MAXUM Fitness SX2 Review After 3 Months: Is This All-in-One Home Gym Worth It?

After three months of consistent training, the verdict on the MAXUM SX2 Smith Machine is much clearer than any first-impression review could offer. Luke’s Garage Gym, a YouTube creator in the home gym space, puts the SX2 to real use, real programming, and real wear-and-tear, documented through long-term testing. 

So the big question remains: does the MAXUM SX2 still hold up as a serious contender for the best all-in-one Smith machine for a home gym?

Three Months In 

As covered in Luke’s long-term testing on Luke’s Garage Gym, the standout feature hasn’t changed: the articulating arms. After months of use, they remain the most compelling reason to consider the SX2 over competing all-in-one systems.

Luke sums it up by saying, “These articulating arms just make so much sense… wherever you’re going, it moves with you.” That freedom of movement matters, especially in a home gym where space, angles, and setups vary from person to person. 

At six feet tall, he also points out that the arms are high enough to allow a full stretch and full range of motion for cable movements—something many functional trainers struggle with. Whether seated on a bench or standing, the SX2 doesn’t force you into awkward positions. 

Cable System Performance

One of the biggest strengths of the MAXUM SX2 home gym is how seamless the cable system feels over time. Luke notes that the tension stays consistent through the movement and that the system remains smooth with basic maintenance.

He emphasizes that the arms are “pretty easy to move up and down… seamless and aesthetic.” That matters in real training, where small friction points add up fast.

Concerns about the arm length affecting movements like curls were addressed intelligently. MAXUM’s solution—a secondary pulley that mounts into the 5/8” holes—allows for more natural low-pull movements. 

One of the Best Features

The MAXUM SX2’s counterbalanced Smith bar is consistently described as exceptionally smooth. Luke doesn’t sugarcoat it: “I’ve had machines that grind… this one is freaking smooth.”

The bar’s ability to travel extremely low is another differentiator. Luke points out that it’s one of the few all-in-one Smith systems that allows most users to comfortably perform hip thrusts—something many competitors simply can’t accommodate due to limited depth stops.

Attachments, Customization, and Long-Term Value

Three months in, Luke admits he hasn’t even used every attachment—and that’s actually a positive. It speaks to how much built-in versatility the SX2 already provides without needing constant add-ons. 

MAXUM’s broader approach stands out here. Luke highlights how upgrades(like newly announced articulating arms) will be offered as retrofits, not replacements. That kind of long-term ecosystem thinking adds serious value for anyone building a “forever” gym.

As he puts it: “I like brands that let you upgrade instead of rebuy everything.” 

Safety, Build Quality, and Support

From a safety standpoint, the SX2 checks all the boxes. Luke describes it as “a beast”. The 11-gauge steel construction, spotter options, and stable footprint make it well-suited for solo training.  

The SX2 delivers where it matters: versatility, smooth movement, smart design decisions, and long-term upgrade potential. This review confirms MAXUM Fitness SX2 home gym goes beyond first impressions. This three-month check-in confirms the SX2 isone of the strongest options available for serious home gym builders.