| Unit | Dimensions | Possible exercises | Weight stacks | Weight plates | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Body-Solid S2FT Check Discounted Price | L:54" W:79.4" H:99" | 40+ | 2x 160 lbs | Cast iron | Lifetime |
The Body-Solid S2FT is not exactly one of the most affordable functional trainers but definitely does offer commercial-grade quality, as well as a wide array of attachments and accessories. It is available in three versions with 160 lbs weight stacks, 210 lbs, and 310 lbs. In this post, we’re going to address the version which includes the 160 lbs dual weight stack assembly.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 54D x 79.4W x 99H inches (137D x 201W x 251H cm)
- Assembled weight: 537 lbs (243.5 kg)
- Weight resistance system: Steel plate stacks
- Max. weight resistance: 2x 160 lbs (72.5 kg) (2 : 1 ratio)
- Possible exercises: 40+
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Hardware lifetime / Wear parts lifetime
Frame, parts, and attachments
To begin with, the Body-Solid S2FT Series II dual-stack functional trainer offers the same functionality 
and exercise range as the Powerline PFT100 model, only it has more adjustment positions and attachments. So, this being said, if you’re looking for a more affordable model, the PFT100 may fit your budget better.
The Body-Solid S2FT trainer features a heavy-duty 2″ x 3″, 11 gauge steel frame construction. It’s definitely a machine designed to be used within the premises of a commercial club, that’s why it comes with a commercial warranty. The main steel bars of the frame and the guards of the weight stacks are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, with the exception of the upright adjustment posts and the guide bars of the weight stacks which are chrome plated.
The fully assembled unit does not have an extremely large footprint compared to other home gym systems. It is only 79″ (201 cm) wide at the front and has a depth of 54″ (137 cm). It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side and at the front of the machine, for ease of access and usage. Also, this functional trainer is pretty tall compared to other similar trainers; it measures 99″ (251 cm) in height, and therefore, it will only fit in a room with a ceiling higher than 8′.
Needless to say, the fully assembled trainer is quite heavy, so it is recommended to be carried and assembled by at least two persons. Also, once it is assembled, the unit is not meant to be moved, so it is recommended to assemble it directly on a rubber mat.
The unit’s bases do not have anchor points for attaching it to the floor. However, due to its weight, 
this shouldn’t be necessary.
The upright adjustment bars offer 34 positions. The moving pulley systems provide 180° of swivel range in order to adapt better to any type of exercise. The unit integrates 6 large pulleys and 14 smaller pulleys, all made of fiberglass reinforced nylon material, designed to withstand prolonged usage. Also, all pulleys integrate sealed ball bearings to provide a smooth motion for the cables.
The cables are steel made. They’re designed to withstand much more weight than the included 160 lbs stacks. They also have PVC coating to provide a smoother motion over the pulleys and prevent them from scratching.
The Series II S2FT functional trainer is equipped with a set of chinning bars and also a set of rock climbing grips. Not all functional trainers have these features so they’re definitely a plus. The chinning bars have a multi-grip design; they’re also covered by a layer of high-density foam to provide a better and more comfortable grip.
In terms of accessories, there are quite a few included with this trainer. To begin with, the unit includes a 43″ (109 cm) revolving straight bar, a 20″ (51 cm) row bar, and a 14″ (35 cm) athletic bar. Needless to say, the unit includes two D-handles with adjustable nylon straps for all kinds of cable and cross over exercises. And finally, you will also get an ankle cuff.
Weight resistance system
The Body-Solid S2FT Series II functional trainer is equipped with two 160 lbs (72.5 kg) weight stacks. Each
weight stack contains 16 weight plates of approx. 10 lbs (4.5 kg) each. The weight plates are made of top-quality cast iron and can last a lifetime even with a certain amount of abuse. This is actually one of the reasons this fitness machine is considerably more expensive than a similar one with vinyl/cement weight plates.
The weight ratio of the machine is 2:1. This means that if you select a weight of 100 lbs (45.3 kg) for one stack, the weight resistance that the machine will generate for that particular stack and side will be 50 lbs (22.6 kg).
There are no separate weight plates available for this machine (at least not for the moment). However, you can opt for one of the models with heavier weight stacks of 210 lbs or 310 lbs.
Last but not least, the adjustment is done with ease, from inside the trainer. You don’t have to go around it to make adjustments. Each stack has a classic pop-pin adjustment system.
Possible Exercises
Arm exercises
- Bicep curls
- Lateral single-arm biceps curls
- Lying biceps curls
- Close-grip pulldowns
- Triceps extensions
- Triceps press-downs
- Kneeling triceps extensions
- Lateral single-arm triceps extensions
- Prone triceps extensions
- Pull-ups / Chin-ups
- Assisted Pull-ups / Chin-ups
Abdominal Exercises
- Cable crunches
- Cable twist crunches
- Seated trunk rotations
- Standing trunk rotations
- Golf swings
- Tennis swings
Back Exercises
- Back flies
- Back presses
- Prone back flies
- Prone reverse flies
- Lat pulldowns
- Aerobic rowing
- Crossover rowing
- Kneeling rowing
Chest Exercises 
- Chest presses
- Single-arm chest presses
- Wide grip chest presses
- Close grip chest presses
- Chest flies
- Incline chest flies
- Lateral chest flies
- Single-arm chest flies
- Pullovers
- Pullovers with crunches
- Pullovers with twisting crunches
Leg Exercises
- Stand-up leg curls
- Calf raises
- Squats
- Single-leg squats
- Kneeling single-leg squats
- Wide squats
- Twisting squats
- Jumping squats
- Front lunges
- Hip extensions
- Hip adductions
- Hip abductions
Shoulder Exercises
- Shoulder presses
- Upright rows
- Lateral deltoid raises
- Front deltoid raises
- Lying front deltoid raises
- Front deltoid raises with leg curls
- Shoulder extensions
- Lateral arm pulls
- …and more.
Of course, some of these exercises require separate accessories which are not included. For example, in order to perform horizontal chest presses or pec flies, you will need a bench. Or, exercises for the triceps can be performed with the included handles, but a tricep rope is more appropriate for these. And finally, in order to perform low rows, a bit of improvisation may be required as you may need something to lean your feet against for a more consistent workout.
Assembly and Maintenance
The Body-Solid S2FT comes in several boxes which are pretty heavy, so two persons are recommended for assembly and transport. The included manual provides pretty clear assembly instructions and schematics, but due to the many parts that require assembly, the task will take at least 4-5 hours. Tools for the assembly are not included, so you will have to use your own.
Once the unit is fully assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. The pulleys may need lubrication from time to time. It is also recommended to lubricate the guide rods of the weight stacks to ensure a smooth movement for the weights.
The Pros
- Commercial grade sturdiness;
- Heavy-duty construction – can support users of all sizes;
- 34 adjustment positions for its mobile pulleys;
- 180° swivel range for the mobile pulleys;
- Ergonomic, multi-grip chinning bars;
- Rock climbing grips included;
- Top-quality cast iron weight plates;
- Metallic guards for each weight stack;
- 160 lbs weight stacks;
- Heavier stack options (210 lbs and 310 lbs);
- Long bar (43″) included;
- Row bar (20″) included;
- Athletic bar (14″) included;
- D-handles with adjustable straps included;
- Ankle cuff included;
- Over 40 exercises available;
- Relatively small footprint for a home gym system;
- Little maintenance required;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to set up;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- Tricep rope is not included;
- Ab harness is not included;
- 5 lbs plate for micro-adjustment is not included.
Summary
The Body-Solid S2FT Series II is a functional trainer equipped with 2x 160 lbs cast iron weight stacks. It features a heavy-duty frame with chinning bars and rock climbing grips, and 34 adjustment positions for the mobile pulleys. It also includes quite a selection of accessories and offers the possibility to perform more than 40 exercises. And finally, even though it’s not one of the most affordable strength training systems, it is a commercial-grade trainer and offers superior quality and durability.