In my experience, you usually can’t go wrong with investing in home gym equipment that offers multiple functions. After all, when you’re trying to build muscle and strength in your garage or dedicated training space, you want to maximize every available inch in the name of #gains.
While a standalone functional trainer can allow you to train just about every body part, why settle for just cables when you can have dedicated stations for free weights, bodyweight training, and more? In this Major Fitness B52 review, I’ll peel back the curtain on a five-in-one system that can become your trusted training tool for leg days, push days, and everything in between.
From how smooth the Smith machine bar moves in operation to how easily you can adjust the trolleys, you’ll learn the ins and outs of this versatile machine, so you can decide if it’s time for a major upgrade to your home gym setup.
Our Major Fitness B52 Pro Review, Summarized
The Major Fitness B52 Pro is a multi-functional piece of equipment that offers five strength training systems in one, including a Smith machine, power rack, landmine station, and pull-up bar. Featuring high-quality components like aluminum pulleys and upgraded steel uprights, it comes with several attachments that can unlock even more workout functionality. Our tester was particularly impressed by the unit’s versatility, awarding a perfect score in this key category.
How We Test Functional Trainers
Does the unit feature heavy-duty uprights ideally made from 11-gauge steel? We also prefer high-quality materials like aluminum cables over their cheaper nylon counterparts when grading functional trainers. We award a 3 out of 5 in this category if there are some plastic and nylon components present, yet there’s still steel where it ultimately counts.
Does the functional trainer offer a sufficiently heavy weight stack and/or loadable weight horns and space for attachments? We also assess 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 (or weight capacity) for some lower-body work.
A functional trainer should feature smooth-moving pulleys that encourage you to keep training. You also want to be able to set the pulleys at different heights, so you can target different muscles effectively. We give a 3 out of 5 if the setup offers little feedback or stickiness across the movement plane, though the machine may wobble a bit when working with heavier loads.
We developed a comprehensive functional trainer testing methodology that examines everything from a machine’s construction and durability to its adjustability, stability, and beyond. 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 equipment, having reviewed the brand’s Power Rack and Home Gym Barbell, among other products.
What to Know Before You Buy
- The B52 comes in three versions: Standard, Pro, and EVO. The Standard is the most affordable ($1,499.99), with the EVO being the most expensive ($2,999.99). The Pro offers many of the same features as the EVO for $300 less.
- You can select from three colorway options for the uprights (Tactical Black, Recon Desert, or Patriot Blue), allowing you to choose the option that best matches your home gym aesthetic.
- Major Fitness offers “Bundle & Save” opportunities with the B52 Pro that let you add accessories to your cart for a discounted price. Options include the brand’s Adjustable Bench, Heritage Series Power Bar, Rubber-Coated Weight Plates, and Flex Arms Upgrade Kit.
Is the Major Fitness B52 Pro Worth It?
Listed for around $2,700, this Major Fitness rack is priced competitively compared to similar products (I’ll touch upon the value later in this review). While it’s not the most rugged unit due to its use of 12- and 14-gauge steel across the framing, it should work well for the majority of home gym enthusiasts. However, if you’re a powerlifter or someone who trains with really heavy loads, you may want a more durable rack made with 11-gauge steel that can offer a higher weight capacity.
Still, it’s easy to see why the B52 Pro has garnered such positive reviews from customers who’ve made it the foundational piece of their home gym setup. The 170-pound weight stacks give you ample room for progressive overload1—a tried and true method for increasing strength and size. The Smith machine bar has a 400-pound weight capacity, as well, and the upgraded safety arms and J-hooks give you more headroom than the standard B52 profile (1,500 pounds versus 1,200 pounds).
In my opinion, anyone who prioritizes versatility should put the B52 Pro near the top of their wish list. And because Major Fitness offers financing options, you don’t have to worry about spending almost $3,000 upfront. This can be a rock-solid investment that should pay dividends for years to come, as long as you keep it clean and well-maintained.
Still deciding if the fully loaded B52 Pro 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 B52 Pro All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $2,699.99 |
| Footprint | 78.7″ W x 66.9″ D x 82.6″ H |
| Materials | 12- and 14-gauge steel with powder-coated finish and chrome-plated accents |
| Weight Stack or Plate-Loaded | Weight stack |
| Weight Stack Weight | 170 lbs each |
| Pulley Ratio | 2:1 cable pulley ratio |
| Cable Travel Length | Not listed online |
| Number of Height Options | 32 (cable pulley system) 31 (uprights)11 (Smith machine) |
| Accessories | Foot pedal, landmine attachment, J-hooks, safety arms, dip bars, cable handles |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty |
Workout Experience With the Major Fitness B52
I was fortunate enough to test out the B52 Pro’s bigger brother, the B17 Flying Fortress All-In-One Functional Trainer, at our headquarters while filming a video review for our Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel. At that time, we had yeREPt to get the B52 delivered, so I wasn’t able to get my hands on it (yet).
While I look forward to comparing the two machines directly in-person, our team called upon a certified USA weightlifting coach to give us his initial impressions of the B52 Pro for this review. (He also tested the Rogue Deadlift Platform for us, among other items).
With more than a decade of experience coaching clients in garage, boutique, collegiate, and professional settings, our expert product tester has utilized everything from budget-friendly setups to commercial-grade equipment. He was quite impressed by the B52 Pro’s capabilities, noting that while it’s simple, “It has everything you need for a decent garage gym.”
Let’s go category-by-category to see how the B52 Pro measured up against our testing methodology.
They can be an investment, yes, but all-in-one machines like the B52 Pro can be perfect foundational pieces for anyone starting a home gym. I really appreciate the 170-pound weight stacks that bring cable resistance into the mix, as this modality is often one I miss the most when switching between training in a home gym and training in a commercial setting. Speaking specifically to the B52 Pro, while I’m more a fan of higher-grade steel, I do feel that the 1,500-pound capacity across the safeties and J-hooks is plenty for any budding strength athlete.
GGR Editor Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC
Major Fitness B52 All-in-One Home Gym Smith Machine Rating
Construction and Durability
When we evaluate a squat rack, functional trainer, or Smith machine, we examine the frame materials and weight capacity to get a feel for how sturdy the unit will be over time. Our ideal build is constructed from 11-gauge steel, since it’s the most durable option that’s often used in home gym equipment.
Unfortunately, the B52 Pro doesn’t feature our preferred choice, with Major Fitness opting for 12-gauge steel for the front uprights and 14-gauge for the middle and rear uprights. Our tester rated the construction and durability at a 3.5 out of 5, which is slightly lower than the average functional trainer we’ve tested.
“I did not notice much wobbling or shaking during use—it is pretty sturdy, even if you try to shake it when re-racking,” he says. “The frame is OK considering the size and height of the machine, but it is not the most solid frame I have worked with.”
Here’s a quick breakdown of the weight capacities for each component:
- Smith bar: 400 lbs
- J-hooks: 1,500 lbs
- Safety arms: 1,500 lbs
It’s also worth pointing out that the B52 Pro comes in three colorways, which gives you some flexibility to add to the aesthetic appeal of your home gym. Even though it’s not a commercial-grade product from a construction standpoint, it’s still reliable (and more affordable) than more rugged units.
“I feel that with daily use, there will be wear and tear over time, but for working out three times a week, it should be durable enough for a long lifespan,” our expert tester explains.
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Footprint
It should come as no surprise that a five-in-one machine takes up a good amount of space. Measuring roughly 6.5 feet wide, 5.5 feet deep, and just shy of 7 feet tall, the B52 Pro certainly isn’t as footprint-friendly as something like the Tonal 2 Smart Home Gym—a wall-mounted cable system that uses digital resistance.
However, just because the B52 Pro isn’t on our list of the best compact exercise equipment doesn’t mean it’s a behemoth that’ll force you to rearrange your entire garage. In fact, we still rate it a 4 out of 5 for its footprint.
To help you visualize the difference, the larger, more expensive B17 has a total footprint of about 42 square feet. Meanwhile, the B52 Pro checks in at 36.6 square feet, meaning the B17’s footprint is about 15% larger.
With that in mind, it’s important to point out that the B52 Pro is not well-suited for taller individuals. In fact, our tester says it’s most ideal for a low-ceiling setting.
“As a 5-foot-9-inch individual, I could reach all the way to the pull-up bars without effort. That said, this may present a problem for overhead movements or setting up inside of the machine for the Smith section for taller people,” our tester says. “I think this is THE machine for a low-ish ceiling gym, and for someone under 6 feet tall.”
Delivery and Setup
Be prepared for a bevy of packages to arrive when you order the B52 Pro. According to Major Fitness, this unit comes in eight parcels for the rack itself and four for the weight stacks. Because of the weight differences, they may not all arrive simultaneously during shipping, either. Luckily, Major Fitness provides free shipping, so you don’t have to worry about that part of the equation.
Like any piece of multi-purpose fitness equipment, you’ll need to dedicate a good chunk of time to put the B52 Pro together. With cable pulleys, weight stacks, and many other components, we recommend enlisting the help of at least one friend or family member for making the assembly process easier (and safer).
With five strength training systems in one, you should budget at least several hours, if not longer, for assembly. That may not sound particularly enjoyable, but the effort will be well worth it once you have the B52 Pro ready to go. Overall, we rate the delivery and setup process at a respectable 3.5 out of 5.
Versatility
Similar to the B17, the B52 Pro’s calling card is its versatility. Fittingly, we rate this five-in-one system at a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 in this key category.
“The stack increase was great—surprisingly smooth to adjust and pull,” our tester says of the 170-pound weight stacks. “I believe the jumps from 10 to 170 pounds in 10-pound increments are ideal and fantastic for a decent home gym functional trainer.”
The B52 Pro features 32 holes for the cable pulley system, 31 for the uprights, and 11 for the Smith machine. That means you have ample adjustability to set the trolleys, Smith machine bar, or other accessories at the exact height you want.
From a practical standpoint, you can tailor your workouts based on a particular system, or you can combine multiple for a more engaging experience. For example, your leg day could start with the Smith machine for a heavy squat workout before you use the landmine attachment for reverse lunges.
On an upper-body day, you can perform pull-up variations using the built-in bar, follow up with cable flyes, and finish with overhead presses using your own barbell. Your workouts should never get stale given all the possibilities you have at your disposal.
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Stability
As mentioned earlier, our expert tester didn’t notice much wobbling or shaking during his workouts, which is why we rate the stability at 4 out of 5. That said, we do have one callout about the B52 Pro in terms of adjustability and the smoothness of the cable system.
“The trolleys might not be adjustable with one hand—they twist and catch a little when trying to move them up and down,” our tester notes. “Due to the twisting, it can take some extra time unless you don’t adjust.”
Overall, though, our tester was pleased with his experience using the cable system for a wide range of exercises, including pull-downs, flyes, curls, and rows.
“There was no catching or snags—it was smooth all the way through,” he says. “I started with the higher setting and worked my way down, trying different weights and exercises with no apparent issues. This is a really good cable machine, and the weights are very easy and quick to change.”
Accessories
In addition to five strength training systems, you also get a decent set of accessories included with the B52 Pro. Here’s an overview of what comes standard with your purchase:
- Foot pedal
- Landmine attachment
- J-hooks
- Safety arms
- Dip bars
- Cable handles
Unfortunately, the quality of some of these items isn’t the best. As a result, we docked a few points off the accessory score, settling on a 3.5 out of 5.
“I would recommend using different handle bar accessories, because the bars felt cheap and fragile; over time or with heavier weights, I honestly doubt they will be of much use,” our tester cautions.
We do give Major Fitness credit, though, for offering a variety of optional accessories that can unlock even more training possibilities. For example, you can upgrade your #LegDay experience with the brand’s Leg Extension attachment that costs roughly $389.99. If you want to stay better organized, you could add the Wall-Mounted Storage Panel to your cart before checkout, too.
Of course, you don’t have to do all of that at once. If you’re trying to keep costs down, the standard set of accessories should suffice until you’re ready to upgrade your setup.
Value
At around $2,700, the B52 Pro is actually priced right on par with the average functional trainer we’ve tested ($2,659). Considering you’re getting four other training systems for that price, it’s easy to see why we rated the value at a 4 out of 5.
If you can’t afford to spend that much, you could also opt for the standard B52 profile. At about half the cost ($1,499.99), it can be an effective alternative that can still work well for beginners and intermediate users alike.
If you have more financial wriggle room, you could go all-out and get the B52 EVO, as well. This model features Major Fitness’ revolutionary multi-angle adjustable Flex Arms, along with a few other smaller upgrades. At a list price of $2,999.99, it’s not significantly more expensive than the Pro version, either.
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Financing, Warranty, and Returns
While we like that Major Fitness offers free shipping and a 35-day, no-reason return policy, we can’t ignore the lackluster one-year warranty. Considering the B52 Pro costs nearly $3,000 when you include taxes, we’re disappointed that you don’t get multiple years of coverage.
On a more positive note, though, we appreciate that the B52 is FSA/HSA-eligible, meaning you can use your pre-tax dollars to add this unit to your home gym. Major Fitness also offers financing options through Shop Pay, which gives you the opportunity to spread the total cost out over more manageable monthly payments.
So, with both positive and negative factors to consider, we settled for a 3-out-of-5 customer experience rating.
Customer Reviews
The B52 Pro has garnered an average rating of 4.9 stars online, based on 1,149 reviews on the Major Fitness website at this time of writing. Customers appreciate its build quality, versatility, and stability—with many pointing out that it fits well in rooms with shorter ceilings.
Here are a few direct testimonials from home gym owners who’ve been pleased with the B52 thus far:
Major Fitness B52 Vs
The robust functional trainer market encompasses both budget-friendly profiles as well as units equipped with all the bells and whistles. If the B52 Pro has you intrigued but not fully convinced, there are a few other contenders worth considering.
If you already own a REP Fitness squat rack or simply don’t need a Smith machine, the REP Arcadia is a dedicated functional trainer that can offer excellent value. With dual 170-pound weights stacks that can be upgraded to 220 pounds, this well-built unit costs $500 less than the B52 Pro and comes with a lifetime frame warranty. Even though it doesn’t offer the same versatility, you could take those savings and upgrade the rest of your setup.
On the other hand, if you’re enamored by the idea of an all-in-one strength training solution, you could stay within the Major Fitness family and go for the most premium option: the B17. This behemoth of a machine has several unique features, including an interchangeable 1:1 and 2:1 cable pulley ratio and 130-pound weight stacks that are expandable up to 260 pounds.
I tested this unit at the GGR headquarters and was highly impressed by its versatility and stability. However, the B17 comes with a premium price tag of roughly $4,200, so it may not be a feasible investment for every home gym owner.
You can learn more about my experience in our full Major Fitness B17 review, or watch my video review below on the official Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel.
|  |  | |
| Major Fitness B52 All-In-One Home Gym Smith Machine | REP Arcadia | Major Fitness Heritage Series B17 Flying Fortress All-In-One Functional Trainer with Smith Machine | |
Rating | |||
| Type | All-in-One Home Gym Smith Machine | Functional trainer | All-in-One Home Gym Smith Machine |
| Footprint | 78.7” L x 66.9” W x 82.6” H | 35.8” L x 55.3” W x 80.8″ H | 68.1” L x 78.7” W x 88.1” H |
| Resistance | 170-pound weight stacks | Weight stack (170 or 220 lbs) | 130-lb weight stacks (expandable to 260 lbs) |
| Accessories | Foot pedal, landmine attachment, J-hooks, safety arms, dip bars, cable handles | Built-in storage, double D-handles, multi-grip pull-up bar, band pegs | Lat pulldown bar, straight bar, stirrup handles, Heritage Series J-hooks, reinforced spotter arms, leg holder premium, telescoping foot plate and dip bars |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty | Lifetime frame, 1-year parts | 1-year warranty |
Final Verdict of Our Major Fitness B52 Review
The Major Fitness B52 Pro made a strong impression on our tester, and I look forward to seeing what it can do the next time I’m at GGR headquarters. Based on my experience with the B17, I have pretty high expectations, but I’m not entirely sure if my 6-foot-2 frame is well suited for this smaller model.
At the same time, however, I’ll acknowledge that the vast price difference between the B52 Pro and B17 should make it appealing to a wider audience. If you want something that allows you to crush full-body workouts with a variety of training options, this is definitely worth exploring.
- The B52 Pro isn’t the most sturdy rack due to its use of 12- and 14-gauge steel. If you prioritize stability and durability, you should look into something made from 11-gauge steel.
- Shorter folks will likely find the B52’s dimensions and setup more accommodating than taller individuals.
- Cost shouldn’t preclude you from investing in the B52 given the three different tiers. Choose the one that best fits your budget and needs and get to lifting!
Major Fitness B52 Review: FAQs
What are the key features of the Major Fitness B52 Pro?
The B52 Pro combines a Smith machine, power rack, cable system, pull-up bar, and landmine station into a single unit designed for full-body workouts. It features dual 170-pound weight stacks, a 2:1 cable pulley ratio, and several handle attachments for exercise versatility.
What are the differences between all the Major Fitness B52 models?
The B52 comes in three versions—Standard, Pro, and EVO. The B52 Pro adds heavier-duty steel uprights, dual weight stacks, more adjustment holes, and higher weight capacity ratings compared to the budget-friendly base model. Meanwhile, the EVO is more of a commercial-grade setup that stands out because of its unique multi-angle flex lever arm system that offers five horizontal positions and four vertical positions.
How much does the B52 Smith machine bar weigh?
According to the company website, the B52 Smith machine bar weighs 14.2 kilograms, or roughly 31 pounds. For context, the entire rack weighs 710.9 pounds and features dual 170-pound weight stacks.
References
- Kassiano, W., Santos-Melo, V., Manske, I., Lisboa, F., Miguel, A., Gomes, F., Prado, A., Stavinski, N., Costa, B., & Cyrino, E. S. (2026). Progressive Overload Affects the Magnitude of Muscle Hypertrophy. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 10.1249/MSS.0000000000003968. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000003968
