its a interesting idea but i dont have much confidence in the bottom slides durability if that thing gets loaded up with heavy weight week in and week out .

With the proper size roller bearing in a clean environment it would have no probs and move very fluid. But heres my beef......

Why the F' wouldn't you just use a freeweight barbell? Why try and simulate what is already there?

I agree free weights are best--get a spotter and start lifting--fancy machines are great for fine tuning but for overall size and strength free weights are best.

I have yet to find a use for a smith machine.

I think for safety( like training solo), but the movement is never the same a normal free weight squat, bench what ever.

This new one looks a lot better.I can't remember the last time I used a smith machine, but that doesn't make it useless.

From memory doesn't DC use a lot of smith in his program?