The RitFit M1 Smith Machine is a multi functional product that seems to offer a variety of training choices in a relatively small footprint. RitFit sent us the M1 Smith Machine Home Gym Package in exchange for a review and we were generally impressed with the appearance and functionality of the machine as well as the optional addons that came with it.
What’s Included?
The Smith Machine Home Gym Package comes with the RitFit M1 Multifunctional Smith Machine, the RitFit BWB01 Adjustable Weight Bench and a choice of either 260lbs, 320lbs or 370lbs of RitFit branded bumper plates plus a 300lbs dumbbell set.
Assembling the RitFit M1 Smith Machine
The RitFit M1 Smith Machine or more accurately, the RitFit M1 Multi Functional Smith Machine Power Cage, (which is a long enough name that I NEVER want to say or type all of that again) comes with a comprehensive set of two instruction manuals to help you with the assembly process. Two people are recommended for the assembly but our guy Dennis, from Home Gym Tech Support, managed to do it solo in less than an hour, and even filmed step by step instructions to help you with the assembly process! You can watch that video here and also find out the tools Dennis recommends to make the installation as painless as possible!
Watch The Review
Pros and Cons of the RitFit M1 Smith Machine
This Smith Machine/Power Rack combo like anything else has both pros and cons. Some of the features that we like about it are:
- Aesthetics – this unit looks great and the rack header in particular, really pops because of the contrast with the black and silver option that RitFit sent us.
- Plenty of storage – with six weight storage pegs, this unit can accommodate three different sizes of bumper plates, as well as giving the option to hang the various attachments that are included with the machine.
- Dennis really liked the Smith machine function and how smoothly the pulley glides when in use.
- Cost – this unit is budget friendly with the M1 coming in at $1,089.99 before shipping and the full home gym package coming in at $3,399.99 which is in line with similar products at this tier.
On the other hand, there are several areas where RitFit could improve this unit.
- The Multi-Grip Pull up bar is slippery – Dennis found that the pull up bar was slippery to the touch and that was without having sweaty hands! A simple solution would be for RitFit to add more texture to the grip surface of the multi grip pullup handle to make it not only safer to use but also prevent users from having to apply chalk before doing pullups
- The unit seems to be too short – this is great for lower ceilings like in a basement setting but it means that taller users will struggle to get a good workout on the dip bars and pull up handle. RitFit needs to take a page out of other manufacturer’s books and provide multiple height options that customers can choose from
- The instruction manual could be clearer. For an experienced installer, this wouldn’t be a problem but for someone who only occasionally (or never) works with tools, there’s a lot of potential for getting a step wrong and having to retrace their steps which would get annoying very quickly.
- This machine should really be made of 11 gauge steel instead of 14 gauge steel so that it has greater potential to last longer and also to accommodate stronger users.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the RitFit M1 Multi Functional Smith Machine is a solid option if you’re a beginner new to strength training who is interested in setting up your first home gym.