Force USA 2-in-1 Leg Press and Hack Squat Review

This product was in-house tested by Michael at The Jungle Gym Reviews.

This is one of the few budget-friendly leg press and hack squat combo machines that actually delivers real range of motion on both lifts. The standout is the leg press design, which allows far deeper pressing than most combo units in this category. The main tradeoff is size—especially width—and a roller-based trolley that isn’t quite as smooth as linear bearings under very heavy loads. If you want maximum ROM at a reasonable price and can make the footprint work, this is a strong option. If space is tight or you expect commercial-grade smoothness, you may want to hesitate.

Quick Specs

Type: 2-in-1 leg press and hack squat combo

Max Load Capacity: 1,000 lb (manufacturer stated)

Leg Press Foot Plate: 24 in long × 17.5 in high

Hack Squat Foot Plate: 24 in long × 26 in high

Trolley System: Roller-based (top and bottom rollers)

Construction: Heavy-gauge steel frame

Price Range: ~$1,699 at time of review

Where to Buy the Force USA 2-in-1 Leg Press & Hack Squat

Check current pricing and availability from Force USA:

My Real-World Experience

I’ve spent time using this both as a hack squat and as a leg press, and the first thing that stands out is how much range of motion you actually get. On the hack squat, I’m able to hit depth without feeling artificially limited by the machine. I’m 6’2”, and there’s still extra adjustment available above my preferred shoulder pad position, which tells me taller lifters won’t be cramped here.

Switching between hack squat and leg press is straightforward. The back pad is removable and mounts using three metal knobs instead of pins, which makes the changeover quick. The downside is cosmetic—you can scratch the powder coat if you’re not careful—but functionally I’d take that trade for faster setup.

The leg press is where this machine really separates itself. Most combo units sacrifice leg press depth, but here the foot plate is mounted to the bottom of the trolley instead of flipping down from the top. In practice, that gives you dramatically more travel. Even pressing as deep as I realistically would, I couldn’t bottom the sled out. That’s rare on combo machines in this price range.

Training Use Cases

This machine shines for lifters who want heavy lower-body work without dedicating floor space to two separate machines. The hack squat works well for quad-dominant training with stable positioning, while the leg press allows deep knee flexion without joint compromise if you dial in the foot plate angle correctly.

Calf raises are also very workable. You can perform them directly from the leg press position or use the included calf block in hack squat mode. The ability to adjust ankle angle helps accommodate different biomechanics, which matters more than people think on machines like this.

Where this becomes unnecessary is if you already own a dedicated commercial-style leg press or hack squat. The value here is versatility and ROM per dollar, not replacing top-end standalone machines.

Tradeoffs & Limitations

The biggest compromise is the footprint. The machine is wide, and the top-mounted weight horns are bolted on and not removable. That makes it harder to fit into smaller gyms and limits layout flexibility. If those horns could come off, the machine would be significantly easier to place.

The trolley uses rollers instead of linear bearings. It’s smooth enough, but under heavy loads you can feel more friction compared to bearing-driven systems. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you’re used to the feel of commercial machines, you’ll notice the difference.

The calf raise block can wobble slightly due to normal tolerance around the receiver tube. Using the lowest setting minimizes this, but it’s something you’ll feel when loading heavy.

Value & Alternatives

At roughly half the price of many higher-end leg press and hack squat combos, this machine delivers where it matters most: usable range of motion and solid build quality. You’re trading some refinement—like bearing smoothness and modular weight horns—for affordability.

If you’re comparing categories, this sits firmly above ultra-budget combos that limit depth and below premium commercial units that cost two to three times as much. For most serious home gyms, that’s a reasonable compromise.

Who Should Buy This

This is a great fit for lifters who prioritize range of motion, want both hack squat and leg press in one footprint, and are building a serious home gym on a realistic budget.

Who Should Skip It

If space is extremely limited, or if you expect linear-bearing smoothness under maximal loads, this machine may feel like a compromise. Dedicated single-function machines may suit you better.

Final Verdict

For a combo unit, the range of motion alone puts this near the top of its class. As long as you can accommodate the size and accept a roller-based trolley, it delivers excellent lower-body training value for the price.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. This does not influence my opinions or evaluations.