5 Best Power Rack Smith Machine Combos in 2024

The best power rack smith machine combo is made up of high quality material, which is durable, but also multifaceted. Along with which, the versatility factor is rated highly, so you can get a complete full-body workout, while being space efficient, so you can get the most out of your money. The smith machine power rack combo should also give you plenty of room inside the cage to workout, as well.

Top 5 Power Rack Smith Machine Combo Reviewed

1. Marcy Smith Cage Machine – Top Pick
2. Marcy Smith Machine Cage System  – Runner Up
3. Prestera Half Rack – Premium Pick
4. Marcy Pro Smith Machine
5. Inspire Fitness

Product	Total	Quality	Durability	Versatility	Value for Money
Marcy Smith	38.5	9.5	9	10	10
Marcy Smith System	37.5	9	9	10	9.5
Prestera	36	10	9.5	8	8.5
Marcy Pro	35.5	9	9	9.5	8
Inspire Fitness	35	9	8.5	9	8.5

1. Marcy Smith Cage Machine with Workout Bench and Weight Bar – Top Pick

The Marcy Smith Cage Machine is a power rack with smith machine and cables. So, this all-in-one product allows you to complete a full-body workout. Not only does it come with a smith style press bar, but it also has cable crossover attachments, which really help you target every muscle on your body. That’s why the Marcy Smith Cage Machine is a top choice for a smith machine with squat rack combination. 

• Color: Gray and brown
• Length: 63″
• Width: 80″
• Height: 85″
• Weight: 300 pounds
• Material: Steel

Quality

The cage is made out of high quality 14-gauge square steel tubing. Typically 12-gauge tubing is the best, but 14 comes up right behind it. The pulley system is held together with sealed bearings, and comes with 1-inch chrome guide rods.

Durability

The high quality steel is durable, as you can go upwards of 300 pounds on the bar. While the tensile strength of the cables can handle upwards of 2,000 pounds. So, the product definitely didn’t cut any corners.

Versatility

The cage machine excels in the versatility department. It is a mix of a power cage, smith machine, and a cable crossover machine, so you can virtually do any exercise you wish and can hit your entire body thoroughly with just one piece of equipment. There is also a pull-up bar at top for you to target your back muscles further. 

Value for Money

The product has a ton of value for the money, as a single purchase will give you a piece of equipment that is high quality, durable, and versatile. You’ll likely use it for years to come, while always having the option to change and innovate your workout routine through all the exercise selection available.

2. Marcy Smith Machine Cage System  - Runner Up

The Machine Cage System is a customizable training station that can switch between a squat rack, power tower, and a utility bench station depending on your needs. So, it is one of the more versatile all-in-one products, which allows you to effectively target your entire body, especially your back as it comes with a multi-grip pull-up bar. 

• Color: Red and Black/White
• Length: 70"
• Width: 84"
• Height: 86"
• Weight: 300 pounds 
• Material: Steel

Quality

The cage is made up with heavy duty steel, which comes with a powder coating. This means that the equipment can handle the wear and tear of using heavy weights without damaging the quality of the steel. 

Durability

The steel should be resistant to corrosion and rust as it has a powder coating finish. The 300 pound limit could be an issue, however. 

Versatility

As mentioned above, the Marcy Smith Machine Cage System is extremely durable as you can do several exercises for each body part. You even have a landmine press attachment with the smith machine, and a multi-grip pull-up bar, up above. 

Value for Money

With the versatility factor alone there is a ton of value for the money. You’re getting an all-in-one product with a singular purchase that will keep your workouts challenging for years to come. So the longevity of the product is there.

3. Prestera Half Rack with Smith attachment - Premium Pick

The Prestera Half Rack addresses several of the stability issues that you might find with other products as it comes with a bolt down option. This squat rack with smith machine also values safety as there are several safety hooks that run vertically, so you can twist the barbell and stop it from moving at any of those points. 

• Color: Black
• Length: 51.85"
• Width: 67.36"
• Height: 92.64"
• Weight: 441.19 lbs
• Material: Steel

Quality

The product is a premium piece of equipment, so it comes with high-quality steel. The smith bar itself should seamlessly move up and down in a vertical manner with no hitches. It also stabilized, so the weight distribution is equal. 

Durability

The half rack can handle more weight than some of its competitors because of the high quality of steel. So, the product is durable, and it comes with a warranty as high as 10 years, which should cover most durability concerns.

Versatility

It does lack a little in the versatility department. You can do any squatting or pressing exercise with the smith machine barbell, however, it doesn’t come with too many attachment possibilities. The machine is tall enough for you to do pull ups with the bar at the very top hook. 

Value for Money

This being a premium product, you will pay premium money. So, by no means is this cheap, but this will be a one time purchase as the half rack should last you decades. So‌ there is plenty of value for your money.

4. Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym

Unlike your typical rack and smith combination, where the smith machine is in the rack's front, the Marcy Pro Smith Machine comes with the smith tucked in the back, so you have more open space to do your workouts in the rack itself. Along with this design quirk, the product is an all-in-one piece of equipment, which comes with a cable system, too.

• Color: Black and red
• Length: 65"
• Width: 79.25"
• Height: 84.5"
• Weight: 300 lbs
• Material: Alloy steel

Quality

Products made of alloy steel are generally considered second best to gauge steel, so in those terms, the quality is still high, but not the best it can be. However, the pulley system is made out of tubular-steel, so there shouldn’t be any concerns with that. 

Durability

There are many factors that make this product durable, like the previously mentioned tubular-steel cables, which will keep the pulley system healthy. The bench also comes with a 2" thick high-density foam that should be long lasting. But the alloy steel might present a few issues.

Versatility

The versatility of the Marcy Pro Smith is extremely high as you can virtually do any exercise that you wish. From pressing to squatting, cable exercise, pull up variations, and even dips, everything is covered by the pro smith machine.

Value for Money

There is value for your money because of the versatility factor alone. But as mentioned earlier, there are other half rack and smith combinations that can provide you with the same versatility, but also higher quality steel.

5. Inspire Fitness Ft2 Functional Trainer

The Ft2 Functional Trainer comes with a built in selectorized smith machine, so you don’t need any weight plates for the smith machine barbell or the cables as they all work off of the dual weight racks. 

• Color: Black
• Length: 58"
• Width: 61"
• Height: 88"
• Weight: 215 pounds 
• Material: Steel

Quality

The functional trainer is made up of heavy duty, rectangular steel. It also comes with a 1.2 resistance ratio while using the weight stacks for the smith machine. The cables themselves allow for 32 different positions. 

Durability

The product comes with an electrostatic powder coat finish and the bearings have a precision steel ball system. However, because so much of the product relies on the cable system, there are some durability concerns for the long term. 

Versatility

As mentioned earlier, the 32 different pulley positions cover a wide range of exercises from high to low pulls. You can get a complete workout with the product along with the pull-up bar attachment.

Value for Money

There is value for your money here, as the product is both versatile and unique. However, the durability concerns, along with the limited weight application, are a few drawbacks. 

Why Buy Power Rack With Smith Machine? 

1. Safety Features 

A major benefit of having a power rack with a smith machine is that it comes with several safety features. An issue with free weights can be that you either need to be extra cautious when lifting, or you need a spotter for safety purposes. Some even find it difficult to test their strength with free weights because of the fear of injury.

A lot of these can be mitigated with a smith machine power rack because for one, you have several slots on the power rack for the barbell in case the weight ends up being too heavy and you can’t lift it. All you really have to do is twist the barbell and the weight will settle upon the several slots. 

Another safety feature is the bar path itself. You can miss your lift or increase the risk of injury if your bar path is not stable. A smith machine provides you with that stability as the bar path is fixed, so you don’t have to worry about that.

2. Good for Beginners 

If you’re new to lifting, then you’ll be introduced to several new exercises and techniques, which will be hard to do properly in the beginning. There are several cues or body positions and movements that go into simply squatting or benching or rowing a bar. 

But with a smith machine power rack, you can take a few of these instructions out of the picture as the bar path is already set in place. You can simply focus on the lift itself. Plus, the safety features mentioned earlier are also big for beginners. 

However, it’s not just beginners. Experienced lifters can get a lot out of a power rack with a smith machine too because you might target specific muscles better. 

3. Versatile

You can replicate most of the exercises on a power rack with a smith machine you can with free weights, so you’re not giving up on your exercise selection. 

These power racks can be adjusted and come with attachment options, such as cable attachments, to really get a fully home gym feel.

How To Pick Power Rack With Smith Machine?

1. Length and Bar Path

One thing to take into consideration when selecting a power rack with a smith machine is the make up of the smith machine. Is the length tall enough for you to comfortably squat and even overhead press? At the peak resting position, could you do pull ups with the bar?

Also, the make up of the smith machine power rack will determine the bar path, too. Some bar paths shoot straight up and down, while others slant backward as the bar moves up. There are also power racks with smith machines where the bar holders move, as well.

2. Attachment Options

In order to maximize your purchase and strength gains, consider what attachments come with the power rack smith machine. The very basic ones simply come with a smith machine only, so you can’t add to it. While others have ways to add a high and low pulley and cable system and even smaller things like a landmine press attachment. 

3. Weight Limit

Not all power racks with a smith machine can handle the same amount of weight. If you’re a beginner than a machine that allows you to do up to 300 pounds might be plenty, but for a more experienced lifter, that weight cap is far too little. So, pay attention to the weight limit the product you’re purchasing has.

FAQ

Can You Use A Smith Machine As A Rack?

The simple answer is yes and no. If by using it as a rack you mean to increase within the smith machine, then you might have trouble performing all your exercises because there is a fixed barbell that will interfere with your movement. However, you can get power racks with smith machines that give you plenty of room to perform other exercises and have cable attachments to do more workouts.

What Is Better Smith Machine or Squat Rack?

None is really better than the other. With a smith machine you’re getting stability, safety, and even some posture benefits. While with a squat rack, you might have more workout options and more open space to perform exercises. So, it really depends on your needs.

Are Smith Machines Safer Than Free Weights?

A smith machine can be safer than free weights because there are more safety features. With a set bar path and a twist and lock system, you can both exercise safely and bail out of an exercise if it gets too much in a safer manner, too. However, with free weights, you are working more on your stability muscles, which in the long term might provide more safety. 

Conclusion

A smith machine squat rack combo has several benefits over a simple power rack, two of the major ones being versatility and safety. Which is why they make excellent home gym equipment as you save space with an all-in-one product and don’t compromise on your safety, either. 

References:

• Best Power Rack for Small Space
• Best Outdoor Squat Rack
• Best Power Racks With Lat Pulldown
• Best Short Squat Racks
• Full Rack vs Half Rack
• Squat Stand Power Rack vs Squat Rack
• Smith Machine vs Squat Rack
• Squat Rack in Apartment

References:

1. ARE SMITH MACHINES SAFE TO USE? // Exercise: https://www.exercise.co.uk/learn/are-smith-machines-safe-to-use/
2. Smith Machine Training Tip: Watch The Angles! // Body Building: https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/smith-machine-training-tip-watch-the-angles.html#:~:text=Well%2C%20if%20your%20Smith%20machine,%22wrong%22%20way%20to%20face.