Because I workout alone in my house, I’m trying to determine the best solution for me. I want to push some exercises to failure (specifically bench press and squats). Therefore, for safety, I need a solution that will accommodate this approach. While I’d like to go for the Titan, I don’t think my wife is quite ready for that type of investment yet. So, basically, I’ve narrowed the search to a Powertec Power Cage or the WB-LS. What are the advantages of using free weights for the exercises the WB-LS provides (fyi, I already have a set of dumbbells)? I understand its “harder” to control the range of motion with free weights (although, harder isn’t always better). But in the past, I've always pushed myself more on a machine because I don’t have to concentrate on balance. What are your thoughts?

I've had a WB-LS for over a year and then I added a power rack. The WB-LS is a very well built machine. However, I recommend getting the power rack over the WB-LS. I lift alone on both and have no issue with safety. Both will protect you if you fail on a lift. It's easier on the WB-LS after failure because you don't have to reset the bar. I just enjoy lifting free weights more than using a machine. The range of motion feels better. Bench feels better and squats feel better. Now, I'm almost exclusively using the rack.

I have a cage and squatting and bench in private are safe because the 'oh-sh*t' bars are just below my normal bottom so that if I do fail I can essentially drop the weight on them. In the case of bench, the weight would fall on these above my neck (since chest is higher than neck and bar comes to chest, the safety bars are set below chest level and above neck).

Thanks for the input guys. In the past, I’ve noticed that most “serious” weight lifters in the gym seemed to prefer free weights. I assumed this was due to several reasons, such as…ability to fine tune technique, ability to fine tune the amount of weight lifted, it’s harder and works more muscles on a given exercise, tradition, influence of muscle mags, etc…. However, the Titan is very impressive and it’s basically a machine, right? I’ve always preferred doing bench presses and squats on a machine because I could completely forget about balance (not just for safety reasons). However, this preference may be due to the fact that it isn’t working me as hard as free weights would. And I may be getting less benefit therefore.

Thanks for the input guys. In the past, I’ve noticed that most “serious” weight lifters in the gym seemed to prefer free weights. I assumed this was due to several reasons, such as…ability to fine tune technique, ability to fine tune the amount of weight lifted, it’s harder and works more muscles on a given exercise, tradition, influence of muscle mags, etc…. However, the Titan is very impressive and it’s basically a machine, right? I’ve always preferred doing bench presses and squats on a machine because I could completely forget about balance (not just for safety reasons). However, this preference may be due to the fact that it isn’t working me as hard as free weights would. And I may be getting less benefit therefore.

I really do prefer a good power rack and bunch of specialty bars. I do not like lifting with machines and much prefer compound multi joint free weight exercises.

I’ve always preferred doing bench presses and squats on a machine because I could completely forget about balance (not just for safety reasons).

Balance comes from using your core muscles and all those little muscles surrounding the ones you are trying to focus on. If you let the machine balance for you, you aren't building any of those balancing muscles. Get the power cage.

Thanks for the replys. Your comments, and more reading on my part, has convinced me to go with the power cage. :)

Was haveing a conversation the other day with my girfriends brother..
When he did bodybuilding (pretty serious about it) he managed to stuff his knees.
The reason he put it down to is because he used exclusively machines, as has been said your not building the many muscles involved on keeping you from simply falling over + over time these muscles serve to protect your joints and keep everything lined up like it should be, the other factor is on a machine you will be able to cope with ALLOT more weight, more than your joints and ligaments can, the end result you know.

This was a good time ago, interesting to think it would probably not have happened now with site like this its very easy to get advice and research.

I use them because they are cheap (relatively) take up no real space and are extremely versatile Try here for plenty of ideas (http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html) there's not much you can't target with just dumbbells.

Try here for plenty of ideas (http://www.exrx.net/Lists/Directory.html) there's not much you can't target with just dumbbells.[/quote]

Great link.

Machines have their place too cuz they can isolate a muscle very easily. This is awesome for a lagging body part also they're good if your gonna train to failure or doing exhausting supersets like doing 10 reps of bench then 10 reps of chin ups with no little to no rest chances are your not gonna do all 10 chin ups so you do cable pulldowns instead. Freeweights help activate multiple muscles including supporting ones to help stabilize the weight thas why you'll look more symmetric using freeweights. I see way too many guys at the gym with huge chests but lagging arms and back because they do so many standing cable flies.