York Barbell STS Counter-Balanced Smith Machine: Is It Worth It for Your Home Gym?
The York Barbell STS offers counterbalanced Smith training for beginners and rehabilitation, but the $4,950 price is steep for a basic unit lacking safety arms, cable systems, and exercise attachments.
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Key Specifications
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
The counterbalanced bar reduces starting weight, making it ideal for progressive rehabilitation training. The guided vertical bar path provides safe, controlled movement for new exercisers.
The counterbalanced Smith bar and weight plate storage suit dedicated home trainers well. However, the $4,950 price and lack of cable attachments limit versatility for this budget-conscious segment.
The vertical bar path supports compound lifts, but missing safety arms and J-cups create safety concerns for heavy solo lifting. No specified weight capacity data makes it difficult to confirm heavy-duty capability.
The 86.25" depth and 91.5" height require substantial space, making it unsuitable for apartments. The 24.2 sq ft footprint exceeds compact category standards.
Missing cable crossover, pull-up bar, lat pulldown, low row, and other multi-station features severely limit exercise variety. This is primarily a basic Smith machine without comprehensive training options.
Lacks commercial-grade designation and critical features like safety arms and heavy-duty attachments. The residential-use specification and missing capacity data indicate it's not built for commercial demands.
Our Verdict
The York Barbell STS Counter-Balanced Smith Machine targets users who need guided barbell training with a lighter starting weight. The counterbalanced bar helps beginners and rehabilitation users progress safely. York Barbell brings established manufacturing credibility to this residential model.
The vertical bar path allows natural movement patterns for squats, presses, and rows. Weight plate storage keeps your training area organized. The 86.25" depth and 91.5" height fit standard home gym spaces with 8-foot ceilings.
The $4,950 price seems high for what you get. Missing safety arms and J-cups remove critical safety features for solo training. No cable system, pull-up bar, or attachments limit exercise options significantly.
This machine works best for rehabilitation training or beginners who need counterbalanced assistance. The guided bar path provides stability during learning phases. You can focus on form without worrying about balance.
Serious lifters need more safety features and attachments. The lack of specified weight capacity raises questions about heavy lifting capability. Budget-conscious buyers can find more versatile options at this price point.
What We Like
- Counterbalanced bar reduces starting weight for easier progressive training
- York Barbell is an established fitness equipment manufacturer with industry reputation
- Vertical bar path provides natural lifting motion for squats and presses
- Built-in weight plate storage keeps your gym organized and plates accessible
- Designed for residential use with appropriate sizing for home gym setups
What Could Be Better
- No safety arms included, which are standard on most Smith machines for solo lifting
- Missing J-cups limits ability to use as a traditional power rack
- No cable crossover system reduces exercise variety compared to combo units
- Price of $4,950 is expensive for a basic Smith machine without attachments
- No pull-up bar, dip station, or lat pulldown for upper body variety
Full Specifications
Dimensions
| Height | 91.5" |
| Width | 40.25" |
Build Quality
| Commercial Grade | No |
| Linear Bearings | No |
Movement System
| Smith Bar | Included |
| Bar Path | Vertical |
| Counterbalanced Bar | Yes |
Features
Included Features
Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about STS Counter-Balanced Smith Machine, Silver
Does this Smith machine have safety catches?
The specifications do not list safety arms or adjustable safety stops. This is a notable omission for solo training safety.
What is the weight capacity of this Smith machine?
The weight capacity is not specified in the product details. You should contact York Barbell directly for this important safety information.
Can I do cable exercises on this machine?
No, this model does not include a cable crossover system, lat pulldown, or low row station. It functions as a Smith bar only.
What does counterbalanced mean?
A counterbalanced bar uses weights to reduce the starting resistance below 45 lbs. This helps beginners and rehab users build strength gradually.
Will this fit in a room with 8-foot ceilings?
The machine stands 91.5 inches tall, which equals 7.6 feet. This leaves minimal clearance in an 8-foot room, and you may hit your head during overhead presses.
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
The counterbalanced bar reduces starting weight, making it ideal for progressive rehabilitation training. The guided vertical bar path provides safe, controlled movement for new exercisers.
The counterbalanced Smith bar and weight plate storage suit dedicated home trainers well. However, the $4,950 price and lack of cable attachments limit versatility for this budget-conscious segment.
The vertical bar path supports compound lifts, but missing safety arms and J-cups create safety concerns for heavy solo lifting. No specified weight capacity data makes it difficult to confirm heavy-duty capability.
The 86.25" depth and 91.5" height require substantial space, making it unsuitable for apartments. The 24.2 sq ft footprint exceeds compact category standards.
Missing cable crossover, pull-up bar, lat pulldown, low row, and other multi-station features severely limit exercise variety. This is primarily a basic Smith machine without comprehensive training options.
Lacks commercial-grade designation and critical features like safety arms and heavy-duty attachments. The residential-use specification and missing capacity data indicate it's not built for commercial demands.
Scores
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