Introduction
Force USA has built a solid reputation for its all-in-one racks.
As home gym junkies, when we hear all-in-one, we typically think of mediocre attempts from companies to give us the solution to all of our fitness needs, but in actuality, they fall way short. I would argue this is not the case for the Force USA G3.
While the G3 doesn’t do everything perfectly, it impressively delivers on its multi-functionality. The G3 may be the underdog of the Force line-up when you consider price and what it can do, and while it may not be the best at everything, it is a really neat option that most people should consider.
The Base Unit
The base G3 unit that you would purchase from Force USA is an ‘all-in-one’ unit that comes with what I’m going to call a half-rack, a commercial feeling smith machine, a dual-sided functional trainer, a pull-up bar, land mine attachment, rear-facing plate storage.
The Half-Rack
Technically, this is a 4 (maybe you could call it a 6)-post rack, but where the j-cups fit, you can really only utilize the front of this unit as a rack. That said, the base unit comes standard with J-cups and spotter arms.
The rack itself is a part of an overall large unit, meaning it is plenty sturdy for heavy lifts. As long as you’re not pushing 1,000-pound squats, I would feel comfortable testing my 1-rep maxes with a rack like this. If you want a rack to squat, bench, and press out of, the G3 can handle any of that and more.
The uprights use a sleek chrome finish with west-side style hole spacing and laser engraved low profile whole numbering.
That said, being a true power rack is where you will make sacrifices with the G3. The upgraded G3 utilizes 2″x2″ uprights with 5/8″ holes, which will give you a tough time upgrading attachments as there aren’t any notable choices out there using these dimensions.
The j-cups and spotter arms are where this item lacks the most. If you don’t have a lot of rack experience and you just want something to do the basics, you may be happy with what you are given, but the attachment sizes and designs are lackluster.
Smith Machine
Understanding that the Smith machine isn’t for everyone, the Smith machine on the G3 is very well done. It could easily pass the blind test for a commercial-grade smith machine. This particular Smith machine does not use the cable counterbalance, and the weight of the unloaded bar is around 45 lbs.
After using the G3’s Smith machine, I would argue that it makes a perfect change of pace for the home gym. Home gyms often lack machines, and having something like this would be a great supplement for accessories or on off weeks in replacement of the barbell.
If you have experience using Smith machines, the point of improvement for most is the quality of the barbell. The knurl on this Smith machine matches my expectations, as I have used a Smith machine in the past. It’s a chrome bar with a slippery knurl, but having a good knurl on a smith machine would only be a bonus.
Dual-Sided Functional Trainer
The G3 Force rack features a built-in functional trainer and Smith machine that stands out from other companies. The functional trainer is well-designed, just like the Smith machine.
The functional attachments move on the front uprights, giving you 16-hole settings from high to low. With a spring pin, the attachment point can be easily moved with one hand, and the cables operate on a 2:1 ratio.
The updated rollers on the functional trainer are one of the best things this unit has going for it. The rollers and the 2:1 ratio make for an extremely smooth cable system. Being that the weight horns travel on four rollers, you also don’t have to load them equally as you do on plate-loaded versions that slide on a sleeve. You can have the weight horns unbalanced, and it is just as smooth.
Everything Else…
The unit has a pull-up bar at the front with different handle variations. The inner handles have a knurl cut into them, but the coating makes it a bit slick. The angle outer handles have a rubber pad covering them.
The back of the machine has rear face plate storage and a vertical bar storage sleeve. The added storage is nice to see, especially with an item meant for the home gym.
The base unit comes with a landmine attachment and your basic cable attachments. Nothing to write home about, but a nice addition that you will need for your home gym.
Upgrades
The Force USA G3 comes with 3 upgrade packages. The first one feels like a no-brainer, which is a lat-pull-down seat and bar, as well as a low-row footplate that allows you to change the angle of it. This upgrade is an extra $200, allowing you to comfortably do lat-pulldowns and low rows.
Ideally, I’d like to have a little more overhand in my lat-pulldown to get the bar directly overhead so that I could pull down vertically, but more overhand would affect the overall performance of the functional trainer, so it’s a tradeoff you have with a rack attached lat-pulldown.
The second upgrade option is for the leg-press plate. This attachment is for vertical leg presses. The attachment costs an additional $149, and let’s just be honest, it’s not for everyone. It works though and a feature that many body builders appreciate.
The last upgrade option comes with dip bars, short angled jammer arms, and (most notably) a rack attached to standing leg curl and leg extension. The price tag on this upgrade package is a little steep at $500, but the leg curl/extension is a big benefit for a home gym.
In Addition to…
After using the G3 from Force USA, I can say that I was impressed. The functional trainer is great, the Smith machine (something I don’t usually find myself using) was an excellent change from the barbell and free weights, and the rack was passable.
I would argue that in a dream home gym scenario, this could be an excellent replacement for your standard functional trainer. If you are a primarily barbell lifter with a large beefy rack, the G3 would be a welcome addition to your home gym. Not only are you adding a plate-loaded dual-side functional trainer, but you are also getting a Smith machine out of the deal. With a price tag of around $2,000, it rivals large functional trainers on the market, and the size difference is minimal.
You may also want to start off with something like this and add a more solid power rack for squats, bench, deadlift, etc – later on.
Putting that scenario aside, this would also make for a great all-in-one rack if the ‘rack’ isn’t your main priority.
The Last Word: Force USA G3
The G3 from Force USA may be the best option with the price considered in the Force USA lineup of all-in-one racks. With a price tag of under $2,000, the G3 delivers a nice smith machine, a great functional trainer, and a good half rack with plenty of built-in storage. When it’s all said and done, you make minor sacrifices from the rack, but you gain a lot from this option from Force USA.