The Major Fitness B17 is designed as a home gym centerpiece, rather than an accessory rack. It is intended for high-end home gym owners, experienced strength and hypertrophy trainees, and small commercial or personal training spaces, along with private studios.

The rack integrates:

• dual weight stacks with adjustable pulleys that can be instantly changed from a 2:1 ratio to a 1:1 ratio for added cable resistance

• a Smith machine with ultra smooth linear bearings

• a multi-grip pull-up bar and multi-grip dip handles

• plate storage, attachment storage, and barbell storage

• a heavy duty landmine

So this is not an entry-level rack. It is designed to be the primary training station in a serious setup for serious trainees.

The Enkiri Elite Fitness Equipment Rating System uses a 10 point scale rating system. The system is based on 5 separate categories with each category being worth a maximum of 2 points.

Points are deducted in quarter point increments for minor flaws, and half point increments for meaningful flaws. The final score is the total of all 5 categories. The 5 categories that are analyzed are:

1. Assembly Process

   • How easy or difficult is the assembly of the piece of equipment relative to other similar pieces? This category is graded based on difficulty as well as total time taken to achieve completion.

2. Build Quality

   • How heavy duty is the piece of equipment? Is it solid and sturdy or rickety and wobbly? Do I feel safe and confident while using it? Am I unable to push myself hard due to a subpar build or out of fear of potential equipment failure? 

3. Features

   • What add-ons and features does the piece of equipment come with? Is there anything cool or unique? Is it missing something that should be standard?

4. Usage

   • How do the exercises feel? Are they smooth or cumbersome? Can the machine be adjusted to make things work well for different body types and sizes? What kind of movement variety is available?

5. Value

   • What overall value does the unit bring to the table for home gym owners? Is it multi-functional? Is it cost effective? Does it take up too much space for a home gym?

Assembly is, without question, the most demanding part of the B17 experience. From start to finish, assembly took me approximately 10 hours. That time was not spent struggling with poor instructions or misaligned parts, but rather dealing with the sheer volume of components and hardware included with the unit.

Once fully assembled, however, the B17 immediately distinguishes itself in terms of build quality and stability. Major Fitness has violently drop-tested this unit with loads up to 1,000 pounds, and that level of durability is very apparent during use.

The rack feels exceptionally solid and stable under load. I feel completely comfortable training aggressively on this unit. I was able to let significant weight almost free-fall from overhead onto the safety arms without concern, which speaks volumes about the structural integrity of the rack.

Build Quality Score: 2.0 / 2.0

• Exceptionally solid and stable once assembled, even under aggressive loading

• Rated and tested to withstand a 1,000lb drop test, which is reflected in real-world confidence

• J-hooks and safety arms feel noticeably heavier-duty than earlier Major Fitness designs

• Inspires full confidence to train hard without equipment-related hesitation

The B17 truly excels when it comes to features. This is a legitimate five-in-one system that includes a half rack, Smith machine, dual adjustable pulleys, a calisthenics station, and a heavy duty landmine, all integrated into a cohesive design.

Features Score: 2.0 / 2.0

• True 5-in-1 design: half rack, Smith machine, dual pulleys, calisthenics station, and landmine

• Interchangeable 2:1 and 1:1 pulley ratios eliminate common loading limitations

• Built-in weight stacks are expandable, allowing for very heavy cable work

• Premium attachments, metal pulleys, pegboard storage, and integrated barbell/plate storage

• All features feel intentional, well engineered, and thoughtfully integrated

In daily training use, the B17 is simply enjoyable to train on. All movements feel smooth and controlled. The pulleys glide well, particularly in the 2:1 configuration, while the 1:1 ratio provides the resistance needed for heavier cable work.

The Smith machine is a standout component. Whenever you get the opportunity to train on a high quality Smith machine you realize that there are a myriad of movements that are suited exceptionally well to it, but if the unit isn't high quality then as far as I'm concerned it's not even worth using.

The Smith machine on the B17 is definitely worth using.

The linear bearing system allows for super smooth operation, and the spring-loaded bottom stoppers are a thoughtful touch when re-racking the weight.

Usage Score: 2.0 / 2.0

• Smooth, controlled feel across all movements, especially on the pulley system

• Smith machine stands out for its linear bearings and overall quality of movement

• Multi-grip pull-up bar and dip handles feel stable and well positioned

• Overall training experience feels closer to commercial equipment than typical home gyms

Value Score: 1.75 / 2.0

• Premium price point reflects the rack’s functionality and integration

• Additional bracing delivers excellent strength and stability

• Full 12-gauge construction throughout would further justify the cost

• Strong value for advanced home gym owners seeking a single comprehensive solution

🛒  Get the Major Fitness B17 Flying Fortress here ➜

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