ATX Triplex Multi Gym Review (BTR) 4.5

Written By Aron Quinn

This review evaluates the ATX Triplex Multi Gym based on the Bench-Tested, five key criteria: Price (Value for Money), Functionality (Performance and Usability), Build Quality (Fit, Finish, and Durability), Space Efficiency (Footprint and Storage), and Versatility (Multi-Use Capabilities). The assessment relies exclusively on information from Australian-based retailers, primarily Sam's Fitness, with comparisons to the Powertec Workbench LeverGym from Macarthur Fitness Equipment.

Price (Value for Money)

Rating: 4.5/5

Evaluation

  • Price Point: The ATX Triplex Multi Gym is priced at $2,395.00 AUD at Sam's Fitness, a leading Australian fitness equipment retailer.

  • Comparison with Competitors:

    • The primary competitor, the Powertec Workbench LeverGym, is priced at $2,699.00 AUD at Macarthur Fitness Equipment.

    • The ATX Triplex is $304.00 AUD cheaper, offering a cost advantage.

      Price and Weight Capacity Comparison

      Product ATX Triplex Multi Gym | Powertec Workbench LeverGym

      Price (AUD) $2,395.00 | $2,699.00

      Lever Arms Capacity 250kg (551.16 lbs) | 226.8kg (500 lbs)

      Pulley Capacity 160kg (352.74 lbs) | 136.1kg (300 lbs)

  • Included Features: The ATX Triplex includes Olympic adaptors (4 x BB-OA-250-PVC) and a lever arm straight bar (ATX-G-2053), reducing the need for some additional purchases. Its commercial-grade FID bench supports 500kg with 15 adjustment positions. The Powertec Workbench LeverGym includes a lat pulldown bar, short triceps bar, extension chain, single handle, squat bar, and front tube adaptor, providing more cable-related accessories out of the box. However, the ATX Triplex’s higher weight capacities (250kg for lever arms vs. 226.8kg, 160kg for pulley vs. 136.1kg) make it more suitable for heavy lifters.

  • Additional Costs: The ATX Triplex requires separate purchases for cable attachments (e.g., lat bars, row handles), available from Sam's Fitness at "affordable prices," though exact costs are not specified. This could increase the total investment, potentially aligning its cost closer to the Powertec’s when fully equipped.

  • Long-Term Cost Savings: The ATX Triplex’s commercial-grade construction and 5-year warranty suggest durability, potentially reducing replacement costs. Its plate-loaded design allows use of standard Olympic plates, enhancing flexibility.

  • Customer Feedback: Reviews on Sam's Fitness praise its value, with one user stating it’s “super solid in build and really versatile” and another calling it the “best compact machine” they’ve used, suggesting strong perceived value.

  • Conclusion: The ATX Triplex offers excellent value at $2,395.00 AUD, being cheaper than the Powertec Workbench LeverGym while providing higher weight capacities. The need for separate cable attachments slightly tempers its value, but its robust features and customer satisfaction justify a 4.5-star rating.

Functionality (Performance and Usability)

Rating: 4.5/5

Evaluation

  • Primary Use Case Testing: The ATX Triplex is designed for full-body strength training, supporting exercises such as:

    • Upper Body: Lat pulldowns, seated rows, bicep curls, close grip bench press, upright rows, shoulder presses.

    • Lower Body: Squats, calf raises (with the straight bar attachment).

    • The lever arms provide constant tension for exercises like side laterals, while the high/low pulley system supports cable-based movements.

  • Ease of Use:

    • The detachable bench with 15 adjustment positions allows quick setup changes (e.g., flat to incline). The lever arms have 11 adjustment positions spaced 50mm apart, enabling precise customization.

    • Customer reviews highlight “smooth operation” and “easy adjustments,” with one noting “minimal side shift” during use, indicating intuitive operation.

    • The oversized footplate enhances stability for squats and standing exercises.

  • Compatibility: The plate-loaded design ensures compatibility with standard Olympic plates, integrating well with existing gym setups. The bench can be used separately with dumbbells, adding flexibility.

  • Limitations: One review mentions limited cable range of motion for exercises like side laterals or lat prayers, which may affect usability for specific movements.

  • Conclusion: The ATX Triplex performs exceptionally well across a broad range of exercises, with user-friendly adjustments and compatibility. The minor cable range limitation results in a 4.5-star rating.

Build Quality (Fit, Finish, and Durability)

Rating: 5/5

Evaluation

  • Materials and Craftsmanship: The ATX Triplex features a sturdy metal frame with industrial bearings, certified to EN 20957 I.II.IV – H standards, indicating commercial-grade quality.

  • Fit and Finish: Its all-black design (rebranded from the yellow MegaTec model) features high-quality welds and coatings, with no reported defects.

  • Durability Testing: The lever arms are rated for 250kg (125kg per arm), the pulley system for 160kg, and the bench for 500kg, indicating robustness for heavy use. The 5-year warranty supports its durability.

  • Customer Feedback: Users praise its “solid build” and “heavy-duty components,” with one noting its suitability for commercial environments.

  • Comparison: Compared to the Powertec Workbench LeverGym (lever arms 226.8kg total, pulley 136.1kg), the ATX Triplex’s higher capacities and commercial certification suggest superior durability.

  • Conclusion: The ATX Triplex’s high-quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and proven durability earn it a perfect 5-star rating.

Space Efficiency (Footprint and Storage)

Rating: 4.5/5

Evaluation

  • Footprint: The ATX Triplex has a footprint of 215 x 132cm and a height of 210cm, compact for a multi-gym. Compared to the Powertec Workbench LeverGym (206.8cm x 146cm x 207.5cm), the ATX is slightly longer but narrower, potentially fitting better in certain spaces.

  • Storage Options: The detachable bench frees up floor space when not in use, enhancing storage flexibility.

  • Setup Requirements: A ceiling height of at least 2.2m is needed for exercises like lat pulldowns, typical for home gyms but worth noting for low-ceiling spaces.

  • Customer Feedback: Reviews emphasize its space efficiency, with one user calling it the “best compact machine” for home gyms.

  • Conclusion: The ATX Triplex is highly space-efficient, with its detachable bench adding practicality. The 4.5-star rating accounts for potential ceiling height constraints.

Versatility (Multi-Use Capabilities)

Rating: 5/5

Evaluation

  • Exercise Variety: The ATX Triplex supports exercises including:

    • Lever Arm Exercises: Bench presses (flat, incline, decline), shoulder presses, rows, squats.

    • Pulley Exercises: Lat pulldowns, seated rows, bicep curls, tricep pushdowns.

    • Bench Exercises: Dumbbell presses, inclines, and free-weight movements.

  • Compatibility with Accessories: Expandable with cable attachments and bench add-ons, it includes resistance band pegs for additional training options.

  • Suitability for Fitness Levels: Adjustable settings cater to beginners and advanced users, with high weight capacities supporting heavy lifting. Reviews highlight its adaptability, with one user noting an “almost limitless variety of exercises.”

  • Customer Feedback: Professional bodybuilder Lee Priest has praised its versatility, with videos demonstrating its use for competition preparation.

  • Conclusion: The ATX Triplex’s extensive exercise options, accessory compatibility, and suitability for all fitness levels earn it a 5-star rating.

Purchase Information

  • The ATX Triplex Multi Gym is available for purchase in Australia from Sam's Fitness, offering competitive shipping rates and a 5-year warranty.

  • Note: Prices and availability may vary, so verify details with the retailer before purchasing.

Final Thoughts

The ATX Triplex Multi Gym is a top-tier choice for Australian home gym enthusiasts, offering excellent value at $2,395.00 AUD, $304.00 cheaper than the Powertec Workbench LeverGym at $2,699.00 AUD. Its superior weight capacities, included accessories (though cable attachments are sold separately), and commercial-grade build justify the investment for serious lifters. The machine’s functionality, space efficiency, and versatility make it suitable for a wide range of users, from beginners to advanced athletes. Customer reviews reinforce its value in the Australian fitness market, making it a compelling option for those seeking a compact, high-performance multi-gym.

Aron Quinn