What is a Smith Machine? And, How is Each Model Different?

Last Updated on March 31, 2023 by MarcyPro

Most are unaware of what a smith machine is and the benefits smith machines provide. There is a bit of controversy over using machines or not, and we will put that to rest here as well.

Too long, don’t want to read? Scroll to the bottom of the blog for a feature comparison chart

A smith machine is a device that allows the user to complete squats, often called smith machine squats, and bench presses safely without a spotter. The Olympic sized bar is connected to the smith track which sets the bar path and ensures you do not fall forward or backward. The bar is also rigged with a large hook. When the user is done with their workout or feels as if they cannot complete their exercise, the user simply needs to roll the bar to lock the bar in place.

Some argue smith machine squats ruin your form and put too much pressure on certain parts of your body. However, all Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms account for this potential concern by providing bar catches and weight catches for those who prefer free weight squats. By switching between the two forms of squats, you can see which you prefer while still being able to safely complete your exercise. This is one of the reasons Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms or Systems are not just called “Marcy Smith Machines”.

Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms provide a number of other benefits aside from the smith machine itself. The adjustable bar catches and adjustable safety catches (or adjustable safety bar) included with a home gym turns the unit in to a smith machine and power rack / squat cage / Squat Stand in one (depending on the exact model you choose.) 

Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms all include a bench with an adjustable seat pad that is not attached to the entire unit. Move the bench away from the unit for squats or use the bench with the unit for various presses. You can use the bench with dumbbells (not included) for strength training exercises when not using the entire unit. And, this is just the start of multiple muscle groups you can target.

In the past, fitness enthusiast needed a gym membership for cable crossovers because the standalone cable machines were so large and expensive. All Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms include a form of dual upper pulley cables. Use the upper pulley cables for lat pulls, cable crossovers, and more. All units also include some form of a single or double lower pulley for rows, curls, and more.

For your convenience, the SM-4008 and MD-9010G come with removable Olympic sleeves. As a result, you can use the current Olympic weight plates you own or the current standard weight plates you own on the Marcy SM-4008 Smith Machine Home Gym and the MD-9010G Smith Machine Home Gym – it would just be a matter of taking off or putting on the Olympic sleeves. The convenience of this single piece of home gym equipment does not stop there.

All Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms have some form of weight storage, but it varies from model to model. Some units have storage pegs for your weight plates while others have a weight plate rack.

We’ve focused on what a smith machine is and the similarities Marcy Smith Machine Home Gyms have. Below, you will find out some of the differences.

Marcy Smith Machine | SM-4008 – the most economical unit by Marcy. This unit features everything noted above. In addition, the SM-4008 has a pec deck, pull-up bar, leg developer, and foot plates for seated rows.

The SM-4008 is ideal for those looking for a full body workout without any of the frills. For many, the absence of a preacher curl pad on this unit is a deal breaker, however, you could always workout your biceps using the lower pulley instead. The unit also has 4 storage pegs for your weight plates.

The included smith bar for this unit weighs about 18lbs.

Please note: The SM-5276 is essentially a white version of the gray SM-4008 – both units have the exact same features and only differ in appearance

Included accessories: cable handles, v-bar, triceps rope, ankle strap, and shiver bar

Marcy Smith Machine / Cage System | MD-9010G – is Marcy’s best selling home gym. This unit features everything noted in the blog above. The MD-9010G also has a pec deck, preacher curl pad, leg developer, and foot plate for seated rows.

The MD-9010G is ideal for those looking for a full body workout with the added convenience of linear bearings used for the smith track portion of the unit. The linear bearings make your movements with the smith bar smoother than without linear bearings (like the SM-4008.) For some, the absence of a pull-up bar is a deal breaker, but you can utilize the pulley cables for various lat and row exercises that will workout your back.

The included smith bar for this unit weighs about 18lbs.

Please note: The MD-5139 is essentially a white version of the gray MD-9010G – both units have the exact same features and only differ in appearance.

Included accessories: cable handles, triceps rope, ankle strap, and shiver bar

Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym Training System Cage | SM-4903 – this unit can best be described as combining a power cage, power tower, and smith machine in to one. This unit features everything noted in the blog above. However, the SM-4903 includes a pull-up bar and adjustable dip bars (which are the stand out features from a power tower.)

In addition to a smith machine, the unit has adjustable bar catches and a safety bar that can be used inside the unit, much like a power cage.

The SM-4903 has dual upper and lower pulleys that run on two different pulley trolleys. As a result, the left side pulleys function independently of the right side pulleys. The two pulley trolley system allows for two users on the SM-4903. Or, you could set different weights on each side and use the unit as a circuit trainer.

For some, the absence of a preacher curl pad and leg developer is a deal breaker. However, this unit is much more fit for someone looking for the convenience of a power tower, power cage, and smith machine in one. And, unlike the other smith machines, this unit has a weight plate storage rack as opposed to storage pegs.

The SM-4903 is only compatible with 2″ diameter hole Olympic weight plates (whereas the MD-9010G and SM-4008 are compatible with 1″ plates and 2″ plates.) The included smith bar for this unit weighs about 18lbs.

Included accessories: cable handles

Marcy Smith Machine / Cage System with Pull-Up Bar and Landmine Station | SM-4033 – the SM-4033 is the most balanced smith machine home gym carried by Marcy. This unit features everything noted in the blog above and much much more. The SM-4033 includes a smith machine, pull-up bar, pec deck, and adjustable dip bars.

Unlike any other Marcy Smith Machine Home Gym, the SM-4033 includes a preacher curl pad with bar rest, landmine attachment, and dual adjustable pulleys. The SM-4033 offers a full body workout with the most variety in one machine. The SM-4033 includes 6 weight plate posts and is the only smith machine to include a bar holder for your Olympic bar.

The SM-4033 is only compatible with 2″ diameter hole Olympic weight plates (whereas the MD-9010G and SM-4008 are compatible with 1″ plates and 2″ plates.) The included smith bar for this unit weighs about 36lbs.

Included accessories: cable handles, ankle strap, triceps rope, landmine attachment, dip bars, and long bar (intended for use with both upper pulleys as a lat bar,)

 

Marcy Pro Deluxe Smith Cage Home Gym System – SM-7553 – the newest and most stacked Marcy Smith Machine Home Gym ever created by the company Though this unit does not come equipped with a pec deck like most of Marcy’s other smith machines, it has nearly every other feature available. And then some.

This unit features everything noted in the blog above and much much more. It is somewhat like the SM-4033; the only feature the SM-4033 has which this unit does not have would be the pec deck. However, the SM-7553 makes up for the lacking peck deck by providing a leg press attachment (not featured on any of our other smith machines) and a leg anchor (also not featured on any other smith machine home gym carried by Marcy.)

Scroll down below to see the comparison chart to get a better idea of how many features this beast of a home gym had to it’s name. In addition, checkout this breakdown page to get an even better idea of what the SM-7553 Marcy Pro Deluce Smith Cage Home Gym System truly has to offer.

Also, the SM-7553 is only compatible with 2″ diameter hole Olympic weight plates (whereas the MD-9010G and SM-4008 are compatible with 1″ plates and 2″ plates.) The included smith bar for this unit weighs about 16lbs.

Included accessories: cable handles, triceps rope, landmine attachment, lat bar, short bar, long bar, V-handle, V-Bar, ankle strap, leg anchor, leg press, and bar pad

A quick tip for all the models above – always lubricate the moving parts of your smith machine with silicone based lubricant! This will increase the longevity of your unit and ensure your machine works properly for years to come.

No matter which unit you choose, these multi-function pieces of equipment will help you build muscle quickly and efficiently, much like a circuit trainer. Take your weight lifting to the next level and save time with any one of Marcy’s Home Gyms.