GMWD Adjustable Seated Calf Raise Machine with Band Pegs for Leg Training and Exercise - Home Gym Equipment

This review is to augment other excellent reviews found here. I will make two (minor) suggestions, one for the home user, and a second for the manufacturer (GMWD). BTW, I don't suggest overkill upgrades (e.g. ball bearings) when price is a factor. This machine came quickly, and arrived same day I was set for "leg" day. Needless to say, anxious to try it out. Please view photos for descriptions (better than my writing): 1(A). Assembly is super easy. Although it came with tools, I recommend a 17mm ratcheted wrench and a 17mm fixed wrench* (or adjustable wrench) as well as a 14mm wrench. *The included wrench works here. You also need a 4mm Allen wrench: The included 4mm Allen wrench is more than adequate. 1(B) I used masking tape to ensure centering of the bar (adding the 2" adapters first won't do this because there will still be excess room on one end). Photo 2(D) shows a cardboard damper, but I later added a thin, dense rubber square here to avoid metal-to-metal contact (this is 1 of 2 recommendations). This offers two advantages: 1) Longevity, and 2) the rubber (white cardboard shown) will also keep the vertical rest from swinging out too far. Photo 2(E) I like the 2" (DIA) weight adapters, as I'm more of a "plate" guy than rubber band person. The adapters (included) work with Olympic (2" hole) plates. You can also see the 4mm Allen head screws. Photo 3: My modest home gym. I used to compete in weightlifting (with one World Championship), but now stay at home for medical-personal reasons. Can't stop lifting, though! Note the GMWD calf machine fits nicely within the space of two rubber floor mats. 3(F) detail of pegs for rubber bands users. Photo 4(G): The bar-rest pivots in both directions. As a recommendation (to GMWD), it would be nice to extend the stop plate on the handle side so it's taller. This extension would prevent "overshoot" when returning handle/rest to its rest position. Sometimes you move this handle quickly, e.g. when your calves are about to cease up! The lip on the opposite side is a perfect height, making it easy to release the weights (for performing calf raises). Adding the rubber (as described above) limits how far the post can pivot, which helps some. These are minor suggestions, and this machine great bang for the buck = 5 stars. Customer help was also 5-star (thanks to GMWD Irene). I didn't have questions regarding this machine, but she helped when ordering GMWD's leg extension / hamstring curl machine. That hasn't arrived (yet), but looking forward to this addition to me gym. I'll take photos. Cheers! ELC

Very pleased with this purchase. Great little machine, maybe my calves will finally grow. Sturdy and I believe it will be durable. Good range of motion, perfect fit for me and my home gym. Oh yes, and easy to assemble.

Here is my take as someone who has three gmwd leg machines. This is definitely not heavy weight or built to take a beating. The rollers at the bottom for bands are super weak, lightweight, and don't lock in place. Personally, I dont feel comfortable putting heavy plates on this. However if you get a 10 pack of extra heavy 12" resistance bands it actually works pretty well. If needed stack the bands on each other button can fit three across on each side. You improve the design the biggest thing they need is a little lip on the bottom of the rotating beam holder on one side so it only flops to one side and not both, it feels unstable when it can go either way. For the price, with resistance bands, its not bad and I don't regret it. But the vertical leg press and leg extension machines I jave are better quality. Oh and as other reviews said, they need better rollers for the legs. Higher density, probsbly leather covered.

Great stretch for the calf! Comfortable and easy to use!

For consumer equipment, not bad, Range of motion bottoms out with 35lbs, so I have to use 25'lbs only on the weight. The release handle is too short, when your calves are done and you want to go back to pull the weight off the muscles it makes it hard to grab the handle and lock the weight out... meaning when you go to failuer and your calves are in the deficit position you have to lean forward (more weight on the calves) and somehow manage to lift up to put the stop bar under the weight. Thats more of a design flaw that I can fix with a piece of PVC and I image a lot of consumer models would have the same issue.

Two purchased and in less than 6 months both broke in the same spot. Both broke at the welding under the seat. It's not made strong enough.

It works great, I have no problems getting it together or using it! For something compact the adjustment capability is great, adjusts the height for the thicker theighs. Range of motion is great for that deep stretch in your calf muscle. Can handle up to 300 lbs(body weight).

Item was shipped and received faster than expected. Well packed. Only took 45-50 mins to assemble with 1 person. The machine is fine for what it is. The price makes it palatable. I guess it’s hard to screw up a built-for-home-gym seated calf raise too badly. But Ignore the comments of it being strong and sturdy - it’s not, not by a long shot. again, it’s a cheap home use calf raise and anyone expecting top quality from an item like this needs a reality check. The knee foam rollers that come with it are horrible. I probably would’ve returned the item if I didn’t have an alternative set of rollers from a different piece of equipment I no longer use.

NOT A COMMERCIAL GRADE BUT DEFINITELY GOOD FOR HOME USE.

Great addition to my home gym, can handle the weight, moves smoothly and works great. For me a recommended buy.

Super machine pour le prix

The knee pads are way too short and the plastic caps dig into your knees. I regret buying this!