The BOB Smith Machine Rack Attachment

Very good Smith Machine tor the price and the customization. Travel of the bar is relatively smooth, but the range of motion is potentially limited based on your set up. You can use any bar you like, but I use it exclusively with the Kensui Omni Bar for pressing movements which makes it easy on the shoulders for accessory work. If you are looking for a regular straight bar smith machine and have a Rep rack I would recommend the Rep Smith machine though.

Fringe Sport has been on a tear recently with new product releases, and the BOB is no exception. I've had mine for 4 months and have used it across various exercises, and frankly, it has been a great addition to my set up and I'm very pleased with it. I own the PR-5000, so I was initially torn between the Rep Smith attatchment and the BOB. Ultimately, I went with the BOB because of its price point, the ability to bring my own barbell, the additional ROM at the bottom, and smaller footprint. One thing I was pleasantly surprised by is the ease of swapping out barbells--though, in everyday use, I tend to just leave a spare bar installed at all times. Personally, the few concerns I had --the "lateral deflection" and the seams on the rods catching on the trolley--do not impact practical use. Admittedly, in much the same way that adapting to a new movement pattern can be awkward, the deflection does feel a little odd the first time you use it, but that feeling quickly dissipates within a few sessions. Similarly, it's impossible to feel the seams on the guide rods when the bar is loaded and you are trying to achieve a training stimulus (which is the only time it matters). Frankly, unless your job is to review equipment for a living, or your gym is more of a showpiece than a means to getting strong and jacked, these potential "shortcomings" aren't really worth worrying about. That said, if I had a wishlist for the BOB 2.0, one thing I would add are hooks that attach directly to the trolley itself. Though bar-swapping is relatively painless already, this design enhancement would just eliminate the need to store the hooks separately, making it even more convenient.

I got the BOB with the Dane 2.0 package I ordered. It is as good as any smith machine on any of my previous racks. Easy and quick install. I do not feel the seams between the posts which was a concern. The clamping mechanism is quick to get a bar setup. I just leave one of my bars in there. Few issues that are not show stoppers, but are good to know. It would be great to include another pair of mag pins for adjusting the bar starting height. I have to move it to the safeties, move the mag pins, re-hook the bar, then move the safeties to the new position. Specifically with the Dane 2.0, if you keep the top support with the Fringe Sports sign, the bolts get in the way of the hooks when racking and unracking. (See picture) This is only an issue for squats and I am 6’2” so others may not have the same issue. I could replace the sign support with the lower crossbeam without the sign, but I just work around it. Overall I am happy with it.

Super simple install on my Rogue RM-3. Used the Bob feet on the bottom then the existing 1” bolt with a 5/8” bolt to maximize the height to be able to do standing press (I’m 5’8”). Used the Midas shorty power bar to clear a garage door clearance I have to be able to stow the smith on my pull up bar at max height. I’ve also swapped it out with the Titan Cambered bar for an big pump. The safety hooks due bend in against the mag pins under higher loads but no issues or major safety concerns. Love the feel and control doing rows and bench work. With the full rod, I don’t feel the seam. Hip thrust do need a platform but I could also remove the safeties to go without. Max gains, max pump, maxed out on the rogue rack.

An attachment I didn't know if needed. Never used smiths besides for calves so I got it on a discoumt to try it for them and now I use it for so much more. Very happy with it. The bar clamps mechanism is easy though I tend to just leave my extra bar in it. That being said you can fairly quickly change bars. Only complaint is it does not fit special bars that would be amazing.