ATX Iso-Lateral Biceps Blaster (Preacher Curl) BBM-700

ATX Iso-Lateral Biceps Blaster BBM-700

If you've watched my video on the original ATX BBM-670, you'll know I've always rated it as one of the best-value biceps machines available. In fact, it's been one of my favourite ATX products for years because it offers both machine curls and traditional preacher curls from one compact piece of equipment.

The new BBM-700 builds on that excellent platform rather than reinventing it.

I was fortunate enough to try the prototype before production, and ATX have made exactly the improvements I'd hoped for.

The headline feature is the coupling system.

With a quick flick of the locking bolt, the lever arms work together as a traditional bilateral curl machine. Pull the bolt out and each arm moves independently, allowing true iso-lateral training, alternating repetitions, unilateral work and assisted negatives. It's a simple idea, but one that makes the machine considerably more versatile than its predecessor.

The second improvement is one you'll appreciate every time you train.

The new stainless steel rotating handles feel superb in the hands, providing excellent grip while naturally rotating throughout the movement for a comfortable, joint-friendly curl. Combined with ATX's double-bearing lever system and excellent strength curve, every repetition feels exceptionally smooth.

Like the BBM-670, the BBM-700 still gives you two machines in one.

Use the guided lever arms for controlled, heavy curls with a perfectly matched resistance profile, or rack up your straight bar or EZ bar and perform traditional preacher curls. If you're limited on space, that's a huge advantage over buying separate machines.

Everything else you'd expect from ATX is here too:

• Independent or connected lever arms via quick-lock coupling bolt
• Premium stainless steel rotating handles
• Exceptionally smooth, double-bearing lever action
• Adjustable preacher pad to suit different users and training styles
• Seven-position adjustable seat
• Nine-position barbell rack for straight or EZ bars
• Olympic (50mm) weight sleeves
• Resistance band pegs for accommodating resistance
• Commercial EN20957 Class S certification
• Compact footprint (850mm wide by 1110mm deep) that's equally at home in commercial gyms, PT studios or premium home gyms.

The BBM-670 remains a fantastic option if you're looking for outstanding value and don't need iso-lateral movement. However, if you want the flexibility of both connected and independent arm training, plus the upgraded finish and feel, the ATX Iso-Lateral Biceps Blaster BBM-700 is a genuine step forward.

It's one of those machines that looks fairly simple until you use it. Then you realise just how well the movement has been engineered, and why it's become one of my favourite pieces in the ATX range.