Powertec Workbench Leverage System WB-LS

Pros: Gym-quality workout, in a small space. Excellent feel, excellent value.
Cons: Nothing significant.

I've lifted for decades. This thing is effective on a multitude of exercises in a small space that can fit in an apartment. A great workout-I prefer the feel to that of free weights; it is comparable to good gym equipment. In a small space, the only ...

Pros: Well built, versatile, relatively small footprint, good value
Cons: Not for "hard-core" lifters, no hamstring curl attachment, pulley system could use more range

First of all, let me give you my perspective so you know where I'm coming from. I've been lifting we ...

Pros: Cost effective gym-quality machine for a small space.
Cons: Some attachments are extra. Assembly can be tricky.

I bought the Powertec Workbench WB-LS three months ago after comparing home gym equipment for nearly a year. After direct comparisons with Bowflex and some higher end benches with dumbell attachments, Powertec was my strong preference. I'm not new ...

Pros: No spotter needed for bench press,built like a tank.Shouldn't outgrow.
Cons: Big and have to change the weight plates.

I stumbled across the machine while looking on the internet for a replacement for my inexspensive stack machine which I had outgrown.I was seriously considering a bowflex but didn't like the price for all the bells and whistles and from people I knew...

Pros: Solid rack
Cons: Not for the serious lifter Incline and decline press are very cumbersome

I recently purchased the Powertec Workbench

- I found the bench to be poorly designed ( when detached from the rack it cannot be used for dumbbells - bench back legs have no support).

- The preset positions for incline and decline are cumbersome. Also, you have to start your exercise movement from the spotter hook (there are no other hooks) which does not permit the full range movements required by the exercises. You are not able to precisely adjust bar height according to arm length.

- The leg extension and the preacher curl attachments are not solid (rickety).

- The rack is very solid and has a weight capacity of
1000 lbs.

Pros: Safe, smooth,  easy assembly, multiple exercises, very durable.
Cons: Loading/unloading weight plates gets very tedious. Squat attachment sits on neck instead of shoulders.

Powertec makes only very strong reliable equipment. I have had the WBLS for for about five years now. I do not understand how some people say it is not good for a beginner, it is very versatile and can be used by people of all levels. I would recommend having an open area all around it to make it easier to store the plates not being used and reload and unload plates. Also to be able to move the bench out of the way to perform certain exercises. It offers a wide range of exercises, several for each muscle group, with a chart showing the ten most common exercises. I would like to see a pull up attachment, it could have been added.  

Pros: Solid,compact high capacity good cable system.
Cons: Bolt stripped (twice)Does not fit everyone

I have had this system for a couple of years now. Overall well built. I have had issues with the bolt stripping that releases the unit to do shoulder presses, this happened twice. I agree with another reviewer here about the unit not fitting all users arm length, for example the bench press for me I could not get just right. I ended up modifying the rubber bumper pads to get a better fit for me. I don't believe lifting 200 lbs bench on here is same as with free weights. Free weights forces you to use more muscles than this machine.