John Watts 11/08/21
CF470 half rack, CF430 bench, rubber radial plates
After several years with a low budget home gym and a fair bit of improvisation, I decided to invest in few statement pieces of kit. I invested in a BodyMax CF430 bench from PF last Christmas which has served me excellently so was keen to go with them again and, after the easter 2021 garage makeover, was after a black/red set up.
Debated between the BodyMax Cable Motion Multigym Dual Adjustable Pulley, CF475 half rack, and the CF485 full rack.. Went with the BodyMax CF475 half rack due to the storage pins with a view to getting the CF480 Functional Trainer in the future. Also got the dip handles (not included in photo) and a selection of rubber radial plates. Notably, the barbell is from a different supplier as wanted to go for one a little more premium than the one that came with the barbell/plate package (and also one that was black).
As for the products, the half rack was fairly easy to put together (and, contrary to the instructions, is doable on your own but worth having someone on standby in case you get need an extra limb or two) though it’s worth having a set of adjustable wrenches for assembling and either a sizeable Allen key or drill with suitable bit to tighten the preassembled weight pins that had loosened slightly in transit. It’s sturdy and looks the part. Downside is the chin/pull up handles aren’t high enough to get a full stretch at the bottom (unless you flex at the knees/hips) meaning I can neither any longer stick a dumbbell between my feet. Similarly, the bridging bar across the top stops me from dipping from high with a dumbbell between my feet (as I hit my head). Of note, I’m 6ft tall. I suspect both these problems, however, can be overcome by getting a dipping belt. Paint will unsurprisingly chip with heavy contact or aggressive sliding of the plates on/off the pins. Plates themselves are excellent. No smell but some of them were covered in a yellowish residue on opening (possibly some oil within the rubber?) but this came off with a good wipe over.
In hindsight, in the interest of cost and space but at the expense of a dual pulley system, I could (and maybe should) have gone for the CF485 full rack with the single pulley option (vs my plan to get the CF480 at a later date). Notably the CF485 wouldn’t come with the storage pins that the CF475 comes with (which are very handy) but you could get one of the weight trees instead and still spend less (than getting a CF475 and CF480).
I was helped through the process by James from Edinburgh who was superb from start to finish. Nothing was too much trouble and he even sent emails/formulated quotes on his annual leave. I forgot the dipping handles on my initial order too and he sent them on by express delivery free of charge.
All-in-all, very happy with my purchases and the service I received and will definitely order from PF again in the future. Product-wise, I’d only suggest to people, particularly for whom floor space is an issue, considering the CF485 full rack instead of the CF470 half rack given the option of an integrated albeit single-handed pulley system, and just getting a separate weight tree for plate storage.
Michael 02/07/21
Great starting kit
Bought this rack for my home gym and it is great.
Very easy assembly, although it did not come with tools. Make sure you have spanners and Allen keys!
Pretty sturdy, has a little shake when I do pull ups, but the rack at my old gym did the same so I'm not worried.
Highly recommend the dip station you can buy separately, between that a barbell, bench and weights, I have everything I need to replicate my workout routines at home.
The finish isn't the best, scratches, some rusty spots, and poor paintwork are noticeable but doesn't impact performance.
If you are starting to build your own home gym then this rack is great. I don't lift heavy enough to exceed it's max weight and the rack is short enough to fit in the spare bedroom- the main reason I bought it.
Lucas Pierotti 29/11/20
Half rack
Such a good rack for a home gym, best one there is by far, holds a lot and is so good. Make sure you get it quick because they run out of stock fast
Graham P. 23/06/19
Excellent
Fantastic piece of kit..bought it too replace the bodymax cr480 rack I had for only one reason..felt the spotter arms were too short..otherwise the cf480 is fantastic...this rack is even better..easy put together and bolt holes for extra sturdiness..spotter arm length is perfect..love it...and as usual powerhouse officials e staff were fantastic..this is now the 4th piece of kit I have purchased along with bars and numerous Tri grip rubber Olympic weights..everything is superb.:+1:
Graham P. 23/06/19
Excellent
Fantastic piece of kit..bought it too replace the bodymax cr480 rack I had for only one reason..felt the spotter arms were too short..otherwise the cf480 is fantastic...this rack is even better..easy put together and bolt holes for extra sturdiness..spotter arm length is perfect..love it...and as usual powerhouse officials e staff were fantastic..this is now the 4th piece of kit I have purchased along with bars and numerous Tri grip rubber Olympic weights..everything is superb.:+1:
Mark M. 10/04/19
Great price and quality
Really good value for money, very sturdy, perfect size for home garage gym. Quick delivery and easy to assemble (instructions say requires three people but managed on my own).
Mark M. 10/04/19
Great price and quality
Really good value for money, very sturdy, perfect size for home garage gym. Quick delivery and easy to assemble (instructions say requires three people but managed on my own).
Erica C. 12/03/19
Spot on!
Great piece of sturdy equipment I use for myself & also p.t clients. A solid & all around well designed rack for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend this for home or commercial use!
Erica C. 12/03/19
Spot on!
Great piece of sturdy equipment I use for myself & also p.t clients. A solid & all around well designed rack for a reasonable price. I would highly recommend this for home or commercial use!
Tamasyn J. 24/02/19
half rack
The Body Max half rack I ordered was delivered quickly, easy to assemble, sturdy and good quality. My husband and I were very happy with our purchase and the service we received.