Oftentimes, we get requests from the Garage Gym Reviews community to review some unique products they may have never heard of. GGR founder Coop Mitchell always delivers with a relatively unknown hit—this one coming from the land down under. (Cue the Men At Work flute riff.)
The UX1 Functional Trainer from BRUTEforce Australia might provide the most versatility possible in a compact footprint. The all-in-one functional trainer has a half rack, a Smith machine, and cables with heavy dual weight stacks—but the thing that sets it apart most is its ability to fold down, taking the 50-inch depth down to under 22 inches.
Although it takes top marks in its footprint and versatility, there were a couple of things that Coop had reservations about. We’ll go over the highs and lows of this unique piece of home gym equipment in our BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer review.
When It Comes to Expertise, We Don’t Fold
It’s nice when the best home gym machines fold, but you don’t want your experts to. Our team of fitness experts doesn’t buckle under the pressure of trying out new equipment, because we have years of experience as personal trainers, coaches, past and current gym owners, and competitive athletes. We know what quality is in the fitness industry because we’ve been in the thick of it for collective decades.
Coop tried out the UX1 and tested out each of its different functionalities, including the Smith machine and half rack. He tested out different features of the functional trainer according to our fitness equipment testing methodology, giving the following aspects a rating from 1 to 5:
- Construction and durability
- Footprint
- Versatility and weight stacks
- Pulleys and stability
- Accessories
- Price and value
BruteForce UX1
BruteForce Australia UX1 Functional Trainer With Fold
Product Highlights
- All-in-one home gym machine and functional trainer
- Includes Smith machine, half rack, pulley system, and jammer arms
- Can fold down to a depth of 22”
- 50 mm x 50 mm uprights with 25-mm holes
- 16-gauge steel
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- All-in-one home gym machine
- Can fold to save space
Cons
- Expensive
- Steel is thinner than most competitors
Bottom Line
The BruteForce Australia UX1 Functional Trainer is a versatile home gym machine, combining the functionality of a half rack, cable machine, Smith machine, and jammer arms into one space. Additionally, the functional trainer can be folded to a depth of 22 inches. While the 16-gauge steel is a bit thinner than competitors, the versatility and compactness of the machine still makes it a solid option for home gym users.
A Quick Look at the BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer
BRUTEforce Australia says they got their start back in the 1980s when David Renouf, founder of BRUTEforce and Renouf Fitness, began creating strength equipment. Having been a competitive bodybuilder, Renouf designed functional products, leading to the creation of the first modern functional trainer.
With a unique history in functional trainers, BRUTEforce Australia’s products mostly focus on that type of machine. The company also sells adjustable benches and other home gym accessories.
RELATED: Best Weight Benches
The UX1 Functional Trainer is an all-in-one machine that has wild versatility in its space, offering the functionality of a Smith machine, squat rack, and cable system. It comes with jammer arms, too. It comes with plenty of accessories—particularly for the rack and pulleys—but the biggest takeaway is the UX1’s ability to fold. This can be a huge benefit to people who would need to save floor space while the functional trainer isn’t in use, as it folds to a depth of 22 inches from the wall.
Before You Buy
- Remember that you’re responsible for shipping costs as well as the hefty price tag. For exact shipping costs, you’ll have to request a quote during checkout.
- The only financing option I could find available on BRUTEforce Australia’s site is Paypal in 4, which allows for paying in four installments. However, it appears that this method is only eligible for orders under $1,500—which the UX1 won’t qualify for.
- Because of its 50-millimeter-by-50-millimeter upright size, you won’t be able to transfer many attachments from a 3-inch-by-3-inch power rack. With 25-millimeter holes, though, it should work with some 1-inch attachments, like a leg roller.
BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer Video Review
Is the BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer Worth It?
The BRUTEforce UX1 is a highly versatile piece of equipment and the folding helps make it compact exercise equipment. “This probably has some of the highest versatility on the market per square inch of its footprint,” says Coop.
Still, the price is fairly hefty at just under $4,000—which is marked down from its suggested retail price of $4,495. You’re also responsible for shipping costs. By comparison, it comes in just between the Force USA G3 (about $2,000) and its beefed up version, the Force USA G20 ($6,000). Both these Force USA machines have a lot of the same functionality, but the G3 comes in at half the price and with thicker steel—12-gauge steel compared to the UX1’s 16-gauge steel uprights.
The REP Ares 2.0, depending on your customization and specifications, can also come in at or even under the $4,000 mark with free shipping—and that’s including buying a rack with the cable system.
Still, the biggest difference between these versatile machines and the UX1 is its folding ability, which can save tons of space in a garage gym. Coop weighs in and says, “At $4,000 plus shipping, it’s a pricey rack. It’s made well and looks nice, but you ultimately have to decide if you want to spend that much on a folding machine. If you don’t need a folding rack, there are probably higher value options available.” He rates the overall value a 3.5 out of 5.
Great for:
- People needing equipment with a minimal footprint
- Lifters looking for a versatile all-in-one machine
Not recommended for:
- Home gym users on a budget
- People who prefer a Smith machine on a fixed plane
- Powerlifters who need a heavy-duty power rack
BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer Specs
| Footprint | 87” H x 77” W x 50” D (22” D folded) |
| Weight capacity | 990 lbs static weight |
| Uprights | 50 mm x 50 mm 16-gauge steel |
| Hole sizing | 25 mm (~1”) |
| Hole spacing | 16 height adjustments for J-hooks and spotter arms |
| Accessories | Lat bar, spotter arms, jammer foot plate, jammer arms, J-hooks, snap-lock collars, leg press plate, leg anchor, core trainer, spring lock collars, short bar, dipping handles, row handle, chain lengths, D-handles, tricep rope |
| Warranty | Lifetime (structural) |
Using the BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer
GGR founder Coop Mitchell tried out the UX1 Functional Trainer in just about every aspect possible—and there’s a lot. Not only is it a functional trainer, but the home gym operates as a half rack and Smith machine as well. The UX1 also includes jammer arms and other accessories that allow you to use it as:
- A vertical leg press
- A lat pulldown machine
- A low row machine
Just for the amount of functionality the machine has, Coop rates the versatility of the product a 5 out of 5, and he gives the same marks to the weight stacks.
The dual precision-cut steel weight stacks each weigh 220 pounds and are set along the back of the functional trainer, horizontally and parallel to the back crossmembers. “This is probably the best way to set the weight stacks, since that helps set them back and away from you when you use the machine,” Coop says. And since this trainer folds, you want to save space.
Folding is pretty easy; just slide the upright elements down, unlatch the Smith bar and slide it into an Olympic barbell holder, then unpin the pull-up bar. “Make sure you have a grip on the bar though, because once it’s unlatched, that pull-up bar is coming down,” adds Coop, who almost learned this the hard way.
Afterward, you can lift up the stoppers on the uprights and fold each upright in. “It’s light enough for just about anyone to do this,” Coop explains as he swings the upright in and out.
Durability and Construction
The construction is quality, although some of the materials could be improved upon. The biggest misstep in Coop’s opinion is the uprights’ 16-gauge steel. It’s thinner than industry standards from Rogue and REP Fitness, but also thinner than the 12-gauge or 14-gauge steel used by budget companies like Major Fitness or RitFit.
RELATED: Major Fitness Power Rack Review
“It was probably to keep the machine lightweight for folding, but I think you could use a thicker steel and not increase the price or weight too much,” Coop notes.
Despite the thinner steel, the home gym machine still has a hefty static weight capacity of 990 pounds. That should cover most users, but that weight rating may not be ideal for powerlifters who may be approaching that number.
While the functional trainer is designed well, the steel and nylon pulleys could be a bit better, leading Coop to rate the construction and durability a 3 out of 5.
Footprint
With a depth of 50 inches and a width of 77 inches while folded out, the BRUTEforce UX1 takes up a bit of space while in use. However, the folded-down trainer has a depth from the wall of only 22 inches, making it a fantastic space-saver when it isn’t in use. For those looking for a compact solution to a home gym, this might be it. Coop rates the footprint a 5 out of 5.
Just a reminder: With over 400 pounds of weight stacks on the back of the machine, this isn’t a portable machine. Build it where you know you want it.
Pulleys and Stability
The pulleys used on the UX1 are nylon, and the cables connect to the dual 220-pound weight stacks. With the 2-to-1 pulley ratio, the stacks will max out with a perceived resistance of 110 pounds. Although the pulleys are nylon, Coop says the cable travels smoothly due to the use of “pretty nice bearings.”
“Still, I’d prefer aluminum pulleys for a sharper look and smoother travel,” Coop adds. Still, he rates the pulleys and stability a 4 out of 5.
Speaking of stability, the machine stays firm despite the ability to fold. You lock the uprights down with the stoppers and it stays in place. The least stable part in use is the Smith machine. The bar is marketed as a “live” Smith bar, meaning the bar can wobble up and down on either side instead of remaining level on a fixed plane.
“Some people may like this feature, but I’m not a fan,” Coop says. “I like the fixed position of a Smith bar. With a live bar, I might as well just use an Olympic barbell.”
This was probably intentional by BRUTEforce to allow for the all-in-one trainer to fold, but it may deter Smith machine fans from the machine.
Accessories
The BRUTEforce UX1 comes with a decent amount of accessories and attachments…and by “a decent amount,” I mean a lot. Included with the machine, you’ll receive:
- Lat bar and short bar
- Spotter arms
- Jammer foot plate
- Jammer arms
- J-hooks
- Snap-lock and spring lock collars
- Leg press plate
- Leg anchor
- Core trainer
- Dipping handles
- Row handle
- Chain lengths
- D-handles and tricep rope
These attachments and accessories only add to the versatility of the functional trainer, transforming the Smith machine into a vertical leg press, for example. Not all of these are top-tier attachments (the jammer arms won’t have the functionality of the PRx Halo Arms, for example), but for the sheer quantity of attachments, we rate the accessories a 4.5 out of 5.
BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer vs Force USA G3
Force USA G3
Force USA G3
Product Highlights
-
Lifetime frame, 10-year moving parts warranty
-
Free shipping
-
Includes variety of attachments
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Barbell or Smith machine training
- Cable machine with two pulleys
- Plate-loaded
- Includes a variety of attachments
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
Cons
- Steel gauge not disclosed
- Entire unit weight limit under 1,000 lbs
- 772-lb smith machine and chin up weight limit
Bottom Line
The Force USA G3 is an all-in-one home gym machine. It functions as a functional trainer with two pulleys, a smith machine, and a squat rack. It’s worth noting that the design of the G3 will have you barbell training on the outside of the rack, not within the rack. However, it comes with J-cups and spotter arms so you can squat and bench safely at home.
The Force USA G3 is another solid all-in-one trainer, combining a pulley system with a Smith machine, power rack, and functional trainer, all in a fairly compact space—although it doesn’t fold like the UX1.
The G3 is half the price of the UX1. One reason that it’s cheaper is that instead of weight stacks, the G3 has plate-loaded horns that accept Olympic weight plates. While the dual weight stacks are a nice addition to the UX1, it certainly raises the cost.
The accessories included with the UX1—for example, the jammer arms and leg press plates—may add even more versatility. However, the main thing you’ll be deciding between these two home gyms is which you prefer: a lower cost and higher value, or the space-saving ability of a folding cable machine.
If you don’t need the compactness of the UX1’s fold, the G3 has great value, coming in under $2,000. You can check out our Force USA G3 review for a more in-depth look at this all-in-one trainer.
| BRUTEforce UX1 | Force USA G3 | |
| Footprint | 87” H x 77” W x 50” D (22” D folded) | 87” H x 78” W x 60.5” D |
| Weight capacity | 990 lbs static weight, 440 lbs (chin-up bar), 661 lbs (Smith machine barbell | 992 lbs (unit), 772 lbs (Smith machine and chin-up bar), 2,000 lbs (cables) |
| Uprights | 50 mm x 50 mm 16-gauge steel | 2” x 2” 12-gauge steel |
| Hole sizing | 25 mm (~1”) | 5/8″ |
| Hole spacing | 16 height adjustments for J-hooks and spotter arms | 1” along entire uprights |
| Accessories | Lat bar, spotter arms, jammer foot plate, jammer arms, J-hooks, snap-lock collars, leg press plate, leg anchor, core trainer, spring lock collars, short bar, dipping handles, row handle, chain lengths, D-handles, tricep rope | J-hooks, safety spotter arms, landmine, multigrip landmine handle, dual hook straight bar, small straight bar, nylon stirrup handles, pull-down rope, band pegs, Olympic lock collars, Olympic spring collars, carabiners |
| Warranty | Lifetime (structural) | Lifetime (frame), 10 years (moving parts), 1 year (attachments) |
Customer Experience
The customer experience gets a 3 out of 5, as it can be a little difficult to learn policies through the website—if you can find them at all. For example, I can’t find warranty information for the UX1’s cables or attachments, but I know that all functional trainers are backed by a lifetime structural warranty. But I didn’t find that on the website; instead, it was on a comment response to Coop’s full video review:
On the website, the best I could find was that the “warranty varies from product to product.” The same goes for financing, as I saw a PayPal option, but nothing that the UX1 would qualify for. Finally, BRUTEforce has a lackluster 15-day return policy, although 30 days is the standard for machines like this.
BRUTEforce Australia can be contacted via phone, contact form, or email. Remember that their hours of operation will be on Australian Western Standard Time (AWST).
Ordering and Assembling the BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer
The BRUTEforce UX1 can be ordered directly from BRUTEforce Australia’s website. Shipping costs will vary by your location, and you can request a quote on shipping fees while checking out the machine. Although BRUTEforce offers financing through PayPal in 4—allowing you to pay in four equal installments—it looks like the UX1 isn’t eligible for financing, as the limit for PayPal in 4 is $1,500.
The UX1 is shipped in two large crates and looks a little intimidating at first. However, we found in building it—as did numerous customer reviews—that the instructions are clearly laid out, making the assembly OK. This isn’t too shabby for a large functional trainer.
Customer Reviews
As of this writing, there are 42 reviews on the BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer on the company website, averaging out to 4.9 out of 5 stars. There were only four reviews that went below 5 stars, and only one went as low as 3 stars.
Customers who left reviews mostly like the innovation of the folding functional trainer, both for its compactness and its versatility. The few lower-rated reviews were less critical of the machine itself, and more disappointed about having some issues with shipping and delivery. However, it was less of an issue from BRUTEforce and more of an issue from the shipper. That said, reviews said the assembly, while somewhat arduous, had instructions that were easy enough to follow.
Final Verdict of Our BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer Review
There’s a lot to be excited about in the BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer, most notably the folding capabilities. It has a high-quality build and a nice aesthetic to it as well. Still, it’s not a functional trainer Coop would recommend to everyone, especially due to its price point. Here are some key takeaways to consider:
- The $4,000 price tag plus shipping is steep, although the folding feature is unique enough that it may be worth it to some. If you don’t need the folding mechanism, there are other options with a bit more value.
- The live Smith machine bar helps with the fold, but it may annoy users who prefer a fixed plane on their Smith machine workouts.
- The thin 16-gauge steel on the uprights still has a hefty 990-pound static rating, which should cover most fitness levels. However, this won’t be an ideal choice for stronger athletes or powerlifters.
BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer Rating
BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer
This all-in-one machine folds, making it versatile and compact, but is it worth its price tag? We’ll discuss it in our BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer review.
Product Brand: BRUTEforce Australia
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 3995
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.11
BRUTEforce UX1 Functional Trainer: FAQs
Are functional trainers worth the money?
Functional trainers can be a great addition to any home gym—so long as you have the space for the machine and for the cable exercises you’ll be performing on it. If you do have the space, a functional trainer can be a versatile machine capable of providing a full-body workout with resistance training. Functional trainers are also not only great for strength training, but also lighter rehabilitation movements to address injuries or muscle imbalances.
Can you build muscle with a functional trainer?
Yes, you can build muscle with a functional trainer. Cable machines like functional trainers can allow you to incorporate resistance training, typically in the form of connected weight stacks or plate-loaded pulleys. Regardless, the weight training involved provides the needed stimulus for muscle adaptation and growth, as well as other benefits like increased bone density1.
How long do functional trainers last?
How long a functional trainer will last will depend on the construction and materials used, as well as the care and maintenance you put into it. Most functional trainers, with routine maintenance, can last around 5 to 10 years. Some can last much longer—up to a lifetime.
References
- Westcott W. L. (2012). Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Current sports medicine reports, 11(4), 209–216. https://doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0b013e31825dabb8
