If uncomplicated is what you’re looking for, then the Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine is a perfect option. The BE-11 is a pure Smith Machine: No half-cage, racking, and worldly attachments.
Although simple, it’s also heavy-duty, very sturdy, and has all the features you’d expect of a suitable Smith Machine.
The 30 lb knurled bar runs smoothly on the reverse-pitched guide rods via linear ball bearings. These are well-made and work perfectly no matter how much weight you have loaded up. The safety latches are solid steel and lockout at 14 different points along the frame. Additional safety latches and springs can be set separately at any height.
A Smith machine with a track and linear bearings is ideal for bench presses, military presses, shrugs, squats, curls, lunges, etc. The bottom of the track even features safety springs to catch the bar if you drop it, which stops the bar from hitting your feet and the plates from smashing into the ground.
Another useful little feature of this Smith Machine is that it uses either standard 1″ plates or Olympic plates (with 2″ holes). If you want to use Olympic plates, it has sleeves that fit the bar and storage pegs. Although these aren’t the highest quality (the plastic end caps can tend to pop off), they do their job just fine.
Learn more in my complete review below!
Product: Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine
Price: For a great deal on this gym, merely go here on Amazon
Warranty: Frame 3 years / Bar 3 years / Parts 1 year
My rating: 8.5/10
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure
Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 53″D x 73.25″W x 80.5″H inches (135D x 186W x 203H cm)
- Shipping weight: 258 lbs (117 kg)
- Max. weight capacity: 1,000 lbs (453.5 kg)
- Possible exercises: 30+
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Bar 3 years / Parts 1 year
BE-11 Frame Construction
The BE-11 Smith machine features a steel configuration, supporting up to 1,000 lbs (453.5 kg). Thus, it’s a machine suitable for powerlifters, not just beginners or intermediate users. So naturally, its frame is thick steel tubing, double-coated with corrosion-resistant gray paint. However, most bars and other small parts have a chrome finish.
The frame itself has a footprint of 53″D x 55″W (135 x 140 cm). However, the machine’s final width is its barbell, which is 73.25″ (186 cm) and weighs 30 lbs. The space between the machine’s vertical bars is approx — 45″ (144 cm), wide enough to accommodate users of all sizes.
The frame’s bases integrate rubber foot pads, which offer a firm grip on the floors, preventing any damage to the flooring. The structure also has a set of 4 plate storage pegs (2 on each side), meant for Olympic plates with 2″ holes. The storage pegs are 8″ (20.3 cm) long.
When it comes to the machine’s height, it’s only 80.5″ (203 cm). This particular aspect has its pluses and minuses. On the one hand, the machine will fit in a room with a 7′ (213.3 cm) ceiling. But on the other hand, a tall user (over 6’5″) may not perform proper calf raises.
The barbell is 73.25″ (186 cm) and weighs 30 lbs. The bar’s sleeves offer approximately 16″ (40.6 cm) space for loading plates. Therefore, considering that most Olympic plates measure between 2″ and 3″ in thickness (5 – 7.6 cm), you’ll be able to load 5-8 plates on each side.
One last aspect regarding the bar is its finish. It features a chrome finish with knurled grips. A barbell cushion pad for squats does not come with the machine.
Safety Bar
Like most Smith machines, the frame features a set of two shafts to which the bar connects via a set of 4 linear ball bearings. These offer maximum stability for pressing exercises or squats, supplying a smooth bar on its shafts.
The bar also has a set of two thick j-hooks welded directly onto it, designed to facilitate a quick and easy catch via bar rotation. In addition, the frame features 14 catch positions with solid stainless steel pins.
The main bar’s gliding shafts also feature a set of safety catches attached to them to provide maximum protection for all exercises. They also integrate a set of two springs, meant to absorb a great deal of the shock of dropping the bar, prolonging the safety catches’ life.
Available accessories
Unfortunately, the Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith machine does not have a fitness bench. In addition, it also does not include weight plates (sold in sets of 2). You’ll have to purchase these if you don’t have them.
One of the accessories specific to this particular machine that requires mentioning is its bar counterweight.
The attachment’s name is BE-11CB, consisting of two thin, rectangular plates with cables attached to them, which insert into the frame’s vertical tubes, with cables crossed over the top pulleys and attached to the machine’s bar assembly.
This counterbalance set nullifies the bar’s weight, offering the possibility of a weight lifting start lower than 30 lbs (13.6 kg), which is the bar’s actual weight. It’s a valuable accessory if you require recovery training, for example.
The small pulleys at the top of the frame’s vertical bars visible in some of the attached photos come with the machine. However, the counterweight accessory is (sold) separately.
BE-11 Possible Exercises
- Bench presses
- Incline presses
- Shoulder presses
- Rear deltoid rows
- Squats
- Deep squats
- Front squats
- Single leg squats
- Calf raises
- Seated calf raises
- Lunges
- Biceps curls
- Drag curls
- Bent-over rows
- Stand-up rows
- Rear deltoid rows
- Cleans
- Deadlifts
- Stiff-legged deadlifts
- Triceps dips
- Shrugs
- Hanging knee raises
- Pull-ups
- Wide grip pull-ups
- Muscle pull-ups
- Behind head pull-ups
- Around the world, pull-ups
- One-arm pull-ups
- Cliffhangers
- Weighted pull-ups
- Chin-ups
- Close grip chin-ups
- Wide grip chin-ups
- One hand chin-ups
- Weighted chin-ups
- Leg presses
- Donkey kicks
- and more.
The list can continually expand depending on how inventive you are regarding workouts. Some of these require a bench or other accessories.
Please note that the weights, bars, and chains do not come with the machine.
BE-11 Assembly and Maintenance
First of all, this Smith machine ships in five boxes with the following dimensions:
- 51lbs 80″L x 12″W x 4″H (23kg, 203 x 30.4 x 10 cm)
- 51lbs 80″L x 12″W x 4″H (23kg, 203 x 30.4 x 10 cm)
- 66lbs 59″L x 11″W x 10″H (30 kg, 150 x 28 x 25.4 cm)
- 44lbs 50″L x 7″W x 6″H (20 kg, 127 x 17.7 x 15.2 cm)
- 46lbs 26″L x 9″W x 8″H (20.8 kg, 66 x 23 x 20 cm)
Thus, each box’s transport may require two people. The assembly is not complicated, but it will take several hours due to the many parts.
A hard copy of the user’s manual comes supplied with the machine, which provides comprehensive step-by-step instructions for the assembly. Therefore, putting it together yourself shouldn’t be a problem.
For maintenance, the linear ball bearings may occasionally require lubrication. It’s also advisable to inspect the machine’s joints, bolts, and nuts from time to time and re-tighten them if necessary.
Pros
- The substantial frame, being able to support loads up to 1,000 lbs (453.5 kg);
- Frame bases with large rubber stabilizers for floor protection, offering a superior grip on the floor and preventing the frame from sliding over;
- Gliding barbell assembly, integrating four linear ball bearings, for smooth operation and maximum stability;
- 14 sets of safety pins for various catch positions of the barbell and catches;
- Catch plates with stainless steel coils for shock absorption;
- Olympic sleeves on the barbell and the four weight plate storage supports;
- It offers the possibility to perform a wide array of gym-quality exercises;
- Straightforward assembly process;
- Little maintenance is required.
Cons
- It’s only 80.5″ tall. Thus, taller users (over 6’5″) may not be able to perform proper calf raises, for example, especially if using a calf step accessory;
- The counterweight accessory for the bar does not come included with the machine.
Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine Summary
The Valor Fitness BE-11 is a Smith machine that offers the required training setting for all users, including powerlifters, as it has a weight load capacity of 1,000 lbs. In addition, it features incredibly sturdy construction, a reliable safety system, a gliding bar with linear ball bearings and Olympic sleeves, and 14 catch positions for the bar.
Moreover, it offers the possibility to perform a wide array of gym-quality exercises. It’s not the most affordable model you can find, but its construction quality, overall sturdiness, and durability match its price.
I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share on the topic or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.
Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could put your health and safety at risk or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.
Hi Robert,
I learned to use the Smith Machine a few years ago and I really enjoyed it. I think I get really good results and became more comfortable with this equipment over-time. I didn’t know that I could purchase this on Amazon. I would like to turn my basement into a workout room. This and a row machine would be great!
Hi Melissa, good luck with putting together a home gym. I also have many rowing machine reviews on my website and I hope you’ll take a look. Also, FYI everything item reviewed on this website is available to purchase from Amazon.com.
If I can be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
BE-11 is really a giant, I love the features, they are very useful and essential when it comes to workout and weightlifting. One major thing that captivated my attention the most was that it was built with the mindset of Safety being the most important and this is visible in the safety spring, and also the gliding shaft. I think any exercise equipment should have a measure of safety and BE-11 is a good example. It’s really a piece of nice equipment and I like the fact that it can be used for different workouts. Thanks.
I agree the BE-11 is one safe machine.
My son uses the Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith machine, and I am always amazed by the variety of exercises he does on the equipment. So when you say there are more than thirty possible exercises that you can do, you are quite right. The machine is what you say it is. It is uncomplicated but extremely heavy-duty and sturdy.
This Smith machine is perfect for home use. Thank you for sharing.
Hi there, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with the Valor Fitness Be-11 smith machine or any other exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
I love the number of exercises you can do with this equipment. It allows variety within someone’s workout. Variety is so important as it can avoid lethargy and lack of motivation.
It looks straightforward to set up, and I am not very DIY savvy.
This equipment covers everyone’s needs, whether you are tall, short, a gym expert, or a gym beginner. Everyone can use this.
Hi Michael, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
The Valor Fitness BE-11 looks like a well-thought-out fitness machine. Although it’s been around for many years, it has a timeless design. I loved the many safety features as well as its ease of use. The frame is well made and doesn’t look bulky at all. I also loved the additional spokes to store a variety of weights. The cost seems steep because once you purchase the must-have accessories like weights, bench, etc., it will add up to nearly $2000. However, if this is within your budget, go for it.
Edwin
Hi Edwin, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
Thank you very much for this valuable detailed post about the Valor Fitness BE-11 Smith Machine. I believe I have excellent outcomes and have grown more comfortable using this equipment over time. The fact that it focuses on safety drew my attention, which is evident in the safety spring and the gliding shaft. This Smith machine is ideal for use at home. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Pasindu, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Would you please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment? I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert
Your review provides an insightful analysis of the BE-11, including its features, benefits, and drawbacks, which can help you decide whether to invest in this machine. At first glance, I thought it was an imposing machine; I’d never seen a Smith machine before. However, I can tell that safety is a significant feature of this machine, and I like that.
Honest reviews like yours guide someone as clueless as me. Thanks for making this review easy to understand, even for a newbie.
Hi Chrisna, thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us. Please let me know if I may further assist you with exercise equipment. I’m always happy to help.
Kind regards, Robert