Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ready to go!, July 2, 2007
This review is from: Powertec L-SC Leverage Squat / Calf (Sports)
Very happy with this product! Walking around like a sore stick man today, and those of you that do squats know what Im talking about. :) Very sturdy, easy to assemble, but I need to quantify. At a minimum you will need a decent wrench set and prefferably a 1/2 in ratchet with SAE sockets. 3/8 ths would work but these are some BIG bolts on this thing! Another person is absolutely neccessary for one small part, but not a bruiser needed, wife or kid or girlfriend can do it. As far as the excercise, its wonderful! Im too old, 53 to be playing with as heavy of weights as I need for free squats anymore. I can do them, but I worry about an injury and healing time now. I loaded this bear up with 360 pounds and got busy, knocking out a couple of sets of eight....Smooth, felt very secure, confidence helped me to push myself harder than I can anymore with free squats. Did calves also; no problem here, but went heavy enough, that I may put a towel or something between me and the pads, for extra cushion until the pads get broken in a bit. Great machine, will let me do things I always wanted to be able to do at home. If you want a big chest, back or arms, and I mean truly big, You MUST do squats, they are the foundation for any truly serious bodybuilder.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good quality, but not quiiiite big enough., November 7, 2007
This review is from: Powertec L-SC Leverage Squat / Calf (Sports)
I just got one of these used from another weightlifter, because I wanted a good standing calf machine. It seems really solid and stable in use, and it does take up a bit of space. The only real complaint I have is that I'm 6'3", and it doesn't have a height setting high enough for the starting point...I have to squat way down to get under the shoulder pads, which isn't so bad, but I'm used to calf machines I just barely had to bend to get under. I guess it's the compromise for it being a squat machine, too. It would've made more sense for Powertec to make the main upright stand post taller, with more holes for height selection. Oh, well. Still a great piece of equipment.
UPDATE 11/17/07: I just used it in a proper workout for the first time, and even though it's still hard to get under, I really liked the way it controlled my form for the squats...way, *way* better than having a barbell across your shoulder. It didn't give my lower back any problems at all (I have a permanent injury), and the calf bar was a good height and seemed really sturdy. Overall, great machine!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I'm 6'2" and I can't see any down side to this machine, February 15, 2011
This review is from: Powertec L-SC Leverage Squat / Calf (Sports)
I've been weight training since I was in the 7th grade, and I'm now almost 30. I have trained for strength (Powerlifting) and I have trained for beauty (bodybuilding). I decided to quit paying the astronomical prices at my local gym which I was a member of for 7+ years when they were going to jump my monthly fee to $90 from $55. I have plenty of equipment to safely train at home and work with heavy weights, but I usually stop just shy of failure out of fear of getting hurt since I don't have a spotter. This machine allows me to push myself... dare I say even harder than I did when I was using a spotter. I don't fret over not being able to get the last rep because I know I'm not going to get trapped under the bar. I just got off of this thing like an hour ago and my legs feel like balloons. I can tell that my legs are going to explode probably far beyond anything they've ever reached before. I was skeptical of this machine at first because of my height, but I must say this was a great investment!
P.S. I have had knee and back problems and this does not seem to aggravate either condition. A++ in my book
UPDATE!!!: This machine is still every bit as good as I stated above; however, I have many Powertec products. Four months ago part of the frame on my Shape System (which has a lifetime guarantee) broke. This was my fault and I assumed responsibility, but despite offering to pay for the part I have been unable to get a replacement part. I've gone round and round with Powertec...even through the Better Business Bureau. My claim with the BBB has been closed and is now moving to their Dispute Resolution Department and could even in up in Arbitration. I love the equipment, but will NEVER DEAL WITH THIS COMPANY AGAIN! If you're going to buy this product do yourself a favor and go with Body Solid's version.
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