Inspire FT1 vs FT2: Is the Smith Machine Worth the Extra £1k?
A detailed comparison of the two most popular premium home functional trainers.
Choosing between the Inspire Fitness FT1 and FT2 is the most common dilemma for premium home gym buyers in the UK. Both machines share the same legendary 'Inspire' cable smoothness and lifetime residential warranty, but they serve very different training styles. The FT1 is a pure functional trainer; the FT2 is a complete all-in-one gym with an integrated Smith machine.
In this guide, we break down exactly what you get for the extra investment and which machine fits your specific training goals.
The Main Event: The Integrated Smith Machine
The defining difference is the FT2's integrated Smith bar. Unlike traditional Smith machines that require heavy Olympic plates, the FT2's bar connects directly to the weight stacks. This means you can squat, bench, and row without ever touching a loose plate. The FT1 lacks this entirely—it is 100% cable-driven.
Footprint & Room Requirements
Despite the extra functionality, the FT2 isn't dramatically larger. It is wider (155cm vs 135cm) and slightly deeper. Both fit comfortably in a 2.4m ceiling height room. However, the FT2 requires the specific Inspire SCS bench to unlock all its features, whereas the FT1 works well with any quality adjustable bench.
Resistance & Weight Stacks
Both come with dual weight stacks. On the FT2, the Smith bar features a weight multiplier, effectively doubling the resistance for heavy compound lifts like squats. This makes it a much better choice for those focusing on pure strength and muscle mass.