It is the end of 2025, and it is time to take a look at the best and worst home gym equipment I used this year. It has been a busy year of training, moving into a new house, and completely transforming my gym space. With all of that came the chance to test a wide range of equipment, some of which exceeded expectations and some that missed the mark. What follows is a clear breakdown of the standout winners and the biggest disappointments from 2025.
Starting with the best of the year, the number five spot goes to the Temple of Gainz Multiflight. This was a blind purchase that quickly became one of my favorite machines. It takes up very little space, uses a selectorized weight stack, and delivers the best lateral raise and low pec fly movement I have ever used. It is not cheap, coming in around $2,200, but it is a true premium machine that integrates easily into a home gym and gets used weekly.
At number four is the Kabuki Duffalo Bar. While not a new purchase, this bar earned its place after being reintroduced into my training following the move. Squatting regularly again, especially in a low bar position, made it clear how much stress this bar removes from the elbows and shoulders while still feeling natural and stable. Kabuki is no longer producing these bars, but if you can find one secondhand, it is a phenomenal addition.
Number three belongs to the Rep x Pepin Adjustable Dumbbells, commonly known as the Reppins. These dumbbells strike a near-perfect balance between speed, weight capacity, and feel. They adjust quickly, go up to 125 pounds, and feel like traditional dumbbells in use. While not flawless, they are used constantly and represent one of the most practical adjustable dumbbell solutions available.
The number two spot goes to the REP Fitness Dual Adonis. This machine anchors the back of the gym and gets used in nearly every training session. With six cable attachment points, built-in storage, and an impressive amount of functionality in a relatively compact footprint, it delivers unmatched versatility. Despite its size, it earns its place through constant use and thoughtful design.
The top spot for 2025 is a custom chest-supported row setup built from the Rogue Pritchett pad, the Force 6 Fitness T-BAR row handle, and the Exponent Edge landmine jack. This combination delivers a chest-supported T-bar row that rivals, and in some cases surpasses, standalone machines. The smoothness of the handle, adjustability of the pad, and ease of loading make it a standout setup that is difficult to beat.
On the worst side of the list, number five goes to the Evolpow vertical leg press attachment found on the M2B all-in-one gym. The overall machine has merit for the right user, but the leg press attachment itself is unstable, uncomfortable, and poorly executed, making it the weakest component of the system.
Number four is the hack squat depth on the RitFit Gazelle 3 in 1 Leg Press Hack Squat. While the machine is excellent for the price, the stock depth is lacking and requires padding modifications to feel right. It is not a dealbreaker, but it is a notable flaw.
At number three is the Dual Adonis build process. Assembling two units solo took fourteen hours across two days, not including the challenge of moving massive crates into a basement. The end result is worth it, but the process is demanding.
Number two goes to the tight tolerances on the Reppins dumbbells. Plates can occasionally bind or wedge, creating frustration during adjustments. It is the one significant drawback to an otherwise excellent product.
The number one disappointment of 2025 is the Titan Fitness Quick Slide J-hooks. These hooks damaged rack uprights due to unprotected metal-on-metal contact. Titan pulled the product quickly, and while the concept was excellent, the execution was flawed. A properly redesigned version could easily top a future best-of list.
That wraps up the best and worst of 2025. As always, feedback and discussion are welcome, and 2026 will bring even more testing, reviews, and refinement.