The Best MAJOR FITNESS Power Rack (and their other big strength machines)

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MAJOR FITNESS…these days, it seems like the brand is everywhere.

A bunch of online reviews and ads, social media campaigns…the works.

It’s easy to understand, though; they’ve put out a lot of gear in the past couple of years, most notably large, home gym strength machines.

With so many different options out there to choose from, we’ve decided to condense some things for you and today, we’re gonna look at the MAJOR FITNESS power rack (and other large strength machine) line.

This list doesn’t include every machine out there at the moment as there are a few other hard-to-find options, obscure options that you’re probably not going to end up purchasing. We’ve gotten our hands on just about all of them so be sure to check out our numerous deep dives into each machine.

If you do decide to pull the trigger on MAJOR FITNESS gear on the company’s website, be sure to use the code HELLOMAJOR for 5% off.

Now, without further ado, let’s look at…

…The MAJOR FITNESS Power Racks (and their other big strength machines)

SML07

93.5

Versatility combined with a cable system allows for a complex and dynamic workout
Weight capacity more than sufficient for the majority of home gym lifters
More affordable than the B52
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS

B52

92.5

Highest weight capacity in all areas of any MAJOR FITNESS power rack
2×3-inch upright roles very compatible with third-party accessories
J-hooks, dip bars, and safety bars are all single-piece, solid metal components adding degrees of stability
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

AH1

83.5

Nylon roller bearings are incredibly quiet and smooth
Multiple settings to facilitate a number of different leg exercises
Extremely quick and easy to adjust
Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

F35

86

Cable pulley system adds utility uncommon in folding racks
Extremely small footprint
Opening and closing is fast and simple
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

F22

86.5

Free weight, bodyweight, and cable exercise functionality
Decently small footprint
More affordable than most of MAJOR FITNESS’ Smith Machine options
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

PLM03

86

True “inside-the-rack” squatting capabilities
Numerous included attachments
Relatively inexpensive
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

Drone 2

92.5

MAJOR FITNESS’ least expensive Smith Machine
19 height settings in the Smith Machine for additional racking safety
Included accessory items range from “meh” to “great”
Read more on Amazon

Drone 1

90

The least expensive of the MAJOR FITNESS power racks
Inside-the-rack squatting capabilities
Numerous package options for additional “upgradability”
Read more on Amazon

MAJOR FITNESS SML07

SML07

The MAJOR FITNESS SML07 combines a high degree of functionality with an affordable price point in a piece that will likely appeal to the largest segment of home gym trainees.

The SML07 is structured to allow for limitless free weight training with appropriately-positioned J-hooks and safety bars, multidimensional Smith Machine training, and with a few quick equipment substitutions, an array of bodyweight workouts are possible.

Despite not possessing some of the top-end load capacity as other, oftentimes more expensive racks, the SML07’s 300-100-pound weight capacity ensures that just about every lift is accessible to just about every lifter.

Pros

Versatility combined with a cable system allows for a complex and dynamic workout

Weight capacity more than sufficient for the majority of home gym lifters

More affordable than the B52

Con

Larger footprint than many other models

Overall

93.5

Functionality

95

Price

90

Customer Reviews

96

Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS

How we test & score products

The MAJOR FITNESS SML07 is marketed as a “beginner” Smith Machine/power rack combination piece of equipment, although it offers arguably the best mixture of functionality and value of any of the company’s products. Allowing for a wide array of exercises to be performed, there isn’t much to not like with this machine.

With free weight, Smith Machine, cable, and bodyweight exercise capabilities, there are few home gym machines that offer as much overall functionality as SML07. While its respective (Smith bar, safety bars, etc.) load capacities may not be as high as other, oftentimes more expensive pieces, they are likely more than sufficient for the vast majority of home gym athletes.

The SML07 is one of the MAJOR FITNESS’ older items and does not receive as much press or attention today as many of its newer models. However, despite this not being a “competition” article/analysis, it nevertheless tops our list (when the three metrics are combined) of the company’s currently available equipment items.

MAJOR FITNESS B52

B52

The MAJOR FITNESS Spirit B52 is in many ways an upgrade from the SML07, possessing slightly more functionality with the same free weight and Smith Machine capabilities.

Designed with more experienced lifters in mind, the B52 not only boasts higher load capacities to its built-in barbell and safety bars, but it’s 2×3-inch uprights allow for greater compatibility with third-party attachments and accessory items.

The premium paid for additional functionality may have the best return-on-investment for all lifters, although the plethora of included extra ensure that there are few exercises that can’t be performed “out of the box”. with the B52.

Pros

Highest weight capacity in all areas of any MAJOR FITNESS power rack

2×3-inch upright roles very compatible with third-party accessories

J-hooks, dip bars, and safety bars are all single-piece, solid metal components adding degrees of stability

Cons

Safety bars aren’t the longest

Overall

92.5

Functionality

95

Price

85

Customer Reviews

98

Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

How we test & score products

The MAJOR FITNESS Spirit B52 has much in common with the SML07 and is another classic Smith Machine/power rack combination pieces. The B52’s functionality is very high with a full range of free weight, Smith, and bodyweight exercise options with low lat pulls and landmine work also on the table.

There really isn’t much not to like about the B52, largely due to the sheer number of different attachments that come included with it (there are additional, form-fitting accessories that can be purchased directly from MAJOR FITNESS for additional customization optionality).

The B52 is the most expensive (at least in its base package) of any of the MAJOR FITNESS Power Rack / Smith Machine combos and for those who are interested in an “inside-the-rack” squatting experience, the shorter safety arms may leave a little to be desired. However, it may be the safest “do everything” home gym racks on the market today.

MAJOR FITNESS AH1

AH1

The MAJOR FITNESS AH1 is the company’s first, and currently only array into the dedicated leg training machine sector. Combining multiple compound lifts into a single machine, it is more functional than many other “multi-functional” leg presses.

The AH1’s nylon roller bearings put it in a league of its own, both due to their general smoothness as the machine moves as well as their impressive noise-reduction capabilities.

The AH1 is not the most inexpensive leg press/hack squat combination machine on the market, although it does currently enjoy unanimous 5-star reviews on the company’s review page.

Pros

Nylon roller bearings are incredibly quiet and smooth

Multiple settings to facilitate a number of different leg exercises

Extremely quick and easy to adjust

Cons

Not inexpensive

Overall

83.5

Functionality

70

Price

80

Customer Reviews

100

Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

How we test & score products

The MAJOR FITNESS AH1 represents the company’s first, and currently only foray, into the dedicate lower body machine space. Differing greatly from just about all of the MAJOR FITNESS power rack and Smith Machine options, the AH1 may be just the alternative you’re looking for if you really want to focus on “leg day” work.

Unlike many other leg press machines, the AH1 keeps the priorities common among home gym lifters in mind with its incredibly silent (and particularly smooth) nylon roller bearings. These underappreciated additions don’t quite create the impression of a “commercial-grade” machine, but they bring the AH1 much closer.

Obviously, a dedicated leg press/hack squat combination machine is much more limited in overall functionality than just about any power rack, particularly those with Smith Machine, cable pulley system, and other capabilities. However, if you know that leg pressing, hack squatting, and angled calf raises are priority movements for you, you can do a lot worse than the AH1.

MAJOR FITNESS F35

F35

The MAJOR FITNESS Lightning F35 is the company’s only folding rack. Regardless, it ambitiously combines space-saving elements with superior functionality compared to most other options in the folding rack space.

The F35’s dual pulley system allows for a number of exercises and movements normally reserved for dedicated functional trainers with its plate-loaded structure allowing for almost limitless loading potential.

The F35’s novelty additions come at a price and more simple folding racks are generally a bit less expensive than it. However, for those who prioritize a combination of functionality and space-savings, it’s tough to beat.

Pros

Cable pulley system adds utility uncommon in folding racks

Extremely small footprint

Opening and closing is fast and simple

Cons

More expensive than most folding racks

Overall

86

Functionality

90

Price

70

Customer Reviews

98

Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

For many home gym lifters, the space-saving option is the option, especially when training in a cramped basement, garage, or smaller area. The MAJOR FITNESS Lightning F35 is the solution to smaller-than-ideal lifting quarters as it takes up minimal space during use and is almost non-existent when folded/not in use.

The F35 presents some interesting extras that aren’t all that common in other folding and/or space-saving power racks. The cable pulley system can be an incredibly valuable feature and just about all lifters will find the limited, but perfectly functional safety bars to be very welcome additions.

It’s not difficult to find more “bare bone” folding racks at a less expensive price point than the F35; if its extras don’t particularly excite you, even Rogue has options that will run you less. However, the superior functionality and ease of folding and unfolding (it takes less than a minute to do so) makes it a uniquely attractive home gym rack option.

MAJOR FITNESS F22

F22

The MAJOR FITNESS Raptor F22 is the quintessential home “all-in-one” power rack, combining complete free weight lifting capabilities with solid cable and bodyweight movement-facilitating components.

Despite having a smaller footprint than many other, comparable racks, the F22 possess load capacities that outpace its size. The 2×3-inch upright holes are compatible with a large number of third-party attachments.

The F22 is by no means an inexpensive power rack, especially considering its lack of top-end steel, but a large number of included accessories helps to justify the price.

Pros

Free weight, bodyweight, and cable exercise functionality

Decently small footprint

More affordable than most of MAJOR FITNESS’ Smith Machine options

Cons

Not the most robust steel

Overall

86.5

Functionality

87.5

Price

75

Customer Reviews

97

Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

How we test & score products

The MAJOR FITNESS Raptor F22 is the company’s highest level non-Smith Machine power rack. It combines the most important elements lifters would expect from a half rack (free weight capabilities and safety bars) along with bodyweight exercise functionality as well as a cable pulley system.

Despite being the quintessential “all-in-one” power rack, the F22 isn’t actually all that big, not being nearly as long as other competitors and making it an attractive option for those with space-saving aspirations. Additionally, its 2×3-inch uprights have decently good compatibility with other attachments and hardware allowing for extensive modification and “upgradability”.

The F22 is less expensive than just about every MAJOR FITNESS Smith Machine option, while at the same time being more expensive than any of the non-Smith Machine options. If you’re sure you don’t want to do Smith exercises, it can be attractive option, but for only slightly more money (or even less, depending on whatever sale is going on), something like the Drone 2 might be a better option, especially if you might want to try some Smith presses at some point in the future.

MAJOR FITNESS PLM03

PLM03

The MAJOR FITNESS PLM03 can be considered to be the company’s “mid-range” model power rack. Despite being shorter on extras and attachments than other offerings, it possesses some unique qualities that make it attractive to certain lifters.

The PLM03 is one of the company’s only racks that allows for inside-the-rack squatting, pressing, and rowing along with “true” safety bars. This feature alone ensures a more confident squatting experience than what most other power racks offer.

The PLM03 is not the most stable rack and an odd plate-loading system doesn’t help its cause. However, as one of the least expensive MAJOR FITNESS power rack options, it deserves a look, especially from barbell back and front squat enthusiasts.

Pros

True “inside-the-rack” squatting capabilities

Numerous included attachments

Relatively inexpensive

Cons

Not the best stability

Overall

89

Functionality

85

Price

85

Customer Reviews

98

Read more on Amazon Read more MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

How we test & score products

For many home gym lifters, safety is, understandably, the most important consideration, particularly when it comes to squatting movements. The MAJOR FITNESS PLM03 is one of only two of the company’s racks (the other being the Drone 1) that allows for free weight, inside-the-rack squatting. This feature alone makes it very attractive when squatting alone.

Besides the “full rack” advantages alluded to above, the PLM03’s cable pulley system adds an additional degree of functionality for those who want/need to do more than heavy barbell work. The inclusion of the pulley system, combined with the rack’s relatively affordable price point, makes it more attractive than many other “basic” power racks.

The lack of a built-in Smith Machine reduces the PLM03’s overall functionality although if you’re aware of this going in, this shouldn’t be that big of an issue. The PLM03 also isn’t the most stable rack on the market and with few options to secure it to the ground or with additional weights/plates, expect slight swaying, especially when performing bodyweight exercises.

MAJOR FITNESS Drone 2

Drone 2

The MAJOR FITNESS Drone 2 is the company’s most affordable power rack/Smith Machine combination equipment option. Although the price is attractive, features such as its linear bearings create a high-quality lifting experience.

With the same capabilities as many, more expensive racks, the Drone2 is attractive as a “cancel your gym membership” type of machine. It is not easy to find outside of Amazon, so if you’re interested, be sure to check in places other than on the company’s main page.

Despite some of the included extras being somewhat odd choices and the 2×2-inch uprights being less compatible with other, third-party attachments, the Drone2’s combination of functionality and price makes it an extremely attractive option.

Pros

MAJOR FITNESS’ least expensive Smith Machine

19 height settings in the Smith Machine for additional racking safety

Included accessory items range from “meh” to “great”

Cons

Not the largest load capacities

Overall

92.5

Functionality

95

Price

95

Customer Reviews

88

Read more on Amazon

How we test & score products

It’s always interesting when something is marketed as “entry-level” or otherwise as a “lower” version of a higher-end item or piece of equipment…and it turns out to be really legit. This is the case for the MAJOR FITNESS Drone 2 which has a lot of the same features and capabilities as its more popular Smith Machine/power rack combos, but coming in at a pretty significant discount.

For those who are definitely in “team Smith Machine”, the Drone 2 has you covered as its system is more than capable for most lifters even if its top-end capacity (400 pounds) is less than that of some of its more expensive competitors. It’s 1:1 pulley ratio actually feels a bit more “normal” in many ways than the common 2:1 and even larger ratios found in other home gym cable systems.

The Drone 2’s 2×2-inch uprights aren’t the most compatible with third-party attachments and other accessory items, particularly those that aren’t coming from MAJOR FITNESS, but with a plethora of included hardware, most notably a lat pulldown bar, T-bar, dip bars, cable handles, and even random stuff like a weightlifting belt, you’ll be pretty well set for the vast majority of the workouts you might have in mind.

MAJOR FITNESS Drone 1

Drone 1

The MAJOR FITNESS Drone 1 is the company’s most inexpensive “larger” piece of equipment and is their definitive “base” model power rack.

Despite having thinner uprights (with less compatible 2×2-inch holes) and a slightly lower load capacity than other options, the Drone 1 is one of the only models that allows for “inside-the-rack” squatting with full safety bars.

Like the Drone 2, the Drone 1 comes with an array of included attachment and accessory items; at its affordable price point, it is very attractive option for beginner-to-intermediate home gym lifters.

Pros

The least expensive of the MAJOR FITNESS power racks

Inside-the-rack squatting capabilities

Numerous package options for additional “upgradability”

Cons

2×2-inch uprights aren’t all that compatible with third-party accessories

major fitness power rack

Overall

90

Functionality

82.5

Price

97.5

Customer Reviews

90

Read more on Amazon

How we test & score products

The MAJOR FITNESS Drone 1 is the company’s “base” model power rack with an accessible price point for just about anyone interested in getting into home gym lifting. Despite it’s attractive price point, the rack has above average functionality that exceeds its “beginner power rack” moniker.

As we mentioned in our discussion of the PLM03 earlier, being able to squat inside of a power rack is an extremely valuable lifting “novelty”. Given that most lifters who will be using the Drone 1 will be lifting at home by themselves, this added degree of safety is both motivating and confidence inducing.

The Drone 1 doesn’t have quite the weight-bearing capabilities of many of the more expensive MAJOR FITNESS power racks, but for most lifters, this shouldn’t be a problem. Some of the included “extras” are more practical (lat pulldown bar, T-bar) than others (wrist wraps), but enough good ones are included to “sweeten the pot” of an already attractively priced piece of equipment.


MAJOR FITNESS Power Rack Assessment Criteria

It’s nice to know what you’re actually getting yourself into when you pull the trigger on a large, oftentimes expensive piece of home gym equipment, isn’t it?

We think so and this is why we have developed different methods of analysis to determine just how good of a “buy” a particular rack or machine actually is. When it comes to the larger MAJOR FITNESS items, this measurement comes down to three factors: functionality, price, and customer reviews.

This is obviously a simplified version of a more comprehensive assessment process and, depending on what your specific priorities and goals are, you might assess things differently.

The best power rack on Earth won’t help you if you gotta leg press.

Those things in mind, let’s briefly look at our basic assessment criteria:

Functionality

As you can imagine, you can perform basic “Smith” exercises on all of the machines on our list. Being able to do so constitutes the most basic functionality of a Smith Machine. Most models go deeper and further, though, sporting free weight training capabilities, cable stacks, pull-up and dip bars for bodyweight training, and even quasi-yoke carry potential.

If you’re planning on making your Smith Machine the “centerpiece” of your home gym, you’ll likely want a machine that maximizes functionality, limiting the need to purchase additional equipment while also allowing for you to perform the most diverse range of exercises possible.

At the same time, if you know you’ll never use the cable system or if you already have a dedicated power rack to squat, bench, and press in, you’ll likely be spending extra money on features you won’t use by opting for the highest-functionality rack.

Overall, remember why you started seeking out the best Smith Machine in the first place. If you just want to be able to more safely perform heavy barbell movements, don’t feel like you have to get the machine with every single “bell and whistle” when a “less functional” option will suit your needs just fine.

Price

Of course, price is a major (ha!) factor in any purchase, especially those for items as large and, oftentimes, as expensive as home gym power racks and related gear.

For the most part, we rate each piece based on its price relative to other products in its same class. What this equates to is something like the SML07 is compared against something like the RitFit M1 (both are power rack/Smith Machine combos with some added functional elements) as opposed to a leg press/hack squat combination machine like the AH1.

As far as prices go, it isn’t difficult to find basic Smith Machines (of which, MAJOR FITNESS has none) for under $500 although these can easily run well over $2000. As such, the company’s entries are well within the “normal” (or even “acceptable”) price range.

For “all-in-one” power racks (that do not have an attached Smith Machine) sub-$400 racks are out there, with the most prized options (usually with some functional trainer elements like what REP Fitness offers) running into the $3-$4000 range. With this in mind, MAJOR FITNESS’ racks generally fall in the “less expensive” range.

Folding racks and leg press/hack squat machines are a bit more niche, but both of these can easily be found for under $400 (folding racks) and under $800 (leg press/hack squat machines), respectively, making the MAJOR FITNESS options a bit more expensive than others on the market.

We try to avoid putting “value” ratings on these items since different priorities and lifting needs heavily dictate what a piece is worth to somebody. Folding/space-saving capabilities (of something like the F35 presents) are of little value if you have a lot of space and want a “squat-inside-the-rack” lifting experience (like you get with the PLM03).

Overall, we know how important price is and, as you can tell, it plays a big part in our MAJOR FITNESS power rack (and other equipment) ratings.

Customer Reviews

If you decide to pull the trigger on a MAJOR FITNESS power rack, Smith Machine, or other piece of equipment, buy it wherever makes the most sense to you. On the company’s website, Amazon, some other third-party retailer…whatever. Do what you gotta do.

With that being said, we appreciate that there are multiple places where these items can be found because that means there are a lot of places to find reviews. Even better news: while the reviews on non-MAJOR FITNESS pages aren’t generally as good as those on the main site (to be fair, they never are), they’re still pretty high.

All of this is to say that as much as we stand by our own personal experiences with this gear, we know that other people have different experiences. As such, we rely heavily on customer reviews in formulating gear ratings. Although only the numerical scores go into our ratings, we definitely take a look at the commentary to look for common themes (especially when/if there are any frequently-reported problems).

As with any of our reviews, we’re confident in our picks…

Our Experience with MAJOR FITNESS Power Racks and Gear

Over the last year-plus, we’ve had the opportunity to test out a number of MAJOR FITNESS power racks, Smith Machines, and their leg press/hack squat machine. We’ve been impressed by the equipment, not so much on its “top-end” functionality, overall durability/steel quality, or, in some cases, machine stability, but mainly in its combination of these elements with generally affordable price points.

In most cases, a MAJOR FITNESS power rack or Smith Machine hasn’t been the most robust piece of equipment we’ve ever lifted with. There have been few cases where we have stated that the equipment is “commercial-grade gear!” or something similar.

However, for the vast majority of home gym lifters, these racks are not only resilient enough to handle even above average “home gym loads”, but also generally offer a degree of functionality that allows for a large variety of exercises, albeit with some creativity or modifications required, to be performed from the comfort of the basement or garage.

Additionally, our interaction with MAJOR FITNESS staff and customer service personnel has always been quite pleasant with any issues we’ve had (usually) being resolved in a quick and efficient manner.

If you’re looking for more “premium” gear (at a price) Rogue, REP, and even less well-known options like FORCE USA have a lot to offer, but for pretty good gear at a pretty good price, MAJOR FITNESS power racks bring it.

The Best MAJOR FITNESS Power Rack

It will be interesting to see what MAJOR FITNESS comes up with in the near future as they have been putting out gear at a rapid pace for the last couple of years or so. One has to wonder when they could run out of ideas on what to put out next.

As it is, the current MAJOR FITNESS power rack, Smith Machine, and other gear line of equipment is probably substantive enough to keep even the most rabid home gym equipment enthusiast satisfied for the foreseeable future.

While we can’t really recommend opting for the company’s barbells, plates, dumbbells, and other accessory items (we rarely do when these types of “package deals” are offered), you’ll likely be pretty well pleased with whichever option you ultimately decide to pull the trigger on. We’re partial to the SML07 and Drone options, but if something like the AH1 is more your style, we won’t stop you.

A little leg pressing never hurt anyone, did it?

As we finish up, remember that if you do decide to pull the trigger on MAJOR FITNESS gear on the company’s website, be sure to use the code HELLOMAJOR for 5% off.

…The MAJOR FITNESS Power Racks (and their other big strength machines)

SML07

93.5

Versatility combined with a cable system allows for a complex and dynamic workout
Weight capacity more than sufficient for the majority of home gym lifters
More affordable than the B52
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS

B52

92.5

Highest weight capacity in all areas of any MAJOR FITNESS power rack
2×3-inch upright roles very compatible with third-party accessories
J-hooks, dip bars, and safety bars are all single-piece, solid metal components adding degrees of stability
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

AH1

83.5

Nylon roller bearings are incredibly quiet and smooth
Multiple settings to facilitate a number of different leg exercises
Extremely quick and easy to adjust
Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

F35

86

Cable pulley system adds utility uncommon in folding racks
Extremely small footprint
Opening and closing is fast and simple
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

F22

86.5

Free weight, bodyweight, and cable exercise functionality
Decently small footprint
More affordable than most of MAJOR FITNESS’ Smith Machine options
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

PLM03

86

True “inside-the-rack” squatting capabilities
Numerous included attachments
Relatively inexpensive
Read more on Amazon Read more on MAJOR FITNESS Read our FULL Review

Drone 2

92.5

MAJOR FITNESS’ least expensive Smith Machine
19 height settings in the Smith Machine for additional racking safety
Included accessory items range from “meh” to “great”
Read more on Amazon

Drone 1

90

The least expensive of the MAJOR FITNESS power racks
Inside-the-rack squatting capabilities
Numerous package options for additional “upgradability”
Read more on Amazon
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AUTHOR

Tom, CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, ISSA-CPT, PN1-NC, DPA, CAPM has been CrossFitting for over 10 years. He has participated in a number of team and individual CrossFit competitions across Europe and the United States. He was the 2012 Chick-fil-A Race Series champion (North Georgia Circuit) and has put together a few gnarly garage and basement gyms in his time!

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