The PowerTec Deluxe WB-FTD16 is a functional trainer that can be compared in terms of features with the Body-Solid S2FT. However, it does not include any weight plates or weight stacks but can be loaded with 2″ Olympic plates. It’s definitely a solid machine worth putting on your list if you’re looking for a top-quality functional trainer.
Although the PowerTec Deluxe WB-FTD16 is a strength training machine made for home use, its frame and overall construction is at least light-commercial grade quality. The unit features a heavy-duty frame made of 12-gauge steel bars. The rear bars and the base bars are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish, black in color, while the front bars and the weight carriage guide bars have a chrome finish.
The fully assembled trainer weighs more than 340 lbs (154 kg) without any weights. It actually does not include any weights; the weight stacks are sold separately and for the carriages, you should use your own weight plates. This being said, with or without any weights loaded, this functional trainer provides superior stability. Its base bars are also finished with large circular steel pads that add to its overall stability. Plus, each pad has anchoring holes drilled into it in case you want to fix it to the floor.
The PowerTec Deluxe WB-FTD16 functional trainer is not extremely large but does offer plenty of width. It is 79.5″ (202 cm) wide, and 46.5″ (118 cm) deep, so it offers plenty of workout space; you’ll never feel crammed inside it. It’s not extremely tall, though. It measures only 82.3″ (209 cm) in height, so it fits in a room with a 7′ ceiling. However, it is not recommended assembling and using it in a room with a 7′ ceiling as you won’t have enough clearance above for the correct execution of chin-ups or pull-ups.
The front bars for the machine feature 20 adjustment positions for the mobile pulleys. The distance between the adjustment holes is approx. 3″ (7.6 cm). The two mobile pulleys can swivel 180° on their axis allowing the execution of multiple exercises. All the pulleys integrated into this functional trainer have internal ball bearings for smooth usage. Also, the included cables are rated for much more than the 500 lbs (226.7 kg) weight rating of each carriage.
The unit’s top section is equipped with a chin-up workout station. It consists of two curved handles that offer the possibility to perform close grip, wide grip or parallel grip pull-up or chin-ups. They’re rubberized to reduce hand abrasion. Their weight capacity is 400 lbs (181.4 kg), so you can also perform weighted pull-ups.
This PowerTec functional trainer includes several accessories. To begin with, it comes with the two D-handles for the side pulleys. A long bar that can be attached to both side pulleys is also included; this allows the execution of chest presses, lat pull-downs, tricep presses, and more. Plus, the unit also includes ankle cuffs for leg abductions or adductions, back kicks, etc.
As opposed to various other functional trainers, such as the BodyCraft HFT or the Inspire Fitness FT2, the PowerTec Deluxe WB-FTD16 doesn’t include any weights. However, a weight stack set from PowerTec is optionally available for it.
The trainer is equipped with two weight carriages featuring 2″ thick horns (or pegs), so you can load them with your own Olympic weight plates. The 2″ horns are removable, though, and you can also opt for 1″ horns for Standard weight plates.
Each carriage is rated for a weight capacity of 500 lbs (226.7 kg). This is not bad at all for a non-commercial machine. Many other trainers only offer a capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). The two weight carriages are independent from each other. Each one has a weight ratio of 2:1. This means that if you load one with 100 lbs (45.3 lbs), you will get 50 lbs (22.6 kg) of weight resistance.
Needless to say, some of these exercises require extra accessories, such as benches or short bars, which are not included.
The PowerTec Deluxe WB-FTD16 functional trainer requires full user assembly. Since it comes in several heavy boxes, its transport and assembly require two people. The assembly task isn’t too complicated and the manual provides clear step-by-step instructions. However, due to the many parts, it will most definitely take several hours. Also, during assembly, it is recommended to lubricate the pulleys.
Once the unit is assembled, maintenance doesn’t require much. In case the pulleys become squeaky, they will need re-lubrication. The carriage guide bars may also need some greasing from time to time. Other than this, you only have to keep the unit clean and periodically check for loose bolts.
The PowerTec Deluxe WB-FTD16 is a functional trainer equipped with two weight carriages designed for Olympic (2″) weight plates, but it is also compatible with several PowerTec weight stack packs. Its carriages can hold up to 500 lbs (each), and its chinning station is rated for 400 lbs. It’s a durable trainer, great for a wide array of exercises and users of all levels. And finally, it’s not the most affordable but does offer light-commercial quality even if it’s a trainer designed for home use.
