“If you’re looking for a Smith machine and you’re on an ultra-budget, this is the one.” When Coop said this about the RitFit PSR05 Multifunctional Smith machine, I found it hard to disagree. This isn’t the best Smith machine on the market, but it’s priced to fit nearly any budget and is quite a versatile machine.
In this RitFit Smith machine review, I’ll be explaining exactly what makes this multi-function machine a great investment for your home gym. A Smith machine may not be essential, but Smith machine workouts are a great way to build variety into your training, especially when the machine also includes a pull-up bar, low row, and lat pulldown attachment.
Let’s look at all the details of the RitFit Smith machine and see what Coop had to say after thoroughly testing it.
Hands-On Testing From a Smith Machine Expert
Garage Gym Reviews is brought to you by a team of expert product testers, including certified personal trainers, strength coaches, gym owners, and Olympians. We have extensive experience testing all kinds of equipment, and we’ve even developed our own equipment testing methodology.
Now, Smith machines aren’t all that common in home gyms, as they’re generally on the expensive side of things, and not as versatile as a power cage, barbell, or dumbbells.
That said, we know that many of you do enjoy using Smith machines at the gym and want to recreate the experience at home, so GGR founder Coop Mitchell found and personally tested the cheapest Smith machine he could find: the RitFit Smith machine.
We’ve scored this machine according to the most important criteria for equipment, which includes things like:
- Stability
- Durability
- Training experience
- Customer service experience
- Overall value
Now, let’s get into the details and take a close look at the RitFit Smith machine.
RitFit Smith Machine
RitFit Multifunctional Smith Machine with Lat Pulldown and Low Row
Product Highlights
-
Free shipping available
-
Financing available via ShopPay
-
Available in black or pink colorways
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Budget-friendly at less than $540
- Features pull-up bar and cable machine setup
- Included weight horns for stability and storage
- Free shipping
Cons
- Very passive knurling, per our tester
- Shorter height can limit overhead exercises
- Lower weight capacity than other Smith machines we’ve tested
- Shipping & Returns
Bottom Line
_RitFit’s Multifunctional Smith Machine was designed specifically for home gyms. It is available for purchase with or without weights. The Smith Machine comes with multiple accessories to facilitate a variety of exercises. There are limited but positive customer reviews for this machine._
_What our tester says:
_
_I can say a lot of bad things about this machine, but a low price covers so many sins._
A Quick Look at the RitFit Smith Machine
While Smith machines are generally quite expensive, and somewhat limiting as the bar moves on a fixed path, we know that many who train out of their home or garage have considered adding one. After all, any time you can put some weight plates on a bar and move it around, you’ll be getting a great strength training workout, even if that bar is inside of a Smith machine.
When Coop set out to find the cheapest Smith machine on Amazon, not only did he find one that functions as a Smith machine, but he found one that also features a built-in pull-up bar, low row, and lat pulldown attachment, at a price that’s nearly impossible to beat.
RitFit has been selling home gym equipment since 2016, focusing on power racks, weight benches, barbells, and more—everything you could need for your home gym setup.
RELATED: Smith Machine vs Free Weights
The biggest callout we have is that Coop noticed RitFit often exaggerates its claims, so product specs need to be taken with a grain of salt. For example, the RitFit Smith Machine claims to have a capacity of 1,000 pounds, but the user manual says to only use 500 pounds on the Smith machine—still plenty for most people, but only half of what’s advertised.
That said, we’re after value and an affordable piece of home gym equipment, not the highest-quality piece of equipment on the market, so let’s get into the nitty-gritty details in this review.
Before You Buy
- The RitFit Smith machine isn’t the most durable option on the market, but for the price and versatility, it’s very hard to beat.
- The maximum weight claims are exaggerated, and you’re going to be limited to 500 pounds on the bar, and 165 pounds on the plate-loaded lat pulldown and row.
- Many of the parts feel a bit cheap, but if you’re only using it in a home gym, it should be safe and durable.
RitFit Smith Machine Video Review
Is the RitFit Smith Machine Worth It?
We’ve already established that the RitFit Smith machine is very affordable. At the time of writing, it’s currently on sale for $489 on the RitFit website, and $439 on Amazon, which is significantly cheaper than most alternatives.
Not only does this function as a Smith machine, but you’re getting even more exercise options with the plate-loaded lat pulldown and low row setup. However, before you rush out to order this Smith machine, you need to make sure it’ll meet your own individual training needs.
Great for:
- Those who mainly use Smith machines and want a cheap option at home
- Bodybuilders who want to use this for isolation exercises
- Anyone with a smaller space who needs a compact Smith machine that won’t take up too much space
Not recommended for:
- Stronger athletes who will use the lat pulldown or row for more than 165 lbs
- Those looking for the sturdiest Smith machine for heavy-duty lifting
- Anyone looking for a complete all-in-one machine
RitFit Smith Machine Specs
| Price | $489.99 |
| Weight capacity | 500 lbs |
| Attachment weight capacity | 165 lbs |
| Footprint | 45.3″ W x 44″ D x 82″ H |
| Weight | 140 lbs |
| Frame material | 14 gauge steel |
| Attachments | Safety support hooks, pin-on landmine, low row and footboards, lat pulldown bar, two multi-purpose pull-up handles |
| Barbell weight | 14 lbs |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Experience Using the RitFit Smith Machine
For this review, we were lucky enough to have the one and only Coop, the founder of Garage Gym Reviews, do a full video review on the GGR YouTube channel. If there’s anyone who knows how to rate Smith machines, Coop is the guy.
The RitFit Smith machine was specifically chosen because it was the most affordable Smith machine Coop could find on Amazon. He wasn’t expecting the highest quality machine on the market, but he did want to put this through a full test to share his honest thoughts.
Overall, while Coop does prefer using a barbell and squat rack so the bar isn’t on a fixed track, he said this would still work very well, especially for those who prefer to use a Smith machine.
The plate-loaded lat pulldown and low row are deceiving, as RitFit claims a 300-pound capacity, but the stack on the back only holds 165 pounds. Coop warned that he felt the cables and pulleys could easily break if you regularly went much heavier than 165 pounds on the pulleys, though you could pay to upgrade those with parts from a different company.
The Smith machine is also on the shorter side as it’s meant for home gyms, so you won’t be able to do overhead presses while standing, but this is the case with most commercial Smith machines as well. Adding a bench will allow you to do seated presses, along with your standard exercises like bench presses.
Footprint, Portability, Durability, and Construction
RitFit keeps the barbell light by using a hollow tube, rather than a steel barbell with cables that offset the weight. An actual barbell would have had a higher weight capacity, but the tradeoff would have been a heavier barbell.
Coop also said the knurling is almost nonexistent, and it’s so bad that he wishes there was no knurling at all. That said, the barbell will work with standard plates, and RitFit sells a variety of bumper plates you can order with the rack. There’s also built-in plate storage, which doubles as a way to stabilize the machine.
RELATED: What Is Barbell Knurling?
The Smith machine was very wobbly until the rubber feet were installed, so make sure to install the feet to keep your machine stable on the ground. Coop also suggests drilling it into the floor or weighing it down pretty heavily to make sure it’s stable and doesn’t wobble while you train.
The uprights are thin, made of 14 gauge steel, but Coop said the machine still felt safe, especially once it was secured with added weight or floor bolts. You’re not getting the same quality as you would from something like a REP Functional Trainer, but this is a significantly cheaper option.
The Ergonomics
One callout from Coop is that the machine is pretty short, so you can’t do standing overhead presses. Most Smith machines in commercial gyms have the same limitations, but it’s worth noting for those who plan to do standing overhead work.
The knurling isn’t very good, and while the machine felt wobbly, with more weight on the bar and the included rubber feet installed, Coop said using the RitFit Smith machine felt pretty similar to most commercial-grade Smith machines.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The biggest thing that makes the RitFit Smith machine stand out is the built-in low row and lat pulldown. It uses a plate-loaded pulley system that can only hold 165 pounds, so strong lifters may outgrow this pretty quickly, but it’s a nice feature to have included with the base package.
RELATED: Best Power Racks with Lat Pulldowns
The lat pulldown and low row options are great to see, but this won’t replace a functional trainer with adjustable cables. There’s also no weight stack, as the pulley uses plate-loaded resistance, so you’ll need small plates if you want to increase the weight in smaller increments.
Aside from that, there isn’t any extra technology or special benefits that you wouldn’t get from any other Smith machine or power rack.
RitFit Smith Machine vs Major Fitness Power Rack
Major Fitness Power Rack
Major Fitness PLM03 Multi-Functional Power Rack
Product Highlights
- Power rack that includes various attachments
- Cable crossover has max capacity of 300 lbs
- Safety bars support 700 lbs
- 15 adjustable holes along uprights
- Steel shaft pulley
- Comes in red, black, or white
- Comes with cable bar, pin and pipe safety set, J-hooks, landmine, dip bars, T-bar, lat bar attachment, band pegs, and an extra standard barbell holder
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lots of attachments included
- Precision laser cutting and robotic welding for accuracy
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- 14-gauge steel may not be strong enough for powerlifters
- Some reviews reported minor scratches from shipping
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly home gym in the form of a power rack, the Major Fitness PLM03 is a viable option. At under $1,000, this power rack includes a cable crossover as well as various other attachments, allowing this rack to be a compact all-in-one gym. The 14-gauge steel may be too weak for loads from an elite powerlifter, but the power rack should hold up for most consumers.
While we haven’t tested any similar Smith machines yet, the Major Fitness power rack serves a similar purpose and is also priced well for what it is. The power rack is another combo unit with built-in cable attachments for a variety of exercises and is a popular option thanks to its affordable pricing on Amazon.
Overall, the Major Fitness power rack is the more versatile option, as you can do more exercises with the cables, and a barbell can move more freely than a Smith machine, allowing you greater freedom for deadlifts, Olympic weightlifting, or anything else you’d do with a barbell.
For most people, the Major Fitness power rack is a better choice, but if you’re on a tighter budget or prefer a Smith machine, the RitFit is still a great choice.
To read more, check out our Major Fitness power rack review.
| RitFit Smith Machine | Major Fitness Power Rack | |
| Price | $489.99 | $829 |
| Weight capacity | 500 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Footprint | 45.3″ W x 44″ D x 82″ H | 63” W x 66.9” D x 84.3” H |
| Weight | 140 lbs | 255 lbs |
| Frame material | 14-gauge steel | 14-gauge steel |
| Attachments | Safety support hooks, pin-on landmine, low row and footboards, lat pulldown bar, two multi-purpose pull-up handles | Cable crossover, multi-grip pull-up bar, cable bar, pin and pipe safety set, J-hooks, landmine, dip bars, T-bar, lat bar attachment, band pegs, extra standard barbell holder |
| Barbell weight | 14 lbs | Most barbells will work |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Customer Experience
When it comes to the customer experience, RitFit offers a 30-day return policy, but you need to reach out to their team first to get a return authorization. There is an email and phone number you can use to contact them, though RitFit recommends using email.
However, according to the RitFit website, you’re not guaranteed a refund. They reserve the right to inspect the equipment, and if it’s RitFit’s fault, they can replace the machine. If it’s your fault, they reserve the right to refuse your return, and if there’s no damage and you simply want to return the Smith machine yourself, you’ll have to get RitFit’s approval first and cover your own shipping costs.
Ordering and Assembling the RitFit Smith Machine
The RitFit Smith machine can be ordered directly from RitFit, or purchased from Amazon. If you purchase from RitFit, you’ll receive free shipping, and you can checkout with Shop Pay to split your order into multiple payments.
RitFit has multiple warehouses across the United States, and ships orders within two business days. At the time of writing, RitFit only offers shipping within the USA, with no options for international shipping.
You’ll need to assemble it yourself, and Coop specifically said not to forget the rubber feet, or it’ll feel very wobbly. It’s still a little bit wobbly with the feet, but much more stable.
Save 12% With Our Exclusive Discount
RitFit tends to offer sales on their products, but we also have a GGR-exclusive RitFit discount code for you, which will take an additional 12% off your order.
GGR Exclusive RitFit Discount Code: Use the code RFGARAGE to save 12% off RitFit products when you place your next order.
Customer Reviews
Overall, most reviewers are very satisfied with their purchase, especially for the price. On the RitFit website, there are only 14 reviews, but all are 5-star reviews. On Amazon, there are 17 reviews, with an average rating of 4.8.
Reviewers mentioned that assembly may require two people, but was otherwise easy, and all reviews said it was great for the price.
Final Verdict of Our RitFit Smith Machine Review
In his video review, Coop said: “This is a sleeper pick. I said a lot of things that aren’t good about this, but a low price covers so many sins.” And I agree.
This isn’t the best Smith machine on the market, but it was chosen for the price, and if you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat the RitFit Smith machine, especially for a home gym. It may not be durable enough to withstand heavy use in a commercial gym, but for one or two users at home, this is a great purchase if you’re on a budget.
As long as you don’t need to use more than 165 pounds on the lat pulldown or row, or put more than 500 pounds on the bar, this will do anything you’d expect from a Smith machine. If you’re building a garage gym on a budget, this is an excellent choice for your next purchase.
Full Rating
RitFit’s Multifunctional Smith Machine
RitFit’s Multifunctional Smith Machine was designed specifically for home gyms. It is available for purchase with or without weights. The Smith Machine comes with multiple accessories to facilitate a variety of exercises. There are limited but positive customer reviews for this machine.
Product Brand: RitFit
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 569.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.57
RitFit Smith Machine: FAQs
Is a Smith machine bar 45 lbs?
Not always, and it’s nearly impossible to say what the weight is for each Smith machine. Commercial gyms often use cables to make the empty barbell feel lighter, even if it weighs 45 pounds, and Smith machines designed for the home often use lighter, or even hollow, bars for a lighter starting weight.
Does a Smith machine make the weight lighter?
The Smith machine often seems lighter, as the empty barbell is rarely 45 pounds like a standard Olympic barbell. So if you have one 45-pound plate on each side, which would be 135 pounds on a traditional barbell, the weight on a Smith machine could range anywhere from 95-125 pounds.
Is a Smith machine heavier than a bar?
No, the Smith machine barbell’s starting weight is almost always lighter than a standard Olympic barbell. Even if the machine does use a solid 45-pound bar, there are usually cables in the machine to make the empty bar feel lighter.
