Smith machine DelTech DF4900 review

I am sharing this post because employers are often curious whether candidates have the physical ability to lift over 30 lbs, a common requirement in many technical and field roles.

The Motivation

While living in Columbus, Ohio, I wanted to stay active, but the local gyms were too far to commute by car. I decided to invest in a Smith Machine for my home. The primary challenge was the ceiling height in my townhouse basement, which was exactly 82 inches. After a long search, I found a machine on Amazon that fit perfectly at 81” H x 86” W x 49” L. Although it cost $899—which was relatively expensive compared to other models—the 1-inch clearance made it the only viable choice for my space.

Deadlifts and Progression

I performed 4 sets of 12 reps of deadlifts using a 45 lbs Olympic bar loaded with pairs of 10, 20, and 25 lbs plates, totaling 155 lbs. As this became easier, I considered purchasing an additional pair of 25 lbs plates to increase the weight further. I use Everyday Essentials plates, which are color-coded: 10 lbs is cream, 20 lbs is orange, 25 lbs is yellow, and 30 lbs is green. However, I haven’t been able to buy green plates yet because they are currently out of stock.

Current Status

After graduating from The Ohio State University and moving out, I sold my original machine. Recently, I acquired a new, high-end machine that surpasses every model I have used in terms of build quality and performance. It is a rare find, not even available on Amazon, and I consider it my prized equipment. Weightlifting has become a lifelong commitment for me, ensuring I remain physically capable and disciplined.