Inspire FT2 Functional Trainer Review: Weight Stack & Smith Machine?! 

I have had the pleasure of using the Inspire FT2 for about 18 months now. There are some things I would like to note as another user said as well. Ours absolutely does not shake as this one in the video. It seems as though there was possibly some poor assembly here. We got ours through Costco NEXT on the Black Friday deal. The advantage to this method is that you are getting the LOADED version (Bench, Leg attachements and cables included). You are dealing with Inspire directly, and they send real installers to assemble the machine (included in your price). We live in CT, but the installers were the best in the region from Boston, unboxed and assembled this beast in 3 hours. The leg attachments are the major selling point here. Leg curls as well as seated extensions feel fantastic. Since the purchase of this machine, my husband and I will never return to a gym. A final point to make is the quality of these machines in general. For home use, this machine will withstand the test of time.

I’ve had mine for 4 years and absolutely love it. Mine is a heck of a lot more stable than what you showed here. 🤔. We also got the double weight stack so don’t see us growing out of it☺️. Also got the leg extension and preacher curl attachments. I added grip tape to the red bar as well.

I’ve had mine for over a year. I have the bench, leg extension, curl pad, and the extra weights. Mine is totally solid does not shake like the example on the video. I would buy this machine again and strongly recommend it.

I purchased this trainer 4-5 years ago...and have been very happy with my purchase. One of the biggest reasons I keep this unit is for the bench option - leg extensions and curls in the same contained space is perfect. It also give me the option to leg press (not perfect, but functional). I am fortunate enough to have a separate squat rack for all the reasons you mentioned in the video.

I can’t express enough how much I love my FT2 ..what a game changer ..use it everyday.. if I have to pick one single piece of equipment for my home gym this would be it ..I was fortunate enough to find mine at a local shop ..it was 6month old ..looked brand new and paid $2,500..I couldn’t be happier

Great review and I agree with all your thoughts on the positives and negatives. Except for the wobble, our unit is solid as a rock. My biggest was like you, free weights are just better for certain movements. Deadlifts, squats bench press etc… However, we ended up buying the FT2 for one big reason. SAFETY. I have a 14 year old sone that is all about fitness and his sports. He is a self motivated and will work out on his own and push himself. The fact that the FT2 comes with the built in “spotter” made the sale for us. While is takes a little while to get used to, we have it down now and it’s seamless. Do we still prefer a bar and plates… hell yes. I can sleep well knowing that my boy is not going to drop a loaded bar on his head, with no one around. Obviously, that’s worth a lot to me.

Coop you’re the definition of someone creating something from nothing. I’ve been apart of your channel since 2018, but to remember your humble beginnings before then to what your channel and production has developed into is mind blowing. I love how you continue to deliver content for the home gym community.

I’ve had my FT2 for about 7 years. Got it fully loaded. Weight stacks , Bench , Preacher. I use it everyday without a single issue so far. Not sure what you’s moves so much, My is rock solid. Thanks for the review. Love watching all your reviews.

I have the FT2 and absolutely love it. This model has been around and very popular for about a decade and that’s telling you a lot about how so many people love it. I also have a 6 post PR4000 with every accessory except the Ares. I got the FT2 a year ago for my wife but now I use it more than her. Because of the weight stack, I’m in and out of the gym in 30min. Drop sets and finishing sets are very convenient. The smith bar took a little time to get used to from a conventional barbell but has allowed me to train more effectively. I can focus on the muscle rather than worrying about just lifting the weight. Definitely feel that mind muscle connection. The built in safeties allows you to never forget to have safeties on which is great peace of mind for my wife and teenage kids. The nylon pulleys are silky smooth compared to the aluminum pulleys on my PR4000 Lat/Low row. It’s also very solid and doesn’t shake like in this video. Better check with Sam on his assembly. Of course I have the added 50lb stack upgrades. Maybe since your stack are sitting on the pylons is putting the stack at a higher center of gravity. Inspire also makes the SCS which has the stacks and rack for those that want to use a barbell with plates. Never pay full price for this. If you buy the displayed internet price it will be retail. Always call a local fitness store for a quote. I paid $3999 which included the bench and free shipping. I have absolutely no regrets buying this machine. If I had to choose just one right now to keep, I’d probably sell my 6 post rack before I’d get rid of the FT2. It’s compact enough to fit in a small room with no added plates laying around. I have a garage gym so that’s a nonissue for me. If anyone wants a great all in one package home gym, for what it does, it’s really hard to beat.

Coop Great Job as usual I have an FT2 and use it together with Tonal Love them both! Keep up the great work!!!

Man! I have this for almost 3 yrs, doing my Personal Training business at my home. You just literally explained everything right on point!

Just starting watching - noticed a few things - 1) The foot holder from the Inspire bench can be inserted at the bottom to create a foot plate for low rows; 2) I think Coop is nit picking with a lot of things like knurling and such that are not that important to all people; 3) the width makes it much smaller width wise then compared to a squat rack; - especially since you don't need extra space on each side to load plates; 4) having all the weight from the stacks - means you save money not buying weights or having to store them; 5) Using stacks, everything is super fast - no weight loading

COOP - thanks for the review!! I would LOVE for you to review the FT2's bigger more versatile brother the SCS ! It hits and meets most of your negative points. The ONLY thing it lacks is extension safety arms as some competitors have. It is awwwwesome! I have it and love the ability for normal freeweights (barbell)/functional trainer plate stack/smith machine. Its a robust beast!

I was going to buy a G20, but saw one of these used on craigslist with all attachments, bench, extra weight stack, etc. for $3500. So went with the FT2 instead and super happy about it

I’ve had my FT2 for over a year and I got the one with maxed out features. Using the weight stacks that connects to the scs bench to do leg curls and extensions

I have had mine for 8 yrs love it hit all the bells and whistles bench preacher curl and leg curl leg extension and added weight stack.

Hey Coop any chance future videos could include metric measurements alongside the imperial ones? Wouldn't even need to include it in audio, graphics would be plenty. Watching from Australia and love the content! Been a huge help.

Coop Delivers the best content out there hands down , pure hard work and dedication. Awesome review

I think the price investment should have acknowledged the need to buy plates for plate loaded competitors, while that is factored into the base cost of the sectorized smith on the FT2.

I own the FT2 and love it. I converted a bedroom into a gym and am really limited on space. The bench is good quality. Especially love the leg curl/extension accessory for the bench. This, with the bench and a good set of adjustable dumbbells is all I need.

I have a Legend Smith machine that has a squat rack that you can also do bench press with an Olympic Bar. Brought it from New York Barbell company along time ago. Still works great and I can't see me upgrading to one of these machines because I prefer having a separate lat machine. Thanks for the review.

Coop great video, The Titan plate loaded functional trainer is an affordable option when compared to these. A lot of people would benefit from a review on this one. I know it's not top of the line but is a good budget friendly option for home gym owners. Could you eventually do a review?

The leg extension/curl option - although it requires about $400 extra - seems very attractive. But being an older guy who has moved away from barbells, the Smith machines does nothing for me. I just want the damn pulleys. Thanks for the review.

I own the FT2 and I love every nut and bold about it. Honestly,... I don't know what you just tested. My FT2 is bombproof. I'm a 214LBS 6'2 wide shoulder dude. When I do pull ups on this the FT2 doesn't move 1mm. 100% bombproof. You could run into it with a dodge ram. Something must have went bad with the assembly or the floor did you dirty. I have been using mine for more than 4 years and propably about 4x a week. I have 0 complaints concerning quality. Nothing broke, there is no wear no tear no scratch on it. And honestly the overhead pressing while standing is stupid, sorry. If you roll up the massive bench to it an do them sitting there is no lack of functionality. And the leg extension is unbelievably smooth. I don't know if you had a bad day or universe was against you but I'm 100% in love with the FT2 and I have been working out in several different commercial gyms for 20 years. Your summary is correct though: it is recommendable for the right buyer: if you want to save as much space as possible and never intend to buy a squat rack then this is the one to go to. And yes, I do consider the REP ARES the one alternative when cables are important but smith machine isn't.

Superb review. Thorough and clear.

Love my FT2. This thing is the real deal. Use it everyday.

While i was looking i initially looked at this piece but ended up with the Inspire SCS and it is by far the superior piece of equipment. it has all of the functional trainer with the smith machine but is also a full squat rack. The smith machine is also plate loaded (a big plus in my books). the SCS also comes with safety bars that get the job done nicely.

Did my research years ago on these types of machines. This one was the winner due to the 1:1 option.

Coop, you have to review the “Jacked Up” all in one w/smith machine. I haven’t seen anyone review it, and I’m dying to know about it. It’s what the people want!

The Free Motion Dual Cable Cross Lite is the bomb. I know you have the bigger one but the Lite is a very good unit and doesn’t take up much space at all. I would highly recommend this for the money.

Hey Coop, I bought the FT2 2 years ago and some of your points are valid, others not so much. I switched from a half rack with pulleys, plates and bar to the FT2 for my basement homegym in germany (which I suspect is much more limited in space than american homes): 1. The lack of a squat rack is a big value proposition for the FT2. I don't need a stack of plates and a bar, because I can do all those things on the FT2 (I am not a powerlifter, so YMMV). Requires much less space and hassle when switching exercises/weights. 2. The alternative products you mentioned are all taller and wider than the FT2, which excluded them from being considered for my use case. Standard ceiling height in germany, especially in basements won't allow for G20 and similar racks. 3. I found the pulley system to be really smooth and consistent compared to most commercial gym equipment I have experienced. 4. The independent weight stacks that extend to the upper and lower mid pulleys allow for balanced exercises where you are usually restricted to one pulley. Especially for rehab/prehab exercises I wouldn't want to miss that. 5. Not being able to do standing OHP is a bummer, but doing them seated is ok. 6. The lack of stability you have shown is not even remotely present in my rack. I don't know if this is down to my rack having the optional added weight stacks or having it assembled with more care (6 hours seems really fast), but my rack does not move or budge when I do pullups/chinups (85kg bodyweight). From all the racks and home trainers that fit my unique constraints, I feel the FT gave me the most features, build quality and value in a very compact footprint. Other than that I found your review gave the FT2 a fair shake (pun intended)

I would love to see the Inspire M3 review and a comparison to alternatives. Greatings from Germany

Just bought the SCS. Would be great to see a comparison between FT2 and SCS. One of the most asked question in the community.

Bells of steel just came out with a functional trainer/rack combo that looks pretty cool too.

I have the STS Inspire in my studio. Which is the next level up. Both are awesome. Great for my online clients.

I just bought the FT2... got it for $4700 including the bench, leg attachment, preacher attachment and weight stack upgrade. I F'n love it. I was deciding between the Hoist Mi6, Mi7, Inspire CFT Commercial and this Inspire FT2. It was a no brainer choosing the FT2 for the price, functionality and performance and I already have a free weight smith machine. I tried working out all the aforementioned pieces and all were pretty similar. As far as the stability of the FT2, I agree that it wobbles a little if you push on it side to side and shake it, but so does my RAM 2500 if push on it from the side and shake it.. lmao.... but seriously, when working out and using heavy weights there is no wobble/instability. It is a very smooth and solid machine. Very happy with purchase and this is coming from someone who was not limited by budget, as I could have purchased any machine I wanted but this was my choice. I am 6'1" , 225lb, and this is solid for me as my needs go which is moderate medium to heavy weight doing med to high reps. For a power lifter this won't be a good choice, but for someone who wants to look good, stay in shape is awesome. The cables and movements are smooth as butter... As a bonus my wife loves the leg cable attachments.

I'm currently in the market for a functional training rack! Your awesome! Thank you, you guys Rock!

Hey man. Awesome reviews. Would love to see how this compares to the Bodycraft XFT. I have yet to see a good review on the Bodycraft XFT. Similar to the FT2, it's smith machine uses the weight stack with the addition of both upward and downward resistance as well as natural 3D barbell motion. I think it will be a really cool review/comparison. Thanks.

I have the FT1, the FT2s little brother without the smith. It’s an excellent cable machine I personally would recommend.

Coop I picked up a prospot hg6 around a year ago off Facebook. It does all of that and has its own barbell that spots for you. It's incredible I have no idea why the stopped asking them.

Nathan with the best burn in years 👏

I have the inspire SF3. It’s a new inspire functional trainer sold through Costco. Essentially an FT2 minus the top and bottom pulleys - but much cheaper. Love it

I bought this unit with the upgraded additional 50 pound weight stacks two weeks ago and based on the review, Coop hasn't scratched the surface on what can be done on this machine. For instance there's no demonstration of the unit with the basic accessories that come with the unit such as the ez curl bar, straight bar, pullup assisted strap, etc. For lat pulldowns you can setup a bench and use the same smith bar that folks are bashing to hold your legs in place to pull some heavy weight. You can superset the pulldowns with seated unilateral rows or connect a converter attachment to both pulleys to be as a single pulley with a single cable attachment. You simply push the bar up and out of the way to do rows. Another setup to do a superset is do seated or standing bicep curls with the outer pulleys and then do tricep pushdowns or extensions with the high pulleys. Again you can attach a converter to the dual high pulleys to connect a single attachment such as a tricep rope or bar. Those high and low pulleys expand the possibilities of this functional trainer. FT2 is a supplement to the other pieces of equipment in my home gym. I train like a bodybuilder, not a powerlifters. In terms of price, if you visit an authorized dealer of Inspire Fitness Equipment you can negotiate the price. The price listed on the website is the MSRP. It's like buying a car at a dealership. You always want to pay below MSRP. One shortcoming that I do agree with am I'm still trying to get used to is using the smith bar to squat. The concept is unique but starting the rep at the bottom is unusual And not comfortable, eapscially if you're using heavy weight. Still testing the idea of using one foot as an anchor and the other foot to help me get the bar with the weight loaded out of the hole into position and then line up my feet to start the set. The nice thing about this unit is you can sqauat to failure and just drop the bar on the safeties and get out of the hole. Afterwards you just turn the bar to disengage the weight stacks and push the bar back to the original position. And my unit doesn't wobble at all. The pulleys and cables are smooth like butter. There are others who have posted reviews of this unit and they are satisfied with it. You can get very creative with this unit.

INSPIRE FITNESS SCS SMITH CAGE System. That's the version of this that you want. I have it and love it. It allows you to use it as a cage and all functional trainer options. Mine doesn't move at all, super solid and got the preacher curl and leg lift attachment. Installed by local dealer.

I’ve owned the different model Inspire SCS Smith for 2 years and I’ve been extremely happy. It is way more stable (doesn’t swing at all) and it has a smith machine. Knurling is the same yet you can use any barbell. It doesn’t have however this ‘spotter’ mechanism. It also has a preacher option (& leg curl extension as Coop shows) which I Love. Check it out

Gotta say I was surprised by Coop’s opinions on the FT2 vs similar machines from ForceUSA. In my opinion the quality/finish of the FT2 is clearly superior over ForceUSA. People like to think aluminum pulleys are king but man, I think Inspire’s cable have the smoothest pull on the market. Even when compared to really expensive commercial functional trainers. I’ve personally sold over 100 FT2’s and I’d say they’re most “worth it” for people who don’t do barbell exercises or are happy to have a separate rack for those barbell exercises. If you ignore the smith machine; adding a lat pull, low row, and cable-based leg extension/leg curls to a traditional functional trainer is pretty sweet.

Good job on the video

I took 2 pieces of 1/4 inch x 1 steel about 6 or 7 inches long and drilled 3/8 inch holes in them. One hole in each end, one in the center. I connect the two rear lower pulleys together on each side with them to double the weight while using either the leg attachment or doing back work. It works great. Pulling both at the same time prevents one of the pulleys in the back of the machine from functioning, making the weight heavier, just in the same way as the weight can be increased on the smith bar. I agree it seems the build quality is lacking slightly, but it provides me with plenty of resistance and does feel sturdy when in use even though some of the parts are cheap feeling. Like when using the smith bar, the machine shakes a little on the initial lift, but then feels solid if you're moving smooth. In my case it's the perfect size to fit right into the cutout of the bay windows in my downstairs room.

Excellent review. I'd like to see a head to head comparison between the REP Ares, Inspire FT2 and Inspire SCS. A few years ago, I went to see this machine at a local retailer and I as well was able to cause it to shake side to side. For the cost, I expected a much sturdier machine. On a positive, I really like all the pulleys this machine comes with and also being able to perform all the exercises using the included weight stacks which make it safer to use then free weights.

Thanks for reviewing. I think Sam forgot to tighten some bolts because mines solid as a rock 😂.

I have a squad rack and one of the competitors to this functional trainer in my garage gym and I just go backwards and forwards between the two I think They complement each other well. I would also say that this functional trainer will save you space because you won't need dumbbells

i have the ftx and i love it i find my muscle activation is better on cables then free weights

Great review as always. Can you do a video on Inspire FTX. Thanks.

That sway just swayed me away. I actually been looking at that for a single piece of equipment.

Since you mentioned about comparison the next broadcast should feature a head to head comparison between Rep’s Athena and Inspire FT2.

If you want a similar machine to check out, look at the Bodycraft XFT to compare well with the FT2. I would also check out the Bodycraft RFT to compare with the Rep Ares

Not sure if this is in your future reviews but would love to see a review on the Costco functional trainer. Seems to be a cheaper alternative to this and is similar in features

You should review the inspire M2. I’ve been thinking about getting on of those to compliment my free weights.

Instead of joining two carabiners at the top together, there is an item called "dual pulley cable connecting plate" which can attach and join the dual pulley cable into a single one.

I'd like to see you review the body craft xft. It's similar to this. Also their f704 bench is different than the others that you have reviewed and would like to see some thoughts on it.

I gotta nitpick a little here Coop.. 1.) if you’re doing a series on “Functional Trainers” and not specifically space saving all-in-ones I don’t feel like you should be penalizing a system like this for not having a squat rack built in.. different category completely. 2.) Aluminum pulleys aren’t by default smoother than nylon, it’s pretty much all about how cheap the bearings in the pulleys are regardless of the material of the wheel.

Thanks for the review video. I have to ask why you didn't push on " All " the Functional Training systems, but only the Inspire FT2. I think you brought out an important point. If you ever revise this review video, please add you pushing on all the Function Trainer systems to reflect gym stability. I am sure it would be equally useful to viewers, and would eliminate any bias.

Pretty cool machine!

Coop you should review the JACKED UP POWER RACK PRO ALL-IN-ONE FUNCTIONAL TRAINER CABLE CROSSOVER CAGE HOME GYM W/ SMITH MACHINE.

Would like to see video on functional trainers comparing high end to low end

Thanks Coop, you nailed it , there are better options for the price

Man every time I see a review of a product like this I get excited about the versatility, but then I see the cost… This thing is awesome but not sure the price increase matches the benefit increase when compared to a standard squat rack. Thanks for the review!

Coop please review the hoist m7 with the smith attachment. Thanks

Please make your next functional trainer review the F9 Foldable. I think I saw it as the 5th one in when you walked in this video

Coop, review the SF3!

I know smith machines get a bad rap, but they def. have their place if you use them right

Got one during covid. Love it. Mine is not as shaky as yours for some reason. Maybe an older model? Really only con I have is on the lower weights the pullys can stick in certain positions. Id buy it again.

I have an FT2 and I can say with 100% certainty that it does not shake like this one. I can only conclude that the one Coop used was not assembled well. Mine is solid as a rock. I have a squat rack with pull up bar and I feel much more solid doing pull-ups on the FT2. Also, definitely upgrade your stack if you lift heavy. I love being able to drop set with the smith bar on this machine. Sometimes I superset between this and my free weight barbell. Thanks for the great reviews Coop!

You have to review the archon fitness half rack / Smith machine. No pulley system but it's the cleanest integration of a Smith and squat rack

Love the review, actually very spot on with the exception of the stability comment. I have to disagree. Perhaps your unit was improperly torqued? My unit is solid when doing chin-ups. Even if I move the unit side to side it hardly moves like your demo. Thanks for all the reviews. Great insight! ✌🏻💪🏼

Would love to see the $2500 Costco version reviewed!!

We need a video on Coop’s current workout routine!

you should review the inspire bench that has the plate-loaded leg extension/curl attached. Like you said its the only decent brand that makes one so I am curious what are your thoughts

I appreciate you taking the time to review this as well as many other products. However, if you are going to review a products and be a source of credible information other people rely on then I would encourage you to do a little more research on the overall product features. As far as the wobbling, it was obviously assembled incorrectly. We are an Inspire retailer and every unit we delivery/install is solid as a rock. In addition, the live width space required on an FT2 is significantly smaller (5ft) then a Smith rack system that utilizes free weights. A Smith rack system utilizes a standard 6.5-7ft Olympic bar and requires close to 11-12ft of live width space (you will need a minimum of 2ft on each end to have enough room to safely remove the plates (not to mention the fact you will need to purchase plates for the bar). The FT2 target audience is not the hard core free weight lifter, but the regular every day avid exercise enthusiast with minimal space. The FT2 is a fully self contained unit that requires "0" add-ons such as plates, racks, or any type of accessory attachments. In addition, you forgot to mention one of the biggest selling features of the this product which is the chin-up assist strap. They also offer a 4' aluminum Lat bar that features a two hole connection as an optional attachment.

Coop's self intro never gets old. Love it! Great review!

Odd question but where did you get that ribbed sweatshirt from? Great channel! 👍🏼

You should review the Titan plate loadable functional trainer.

I'm thinking about replacing this with Force USAs G20pro or the Rep Ares fully loaded

Thanks for this Video. I found one for $2000 used but it new enough. Clean and I already have a Cage for Sqauts and Bench press. I just need a Pully system for the home. I thought $2Gs was to much but maybe not? Dont need the smith bar is just a bounse to me. Not needed, maybe my girl will like it.

Do you have a review on the Atlas Strength M810? Or can you share your thoughts? This is a great review of the FT2.

I actually have it and love it, but your right I had to buy a separate squat rack lol!

I have a FT2 and it is high quality and it doesn't swirl... The FT2 that you reviewed propably wasn't assembled correctly. I went for the ft2 instead of the Force USA G15 because of the leg curl attachment. I don't regret it. (i got a separate squat rack)

now what do you think about the one they made for costco the sf3 its on sale for $1999

thank you, are there any other trainers like this that can use the weight stack? thats a great idea

I’d really like to see a review of the Atlas Strength M810

Have you done a review on the Powertec lever gym? If not I think for the price and footprint and the amount of versatility it’s one of the best if not the best options for home gym users. I know when I got mine I was kicking myself for not knowing about it sooner

Yes , compare it to any other cable machine.

If REP is able to add a smith machine addon to the PR4000-PR5000 its game over, men I with they where able to to that, and also I cant wait for REP to start selling to the EU.

In 2016 the functional trainer I purchased was TuffStuff Fitness CXT-225, what are your thought on that? The smith for the CXT is plate loaded.

Coop, curious if you have a review on the Rep Fitness FT-5000 vs Titan Fitness Functional trainer. I'd like to keep the budget under $3,000 and with black Friday coming up I'm torn between the two of them! Any help or links to watch videos is greatly appreciated!

FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!!! I thought it was gonna be just over $2,000. Ok I needed a good laugh. So thanks to coop for the informative video and Inspire fitness for the good laugh.

Compare this Inspire ft2, to JackedUP PowerRack Plus, and Force USA G6. These seem most comparable. All have weight stack functional trainers and Smith, the latter two can function as squat racks. I like the idea of the bench / leg attachments. Space is always a concern. I wonder how the ‘feel’ of the smith machine might be different between the cable connected, and plate loaded versions. I don’t really need a barbell for heavy squats, but maybe someday will want one. I just want to get toned, not swole like you, Coop.

Hey Coop, what about Hoist Mi7 Smith Functional Training System review? I know it's a lot more money but it has a unique "smith machine" built into it as well. Thanks!

Can you check out the Harambe System? I would love to see your thoughts on it.

could you review the Marcy Smith machine squat, rack combo? I know it’s on the cheaper side but it offers a lot of function at least on paper.