I've been consistently working out for the past year at home. I've got dumbbells, a bench, a barbell w/ a few weights, and it's getting the job done. There are some cable exercises I'd like to do, and I'm ready to spend the money on a Smith Machine because I know it won't just gather dust. Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand that has treated them well over time?

No Smith machine but I believe they sell one. I have a ton of REP gear and can wholeheartedly recommend anything they make.

I am not sure what you are asking. Anything you can do on a Smith Machine you should be able to do with dumbells and barbells with supior work. The one exception I can think of is throw presses. I will only do those on a Smith Machine.

If you are talking about something to do cable work on, I would recommend a lat pulldown/row machine. I personally own one from Texas strength systems. Very similar to this one:
Lat Pulldown-Low Row TSS

I'm not say get this one or not, I just know it is commercial gym quality and I can do just about anything I want that would require cables. You can even by a belted squat attachement for it (though I don't have that).

Looking at this one, the place where you put the weight is different than mine. Mine is a solid steel plate. It is too heavy for some exercises - especially for women. I would be down to just no weight when doing some stuff using a grenade attachment.

I have the ritfit m1 and love it.
https://www.ritfitsports.com/products/m1-multi-functional-home-gym-smith-machine?_pos=2&_sid=66d07ded3&_ss=r

I know all the downsides to a smith machine yada yada but I'm way more comfortable pushing myself at home alone with this. It's super smooth and the pulley systems are great too. Would recommend.

Hoosegow said:

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I am not sure what you are asking. Anything you can do on a Smith Machine you should be able to do with dumbells and barbells with supior work. The one exception I can think of is throw presses. I will only do those on a Smith Machine.

If you are talking about something to do cable work on, I would recommend a lat pulldown/row machine. I personally own one from Texas strength systems. Very similar to this one:
Lat Pulldown-Low Row TSS

I'm not say get this one or not, I just know it is commercial gym quality and I can do just about anything I want that would require cables. You can even by a belted squat attachement for it (though I don't have that).

Looking at this one, the place where you put the weight is different than mine. Mine is a solid steel plate. It is too heavy for some exercises - especially for women. I would be down to just no weight when doing some stuff using a grenade attachment.

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This is something I used to agree with, but I don't anymore. I now feel like it all depends on you goals. For instance, you're a strength guy. So it makes sense to train specifically for the lifts you want to get better at. If hypertrophy is your goal, the Smith is a fine piece of equipment and can be very effective. For presses, for instance, you don't need to worry about a spotter and it is stable. For squats, it can be easier to get into a deep squat while keeping your torso straight. Smiths are fantastic for split squat variations as they create stability which allows the trainee to focus on the lift, and not having to stabilize as well. Stabilization might be great for novices and those focusing on strength, but for those focusing on getting the absolute most muscle growth in the target muscle out of the lift, taking instability out of equation allows the body to produce more force and have a steadier, more effective lift on that target muscle. So it is all dependent on the individual.

I will say that I now prefer a good belt squat to either barbell or Smith machine squats. I can stay fully upright and it doesn't load me axially, taking my back out of the equation. I train at Absolute Recomp in Frisco. We have a Pit Shark Belt Squat and it is fantastic. We also have a few other options regarding Smith-type machines. The Watson Smith has a 45 lbs bar, if I am not mistaken. It is heavy. Most Smiths aren't that heavy. Then there is a Smith Machine that has a safety squat bar and handles to hold. I cannot recall the manufacturer but it rocks! I have used it once and may add it into my training soon.

vmiaptetr said:

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I've been consistently working out for the past year at home. I've got dumbbells, a bench, a barbell w/ a few weights, and it's getting the job done. There are some cable exercises I'd like to do, and I'm ready to spend the money on a Smith Machine because I know it won't just gather dust. Does anyone have a recommendation for a brand that has treated them well over time?

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For cable, depending on your budget, I have really come to love a good functional trainer. My gym has Prime and M-Torture/Newtech Functional trainers. Freemotion makes them too and is likely the brand most recognize, to a point that people just call all of them "Freemotion" cable cross overs. Those brands probably cost a bunch, but there are other options available. The ones I prefer have arms that adjust vertically and horizontally to give you the most versatility.

Granted, I should ask what cabling exercises you are planning to use it for.

Yeah, I meant cable work. I'm realizing "Smith Machine" and a unit that creates a total gym workout are not the same thing.

I don't have this, I have their cable tower, but if I had limited space or wanted something that could do a little of everything I'd probably get this:

https://bellsofsteel.us/collections/all-in-one-trainer/products/all-in-one-trainer?_gl=1*1n22z8d*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=CjwKCAjwzLHPBhBTEiwABaLsSkTjQOwEchWrP2eRZHYEVNG2bvqHuThFXUA5aBlLnXIoo8V3gxLS2BoCZs8QAvD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAACnh5otWts3MM6cGVhbUxAFuuWRbY