Introduction
The X15 Pro is a selectorized functional trainer and half-rack combination. It packs an incredible punch within a small footprint, operates smoothly, and includes the attachments you need to get going.
By the end of this Force USA X15 Pro review, you should be able to know if this multi-trainer is right for you.
An outline of the review is below.
- Who is the target audience? The X15 is a premium rack. Certain groups of people would benefit more than others from this investment.
- Space Needed: It’s slightly larger than your typical half-rack but still very efficient.
- 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? About anyone would value the versatility of this rack.
- Upgrade Package: The upgrade price is reasonable and will take the X15 to a new level.
- Other Notes & Discount Code: You’ll find the price, a way to save, and more.
- vs. G15 (and other G-Series All-in-Ones): The most significant difference is no smith machine.
- vs. X20 Pro: The X20 is the power rack version of the new Multi-Trainer Series from Force USA (view review).
- Conclusion: Final thoughts.
Who is the X15 Specifically Designed For?
As with all of the Force USA Racks, “everyone” is not the target audience even though they are becoming increasingly popular. This is not an ideal rack for someone building out their home gym one step at a time.
Someone interested in the X15 Pro is ready to make the complete jump to working out from home or wants to upgrade to a more versatile setup.
Who else would especially benefit from a rack like this?
You’re Short on Space,
- Anyone with room for just a few pieces of equipment would greatly appreciate this rack considering the number of options it adds within a small footprint. You can add a functional trainer, rack, storage, pull-up bar, and more within the space of a few horse stall mats.
But Not on Budget
- We’ve mentioned this before on our Force USA rack reviews, but this isn’t necessarily for someone on a budget. This is one of the best racks on the market, and it does come at a premium price point. While you can add to it with an upgrade package or other 3×3 attachments (highlighted below), there are better options for those wanting to build it out one step at a time. Also, while there are finance options, many still have a high upfront cost.
Note: While this is not a cheap option, it’s still more cost-effective than purchasing a 3×3 rack and functional trainer separately.
You desire a functional trainer but don’t have the space
- Functional trainers take up quite a bit of space and are a tricky item for many to justify considering most b. With this option, you can add a functional trainer with no additional space. 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.
Personal Trainers who use their Own Space
- The X20 may be a better option, but it is an excellent option for personal trainers using their home or a smaller private training studio and doesn’t have the luxury of a ton of space. They don’t have room for an infinite amount of racks or machines but need variety within a small area to help out multiple client types.
- The X15 is also a beautiful piece of equipment and is a tool that would help attract new members to their gym.
No Desire for a Smith Machine
- While it seems most would rather not have a smith machine, some love the ability to use it without taking up much additional space. The X15 Multi-Trainer is for those that don’t see much of a need for a smith machine.
Space Needed
You cannot customize height or width, so check the dimensions below. It is likely a little larger than most half-racks you’ll find.
- The height is 92 inches. Therefore, it will easily fit within a garage, basement, or room with 8 feet ceilings. In addition, it’s tall enough for most to do the lat pulldown or pull-ups comfortably and all other functional training movements.
- The total depth is 57 inches. For reference, that is 9 inches larger than the REP Apollo Half Rack. The X15 takes up quite a bit less space, around 87.”
- The width is 70 inches. This includes the space used for plate storage. It is slimmer than most other Force USA units because it does not have the Smith Machine. It’s typical of different power and half racks on the market.
Highlighted Specs
The X15 Pro is rock solid. It includes 7 and 11-gauge steel throughout and is as reliable as any home gym rack.
The most important specs to know about include:
1 Inch Holes
- Unlike all other Force USA racks, the Pro Series includes 1 Inch Holes. Therefore, it does have attachment compatibility with many different options on the market (j-cups, dip attachment, safety spotter arms, etc.). However, this only includes the front holes. Therefore, if the side holes are needed for something like another brand’s jammer arms or monolifts, it will not work.
289 lb Stack Weights with 2:1 Pulley Ratio
- The stack weights are easy to reach and adjust towards the back of the rack.
- The pulleys are very smooth, and the 2:1 ratio is ideal for many functional training movements. They rotate 180 degrees, meaning they can be used on the front of the rack or side, adding some flexibility to the workout setup. This is an important feature because you can still use the side when a barbell is loaded on the front rack.
- The premium pulleys are rated for 2000 lbs, and there are 34 adjustment points. This is more than a lot of the actual functional trainers out there. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning how easy it is to operate with the knurled grip handle that is easy to wield around and lock the pulley into place.
Forty-Two Adjustment Points
- Many points are included. 1 1/2″ Spacing is included on the bottom half so that precise height adjustments for bench press can be used. The 3″ spacing on the upper feels natural for shoulder press and squat movements. There shouldn’t be any concern about the placement of the holes.
Storage Built In
- Plate and barbell storage is a big plus. Eight plate holders are included, along with two barbell storage holders.
A lot of Attachments (for no additional cost)
- Fifteen attachments are included in the base model. 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 at no additional cost.
- The overall quality of these attachments is solid and will hold up exceptionally well within a home gym setting. This perk is not matched by anyone else on the market.
What Can You Do?
This is unlike any other Force USA rack. It includes a ton of versatility within a small footprint. While the G-Series includes more workout options, this rack still simulates many movements that can be accomplished within a commercial gym.
So, what can you do?
Half Rack
- On the front of the “half-rack,” you’re able to do all lifts someone would want to be able to do on a squat rack (squat, bench press, shoulder press, curls, barbell rows, barbell lunges, etc.
Functional Trainer
- The functional trainer allows you to do hundreds of pulley movements for your lower and upper body. This includes 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.
Pull-Ups
- With two pull-up bars in the package, you can choose how you’d like to do pull-ups. You’ll notice how sturdy the rack is in the video below.
Landmine
- The landmine adds another way to do many rows, pressing, and core exercises. This tool can be added to either side of the front portion of the rack. This is one of the home gym favorites and an example of something many with a rack buy separately.
Upgrade Package
The upgrade package will take this rack to the next level. It’s an excellent option for someone to add down the road as well if they find the need for additional storage. The overall cost to add is $799, but you get quite a bit, and it is well worth it.
Storage Shelves
- 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.
Jammer Arms
- The Jammer Arms is unique to most options but could quite possibly be the most functional. 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
- Dip handles are among the most popular attachments and will add some additional upper body versatility. It is a beefy dip bar that feels similar to the Matador from Rogue.
Lat Pulldown Seat
- The seat includes a knee holder and is an easy way to turn one of the front posts into a lat pulldown station. It’s straightforward to use, adjust, and the seat is not flimsy.
More
- Lastly, a tv mount, multi-grip handle, and metal individual handles are included with this package.
Additional Notes & Discount Code
- The promo code GGE5 can be used to save in the US and Canada.
- The cost is $4,999.99. That is a price overwhelming for most looking to start a home. However, this piece’s overall value is still high when you factor in everything included.
- 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 the buyer and save them time.
- The review of this rack was done on a prototype. The only difference will be that the outer covering will include a Force USA X15 logo rather than a plain black panel.
X15 vs. G15 (and other G-Series options)
The most considerable difference between the G-15 (plus other G-Series Options like the G20) and the X15 Pro is that there is no smith machine. While the smith machine does add quite a bit of workout options on the G-Series, it is something that you have to sometimes maneuver around. Therefore, the workouts are smoother without the smith machine, and the X15 would be the choice for those with little interest in one.
In addition, the G15 has the ability for the pulley ratio can be interchanged between 2:1 (100 lbs = 50 lbs) and 4:1 (100 lbs = 25 lbs). That compares to the 2:1 (100 lbs = 100 lbs) pulley ratio of the X15. For cable movements, many appreciate the other ratios for more weight versatility if not planning to max out the functional trainer portion of the unit. In a perfect world, the X15 would have this capability.
X15 vs. X20
The X20 Pro is a truck, while the trimmer and more practical X15 can be thought of like a Jeep. It’s ruggedly designed with versatile features to match many needs; it doesn’t include a full power rack.
If you’ve already taken a look at the X20 review, you’ll find that this review is very similar. The X15 just takes up a smaller footprint. It’s not relatively as easy to superset, and it’s unlikely that multiple people can do two different workouts simultaneously, but that is the sacrifice you make with less space.
Oh, and the X15 is also $1,000 cheaper.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a fully loaded half rack (with a functional trainer) straight out of the box, the Force USA X15 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 or the space for the X20.
The X15 Pro is 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.
