Need some help please....

I'm looking to convert my spare room into a home gym and the plan was to get a smith machine - however I've heard a few bad things about them (e.g. not really free weights, can cause injuries, etc) and have been told to get a Power Cage (Rack) instead.

Must say, I've used the Smith in my local gym for a few years without any noticable negative effects - but I've never really lifted serious weights so it might be that I've just haven't really put it to the test.

I've never used a power cage before so I can't really compare.

With the home gym, I plan to train for more seriously than before.....does anyone have any thoughts about whether I should go for the Smith or the Cage?

If Cage, can anyone recommend one (budget up to around £1000)?  If you can also recommend any good online (UK) dealers that would be good too.

Cheers,

Almac.

If it was me.... power rack, you cant beat dead weight!  8)

exactly the same as keiko, power rack all the way got free movement then not just straight up and down, jus make sure u put the stop bars in for squats etc.

Thanks for taking the time to reply guys.

Going to check out the Power Cages on the market - will let you know how I get on.

Cheers

Almac.

Just out of interest - the two smith machines I was considering were:

Powerline Smith Gym

http://www.bodysolid.co.uk/asp/prodtype.asp?prodtype=353&PT_MasterCategory=y


IronMaster IM2000 Self Spotting Smith System

http://www.ironmaster.com/store/IM2000-Self-Spotting-System-c-10.html

Does anyone have any thoughts or feedback on these?

Thanks again,

Almac.

Im a bit of a loner in general and i prefer to train alone so for me i would say the self spotter!

I think IFBB Pro Lee Priest has one of these at home... it must work!   :P

definatly power rack. ive got a one set up in  my shed with saftey rack etc. i used to train on a smith machine and my shoulders still fucked a bit now. cant do flyes  and certain movemts  incline etc. im pretty certain its down to the smith machine.