KMWest, NewLife, Beachhead and others - Shermworks "free spotter" - JP Fitness Forums

Terry Monk · 07-21-2006, 11:28 AM

I did the ol' search and saw that NewLife was the one that suggested this device to me in the first place. I think BH was getting one?????? and KMWest was interested???

www.shermworks.com

Anyway, I finally got mine two days ago. I'm going to install it tonight or tomorrow and I'll give you all some of my personal reviews if anyone is interested in purchasing one. I think it's a GREAT invention and investment for the "measley" $150.

More to follow.....

BeachHead · 07-21-2006, 11:45 AM

I got one a while back....one of the best devices I have EVER bought. I think the only thing that gets as much practical use is my car and toilet paper. I absolutley LOVE the thing. Congrats on gettin' one. It is a must have for the workout-at-home types like myself.

kmwest · 07-21-2006, 11:47 AM

Down the road when I buy a home, this will definitely be on the "home improvement" list! Thanks GR!

Terry Monk · 07-21-2006, 12:04 PM

THanks for the review BH. I was wondering how you liked it.

No problem KMW. That's what we're all here for.

Terry Monk · 07-22-2006, 09:50 PM

Well, I got the free spotter installed last night and used it tonight for the first time.

Let me give you my pros/cons.

Pros: The thing is easy to use. The feeling of safety is great. I'm so not used to being able to go to failure, now I can. Ease of installation. Pretty damn easy to install as long as you have a drill and a crescent wrench.

Cons: kind of ackward. It's hard to get used to adding weight plates to a free swinging bar. However I set it up to hang right next to the upright supports on my bench so I can set it on the supports, add weight and viola. Problem solved.
Removing the bar from the ropes is a pain in the ass. It can be done but takes a few minutes and a crescent wrench to do it. This problem can be solved easily enough by having another bar to use when you don't need the "free spot". However if you don't have another bar, this will get real irritating real quick.
Storage. I've chosen to just leave my olympic bar attached to the ropes and sitting on the supports of my bench when I'm not working out. Kind of in the way when doing other exercises, but after some getting used to I'll be able to work around it without much effort.

All in all, I'd definitely say for the safety, ability to go to failure and peace of mind it's definitely worth the $150.

Installation: 6 out of 10
Ease of use: 8
storage: 4
peace of mind: 10

BeachHead · 07-23-2006, 08:18 AM

You'll get used to slapping plates on that baby. As for removing the bar....how are you unlatching it? I just hand tighten and loosen the wing nuts. Takes me a minute tops to remove.

With that being said, having a second bar would be ideal. Especially if you need to change exercises quickly in a superset/short rest periods.

Storage isn't an issue for me....I just leave it there with the stand (I got plenty of room). I just let the bar hang freely on the ropes without any plates on it when it is not in use.

The ability to goto failure on this thing has been very, very useful for me. I no longer EVER worry about being stuck under some weight. You'll learn to get used to it's minor drawbacks.

Terry Monk · 07-23-2006, 08:53 PM

Thanks BH. I'm sure that with a little more use and working with it, I'll find the little irritations end up being no big deal. In fact, I got an e-mail today from Sherm. He got a bunch of hits at his site from this post and he answered some of my concerns. Now that's customer service. What a great guy. If he comes up with something else I can use I'd definitely buy from him again.

BH, one more question : how much weight have you had on it? Tonight I did 400 lb squats and it was the safest I've ever felt. I'm hoping I eventually can put 500 on it.

Newlife · 07-25-2006, 01:26 PM

Sweet. I'm glad you like it, and thanks for the review. If I didn't have a wide cage, I would be looking at this for the home.

And 400lbs squats. Yeee-haaa!

sherm · 07-25-2006, 01:43 PM

Newlife, if you are interested in finding out if the Free-Spotter can be adapted to your cage send me an e-mail sherm@shermworks.com

Sherm

BeachHead · 07-25-2006, 04:31 PM

Wow, Sherm is posted on here....talka bout getting in touch with your customer base!

gymrat, I've only put a little over 300 on it. I'm not a beast like you! It has never felt unstable.

Terry Monk · 07-25-2006, 06:46 PM

Thanks brothers. Yeah, I'm glad Sherm posted. Like I mentioned, he sent me an e-mail. Good guy. I'll buy from him again.

Well, I've only had it for 3 days and it already saved my hash. I was getting myself set up for decline bench and grabbed the bar and pushed a bit prematurely and I lot the handle. Fortunately the FREE SPOTTER saved me from smashing my face in..... quite worth the price of admission. Whew.