Body-Solid Best Fitness BFSM250 Smith Machine Review: Is It the Perfect Starting Point for Home Strength Training?
The Body-Solid BFSM250 offers budget-friendly smith machine basics with safety arms for $379, but lacks cable systems and storage features found in higher-end models.
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Key Specifications
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
Safety arms and vertical bar path provide guided movements ideal for beginners. Missing counterbalanced bar means heavier starting weight, but smith machine design still offers stability for safe learning.
The $379 price point and basic smith machine functionality with safety arms fits moderate home gym budgets. Limited attachments and no cable system reduce versatility for dedicated enthusiasts seeking comprehensive training.
The 23 sq ft footprint (66x50 inches) and 79-inch height requirement are moderate for apartments with standard 8-foot ceilings. No plate storage or pull-up bar limits space efficiency benefits.
Lacks cable crossover, lat pulldown, low row, and most multi-station features that define all-in-one gyms. Free weight station adds some versatility, but limited to basic smith machine exercises.
Missing weight capacity specifications and lack of commercial-grade features make this unsuitable for heavy powerlifting. No linear bearings or counterbalanced bar indicate basic construction for lighter training only.
Residential-use designation and missing commercial-grade features make this unsuitable for commercial environments. Budget construction at $379 cannot withstand daily commercial usage demands.
Our Verdict
The Body-Solid BFSM250 delivers basic smith machine functionality at a budget price. You get essential safety arms and vertical bar path for guided strength training. The free weight station adds some exercise variety.
This machine fits beginners who want safe, controlled movements. The 79-inch height works in standard home gyms. Your $379 investment covers fundamental smith machine features.
You miss advanced features like cable systems and plate storage. No pull-up bar or lat pulldown limits back training options. The machine focuses on core smith exercises only.
The 23 sq ft footprint requires moderate floor space. You need additional equipment for complete upper body workouts. Budget construction suits light to moderate home use.
Body-Solid provides 3-year frame warranty coverage. The residential-grade build matches the entry-level price point. You get reliable basic equipment without premium features.
What We Like
- Price of $379 offers affordable entry into smith machine training for home use
- Safety arms provide protection during solo squats and bench press exercises
- Vertical bar path enables natural movement patterns for proper lifting form
- Includes free weight station for additional barbell exercises beyond smith movements
- 79-inch height fits standard 8-foot ceilings in most homes without modification
What Could Be Better
- No cable crossover system limits functional training and isolation exercise options
- Missing weight plate storage requires separate rack, increasing total gym footprint
- No pull-up bar attachment reduces upper body training variety significantly
- Lacks J-cups for traditional barbell exercises outside the smith bar track
- No lat pulldown or low row stations eliminate key back training movements
Full Specifications
Dimensions
| Height | 79" |
| Length | 66" |
| Width | 50" |
| Footprint | 22.9 sq ft |
Build Quality
| Commercial Grade | No |
| Linear Bearings | No |
Movement System
| Smith Bar | Included |
| Bar Path | Vertical |
| Counterbalanced Bar | No |
Features
Included Features
Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Body-Solid Best Fitness Smith Machine for Home Gym - Strength Training with Safety Bars, Adjustable Safeties, and Attachments for Squats, Bench Presses, Rows
What exercises can I do on the BFSM250 smith machine?
You can perform squats, bench presses, and rows using the smith bar. The free weight station allows additional barbell exercises. Safety arms protect you during heavy lifts without a spotter.
Will this smith machine fit in my home gym with 8-foot ceilings?
Yes, the machine measures 79 inches tall, leaving 17 inches of clearance with standard 96-inch ceilings. The 66x50 inch footprint requires 23 square feet of floor space.
Does the BFSM250 include cable attachments for lat pulldowns?
No, this model does not include cable crossover, lat pulldown, or low row stations. You get only the smith bar system with safety arms and a free weight station.
What warranty coverage does Body-Solid provide?
Body-Solid offers 3 years on the frame, 1 year on parts, and 30 days on wear items. The residential-use warranty matches the home gym design specifications.
Can I store weight plates on this smith machine?
No, the BFSM250 does not include weight plate storage pegs. You need a separate weight tree or storage rack for your plates and equipment organization.
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
Safety arms and vertical bar path provide guided movements ideal for beginners. Missing counterbalanced bar means heavier starting weight, but smith machine design still offers stability for safe learning.
The $379 price point and basic smith machine functionality with safety arms fits moderate home gym budgets. Limited attachments and no cable system reduce versatility for dedicated enthusiasts seeking comprehensive training.
The 23 sq ft footprint (66x50 inches) and 79-inch height requirement are moderate for apartments with standard 8-foot ceilings. No plate storage or pull-up bar limits space efficiency benefits.
Lacks cable crossover, lat pulldown, low row, and most multi-station features that define all-in-one gyms. Free weight station adds some versatility, but limited to basic smith machine exercises.
Missing weight capacity specifications and lack of commercial-grade features make this unsuitable for heavy powerlifting. No linear bearings or counterbalanced bar indicate basic construction for lighter training only.
Residential-use designation and missing commercial-grade features make this unsuitable for commercial environments. Budget construction at $379 cannot withstand daily commercial usage demands.
Scores
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