We compared 44 leg presses in 22 weighted categories – from steel thickness and type of bearings to price and warranties.
Based on personal experience (two decades as a gym owner and personal trainer), tests, and a massive data pool, we chose the best in different categories.
In other words – whatever the type you’re looking for and whatever your budget, your next leg press is somewhere on this page.
Apart from leg press machines, we’ve also tested and rated other leg machines that complement the press. Check out our best leg extension & curl machines or the squat rack and Olympic barbell guides.
Editor’s note: This guide was last updated on May 13, 2024, to reflect the market changes. Compact Force USA Press broke into the Top 7 because they lowered the price by $100 compared to last year.
Compare leg press machines
Best for | Overall | Budget | Premium | Compact | Smooth glide | Horizontal | Vertical |
Rating (*) | |||||||
Quality | 90% | 86% | 96% | 86% | 95% | 91% | 67% |
Leg press rating | 85% | 84% | 96% | 74% | 98% | 90% | 54% |
Versatility | 90% | 45% | 54% | 73% | 88% | 45% | 40% |
Brand & reputation | 91% | 90% | 95% | 90% | 90% | 85% | 83% |
Compactness | 74% | 87% | 65% | 90% | 84% | 77% | 95% |
Value for money | 88% | 91% | 56% | 93% | 65% | 65% | 98% |
Price | $$$ | $$ | $$$$$ | $$ | $$$$ | $$$$ | $ |
Footplate WxH (") | 24x17.5 | 29x22 | 39x23.5 | 31.5x27.5 | 25x22 | 23x20 | 20x7 |
Footplate surface (sq ") | 420 | 638 | 917 | 866 | 550 | 460 | 140 |
Type | 45° Classic | 45° Classic | 35° Classic | Compact | 45° Classic | Horizontal | Vertical |
Gauge steel | 13 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 | 13 |
# of Stations | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
Weight capacity (lbs) | 1000 | 1000 | 2475 | 660 | 1000 | 1000 | 400 |
Width (") | 66 | 36.6 | 64 | 52 | 39 | 57 | 38 |
Length (") | 94 | 79 | 98 | 65 | 79 | 89 | 48 |
Height (") | 60 | 54 | 47 | 57 | 50 | 52 | 42.5 |
Footprint (sq ft) | 43.1 | 20.1 | 43.6 | 23.5 | 21.4 | 35.2 | 12.7 |
Warranty for the upholstery | Lifetime frame - 1 yr upholstery | Lifetime frame - 1 yr upholstery | Lifetime frame - 3 months upholstery | Lifetime frame - 1 yr upholstery | Lifetime frame - 1 yr upholstery | Lifetime frame - 6 months upholstery | 1 Year |
Item weight | 420 | 258 | 708 | 230 | 373.5 | 513 | 94 |
Weight holder storage horns | 4 | No | 4 | No | No | 2 | No |
Band pegs | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Our testing and selection process
We always use a 5 step process in our reviews:
- We start as the buyer – most of our team have bought at least one leg press before. As mentioned earlier, I own an 8,000 sq ft gym with multiple leg press machines.
- We do a ton of research – we collect information on as many leg presses as possible and insert it into a spreadsheet.
- We rate each leg press using our exclusive ‘weighted’ rating system. You can learn more about this in the section below.
- We use data to decide our top picks rather than personal biases toward brands.
- We get our hands on as many of the top picks as possible. Our community is great at helping with this.
You can read more about this process in our review guidelines.
We started with raw data about 44 leg presses. We get data from the specs, personal testing, hands-on, and reported experiences.
We came up with 22 weighted factors that contribute to the final rating of a press.
What it means for you
It means you should read this section if you belong to 1 of 2 following groups:
- You already have a favorite but want to understand how we got the results.
- You want to learn or systemize what you already know about leg presses.
Whatever the case, the few hundred words below are the meat of the guide.
Here we go…
- Steel gauge and tubing cross-section (5%) – rates the thickness of the steel tubes. It directly translates to stability. If it’s not explicitly listed, you’re probably looking at 14-gauge steel shaped into 2x2s or 2x3s.
- Weight capacity (1.5%) – describes how much weight a press can handle safely. Capacity comparisons only make sense within one press type.
- Finishes – paint, coats, resistance – (2%) – assigns a number to how resistant and even the finish is. You typically get a powder coat, but they’re not all created equal.
- Geometry (5%) – describes how accurately the load targets the muscle, glutes, and quads above all else.
If the geometry is off, you’ll feel it in the lower back and tailbone.
- Ergonomy (2.5%) – geometry’s close cousin, it allows you to hit those angles comfortably. I’ve seen geometrically accurate leg presses ruined by the placement/size of benches, footplates, and handles.
- Safety features – lockouts, safety catches, top handle (4%) – this tells 2 stories – the position of safety catches and the number of lockout positions.
Go for a press with at least 3 lockout positions, allowing you to adjust the spacing of the catches. Handles for getting in and out are a big plus. - Joints and welds (2.5%) – rates the tightness of the joints and precision of the welds, emphasizing the former because it affects safety. The top presses use thicker steel at the joints.
- Bench quality (3%) – rates 4 things:
- The density of the foam (0.5%) – ideally firm but comfortable. High-density foam is the Holy Grail of leg-press bench padding.
- Ergonomy (0.8%) – stable and supporting in all the right spots. You shouldn’t be wiggling to find the position; it should feel natural.
- Size of the bench (1.1%) – should have enough heft and width to feel stable but never get in the way of reaching the safety handle.
- Adjustability (0.6%) – the best leg presses have adjustable seats, both in the distance to the plate and the angle.
- Moving parts (1.5%) – we rate the operation of the guiding mechanism over long periods. The better presses will typically feature linear bearings, and move seamlessly with minimal maintenance.
Many of the models we looked at are more than leg presses.
For example, the Force USA Ultimate Combo is also a hack-squat, calf-raise, and forward-thrust machine.
About 80-90% of people I talked to over the last 2 decades are primarily interested in the leg press station.
To account for that, we separate the rating of that 1 station and give it a 10% gravity.
That also gives the machines with only a leg press a fighting chance in the ratings.
What it means for you
It means 3 or 4 stations are nice but should not burn your budget if you won’t use them.
If you’re only looking for a leg press, you can save a pretty penny by going with something basic like the PowerTech Black or even the Titan Vertical press.
Still, the hack squat is a heck of a movement.
It’s also hard to safely mimic it without a machine.
A unit like the Force USA Compact gives you the best of 2 worlds – budget and compactness and 2 main stations – the leg press and the hack squat.
- Types by resistance angle (0%) – The 3 main types of leg presses are classic (angled), horizontal, and vertical. We did not award points for either because none is universally “better for everyone.”
- The number of other stations (4.5%) – we awarded points to press that feature a hack-squat, calf-raise, and thrust station. It’s balanced by the price rating – more stations cost more money.
- Pins, pegs, and bands (1%) – built-in pins for elastic bands are a minor versatility plus. It allows for added resistance without packing on weights.
- Footplate – size, angles, adjustability (5%) – rates how universal the sizing and construction of the footplate are.
Skip any classic leg press with a footplate less than 25 inches wide or 22 inches high. Also, adjustable footplate and bench are a plus.
Pivoting footplates are non-essential – it’s like expecting the ground to move as you squat.
- Single or dual plates (2%) – awards the functionality of pressing one leg at a time (like on the Rogue ISO 35). Most people don’t need it, and it’s expensive.
- Usable rail length (I’ll call it URL for simplicity), (5%)- probably the single most overlooked factor in choosing a good leg press for your height.
Keep these 3 rules in mind:
- If you’re over 6 feet tall, go for machines with ULRs of 24 inches or more. That allows for comfortable calf raises with about 4 inches of extra space.
- For every inch of height over 6 feet, add 0.7 inches to the URL.
- Whatever your height, the absolute minimum ULR is 22 inches.
- Reviews and ratings of the specific unit (4%) – this tells us how satisfied the owners of the leg press are.
- The cumulative user rating of all of the brand’s equipment in our database (2%) – describes the historical quality tendencies. We adjust it for current trends because things change – brands like Titan are a case in point.
- Results of mystery shopping experiments we do in-house (2%) – we contact customer services and try to emulate real-life problems. We then measure how responsive and helpful they are.
- Customer services rating (2%) – isolated from the cumulative user rating by looking specifically at interactions with customer services. Focuses on issues like warranty claims, returns, and refunds.
The “compactness” rating is two-fold:
- Absolute size (4%) – compares the footprints of the presses as-is. Tells you
- Size per capacity and number of stations (3.5%) – ratios between the footprint, the listed capacity, and the number of stations. This awards an efficient use of space. Its main role is to adjust the compactness rating for the press type. For example, it’s unfair to directly compare a basic compact sled and a 4-in-1 machine.
Looks for value in the leg-press market and awards it a higher rating.
It’s weighted to balance out the quality ratings and allows us to pinpoint the best presses in three market sections – value, premium, and cheap.
We try to weigh the rating so that all press types are represented.
What it means for you
It means peace of mind when buying.
You’re not being taken to the cleaners if you go with one of our picks.
Find the perfect leg press machine for you
Overall | Budget | Premium | Compact | Smooth Glide | Horizontal | Vertical
1. Best leg press machine overall
Force USA Combo delivers the best balance between accurate geometry, versatility, quality, and price.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
Main praises – what I like
- The Force USA press works just as well as any I’ve used. The emphasis is on “works” because it doesn’t feel as high-end as Rogue presses, especially when regarding the padding and leather.
- I found that the biomechanical accuracy is there on all stations, which is rare for a 4-in-1. It never feels like your joints are adjusting to the machine.
Main grievances – what could be better
- The hack squat safeties feel a bit off…too long to be precise. It’s subtle, and most people won’t notice it, but, in my experience, tall people won’t get a full ROM because of it.
- I feel the hack squat platform is a bit “crowded”… I hope to see a few extra inches in the next version.
Pros
- Great value – you’ll spend less than you would on other combo machines or get more for similar money (if you got it instead of a standalone).
- Versatile – doubles as a hack squat machine and includes a separate t-bar for calf raises (read more about hack squat machines in our best hack squat machine buying guide)
- Adjustable at both plate and seat – allows you to find the perfect position for activating more quads or glutes. It’s also a huge advantage if more than one person will be using it…like a family.
- Robust build and high capacity – it’s stable and feels safe, no matter the weight.
- Biomechanically accurate angles – this means better muscle activation and lower injury risk.
- Five lockout positions – These give you more flexibility and confidence when pushing through your personal bests. It’s also safer on failed lifts compared to machines with 2 or 3 lockouts. As well as the safety, it also makes it more versatile for users of different sizes.
- Precise tolerances and finishes – it has a premium feel to it.
Cons
- Hack squat platform should be wider – if you’re tall and prefer an extra wide stance, you might need to improvise for the extra surface.
- The rails are close to one another – if you’re big, the width between the rails might not be as comfortable as with Rogue ISO 35 (which costs 3 times as much) and the like.
- The safety bar should be a peg shorter with one more notch – this would allow for a full range of motion on the hack squat. As is, you can’t go much farther than parallel if you have long legs.
Force USA Combo Press is the best value for money in the multipurpose leg-press market.
It’s better than machines in its price range and works (almost) as well as machines that cost 3-5k more.
For perspective, a similar machine from Rogue would cost 230% more.
If you’re looking for a leg press that won’t make a massive dent in your budget and still deliver commercial-like quality, this is THE machine for you.
The value is simply unrivaled.
That’s reflected in three main points:
- It is a leg press, hack squat, and calf raise machine in one.
- Good combo machines with hack squat functionality cost more – to get comparable quality, you’d have to spend at least 20-30% more.
- The price difference between a good standalone machine and this combo is well worth it.
Simply put, this machine delivers more for dollars spent than its competitors.
That’s true for both the competition in the standalone and the combo section of the market.
The glide is super smooth and you simply won’t have to worry about the quality ever again. Buy it once and build legs like Zeus.
See it in action here…
The bottom line – you simply cannot find a better quality machine for this price that can be used as a leg press, hack squat, and calf raise machine.
You’ll even struggle to find a standalone leg press machine that’s as good as this one in this price range. This one’s the best leg press for home gym use.
Specs of the Force USA press
Dimensions (LxWxH, in inches) | 94 x 66 x 60 |
Type of leg press | Combo – classic and hack squat station |
Weight capacity | 1,000 lbs |
Number of lockouts | 5 |
Check the Force USA Ultimate Leg Press Hack Squat Combo price and overview here.
2. Budget leg press machine
If you want a simple leg press that looks and feels high-end but doesn’t cost a fortune, this Powertec is IT.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
Main praises – what I like
- You’d have to use this press and push for a PB to feel the accuracy of the geometry. It feels as smooth and stable as a commercial press.
Main grievances – what could be better
- I feel they could have done a better job with the assembly instructions. I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes a day if you’re not savvy with a wrench.
Pros
- Classic design – you can choose not to pay for stuff if you have no plans of using it (like the hack squat).
- Accurate geometry – allows you to hit those angles and burn the quads without significant risk to the lower back.
- Generously-sized foot platform (22×29“) – it allows for different angles and stances, which adds diversity to your workout.
- Great back pad – comfortable as any, generously sized, and well-padded. It’s 32 inches long, 13.3 inches wide at the outer edges, and tapers off to about 10 inches at the top. Just what the doctor ordered.
- It can be bolted down – this adds a layer of stability. You probably won’t need to bolt it down because it’s heavy, but having the option is a plus.
Cons
- The lower horns are close to the footplate – if you have large feet (I’d say 13+ US) and big plates on the lower horns, your heel might touch the weights on full extension.
- The frame gets in the way when loading the lower horns – you can only load the weights on the lower horns when the sled is in the lowest position, which is a minor functionality issue. In other positions, the frame gets in the way.
- Handles are attached to the safety rails – they’re not as sturdy-feeling as fixed handles.
- Incomplete instructions (borderline wrong at points) – it will take more time to put it together. Thank God they have a YouTube instructional video that’s much more useful.
This Powertec Press is an ideal compromise for those who want to save money and still get a classic leg press that feels premium.
Moreover, they’ve dropped the price since the last update.
The alternatives in this price range are compact sleds and horizontal presses.
This Powertec leg press is the budget pick because it did not drop points in ANY significant quality category.
Still, you’d have to bump up your budget by at least 30% to get similar quality.
The other products in its price range either fill a specific niche/gap in the market (like compact or vertical) or have serious design/craftsmanship flaws.
This is always true – you can get an idea about a product by looking at the CONs. The good ones will have problems that don’t cut close to the bone of a good workout.
That’s the case here.
The grievances I have about this Powertec are minor, and they all come down to the geometry of the lower horns.
Specifically, their proximity to the footplate and the frame.
This can only be a problem for tall people (say, over 6’7) with particularly large feet and long legs (more on that in the CONs below).
Specs of the Powertec press
Dimensions (LxWxH, in inches) | 79 x 36.6 x 54 |
Type of leg press | Classic with a hack squat station |
Weight capacity | 1,000 lbs |
Number of lockouts | 3 |
3. Premium leg press machine
With a mind-boggling capacity of 2745 lbs, Rogue ISO 35 is the Hulk among leg presses, with a price to match.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
Main praises – what I like
- This thing feels overbuilt and I love it. Structurally, it feels like a tank and the finishes feel like a Cadillac Brougham.
Main grievances – what could be better
- I think they could have done a better job with locking tolerances – i.e. the difference in size between the pins and holes they go in.
Pros
- It’s built like a tank – you’ll never feel like something might give in, no matter the load.
- Premium finish and cool design – it will add serious coolness points to any gym space.
- Two separate plates guided by independent rails – it can be used like one unit when the connecting rod is in. This makes it more versatile.
- Arrives semi-assembled – this makes assembly simpler. You attach the plates, sleeves, stabilizers, and storage posts.
- Adjustable, ergonomic seat – you’ll be more comfortable and feel stable, which is especially important on heavier weights.
- Adjustable safety stop finishes with a spring – no loud metal-on-metal contact, even on failed lifts.
- A unique creased shape of the footplate – this takes the guesswork out of foot placement. Higher is more hamstring; lower is more quad.
Cons
- Only two lockout positions – this limits you on certain exercises like partial presses.
- No open space between the guiding rails and no plate handle – getting in and out will call for some improvisation.
- The connecting rod isn’t tightly fixed – you’ll hear it rattling and might need to do something about it if it bugs you.
Rogue ISO 35 strikes the best balance between robustness, impeccable bearings, and smooth finishes that I’ve seen in a leg press.
The one competitor that comes to mind is the Hammer Strength commercial press, which costs a grand more and is only covered by a sub-par 10-year warranty on the frame.
For this kind of money, you want a lifetime warranty.
When Rogue bought Nebula back in 2012, the only question on my mind was whether they’d bring back the legendary leg press.
It’s the machine Ronnie Coleman used to press 2,300 lbs in that famous video.
If money is no object, the Rogue ISO 35 is the obvious choice for three reasons:
- Premium build
- Industry-leading weight capacity – 2475 lbs
- Dual design
“Dual” simply means that you can split the footplate in half and only work one leg at a time.
Yeah, buddy!!!
Specs of the Rogue ISO 35 leg press
Dimensions (LxWxH, in inches) | 98 x 64 x 47 |
Type of leg press | Classic, dual-plate |
Weight capacity | 2,475 |
Number of lockouts | 2 |
4. Compact leg press machine
Force USA Compact is bigger than your average compact, but it does more for less money.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
I have no first-hand experience with this press. I’m looking to get my hands on one and will update this section when it happens.
Pros
- Affordable price – Cheaper than similar presses.
- Versatile – It can be used as a hack squat.
- Small size – Most leg presses are more robust and take up much more space than this one.
- Plate compatibility – This is great because you can use your already existing plates with this press.
Cons
- Limited weight capacity – if you’re lifting more than 660 lbs, forget about it – this press is not for you.
- Cost – The price point seems a bit lofty considering it’s a compact leg press.
This compact sled costs less than the Powertec and it comes with pads for hack squats, and a bigger footplate.
The Force USA Compact press has 4 main advantages over the competition:
- It’s cheaper than similar presses.
- It can be used as a hack squat.
- It’s smaller than most classic presses.
- It’s compatible with standard plates (rare these days).
Cheaper than similar presses
An example of a similar press would be the PowerTech Black. The Compact is not as robust (1000 vs. 600 lbs capacity) but it is 30-40% cheaper.
If you’re not pressing 600+ pounds, you can save some serious cash.
Hack squat station
Again, a direct competitor from PowerTech (the Compact Sled) has no hack-squat attachment and costs $100 more.
Smaller than classic presses
Ultimate Combo and Rogue ISO have footprints of 43.08 and 43.56 square feet respectively.
The Force USA Combo measures 52 x 65 “, which is just over 23 square feet. Even most horizontal presses are bigger (like the ProClubline Leverage).
Check the Force USA Compact leg press price and overview here.
5. Smooth glide leg press
The F760 packs leg press and hack squat stations into a small footprint, pairing it all with top-of-the-line bearings.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
I have no first-hand experience with the BodyCraft F760. Based on experience with other presses, I think the few extra Benjamins…for the industrial-grade bearings and rods alone. That especially goes for small home gyms.
Pros
- Uses linear bearings for the rails – the smoothness of the movement will change very little with time.
- It’s compact for its weight capacity – a small footprint will leave more room for other equipment.
- Adjustable footplates (both lower and upper) – you can experiment with positions and tweak your lifts until you find the perfect angle.
- Adjustable shoulder pads – this makes it more versatile and welcoming for people of all frame types, tall and short alike.
Cons
- It costs more than your average home leg press – getting it will leave you with less money for other gym stuff. Out of the top picks, only the commercial-grade Rogue costs more.
The F760 is a no-BS machine that focuses on the basics – geometry and build quality and nails them.
In terms of functionality, it’s similar to the Force USA Combo (best overall), but it has a smaller footprint because the plates go under the carriage.
It also costs 700 bucks more, so the choice between the two will come down to space vs price.
The F760 is similar in design to the Force USA Ultimate.
The three substantial differences are:
- The guiding mechanism of the BodyCraft is enclosed linear bearings.
- The F760 is significantly more compact – the weight capacities are the same, but the Force USA is twice as big.
- This is because the plates go under the rails and not to the sides.
Is it all worth the extra money?
Most leg presses (yes, even the ones on this list) use wheel bearings on the rails.
Basically, you have two wheels “wrapped” around the rail.
Linear bearing mechanisms like this one are more intricate. They house ball bearings that rotate independently, which results in a smoother glide. The differences will become more noticeable in the long run.
The space-saving argument is self-explanatory.
The Force USA machine has a footprint of just over 43 square inches, while the F760 is 21.4.
That’s a whopping difference if you have the same weight capacity in mind. Of course, if you have abundant space, you can ignore this point, but I’m assuming the majority won’t.
How did they do it?
They simply placed the weight under the carriage, so the horns aren’t “protruding” to the sides nearly as much.
Specs of the BodyCraft press
Dimensions (LxWxH, in inches) | 79 x 36.6 x 54 |
Type of leg press | Classic, 45-degree |
Weight capacity | 1,000 lbs |
Number of lockouts | 3 |
6. Horizontal leg press
The best value for money among the horizontal leg presses is the Body-Solid Pro Clubline because it pairs commercial-grade build and angles that lower injury risks.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
Main praises – what I like
- There’s definitely less tension on the back compared to classic presses.
- The weight feels more “direct” and closer to a squat.
Main grievances – what could be better
- Getting in and out of this machine might feel awkward initially – it will take some time to get used to the angles and the seat position.
Pros
- Puts no pressure on your lumbar spine – allows you to work around injuries, and lowers any risk associated with failed lifts.
- The leverage system has a free-weight quality to it – it will feel more natural and direct compared to similar models with selectorized weight.
Cons
- It’s expensive – will cost you about 150% more than a classic press like the Force USA Combo. Think about this carefully, because the potential savings could be used elsewhere.
- Your head is not fixed against a surface – you’ll need focus to maintain a safe position. When your head is missing a physical reference point, it’s easier to get sloppy as you tire. Tucking your head in or moving it to the side re-introduces the risk of back injury.
The label of best horizontal press machine goes to this Body Solid for 2 main reasons:
- It gets all the angles right – you hit the quads and spare the spine.
- There’s little competition in the niche.
In other words, if you have back problems and still want to hit the legs hard, there’s little to think about.
If you have problematic spine or leg joints, you don’t have the luxury of overlooking horizontal leg presses.
They’re not as “sexy” as Rogue ISO 35 and the like, but they will allow you to work the legs without compressing your spine.
The good ones are expensive
The best leg press in the category is the Pro CubLine Leverage by Body Solid because it gets all the angles right, which is crucial for reaping the benefits of the design.
Compared to a classic angled press, leverage presses have more moving parts. This means it’s easier to mess up the geometry.
It also leaves more room for mistakes.
Ultimately, it translates to a higher price tag.
That’s why the Pro Clubline is the second most expensive machine here.
Specs sheet
Dimensions (LxWxH, in inches) | 89 x 57 x 52 |
Type of leg press | Horizontal |
Weight capacity | 1,000 |
Number of lockouts | 2 |
Check the Body-Solid Horizontal Leverage Leg Press price and overview here.
7. Vertical leg press
There’s no smaller leg press than a vertical, and there’s no better value in that niche than Titan.
Quality (30%)
Leg press rating (10%)
Versatility (17.5%)
Reputation & reviews (10%)
Compactness (7.5%)
Value for money (25%)
I have no personal experience with this machine. I will add some more info as soon as I get my hands on this particular leg press machine.
Pros
- Extra small footprint – at only 12.67 square inches, it’s the most space-saving design on the list.
- It’s cheap – it will set you back 60-70% less than a classic or a compact machine would.
- Your back is fixed against the bench throughout the press – this lowers the injury risks associated with moving your head or spine during a press.
Cons
- It’s the most direct load of all leg press types – it’s not as safe as other leg types.
- It does not look cool – if you’re a stickler for appearances and aren’t old school, you won’t be a fan of vertical leg presses.
- The assembly instructions are basic – for such a simple design, the assembly takes too long. I’ve also seen reports of minor parts (like bolts) missing on arrival.
You shouldn’t be paying more than $500 for a vertical leg press.
In that price range, this Titan is the value because of the better finishes and the added safety of handles.
The main competitor is Body Solid Powerline, which costs more but is more basic (build, padding, handles).
To get a better vertical unit, you’d have to splurge on something like the Panatta….and I don’t see a reason to do that for a home gym.
If space is a priority, no press type comes close to the minimal footprint of the vertical leg press machines.
If you ask me, that’s where the reasons for getting one of these start and finish.
I completed a thorough Titan Vertical leg press review, and I’m not a fan…for a few reasons.
First, the load is too direct for a fixed upper body. This means any corrections will be made in your knees and spine, which is taxing on both.
Some of those inherent design issues could be offset with better parts – primarily the joints and the guiding mechanism.
Alas, these seem to be made to save space and money above all.
Bottom line – unless I were under 30, injury-free, and tight on space and cash, I’d stay away from a vertical leg press.
If you do decide to give it a go, Titan is the least problematic and the top value of the bunch.
Specs sheet
Dimensions (LxWxH, in inches) | 48 x 38 x 52.8 |
Type of leg press | Vertical |
Weight capacity | 400 |
Number of lockouts | 1 |
These are the 6 criteria we used for our research and selection process:
- Quality of a leg machine (30%)
- Leg press rating (10%)
- Versatility of a leg press (17.5%)
- Reputation & reviews of the press’ brand (10%)
- Compactness of a leg press or sled (7.5%)
- Price (value of leg presses (25%)
Our selection process will be interesting to you if you belong to one of these two groups:
- You already have a favorite but want to understand how we got the results.
- You want to learn or systemize what you already know about leg presses.
Whatever the case, this section is the meat of the guide.
We aimed to be detailed and helpful without watering down the key points.
- Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded linear leg press – similar idea to the Force USA combo…should cost about 20-30% less.
- TDS vertical leg press – good but basic. It costs more than an average vertical press.
- Powerline Vertical leg press – good value for lower weights. The weight capacity of 400 lbs made competing with the likes of Force USA Combo a non-starter.
- Hammer Strength Linear press – awesome leg press that just can’t compare to the Rogue ISO 35 – more money for a lower capacity and a shorter warranty.
- French Fitness Monster – great leg press that’s not great value for homes because the warranty is commercial (10 years).
- MedX Avenger leg press – an awesome industry classic, now discontinued. It’s hard to come by a used one in solid condition.
- Precor angled press – commercial-grade, too expensive for most home gyms.
- Synergee Leg Press Machine – probably the cheapest machine that’s still worth considering. The angles are a bit off, and I’ve heard some nightmarish assembly stories.
What does leg press work?
Leg press works all your leg muscles, provided that you get one that hits the right angles like the Force USA Ultimate Combo.
The primary target of the classic leg press is the quads. You can switch it up and prioritize the glutes, hamstrings, and calves, depending on your foot placement.
How much does a leg press weigh?
A leg press weighs between 100 and 700 lbs.
Basic, vertical models like the one from Titan Fitness are light and weigh around 100 lbs. More robust machines like the Rogue ISO 35 weigh around 700 lbs.
How much does the leg press sled weigh?
Leg press sled weighs 60-180 lbs, with home-oriented machines like the Powertec Black on the lower end of that range.
On the upper end, you’ll find machines like the Rogue ISO 35, with a starting weight of 182 lbs.
Apart from keeping track of your personal bests, the weight of the sled should be but a minor factor in choosing a good press.
Which leg press is the best?
The best leg press machine for a home gym is the Force USA Ultimate 45 Combo.
It combines leg press, hack squat, and calf-raise stations into one machine at a fair price.
If price is not a factor, the industry classic Rogue ISO 35 is the way to go.
Which leg press is best for the glutes?
The best leg press machine for the glutes is a 45-degree machine, like the Powertec Black.
The important factor here is a generously sized footplate.
Aim for at least 550 square inches of total surface and 25 inches in width.
What is the sturdiest leg press out there?
Rogue ISO 35 is one of the strongest, sturdiest leg presses that can be bought in a store.
If you’re an advanced weight lifter, you might consider getting this model, as it is sure to help you achieve your lofty goals.
If your level is anywhere between beginner and intermediate, getting a leg press such as the Rogue ISO 35 will likely be a bit of an overkill.
Most of you out there will be perfectly happy with our overall top pick – the Force USA Ultimate Combo.
But then again, it also depends on what your goals are for the future…
Resume and key takeaways
Whatever time we invested into this guide, I feel it’s worth it because the result is a comprehensive list of great home leg presses.
The best value for most people is Force USA Ultimate 45 Combo.
It’s solidly built and well-padded and hits all the correct angles. It costs much less than the commercial alternatives in the same capacity range.
If you don’t see yourself using the hack squat, the Powertec Black is the budget alternative to the Force USA – no frills, just a good ol’ fashioned leg press.
If you don’t have this kind of space, our top compact picks are the Force USA Compact Press and the Titan vertical press.
Finally, if you want the absolute best and can spare the money and space, the ISO 35 from Rogue is the undisputed champ. It’s the successor to the famous Nebula…you know, the machine Ronnie Coleman used to casually press a ton all those years ago.
Click here to skip back to the table with the top picks.