INTRODUCTION

Last year I already reviewed the M1 PRO also known as the M1 Version 2.0. – which is a half rack in front for benching and squatting, – with nice smith machine, and a plate loaded functional trainer.

That review is here:

I also directly compared it to the Mikolo M4 (Spoiler Alert: The M1 is lightyears better than the M4). That video is here:

Because the M1’s default functional trainer is plate loaded – you can save a ton of money since it costs a lot of money for these companies to ship weight stacks. In fact, I think that for the money the RitFit M1 Version 2.0 is my go-to pick for those wanting to start a home gym on a budget.

However, RitFit is now offering an upgrade. You can NOW buy weight stacks for the M1 – to make using the functional trainer more time efficient. While the plate loaded option can save you a ton of money, doing “plate math” having to constantly swap out plates can slow you down can make your workouts take longer.

While the website lists the weight stack as being for the M1 PRO (M1 Version 2.0), I confirmed with RitFit via email this weight stack is also compatible with the M1 Version 1.0. The review for the weight stacks is here:

OVERVIEW

The product has 24 weight stack plates –12 plates per side (or 132 LBS of weight stack plates per side) for a total of 264 LBS of plates

However, you should keep in mind – that the M1 has a cable pulley ratio of 2:1. Therefore, the 132 LBS stack on EACH side is the NOMINAL weight – the ACTUAL resistance is going to be about half of that. I used a crane scale to determine that the actual resistance was 52%. Therefore, each 132 stack is 68.64 LBS.

If the level of resistance is not enough for the given exercise, each side ALSO has two weight horns. Therefore, when the exercise calls for more than resistance than the stack alone can offer – you can add more weight. On other weight stacks offered by other companies – you have to buy a Weight Extender Pin (e.g., GYM PIN) to add more weight. However, the RitFit M1 Weight Stack has them baked in – which I think is great idea.

Further, the weight horns are ALSO great for adding incremental weight in case moving to the next plate in the weight stack is too much for a given exercise. Add 5 LBS or 2.5 LBS plates to one or both sides, and voila, easy smaller incremental changes.

The weight horns have a 5° incline to ensure that the plates do not fall off – but just to add an extra precaution you do have enough space to add them if you so choose to do so (depending in how many plates you on the weight horns).

The STARTING weight amount is only 2.5 LBS. This is great, and many cable stacks out there have a starting weight that is much too heavy for certain exercises and/or certain people.

INCLUDED

3 boxes of 8 plates – for a total of 24 plates,
2 Square support tubes
Head plate assembly – which has the two weight horns and the selector rod, and selection pin.
2 new cables. Since this sits higher than the plate loaded trolley – you need a different cable length.
Sticker pack (4 sets)

SHIPPING

The product recently came out- but there was an issue: the packaging of the weight plates was awful. The boxes they came in were busted open since they did not reinforce the cardboard boxes properly. Upon receipt, I immediately alerted RitFit to the issue. They then halted sales of the product and revamped the packaging. Therefore, when you buy it you should not have the same issues that I had.

ASSEMBLY

The instructions were very clear and the process was easy. I was done in about an hour. You should have no issues. You basically just remove the old cables, and remove the old plate-loaded trolley. Then you add the square support tube, then start adding the plates, then add the head plate assembly, install the weight horns, add the new cables, and finally add the stickers. Then you repeat for the other side of the rack. Too easy!

STICKERS

The stickers are included – and they come in two styles: a standard version and a Ritfit red-stylized version, allowing you to choose based on your personal preference.

However, I installed both versions. This allows you to set the weight stacks from both the inside and outside of the rack.

I personally do not care for the red-stylized version of the stickers. They do not match my desired color scheme, and more importantly the stickers are too big for the plates. The stickers need to be slightly smaller than the plates. However, they are identical to the size of the plates. Since the plates have rounded edges – the edges of the stickers are not in contact with the edges of the plates. Therefore, eventually dirt/dust will adhere to the edges of the stickers and they will start peeling off.

I wish they just gave 4 packs of the “regular” stickers instead - and did not offer the red-stylized versions for this reason. The regular stickers were easy to install, seem very durable, and look nice.

It is important to note that the stickers list the nominal weight not the feel weight. The sticker may say 55 LBS – but you are moving approximately half of that (27.5 LBS). SO – I also wish the stickers listed the “FEEL weight” instead of the nominal weight.

MAX LOAD

There is 5 1/8” of loadable space for EACH weight horn on each side. This allows me to load 3 x 45LBS “standard thickness” Iron plates per weight horn and still have room for a spring barbell clamp on the end. Therefore, I can fit a total of 6 standard 45 LBS iron plates per stack. That is 6 x45 LBS (270 LBS) plus the 132 LBS of the stack itself. This is a total of 402 LBS. Since I measured the “2:1” Cable-pulley efficiency to be exactly 52% of the nominal weight -- that is 209.04 LBS of added weight PER SIDE. This should be more than sufficient for 99.9% of you. The provided cable has an advertised weight capacity of 440 LBS. This 440 LBS limit includes the 132 LBS stack PLUS 308 LBs of weight plates can be added to the weight Horns. At 52% Cable-pulley efficiency that 440 LBS will feel like 246 LBS PER SIDE.

SHOPPING

To purchase the Weight Stack, please consider shopping by first clicking on my affiliate link here:

M1PRO/VERSION 2.0 Rack with Weight Stack: https://bit.ly/DBL-M1-WITH-STACK
M1 STACK ONLY: https://bit.ly/DBL-M1-STACK-ONLY

When you purchase after clicking this link, I do get paid a small commission to help fund the costs of hosting this website. It is very much appreciated!

Also remember to use my PROMO CODE “RFDESIGN” to save 10% off.

RitFit M1 Weight Stacks (WSM1)