Force USA X20 Pro Review

by Garage Gym Experiment | Posted on

Introduction

The Force USA X20 is a power rack and functional trainer straight out of the box! This multi-trainer has a high quality, versatility, stoutness, and overall user experience.

The X20 is a solid in-between option for someone considering an all-in-one solution (like the Force USA G-Series) or a more modular rack from someone like Rogue or REP.

Within this in-depth Force USA X20 Pro review, we’ll discuss:

  • Who is it for? The X20 is not a rack for your average home gym setup. Certain types of people would benefit more than others from this investment.
  • Highlighted Specs: Dual 289 lb weight stacks, 3×3 steel with 1-inch holes, many attachments in the base package, and more.
  • What Can You Do?: There is something for just about everyone with this multi-trainer.
  • vs. X15: The X15 is the Half Rack edition in the new Multi Trainer Series from Force USA.
  • vs. G20: The G20 is the most premium option of the G-Series.

Who is the X20 for?

This rack is made for someone ready to make the complete jump to working out from home. While some racks give you an option to build piece by piece, you’re leaping in with the complete package from day one with this multi-trainer from Force USA.

Who else would benefit the most?

Multiple in the same household

  • Multiple individuals working out in the same home will especially benefit from the variety provided. The X20 allows for a few to work out simultaneously and serves multiple different training styles well. People can work out simultaneously with multiple stations set up.
  • The multi-rack suits your needs, whether you’re a powerlifter, CrossFitter, bodybuilder, or want to get fit. Homes or gyms with a combination of these preferences can especially appreciate a rack like this.

Personal Trainers

  • This is a compact but versatile option for personal trainers using their home or a smaller private training studio. They don’t have room for an infinite amount of racks or machines but need variety within a small space to help out multiple client types.
  • The X20 is also an eye-catching piece of equipment and is a tool that would help attract new members to their gym.

Cost is not an issue

  • This is undoubtedly one of the best racks on the market. While the overall value of this rack is high, someone with a more dispensable wallet may be more apt to purchase this one.
  • Outside of buying the upgrade package, you cannot “build it out one step at a time” like with other options out there. Those that want to build it out one step at a time would likely appreciate a rack from somewhere like Rogue, Titan, or REP.

A functional trainer is high on the priority list.

  • On its own, the functional trainer is excellent and is just as good as other functional trainer options out there targeted at home gym owners.
  • It’s especially beneficial for those that want a functional trainer but don’t have the space. This is a space-friendly way to add this option to your setup. On its own, the functional trainer is excellent and is just as good as other functional trainer options out there targeted at home gym owners.

Highlighted Specs

It’ss built like a tank and is as solidly built as any rack you’ll find. With six posts, a solid base, and seven or 11-gauge steel throughout, it will not budge. Outside of its stoutness, some other important details include:

Dual Integrated 289 lb stack weights with 2:1 Pulley Ratio for the functional trainer

  • The pulleys are very smooth, and the 2:1 ratio is ideal for many functional training movements. They rotate 180 degrees, which adds more versatility to your workout setup and can use on the front or side.
  • 2,000 lbs is the rating on these premium pulleys.
  • With 34 adjustment points (more than most functional trainers), there are plenty of different height options up and down the front of the rack. It’s worth mentioning again how easy it is to operate.

Attachments Included

  • The base model includes tons of attachments. At no additional cost, favorites like the landmine, lat pulldown bar, aluminum straight bar (dual-stack lat pulldown), safeties, low row footplate, j-hooks, ankle cuff, close grip triangle, tricep bar, band pegs, and multiple pull-up bar options are included.
  • The overall quality of these attachments is solid and will hold up exceptionally well within a home gym setting. This is an incredible benefit that is not matched by anyone else on the market.

Compatibility with Other 1 Inch Hole Attachments

  • 1 Inch Holes: Unlike the G Series, the X Series options do include attachment compatibility with many other options on the market (j-cups, dip attachment, safety spotter arms, etc.). However, this only includes the front holes. Therefore, it will not work if the side holes are needed. It would be nice to see holes on all four sides (for the middle rack, at least). That way, you could use it for something like dips on the sides.

Forty-Two Attachment Points

  • Precise height adjustments for bench can be used with 1 1/2″ Spacing on the bottom half of the rack. 3″ spacing on the upper feels natural for movements like shoulder press and squat.
  • Storage is a big plus even before the upgrade package. Eight plate holders are included, along with two barbell storage holders.

Dimensions & Space Necessary

Some may say that the amount of space is a con. However, others will see it as something that still packs a versatile punch within a small area.

Nevertheless, this is not a small unit, but it may not be as large as you think when looking through the pictures. It does take up a bit more space than a traditional 6-post power rack.

  • The height is 92 inches. This is tall enough for most to do the lat pulldown or pull-ups comfortably and all other functional training movements. Therefore, it will easily fit within a garage, basement, or room with 8 feet ceilings.
  • The total depth is 87 inches. It is a bit deeper than most power racks but compared to the Rogue R-6 it’s just 7 inches longer. The X15 takes up quite a bit less space, around 57.”
  • The width is 70 inches. This includes the space used for plate storage. It is less wide than most other Force USA units because it does not have the Smith Machine.

One potential con is that it only comes in one size. Therefore, if you have any ceiling height limitations, it’s an option that you cannot consider.

For someone with the necessary room, the interior space within the rack is a significant benefit. The power rack includes 30 inches of depth and plenty of headspace for an even an adjustable bench when the storage upgrade is present (without the upgrade, a walkthrough design is included). There is plenty of room also to lunge and squat comfortably within. This is impossible on many other multi-functional units with a lat pulldown or storage like this present.

What Can You Do?

Like most Force USA products, a ton of versatility is available with a rack like this. Much of what can be accomplished within a commercial gym can be done with these racks.

  • Within the power rack or outside of the rack, squat, bench, shoulder press, barbell rows, curls, and more can be accomplished. This is similar to any power or squat rack.

  • The functional trainer allows you to do hundreds of pulley movements, including lat pulldown, tricep extensions, curls, cable crossover, cable kickback with ankle cuff, upright row, low row, single-arm row, etc. All the attachments needed for these are included in the initial package. In addition, the pulley is extremely easy to adjust.

  • The landmine adds another way to do many rows, pressing, and core exercises. It can be added to either side of the front portion of the rack.

  • Pull-Ups on either a straight or multi-grip bar can be accomplished.

In general, there isn’t much that cannot be accomplished here.

Upgrade Package

The upgrade package takes this rack to another level. What’s included with the upgrade?

  • The most notable difference is the storage shelves. Four metal shelves (38″ x 17″) can be added to the front portion of the rack. These can be used to store kettlebells, attachments, dumbbells, or whatever else you may have to lie around the gym. This also helps to make the rack look “complete.” It fits in nicely and is aesthetically pleasing.

  • The Jammer Arms is unique to most options but could quite possibly be the most functional out there. They can be used to clean, press, row, and more. They are highly fluid and not quite as robust as many others on the market.

  • Dip handles are among the most popular attachments and will add some additional upper body versatility. It is a standard dip bar that feels similar to what Rogue or REP offers.
  • The lat pulldown seat includes a knee holder and is an easy way to turn one of the front posts into a lat pulldown station. It’s very easy to use, adjust and is not flimsy.

  • Lastly, a tv mount, multi-grip handle, and metal individual handles are included with this package.

Other Notes

  • Who is this not for? Well, it’s a dream rack for just about anybody. The cost is going to prohibit most from purchasing. It also does take up quite a bit of space. Therefore, if space and budget are a concern, this isn’t something to consider.
  • A lifetime structural warranty is included as well.
  • Assembly will take some time, and multiple hands will be needed if doing this on your own. However, the assembly can be added for an additional fee. Force has partnered with a third-party group of professional installers to take the burden off of the buyer and save them time.
  • A prototype was used for this review. The only difference will be that the outer covering will include a Force USA X20 logo rather than a plain black panel.

X15 vs. X20

The apparent difference between these two is the size and thousand dollar price difference. The X15 is basically the same unit without the power rack in between the functional trainer.

  • Suppersetting is much easier to use with the X20. For example, one can bench or squat within the power rack and use the functional trainer on the outside in a seamless way.
  • The X20 is about 2.5 feet longer. Therefore, the X15 will likely be a better option for those with less space.

  • Many feel safer lifting within the four-post power rack, which is something that cannot be done with the X15.

X20 vs. G20

  • A 2:1 pulley ratio is included on the X20 vs. the 1:1 on the G20. This makes for a better functional trainer experience because the starting weight is lower and can be moved in 5-pound increments. This is a benefit when it’s unlikely the amount of weight really won’t be tested when used as a functional trainer.
  • A dedicated lat pulldown is a must for many. With the G20 add-on, that is easy to do. However, while you can perform a lat pulldown on the front of the X20, it’s not quite the same. First, it takes time to set up. Then, you’ll also need to keep in mind the 2:1 pulley ratio. While most of the population will be fine, it may “max out” for the stronger people on this planet.

  • There is no smith machine, which makes the overall user experience even smoother. When dealing with the G20, you’ll need to move it out of the way to do a particular movement, but it’s a very smooth experience on the X20. Those without interest in a smith machine will likely opt for the X20.
  • The X20 has 3×3 post sizes with 1-inch holes. Thus, it’s compatible with many other attachments on the market. While the attachments on the G20 are more than capable, this may be something that those with specific preferences consider. For example, if you want to add a particular type of j-cup that you prefer, it can be done. However, this cannot be accomplished with the G20 or any G-Series.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a power rack and functional trainer ready to go out of the box, the Force USA X20 should be on your radar. This multi-trainer is an excellent option for those who want an all-in-one solution but have little interest in the smith machine that goes along with the G-Series. It’s built solidly, and the footprint’s versatility is tough to beat with what is delivered on day 1. While it comes at a price overwhelming for most looking to start a home, this piece’s overall value is still high when you factor in everything included.

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