Commercial Smith Machine MPX-780

The ATX Commercial Smith Machine MPX-780 represents the latest evolution of ATX’s long-standing multipress platform, replacing the previous 15+ year Barbarian Line / MPX-730 design. While the core philosophy remains unchanged - robust construction, smooth mechanics, and true commercial durability - the MPX-780 introduces several notable design updates that experienced users will appreciate.

Manufactured by ATX, the MPX-780 is engineered for high-use commercial gyms, strength & conditioning facilities, and premium training spaces.

Key Design Difference: Smith Bar Reracking Orientation

One of the most distinctive changes with the MPX-780 is the Smith bar reracking direction.

The MPX-780 reracks facing into the rack, which is the most common Smith machine configuration across the wider commercial market.
Historically, many ATX racks and earlier multipress designs reracked facing outward.

This is not a performance improvement nor a downgrade - simply a different orientation. Most users will never notice, but for experienced lifters and gym owners familiar with older ATX layouts, it is an important and intentional design change to be aware of.

Improved Olympic Plate Storage

Where the MPX-780 clearly advances beyond the older design is in its integrated Olympic plate storage:

Better spacing between storage pegs
Improved loading and unloading ergonomics
Cleaner organisation of plates on the rear uprights

This results in a tidier footprint, faster plate changes, and improved usability in busy gym environments.

ATX Smith Bar Excellence (Unchanged for Good Reason)

ATX have long been recognised for producing excellent Smith machine bars and mechanisms, and the MPX-780 continues that tradition without compromise:

Brilliantly knurled Smith bar with clear Olympic-style ring markings
Bar weight close to a standard Olympic barbell (approximately 20 kg), giving a familiar and predictable feel
High-quality bearing housing slabs for exceptionally smooth, consistent bar travel
Controlled, confidence-inspiring movement under load - one of ATX’s strongest technical advantages

This is an area where ATX consistently excels, and the MPX-780 is no exception.

Construction & Features

Heavy-duty 70 × 70 × 3mm steel frame for commercial stability
Smith machine + half rack functionality in one compact footprint
Integrated pull-up bar for bodyweight training
J-hooks and adjustable safety spotter arms included (half rack frontage!)
Laser-cut numbering for fast, repeatable adjustments
Designed and tested for continuous commercial use

Specifications

Frame: 70 × 70 × 3 mm steel
Dimensions: Approx. 122 / 200cm (W) × 168cm (D) × 219.5cm (H)
Machine Weight: Approx. 180kg
Maximum Load Capacities: Smith Bar: approx. 200kg, J-Hooks: approx. 250kg, Safety Spotter Arms: approx. 200kg
Plate Compatibility: Olympic 50mm
Finish: Matte black powder coat
Certification: EN 20957 I.II.IV-S
Warranty: 3 years

Note: Olympic barbell (excluding smith bar), weights, and collars sold separately!

Summary

The ATX MPX-780 is a modernised evolution of a proven platform. The reracking orientation is simply different to older ATX designs - something that only the most detail-focused users will notice - while the plate storage layout and overall usability are meaningfully improved. Combined with ATX’s industry-leading Smith bar quality, the MPX-780 remains a premium, dependable choice for serious training facilities.

ATX have long been recognised for producing excellent Smith machine bars and mechanisms, and the MPX-780 continues that tradition without compromise:

Brilliantly knurled Smith bar with clear Olympic-style ring markings
Bar weight close to a standard Olympic barbell (approximately 20 kg), giving a familiar and predictable feel
High-quality bearing housing slabs for exceptionally smooth, consistent bar travel

This is an area where ATX consistently excels, and the MPX-780 is no exception.

Q&A

Question: What’s the main design change compared to older ATX multipress models like the MPX-730? Short answer: The MPX-780 reracks facing into the rack rather than outward. This is a layout change, not a performance upgrade or downgrade, and aligns the machine with the most common Smith orientation in commercial gyms.

Question: Does the new reracking orientation affect how the machine performs? Short answer: No. ATX notes it’s neither a performance improvement nor a downgrade - just a different orientation. Most users won’t notice the change, though it’s relevant for those accustomed to older ATX setups.

Question: How is the Olympic plate storage improved on the MPX-780? Short answer: It features better spacing between storage pegs, improved loading/unloading ergonomics, and cleaner plate organization on the rear uprights. The result is a tidier footprint, faster plate changes, and smoother use in busy gyms.

Question: What makes the MPX-780’s Smith bar and mechanism stand out? Short answer: It retains ATX’s proven Smith system: a well-knurled bar with Olympic-style ring markings, an approximate 20 kg bar weight for a familiar feel, and high-quality bearing housing slabs that deliver exceptionally smooth, controlled travel under load.

Question: Is the MPX-780 suitable for commercial use, and what key specs and features should I know? Short answer: Yes, it's designed and tested for continuous commercial use. It has a heavy-duty 70 × 70 × 3mm steel frame, combines Smith machine and half rack functionality, includes an integrated pull-up bar, J-hooks, adjustable safety spotter arms, and laser-cut numbering. Specs include approx. 122 / 200 cm (W) × 168 cm (D) × 219.5 cm (H), 180 kg machine weight, load capacities of 200 kg (Smith bar), 250 kg (J-hooks), 200 kg (spotter arms), 50mm Olympic plate compatibility, matte black powder coat, EN 20957 I.II.IV-S certification, and a 3-year warranty.