Marcy SM-8117 Olympic Cage Squat Rack: Can It Handle Your Home Gym Workouts?

The Marcy SM-8117 delivers basic power rack functionality at an exceptional $169.99 price point. You trade comprehensive features for affordability, making it best for budget buyers starting home gyms.

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Key Specifications

Height
86"
Footprint
21.8 sq ft
Weight
95 lbs
Features
7 included

Best For

How this product scores for different use cases

Home Gym Enthusiast
78/100

The multi-grip pull-up bar, safety arms, weight plate storage, and free weight station provide solid training variety for dedicated home users. The 86-inch height and 51-inch width fit most garage or basement gyms well.

Apartment Fitness
72/100

The 21.7 sq ft footprint (61.5 x 51 inches) is reasonably compact for apartments. At 95 lbs and 86 inches tall, it fits standard 8-foot ceilings with clearance.

Beginner / Rehab
55/100

Safety arms provide protection for new exercisers, but lacks the Smith bar's guided vertical path that beginners need most. No counterbalanced bar means full weight resistance from the start.

All-in-One Gym
52/100

Offers pull-up bar, safety arms, and weight storage but misses critical all-in-one features. No cable crossover, lat pulldown, low row, dip station, or bench limits exercise variety significantly.

Garage Gym Powerlifter
45/100

Lacks the Smith bar that powerlifters need for guided heavy squats and bench press. No J-cups limits barbell exercise options, and missing weight capacity specifications raise concerns for heavy lifting.

Commercial Facility
25/100

Designed for residential use only without commercial-grade construction. Missing key commercial features like linear bearings, counterbalanced bar, and heavy-duty frame specifications needed for high-traffic gym environments.

Our Verdict

The Marcy SM-8117 works as a basic power rack for home gyms on tight budgets. You get safety arms, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and weight storage for just $169.99. That price beats competitors by hundreds of dollars.

The lack of a Smith bar hurts this machine's value. Most buyers expect guided barbell movement at this price point. You're essentially buying a squat rack with pull-up capabilities.

The 21.7 sq ft footprint fits most home gyms without cramping your space. The 86-inch height clears standard 8-foot ceilings with room to spare. Weight plate storage pegs keep your gym organized.

You miss out on cable systems, dip stations, and J-cups that competitors offer. The free weight station design gives you flexibility but requires more skill. Beginners may struggle without guided movements.

This machine suits budget-conscious buyers who want basic strength training at home. You need dumbbells and barbells to maximize the rack's potential. Advanced lifters will outgrow the limited exercise options quickly.

The $169.99 price makes this an entry point into home strength training. You sacrifice versatility and features for affordability. Your gym will need additional equipment to provide complete workouts.

What We Like

  • Very affordable at $169.99 compared to $600+ for most smith machines
  • Multi-grip pull-up bar lets you target different back and arm muscles
  • Safety arms protect you during heavy lifts when training alone
  • Weight plate storage keeps your gym organized and saves floor space
  • Compact 21.7 sq ft footprint fits garages and basements easily

What Could Be Better

  • No Smith bar for guided vertical squats and bench press
  • Missing cable crossover system that most all-in-one gyms include
  • No J-cups limits your barbell exercise options significantly
  • No dip station for chest and tricep bodyweight training
  • Missing lat pulldown and low row attachments for back development

Full Specifications

Dimensions

Height86"
Length61.5"
Width51"
Footprint21.8 sq ft
Weight95 lbs

Build Quality

Commercial GradeNo
Linear BearingsNo

Movement System

Smith BarNot Included
Counterbalanced BarNo

Features

Included Features

Bar Storage
Free Weight Station
Multi-Grip Pull-Up
Plate Storage
Pull-Up Bar
Safety Arms

Not Included

Band Pegs
Bench Included
Cable Crossover
Commercial Grade
Counterbalanced Bar
Dip Station
J-Cups
Landmine
Lat Pulldown
Leg Developer
Linear Bearings
Low Row
Pec Deck
Preacher Curl
Smith Bar
Squat Handles
T-Bar Row
Weights Included

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Marcy Olympic Cage Home Gym System – Multifunction Squat Rack, Customizable Training Station SM-8117

Does this machine include a Smith bar for guided lifts?

No, the SM-8117 does not have a Smith bar. It functions as a power rack with safety arms for free weight exercises only.

What is the footprint and will it fit my garage?

The machine measures 61.5 inches long by 51 inches wide, giving you a 21.7 sq ft footprint. It needs 86 inches of ceiling height.

Can I do cable exercises like lat pulldowns on this machine?

No, the SM-8117 has no cable crossover, lat pulldown, or low row system. You only get a pull-up bar and free weight station.

Does it come with weight plates or a bench?

No, this machine does not include weight plates or a bench. You need to buy those separately to use the equipment.

What exercises can I do with the safety arms and pull-up bar?

You can do squats, bench press, and overhead press using the safety arms with a barbell. The multi-grip pull-up bar handles various pull-up and chin-up styles.

Scores

Overall Score 63/100
Value Score 82/100

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