Comparison ZIPRO Jacked vs WCG Pro-10

The maximum weight of the user for which the equipment is designed. Usually, only the weight of a person’s body is meant here, without taking into account the barbell, dumbbells or other weights that he holds during the training. However, manufacturers take into account that athletes often use various weights (the weight of which is often comparable to the weight of the athlete himself), and put an appropriate margin of safety into the design. So this parameter is rather arbitrary and is not a strict limitation: in fact, this is the maximum weight of the athlete, at which the structure is guaranteed not to break when working with any additional weight (within reason). If the weight is relatively small, the excess weight of the athlete is also quite acceptable. For example, a bench with a limit of 100 kg or less is unlikely to break under a user weighing 120 kg with 5 kg dumbbells.

It is worth paying attention to the maximum user weight when choosing if the machine is purchased for public use, or for professional athletes working with heavy weights. Here we note that the above-mentioned restriction to 100 kg is quite modest; 100 – 120 kg — also not an outstanding indicator; models for 120 – 150 kg are quite popular; and the most durable and reliable equipment have a weight limit of more than 150 kg.

The greatest weight of the additional load that the equipment can carry. Usually, this parameter refers to the weight that is not directly on the bench or seat for the user: for example, in models with an exercise rack stand (see below), the maximum load weight is the maximum weight of the bar that can be safely held on the rack stand. It is worth mentioning benches with pancake racks(also see below): in them, the total weight of pancakes should be more or less evenly distributed over the “seats”.

The maximum load weight must not be exceeded: this can lead to breakdowns, and not necessarily immediately — an “accident” can happen later, under a completely acceptable weight.

The type of bench/rack is indicated by the type of main exercises for which it is designed. The main types are: bench press, squats, abs, hyperextension and biceps (training on Scott bench). These types may well be combined in one model: for example, Scott benches are often an addition to the bench for the bench press and/or the abs. Here are the main features of each option:

- Squats. Racks for safely performing barbell squats. As a rule, such machines are used as auxiliary sports equipment with special stops to hold the shaft and insure it from falling. Brackets for the bar in the design of the racks usually have a multi-stage adjustable height.

- Bench press. The structure is designed primarily for training with a barbell — bench press and/or shoulder press (see "Types of exercises"). The first option provides for the presence of a horizontal bench, the second — a seated one, with back support; models that allow both uses usually use a tilt-adjustable backrest. In addition, there are squat racks that do not have seats — they are designed for squats with a barbell.

- Abs. Designs for performing crunches(see "Types of exercises"). At the heart of any such design is an incline bench with leg stops, on which the athlete is placed at a negative angle in the initial position (...head below legs). Some models have additional equipment that allows you to add weight when crunching.

- Scott bench. One of the most popular biceps trainers. The main part of the Scott bench is an inclined stand, on which the athlete leans on the shoulder part of the arm (or both arms); and exercises on such a bench are curls and extensions of the arms with weights. The key advantage of such a device is that the muscles of the shoulder girdle are practically excluded from training — the entire load is concentrated on the biceps, which allows you to effectively train it.

- Hyperextension. A kind of bench "reverse abs training": the athlete lies on such a bench with his back up and fixes his legs in special mounts, and the exercise itself consists of lifting the upper part of the body due to the muscles of the back. Accordingly, the main benefit of hyperextension is to strengthen the “muscular corset” of the back, which helps to maintain correct posture and prevent problems with the spine. However, with such exercises, some gluteal and femoral muscles are also trained.

A stop fixing the legs, contributing to comfortable abs training, calves and muscles in the gluteal region. The footrest will come in handy when doing strength exercises without a partner who can hold the legs.

The ability to adjust the seat of the machine at the request of the athlete.

Note that in this case we are talking only directly about the "seat". As for the possibilities, the seat adjustment allows you to adjust it at least in height — this allows you to choose the optimal position, taking into account the height of the user.

Ability to fold compactly. This feature will be convenient for storage and transportation: in different models, the compactness when folding can also be different. However, the folded machine will take up less space than the unfolded one. At the same time, foldable models can be noticeably more expensive than non-foldable counterparts with the same load restrictions; this is due not only to the complexity of the design but also to the fact that it is more difficult to provide the required level of strength in a foldable product. Therefore, for permanent installation in one place (for example, in a gym), clumsy machines are still recommended.

Country of origin of the brand under which the equipment is presented on the market. It usually refers to the country in which the brand was originally registered, or in which the company's headquarters are located. By this parameter, the overall quality of the equipment and the brand as a whole is often assessed. However, such assessments are rather conditional. Thus, the "homeland" of the brand often does not coincide with the place of actual production: many large companies use factories in regions with cheap labour to reduce costs. At the same time, the quality depends not so much on the manufacturing country, but on how carefully the company monitors its reputation and controls the goods leaving the factories. In addition, companies originating from one state may register brands in another to look more prestigious in the eyes of the manufacturer. Simply put, it is worth looking not so much at the origin of a particular brand, but at its overall reputation.

The dimensions of the equipment in the assembled and ready-to-work state. It is important to note that more space is needed for the comfortable and proper operation of the machine. This is due to the need to have space for the person himself, the removal of arms and legs when performing exercises and using additional equipment. If we are talking about a gym, then people working nearby or placed equipment, etc., can become an obstacle. Therefore, it is recommended when choosing to calculate that in addition to the dimensions of the machine, you may need an additional metre of free space on each side.