Once you’ve gotten all the essential pieces of equipment for your garage gym, it’s natural to start looking beyond free weights and search out machines, from the best Smith machines to leg press hack squat combo units. Combination machines are quickly becoming the rage in home gyms, since they add functionality and versatility while minimizing their footprint.
“After a squat rack, barbell, and some plates, the machine most will probably look at next is a leg extension leg curl,” says Coop Mitchell, GGR founder and fitness equipment guru. Why? He explains, “These leg workouts are all for building the quads and hamstrings, to get that teardrop shape in the legs.”
Coop recently tested out the RitFit PLC01, a leg extension leg curl combo that’s priced competitively and uses a unique type of resistance for budget combo units like this. He likes it a lot and thinks it may be the best budget option for these combo machines. But does it really outperform other more expensive competitors? We’ll look at where it shines—and where it could improve—in this RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine review.
Combining Hands-On Experience with Expertise
At Garage Gym Reviews, we’re in the business of combining, too. Each of our product reviews combines hands-on testing with professional expertise. Our team of testers consists of pros in the fitness industry: certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, CrossFit trainers, and competitive athletes. When we test out fitness equipment, we bring combined decades of experience to help make honest and expert reviews on top brands in the market.
For the RitFit PLC01, Coop spent some time testing this leg extension leg curl machine in both modalities—the lying leg curl and seated leg extension. Having tested similar home gym machines from companies like GMWD, Titan Fitness, and Gronk Fitness, he was able to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the unit.
Coop rated the combo machine in several aspects according to our fitness equipment testing methodology, including:
- Durability and construction
- Footprint and portability
- Adjustments
- Versatility
- Overall value
RitFit Leg Ext/Curl Machine
RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine
Product Highlights
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2-in-1 leg extension leg curl machine
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Plate-loaded
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Uses cable resistance
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Alloy steel construction
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4 back pad angles
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cable resistance provides smooth movement
- Budget-friendly
- Back pad angles allow for lying leg extensions
- Total weight capacity of 700 lbs
- Stable in use
Cons
- Not the most quality materials
- Padding is thin
- Leg roller is a little short
- Uses a lot of plates due to 3:2 pulley ratio
Bottom Line
The RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine is a combination machine where users can perform both seated leg extensions and prone leg curls. This machine is budget-friendly and uses a cable to create a more consistent resistance throughout each movement.
A Quick Look at the RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine
According to the website, RitFit gets its name from a combination of the words “right” and “fitness.” It’s a fitting name considering the amount of combination machines they make.
We’ve tested a few RitFit products before the PLC01, including the RitFit Smith Machine and the RitFit Power Cage, but they’ve also created all-in-one home gym machines like the RitFit M1 and a 3-in-1 leg press machine, the BLP01.
RitFit says their mission is to make home fitness simple, strong, and effective. After having tested several of their products, we think most people will appreciate that they make their home gym equipment inexpensive and budget-friendly.
The PLC01 is no different, priced under $400. While some sacrifices are made to the foam padding and materials used, it’s still pretty sturdy and can hold a combined 700 pounds of weight between the user and the loaded weight plates.
The leg curl machine also uses cables to maintain a consistent resistance throughout the leg curl or leg extension; other machines just using a hinge point will have less resistance at the start or end of the movement, depending on how the weight is loaded. Coop says this consistency in resistance alone might be reason enough for getting this machine.
Before You Buy
- Although the padding could be much better, Coop notes that the pulley used on the cable system is a durable aluminum pulley—a nice touch.
- The three-year warranty on the frame is a bit lacking compared to other companies (who offer a lifetime warranty on the frame typically), but that’s one of the ways RitFit can sell this at such a low price.
- If you’re looking for a deep stretch at the bottom of your leg extension, the PLC01 might be a little lacking. The limited 12 adjustment positions for the starting point limits the range of motion a little bit; we’d love to see more optionality in future models.
- The RitFit specifies a 325-pound maximum user weight and a 375-pound weight capacity of the loaded sleeve.
RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine Video Review
Is the RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine Worth It?
The RitFit PLC01 is one of the least expensive combination machines we’ve tested at GGR headquarters. This leg extension leg curl machine is currently under $400; our previous budget pick, the Gronk Fitness Leg Extension and Leg Curl, is about $740 by comparison.
At half the price, the PLC01 doesn’t have as much quality in the materials as the Gronk machine, but the cable pulley system makes up for it by providing consistent resistance throughout all movements. Coop says definitively, “This is the new budget king.”
That said, the PLC01 isn’t the only leg curl machine to look at for a budget-friendly machine. The LIONSCOOL Leg Extension and Lying Leg Curl Machine is a very similar product and uses cable resistance as well. It’s also priced similarly to the RitFit: $389 with free shipping. While we haven’t tested this machine, Coop suggests comparing prices to see which one fits your budget best.
Neither option will be the best leg machine for everyone, either. Some larger athletes may prefer higher quality materials in their home gym products; the RitFit’s padding is thin, and will probably compress and wear out over time.
Additionally, the PLC01 only offers lying leg curls, where some may prefer a seated leg curl. A comparative study from 20211 found that seated leg curls created greater muscle hypertrophy for the hamstrings than prone leg curls, although both were equally effective at reducing your risk of muscle damage.
Great for:
- People on a budget
- Those wanting a combo unit for their home gym
- Lifters who like to load their leg curls and extensions heavy
Not recommended for:
- Home gym owners looking for the highest-quality materials
- Lifters looking for a seated leg curl
- Those looking for more optionality in their leg machine
RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine Specs
| Price | $399.99 |
| Footprint | 50.9” L x 43.5” W x 42.7” H |
| Weight | 109 lbs |
| Max user weight | 325 lbs |
| Max loaded weight capacity | 375 lbs |
| Range adjustments | 12 positions |
| Weight sleeve | Olympic sleeve; 13.01” loadable length |
| Warranty | 3 years (frame and welding), 1 year (bushings and bearings), 6 months (parts and pads) |
Using the RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine
Coop Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews, tested out the RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine through several leg workouts, working on both leg curls and leg extensions. He felt it operated very well. It felt stable in use, especially for a more budget-friendly piece of equipment.
The cable system is what makes this budget machine shine. “Since there is consistent resistance throughout both leg extensions and leg curls, this makes the PLC01 a superior machine to other leg machines at this price point,” Coop says.
One thing Coop does note is that the Leg Extension Curl Machine is a “plate eater.” The pulley ratio for the weight is 3:2, meaning that you’ll have to load 1.5 times the amount of weight that you want to actually train with; 75 pounds will only feel like 50 pounds. With a max weight capacity of 375 pounds on the sleeve, people will be able to go heavy, but you’ll need quite a few plates to get to that point.
Footprint and Portability
Being nearly 51 inches long and 44 inches wide, the PLC01 will take up some space in your home gym. However, being a 2-in-1 machine, it also helps save space, making it a great option for a home gym machine. It earns a 4 out of 5 for its footprint. That said, it won’t be as portable as some machines, despite its 109-pound frame. It has no transport wheels, so moving this machine will be a bit of a hassle.
Durability and Construction
The construction of the RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine gets a 3.5 out of 5. It uses an alloy steel frame, and while it’s not the highest quality material, it was very stable in use. (There’s even a weight horn on the back of the machine to further stabilize the leg curl machine.) The machine holds users up to 325 pounds, and the loadable sleeve can hold 375 pounds—which is a 250-pound felt weight with the 3:2 pulley ratio.
The leg roller and seat pads are a bit thin, and the foam isn’t the best quality, so it earns a 3 out of 5 for durability. “Over time, these pads are going to compress and just won’t last too long,” says Coop. However, he does like the cheaper vinyl, since it’ll at least not pull your leg hairs out like grippier vinyl pads will.
A nice addition to the construction is that the cable system uses an aluminum pulley, which is much more durable than a nylon pulley.
Adjustability
Coop rates the adjustability a 4 out of 5. One nice adjustment that the RitFit PLC01 has lies in the back pad. It has four adjustable angle positions. Obviously, one is for prone leg curls, but the other three positions allow you to adjust your torso for leg extensions.
According to a recent study from 20242, less hip flexion has been shown to increase muscular hypertrophy in the rectus femoris, leading to greater muscle growth. “Laying down a bit on the leg extension helps train the legs more, leading to greater gains,” Coop simplifies.
However, the 12 adjustments for the sundial (which adjusts the leg roller angle) is good, but could be better. Coop adds, “I prefer a deep stretch on the start of my leg extensions, and this is fine as is, but could be better with just a couple more options.” Also, the leg roller swivels at its base, which helps it self-adjust throughout the movement, but it can also be awkward for some who prefer a fixed angle.
Versatility
Although it won’t have the added functionality of the best functional trainers or weight benches, combination units help provide a commercial gym feel in a home gym setting—all while saving space. So this is a fairly versatile piece of equipment, all things considered.
Coop rates the versatility of the PLC01 Leg Extension Leg Curl a 4.5 out of 5. “It’s not as versatile as your home gym essentials like bars and dumbbells,” says Coop, “but it provides both a quadriceps and hamstrings exercise in one machine, which is big for people looking for isolation exercises.”
RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine vs Gronk Fitness Leg Extension Leg Curl
Gronk Leg Extension Leg Curl
Gronk Fitness Leg Extension/Leg Curl Machine
Product Highlights
- Dual-function machine
- Perform leg extensions and curls
- Plate-loaded
- 23 adjustments
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Provides two lower-body exercises
- Compact footprint
- Budget-friendly compared to competitors
Cons
- Not super smooth transition between exercises
- Optimal tension is difficult to achieve
- Pins are not numbered
Bottom Line
Are you missing the leg extension and leg curl machines from your old big box gym? The Gronk Fitness Leg Extension/Leg Curl Machine allows you to mimic both movements in one footprint. The strength curve makes it slightly awkward to create the ideal tension muscle hypertrophy, but it’s still a solid option for at home workouts.
Prior to the PLC01, the Gronk Fitness Leg Extension Leg Curl Machine was our definitive pick for the best budget leg extension leg curl combo unit. Now, the RitFit option is about half the price of the Gronk Fitness machine, making ita much more budget-friendly option for users. Still, the two machines are different enough that you may want to consider the Gronk Leg Extension Leg Curl, depending on what you want for your machine.
In addition to a lower cost, the RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine also uses cable resistance, meaning that the weight feels more consistent throughout the range of motion. The Gronk unit, on the other hand, just uses a rotating plate-loaded hinge, making the weight distribution a bit more inconsistent throughout the movement; it’ll feel heavier or lighter at the end of the movement, depending on where the pin-lock adjustments are set.
The Gronk Fitness Leg Extension Leg Curl has a few pros, however. First, it’s made with higher quality materials, including 11-gauge steel and thicker padding (although the vinyl might be a little too grippy on a hairy shin). Additionally, the optionality is off the charts with 23 pin-lock adjustments—nearly double the RitFit’s 12 options. Lastly, this machine allows for seated leg curls, which as we discussed earlier, can create more hypertrophy than lying leg curls1.
Overall, which piece of equipment is best for you will depend on your budget, and what you value most in your home gym equipment. Read more about the unit in our in-depth Gronk Fitness Leg Extension and Leg Curl review.
| RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine | Gronk Fitness Leg Extension and Leg Curl | |
| Price | $399.99 | $1,099 (marked down to $741) |
| Footprint | 50.9” L x 43.5” W x 42.7” H | 45” L x 45” W x 45” H |
| Weight | 109 lbs | 170 lbs |
| Max user weight | 325 lbs | Not disclosed |
| Max loaded weight capacity | 375 lbs | Not disclosed |
| Pin-lock adjustments | 12 positions | 23 positions |
| Weight sleeve | Olympic sleeve; 13.01” loadable length | Olympic sleeve; 10” loadable length |
| Warranty | 3 years (frame and welding), 1 year (bushings and bearings), 6 months (parts and pads) | Lifetime warranty on the frame |
Customer Experience
RitFit’s return policy is a tad longer than the typical 30-day policy: They allow up to 35 days to initiate a return. The return policy varies based on the reason for the return; if RitFit is at fault, by sending the wrong product or a faulty one, they’ll cover return shipping costs. However, if you just don’t like the product, you’re responsible for shipping costs, and the item has to be returned in its unopened, original packaging. RitFit also reserves the right to refuse a refund if they find damage from misuse by the buyer.
While the warranty is a bit lacking compared to top brands, it’s decent enough for a budget piece of equipment. RitFit covers the frame for three years, the bushings and bearings for one year, and parts and pads for six months. By comparison, other companies will typically protect the frame with a lifetime warranty. RitFit has multiple ways to get in contact with their customer service: phone, email, and a contact form.
Ordering and Assembling the RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine
The PLC01 can be purchased directly from RitFit’s website, but it can also be found on Amazon as well. Prices are pretty similar between the two sites, but RitFit also offers a few different financing options at checkout.
After asking Sam Presley, Garage Gym Reviews Operations Manager, about the assembly of the combo machine, he says it was about as easy as any comparable machine. He estimates it’d take a person about an hour to fully assemble the leg extension machine. That’s not a terrible timeframe, considering the machine comes in one large box fully disassembled (save a few pre-assembled pieces).
RitFit recommends not completely screwing down any piece of the frame until the frame is completely assembled. This should minimize your chances of having the machine be unlevel.
Customer Reviews
The RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine has an average rating of 4.5 stars from customers, from 90 reviews as of this writing. Over two-thirds of the reviews are 5-star ratings, and many applaud the easy assembly and smooth movement of the leg curl machine.
There are some negative reviews, however; most have to do with parts arriving bent or pieces missing. One reviewer had the plate sleeve bending downward, so the weights would slide off if they weren’t using an Olympic barbell collar. Another reviewer mentioned that pieces arrived bent and the assembled machine wasn’t level.
Even then, these particular reviews still had positive things to say about RitFit and the leg extension leg curl; one said the other products they’ve bought have been great, and the other customer still appreciated the smooth cable travel.
Final Verdict of Our RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine Review
“If you’re on a budget, this is the new king,” Coop reminds us at the end of his RitFit PLC01 review. “Not because of the quality of the materials,” he continues, “but because of the design.” The cable resistance makes for a smoother, consistent feel throughout both leg extensions and leg curls, making this a great product at its price point.
- The RitFit has a nice design, but you may want to look elsewhere if you’re willing to spend a bit more for higher-quality materials.
- With a 3:2 pulley ratio, this machine can eat up your weight plates.
- The cable pulley system is rarely seen on budget pieces like the PLC01, making it a better feel and more consistent resistance, especially at this price.
- You probably shouldn’t consider a leg machine like this until you’ve outfitted your home gym with all the essentials first.
Full Rating
RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine
The RitFit PLC01 Leg Extension Curl Machine is a combination machine where users can perform both seated leg extensions and prone leg curls. This machine is budget-friendly and uses a cable to create a more consistent resistance throughout each movement.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 399.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.06
RitFit Leg Extension Curl Machine: FAQs
Is a leg extension curl machine worth it?
A leg extension curl machine can be worth it to home gym owners wanting the feel of a commercial gym in the comfort of their homes. In particular, a leg extension curl machine combines two isolation machine exercises—the leg extension and the leg curl—helping you save space in your home gym, too.
What are the disadvantages of a leg extension machine?
Because leg extensions are an isolated movement, many people argue that leg extensions can place a lot of unnecessary and unnatural stress on the knees, particularly at full extension. To avoid adding unnecessary stress, keep these exercises relatively light—no need to max out.
Another thing to consider is that isolation exercises, while beneficial to certain muscles, won’t get the functional movement of compound exercises. Therefore, it’s good to supplement leg extensions or leg curls with compound movements, like a barbell back squat.
What will happen if I do leg extensions every day?
If you’re looking to build muscle, leg extensions every single day may give some initial benefit, but eventually can cause more harm than good. Training the quads daily can place excessive stress on the quadriceps and surrounding tendons, which can lead to overuse injuries. A better approach to train legs is to add rest days to your weekly regimen, as well as adding variety to your leg days: Try some squats, deadlifts, leg curls, or lunges as well!
References
- Maeo, S., Huang, M., Wu, Y., Sakurai, H., Kusagawa, Y., Sugiyama, T., Kanehisa, H., & Isaka, T. (2021). Greater Hamstrings Muscle Hypertrophy but Similar Damage Protection after Training at Long versus Short Muscle Lengths. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 53(4), 825–837. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002523
- Larsen, S., Sandvik Kristiansen, B., Swinton, P. A., Wolf, M., Bao Fredriksen, A., Nygaard Falch, H., van den Tillaar, R., & Østerås Sandberg, N. (2024). The effects of hip flexion angle on quadriceps femoris muscle hypertrophy in the leg extension exercise. Journal of sports sciences, 1–12. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2024.2444713
