It’s no secret we’re big fans of space-saving and multi-functional equipment—that’s what makes some of the best home gym equipment. We think it’s savvy for your space and wallet when a piece of equipment can function in more than one way.
Cue the all-in-one squat rack and functional trainer from Force USA where you can squat and bench press in addition to pull-ups or any number of cable exercises.
In this Force USA G15 review, we’re going to cover everything you can do on this multi-functional machine, what we liked, and what we’d like to see improved. Let’s get into it.
We’re Strength Training and Functional Trainer Experts
When you want to outfit your home gym with the best dumbbells, barbells, and weight plates, your friends at Garage Gym Reviews have you covered. We’ve tested, scored, and reviewed hundreds of pieces of strength training equipment.
For this Force USA G15 review, founder of GGR and OG product tester Coop Mitchell worked out on the functional trainer, assessed the multi-functional machine, and scored a variety of categories including the durability, weight stack, pulleys, and accessories.
Force USA G15
Force USA G15
Product Highlights
- 3-in-1 at-home gym machine
- Stacks and plate-loaded cable towers
- 18 functional attachments included
- Barbell or smith machine training
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Tons of visitability
- Half rack on the front
- Cable machine with interchangeable 2:1 and 4:1 ratios
- Smith machine included
- Weight plate and free weight storage
- Financing available
- Free shipping
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- 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 G15 is a versatile 3-in-1 training machine for home gyms. You’ll have a functional trainer with plate-loaded capabilities and dual integrated 289-pound weight stacks. These weight stacks are interchangeable and offer 2:1 and 4:1 pulley ratios. The outside of the rack offers a half rack design for barbell movements like the squat and bench.
A Quick Look at the Force USA G15 Pro
Force USA manufactures pretty much everything you need to outfit your home gym, from barbells and bumper plates to battle ropes and plyo boxes. And the G15 Pro is not the only all-in-one functional trainer the brand offers. The Force USA G-series includes three plate-loaded models (G1, G3, and G10 Pro) and six different models with pin-loaded weight stacks (G6, G12, G15 Pro, X15, and G20 Pro).
The pin-loaded machines are remarkably similar with only a few differences in the specs and price. The G15 Pro that we’re exploring in this review is at the higher end of this spectrum priced around $5,500. You can expect to use the G15 Pro as a squat rack, functional trainer, Smith machine, chin-up or pull-up station, and a suspension trainer.
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Before You Buy
- Barbell lifts will take place outside of the cage with half spotter arms while exercises on the Smith machine are done inside the cage.
- During the assembly process, there are two sets of cables (one for the front and one for the back of the power rack). Neither set is labeled, but one is slightly shorter than the other.
- You’ll be able to easily change the cables from a 2:1 to 4:1 ratio. The cable travel length extends more with the higher ratio.
- The Smith machine bar is offset, which allows you to start barbell exercises with little to no weight.
Force USA G15 Video Review
Is the Force USA G15 Worth It?
There are some aspects to the G15 Pro that Coop liked, but overall it didn’t blow him away. For the price we would like to see better quality components, cables, and accessories. Overall, Coop rates the value at 3.5 out of 5 stars.
However, there are some unique aspects that folks might really like and want to prioritize. First, the Smith machine is counter weighted, which means you can start any Smith machine exercise with basically no weight. This is ideal for high rep ranges, beginners, teenagers, and older adults.
Plus, the cables are interchangeable from a 2:1 ratio to a 4:1 weight ratio. This is ideal for the same reasons as the Smith machine features—you can have lighter starting weights for anyone who needs them. However, this feature may not be ideal for anyone who wants to feel the true weight of the dual 289-pound weight stacks.
Great for:
- Strength training versatility
- Training for all ages and skills
- Folks limited on space
Not recommended for:
- Budget-conscious garage gym owners
- People who prefer plate-loaded machines
- Folks who want to lift inside the power rack
Force USA G15 Pro All-In-One Trainer Specs
| Price | $5,499.99 |
| Footprint | 79.5” W x 53” D x 87.5” H |
| Weight rating | 992 lbs (unit) 772 lbs (Smith machine and chin-up) |
| Weight stacks | Dual 289-lb weight stacks |
| Pulley ratio | Interchangeable 2:1 or 4:1 |
| Effective resistance | 144.5 or 72.25 lbs per side |
| Number of height options | 22 |
| Warranty | Lifetime structural warranty |
Workout Experience With the Force USA G15
GGR expert tester, Coop Mitchell used the Smith machine and cable trolleys on the Force USA G15 to get the full experience. He also used the half rack on the G15 for barbell squats and overhead presses to see how it held up to traditional strength movements.
“I tested quite a few cable exercises to try different weight ranges and ranges of motion. I did chest flyes with both trolleys, triceps pushdowns with a triceps rope, lat pulldowns, and low rows,” says Coop.
During the testing process, Coop noticed the lack of knurling on the Smith machine bar and wished the brand put more effort into making it better for gripping. “The knurl is super passive and not going to allow for an adequate grip for the user if you were to go heavy on any Smith machine movements,” he says.
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That said, he thinks the counter-weighted Smith machine bar is ideal for families, noting that it can accommodate light starting weights for all skill levels and ages.
Footprint and Portability
The G15 is not a portable machine. It’s the kind of hefty equipment that gets assembled in the exact location you want it to stay. The weight is not disclosed on the website, but we know for sure the weight stacks alone are over 500 pounds. The G15 earns a 4-star rating in this category.
The footprint measures over 6 feet wide, over 4 feet deep, and roughly 7 feet tall. Before adding this to your cart, be sure to measure both the footprint and ceiling height of your home gym.
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Durability and Construction
When it comes to the durability, stability, and overall construction the G15 earns 4 out of 5 stars. The machine is solid with heavy-duty metal and two huge weight stacks, but some features don’t add up to the high-end price tag of the G15.
The 2-inch-by-2-inch uprights are constructed with 11-gauge rolled steel tubing, which is a solid frame for squat racks and power racks. It has a chrome finish, an ideal material for smooth transitions on the cable trolley. The uprights also feature laser-cut 1-inch hole spacing for the J-hooks.
The dual 289-pound weight stacks make the G15 feel locked to the ground. “This thing is a tank,” says Coop. “Once you get it assembled, it’ll essentially be stuck in place.”
Coop’s main callout and the reason he deducted a point in this category was the pulley material. “The pulleys are made from nylon and have decent movement, but the competitor brands offer aluminum pulleys and parts that provide a smoother pull and more durability,” he says.
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Versatility and Weight Stack
The Force USA G15 has 22 different height options for the cable trolley and more than double that amount for J-hook positions on the 2-inch-by-2-inch uprights. There are plenty of height adjustments for the Smith machine, too. However, most people won’t be able to perform standing overhead presses with the Smith machine, but most other movements should be fine.
During his assessment, Coop liked the pop-pin on the trolley because it’s adjustable with one hand. “It’s not as smooth of an adjustment as the REP system we’ve seen on the Ares or Athena, but it’s still pretty good,” says Coop.
RELATED: REP Fitness Athena Review
Overall, the versatility on the G15 earns a 4.5 out of 5 stars. You can pretty much do anything on this machine that you could do in a commercial grade squat rack or functional trainer. And with the dual 289-pound weight stacks, most folks will have enough weight for lower and upper body exercises.
“I wish the weight ratio was 1:1 for more effective resistance, but the weight stacks and 2:1 or 4:1 ratios will be adequate for most people working out at home,” says Coop.
Accessories
The G15 earns a score of 4 out of 5 stars for accessories, because it comes with a wide array of attachments suitable for both upper and lower body exercises. Coop docks a point because the spotter arms that come standard with the G15 purchase are pretty short and may not provide the safety of a full-length spotter arm for squatting or benching.
Force USA G15 Pro All-In-One Trainer comes with the following attachments:
- J-hooks
- Safety spotter arms
- Dual hook curl bar
- Dual hook straight bar
- Dual exercise charts showing 56 exercises
- Lat pulldown bar
- Small straight bar
- Plate holders
- Close grip handle
- V-bar
- Nylon stirrup handles
- Pulldown rope
- Low row footplate
- Lat pulldown knee holder
- Multigrip dip handles
- Multigrip pull-up bar
- 4 band pegs
- 6 Olympic lock collars
- 4 extension chains
- 10 Carabiners
Force USA G15 Upgrade Kit includes:
- Jammer arms
- Leg press plate
- Core trainer
- TV mount attachment
- Barbell row handle
- 4 storage shelves
- Pair of single metal handles
- Ankle cuff
There are additional G-series attachments that work on the G15 including the leg extension and curl attachment. The Force USA website even has adjustable weight benches for your chest day and weight storage options like the bumper plate and barbell storage trees.
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Force USA G3 vs Force USA G15 vs Force USA G20
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.
Force USA G20
Force USA G20 All-In-One Trainer
Product Highlights
- Use code GGR5 at checkout to save 5% on all Force USA orders above $1,200!
- 578 lbs. of weight stacks
- 11 machines in one
- 29 attachments
- Durable steel construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- More than 400 exercise options
- 11-gauge tubing
- Westside spacing with 51 adjustment points
- J-hooks and safety bars included
- Includes 578 lbs of stacked weights (dual 289-lb weight stacks)
- 3 chin up bars with knurling
- 1:1 pulley ratio for functional trainer
- 29 attachments included
- Additional lat pulldown station compatible
- Supports multiple users
Cons
- No dip bar attachment
- No barbell storage
- Only compatible with Olympic bumper plates
- Difficult assembly
- Shipping weight 1,525 pounds so not portable once delivered
Bottom Line
The Force USA G20 All-In-One trainer is an impressive strength training machine that combines 11 strength systems in one compact and stable unit making it possible to do hundreds of exercises at home. Although it comes at a price point that is overwhelming for many home gym owners, this piece’s overall value is still remarkable considering all that is included.
We’ve personally tested the G3, G15, and G20 so it’s only natural to show you a side-by-side comparison to all three Force USA functional trainers. As Coop mentions this in the G15 full video review, there are tons of similarities between G-series models. So many similarities that we wanted to list the most important features you’ll see on all three models:
- 2″ x 2″ uprights made with 11-gauge steel
- A total 992-lb weight rating on the machine
- Multigrip pull-up station
- Smith machine
- Functional trainer pulleys
- Band pegs
- Barbell storage
- Weight plate storage
- Lifetime frame warranty policies
- Free shipping
The main differences in these three models are the price, footprint, weight stack, and pulley ratio. For your convenience, those specs are outlined below. For more details on the other two G-series machines we’ve tested, check out our in-depth reviews:
| Force USA G3 | Force USA G15 | Force USA G20 | |
| Price | $1,999 | $5,499 | $5,999 |
| Footprint | 78” W x 60.5” D x 87” H | 79.5” W x 53” D x 87.5” H | 79” W x 67” D x 91” H |
| Weight stack | No stacks, plate-loaded | Dual 289-lb stacks | Dual 289-lb stacks |
| Pulley ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 and 4:1 | 1:1 |
Customer Experience
If you need to contact Force USA about a product, order, or make a warranty claim, you’ll have to either call the phone number listed on the website or send an email through a general inquiry form. This brand doesn’t offer live chat or text options, which is why it scored a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating for general customer service.
That said, there is a 30-day, no-questions-asked return policy, which we like. You will be on the hook for shipping fees and packing the product back into its original packaging, however.
The G15 Pro comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, 10 years on moving parts, and 1 year on upholstery and attachments. If you’re buying the G15 for a commercial gym or semi-private gym, the commercial warranty offers less time on all three categories.
Ordering and Assembling the Force USA G15
At checkout you’ll be able to pay with a credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay, Shop Pay, or use Affirm for financing. The price of the G15 Pro includes freight truck shipping but doesn’t include professional assembly. For this service, you can expect to pay an additional $800, which our team thinks may be worth it.
Assembly expert and GGR Operations Manager Sam Presely says the G15 Pro is shipped on a crate that fits through a regular doorway, but it will take several people to handle the weight and carry it to your destination.
Sam says the G15 took about 10 hours to build, with a team of experienced equipment builders and assemblers. “For the average person you would need to budget for at least 20 man hours of time to get this assembled,” says Sam.
“Some of the parts arrive pre-assembled, which helps you with your set up time,” he says. “But the tricky part is that there are two different cables that have slightly different lengths. Neither are marked in the packaging, and if you were to mix them up you would have to start the assembly process over.”
Customer Reviews
On the Force USA website, the G15 Pro has a 4.7-out-of-5-star average rating. Most customers have glowing reviews, but there were a few customers with negative feedback. There were multiple mentions of difficult assembly and many folks who think the upgrade kit is overpriced and should be included in the original package.
Final Verdict of Our Force USA G15 Review
If you decide to go with the Force USA G15, you won’t be disappointed about the versatility. You’ll have the ability to complete many different exercises—both with barbells and the functional trainer—through various ranges of motion.
However, Coop has a hard time recommending the Force USA G15 because there are quite a few similar products on the market, priced considerably less. Coop suggests checking out our best functional trainer roundup for a better understanding of price, weight stacks, and training function.
Full Rating
Force USA G15
The Force USA G15 is a versatile 3-in-1 training machine for home gyms. You’ll have a functional trainer with plate-loaded capabilities and dual integrated 289-pound weight stacks. These weight stacks are interchangeable and offer 2:1 and 4:1 pulley ratios. The outside of the rack offers a half rack design for barbell movements like the squat and bench.
Product Brand: Force USA
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 5499.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Force USA G15: FAQs
Where are Force USA products made?
Equipment is designed in the USA, then manufactured overseas and imported to the United States and Canada.
How tall is the Force USA G15?
The Force USA G15 Pro is 87.5 inches tall, which is just over 7 feet tall.
Who owns Force USA?
Gym and Fitness Inc owns ForceUSA.com and is the official North American distributor for its equipment.
