Force USA X15 Review: Multi-trainer beast
GET THE FORCE USA X15 HERE(SAVE USING MY LINK): https://www.forceusa.com/stevie
OVERVIEW
With its 11-guage 3x3 uprights, the X-series of products from Force USA offers a beefier alternative to the other models the company has to offer. In fact, when looking at the X15, it visually appears to be almost twice the size of the standard 2x2 design. But extra steel and toughness is not all that the X15 has to offer. This versatile machine is essentially six strength training machines in one, with notable features being the aforementioned 3x3 uprights as well as the new cable pulley rails, innovative pull-up bars and high-quality weight stacks.
3x3 Uprights
The depth and width of the uprights on the Force USA X15 are truly impressive and serve as just another example of how much the company truly listens to its customers. While many were asking for 2x2 uprights to be standard on the machines, the X15 offers even more with its 3x3 uprights and its 11-gauge rolled SteelForce tubing. Thanks to this extra steel, the X15 can withstand any punishment that it receives, whether used in a residential or professional setting.
In addition to offering extra beefiness, the uprights on the X15 also feature Westside Spacing with 42 adjustment points. These points are one inch in diameter with 1 ½ inch spacing on the lower rack and 3 inch spacing on the upper rack. This allows you to quickly and easily adjust height levels to suit your needs. Two barbell storage holders, which can accommodate Olympic barbells, are also located at the back of the rack. Commercial-grade J-Hooks and Safeties are included with the base model to assist with making your adjustments.
New Cable Pulley Rails
Aside from the weight stacks, the new cable pulley rail system used with the X15 is essentially the heart and the soul of the machine. While you should still use two hands when making adjustments in order to ensure your safety, the innovative design of this 2:1 pulley system makes it possible to make adjustments with just one hand.
Like the rest of the machine, the rollers in this cable pulley system have been beefed up, which helps to make the process of making adjustments smoother and easier. Even better, these heavy-duty roller pulleys can be moved to 34 different adjustment points on the front of the half-rack. The system also features a knurled grip handle, which locks into place with the help of a pop pin, while the cables themselves are aircraft grade and rated for 2,000 pounds.
The pulley system with the X15 connects into the dual integrated weight stacks located at the back of the machine, allowing you to perform lat pulldowns, flyes, curls, low rows and more.
Weight Stacks
The weight stacks on the X15 are controlled with the cable pulley system, which has a 2:1 ratio system. This means that 100 pounds of weight put on the system is equal to 50 pounds. The weight stacks with this machine are identical to the G15 Pro in terms of how they look as well as in how much they hold: 289 pounds. The biggest difference between the two models is that the X15 pulley system only offers the 2:1 ratio, whereas the G15 offers the 2:1 ratio with the option to easily convert to a 4:1 ratio.
ncluded Pull-Up Bars
A classic straight pull-up bar system with a straight pull-up and a multi-grip pull-bar is also included with the Force USA X15. This makes it the first of the Force USA trainers to include both types of bars. Thanks to this system, you are not stuck with just a bar or the multi-grip system. Rather, the system can be swapped out depending on what you want to do. The station also features knurled gripping, which allows for overhand, underhand, wide-grip and close grip positions.
As is the case with everything else with this machine, the pull-up bar boasts beefier bolts than in other models. The system also includes a suspension trainer stirrup, which is compatible with a resistance band or heavy bag and allows you to experience more than 50 stability, core strength and muscular endurance exercises.
Plate Storage
The Force USA X15 machine offers four spaces for plate storage on the side with additional plate storage space in the back. A unique feature to the X-series is that the storage slots are adjustable, allowing you to configure the plates in a more personalized manner. In past models, you typically only had three weight holders paired with bumper plates, which could sometimes be problematic. This design is much sleeker and easier to use.
Included Attachments
The X15 offers a number of attachments that were previously only available as part of the upgrade package with other models. Attachments and extras included with the X15 include:
Low Row Footplate (25” x 10”)
Lat Pulldown Bar
Single Chin-Up Bar
Multi-Grip Chin-Up Bar
Aluminum Straight Bar
Close Grip Triangle
Ankle Cuff
Landmine
Extension Chains (2)
Tricep Rope
Tricep Pressdown Bar (V Bar)
Safety Arms (2)
J-Hooks (2)
Plastic Handle (2)
The safety spotter arms that come with the X15 are a little longer than those that came with past models and the hard rubber on the arms is a little bit thicker. Meanwhile, the landmine serves as a swivel arm that can attach to either side of the uprights, where it can hold a barbell and be used for rotational torso training.
Basically, straight out of the box, you are going to get everything that you need rather than needing to purchase the upgrade package with the X15. With the upgrade kit, however, you can add three additional strength training stations to your machine, as well as three functional attachments, four more storage shelves and a TV mount. Items includes in the upgrade kit are as follows:
Lat Pulldown Seat with Knee Holder
Multi-Grip Lat Pulldown Handle
Multi-Grip Landmine Handle
Matador-Dip Handles/Dip Bar
Storage Shelves with Rubber Lining (4)
Jammer Arms (2)
TV Mounting Bracket
Measurement Considerations
As might be expected with increased durability and overall beefiness, it is important to note that the X15 does take up a bit more space than some other models. The measurements on this machine are 71” (W) x 57” (D) x 92” (H) for the exterior and 40” (W) x 43” (D) x 86” (H) for the interior. Many basements are only slightly taller than the height of this machine, which means you may have trouble fitting it into a home gym located in the basement. Keep in mind that you don’t just need clearance for the machine itself, but you also need clearance space for your head when doing pullups.
Conclusion
Whether you are interested in powerlifting, CrossFit or you simply are not interested in having a Smith machine, the Force USA X15 may be what you are looking for. With its extra heavy-duty construction, it is a good option for a household with multiple users as well as for a commercial setting or training studio. With its 2:1 cable pulley ratio and its versatility to serve as six strength training machines in one, this machine is a solid choice backed by a lifetime structural warranty.
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GREAT INTERIOR WORKING SPACE
LOTS OF INCLUDED ATTACHMENTS
OPTIONAL UPGRADE KIT ADDS TO FUNCTIONALITY
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EXPENSIVE
SOME CONSUMERS VALUE THE SMITH MACHINE AND THE X15 DOES NOT HAVE ONE
FOOTPRINT MAY BE A DEALBREAKER FOR THOSE WITH LIMITED SPACE AND LOW CEILINGS
GET THE FORCE USA X15 HERE(SAVE USING MY LINK): https://www.forceusa.com/stevie