Force USA G12 vs MuscleIQ Spartan Pro: Which All-in-One Rack Should You Buy?
The Force USA G12 V2 suits you if you want a counterbalanced Smith machine. The MuscleIQ Spartan Pro suits you if you need a rack built to your ceiling height, want up to 200kg stacks each side, and would like to spend less: it starts about £1,650 below the G12. Here's the full comparison, with every figure taken from each brand's own page on 22 October 2026.
Side by side
| Force USA G12 V2 | MuscleIQ Spartan Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £3,995 (Force USA UK) | From £2,339.99 to £3,599.99, depending on height, stacks and Smith |
| Height | 224cm, one size | 205, 215, 225 or 235cm, your choice |
| Footprint | 191cm wide × 143cm long | 120cm wide × 70cm deep (220cm × 100cm with Smith) |
| Weight stacks | 2 × 100kg, 1:1 | 2 × 120, 150 or 200kg, 2:1 |
| Most resistance at one handle | 100kg per side | 100kg per side (200kg stacks); 200kg on the linked lat pulldown and row |
| Smith machine | Included, counterbalanced | Optional, 20kg bar with safety stoppers |
| Leg press | Yes, converts from the Smith | Yes, with our leg press attachment on the Smith |
| Seated row | Low row footplate, row seat sold separately | Built-in seated row |
| Frame | Max load 450kg | 75 × 75mm, 3mm steel, max load 500kg |
Prices and specs checked 22 October 2026 on each brand's own site, or the retailer named. Check current prices before you buy.
What you get with the Spartan Pro
One frame replaces four machines: a power rack, a lat pulldown, a seated row and dual adjustable cables, plus a guided Smith machine if you add it. Every cable runs on a 2:1 ratio through aluminium pulleys for smooth, low-friction movement.
- Linked lat pulldown and seated row: both stacks link together, so with 200kg stacks you select up to 400kg, which is 200kg at the handle.
- Independent side cables: up to 100kg each at the handle for crossovers, rows and single-arm work.
- Heavy-duty frame: 75 × 75mm uprights in 3mm, 11-gauge steel, rated to 500kg.
- 1" holes at 50mm spacing: precise J-cup and safety heights, and a fit for MuscleIQ rack and cable attachments.
Where the Spartan Pro is stronger
- Built to your ceiling. Four heights from 205cm. The G12 comes in one height, 224cm, and Force USA advises 236cm of ceiling for pull-ups on it (Force USA).
- Bigger stacks. Up to 200kg each side, and you can link both stacks on the lat pulldown and row for 200kg at the handle.
- Heavier-rated frame. 500kg max load against 450kg.
- Seated row built in. The G12 has a low row footplate, but its row seat is sold separately.
- Lower price. From £2,339.99. Even fully specified at £3,599.99, it's still £395 less than the G12.
- Smaller footprint as a rack. 120 × 70cm without the Smith.
Ceiling height: check this first
The G12 stands 224cm in one size, and Force USA advises 236cm of ceiling for pull-ups on it. The Spartan Pro comes in four heights, so you match the rack to your room. As a starting point, allow at least 10cm above the rack for assembly, then measure from your finished floor (20mm gym mats take 2cm of headroom).
| Your ceiling | Spartan Pro height to consider |
|---|---|
| 2.15m to 2.24m | 205cm |
| 2.25m to 2.34m | 215cm |
| 2.35m to 2.44m | 225cm |
| 2.45m and above | 235cm |
Under 2.15m? Our Multi-Functional Power Rack starts at 183cm. Use our rack height calculator, or send us your measurements and we'll confirm the right height. For more on fitting a rack under a low ceiling, read our guide to custom height power racks.
Space and footprint
The G12 takes up 191 × 143cm, about 2.7m² of floor. The Spartan Pro takes 120 × 70cm as a rack (0.84m²), or 220 × 100cm with the Smith machine (2.2m²). Leave extra room around either one to load plates and use the cables.
Attachments and room to grow
The Spartan Pro builds out with attachments that fit its 1" holes:
- Leg press attachment on the Smith machine
- Leg Curl & Extension for quads and hamstrings
- Leg Rollers 2.0 and the Rack Mounted Leg Roller
- Cable handles and bars for every pulley
Moving to a room with a taller ceiling? The Spartan Rack Height Upgrade raises your rack with new uprights and guide rods, from £220, or £320 with the Smith machine.
For commercial gyms and PT studios
The Spartan Pro is built for home gyms, PT studios and commercial gyms. Its 75mm, 3mm steel frame is rated to 500kg, and linked stacks give up to 400kg selected on the lat pulldown and row. For more than one rack, or a full gym fit-out, see our commercial gyms page for project pricing.
1:1 vs 2:1: does the ratio matter?
The G12 runs 1:1, so 100kg on the stack gives 100kg at the handle. The Spartan Pro runs 2:1, so a 200kg stack gives 100kg at the handle, with twice the cable travel and smaller jumps between weights. At the top end, the resistance you feel is similar.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Spartan Pro if your ceiling is under 2.36m, you want heavy pulldowns and rows, or you want a seated row built in. Plus, you keep £400–£1,650 in your pocket. Comparing more options? See our guide to the all-in-one home gym machine.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Spartan Pro a good Force USA G12 alternative?
Yes, for home gym and commercial gym buyers. It has bigger stack options, a heavier-rated frame, comes in four heights and costs less.
Can I add a Smith machine to the Spartan Pro later?
No. You choose the power rack or the Smith machine version from the options when you order, so pick the setup you want at the start.
Does the Spartan Pro need bolting down?
No. The Spartan Pro doesn't need bolting down.
Can I make my Spartan Pro taller later?
Yes. The Spartan Rack Height Upgrade adds new uprights and guide rods, from £220, or £320 if your rack has the Smith machine.
Which Spartan Pro height should I choose?
Measure your lowest ceiling point and allow at least 10cm above the rack, then use the table above or our rack height calculator. If you're unsure, send us your measurements.
Is the Spartan Pro suitable for a commercial gym?
Yes. It's built for home gyms, PT studios and commercial gyms, with a 75mm, 3mm steel frame rated to 500kg.
