There’s nothing wrong with investing in a standalone functional trainer, but what if I told you that you can get five strength training systems in just one singular purchase? Thanks to some clever design work by the Major Fitness engineering team, that’s entirely possible…as long as you have the budget for it.
Offering incredible versatility, functionality, and stability, the Heritage Series B17 Flying Fortress All-In-One Functional Trainer With Smith Machine (pause to catch your breath) has just about everything you could possibly need to achieve your strength- and muscle-building goals. However, just because a product looks good on paper doesn’t necessarily mean it lives up to the hype.
To find out if the Flying Fortress actually delivers on all of its potential, I made my way to GGR headquarters to personally put it through our in-depth testing process. In this Major Fitness B17 review, I’ll relay my firsthand experience, so you can get a clear picture of what to expect from this all-in-one home gym that has impressive specs (and a pretty hefty price tag).
Our Major Fitness B17 Review, Summarized
The Major Fitness B17 is a versatile strength training tool that combines a functional trainer, Smith machine, power rack, pull-up bar, and 360-degree landmine system into one formidable unit. Featuring interchangeable 1:1 and 2:1 cable pulleys and dual weight stacks that can expand up to 260 pounds, this all-in-one home gym gives you tremendous flexibility to tailor your workouts to your liking. Though expensive, the B17 can be the centerpiece of your gym.
How We Test Functional Trainers
Does the unit feature heavy-duty steel uprights (preferably, 11-gauge steel)? We also look for high-quality materials like aluminum cables over their less-durable nylon counterparts. We award a 3 out of 5 in this category if there are some plastic and nylon components, yet there’s steel where it counts.
Does the functional trainer offer a sufficiently heavy weight stack/loadable weight horns and space for attachments? We also evaluate whether there’s enough room to utilize accessories like a weight bench. To earn a 3 out of 5, the machine should have staple add-ons like a pull-up bar, as well as a moderate weight stack for some lower-body work.
No part matters more on a functional trainer than the pulley system. You want a smooth, stable experience that encourages you to use the machine—not abandon it out of frustration. You also want to be able to set the pulleys to different heights. We give a 3 out of 5 if the setup offers little feedback or stickiness, though the machine may wobble a bit during heavier movements.
We developed a comprehensive functional trainer testing methodology that examines everything from a machine’s construction and durability to its adjustability and stability. Our expert product testers put each functional trainer through multiple strength training workouts to provide accurate ratings based on a 1-5 scoring scale.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, Olympic-level athletes, and dedicated lifters who have tested more than 30 functional trainers (and counting) over the years. We’re also quite familiar with Major Fitness, having reviewed the brand’s Power Rack, Adjustable Bench, and Home Gym Barbell.
What to Know Before You Buy
- One of the B17’s unique features is its interchangeable pulley system featuring both 1:1 and 2:1 cable ratios. Pulling one cable engages the 2:1 ratio for lighter resistance and longer cable travel. Pulling two cables activates the 1:1 ratio for heavier resistance, which can work well for movements like seated cable rows or lat pulldowns.
- While each weight stack provides 130 pounds of selectable resistance, you can go heavier by loading up to 130 pounds of weight plates on the external selector rods located on the weight stack headers. That 260-pound threshold should suffice for both beginners and advanced lifters alike, especially if you utilize the 1:1 pulley ratio.
- In addition to the five strength training systems, the B17 comes with a number of functional accessories, including a premium leg holder, safety arms, dip bars, pegboard storage, J-hooks, and Olympic barbell hangers. It’s also compatible with other Major Fitness accessories, such as the brand’s rack-mounted leg extension and multi-functional handlebar.
- If the Major Fitness B17 Flying Fortress is a bit out of your price range, you could look into the B52— the brand’s more compact, budget-friendly option. At roughly half the cost of the B17, this model sacrifices some functionality (it only has a 2:1 pulley ratio) and build quality (14-gauge steel vs. 12-gauge) for affordability.
Is the Major Fitness B17 Worth It?
With a price tag north of $4,000, it would be irresponsible to say the B17 is worth it for everyone. If you’re a beginner or just a casual lifter, you don’t need to drop that type of money on a single piece of fitness equipment. Instead, I’d start with a more basic setup—something like the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack with an Olympic barbell and weight plates would get the job done for a fraction of the cost.
However, if you’re a serious strength training enthusiast who isn’t afraid to splurge, the B17 absolutely deserves your attention. There are essentially no limits to what you can do on this machine. You can easily go from heavy Smith machine squats to cable kickbacks on #LegDay, or work on overhead military presses before you set the trolleys up for cable flyes on your next push day. That versatility is what makes the B17 stand out amongst other functional trainers, and it’s one of the main reasons we felt comfortable rating the value at a 4 out of 5 despite its high price tag.
Still deciding if the fully loaded B17 is the right fit? Read on to find out some key specs and metrics for this all-in-one home gym solution from Major Fitness.
Major Fitness B17 All-In-One Functional Trainer: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $4,199.99 |
| Footprint | 68.1” L x 78.7” W x 88.1” H |
| Materials | 12- and 14-gauge steel with powder-coated finish and chrome-plated accents |
| Weight Stack or Plate-Loaded | Weight stack with option to expand with built-in plate-loaded stacks |
| Weight Stack Weight | 130 lbs (expandable up to 260 lbs with weight plates) |
| Pulley Ratio | Interchangeable 1:1 or 2:1 cable pulley ratio |
| Cable Travel Length | Not listed online |
| Number of Height Options | 32 |
| Accessories | Lat pulldown bar, straight bar, stirrup handles, Heritage Series J-hooks, reinforced spotter arms, premium leg holder, telescoping foot plate and dip bars |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Workout Experience With the Major Fitness B17
I was lucky enough to get to test the B17 extensively during a recent trip to GGR HQ. At first glance, I was highly impressed by the sleek look of this well-built machine. Of course, looks are only part of the equation, so I had to see if the functionality matched the aesthetics. From adjusting the trolleys to utilizing the Smith machine and trying the different pull-up grip options, I put the B17 through a rigorous testing process that yielded some interesting results.
In addition, we had another product tester take the B17 through a series of workouts to compare her experience to mine. Since I stand about 6’2”, 230 pounds and she’s 5’8”,125 pounds, this gave us (and you) a more complete picture of how the B17 works for users of different body types.
If you have the money (and space) for an all-in-one functional trainer like the B17, I definitely recommend pursuing that purchase. The versatility is practically unmatched, and you’re easily able to transfer your commercial gym workout routine to an at-home setup. Again, it’s a hefty investment, but for home gym owners looking to set themselves up for success, this can be a great foundation to build from.
GGR Editor Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC
Major Fitness B17 All-in-One Functional Trainer Rating
Construction and Durability
When we assess squat tracks, functional trainers, and Smith machines, we always look at the weight capacity and frame materials to get a good idea of how sturdy it’ll be in use. The B17 uses 12-gauge and 14-gauge steel for the uprights. That’s not quite as rugged as 11-gauge steel (our preferred choice), but that doesn’t mean you can’t go heavy. The Smith bar has a 400-pound weight capacity, the J-Hooks can support up to 1,500 pounds, and the safety arms have been drop-tested for up to 1,000 pounds. All these metrics mean you should have no problem implementing progressive overload1 principles into your routine.
The B17 has 32 adjustable holes for the uprights, 31 for the cable system, and 14 for the Smith machine system. That gives you plenty of flexibility to adjust each element to the right height for whichever exercise you’re working on. Overall, the unit looks and feels sturdy, and I appreciate that Major Fitness includes a large integrated pegboard for storing resistance bands and other attachments within the rack’s interior.
Plus, there are thoughtful touches like knurled handles on the trolleys and thicker, reinforced safety arms that help the B17 earn a 4-out-of-5 construction and durability score.
“You definitely don’t have to worry about anything breaking or falling on you,” says our product tester. “I also like that you don’t have to attach it to a wall, so it’s durable enough to sit in the middle of your garage.”
Footprint
The fully assembled B17 tips the scales at almost 900 pounds, so it’s pretty hefty even without adding any weights. Measuring about 6.5 feet wide, 6 feet deep, and nearly 7.5 feet high, it’s certainly not something you’ll find on a list of the best compact exercise equipment. However, I think Major Fitness did a good job of making it as space-efficient as possible by utilizing a cubed silhouette that’s evenly balanced on all sides. As a result, I rate the footprint a 4 out of 5.
One design callout I have, though, is that the overall height could be problematic depending on where you’ll be setting this up. As a taller user, I had to bend my legs to do pull-ups since this machine is only about 7.5 feet high. However, my fellow product tester didn’t run into that issue.
“For my height, everything worked for me, and nothing was too high or too short,” she says. “I was able to reach the pull-up bars without jumping.”
Ultimately, you’ll want to measure your garage or home gym before you purchase the B17 to make sure you’ll be able to use it without any restrictions, especially if you have low ceilings. In addition, we recommend keeping this to ground-level areas (like a garage) given the weight of this unit. Otherwise, you may end up with
Delivery and Setup
According to Major Fitness, the B17 ships in a single reinforced wooden crate for enhanced protection during transport. The company provides free shipping on all orders—a nice perk considering how much this machine weighs.
As is the case with most fitness equipment, you’ll need to budget some time to put the B17 together. Given all the components, we recommend having at least one friend or family member lend a hand, too, especially when assembling the uprights. For something that features five strength training systems in one, you can expect to spend at least several hours, if not longer, for assembly. It’s tedious, sure, but doable, and we rate the entire delivery and setup process at 4 out of 5.
Versatility
Just from its lengthy name alone, you know this machine is built with versatility in mind. I love that you can basically knock out any exercise you want for any body part. To no surprise, the B17 earns a perfect 5-out-of-5 versatility rating.
Just think about it…Your leg day routine could include Smith machine RDLs, traditional barbell back squats, and cable kickbacks for that booty-burning glute pump. Your push day could feature Smith machine bench presses, cable triceps pushdowns, and barbell military presses. Meanwhile, you can enhance your deadlift lockout by working on rack pulls (with the Smith machine or a barbell), and strengthen your rear delts with cable crossovers.
In addition, you get two pull-up options (wide and narrow grips) plus a landmine system that opens the door to even more full-body training options. The B17 truly supports streamlined workouts where you don’t have to worry about wasting time hopping from machine to machine. Instead, you can take advantage of all five integrated systems to create a unique training session each and every time.
RELATED: 11 Best Landmine Exercises
Stability
Nothing’s worse than working out on a machine that feels as rocky as a bad relationship. Luckily, the B17 remains ultra-stable during use. I didn’t experience any noticeable wobbling or shaking when performing Smith machine squats, nor did I feel any movement when performing cable flyes or seated rows.
However, while the unit stayed firmly in place, I have to point out a problem with the cables that prevented me from giving a perfect score in this category. In fact, this is something that my fellow product tester warned me about before I experienced it for myself.
“I feel like you felt more resistance than weight, if that makes sense,” she explained to me. “There was a little extra tension in the cables, but they slid versus feeling choppy.”
After utilizing the pulley system for multiple movements, I concurred that the cables are certainly not as smooth as the ones on the commercial-grade equipment in my local gym. So, I settled for a 4-out-of-5 stability score.
Accessories
Not only do you get a quintet of strength training systems, but you also get quite a haul of accessories with the B17. Rack enthusiasts will appreciate the high-quality Heritage Series J-Hooks, as well as the reinforced spotter arms for safer lifts.
However, that’s just the beginning. To take full advantage of the pulley system, you can choose between traditional stirrup handles, a lat pulldown bar, or a low-row attachment. There’s also an adjustable footplate for seated rows that kept my feet firmly in place and allowed me to have a stable platform. I also appreciate the premium leg holder for lat pulldowns, which can help keep you locked in so you can focus on your form.
Furthermore, Major Fitness deserves a tip of the cap for including user-friendly elements like Olympic bar holders, weight storage posts (which also enhance the stability), and a pegboard with adjustable pegs so you can keep everything organized. Overall, this is one of the more impressive aspects of the B17 (and why it earns a perfect 5 out of 5 in the category), as Major Fitness sets you up for success before, during, and after your workout.
Value
Make no mistake about it: The B17 is expensive. In fact, at roughly $4,200, it’s about $1,500 more expensive than the average functional trainer.
That said, there’s a reason we rate it a 4 out of 5 for value—you get so much more than just a functional trainer. If you consider how much it would cost to purchase a Smith machine, squat rack, and functional trainer on their own, you’ll realize this is actually a good deal. Plus, think about the footprint savings you get from having all those strength training systems (plus a pull-up bar and landmine attachment) in one unit.
Obviously, this is not a product aimed at budget-oriented buyers. Rather, it’s closer to a commercial-grade machine that’s still more affordable than something like the Force USA G20—an all-in-one trainer that costs $5,999.
Financing, Warranty, and Returns
Unfortunately, we had to dock a few points off this score, because Major Fitness only provides a one-year warranty with the B17. Many of the top functional trainers we’ve tested come with a limited lifetime frame warranty, so this is quite disappointing, especially given the $4,200 price tag. We would like to see at least a few more years tacked onto that policy.
On the other hand, we are happy to note that the B17 is FSA/HSA-eligible, meaning you can use your pre-tax dollars to fund this purchase. Major Fitness also offers financing options through Shop Pay, allowing you to spread the total cost out over more manageable monthly payments. In addition to free shipping, you get a 35-day, no-reason return policy. This gives you a decent amount of time to determine if the B17 is the right fit for your home gym.
Customer Reviews
The B17 Flying Fortress has garnered an average rating of 4.9 stars based on 14 reviews on the Major Fitness website. Keep in mind that this is a newer product, so expect to see more reviews flying in. Customers routinely praise its build quality and versatility, with one user noting that they fit the B17 inside their garage gym alongside a leg press-hack squat machine, treadmill, and lawn care equipment.
Here are a few direct testimonials from the company website:
Major Fitness B17 Vs
Figuring out which functional trainer to get can be challenging given all the options on the market. If you want to stay in the Major Fitness family, the B17 is the cream of the crop. However, we won’t pretend that it’s accessible for everyone based on its $4,200 price tag.
So, if you’re big on brand loyalty but need to stick to your budget-oriented roots, the B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine can be a great alternative. At about a third of the cost of the B17, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t give you all the bells and whistles of its feature-packed older brother yet still offers plenty of versatility. If you’re able to extend your budget a bit further, the Major Fitness B52 Pro costs $2,499 and comes with 170-pound weight stacks and 12-gauge steel front uprights. There’s also the EVO version that has fully adjustable, multi-angle arms, but this iteration costs about $3,000.
On the other hand, if you’re just looking for a dedicated functional trainer, I’d recommend the REP Arcadia. Featuring dual 170-pound weight stacks and a super-sturdy frame, the smooth-moving trolleys made a strong impression on our team. You can read more about our experience in our full REP Arcadia review.
| Major Fitness B17 All-In-One Functional Trainer | Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine | REP Arcadia Functional Trainer | |
| Price (Original MSRP) | $4,199.99 | $1,499.99 | $2,199.99 |
| Footprint | 68.1” L x 78.7” W x 88.1” H | 78.7” L x 66.9” W x 82.6” H ″ | 35.8” L x 55.3” W x 80.8″ H |
| Resistance | 130-lb weight stacks (expandable to 260 lbs) | Plate-loaded | Weight stack (170 or 220 lbs) |
| Cable Pulley Ratio | Interchangeable 1:1 or 2:1 cable pulley ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Accessories | Lat pulldown bar, straight bar, stirrup handles, Heritage Series J-hooks, reinforced spotter arms, leg holder premium, telescoping foot plate, and dip bars | Cable handles, dip bars, safety arms, landmine attachment, J-hooks, foot pedal | Built-in storage, double D-handles, multi-grip pull-up bar, band pegs |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | 1-year warranty | Lifetime frame, 1-year parts |
Final Verdict of Our Major Fitness B17 Review
Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at how well everything works on the B17 Flying Fortress. Many times, brands make big marketing claims that ultimately fall short of expectations. However, I can say that this all-in-one rack delivers an enjoyable experience that encourages you to keep pushing with all the available training possibilities.
So, even though the cables aren’t the smoothest and the inside of the rack can feel a bit cramped if you’re a more sizable athlete (like myself), I think this can be a terrific option if you’re ready to go all-in on making gains.
- The B17’s versatility is its biggest calling card. While it may not be the best in any one category, it has a “jack of all trades” quality that should appeal to home gym owners.
- I’d recommend this system to bodybuilders and physique-focused athletes, since you can use it for everything from full-body workouts to highly targeted training for specific muscle groups.
- If the B17 seems like too much, the B52 is definitely worth considering, especially since there are three versions available that cater to different budgets and training needs.
Major Fitness B17 Review: FAQs
What are the pros and cons of the Major Fitness B17 Functional Trainer?
The B17 stands out by offering five dedicated strength training systems, an interchangeable cable pulley ratio, a multitude of attachments, and the ability to expand the weight stacks up to 260 pounds. Some drawbacks include its high price tag (nearly $4,200), its overall size, and its lackluster one-year warranty.
What is the cable pulley ratio of the B17?
The Major Fitness B17 All-In-One Functional Trainer features interchangeable 1:1 and 2:1 cable pulley ratios. This unique feature allows you to work with heavier resistance (1:1) or lighter resistance (2:1), depending on the exercise and your experience level.
Is the Major Fitness B17 Flying Fortress Functional Trainer worth it for a starter home gym?
If you’re at the beginning of your fitness journey, the B17 is an expensive piece of equipment that may be a bit overwhelming given all of its functional elements. However, if you’re committed to strength training and aren’t afraid to splurge, this can be the foundational piece of your home gym for the foreseeable future. Budget-conscious buyers could opt for the Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine, which costs roughly a third of the B17.
References
- Chaves, T. S., Scarpelli, M. C., Bergamasco, J. G. A., Silva, D. G. D., Medalha Junior, R. A., Dias, N. F., Bittencourt, D., Carello Filho, P. C., Angleri, V., Nóbrega, S. R., Roberts, M. D., Ugrinowitsch, C., & Libardi, C. A. (2024). Effects of Resistance Training Overload Progression Protocols on Strength and Muscle Mass. International journal of sports medicine, 45(7), 504–510. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2256-5857
