Introduction
The G1 is Force USA’s newest and most basic All-in-One.
This unit is a plate-loaded functional trainer that can also be used as a half-rack. It looks like a smaller version of the G3 but behaves differently.
The biggest difference with this option vs. some of the others in the G-Series Line is it does not include a Smith-Machine
In this review, I’ll go over the key specs, compare it to the G3, discuss who it is for, and more.
What is the G1 from Force USA and how is it different?
The G1 is a dual-sided functional trainer that utilizes a single-weight carriage that sits in the middle back of the unit. It comes standard with basic cable attachments as well as j-cups, spotter arms, and a landmine attachment to use as your primary rack. There are weight storage pins off of the wing and a pull-up bar. It includes many of the standard add-ons as many of the G-Series units. In addition, you do have the ability to add upgrade kits that include a low-row footplate, lat pulldown seat, lat pulldown bar, jammer arms, leg curl/extension, and more.
Force USA is renowned for its all-in-one power racks that come equipped with built-in Smith machines. However, it should be noted that the G1 model does not include a Smith machine.
Half Rack
The front of the unit is designed to be used as a half rack. When you buy the base unit, it comes with very basic J-hooks and spotter arms. The front of the unit uses 2×2″ uprights with 5/8″ holes, the same as you would see on the other G-Series racks. The uprights uses a sleek chrome plated design with laser engraved hole numbers for some of the holes. The uprights dual as your rack posts as well as your functional trainer arms.
When comparing this rack to the next step up in the Force USA lineup, the G3, it is a lot less sturdy which you can see in the overall construction.
If you are buying the G1, it would be best used as a functional trainer that you could use as a rack and not the other way around. Using a functional trainer as a rack is a nice ability to have, and you are able to do so with the G1, but just note that the G1 is not as stout as your typical 4-post rack.
Functional Trainer
The dual-sided functional trainer uses a 2:1 pulley ratio. There are six starting positions on each side for the handle attachments. The G1 uses a plate loaded weight carriage that operates with a roller design. The roller design is a big upgrade compared to their old system, which used a sleeve that slid up and down a 2×2″ post.
The functional trainer works well. The design, having a single plate loaded stack in the middle of the unit forces the cable to travel through angles and causes some friction, so there is some tension that is more noticeable with lighter loads.
Compared to the G3
The next step up from the G1 is the G3. These are different in a few ways. The G3 comes with the smith machine which is absent from the G1, and the G3 uses two separate weight carriages; one for each side of the functional trainer. Small differences also include plate storage off of the rear of the G3 rather than off the wings.
The overall build of the G1 is also angled in, while the G3 is a larger, squared unit, and much more stable.
The price difference between these two stands at $500, and for a few reasons I would recommend the slightly more expensive G3 over the G1.
The first reason is that the G3 gives you a better rack and a noticeably smoother functional trainer. The rack on the G3 is more stout, and the functional trainer is smoother due to there being 2 separate weight carriages. The G1 uses an angle design sacrificing stability, and the cables have to fun through some angles with the weight carriage being at the middle back of the unit causing some friction with lighter weight.
The second reason is that you get the addition of a smith machine with the G3 that you don’t get with the G1. While smith machines have a love it or hate it reputation, I would argue that the smith machine in the home gym can give the feel of weight machines and are a nice change of pace whether for off weeks, accessories, or even your core training depending on your goals.
If there is a ‘which one?’ scenario in your head between the G1 and the G3, $500 is a small price to pay for the upgraded G3 option. The G3 may just be the best value option of all the G-Series.
Is the G1 For You?
The G1 is the budget entry item for a company that does not have a lot of budget options. If you are looking for an ‘all-in-one’ and you are on a tight budget, this may fit your needs.
The G1 is a stable functional trainer, but as a rack with a loaded barbell I would personally want something a little more stout, or plan to upgrade in the future.
Unless, it is used as a secondary option, this unit is going to fit someone who isn’t lifting heavy and can benefit from having a functional trainer.
In general, I really just think that the G3 for $500 more is a much better buy.
Conclusion
The G1 is the lowest-priced ‘all-in-one’ from Force USA. The unit gets you a dual-sided functional trainer with a half rack. It can accomplish the basic tasks of both a half rack and a functional trainer, but may not accel at either.
If price is a limiting factor and you’re looking for an option to get rolling, this could be a good option for you.
However, if it wasn’t crystal clear throughout the review, the G3 may just be the better long-term buy.