Many gym and fitness clubs across the globe had to close down temporarily, some permanently to prevent the spread of COVID-19. As a result of these continuing lockdowns and periodic government restrictions, a huge demand for home fitness equipment is on the rise.
In choosing the best equipment to replicate the gym experience at home, we take a look at Gold’s Gym XRS 50 and Gold’s Gym XR 55, to determine which one would best compliment your home workout routine.
Both XRS 50 and XR 55 are quite similar models that offer strength training targeting main muscle groups in your body, with the former just lacking a few attachments and includes a slightly lighter weight stack. These home gym machines have a reasonable price that can perform more than 35 exercise variations.
If you’re interested to know more about Gold’s Gym XRS 50 and XR 55, keep reading and we will provide you an in-depth comparison between the two products.
Table of Contents
TLDR: Gold’s Gym XR 55 and XRS 50
Gold’s Gym XRS 50
Product Description
The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 is not as large when fully assembled compared to other home gyms. Its corrosion-resistant painted heavy-duty steel frame has a footprint of just approximately 64” L x 38” W with a height of 78.7”.
You need to choose a semi-permanent spot for this gym machine at home when assembling it as it will weigh close to 300lbs. The weight itself already provides ample stability for the machine.
This model features 13 heavy-duty pulleys and ball bearings that are made of tough materials designed to outlast the average wear and tear.
Its three main cables are designed to handle at least 2-3 times more weight than its actual weight stack. Its seat and backrest, with foam pads, can withstand a user weight of 300lbs.
The Gold’s Gym XRS 50 comes with a lat bar, a D-handle, and extension chain accessories.
Pros
- Able to perform over 35 exercise variations
- Up to 280lbs of weight resistance
- Overall body strength training design consists of 3 main workout stations: high pulley, front & fly press, and low pulley with leg developer attachment.
- With 112 lbs vinyl weight stack
- Not high maintenance.
- Quiet operation
- Easy to follow the manual instruction
Cons
- Non Adjustable seats
- Not upgradable weight stacks.
- No ankle cuff
–Click for current price and availability.
Gold’s Gym XR 55 Home Gym
Product Description
The Gold’s Gym XR 55 does eat up some space but it’s not the largest one out there. It’s designed to provide you more than 36 exercise variations and allows a full range of motion for all exercises.
Given its weight of more than 300lbs when fully assembled, it’s pretty obvious that it’s not designed to be moved around, so you need to choose a semi-permanent spot for this gym machine at home when assembling it.
This model features a sturdy frame construction and should be able to handle users weighing around 300lbs. It also features heavy-duty nylon pulleys like most gym machines with sealed ball bearings designed to last a long time.
Its seat and backrest, with foam pads, has 3 adjustable positions. It also comes with a padded adjustable preacher curl attachment so you can work on those biceps comfortably.
The XR 55 model features 6 workout stations: Curl pad attachment, Pec fly station, Chest press station, High-pulley station, Low-pulley station, and Leg attachment.
This model has a weight stack resistance made out of 10 high-density cement weight plates rather than cast iron like what most home gyms have. The design is very durable and can withstand prolonged use just like the cast iron, thanks to its vinyl shell encasement.
The Gold’s Gym XR 55 doesn’t require much maintenance other than periodic greasing should any squeaks develop over time.
Pros
- Able to perform over 36 exercise variations despite having a reasonable footprint for a home gym machine
- Up to 330lbs of weight resistance
- Overall body strength training design consists of six (6) main workout stations: Curl pad attachment, Pec fly station, Chest press station, High-pulley station, Low-pulley station, and Leg attachment.
- Not high maintenance
- Quiet operation
- Manual for assembly instruction is straightforward
- Adjustable seat, backrest, and preacher curl pad
- Provides maximum comfort with its thick and durable vinyl upholstery
Cons
- Weight stack is not upgradable
–Click for current price and availability.
In-Depth Expert Fitness Comparison: Gold’s Gym XRS 50 vs XR 55 Home Gym
Specifications
Gold’s Gym XRS 50
Dimensions: 64L x 38W x 78.7H inches (163L x 97W x 200H cm)
User Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Weight Stack: 112 lbs (50.8 kg)
Max Weight Resistance: 280 lbs (127 kg)
Possible exercises: 35+
Gold’s Gym XR 55 Home Gym
Dimensions: Length: 6 ft.5 in Width: 3 ft. 7 in Height: 6 ft. 11 in. (196L x 109W x 211H cm)
User Capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Weight Stack: 125 lbs (56.6 kg)
Max Weight Resistance: 330 lbs (149.6 kg)
Possible exercises: 36+
Quality and Durability
Both Gold’s Gym XRS 50 and XRS 55 are made of heavy-duty steel frame with a corrosion-resistant paint finish.
Who is it best for?
Both Gold’s Gym XRS 50 and XR 55 are a great choice for someone who is looking for gym equipment that offers a total body workout at the comfort of your home.
However, Gold’s Gym XR 55 is a better option for taller users since its seat and backrest are adjustable and can provide a fuller range of motion.
What Do People Say About It?
Amazon
XR 55 has a good rating on Amazon.
Cassie from the United States wrote: “We weren’t sure about this home gym because of the price. But don’t let that fool you. It’s been a GREAT value for the money. Very sturdy and works smoothly. A lot of ppl reviewed it as hard to put together, no issues there. No harder than anything else you have to build from boxes.”
Another review made by AJ wrote: “Easier to put together than I thought it would be.”
YouTube
A review made by Dan about XR 55 and said that: “the built quality of the machine is really good” but point out that he wished that the cross member on top of the machine could have been extended.
The Verdict: Which One is Better?
Both Gold’s Gym XRS 50 and XR 55 are ideal for strength training exercises which offer the possibility to perform more than 35 exercises targeting the most important major muscle groups.
While XRS 50 features 3 main workstations and the XR 55 model has 6 workstations, both machines are not designed for heavy weightlifters due to their maximum weight resistance limit of 280lbs for XRS 50 and 300lbs for XR 55.
But for most intermediate and beginner users, their maximum limit already provides ample weight stacks that can be used on a daily routine workout.
However, if you prefer the cheaper home gym equipment, I think XRS 50 would already be sufficient as it can already provide full range motion and about 35 workout variations.
Nonetheless, If you’re taller, XR 55 would be a better choice as they have adjustable seats which can provide a fuller range of motion.
–Price and availability for XR 50
–Price and availability for XR 55
If you like this article, make sure to check out our other articles at ExpertFitness.org.
Nathan Lloyd, MSc
LICENSED PERSONAL TRAINER
I’m a personal trainer, based in Boulder, Colorado.
I service clients physically in the Boulder area, mainly in the ONE Boulder Fitness Gym, but am also available for online consulting and coaching.
If you’re interested in my personal coaching programs, please contact me via the contact page.