I recently purchased this system through Amazon. I work out at home in the AM before work. I was looking for a Smith machine so that I could lift heavy in the basement without the danger presented by free weights w/o a spotter. You''ll find Smith machines cheaper than the Caribou, but they fit in the category of "home gym" equipment. Commercial machines are generally a lot more expensive than the Caribou. I settled on Caribou because of the solid construction and flexibility to add on features later as my needs demand (such as a pec deck, cable cross, dip station).The system delivers in 5 boxes weighing 485# (2 or 3 are more than 100#). I broke the heavy boxes down before taking the equipment to the basement. There are a lot of parts. This is not a hard machine to assemble, but it took me 2.5 hours by myself. (I''m handy. Two people would have made the job a little easier, but this is not hard to put together alone.)
The system is solid. 300# is easily handled. I don''t have need for more, but I''d bet another 200# is well within the range of this system.
My only complaint is that the system is a little small. You cannot use the supplied bench with the back upright to support shoulder presses (the bench cannot slide deeply enough into the rack to do that). I do shoulder presses without the bench back raised. The lat pull down and chinning bar are also lower than I''d like (I''m 6''2"). But I compensate by doing pull downs kneeling on the floor and chinning with legs bent 90 degrees at the knees. Frankly, a bigger machine would have a hard time fitting into a home, so I think this is why the dimensions are what they are. (This is the reason for four vice five stars.) However, for bench presses and squats, this is a full sized olympic system.
Finally, this system doesn''t come with weights. I recommend you either buy these used off eBay/Craigs List or look for a deal at Sports Authority. The money you pay to deliver the weights will probably exceed the cost of the weights themselves. (I got a 300# set including an olympic bar for $140 from Sports Authority. Beat that if you can!)
If you''re serious about getting/staying in shape at home, you cannot go wrong with this system.
I have had 500 lbs on this system and it took it like a pro. With the attachments, this is almost a complete gym right in your home! You get all the advantages of a smith machine for heavy solo lifting, or a power cage/rack for free weight work. this system is worth every penny. The reason I didn''t give it a 5? The FID bench with it is good, but not great...one, its a little higher than gym benches (I have short limbs) so sometimes it can feel akward.
if you don''t like the gym, and like to lift, this system is a top pick!
Buy Caribou III System - Includes Caribou Power / Smith Rack / Lat Attachment / Workout Bench Now
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