5 Best Force USA All-In-One Trainers and Multi-Trainers (Buyer’s Guide)

Five key points from the page:

1. The upgraded version of the X15 multi-trainer is our recommendation for most people.
2. If price is not a factor for you, go for the upgraded X20.
3. If price is THE factor, go with the G3 as the budget pick.
4. If you expect to see a Smith machine and selectorized weight stacks on your multi-trainer, the G15 is the most well-rounded option.
5. Despite all the hype, we can’t recommend the G20.

Budget Option

G3 All-In-One Machine

Check the price here

Best Overall

X15 Pro Multi-Trainer

Check the price here

Premium Option

X20 Pro Multi-Trainer (full rack)

Check the price here

If you choose the wrong barbell, it might rust, but you’ll still use it.

If you choose the wrong multi-trainer, it becomes a coat hanger…the most expensive one you own.

That’s why information is key when choosing the machine for you.

The RIGHT information, that is.

Most guides like this are all about listing the attachments.

And that’s not good enough.

What good is that if nobody tells you the cables get in the way?

What good is that if nobody tells you the low row is wobbly?

I made sure to get you “the meat.”

You know…the juicy stuff that’s helpful right away.

As always, I’ll emphasize value for money.

Force USA trainers – Our Top 5 Picks

1 – Best Force USA machine overall – X15 multi-trainer (the upgraded version)

Rating: 15 out of 22.6 (13.7 without the upgrade)

Summary

With 15 points, the upgraded versions of the X15 and G10 are tied at the top. I’m presenting the X15 first because it’s the more robust. 

The X15 stands out for three main reasons:

1. The X line is much sturdier than anything from the G series.
2. X15 is a hybrid – it comes with selectorized weight stacks.
3. It packs pretty much the same punch as the X20 into a smaller package.

1 – “Sturdy” is not a word I throw around easily.

The uprights of the X15 are actually 3x3s made of 12-gauge steel. For the G series, Force USA uses 12-gauge steel and 2×2 uprights.

And it makes all the difference…especially on heavy pulls with a lot of angular momentum like cable crossovers. As you reach that peak moment in the crossover, the force gets too much for lesser machines, and they wobble.

That’s especially true if the pulley ratio is 1-to-1 and the movement is “jerky” (looking at you, G20).

The robust uprights combined with a 2-to-1 pulley ratio result in the same (or dare I say better) feeling as pulling on a good standalone functional trainer.

2 & 3 – At under 28 feet square, it’s as compact as any Force USA trainer. For reference, the upgraded version of the G20 is about 50 square feet, and the “bareboned” entry-level G3 sits at 30 square feet.

They got rid of the Smith machine.

For most people, the Smith machine is non-essential. No Smith bar also means there’s no leg press attachment. Something’s gotta give, I guess. Plus, there’s not much you can do with a Smith machine that you couldn’t do with a barbell and a rack!

Anyway…if the thought of a Smith machine brings you warm, fuzzy feelings of safety, you might be using it wrong.

It’s just not in the military or bench press. I recently wrote a comprehensive piece on where exactly that place is – you can see it here – are smith machines bad?

Anyway, if a Smith machine is an absolute must for you, skip the X15 and go for one of the Gs (we’ll get to those in a moment).

They didn’t give up on the selectorized weight for the X series. That’s good news for people who love the convenience of popping a pin to change the load.

The X15 is not cheap, though.

At the time of completing this guide, only 4 machines from the Force USA lineup cost more than the upgraded X15.

And that speaks volumes if you know the value-oriented ethos here at Strong Home Gym

I did iterations and crunched the numbers time and again for this guide. No matter how much I prioritized the price/value (within reason) in our rating formulas (within reason), the X15 kept popping up in the Top 5.

Bottom line – the things missing from X15 (like the VersaPad and the band pegs) aren’t essential. It’s small, and the upgrade is worth it.

Finally, the difference between it and the X20 is too small to justify the price bump…unless you’re dead set on a full-rack machine, that is.

The table below gives you an overview of the specs, features, and attachments of the X15 and its upgrade.

Spec sheet of the X15

Pros

• Uprights are 3×3, 11-gauge steel – this makes the machine more stable compared to the typical 2-by-2 uprights used for other models.
• Small footprint – at under 28 square feet, it will eat up less of your space compared to any Force USA machine (except the G12).
• Dual weight stacks for the functional trainer – faster and more convenient than packing on plates.
• J-hooks are lined with plastic top-to-bottom – this protects your barbell from metal-to-metal contact (50% of all Force USA machines don’t have the protection).
• Barbell storage for two Olympic-size and two smaller barbells – makes it easier to keep your space tidy.

Cons

• It’s a half-rack– you can’t push yourself to failure as safely as you would on a full rack like the X20.
• There’s no Smith machine on it – some movements are not as safe without a Smith machine.
• No 4-to-1 pulley ratio option – if you’re a beginner, the 10-lbs increments might be too heavy.
• It’s not a walkthrough like the G20 – there’s no point in putting it in the middle of your room; it’s not gonna be any more convenient.

2 – Tied at the top of the Force USA lineup – the upgraded G10

Rating: 15 out of the 23.6 (14 without the upgrade)

Summary

If the Smith machine and selectorized weights are a must, our pick is the upgraded version of the G10 because of the versatility vs. price ratio.

The upgraded G10 features 11 workout stations: the functional trainer, Smith machine, power rack, low row, chin up, lat pulldown, suspension training, dip station, jammer arms, leg press, and core trainer/landmine.

The last three are optional and only come with the upgrade.

Among the optional stations, the jammer arms will probably make the most difference because they help with chest development immensely.

I’m stressing this because many of my clients blame an underdeveloped chest on “genetics.” 

I hear stuff like, “You know, Gerard Butler has no pecs in 300 either.”

Yeah, Dan, he’s probably pressing with his shoulders, too. And this isn’t Sparta; it’s Stockport.

Joking aside…nine times out of ten, you can get that pectoral going by correcting the pressing technique.

Hammer-style machines make that much easier, and the jammer arms on the G10 hit all the same angles.

Bottom line – if you’re getting the G10, splurge for the upgrade.

The G10 was the first machine from Force USA to include interchangeable pulley ratios – you can choose between the classic 2-to-1 and a 4-to-1.

For most people, switching from 1-to-1 to 2-to-1 makes the most difference. The movement is smoother, you feel more in control, and the injury risk is lower.

The 4-to-1 is a nice-to-have but not a must-have. It’s certainly a plus if multiple family members use the trainer. That goes twice if the users are on a different fitness/strength level…think dad and son.

You also get a bunch of other stuff like shelves, carabiners, and hangers that I won’t waste your time with because you can see it on their site. And I’m not here to rehash information.

I’m here to point out the less obvious stuff and interpret what it all means for you.

I’d also advise you not to get hung up on the Tv mounts and cable accessories.

Get the basics right and take it from there.

Spec sheet of the G10

Pros

• The functional trainer uses weight plates – you can pack more (cables are rated to 2000 lbs) and use the weights you already have instead of paying extra for stacks.
• Budget-friendly – it will make less of a dent in your home gym budget than its “selectorized” counterpart, the G15.
• Features a 4-to-1 pulley ratio (interchangeable with the 2-to-1)- you can work your way up in smaller increments.
• The Smith machine is counter-balanced – it easy to operate and “hook” in place.

Cons

• No selectorized weight stacks – it’s more time-consuming changing the weights.
• Footprint of over 40 square inches – not a great fit if you’re short on space (the G15 is about 25% smaller).
• No bolt-down holes – not as stable when racking after a heavy squat (especially a factor since there’s no monolift). If you’re a big guy pushing big weights, this is a real concern.

3 – Money-no-object pick – the upgraded X20

Rating: 14.2 out of 23.6 (12.7 for the base unit)

Summary

When I say “money-no-object,” I don’t mean the most expensive.

I mean that this is the trainer I’d get if they were giving them away for free and if space wasn’t a factor.

The X15 and the X20 are similar; the only substantial difference is the size. Unlike the compact X15, the X20 is a full rack.

The footprint is about 50% larger than the X15’s because the X20 is much deeper (87 vs. 57 inches).

Is a full rack worth the extra space and money?

The answer to that deserves a separate write-up. Even then, it wouldn’t precisely translate to comparing the X15 and X20.

Why?

Because the stuff I’d list as an advantage outside of the multi-trainer context doesn’t always apply here.

For example, stability is not an issue with the 3×3 uprights of the X series (and it is with some half-racks).

Safety-wise, being in a cage will always feel better than relying on spotter arms, especially if those spotter arms are on the shorter side (as they are with the Force USA machines).

In reality, the advantage of the X20 that you’d feel most is the flexibility to move between stations with no pause.

That flexibility can mean convenience, and it can mean practicality.

For example, you can “destroy” your chest with a press-crossover superset on the X20. You’d use the back uprights to press and then just move to the front to pull.

You can’t do that with the X15.

Spec sheet of the X20

Pros

• Robust uprights (11-gauge 3-by-3s) – it’s the most stable trainer here.
• It’s a full rack – allows you to move between stations without pausing and have multiple pieces installed simultaneously (like chin-up bars).
• Comes with band pegs (not there in the X15) – paired with resistance bands, these can challenge your squats and bench presses in new ways.

Cons

• Second most expensive machine Force USA makes (at the time of completing this guide) – you’d spend about three times more than you would on the basic G3.
• Second biggest footprint (at 42.29 square feet, it’s second only to the upgraded G20) – not the best fit for small spaces. Even if you squeeze it in, you won’t get the most out of the walkthrough design.

4 – Best Force USA machine with selectorized weight stacks – the G15

Rating: 13.9 out of 22.6

Summary

I expected to see one of the machines with a selectorized weight higher on the list.

The price difference between these and their plate-weight counterparts is still too high. G15 currently costs almost 60% more.

Honestly, that’s too much for my taste.

I own both selectorized weights and plate-weight machines at my gym, and any difference is certainly not worth 60% more. There’s a precision argument, but that can easily be countered by using fractional weight plates at a tiny portion of the cost.

With that said, most people picture a selectorized stack on the trainer when they say “all-in-one.” If you are one of those people, I recommend the G15 trainer as the top value for money.

It’s not as versatile as the universally-praised G20, but it does the basics better.

It also comes with a Smith machine unlike the X15, which allowsd more variations such as a leg press attachment. Be sure to check out our best Smith machine picks too.

Most importantly, the pulley ratio is dual, meaning you can choose between 2-to-1 and 4-to-1. That’s much better than the 1-to-1 of the G20.

Spec sheet of the G15

Pros

• Dual cable pulley system – both systems/ratios (2-to-1 and 4-to-1) are “smoother” than a 1-to-1, and the latter is excellent for beginners and people recovering from an injury.
• With the upgrade, it becomes an 11-in-1 machine – in versatility, it’s second only to the G20.
• One of two machines with jammer arms (along with the G10) – you can simulate hammer-strength type exercises like a seated bench press.
• Shortest overall (tied with the G10) but features the highest j-hooks position (5 feet 10 in) – You get the functionality without the bulk, especially a plus if your ceiling is lower.

Cons

• Basic j-hook design (rubber insert for the bottom section, not fully lined) – the exposed metal parts can damage your barbell. If you’ve spent top dollar on your bar, you don’t want it damaged by placing it on exposed metal j-hooks. It’ll flatten knurling before you know it.
• Pricey – if you’re on a tight budget but have the space, there are probably better ways to spend the hefty sum.
• 2×2 12 gauge steel- not as strong as the 3×3″ 11 gauge steel on the X series.

5 – Top budget pick from Force USA – the G3 all-in-one trainer

Rating: 13.9 out of 23.6

Summary

The G3 costs about 25-30% of what you’d pay for the G20.

Since all our statistical models are value-oriented, it was always going to be in the top 5.

The basic G3 is “stripped down” to 5 stations:

• Functional trainer
• Power rack
• Chin up
• Smith bar
• Core trainer (the landmine station on the side)

Unlike with the G10, G15, and 20, no upgrade packages exist; you decide what to add.

That’s a better way to upgrade because you get to pick and choose. It means you don’t end up wasting money on things you’d never use.

Here’s my bottom line about the G3 – the basics are there, and if someone INSISTS you avoid the G3 and go for something 3 or 4 times as expensive, they likely have an agenda. If they’re passionate about it, it’s probably because they’ll get a bigger fee.

Just tellin’ it like it is.

Build-wise, no part of the G3 is lacking.

It’s rated for the same weight as any unit in the G series (992 lbs overall and 2000 for the cables). Add the seat for the lat pull-down, the vertical peg press, and the straight chin-up bar; you’re still well below the cost of other machines and you’ve still got a pretty decent machine.

Specs of the G3

Pros

• Costs less than any other machine in the lineup – you can get a solid all-in-one and combine that with other equipment. This is a big pro – it makes for a more versatile home gym.
• Footprint of just over 30 square feet – leaves more room for other stuff and is a better fit if you’re short on space (9 out of the 14 machines would take up more space than the G3).
• 20 height settings on the pulley – you can be more precise about which height works for you (more so than with any other trainers here).
• Comes with a stabilizer bar for the functional trainer (optional) – this is a great little touch that helps with mind-muscle-connection on isolation movements. It allows you to find that perfect position on the functional and reminds you to maintain it (only included in  the G3).
• Spotter arms are 17.5-inches long – longer spotter arms give you more freedom to move forward and feel safer on heavy squats (the arms are 15 inches on all other machines).
• Interior height of 85 inches – this is a massive plus for tall lifters. It’s one of the three machines that are this tall-friendly (the other two being the G6 and G20).
• The j-hooks are lined with hard plastic top-to-bottom – there are no exposed bolts that could damage your barbell (like there are on the G6 and G9).

Cons

• With 5 stations in the basic configuration, it’s not as versatile as other units – you’ll need to buy some add-ons to complete it, and some aren’t even an option (like the low row or the dip bar).
• The Smith machine is not counterbalanced – it weighs more, and it’s not as convenient to move up and down when using the other stations.
• Plate-weight functional trainer – this is not a CON per se, but it is less convenient than selectorized stacks.

Choosing an all-in-one trainer from Force USA – the DOs and DON’Ts

If you like to understand the meaning behind the numbers, you’re my type of guy. You’re the conservative buyer equipped to deal with the mass-production market.

The section below is the theory behind the picks.

Most people won’t read it, but you will.

8 primary factors of choosing your Force USA trainer

1 – Type of Force USA trainer

no specific number of points

You can go with a machine from one of these groups:

1. Plate-weight (G3, G9, G10) – you load plates onto the machines, even for the functional trainer.
2. Selectorized stacks combined with plate weights (G6, G12, G15, G20) – the functional trainers feature selectorized weight stacks (one or two stacks). “Selectorized” means you choose the weight by popping a pin in and out.
3. Multi trainers (X15 and X20) – these feature selectorized stacks and plates like the second group but are more robustly built (thicker steel and larger cross-section of the uprights), and they have no Smith machine.

My tip – begin with these three questions:

• Do I need the selectorized weight stacks, or am I OK with loading the plates?
• Do I need a Smith machine?
• How much am I willing to spend?

2 – Weight rating and included weight stacks

The cables on ALL Force USA machines are rated to 2000 lbs.

On some of them, that number has no practical use because you’re limited to the built-in weight stacks. For most people, any stack will do just fine.

For reference, below is an overview of the integrated stacks:

3 – Number of exercise stations on the trainer

(0 to 1.5 points in our ratings)

The table below shows the number of stations on each Force USA machine, as a base unit and with an upgrade.

The stations that form the bases are:

1. Rack (half or full) – don’t be confused by the terminology, Force USA calls the half-racks a power rackFunctional training system
2. Functional trainer
3. Chin-up bar (multi-grip is the most commonly included in the base unit)
4. Smith machine
5. Dip handles
6. Leg press
7. Suspension trainer
8. Core trainer (landmine)

My advice – forget about the number of stations and think about what’s important for you.

What’s a must-have?

What’s a nice-to-have?

Which of these you’d never use?

When it comes to answering these questions, take the time to really think about the training you do, or you want to do – not what you think you’d do. You don’t want to buy the wrong machine because you thought you’d do something different.

Use the list below as reference:

4 – Number of attachments

(0 to 1.5 points in our ratings)

What’s the difference between a station and an attachment?

A station is a dedicated part of the machine. You add an attachment to perform the exercise you want (or a version of it).

Think about it like this – if you’d need a separate standalone machine to do the exercise in a gym, it’s a station.

That’s a close-enough rule of thumb.

Some are both – eg. vertical leg press attachment and station

The manufacturers use some terms interchangeably – vertical leg press is an attachment but is also listed as a station.

It’s good that I don’t have a touch of OCD, or I’d flip a lid.

On this point, buying a versatile machine with lots of attachments is a great idea in a place with limited space (as odd as that sounds). My point being, if you have room for a machine and not much else, go with the most versatile machine you can.

If you don’t have room for a machine AND lots of other equipment, a versatile machine is a better option for most people. You can take a barbell and plates outside if you need more space – you can’t do that with a machine, so get the best one you can.

Of course if space is not an issue, ignore this!

The table below shows you how many attachments come with the trainers:

My advice – once you get to the product pages, don’t stress about the numbers and look for specific attachments that you want.

5 – Size of the machine

(0 to 1 point in our ratings)

Few of these stations will feel as good as a standalone piece of equipment.

That means that limited space is one of the more probable reasons you’re reading this.

If that’s the case, below is an overview of the footprints and heights of the Force USA trainers.

6 – Pulley system and ratio of the functional trainer

(0 to 2 points in our ratings)

The pulley ratio has the second highest gravity (number of points awarded) among the factors we rated.

It’s that important.

It impacts the load on your end of the cable, the distance, and the tempo of the movement.

Without getting into the technicalities and the physics of it all, I’ll focus on what it all means for you.

A 1-to-1 pulley system has its place in the gym, but it shouldn’t be the only option on a multi-trainer. It’s good for the low row but too jerky and “short” for isolation exercises like standing triceps extensions.

This one is a deal-breaker for me.

Frankly, I’m confused by Force USA going down this route for the G20. I understand it’s for the advanced lifter, but I expect to get a 2-to-1 as optional at that price.

A 2-to-1 ratio means you only deal with half the weight you select on the stack. The distance and speed of your hands are not the same as that of the plates.

Simply put – your handle half the load but travel twice the distance, and the cable feels “calmer.”

If it has to be one ratio, this is the one to go with for multi-trainers.

A 4-to-1 does the same thing as the 2-to-1 system but changes the ratio even more. You’re lifting 25% of the weight and “traveling” 4 times as much.

It’s a plus for burnout sessions, but that’s about it.

Its absence is not a deal-breaker unless you’re a complete novice.

Force USA offers it on their newer machines (the G10 and the G15) as part of a dual cable pulley system – “dual,” meaning you get to choose the ratio.

Hook both carabiners, and you’re at 2-to-1, hook one, and you drop down to a 4-to-1.

The video below explains the pulley ratios in greater detail.

7 – Price of a Force USA trainer

(0 to 3 points in our ratings)

The prices of Force USA multi and all-in-one trainers start at about 2K and go over 7K.

The wide range is a plus because it allows you to tweak the combos based on your needs.

Say you’re big on rowing.

In this scenario, go for the G3 or G6 (no low-row) and use the money saved to get a standalone rower.

(I’m choosing the low row as an example because I’m not a fan. The leg plate isn’t stable, so the whole thing feels wobbly.)

Back to the prices – below is a comparison graph with all Force USA trainers.

8 – Warranty terms offered by Force USA

no points

We awarded no points in the warranty category because the same terms cover all machines:

• Lifetime Structural Warranty  – protects you against structural defects. If something breaks or bends, they replace it.
• Two years on pulleys and cables
• 90 days on the upholstery

Methodology – how I rated and compared the trainers

Below is a brief outline of the steps I went through to reach the ratings:

I did all that in consultations with industry experts, and based on my experience as a personal trainer (not bragging, just giving you a reason to trust the words on this page).

FAQs about Force USA All-In-One Trainers

Other trainers from Force USA (close-but-no-cigar section)

Let’s briefly go over the trainers that didn’t make the Top 5.

The bases of these are similar; the build-up sets them apart.

There also are no discerning differences in structural quality. So, finding your next machine on this list would not be a surprise.

• Upgraded version of the G15 – rated the same as the base unit (13.9) because the add-ons justify the cost.
  Jammer arms, leg press, core trainer, barbell row handle, and single metal handles for the functional – all things that add value and bump up the price by about 15%.
• G20 – if it had the dual pulley system, it would be the top pick because it’s otherwise the most versatile machine. With the right pulley ratio, the base unit would be rated at 15.6, and the upgrade would top the list at 16.1.
  The “if” gives us something to look forward to.
• X20 – full-rack, pricier version of the X15. Good machine, but I don’t feel that the full rack adds enough value to justify the 10% price difference…at least not for most people. If you have the extra space, and you’re squatting big, the X20 will be a better fit than the X15.
• G6 – a solid choice if 442 lbs (221 lbs per side) on the functional trainer is enough for you.
• G9 and G12 – dropped the most points on the pulley ratios (both 1-to-1 meaning the cable is short, making it hard to perform exercises that need a longer cable, such as a single knee lat pulldown. And there are quite large jumps with the lighter weights. This makes it hard to progress certain exercises that require lighter weight, such as lat raises).
  Also, the integrated weight stacks (only 201 per side on the g12, which is the lowest of the bunch).

Force USA multi & all-in-one trainers – the bottom line

The most well-rounded trainer by Force USA is the upgraded version of the X15.

It’s not cheap, but we feel it’s better than the all-praised (and more expensive) G20. It’s more robust, it gets the crucial stuff right, and the things it’s missing are non-essential.

If you’re on a budget, you can get fantastic value by going with the G3 – the powerhouses like the G20 and G15 cost 200-350% more.

If money is a non-factor and you want a full rack, go with the upgraded version of the X20.

If you understand it and are OK with a 1-to-1 ratio on the functional trainer, check out the G20.

If you feel you missed something, click here to skip back to the table with our top picks.