Coop, I'm shocked you didn't mention that the bearings on the BOS machine have Zerk fittings. That means the bearings are greasable for a longer, squeak-free life.
This machine sucks I tried it...first of all it doesn't even have a safety bar where if u fail it won't catch you..unlike other belt squat machines...Second it only has one "ring" where u connect your belt unlike other machines that has 3 4 5 different place where u can latch ur belt
@@dogeshiba3518 YOU BRING DIRECT EXPERIENCE AND HOW COME NO ONE ANSWERS ABOUT THIS "top" BELT SQUAT MACHINE?!? Hahahahahahahahahahaha.............. WELL DONE SIR !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Absolutely love this belt squat and the smaller footprint, perfect for home gyms that might not have room for a hack squat/leg press. I have used some of the higher end ones (wenning, rogue, westside, powerbody etc.) and I gotta say my experience on this BoS one is on par. Standing directly over the line of pull and squatting straight down will make you feel less forward pull.
I just use a pulley system that I made up at home I attach the cable to the rack and down to the floor where the other pulley is and I use that as a belt squat works great
I love the belt squat as a movement! It has kept me squatting while dealing with some low back issues. In addition, it's generally just a good exercise for volume and hypertrophy because there's no axial loading. I have a DIY version for my Levergym that utilizes the cable system. I really like that I can position myself in a way that it pulls straight down and I can adjust for better ROM by stacking rubber tiles. When I workout at the gym at my job, I use the Rogue Rhino belt and stack weight plates on my Titan loading pin. This is definitely tougher and the most natural feeling. (I can squat 20-30lbs more using the cable system that is a 1:1 ratio) This is what the Squat Max MD seems to be able to recreate without the danger of climbing up onto two benches or plyo boxes. While I've never used a lever style belt squat, I would definitely consider this version if I was to buy one. Great review, GGR!
You can easily remedy any belt squat that doesn’t allow you to achieve depth by using gym mats. I’ve got an awesome belt squat set up using spud inc low row, rogue dip belt and 40cm gym tile offcuts.
You sure can and thats what I do with my DIY lever belt squat, but you shouldn’t need to resort to that if you spend 1k and up on a machine specifically made for this imo
@@aba192 Agreed. But then again, you wouldn’t be spending $1000, because you’d be buying the $699 Titan and using a $30 gym tile suitably cut into quarters 😊
I have had this Belt squat for a couple of years now and I rally love it. It does have that forward knee almost pull that Coup talked about. However, I fell like that helps me focus more on quad activation which for me is somewhat missed on my other leg training options. That said, I got mine about the time the gas prices shot up and literally had it in my cart trying to talk myself into going for it and they (because of the cost increase for shipping) had raised the price by $100. Long story short, I reached out to them and they honored the lower price. To me that means alot, customer service. Owning a "home gym" that I work out of I have had many intereactions with some big name companies and have not been impressed. Every interaction I have had with Bells of Steel has been a pleaseure and thus I have made muliple purchases through them. One improvment that I think they could make (if you are listen BoS?!!) is have the upright handles independant, so that you can get a bit of that forward lean at the bottom and not have your face right on that bar. It would also allow you to move a bit further forward and possibly not have as much of that forward pull. All that said, I would for sure buy my belt squat again even at the higher price (when I bought mine it was about $200 less).
Same here. Bought it long before the price of steel went through the roof. Can’t beat it for the money. My only issue is that I hate the band pegs. The end caps are so close to the floor, it makes it difficult to get the heavier bands through. That’s nit picking though. Solid machine.
I’ve had one of these for a couple of years and can’t say enough good things! Assembly was easy and the bearings have grease fittings for future maintenance. To get greater depth, I just stand on some wood blocks. Great piece of equipment all the way around
DYI belt squat can be made for ~$75 all in. I have one linked to my titan lat pulldown/row that works a charm. It's just a wooden platform, a pulley wheel, and an extra cable, plus some 2X4s to hold together.
@@TheCarterHomeGym no. As the cable comes from the bottom of the machine I needed to brace it to stop it moving forward- which I do with some 2x4s cut to the right length that ten cable is taught at the bottom. The platform does need to be high enough that the cable can run to the wheel unobstructed
I added this to my gym this year (basement gym represent). It let me rehab my shoulder and my back while staying on program. I think i will only do Bulgarians on this from here on out.
I have the original version. I squat to a box which allows me to sit back a bit further and avoid forward knee travel. Glad to see you finally review this!
If you have a power rack at home guys, you can DIY a belt squat set-up with just the bar, spotter arms/safety pins, and j-hook. There's a video demonstration on RU-vid on how to do it. Just look it up. It only takes less than 5 minutes to set-up.
I have it and really like it. Built like a tank. It was a little awkward to use at first but then I got used to the movement. I like to use a small chain and sit back a little on my squats. Also got a front harness and enjoy doing good mornings with it.
I bought one earlier this year to help manage axial fatigue when focusing on deadlifting. It works really good for the price. I would like the finish detail to be a little better but it was fine. You can really punish the quads, particularly the VMO, with a 20 degree wedge and extreme ROM. Pro tip - get a $3 s-hook so that you aren't fumbling with a carabiner while your legs are giving out 🤣
So take the Titan belt squat and drill some vertical holes in the arms so you can attach the weight horns vertically. Save $300 and then you can achieve depth
Idk bout the bells of steel one but I had the Titan one the quality wasn’t that great to me where the weight post attach use bolts and should be welded
We have this at my gym. I’ve been unable to use it because it’s always set up too low and I didn’t know how to adjust the height. Thanks for covering this in your video!
I bought it when it was $750 range- it’s crazy how much everything has gone up. This is a great machine. It’s so well built and I’m glad that I got this instead of some of the others that I looked at. Almost 3 years later, I still use it at least once a week.
whats wrong with knees going forward? why not just stand on plates for more rom? belt squat isn't just limited to "having back problems". it can allow you to hit your quads with significantly less fatigue than a barbell squat, which for hypertrophy would be preferred
We actually cut out the portion where I discussed this with more context. Probably should have left it in. Taken from SquatMax-MD's site who I think details the potential issue well: "By “anchoring” the athlete to a fixed fulcrum, at varying ranges of motion during execution of the movement the athlete will be influenced by an increasing moment arm which multiplies forces in unnatural vectors. For example, as the lifter hip hinges back to execute a proper squat, the posterior displacement of the pelvis further increases the moment arm and leverage on the lumbar spine where the load of the hip belt is positioned. This creates a shearing force on the lumbar spine which is a potent mechanism for lumbar spine disc herniation." From here: www.squatmax-md.com/vs-the-others- I obviously don't think it's enough of an issue to not recommend this or the Rhino, but SquatMax-MD has a point and after using all of them, the SquatMax-MD is definitely the one I enjoy using the most for purely squatting due to there being no fixed point. - Coop
@@GarageGymReviews Yeah i would have left that in cos I feel it clears it up well. Obviously it does not reduce spinal load like the belt does but I really like the style that Matt Vincent uses where he attaches it to the front of a sled harness.
I got my BoS Belt Squat during the pandemic. The only thing I don't like about it is that I can easily bottom it out and still feel like I can go deeper. And this is with the weight horns positioned vertically. I'm only 5'6", so that's probably the problem right there. I tried using a shorter belt from Spud, but it dug into my hips and it was horribly painful when I used any kind of real weight. So I went back to the one BoS shipped with the unit, which is actually super comfortable and feels better than the Spud. Overall, though, I'm quite pleased with it and it made a fine addition to my pandemic gym.
Beau, about the only thing that I haven't seen done on the Squatmax-MD is someone playing a musical instrument. What do you mean it's not versatile? Squats, split stance lunges, "blob pulls, hip thrusts, narrow stance squats, isometric resistance, & whatever else I've forgotten. Oh, & made in America! Owned & operated by a single individual American Entrepreneur, & former NFL running back, back when the NFL was worth watching, & not an arm of SJW'S.
It's extremely versatile, but what I said in the video is that I think the Rhino is more versatile for most home gym owners. After having both in my own home gym and using them, that's my summation. That said, I have not used the new model, which does have some attachments that I think are cool.
ive been waiting for the ForceUSA G20 review for a whileeee. Im debating between getting a rep pr5000 with ares cables or getting the ForceUSA G15. I need help Coop!
I love my titan version, but I do agree with the range of motion knock on it if you are shorter. I also see multiple things I prefer about the titan version. All that being said, both are great options in their own right. Great video Coop!
you put those tight angle bolts in backwards. Put the securing nut on the accessible side and just use a spanner (wrench) on the bolt side and hold it steady.... time saved (edits on spelling)
That's kind of what I was thinking. I'm sure sam is better at assambling than I am but that was weird. I put this together a while back and don't remember the problems he had.
I have this belt squat and have been really happy with it. I purchased it because I wanted more squat volume but couldn't recover from additional spinal loading above my normal heavy barbell squatting. As you alluded to, it's good for squatting and that's pretty much it. The additional movements you can theoretically do don't really work out very well. One thing about belts squats in general and lever arm belts squats in particular is that foot placement is everything. It took me a couple of month using mine before I finally found that "Goldilocks" spot.
I love my B.O.S. belt squat. It serves my needs and fit quite well in my gym. Plus it is so much easier to that regular squats for those of us with back problems. I just can’t stop raving about mine, if you can find one get it!
I use cinder blocks under my titan machine to get more depth. $10 fix for depth. I just with the weight horns were like this machine so I could save space.
Just bought this and hope I love it as im 40 years old and barbell squats are not agreeing with my lower back anymore. Question, you mentioned rubber washers for stacking plates, great idea. The ones you showed in your video, you have a link for them. Thanks for the detailed review
It can vary. At first you'll be doing less than the amount you traditionally squat because it's a new movement. As you learn the personality of the machine you'll start adding weight quickly. For the people that have come worked out in my home gym, they're doing less because of that and dealing with their legs being isolated so they "feel" it more so it's messing with their psyche. The real benefit of the belt squat for the uninjured is that you're de-loading everything from the hips up so you can focus more on form and activation/recruitment in your legs. I don't consider it a replacement for a traditional back squat, rather a better and more comfortable way to perform other squat variations that you may typically avoid.
Got lucky and found this belt squat for $500 on fb marketplace. Couldn't pass it up and have no regrets! I've used the rogue belt squat and it totally is better because goes through the floor. But BoS is a fantastic budget option that I use all the time
looks like a great option to traditional barbell squats. I like the Rogue belt squat machine but it is very expensive over 2k versus 1k for Bells of Steels machine.
this just pinged as i was using my B.O.S Belt squat machine . i love it had it for over a month now . I m going to put grit tape on the platform . my friend who broke his back is coming over to try it . iv doen squats marches bent rows calve raise with a angle box . sounds funny concentration curls skull crushers bicep curls with rope handle on it . all feel great and a little different to shock my muscles
I dot have room, but do have a titan cable tower. Lots videos how make a belt squat platform to hook up to cable pulleys. Cost me $20, & can get directly over the weight
I bought the Elite FTS core blaster squat attachment and if you have a landmine setup, it can easily replicate a belt squat if You just add something to stand on, like plyo boxes or even some mats to give you better ROM and hold on to something for balance if needed.
@@JBS7551 absolutely, as long as you have something to stand on. If you don’t have something to stand on, the ROM is limited and you will only be able to use 25’s (not bumpers)and that maxes out at 150lbs depending on what type of plates you have.
Goes without saying: If you're happy with your purchase that's all that matters. But I can't see why anyone would buy a dedicated belt squat for a *home gym*. I use the Spud Inc low pulley, Spud Inc belt squat belt, and stand on two 12-inch plyo boxes. The ROM is great, and the lever point is very close to true vertical. It's not super easy getting set up, and the plyo boxes are only -- i don't know --90% as stable as a dedicated platform? But for lower weight/high rep work, it's perfectly fine.
Yeah, I mean as you mentioned, if I have significant enough back problems someday that I can't squat with a bar.. then I'll definitely look into a belt squat. Otherwise I have virtually zero interest They're nice to use occasionally for something different, but not getting one for my home gym for that, and honestly I definitely prefer a bar
the zane leg blaster would be an option due to the fact that one doesnt need over 100kg if u use it correctly the pressure on the spine isnt a problem many people with back pain can use it u can squat with your back erect
If only I had the space... However, the REP belt squat is probably the only one I could fit. Thankfully, i knew to avoid purchasing it during the lockdowns because it was always available.
Yeah, it had to suck trying to fit in to that buttress! 🤣😂 all jokes aside, looks like a socket wrench on the outside and a standard combo wrench to hold the nut in place would help alleviate in issues.
Good question. Did you ever find out because I want some too? I just bought "15 Pieces 2 Inch Camlock Gasket Fitting Cam Lock Hose Seal" hopefully they work and I'll make a video on them at some point.
I don't think I'll ever get a better belt squat than just using the rogue trolley arms and use the black widow attachment to hold the weight in between sets. I hear a lot of people complain they buy them and never use them but I got mine off fb mp for $800 and used them almost everyday and they take up no space in my 8' by 8' gym
I made my own belt squat from the Elite FTS Belt Squat landmine attachment for about $200, and I stand on two 2x14 plyoboxes (one on each side of the bar) as a platform so I can reach depth. Works pretty good, definitely better than spending $1,000 for such a large machine in my garage.
@@TheCarterHomeGym I don't have that brand I have something similar from coachulla iron but unfortunately they are no longer in business. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-W48M2izqtOI.html. Here's my video showing a glimpse of the attachment.
@@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821 Nice home gym! Yeah, I can see the range of motion is pretty short and looks like it would pull forward at the bottom. I think a longer, rack atttached lever arm would work better. You would definitely need to elevate yourself by standing on a pair of plyo boxes or something to reach full depth so that the lever arm can move deeper than your feet. A cable catch would be useful to start in the top position for this set up. I do a lot of belt squatting on my channel but mostly using my DIY set up for my Levergym.
Coop, don't think i haven't noticed you wearing exclusively Xero Shoes in the last few vids. I just bought a pair myself. i'd love to hear your opinion on them
I'd love to get a belt squat because I can't go super heavy on back squat due to my lower back. Unfortunately the footprint is just too big considering we move often and I don't always have a garage.
Hey, seeing your b roll of squatting on this seems like you're having issues. Looks like you are setting your feet too far back. You might want to watch courage barbell's belt squat video.
ive had lower back issues for years and ive been trying to back sqaut again for about 6 months and its just not feeling good, i think im considering a belt sqaut.
My results were not the same as Coops. I sold mine. I couldn't get that deep with it without the end of the arms hitting floor despite how short I made the belt chain. It's good, but not that great I found. I had to build a 4 inch platform to get a good depth.
Appreciate your input Michael. I'm able to hit depth, but agree that I can't hit A2G as I would with a barbell without some help from a platform. It's a problem I think many would be willing to live with due to the price point and lack of superior competition at the price point. - Coop
If you built a platform and it worked, why did you sell it was? Was there any other issue? Did the platform cause major inconvenience? Asking cause I'm interested in it.
I agree. I liked the idea of it, but it just didn't work as I would have liked. The J*Squat is another cool option that saves space if you also have jammer arms.
Coop, do you know of a lever-style belt squat rack attachment that has UHMW to keep the attachment point from beating up the rack? All the ones I've seen are steel on steel.
IMHO I think belt squats are over-hyped. For most home gym / garage gym owners, you'd be better served doing Hatfield squats with an SSB bar and some band pegs. If loading the spine is a concern then you can keep the weight moderate and increase the reps. Many people seem to believe that belt squats are some kind of panacea that will fix all their issues with squatting. I've tried them myself and I've found that in some cases the belt itself can get uncomfortable, especially if you use a narrower stance. Hatfield squats for me have always felt better and don't require a crazy setup or a dedicated machine.
Definitely low on the list of equipment priorities IMO. But, I think it can have a place. I use mine in some fashion every week from squats to lat pulldowns to assisted one arm pullups. That's why I like the cable-based system of the Rhino. - Coop
As someone with a wider stance squat and a significant degree of back extension during a back squat (not to mention low back issues) I find the belt squat very useful. I'm a big fan of ssb Hatfield squats as well. I agree belt squats won't "fix" your squat but they can definitely keep you squatting through low back injuries.
Definitely not hating on the belt squat and I can see their benefit. Just wanted to offer an alternative to someone who might have been looking for a way to squat comfortably with equipment they may already have
Got a link to your review of the Sorinex J--Squat? Can't seem to find it, and it seems like the best lever arm belt squat solution given that it's so small
Well, I don't see any difference between this leverage belt squat machine and just a leverage arm attached to rack uprigjt ?? It looks like this machine pulls you forward too and puts stress in your knees do to angle of leverage arm pulling u forward as you squat:(
