The NordicTrack E8100 Competition Series Smith Rack Is Pre-Cabled and Ready to Assemble

Despite its lofty name, the NordicTrack E8100 Competition Series Smith rack is an entry level machine that has most of the standard stations as well as a bench with a leg developer station. But rather than focus on these features, its main selling point is the TimeSaver™ Assembly Design. After you set it up, there’s not much else to brag about.

The Gym

The NordicTrack E8100 Competition Series Smith rack has seven workout stations including Low and High Pulleys, Pull-up Station, Chest Fly, Curl Yoke, Preacher Curl, and Leg Developer. The list of features on the NordicTrack E8100 Competition Series includes:

• Olympic-Width Smith Machine
• Olympic Smith Bar
• Adjustable Weight Crutches & Safety Spotters
• 2 Swivel High Pulleys
• Low Pulley with Row Plate
• Pull-Up Station
• Chest Fly
• Preacher Pad
• 6-Roll Leg Developer
• Curl Yoke
• Detachable Multi-Position Bench
• Built-in Weight Plate Storage
• TimeSaver™ Assembly Design
• 90-Day General Warranty
• Accessories: two hand straps, ankle strap, exercise chart

Note: Weight Limits — bench 300 lbs; weight bar 310 lbs; weight carriage 150 lbs; leg lever 150 lbs Olympic weight plates are not included. (Requires separate purchase.)

The Buzz

Equipment experts consider the NordicTrack E8100 Competition Series Smith Rack to have its limitations. Poor quality construction eventually leads to performance problems, such as friction and drag as the glide system tends to bind, a problem that will eventually take away from your workout experience. Then there is the issue of the light load limits. Why get a Smith machine if its usefulness is limited to 310 lbs on the weight bar? And finally, you only have to take note of the 90-day warranty offered to realize that there is something wrong here.

Compare NordicTrack Strength Training Equipment Here

Users of the E8100 Competition Series like the machine because it feels sturdy, and unlike other home gyms that take 6-8 hours to run cables, this gym comes 75% pre-assembled. Since it is already pre-cabled, the machine literally bolts together in “as little as 20 minutes.” Overall, this NordicTrack Smith rack isn’t recommended for serious lifters, and weekend lifters should be warned that the inferior parts will require attention and maintenance.

Our Take

NordicTrack should stick to cardio machines which is its forte. The cons of the E8100 Competition Series Smith rack are (but not limited to) these: No lat tower, no selectorized stack, poor quality bushings used in the carriage, low weight limits on the carriage and leg developer, and too pricey for what you’re getting. The pros: it has some nice features such as the cable crossover on the front, it does feel solid, and the quick assembly feature is nice. But for an asking price of $1300, the NordicTrack E8100 Competition Series Smith rack is overpriced. For that money, you can get a decent power rack, bench, and weights. If you are serious enough about weight training to be considering a Smith machine, you should be researching decent equipment. For a better quality gym with linear bearings, check out this Body Solid Smith Machine and gunrack that sells for $1,400.

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