Is the Mikolo Smith Machine Worth the Investment? | Honest Review
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- čas přidán 7. 05. 2023
- These are my thoughts after going through all the functions of this smith machine/ functional trainer. let me know if this helped you make your final decision. subscribe for workout videos :)
FYI-
I received this free of charge and below is a amazon link with a coupon.
disclosure: I do not receive any commissions from Mikolo or Amazon from the link below & this video is NOT a sponsor video.
www.amazon.com/promocode/A28K... - Sport
It's interesting how many of this same unit are sold under different names. Major Lutie sells the nearly identical unit. The basic parts mentioned are the same, cosmetic differences are the ability to store a Barbell or pulls behind you, this is missing on the Major Lutie. The storage for more plates at the back protrude to the sides, the Lutie points the rods at the rear wall. The one problem you mentioned about dropping the weight when doing squats, I've yet to see a similar unit that doesn't have heavy duty springs. Either this is a design fail or was left out of the package. The springs would allow for hundreds of lbs dropped with no damage to any part of the cage, not even scratches. This unit does supply more accessories. Which I wish the Lutie had. The other similarity is, even though some of these units support multiple persons being able to exercise using the unit, you must stick to trading high and low exercises with your partner. There are too many cases where the weight plates will collide. This means seated cable rows will be fine if the 2nd person is doing standing upright rows with the barbell. But, you can't do deadlifts or bent over rows if the other person is doing seated cable bicep curls. There are other similar exercises where weights collide. The issue of storing plates is problematic if you use Olympic plates. Most of this can be eliminated if you use only standard 1in.hole plates. They're thinner and smaller diameter. This is possible because all the plate storage areas have 2in diameter removable sleeves that support standard weights on the Lutie. I don't know if this is the same on this unit as tested. Regarding that T styled outer plate holder that also holds a spare Barbell, I moved mine from its current side location, directly to the floor support that sits between the 2 side panels. I blacked holes dead center and used all the same hardware and because the tube dimensions are the same as the base tubing at the bottom of side uprights, front to back. Overall, these units are sturdy but poorly thought out.
How do I pin a comment, this is well thought out. Thank you for the added information.
I stopped using Olympic plates due to the plates touching in cases where I want to superset. Stacking thinner plates seems to just barely do the trick for me as well.
So this or the major lutie b52? I’ve narrowed it down to these two and can’t decide
@@jesspalaciohave you decided on what one to get? I’m in the same situation right now
Hey man, I have been trying to figure out which smith/cage/cable machine to get and this is the best review i have seen and I have seen a lot. Thanks for going piece by piece.
Glad I could help
Which machine did you end up buying?
I blew my back out powerlifting, and smith machines have been my saving grace. I was eyeballing this one. And im glad you reviewed it man, I appreciate it.
ouch! hopefully you've healed up from that. and you're welcome
Great review, loaded with info and straight to the point! I appreciate you!
Thanks for the feedback and taking time to leave a comment :)
Bro this was a fantastic review! Got the pros and the cons, plus demonstrations. A+ review, man!
Much appreciated!
Wanted to make sure I actually had time to fully use the thing
Best review I’ve seen, lots of info and honest feedback!
Thank you, I appreciate that
Really appreciate the honesty in this even though you got it for free. It felt very unbiased. Great review!
Thank you, I’m glad the info was helpful!
thanks for mentioning the free weight hooks, i thought i was gonna have to get a separate bench press just to do free weights after building this lol, appreciated bro
Haha I was thinking the same thing as I build then I realized and a nigh sigh of relief let out 😂. Glad the video was helpful for you too bro
Super informative! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, great review!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great review bro, straight to point and very detailed on what it's good for.
Thank you
Do you have something similar to this
@LegallySwole no but that's why I'm thanking you because I just might get this machine now.
@@chaboi7 oh nice, try out a workout at like a planet fitness using their smith machine and cable setups. If you can get your specific workout in using those 2 machine then this’ll be a good fit
@LegallySwole I watched your video after staying in a hotel and using their functional trainer so this machine would be all I need to add to my body weight exercises, I love it!
Thank you for this review. The best review I've seen! The 5000.00 machine I've been looking at is looking better all the time. You do get what you pay for. I just don't want to pay that much lol
😂 that’s so true if you’re going to spend that much, the quality better be exceptional
Great review!!
I am interested in the Mikolo M4 Smith Machine but have some questions about it:
1. What are the usable interior dimensions of the rack space between the inner edges of the crossmembers/uprights?
2. What are the dimensions of the rear support feet sticking out the back of the rack on the floor?
3. What is the highest height from the ground the smith bar can reach? What is the lowest it can reach with and without the safety stopper installed?
4. Does the cable system support 1" plates with a removable sleeve like the storage pins or only 2" olympic plates?
5. Can you flip the pull up bar upside down to save vertical space? Does this interfere with the smith machine or any other aspects?
6. How long are the smith bar sleeves for loading plates on each side?
7. Can the outer free weight safety catches withstand a 300lb or 400lb bar being dropped a short distance (under 1ft) onto it?
8. What is the realistic weight capacity of the J-Cups with someone bringing down the bar and trying to rack it? Not just the static load weight capacity.
Sorry for all the questions just trying to get a full understanding of the machine and if it will work for my usage and space!
Thanks!
thanks for your patience, i forgot about this comment and couldn't find my tape measure.
1) 46"
2) it is 1' back and the members are 2" x 2" thick
3) 74"
4) 2"
5) yes, since the pullup bar is about 1" horizontally from the smith vertical bar.
6) 12"
7) not sure but i've used it for heavy shrugs @250 with no issue constantly dropping about 6" from safety.
8) not sure, you'd have to contact the manufacturer.
Wow!very helpful video
Thank you, I’m glad the video was helpful
Great review
Thank you 😊
thank you sir ❤ from Baltimore
you're welcome from pittsburgh 💓
Very helpful.
Glad to hear!
Good vid!
Thank you Jordan, glad you enjoyed it 💪🏿
I get mine tomorrow, can’t wait
Nicee it’s definitely fun working full range of motion. I’ve had to decrease my working weight since I haven’t used some of these muscles in a while
@@LegallySwole I’m almost done setting up mine. Your instructional video was absolutely instrumental in me completing it. Thank you!
@@harold4371 nice, hopefully you have it in a good spot, I realized when fully assembled moving would be a pain.
@@LegallySwole HA!!! I actually thought about that as well. I’m having trouble with the Smith machine part seems to wiggle side to side. Have you had that issue?
@@harold4371 yeah mine wiggle a bit as well. I only notice it when I was squatting.
I don’t mind because I once spend months squatting with a smith machine and lost the ability to properly use my abdominal muscles for squats. With the bar moving once I activate my abdominal muscles it’s fine.
I don’t notice the wiggle when i bench press, Shoulder press, and hip thrust.
Anyone have any comparisons between the MIKOLO M2 Smith Machine and the Major SML07 machine?
Here is something that I have not specifically heard yet. If you are free squatting with the j-hooks, does your head hit the smith bar or almost hit it? This is why I looked more so at the M2 because it has more height levels (gator teeth) and the smith bar "appeared" to have a higher max height?? Maybe not, it looks that way.
This way, when you get under an Olympic bar for a free weighted squat from the j-hooks and you don't have to tuck your head or move the smith bar to the bottom.
From where he's standing introducing the video, it seems like his head is above the smith bar. That would mean the j-hooks with a free weighted barbell would put his head directly into contact with the smith bar if unracking an olympic barbell.
Good review. Seems like the weaker points would be fairly easy to mitigate too. If you already have plate storage, then why care about the spacing on the unit's storage pegs. If the t bar attachment is too short, you can always slap a rubber bumper on the bar to give the space. These units really seem to pack a lot function into one package.
So true, I’ve seen other people get around the plates touching from the smith and cable by having a 10 lb plate always first
Thank you for the video, so there’s no leg extension or hamstring curls available on this machine?
You’re welcome, there are no leg extension but it is possible to do hamstring curl from the bottom cable is you have a ankle strap. You can also lay on a bench and perform lying hamstring curl.
You can fix the smith machine hooks from rotating too far by replacing the top two bearing bracket bolts with longer bolts so that they protrude out further and they’ll stop the hooks from rotating too far.
Oh that’s great, I’m going to head to Home Depot and get something for that
Can you do hip thrusts on this? I cannot find any videos or answers on this. Would love to see a demonstration video to see how low it can get!
czcams.com/video/uwpLQRTr1SI/video.html
Its incredible how many absolutely free equipment seems to be given out with 1000s of CZcams video reviewers saying the company shipped them free large scale items although of course at some level that must impact the price to the consumer. Most of the reviews anymore claim free equipment was supplied by the company. I don't really care for smiths in general and then the weight holders on this one seem to stick out into the squat area. Also the short height of the pulleys seem to inhibit the the length of your contraction for doing pull movements.
Yea I’m guessing it’s cheaper for them to get free samples than running a big budget ad. Also as part of CZcams guidelines you always have to disclose if you receive an item for free or if you are getting paid for commission.
For the pulley, it actually comes out very far. I got one of those neck harness and was able to walk back pretty far. Also for chest flys the contractions are good.
My other machine, the Marcy multi gym( I bought that myself) it’ll the pulley doesn’t allow that much range
VERY NICE I WANT TO SEE WORKOUTS
Absolutely 💪🏿
The lat pull bar has holes on the side.I think that you sit in centered and hook both pulley in this bar
Thanks for the share, i just tried it out and it hits nicely. the bar is directly under you for the most optimal angle. plus you can use the smith portion to hold your knees down and go pretty heavy. i've always disliked lat pulldown at an angle haha. now i can enjoy this more.
I.wonder.if this machine as bottom attachment for staight bar bicep curls or does the ones on top slide to the bottom
the cable can slide down to the bottom for bicep workouts. there's also a rack and safety for bench press. i actually use the safety racks for shrugs and bent over rows rack/rerack
I would get a version with a pull up / dip weighted assist.
Wait they make those? Hmmm . I’ve been using resistance bands for chin up assist on my bicep days
@@LegallySwole Ya, probably useless you wanna do sets of 30 reps apiece. I just like it because of how important pull ups are and a machine like that got from 1 to 12 strict pull-ups back in the day.
I've been looking at the m7 myself
Oh yes cage machines truly is like having a whole gym in your house. I just enjoy finally having 2 cables. With good care I think even lower models are good, just don’t go buck wild 😂😂
How steady does the Smith machine feel? Do you know how much it can hold? I really want a Smith with a solid steady feeling..
Hey bro great video. Question though for yourself or anyone that has used this machine. How has your aluminum front square tubing been holding up? There is a guy who posted a video on YT about how his two front uprights bent from normal use after two weeks. Now he can’t raise or lower his cable pulleys. If anyone has info on that it would be appreciated.
That has yet to happen to me. I’m curious, can you link the video
czcams.com/video/b-AHmhUkr_g/video.htmlfeature=shared
Glad to hear your machine is holding up. Perhaps the man who damaged his was slamming his bar down on re rack. A bit concerning but I respect my machines so If yours is holding up mine probably will too.
Add a 10lbs weight before adding the 45lbs , that will solve your hand issues with Rows .
Yoo I’ve been doing this after reading your comment. Great tip, I appreciate it 👊🏿
@@LegallySwole No problem buddy
I bought mine 1 week ago how long does it take to come
From Amazon it’ll take a few days
Would you recommend it now?
Yeah the two issues I thought would be an issue kind resolved now
-the metal piece on the cable” isn’t that much of a problem. I have a very bad habit of slamming the weights and everything holds up as if new.
- I got one of those neck pads for the smith machine bar so squats & calve raise feel better and the bar doesn’t move with it on.
-Also I got like 12 of the 10lb weight plates from Facebook market so I can increment easily . $1 a pound too ☺️
Overall for the price point its functioning good with gym quality range of motion
@@LegallySwole thats awesome..love getting a great fb marketplace deal
have you seen the review by this guy? czcams.com/video/b-AHmhUkr_g/video.html not sure if this is an issue with yours or not? Maybe his bars got bent in shipping or something. I really like this setup or the M7. But Mikolo M7 has hardly any reviews.
Hay Jacob, I just checked mine and he is correct about the steel. My machine does not have any bending or warping yet.
For my usage I only use body weight dips and smith machine for bench and squats. I don’t like how close the plates are to the uprights when racking with J hooks so I don’t use it much except for if I’m doing deadlift or heavy shrugs sometimes, never over 300lb.
I’ve learned that the cheaper options equipments don’t heavy loads such as rogue or rep fitness equipments.
A lot of the powerlifting movement I enjoyed doing I don’t dare attempt even if they advertise a large weight capacity.
Not sure if I mention in this review but these inexpensive brands are only good for moderate weights which for me is fine, eventually I will upgrade when I can afford a $4000 machine
@@LegallySwole yes I just cant see paying 4000 for thicker steel, I'm not a power lifter, I only max bench maybe 315 or so.
@@JacobKnightRiderShop yeah same here bro