Harbor Heavyweights HH80 Elite Half-Rack Review: Is This All-in-One Home Gym Worth It?
After six months of rigorous testing, we've compiled a comprehensive review of the Harbor Heavyweights HH80 Beatsoo Elite Half-Rack and Smith Machine trainer. This imposing all-in-one system combines a half rack, Smith machine, and dual 200-pound weight stacks into a formidable home gym solution that might just deserve your attention.
Build Quality and Design
The Harbor Heavyweights rack features solid construction with 3×3 11-gauge steel uprights and cross members—industry standard for quality strength equipment. The rack stands 93 inches tall (with an 86-inch option available for lower ceilings) and comes in three color options: black, red, and silver.
One important note about this rack's origins: it appears to be an off-the-shelf design that several companies rebrand with minor modifications. Companies like Bringsport, Vesta Fitness, and Vander USA offer nearly identical units. This isn't necessarily negative, but it's worth understanding that you're not getting a proprietary design built from the ground up.
In terms of quality tiers for all-in-one systems:
- C-Tier: Budget Amazon options (not recommended for safety reasons)
- B-Tier: Harbor Heavyweights, Vesta, etc. (solid construction but not proprietary designs)
- A-Tier: Rep Fitness, Rogue, Prime (premium experience with custom engineering)
Key Features
Smith Machine: The Standout Feature
The Smith machine is truly the highlight of this system. It features:
- Linear bearings that provide exceptionally smooth operation
- Quality knurling on the barbell for secure grip
- Multiple safety stops throughout the range of motion
- Option for counterbalanced (0 lb) or non-counterbalanced (45 lb) bar
While the Smith machine performs excellently, tall users (6ft+) may find height limitations when doing standing military presses. The bottom range is also somewhat limited for exercises like deadlifts, potentially requiring platform use.
Functional Trainer
The dual 200-pound weight stacks operate on a 2:1 ratio, effectively providing 100 pounds of resistance per side. The trolleys adjust easily on rollers and feature swivel capabilities with knurled handles.
The cable system, while functional, has some friction issues. The thick cables used create more resistance than ideal when routing through the aluminum pulleys. This isn't a dealbreaker, but it's noticeable compared to premium systems.
An important consideration: with the 2:1 ratio and limited weight, this system isn't ideal for heavy lat pulldowns or low rows despite the available attachments.
Pull-Up Station
The multi-grip pull-up bar offers several hand positions with knurling on select grips. Its design resembles higher-end equipment and provides a comfortable, secure grip for various pulling movements.
Included Accessories
The rack comes with several accessories:
- D-ring handles with quality knurling
- Two safety spotters
- J-cups (though the design could be improved)
- Magnetic pins (somewhat lacking in quality)
- Landmine attachment
- Six weight storage horns
- Rear accessory storage cross-member
One thoughtful inclusion is alternate cable lengths that allow users to position the Smith machine in front of or behind the weight stacks based on preference and available space.
Areas for Improvement
While the Harbor Heavyweights rack offers significant value, several elements could be better:
- J-cups: The current design doesn't provide enough plastic protection from the metal edges
- Magnetic pins: The protruding magnets can scratch equipment and don't feel particularly secure
- Cable system: The thick cables create unnecessary friction
- Smith machine height limitations: Restricted range for very tall users and low exercises
Final Verdict
Despite some drawbacks, the Harbor Heavyweights HH80 Elite Half-Rack delivers solid performance and value in the mid-tier all-in-one gym market. The exceptional Smith machine, sturdy construction, and comprehensive accessory package make it worth consideration for home gym enthusiasts who want multiple training options without purchasing separate pieces of equipment.
For those unable to afford premium A-tier options from companies like Rep or Rogue, this B-tier solution offers enough quality and functionality to support serious training for years to come. Just be prepared to potentially upgrade a few components like the J-cups over time.
