ATX® Squat Calf Machine 600
$1,235.00
Item No: ATX-SQM-600
Out of stock
DESCRIPTION
| Weight | 105 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 150 × 90 × 52 cm |
| Weight | 79kg |
| Weight Load Capacity | 250kg |
| Footprint | 142x130cm |
| Height | 144cm |
| Certification | EN 20957 I.II.IV – H |
The ATX Squat Calf Machine 600 (ATX-SQM-600) is your compact, German-engineered gem, delivering squats, calf raises, and Viking presses in a tiny 130cm x 130cm footprint. With a 160kg load capacity, it’s perfect for home gyms or PT studios, offering a safe, ergonomic way to hammer quads, glutes, calves, and delts without a power rack. At just $1,300, it’s a steal compared to the old SQM-650 that went for $1,600 pre-COVID.
Why You Need This:
Three-in-One Power: Smash leverage squats, standing calf raises, and Viking presses for legs, calves, and shoulders in one machine.
Space-Saving Bargain: Ultra-compact 130cm footprint fits tight garages, with a continuous pad to ease shoulder strain.
Budget-Friendly Quality: 160kg rating suits most lifters, offering commercial-grade build at a fraction of the cost of the SQM-700.
Key Features:
160kg Load Capacity: Sturdy steel frame handles up to 160kg, ideal for light to moderate lifters (Olympic plates, 50mm bore).
Continuous Shoulder Pad: Reduces strain during squats and Viking presses, comfier than older models.
Wide Footplate: Extra room for taller users or varied stances, enhancing quad, glute, or calf focus.
Adjustable Safety Stops: Two settings for easy entry/exit and safe training to failure.
Smooth Leverage Action: Ergonomic design with a long lever arm for natural, joint-friendly movement.
Multi-Grip Viking Press: Targets delts with safe, effective shoulder presses, no spotter needed.
What’s Included? ATX® Squat Calf Machine 600 (ATX-SQM-600)
Please note the pictures may feature optional attachments or items which are not included with the unit, this is to show the possible configurations/use of the unit.
Sam’s Review
Normally I start off these reviews by telling you how great an ATX machine is. However, this is a machine that I wasn’t impressed with straight away. I actually contacted ATX to confirm that there were no issues with the design.
The reason I was not impressed was because when I first set up a machine, I like to really push it through it’s paces. In this case I threw my knee sleeves on and loaded it up. However once I got over the 160kg mark the machine did experience some flexing.
If you watched my of the ATX-SQM-700 I mentioned that both the old Powertec and Megatec Leverage Squat Calf Machines did experience flexing. So flexing is not uncommon in a machine like a leverage squat – squats are an exercise that you can lift a fair amount of weight. Secondly the weight is suspended at height.
The ATX-SQM-700 was redesigned to eliminate the flex. So I guess that I was hoping that the new SQM-600 design also eliminated it too. In hindsight my concerns were exaggerated by the fact that we have this machine on a mezzanine floor. When the machine is loaded up, the plywood sheets flex which amplifies any flex in the machine.
Review of the ATX-SQM-700 Lever Arm Squat Pro/Viking Press
IT GREW ON ME
Now it has been nearly 2 years since I set up this machine and raised my concerns with ATX. Yet the machine has still stayed. After that initial trial if you asked me it would still have been here I would have said not a chance. Normally I wouldn’t import a machine that I didn’t like, let alone take up precious space in our showroom.
There is no other way to put it, it has grown on me. Let me explain why.
VIKING PRESS
The machine gets used just as much for viking press as it does for leg exercises. Since getting both of the new ATX leverage squats, the viking press has become one of the favourite shoulder exercises for everyone here. It is so easy to set up and feels great.
Due to shoulder issues, I rarely shoulder pressed using any style before – dumbbell, barbell, smith machine. But now I do them all the time. The leverage format makes it easier to focus on working the delts. I could do leverage shoulder press on the multi press, but I find doing them standing makes it easier to get into the correct position.
STANDING CALF RAISE
Now I would never recommend buying this machine because you can do standing calf raises. You can do them so many other ways using much cheaper equipment or for free using a step and bodyweight. However, having the machine here has just made it easier. Especially when we have multiple people training.
GLUTES
Now I am not massive into booty training. The Nordic Curl Bench and backward sled work are now regulars in my workout. But I don’t go much further than that.
However at the end of my leg workouts I started using this machine for some light squats. What I found that after doing Nordic Curls, some deep, light squats really gave the glutes a real workout.
ROWS
We have plenty of machines that we can do a leverage row on. Now this would not be my first choice, but you can do a decent row on this machine. Personally I just use it to finish my back workout with light weight and plenty of reps.
Plus I have seen on social media people doing a leverage chest press too.
QUALITY
Despite my concerns, the machine has not come close to failing in any way. Despite it being a lighter duty machine, it is still great quality.
To put it into perspective it utilises many of the same parts and designs that are featured on the squat station of the MSX-700. The MSX-700 is rated for commercial usage, while the SQM-600 is rated for home use.
ATX-MSX-700 Multiplex Multi Gym
The shoulder pads are one piece which are a significant upgrade on the previous models. The lever arm has also had a make over. The bracing and the bearings are extremely heavy duty. Here is a PT studio in Italy using one.
It is still the same ATX quality, they have just built it for it’s intended use. The SQM-700 is the machine that has been over engineered.
WHO IS THIS MACHINE FOR
The ATX-SQM-600 is an example of how ATX have different grades for different users. For example they have (overlay images of the different power racks) 500, 600, 700 & 800 series power racks. So this machine is for people that the SQM-700 is overkill for.
Not everyone is going to squat over 160kg, so why pay for a machine that does. I guess there is where I was conflicted. Gym equipment is way more affordable than say cars. With 3 kids we decided to get a KIA Sorento. I would have much rather got a Toyota Land but they are much more expensive. I would rather my kids trash a Sorento vs a Land Cruiser.
However the price difference between the SQM-600 & SQM-700 is nowhere near the difference between the car example. So my natural inclination is to get the better one. But if you are always going to be a light user then you can save some money.
ATX-SQM-700
These days the percentage of female customers is growing constantly. Woman are now setting up home gyms and trying to get their fellas into training – before it was always a battle for most blokes to get their gyms approved by the Minister of War & Finances.
Now I am not saying that all women are light squatters. But what I will say is that women are often smarter trainers than men and won’t sacrifice form to lift more weight.
Plus follow the Glute Guru and you will see that a leverage squat machine can be used for more than squats.
FINAL WORD.
Another common theme I mention often is inflation. The price of everything including gym equipment has increased since covid. We used to sell the old SQM-650) for $1,600. So an ATX leverage squat for $1,300 in 2024 is a great deal for the right person.
We bitch and moan about prices in Australia. Trust me, relative to the average income, gym equipment is more expensive in many parts of Europe. So it is a clever move by ATX to offer differing grades to their European customers.
You can choose the model of machine that best suits your needs. If you are a heavy lifter get the SQM-700. If you are not, you can save some money by getting the SQM-600
Bill Gilmore –
This is an excellent machine for targeting the quads, glutes and hamstrings. For deltoids you won’t find better than the viking press. Being able to do rows is a bonus.
I am a bit tight on space so I took 70mm off the weight horns. And I can still get 6 x 10kgs plates on each side but can now move around the gym easier.
Sam is not BS artist as everything he said in the video was fair dinkum.
My mate Les tried mine and went down and got one for his own gym.