The RitFit Gazelle Pro delivers a full-size leg press and hack squat machine at a price that normally belongs to compact sleds and hybrid units. At around one thousand dollars, it is the least expensive machine of its kind that still operates like a traditional full size setup. That price alone makes it worth examining, especially for lifters who want major lower body movements without spending commercial gym prices.
Assembly is one of the strongest points in its favor. The machine arrives in three FedEx boxes rather than freight. All hardware is labeled step by step, and RitFit provides a walkthrough video. Building it alone takes about three hours, which is far faster than most machines in this category. It also has transport wheels on the rear so it can be moved when unloaded. The frame uses lighter tubing but still handles five to six hundred pounds without stability issues.
The hack squat is where most users will start, and it performs well once a few limitations are addressed. Depth is the primary issue. At five feet eleven, the machine bottoms out before reaching an ideal end range of motion. Shorter lifters will feel this even more. Padding the shoulder area solves the issue by creating more clearance, and once adjusted, the hack squat feels strong. The forty five degree angle pairs well with reverse banding, which lightens the bottom of the movement and increases load at the top. The sled stays smooth even with uneven loading, which reflects good rail construction. The foot plate is small, though still usable.
Transitioning to the leg press takes only a few seconds by removing the back pad and moving the foot plate. Range of motion is not restricted. The main drawback appears with heavier loads. As the sled comes down, it pushes the user away from the pad. The built-in handles are linked to the safety mechanism, so pulling on them engages the safeties and disrupts the movement exactly when stability is needed most. Adding D-handles to the base of the frame provides a simple fix and makes the leg press far more secure.
The machine’s third function is the reverse hack squat. It works, but its depth limitations are even more restrictive. It is usable only in the top half of the range. It can mimic a machine-style good morning, but there are more effective ways to perform that movement.
Despite its shortcomings, the Gazelle Pro delivers impressive value. With a few simple adjustments, the hack squat becomes a strong movement, and the leg press performs well. The foot plates are small but adequate, and the overall smoothness is surprisingly good for the price. For anyone wanting a budget-friendly full-size leg press and hack squat, it is one of the best values available.
GymSmith helped with planning the machine’s placement, footprint, and plate loading access. Removing weight horns and checking spacing in advance made setup much easier.
This machine is not perfect, but at its price, it offers more capability than anything else in its category. With minor tweaks, most lifters will be able to get the full value from it.
Pros
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Very low price for a full-size leg press and hack squat
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Clear assembly with labeled hardware and video guide
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Smooth travel even when loaded unevenly
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Reverse band setup works well for the hack squat
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Easy transition between hack squat and leg press
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Removable weight horns help reduce footprint
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Strong value for lower body training
Cons
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Hack squat depth bottoms out early without modifications
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Foot plates are small
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Leg press handles are tied to the safeties, causing problems under heavy loads
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Reverse hack squat is limited and not very effective
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Lighter-gauge steel feels less robust than premium machines