The Ultimate Garage Gym Belt Squat: Squatmax-MD Belt Squat Reviewed by Strongman Garage Gym

[@mattlovelace91]

This is quite possibly one of the most explanatory and beneficial reviews I’ve ever seen.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Wow. Thank you for the compliment and thank you for watching

[@mattlovelace91]

@@TheKurtlocker thank you for the phenomenal review!

[@darielcepeda2187]

Your reviews are the best on KZbin. Really appreciate the attention to detail and no fluff like other channels

[@TheKurtlocker]

I really appreciate the comment. Thank you for watching.

[@Applefanatic1000]

Love mine! Have the old rack-mounted version but Brian and company have really taken the unit to the next level with the newer stand-alone design.

[@TheKurtlocker]

They’re doing amazing things and perfecting the design! I can’t want to figure out where it will go in garage gym 3.0

[@jsprinkles810]

First comment. You seem to be in a different garage gym every video, all badass setups too! Love the content man, cool to see an Air Force guy (like myself) putting out awesome garage gym content

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’m definitely all over right now. I’m in the middle of a PCS. Thank you for watching! Trying to keep these consistent

[@IronMayne]

Another airman?? That’s what’s up!! #spacepower

[@TheKurtlocker]

Semper Supra! Lol

[@paul19519]

Your gym is literally goals 🔥🔥

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you but that is my coach’s gym. Tour video is on the way

[@BRUTUSPLAC]

Alot of us hav had GARAGE gyms for nearlty 30 years and investing in 100-150 lbs dumbbbells long ago..........10 years ago i made lots aof atlas stones and sold them , NOW its concrete plates and dumbbels. THIS IS A SWEET GYM if yuo have the $ over the years,

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you!

[@teambdugz]

Love my squatmax Kurt. Great in-depth vid showing all of the moving parts of the device. Should be really helpful for people looking to purchase in the future.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you. I was blown away how long it ended up being abs I had removed about 8 extra minutes post editing. There’s a lot this thing can do! Thank you for your time!

[@P3ak930]

So i pulled the trigger on the rhino. Bodybuilding focus. Hoping I’m in love after receiving. Nice video man.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you. I really want to get my hands on the Rhino to review.

[@jamestonbellajo]

Hey Kurt. Great review. The SquatMax MD is super compelling. Random question. I know you did a long move recently. Would love if you put out tips and things to consider when moving with a home gym and a bunch of equipment. I’m dreading my future move, which could potentially be halfway across the country.

[@TheKurtlocker]

That’s a really good idea for a video

[@jamestonbellajo]

@@TheKurtlocker glad you think so! Hope you end up making it in the future. Thanks Kurt!

[@XtremeConditioningLab]

I have been hoping you would cover this machine. Great review.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you so much for watching! I appreciate your time

[@MrJkillahoe415]

Super informational and detailed as usual. Thanks!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching! Hopefully the detail is commensurate with the price of the product

[@Omsehnji]

Awesome Demonstration Thanks!

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’ll be doing an updated video on the SquatmaxMD soon

[@gmoeteeman7660]

Great thorough review!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you. My only complaint is the top loading is a pain in the back! Other than that this thing is amazing.

[@futbol1972]

Hi Kurt, I am buying squat max over rhino do to smaller foot print, anyways waiting to find a discount code so I can buy it I have a question, I bought the straydog goat with a pad too it has the same use as the bulldog pad pretty much. If I buy the squat max I wonder if I really need the hip trust attachment and the pad since I feel I can do thoese movements on goat, maybe not as good as squat max though🙄. So if I buyt the best model of squat max do you know what comes with it? The sit I would like to get and probably the deadlift bar. Or can I attach any bar to the squat max to do deadlifts and rack pulls,

[@TheKurtlocker]

I think the GOAT works better for a chest support pad. KL10 for straydog saves you some $$. SquatmaxMD doesn’t do affiliate marketing, I just recommend the unit because imo it’s the best option.

[@TheKurtlocker]

As for model of sauatmax, I think the base model is good for most. I’m not understanding the question about the deadlift bar

[@futbol1972]

​@The Kurt Locker sorry for the confusion Kurt. I don't thinkni need the squat max pad since I already have the straydog goat?? The hip thrust work ok on goat but it looks like they work really good on squat max?? Anyways I have the goat with rollers, seat pad, utility loop and weigjt peg. Just trying to decide if inreally need to pad on squat max? Do u know if the squat max it's good for deadlifts or not really?

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s not necessarily ideal for deadlifts. I agree that with the GOAT you likely don’t need the pad from SquatMax

[@futbol1972]

@@TheKurtlocker thank u

[@wranglernator]

Creat review, when USA opens up, I will order for my gym!!! Thanks

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching.

[@futbol1972]

I already own a titan selectorized lat pull down, a selectorized funcional trainer and foldable titan rack also a stray dog goat with all the attachments.. Do you prefer the squat max over the rogue rhino? I was about to buy squat max but they don't have any financing as with the rhino I can pay $1000 and the rest in 6 payments without any interest. I kindda like the squat max better because it's smaller than rhino and cheaper. However, it looks quite large compared to squat max??

[@TheKurtlocker]

I prefer the squatmax to the rhino but also understand that many folks will buy the rhino because it is easier to load

[@futbol1972]

​@@TheKurtlockeryea that what drove me to buy rhino over squat max the easier of loading. Iam really thinking of selling it to buy squat max since I will be using it only for squats and also to do pad work

[@thomaspham-qf4ry]

How did you get the part that makes you sit higher on the squat max? Did you make that yourself or did squat max sell it long time ago l can't find it anywhere I keep hitting flat on belt squats on the squat max and would love that

[@TheKurtlocker]

That riser is one of the OG pieces no longer offered

[@futbol1972]

Kurt do you like squat max better than rhino for belt squats? I have a bad knee and 2 low back bulding disk so i was wondering which one will be better as far as putting less pressure on knee? I like rhino but i dont think i will use it for anything else than squats/leg work and maybe for plate storage. I like squat max since its smaller and a little cheaper and i can do rows, hip thrust and other things however i need the pad. I think i will get the pad just for the hip thrust and seal rows even though i already have the goat. It looks like the squat max works very good for hip thrust, however i dont think goat works that good for hip thrust. Ive heard if i get some weigjts with grips or soacers its much easier on squat max. Also if i mout the plates right next to squat max to make loafint easier?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I prefer the SquatmaxMD to the Rhino. The only issue with the SquatmaxMD is loading the plates. Outside that, the SM is a superior machine. Be sure to check your ceiling height to make sure you’ll be able to stand up on the platform though. Also, to be clear, I prefer the SquatmaxMD, but that doesn’t mean the rhino is “bad”, it is also a solid piece of equipment.

[@futbol1972]

@The Kurt Locker thank you. Iam leaning towards squat max too however I afraid I won't like it do to the loading and unloading on a vertical pin.

[@TheKurtlocker]

The vertical pin is the one thing that is a negative

[@futbol1972]

​@The Kurt Locker I am buying squat max md and need advice in buying some grip plates that can create a gap in between them to make it easier to load them and unload them on vertical pin. Wanna be able to squeeze fingers in between plates. I also will sell my rep fitness bumper plates to buy grip plates, ether rubber or utharene ones? The bumper plates are Bice but too wide and hard to grip them when getting them off the wall. Or should I just use the grip iron plates I have and just use spacers??

[@NathouExcel]

this was very informative...well done!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you

[@futbol1972]

Hou u doing Kurt? Do you know if there are any differences between. The old version of the mountable rack squat max to the new stand alone? They are selling me one for$650 but I can probably get it for $500 but it's like a 4 hour drive. Anyways iam 5'9 and son is about 5'11 and ceiling hight is 8ft.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’m fairly certain that the only significant change between the standalone and the rack mount is the legs. There are some other minor differences like the belt eyelet on the squat pin, band peg locations, accessories like the riser and narrow stance inlay, and the alignment cutouts on the top but those are minor.

[@futbol1972]

@@TheKurtlocker thank u

[@FutureDMZ]

Have you looked at the sorinex j squat im considering that myself.

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s a lever arm system. I made a lever arm system abs it works but I highly encourage you to read the study in the description box. Not only is a lever arm less effective, but it also puts shear forces on the patella tendon etc

[@scooobyj8714]

Awesome and very in depth review. It is a great piece of equipment, have to put it on my post COVID wallet restriction list. Haha. My other concern with it it the foot print it would take in my limited space garage gym.

[@TheKurtlocker]

A stand-alone belt squat will take up a bit of space no matter which you buy. In reality this one isn’t too huge but it definitely isn’t tiny.

[@bold2013]

Thanks for your videos. What is better for belt squats Squatmax MD or flywheel?

[@TheKurtlocker]

Apples and oranges. If I have to pick one…probably the flywheel but realistically I feel blessed to have both of them.

[@bold2013]

@@TheKurtlocker are flywheel belt squats still back sparing (with squat harness and hip belt)?

[@TheKurtlocker]

@bold2013 absolutely. They load similarly if used with a hip or squat belt.

[@aaronrodriguez1410]

As far as pure strength and mass building is concerned could this replace back squats?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I would say no, these would be a better tool for working in more volume without loading your back for squats.

[@Joe-nq3bu]

@Kurtlocker - what is the strength ratio on something like this without bands vs a normal barbell squat? Is it 1:1 or harder? For example 300LB on barbell squat is 200LB squat here?

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s 1:1. 1 lb loaded is 1 lb felt.

[@albertgutierrez2353]

Can you use the narrow stance without the riser? Just thinking if I dont want the extra height but want it to be narrow. Great review btw!

[@TheKurtlocker]

You can use the narrow stance adapter without the riser. You will be very limited in the weight you can do, but it will function. You would have more luck using it in that configuration with the pin starting in the down position

[@albertgutierrez2353]

@@TheKurtlocker Great. Thanks for the advice.

[@joegonzalez6211]

I just bought mine two days ago from fb market. It’s the old mounted version but I paid 400 bucks. Did I get a good deal?

[@TheKurtlocker]

Absolutely.

[@idw85]

Any discount code?

[@TheKurtlocker]

Unfortunately not for the SquatmaxMD

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Do you still have and use this often? Do you think its better than the Rhino?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I still have it and use it regularly. This is the first time I’ve had it broken down but that is because I’m working on a special project. Otherwise it remains setup and in regular rotation. I personally prefer it to the rhino but the one thing that the rhino has above the squatmax is ease of use. Plate loading is just simpler on the rhino

[@chaboi7]

Is this machine all you need for leg day?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I wouldn’t say it’s all you need, but it’s a piece I still use multiple times weekly

[@chaboi7]

@@TheKurtlocker pretty expensive to not be everything you need for leg day imho

[@TheKurtlocker]

I may be getting tripped up on the word “need”. The SquatmaxMD is actually a very good value belt squat compared to contenders imo. Totally understand wanting a “does everything” piece though.

[@chaboi7]

@TheKurtlocker well i guess I can phrase the question differently....what specific leg muscles is this machine a dream for? Like if I use it religiously will I only have extremely strong hips and quads?

[@TheKurtlocker]

This will give you amazing lower body benefits uniformly in my opinion. It also works better than any other belt squat for engaging the glute medius

[@basedabdu8653]

How much has your squat gone up by since using this?

[@TheKurtlocker]

That is a difficult question to answer. Squat strength typically doesn’t go up from the use of a single item. I will say that since having surgery that the SquatmaxMD was key to keeping me from losing strength during recovery

[@qfiveo]

Did you have a lever arm BS? If so was the difference like night and day.

[@TheKurtlocker]

The squatmax is superior to the lever arm BS in almost every way. The only thing I refer on the lever arm is loading the plates.

[@simeonhendrix]

Bad Ass!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Always