MAXUM Fitness SX2 Review: Commercial-Grade All-In-One Home Gym
If you’re the kind of lifter who wants commercial-grade strength equipment in your garage, basement, or dedicated iron sanctuary, the MAXUM Fitness SX2 is one of those rare all-in-ones that instantly feels different.
Luke’s Garage Gym released a recent YouTube review of the MAXUM Fitness SX2, flat-out calling it “..built like a freaking tank.”
That’s the energy of this machine — and exactly why the SX2 has become a go-to for serious home gym owners.
Will the SX2 Fit Your Space?
Key Specs:
- Height: 88.5″
- Depth: ~60″
- Width with Arms Extended: 91″
- Pull-up Bar Height: ~81″
- Articulating Arm Max Height: ~81″
- Smith Bar Width: ~83″
- Tubing: 3×3, 11-gauge steel
- Rack Holes: 5/8″ with Westside spacing
Luke puts it best: “I’ve seen people try to get their racks in bedrooms or small garage spaces… just keep in mind how far these arms can go and how long the Smith bar is.”
If you’re working with limited ceiling clearance, the SX2’s 88.5″ height is important. But the ability to store attachments, fold the articulating arms inward, and train either inside or outside the rack gives the MAXUM SX2 home gym far more layout flexibility than its footprint initially suggests.
Pulley Ratios Explained (2:1 vs 1:1)
2:1 Pulley Ratio (Default Mode)
Each arm operates independently in a 2:1 ratio. That means when you move the handle 2 ft, the stack moves 1 ft — giving roughly half the selected weight at the handle.
Ideal for isolation work and fine control (flyes, lateral raises, curls).
1:1 Pulley Ratio (Converged Mode)
By connecting both arms to the center adapter, you engage both stacks simultaneously.
This creates a 1:1 feel — perfect for heavier compound moves like lat pulldowns, low rows, or chest presses.
Bonus Loading
Each stack includes plate horns, so if you max out the 220 lb stacks, you can add Olympic plates for extra resistance.
MAXUM SX2 Home Gym Setup Guide
Setting up the SX2 isn’t complicated, but it is a serious build — exactly what you’d expect from a machine this solid. Plan for a dedicated afternoon, grab a second set of hands, and follow the steps below to get your SX2 dialed in perfectly.
1. Unbox & Organize
Lay out every bolt, washer, and bracket before you start. Protect the stainless uprights with towels so you don’t scuff your new setup on day one.
2. Assemble the Frame
Connect the base, uprights, and crossmembers. Square the frame before tightening — this ensures the MAXUM SX2 home gym feels rock-solid once fully built.
3. Install the Articulating Arms
Mount the arms with the handles facing outward. (If they face inward, they’ll collide with the pull-up bar.) These are one of the standout features of the MAXUM Fitness SX2, so take your time here.
4. Route the Cables & Pulleys
Follow the included diagram exactly. Smooth, friction-free travel is the whole point of the SX2’s design — get this part right.
5. Unbox & Organize
Lay out every bolt, washer, and bracket before you start. Protect the stainless uprights with towels so you don’t scuff your new setup on day one.
6. Assemble the Frame
Connect the base, uprights, and crossmembers. Square the frame before tightening — this ensures the MAXUM SX2 home gym feels rock-solid once fully built.
7. Install the Articulating Arms
Mount the arms with the handles facing outward. (If they face inward, they’ll collide with the pull-up bar.) These are one of the standout features of the MAXUM Fitness SX2, so take your time here.
8. Route the Cables & Pulleys
Follow the included diagram exactly. Smooth, friction-free travel is the whole point of the SX2’s design — get this part right.
9. Add the Smith Components
Install the rails and the counterbalanced Smith bar. Test the glide before moving on; it should feel controlled, clean, and commercial-grade.
10. Mount the Weight Stacks & Horns
Secure both 220 lb stacks, then attach the weight horns for plate-loaded overload if you plan to push the 1:1 setup to its limits.
11. Install Accessories
Add your strap safeties, J-cups, low-row footplate, landmine, lat-seat hold-down, and any other attachments you plan to use regularly.
12. Calibrate the Cables
Run each arm through its full range under a light load. This seats the pulleys evenly and gives your MAXUM SX2 home gym that smooth-as-butter feel it’s known for.
MAXUM Fitness SX2 Review: Final Verdict
After a month of testing, Luke lands on a clear conclusion:
This machine destroys anything in the mid-tier market and even challenges commercial models that cost much more.
“Out of all the in-rack videos that I’ve done videos on so far… this one, for many good reasons, has just completely blown those out of the water.”
The MAXUM Fitness SX2 is one of the most complete setups you can buy for your home gym. As a bonus, we offer Free shipping on most orders over $500 — so your home gym upgrade is closer than you think!
