanks? Thank you so much! ♥️

[@sirscrooge6607]

Ok finally found a real review! Thanks

[@UsawaFitness]

Glad it was helpful!

[@killerkhatiby009]

How's the height of the cable system feel for doing things like standing rope tricep pushdowns? Would someone 6ft tall have to kneel or does it go high enough to do things like that standing? Also, a similar concern I have is that the lat pulldowns can't be done truly vertical like you would get with a dedicated machine due to the height and the fact that the leg holders are attached to the safety which forces you to sit probably about 16in away from the upright leading to more of a high pull than a true vertical lat pulldown. Do you have any workarounds for getting really close to the uprights and sitting low enough comfortably while having your legs held down in some way? My idea just from looking at it would be to maybe have a bench in a decline position and sitting on the end of that so you're closer to the ground to get the full range of motion, then also raising the bench feet slightly off the ground using plates or something so that it can fit over the feet of the rack on the floor and slide the tip of the bench close to the upright, and then maybe coming in at a slight angle from inside or outside of the rack so you aren't limited by the end of the safety spotter arms and somehow get your legs still under the leg holder but a little sideways. Not sure if that would really work but it's all I can think of right now and I'm not sure how easy it would be to grab the bar at the top and drop down into position that way to start the pulldown. I guess the only other option would be to lean forward when doing pulldowns so that your body is straight in line with the angle of the pull ensuring the focus is on the lats 🤷‍♂ Lastly, they actually seem to have released a slightly updated version of the M4 on Amazon that addresses the issue with the smith machine that you hate! I contacted Mikolo and here is exactly what they said changed: "It has indeed undergone some upgrades compared to the original, saving more space but still retaining all the original functions. 1. The external T storage rack is canceled, but there are 2 barbell holders inside the machine. 2. The metal piece and black ball at the end of the old version of the pulley cable are eliminated, and the pulley sleeve is changed from a figure 8 to a curved half-moon design. The reason for the update is that the metal piece and black balls of the original version will cause greater wear and tear after long-term use. (This is a point that other sellers do not have.) 3. Upgrade the installation method of the dip bar. The connecting surface between the dip bar and the pole is equipped with a knob, which can prevent the dip bar from shaking during movement. (Other sellers also have problems, but we have upgraded) 4. Added anti-shedding small pins on the frame where cables are prone to falling off. (This is a point that other sellers do not have.) 5. The bearing system of the Smith bar has been updated, and the new version will be more stable. Old versions rarely have problems with left and right shaking. (Other sellers also have problems, but we have upgraded) 6. The safety stopper was added to the smith bar, to limit the maximum angle at which the smith bar can be rotated. You can't see the Angle of the hook on the Smith bar. (When you are in danger, it is difficult to hook the smith bar back to the safety catches in the first place, the new design solves this problem)This is a point that other sellers do not have.) 8.The pulley ratio is 2:1" Sorry for the long post! Really appreciate the content your putting out on this machine since it seems like the very best option for anyone building out a home gym that wants maximum versatility in a compact space and nobody is talking about it, looking forward to seeing some more about it!!

[@UsawaFitness]

Wow! That's a lot! I'll get back to you and answer these questions. Thanks for your comment! I didn't realize my version was out dated already. I have a bunchv of videos planned for that machine. Looks like I might need an upgrade. 🥵

[@LIT0187]

I’m definitely buying a power cage

[@UsawaFitness]

Do it! Get that gym started. 💪🏾

[@maxroche2407]

This cage is dope I want one!

[@UsawaFitness]

I think so too! It's definitely my number 1 so far.

[@michaelangeloaraujo2555]

That’s a dope cage man I love it 😎🆒

[@UsawaFitness]

It's nice man!

[@groguwolf9321]

I heard that the uprights on the M4 are NOT 14g steel, bend easy and make it unusable

[@UsawaFitness]

They are aluminum on the M4 so if you do something goofy like try to put some jammer arms on it or something you're definitely at risk of messing up your smith machine but I've had mine for over a year and a half and I use it daily with multiple people and I haven't had any issues but it's definitely something to be aware of.

[@FROZNBLUD]

My only concern is with it being so narrow. Good for saving space yeah but would you be able to comfortably do behind the neck press? A big part of getting a smith for me is specifically for presses. I dunno seems kind of claustrophobic. Great video by the way thanks.

[@UsawaFitness]

It may look narrow in the video but it's actually a little wider then I'd prefer. When you rack an Olympic bar on the J-hooks there are only a couple of inches extra for the bar to rest on.

[@aaliyahrashad9051]

Hello, thank you for the content that you put out there, it is much appreciated 💪🏾. I have a quick question. Have you heard of or know anything about Mikolo's M7 that is out now? There isn't any coverage out there outside of Mikolo's short advertising videos on it but I've ordered it anyway because it appears to be a little stronger than the M4 on paper. Let me know what you think. Thanks!

[@UsawaFitness]

Dang I haven't seen anything yet. You got a link? I wanna see it. I'm dropping my 1 year M4 review this month. It's great but a better one would be even better. 🤣

[@aaliyahrashad9051]

Don’t know why my replies aren’t showing up but the Mikolo m7 is on both their website and Amazon’s. Just do a search for Mikolo M7. My two previous posts with the links are not posting for me.

[@ricardomancha7371]

Pretty cool

[@lamonte1968]

Any review on Jammers for M4 or recommend any none Mikolo brand jammer arms or tips

[@UsawaFitness]

Hmm? At this point these are the only Jammer Arms I've had a chance to use so I'm not sure. Titan Fitness has some that have been around for awhile.

[@lsamtani]

where is fix for the hooks you promised?

[@UsawaFitness]

I've been lazy and haven't applied the bolts. I got your email though check your inbox.

[@ginababcock769]

Hey I have a couple of questions does it come with weights and is this the same one off of Temu?

[@UsawaFitness]

No it doesn't come with weights and I'm not sure about the Temu unit.

[@stevethecat9194]

Super helpful video. Appreciate it

[@UsawaFitness]

Thanks! I appreciate you checking it! 🙏🏾

[@nickroberts5367]

Is there any “slop” with the smith bar? Does it wobble when you struggle on on side?

[@UsawaFitness]

Hmm? I don't think so. It's tight enough that if one arm is working behind the other you still push and pull it.

[@KBradAdams]

Any thoughts on this compared to the MAJOR SML07 machine?

[@UsawaFitness]

Unfortunately I haven't had that Smith Machine in house yet so I'm not sure.

[@jakeh9384]

Mine is out for delivery today!!!

[@UsawaFitness]

What! Listen make sure you let me know what you think after you put it together! I'm Uber interested to hear what you think. Hit me at my email if you can. Are you putting it together today when you get it?

[@jakeh9384]

@@UsawaFitness hoping to put it together today! Looks like 2/4 packages are out for delivery. Other two are at a local FedEx facility. Hoping they made it on the truck or should be here tomorrow. I’ll forsure let you know what I think!

[@UsawaFitness]

Let me give you some advice real quick. Because of the way they package these things. Take everything out of the boxes and out of that big green bag that everything in each box is bundled in. Every piece will be in a little bad with a letter and number on it. DON'T remove stuff from those bags. Build your Smith Machine removing the proper part from each bag as you go. If you don't do it like this and you take everything out like I usually would do it's going to be way more to build the Mikilo because you're not going to have a clear understanding of which piece is which.

[@jakeh9384]

@@UsawaFitness I got 3/4 boxes. Unpacked two boxes and then read your reply. Luckily for me nothing is labeled anyways lol. I found a setup video on KZbin. Might follow that if I run into trouble!

[@UsawaFitness]

🤣 Sounds good! They might be doing it differently now. It's not a bad build at all. Just take your time. I'm looking forward to hearing what you think

[@jstChase]

Are these 1:1 or 2:1 pulley systems? Also anyone have any experience with the SunHome Smith machine home gym? Just popped up for me on Amazon and it's $200 cheaper than this one and has pec dec with it like the Marcy Smith machines.

[@UsawaFitness]

These guys are 2:1. I haven't seen that Sunshine Smith machine before.

[@davidvalens1322]

How much did it cost

[@UsawaFitness]

I got that one from Mikolo but you can get one for around $1100.

[@1MoistMike]

Did you ever drop your hack for the bar to lock? This really annoys me too!

[@UsawaFitness]

No I'm so sorry. I have been so busy you just need to swap the screws for longer ones.

[@1MoistMike]

@@UsawaFitness Thank you so much - great content!

[@UsawaFitness]

@@1MoistMike Thank you!

[@pheonix7348]

just bought mine today from walmart for 999.99. how did you fix the lat pull-down being too short to get full range of motion? also, how did you fix the lat row being too short as well? thanks!

[@UsawaFitness]

Yoga blocks on the BigFoot plates and then a small stool for lat pulldowns. Congrats on the Smith Machine!

[@Vitalsignz423]

This helped me too thank you! @@UsawaFitness

[@UsawaFitness]

@@Vitalsignz423 You're welcome. I'm wrapping up the finishing touches on the next one right now. 🥴

[@beastfrom02]

Can you really get a good bench press in I seen on reviews it’s not wide enough

[@UsawaFitness]

I don't understand that. I can easily get a good bench press in.

[@williamwhitaker8829]

Hey Vern how you doing brother? You get my latest email?

[@UsawaFitness]

Yep I hit you back

[@williewhitaker5299]

Sent you a email

[@UsawaFitness]

Got it

[@Justin-oz3lw]

Sick Vern!

[@UsawaFitness]

Thanks Justin!

[@williewhitaker5299]

Hey Vern I got my assembled today. Have a question on the cable pullies. Send me your email please.

[@UsawaFitness]

Hit me at [e-mail]

[@williamwhitaker8829]

Ok and thanks@@UsawaFitness

[@UsawaFitness]

Did you get to email me? I didn't see anything yet.

[@williewhitaker5299]

@@UsawaFitness I’m about to now my brother..

[@user-yq9td2ss5k]

I just joined your channel and YOUR GREATTTTTT I LOVE YOUR VIDEOS❤…Your girl friend should create her own KZbin channel🫶🏽

[@UsawaFitness]

Thanks Jalen! I appreciate the love on the channel. It probably looks like that's my girl friend because I'm always showing her off but that's just the homey. 🤣 I'm just proud of her progress so I'm always recording her. ☺️ Thanks again for the support!