ATX® 45 Degree Leg Press

We originally built the BPR-650 with the intention of moving it on once we got it’s big brother the BPR-790. The BPR-650 was a completely new addition to the ATX range. It was not a re-design of an older version, and it featured some new design features not used by ATX previously.

We don’t have enough showroom space to have every machine set up all the time. Since leg presses take up a lot of space we thought we would just keep the BPR-790. I am not a massive 45 degree leg press fan and for years I never used them as my suppliers at the time didn’t have any.  My preference was squats and the compact leg press. However after setting up the BPR-790 the 650 is still here after at least a year and a half. If not longer.

This machine has earnt it’s spot purely because it is so easy and enjoyable to use. One of the best things about training with my kids is that I find out what equipment is best for beginners. Whether it be picking up the form or how easy it is to use. The BPR-650 is so much easier for the kids to use. I will elaborate more in greater detail

The BPR-650 saw the introduction of a whole new roller system. It is different to their previous leg machines and the current BPR-790 and CLP-700. Both these machines feature curved bearing driven rollers that operate on circular guide rails.

So I was intrigued by the release of this leg press that features flat rollers that roll inside the frame housing. The older versions with the curved nylon rollers worked great even in heavy use gym environments. I was curious why they would move to another system.

After using the machine for over a year now I know why. The rollers or castors are like ones you would see in an industrial application. They operate smooth and quiet. This part of the frame is made from 4mm thick steel. By using the inside as a housing you save on guide rails. Plus it has cleaner look while still being smooth under heavy loads.

At 700mm wide the footplate allows you to press with multiple foot positions. The steel bar that is welded along the top lip becomes a handle which you use as support for when you get in and out of the machine. It is a nice touch and just demonstrates the level of detail in the design.

Now my favourite part of the BPR-650 design is the start and stop mechanism. This is the main reason why this leg press is so easy to use. You start and stop at the same position. The mechanism operates off a handle which you push forward and backward.

In comparison most leg presses have multiple teeth which engage the weight carriage. So you have to push up slightly and pivot the teeth out of the way. Personal trainers will know what I am talking about here. When you are new to the machine or inexperienced it can be a little challenging. Plus at the end of the set when a beginner is fatigued they may panic when trying to re-rack the weight.

Look this is not a big deal. I have got this far in my life with training people and have had no issues with the traditional leg press design. But it does make the whole process a lot less frustrating and more enjoyable if you don’t have to hover around someone making sure they use the equipment properly.

Now the design is not without a downside. The start/stop position is in the same spot – meaning you can’t adjust it for height – it is designed for an average user size. If you are below 5ft 2” you may struggle to engage the weight carriage. But for the majority of people most will not have an issue.

I will add the nearly all gym equipment is designed for people of average dimensions. If you are really tall, really short or have freakishly sized appendages you may come across issues with a lot of gym equipment.

The design and build of the locking mechanism gets my juices flowing. This level of detail would have been unheard of in such an affordable piece of equipment in the past.

The latch is made out of thick laser cut steel plate which pivots on bearings. It is operated with one hand versus two handed operation which is standard on most leg presses. Even the handle pivots on bearings. Both mechanisms are connected by rods with ball joint ends.

The backrest is another feature that stands out. It is massive and contoured perfectly to your body. For me the best part is the angle adjustment system. Once again it is so simple and effective. It is a bearing driven pivot mechanism that requires only one hand to adjust. No spring pins, no noisy saw tooth system.

While you are sitting you can sitting the adjustable safety stop system. Simply drop the pin into a position that is slightly below your range of motion and you can go your hardest with complete safety.

Another handy feature is that the rear upright has the same holes and spacing as the ATX power rack range. So you can jazz up your leg press with some attachments. Not all fit, but if you are not sure which ones work just drop us a line and we can let you know.