GMWD Leg Press Hack Squat Machine Combo, Leg Exercise Machine with Linear Bearing, 45-Degree Lower Body Special with Weight Storage for Quads, Hamstring, Glutes, Calves, Home Gym Leg Day Equipment

I looked at several leg press / hack squat combo machines for months. I had narrowed my selection to two different products, and eventually ordered this one because of the two different placements for weights (underneath AND top/side) and it went on sale with free shipping.After ordering, I received a message from the seller through Amazon stating me that my machine was from a batch that may have alignment and cosmetic issues. The communication stated that if I had any issues to contact them and they would rectify immediately, and they would also extend the warranty for me.I found this ominous, and wondered what was in store for me once the product arrived.The product arrived in 3 boxes on two different days (one box was delayed by FedEx).It took me an hour to unbox everything and get the packing material out of the way. Boxing the parts into three boxes was an engineering feat all by itself.From there, it took about 3 solid hours (I split it up across two days) to put it together. Between the printed instructions shipped with the product, and the assembly video included here on Amazon, the assembly went smoothly (except for one part, which I'll mention in a second when I talk about the customer service).There was one part of the assembly that a second person would have been handy. The base is assembled first, then the "sled" portion. You then attach the sled portion to the base....and it's pretty heavy. I was able to get it on my own, but if my wife had been awake (I was excitedly putting this together late at night) I would have asked her to help.I really have to mention, because there are comments to the contrary here, that the customer support was absolutely fantastic.While the initial communication was a bit ominous, I appreciated the heads up. It took me a few days (due to Thanksgiving) to get around to assembling the product, In the meantime, knowing I had received it, I was sent another email asking if all had gone smoothly or if I had any questions/issues.I ran into one small issue during assembly with barely being able to move the safety rails after attaching them - I posted a question to the Amazon message thread I had with them to which they responded (what I assume was during their daytime) within a few hours. I was asked to send pictures as it was thought something had been assembled incorrectly. After re-watching the video I discovered I had indeed installed the shaft assemblies on the opposite sides. Once I corrected that, they moved freely and easily.At the completion of assembly, I noted the 2inch Olympic adapters for the storage pegs were missing the little screws that would secure them onto the pegs. I again posted to the Amazon thread I had with them to which they responded during my nighttime on the same day. They offered to send me the items (which they stated may take a week or so given the part was in short supply) or I could just order it from Amazon (they sent me information on what part to order) and they would re-imburse me $10. I ordered the part (for $6.99), informed them, and they again responded during my night time of the same day telling me they had credited my account the $10 (which they had).I used the machine for the first time a day later for leg day. As noted in the picture I put two plates on each side just to try it out. The sled moved easily and freely and the noise level was what I would expect from such a machine. It sounds like gym equipment. It feels super sturdy. I feel 100% safe using the machine. It takes less than 30 seconds to convert between leg press and hack squat mode. I can't wait until my next leg day when I'll load up more weight.This is a fantastic addition to my home gym. Coming in at around $700 it's still a significant amount of money, but if you had told me 4 years ago (when I started building my home gym) that I could have this machine as part of my home gym for $700, I wouldn't have believed you.Awesome product, great support. I can't say enough good things about this - I highly recommend.

Short kings, take a knee. This review is for the Sequoias.You're a tall guy. You're looking to add this unit to your home gym. I'm 6'6'' tall (198cm for the people who haven't been to the moon). I pulled the trigger and got this unit for you. This is your review.In the hack squat mode, both back to the unit and face towards, I have 3''-4'' of additional clearance when fully extended. I have the bottom plate in a negative deficit to allow for my long femurs to get me deep in the squat.When I'm doing calves on this machine (face towards the back) I can clearly see how much room I have. When I extend during calf raises, I end with 1''-1.5'' of clearance left at the top. It would be my guess that the top range for height on this machine is likely 6'7'' or 6'8'' (for calf raises). Note, I have a size 15 shoe. If you are only going to do the hack squat and leg press, you're looking at 6'8-6'9'' max.For hack squat (which is most affected by height), I find the bottom plate plenty wide, with enough room to move my feet and legs around. I do mostly Tom Platz-like sissy squats with a foam yoga wedge under my heels to allow me to get knees over toes and calves to hams. The shoulder rests are wide enough that I don't feel any strain on my shoulders or neck.For the leg press, there's plenty of room when you put the backrest down. The plate you're leg pressing against does not give you much room to go 'wide'. You'll find your toes are hanging off the top of the push plate and that you need to press near the corners. I feel safe, but I wish the plate were just half a foot larger in both directions. That being said, it works fine, and I get my knees wide enough that when I get deep into the press my knees can get close to my shoulders.The adjustable safety catch at the bottom of both movements is low enough that I can get into a deep position for both leg press and hack squat.If you're a tall guy and you're looking to add this for legs/calves, I would give it a 4.8/5. It's worth the purchase. This is my second GMWD machine (I got the $200 chest press machine which is also great). I've been happy with the build quality, and the assembly was quick considering what you are building. Get out there and build some quads.