RitFit M1 2.0 All-In-One Smith Machine Review: Is This the Best Budget Setup for Your Home Gym?
Today we’re breaking down the RitFit M1 2.0, an upgraded all in one smith machine that’s trying to be the best budget-friendly, space-saving setup for your home gym. The big question: did RitFit actually improve it based on feedback… and is this the right fit for you?
Real Quick:
💥 Use Code: RFLUKE to save after using my link on their website below (won’t work on Amazon)
➡️ Check out the RitFit M1 2.0 using this link when you go to checkout to support: https://tidd.ly/4eFKvbt
➡️ Shop Ritfit using my Amazon link: https://amzn.to/441M7sw
🛒 SHOP RitFit M1: https://amzn.to/4j1JZpc
👉 Check Out Other RitFit Products: https://amzn.to/4l2F2yi
Let’s get into it.
What Is an All-In-One Smith Machine?
An all in one smith machine combines multiple pieces of gym equipment into one compact footprint. Instead of buying a:
Power rack
Squat rack
Functional trainer
Smith machine
Cable machine
Plate storage
You get it all built into one frame.
For a lot of home gym owners — especially beginners or intermediates — this kind of multi functional setup makes a ton of sense. You don’t need $3,000+ to build out a full room of equipment. You just need something versatile, safe, and capable of handling real strength training.
That’s exactly where the RitFit M1 2.0 is positioned.
If you’d rather watch than read - I have all my feedback in this video:
Who Is This Smith Machine For?
Before we dive into features, let’s be clear about who this is not for.
This is built with 2x2, 14-gauge steel. That means it’s not a commercial-grade power rack. It’s not meant for elite powerlifters moving insane weight. If you want 11-gauge steel and heavy-duty competition specs, you’ll need to spend more.
But if you’re:
Building your first home gym
A beginner or intermediate lifter
Wanting safer, guided movement for bench presses and squats
Looking for a rack functional trainer combo
Trying to maximize space
This machine makes a lot of sense.
Major Upgrades in the RitFit M1 2.0
RitFit actually listened to feedback. That’s something I’ll give them credit for.
1. Aluminum Pulleys (Huge Upgrade)
The biggest improvement? Aluminum pulleys.
This matters more than people realize.
Compared to plastic, aluminum pulleys:
Feel smoother
Glide better
Run quieter
Improve overall cable experience
If you use a functional trainer regularly, you’ll immediately notice the difference. It’s one of the biggest “feel” upgrades you can make to a cable system.
For a budget all in one smith machine, this is a big win.
2. Longer Spotter Arms (Safer Bench Presses)
On the original version, the spotter arms were short. That created anxiety when doing heavy bench presses. If you missed the lift, there was concern about clearance.
Now? The spotter arms are longer.
That means:
Better safety during failure
More confidence under heavy weight
More usable half rack functionality
This brings it closer to feeling like a legit smith machine power rack hybrid.
3. Improved Smith Bar and Springs
The smith bar itself feels better this time around.
Medium knurling — grippier than before
Better alignment markers
Beefier spring system for added support
The upgraded springs make dropping into heavy bench presses or shoulder presses feel more secure. It’s still a budget smith machine, but it feels more refined.
4. Better Storage System
On the back, RitFit added improved plate storage and accessory storage.
You get:
Multiple weight horns per side
Removable storage pins
Barbell storage
Dumbbell handle storage
For a compact home gym, that space-saving versatility is clutch.
5. Upgraded Pull Up Bar
The pull up bar also got some love.
Thicker handles
Rougher powder coat for grip
More secure feel
Grip was a weak point before. Now it feels more confident and stable.
6. Updated Carabiners and Pin System
Small details matter. The upgraded black carabiners feel stronger and higher quality. There’s also a rear pin system that allows quick setup for rows and different cable movements. These aren’t flashy upgrades, but they improve everyday usability.
Functional Trainer Station: What You’re Actually Getting
This isn’t just a smith machine station. It’s also a functional trainer.
That means you can do:
Lat pulldowns
Low rows
Cable flyes
Tricep pushdowns
Face pulls
Core rotations
Because of the aluminum pulleys, the cable movement feels smooth — especially important when doing controlled movement exercises.
Pulley Ratio
Like most plate-loaded systems at this price point, you’re not getting a massive weight stack. Instead, it’s plate-loaded. That helps keep the price around the ~$1,000 range (sales change constantly).
Plate-loaded systems are:
More affordable
Compatible with your existing free weights
Easier to maintain long term
If you already own Olympic plates, you’re good to go.
Free Weights, Half Rack & J Hooks
This machine lets you train both guided and free weight style.
You get:
J hooks
Spotter arms
Front rack functionality
Smith bar option
That means you can:
Squat with free weights
Bench with a barbell
Use the smith bar for controlled movement
Alternate between free weight training and guided lifts
It’s not a commercial power rack, but it’s very usable as a half rack setup.
Smith Machine Attachments & Options
Typical smith machine attachments you can use here include:
Lat pulldown bar
Straight bar
Rope attachment
Low row handle
Various cable grips
You can also add:
Landmine attachment (great for core and rotational work)
Leg press attachment (if compatible)
Suspension trainer from the pull up bar
For a home gym, that’s a ton of versatility.
Comparing It to Traditional Setups Vs. Standalone Power Rack
Pros:
Smaller footprint
Built-in functional trainer
Built-in smith machine
Storage included
Cons:
Thinner steel (14-gauge vs 11-gauge)
Lower max capacity
If you’re chasing elite numbers, go heavier duty. If you want convenience and versatility, this wins.
Weight Stack vs Plate-Loaded
Weight stack systems are faster and cleaner — but much more expensive.
Plate-loaded systems:
Cost less
Use your existing plates
Keep price around the $1,000 range
For budget-conscious home gym owners, plate-loaded is usually the move.
The Downsides (Let’s Be Real)
No review is complete without the cons.
1. Spotter Arms Fit Too Tight
While they’re longer (good), they fit extremely snug. On the unit I tested, they were almost jammed.
That can:
Scratch the powder coat
Make removal frustrating
Cause wear over time
This needs refinement in manufacturing tolerances.
2. Cosmetic Shipping Issues
One of the boxes arrived dinged. The nameplate had minor dents.
It doesn’t affect functionality — but if you’re spending around $1,000, you want it clean.
Installation & Space Considerations
Before buying any all in one smith machine, check:
Ceiling height (for pull ups)
Floor footprint
Door clearance
Assembly time
Expect a few hours for assembly. Standard tools required. Nothing crazy, but it’s not a 20-minute setup.
Maintenance & Safety
To keep this machine running well:
Inspect cables regularly
Check pulley alignment
Lubricate linear bearings as needed
Tighten bolts every few months
With aluminum pulleys and basic care, it should hold up well for a beginner or intermediate home gym.
Final Verdict: Is This the Best Budget All-In-One Smith Machine?
Here’s my honest take.
I love that RitFit listened to feedback.
The addition of aluminum pulleys alone makes this feel more premium. The longer spotter arms improve safety. The improved pull up bar and smith bar refinements show progress.
Is this the best smith machine on the planet? No.
Is it one of the best budget-friendly, space-saving all in one smith machine options for a home gym? Absolutely.
If you:
Want a multi functional solution
Need something safer than pure free weights
Don’t have thousands to drop
Want power rack + functional trainer + smith machine in one
This is a solid option. If you’re a competitive powerlifter chasing elite totals? You’ll probably want heavier steel and a dedicated power rack. But for most home gym owners building strength training foundations? This is a strong contender. Let me know what you think of the upgrades — and whether this smith machine good enough for your setup.
If you end up grabbing one, I do have affiliate links that help support the channel and future reviews.
We’ll see you guys soon with more home gym equipment breakdowns.
