As a personal trainer and fitness author, I know a thing or two about hack squat machines. For the past 6 ½ weeks I’ve done rigorous testing of five of the top rated hack squat machines on the market. After thousands of reps and pounds lifted, I’ve determined that the [amazon link=”B0028O9ADE”] is the best on the market, because of its versatility and user-friendliness. It’s 1000lb weight capacity is a huge plus too.
What makes it unique is the roller systems, which provide a smooth lifting experience – similar to free weight. However, unlike free-weight options, it’s made with heavy-duty 11-gauge steel to provide the ultimate stability. Combined with a sleek look, it’s no surprise this model took the top spot of 2022.
The Top Hack Squat Machines Reviewed
| Product Image | Product's name | Main Features | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| [amazon fields="B0028O9ADE" value="thumb"] | Best for Home Weight Training [amazon fields="B0028O9ADE" value="title" title_length="100"] | Works for leg presses and hack squats Smooth-gliding sled system | [amazon fields="B0028O9ADE" value="button"] |
 | Best Budget Option Titan Fitness Leg Press Hack Squat Machine | Works for leg presses and hack squats Textured handrails | View latest price |
| [amazon fields="B01JJWXXG2" value="thumb"] | Best High-End Option [amazon fields="B01JJWXXG2" value="title" title_length="100"] | Shoulder pads Carriage locking system | [amazon fields="B01JJWXXG2" value="button"] |
| Best for Commercial Gym Use Rogue Fitness Reflex Hack Squat Machine | Adjustable for varying athlete sizes Multiply safety locks | View latest price |
Find the right hack squat machine
Best for Home Weight Training
#1- [amazon fields=”B0028O9ADE” value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B0028O9ADE” value=”button”]As the best overall hack squat machine on the market, the Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine offers something for every home gym enthusiast. For starters, it’s comfortable and easily adjustable. It also includes flipping and locking pads. This allows you to swap between both exercises.
The Body-Solid has one of the smoothest roller systems for the lifting sled on the market. Each press or squat will be quick and responsive. This is partially because the entire machine is made with heavy-duty 11-gauge steel, expertly forged for smooth operation. This provides it with great durability and stability.
Further adjustments are available as you become stronger. There are three locking positions for different angles and harder or easier lifts. It’s a combination leg press/hack squat machine. So you can swap between the two exercises quickly by flipping the foot platform. This is great for home workouts since the machine doesn’t take up a lot of space to change forms.
We also like that it has a weight capacity of 1000 pounds. This makes it a great machine to grow into over time. Ultimately, the Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine delivers excellent value and consistent performance.
Pros
- Very smooth operation
- Transfers between hack squats and leg presses
- Multiple adjustable positions
- Fairly comfortable
Cons
- Silver paint chips over time
Best Budget Option
#2- Titan Fitness Leg Press Hack Squat Machine
Titan Press offers another versatile leg press and hack squat machine. Like the Body-Solid machine, this model allows you to swap between hack squat or leg press positions by flipping the back pad around and dropping the footplate into position in just seconds.
Although the machine is modifiable, it’s also quite safe to use. It features excellent handrails on the side with textured surfaces for easy gripping. The machine overall is made with heavy-duty steel, so it should last for a long time to come.
Despite the low asking price, it comes with two weight posts for plate storage. Thus, it’s fine for home use, where you may not have tons of empty space in which to store your plates.
Furthermore, the machine is quite comfortable and is adjustable for a variety of athlete sizes and weights. All in all, this machine doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of hack squat machine function. But it offers a solid performance for a very reasonable asking price. Budget-minded home gymgoers will find a lot to like here.
Pros
- Allows for hack squats and leg presses
- Has textured handrails for safety
- Very reasonable price
- Comfortable and adjustable
Cons
- Only has an 875-pound capacity
- Steel frame may bend over time
Best High-End Option
#3- [amazon fields=”B01JJWXXG2″ value=”title” title_length=”100″]
[amazon fields=”B01JJWXXG2″ value=”button”]The IRON COMPANY SportsArt Plate Loaded Hack Squat Machine is a more recent offering that comes with a much higher price tag than average. But the cost is well-earned for its excellent design and overall durability.
For instance, this hack squat machine features linear bearings that help the machine to operate quietly and with smooth, controlled motions. In short, it’s a safe and smooth machine to use. There isn’t any loud rattling or crashing with this machine.
It also comes with four plate posts on the frame so you can store plenty of plates for later use as you become stronger. Even better is the carriage locking handle that allows you to lock the sled in place if necessary: another great safety feature.
Add to that comfortable padding for the main backrest and shoulders beneath the grips, and you have quite the high-quality hack squat machine. It’s an ideal choice for home exercisers or gym owners looking for the best of the best and who are willing to pay for it.
Pros
- Comes with comfortable backrest/shoulder padding
- Carriage lock for safety
- Four plate storage posts
- Very smooth and quiet operation
Cons
- Very expensive
Best for Commercial Gym Use
#4- Rogue Fitness Reflex Hack Squat Machine
The Rogue Fitness Reflex Hack Squat Machine is another high-quality and expensive piece of equipment, but for good reasons. For starters, the frame comes with a powder-coated finish – this ensures that the machine will last for a long time and won’t corrode, even with frequent sweat exposure.
It’s also adjustable between three different positions and comes with an oversized foot deck for added comfort and versatility. The backrest is comfortable and comes with foam pads for the shoulders for added comfort and safety. The handles, too, are made with rubber foam to prevent slipping and hand damage.
We also really like the multiple safety stops and the safety handle that come built into the machine. All of these features mark it as a great commercial hack squat machine and a prime choice for sharing between multiple athletes.
Pros
- Long-lasting materials
- Comfortable seat and pads
- Good safety features
- Fits a variety of athlete sizes
Cons
- Pricier than most
- Very heavy
Hack Squat Machine Buying Guide
Even if you buy one of the more affordable machines above, a hack squat machine is a significant investment. You should only look into buying one if you’ll commit to these exercises and understand what they require.
A hack squat is an intense type of exercise that allows you to lift significant amounts of weight with your legs. A hack squat machine lets you do this without hurting your bones or joints by placing you at an angle instead of having you stand upright.
Hack squat exercises provide a lot of benefits. They are ideal for athletes interested in whole-body workouts and building significant muscle. Hack squats are ideal for building leg and core muscles specifically, which can lead to better posture, greater endurance, and a better-looking physique all around.
If you are serious about weightlifting and bodybuilding, a good hack squat machine will be an excellent investment. But determining the right hack squat machine for your needs depends on focusing on a few key aspects. Let’s break those down.
Safety
The safety features included with a hack squat machine are super important. The most critical of these is a carriage or position lock. These locks allow you to set the weight sled above your shoulder into a specific position. They can also prevent you from injuring yourself if you place too much weight on the carrier bars at once.
Some hack squat machines include multiple safety locking positions. Others might just include one. Either way, make sure any hack squat machine you purchase includes at least one locking mechanism.
Adjustability and Size
Certain hack squat machines can adjust for different users or sizes of athletes. This is crucial if you plan to share the machine or if you are purchasing the machine for a commercial gym.
However, adjustability can also refer to different exercises. The Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine and Titan Fitness Leg Press Hack Squat Machine can both be modified for leg presses instead of hack squats. This adjustability adds direct value to a hack squat machine since you can use the same machine for two exercises instead of one.
Lastly, think about size, particularly if you are purchasing for home or garage gym use. Some machines are larger and more difficult to move around due to their weight. Others are lighter and easier to adjust and may be more suited for cramped rooms or crowded garages.
Comfort
Most of the best hack squat machines will include padding for the main backrest, but we really like machines that come with shoulder pads. This prevents the bones of your shoulders from being compressed too much as you perform rigorous exercises.
Durability
Don’t forget to think about durability. Ideal hack squat machines will be made with durable steel. Some, like the Rogue Fitness Reflex Hack Squat Machine, come with a special coating to prevent corrosive damage. More durability means the machine will last longer and you won’t need to spend money on repairs or a replacement.
Weight Capacity
The last main thing to consider is weight capacity. Certain machines, like the Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine, have an overall weight capacity of around 1000 pounds. These are better if you are serious about bodybuilding and maximizing your potential. Higher weight capacity means you can keep using the same machine for longer as you build muscle and become more proficient at this exercise.
Lower weight capacity means you’ll eventually max out. If you want to keep growing, you’ll eventually need to either join a gym or by a new hack squat machine.
Consider how high you eventually want to go, then look at the max capacity for a given hack squat machine before making a purchase.
FAQs for Hack Squat Machines
Hack Squats vs Leg Press – Which is the Better Exercise?
Both exercises are quite similar, which is why several of the machines above can be used for both types. However, leg press exercises usually put more stress on your spine since your back acts as an “anchor point” against the base of your machine.
Hack squats, in contrast, don’t force as much pressure on to your lower back. Instead, more stress is placed on your core muscles. Because of this, hack squats are better if you have lower back pain or injuries. Both exercises are overall quite good and can be used to great effect by fit, healthy individuals.
Hack Squats vs Regular Squats
A regular squat is arguably the ultimate whole-body exercise. Hack squats are distinct from these exercises since they focus on your lower body instead of your core, arms, back, legs, and so on.
A regular squat is better if you are looking to build muscles across the whole-body. Hack squats are better if you want to focus on your legs. Additionally, hack squats can be used as intermediate exercises as you build up the core strength necessary to accomplish regular squats with good form.
Are Hack Squats Bad for Your Knees or Back?
Not if you do them correctly. Hack squats are especially safe if you perform them with a hack squat machine. That’s because your bones and joints aren’t stressed as much. A hack squat machine takes on the extra weight and allows you to focus exclusively on mobilizing certain muscle groups.
What Muscles Do Hack Squats Work?
Hack squats primarily target your legs and core, including many of the muscles of your lower body. These muscles include your glutes, quads, calves, hamstrings, and core abdominal muscles to some extent. You’ll mostly feel a little soreness in the front of your legs after performing a few hardcore hack squat sets.
Conclusion
All in all, the Body-Solid Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine is the best hack squat machine for most users. It has a reasonable asking price, easy adjustability, and it doubles as a leg press machine. Talk about value!
If you’re in the market for something even more budget-friendly, the Titan Fitness Leg Press Hack Squat Machine is a great second choice that also offers a ton of value. Meanwhile, commercial gym owners would do well to check out the Rogue Fitness Reflex Hack Squat Machine and consider adding it to their collections.
Regardless of the machine you pick, you’ll be well on your way to a fantastic physique and especially strong legs once you get going with hack squats. Good luck and get ripped!