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If you’re looking for a home gym setup, the Marcy MWM-4965 and MWM-990 are two popular options to consider.
The Marcy 4965 and 990 are both solid home gyms. But the 4965 gives you more options to bulk up your legs, offer more workout variety, and its taller design makes getting on easier. The 990 takes up less space, though, and is more straightforward to assemble. So, if your place is tiny or you just want to get started working out fast, the MWM-990 is your best bet.
Let’s check them out!
Marcy MWM-4965 vs 990: Quick Overview
Marcy MWM-4965
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The MWM-4965 is a versatile home gym that allows a variety of exercises targeting all major muscle groups. It’s more versatile and comprehensive than the MWM-990.
The maximum stack limit for the MWM-4965 is 150 lbs. However, the front press and low pulley may exceed 150 lbs, depending on the angle and orientation of your movements.
The center pulley and abdominal station allow you to work on the middle muscle sections. And the lower foot plate in the front lets you perform seated rows as an additional exercise.
Pros:
- The MWM-4965 supports over 45 exercise variations.
- The abdominal station allows you to target your midsection
- Excellent build quality and durability.
Cons:
- No preacher pad for exercises like bicep curls
- The MWM-4965 has a larger footprint and may prove unsuitable for small apartments.
Marcy MWM-990
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The MWM-990 is an ideal home gym for beginners looking to focus on their upper and lower bodies. It offers a maximum resistance limit of 150 lbs, which is enough for individuals starting out with basic weights.
It comes with a detachable preacher curl pad. So, you can add seated bicep curls to your workout quickly. You can also grab the pad for additional support when performing kickbacks and inner leg crosses.
This handy assembly manual makes it easy to set up and put together. Plus, the shorter length makes it occupy less space in your home. Basic components like the lat pulldown and the leg developer let you work your upper and lower body equally.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money and built for durability
- Dedicated exercises for upper and lower sections
- Additional preacher pad that’s detachable and comfortable.
- Reliable pulley system that delivers consistent performance.
Cons:
- There are no dedicated stations for targeting your midsection.
- Limited variety of exercises given the price range.
What is the Difference Between the Marcy MWM-4965 and 990?
Comparison Chart
| Specification | Marcy MWM-4965 | Marcy MWM-990 |
|---|---|---|
| Resistance limit | 150 lbs | 150 lbs |
| Dimensions | 72” x 38” x 78” | 68” x 36” x 78” |
| Upper Body | Lat pulldown bar | Lat pulldown bar |
| Middle | Abdominal station | – |
| Lower | Leg developer | Leg developer |
| Center Pulley | Yes | No |
| Footplate | Yes | No |
| Color | Matte charcoal | Matte black |
| Maximum weight | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Dual action arm press | Yes | Yes |
| Total weight | 260 lbs | 280 lbs |
| Warranty | 2-year warranty | 2-year warranty |
Design
Both the MWM-4965 and the 990 sport similar designs, with pulleys and cables exposed and a dry matte finish on top.
As mid-ranged home gyms, you can tell that aesthetics isn’t a top priority with either of these models.
However, the MWM-990’s matte black finish renders it more appealing and sleek, in my opinion.
Winner: Marcy MWM-990
Build Quality and Durability
Marcy Pro uses the identical build construction for both home gyms in this category. So, the alloy steel and 14-gauge tubular frame offer the same construction quality in both the MWM-4965 and the 990.
So, the durability will depend on your own maintenance and care. In this aspect, neither model comes out as the clear winner.
Winner: Tie
Features & Key Specs
The Marcy MWM-4965 and 990 both support a maximum resistance of 150 lbs and a user weight limit of 300 lbs.
Features for upper and lower body exercises are similar across both machines. However, the MWM-4965 sports an ab developer that targets muscle groups in your midsection.
So, the MWM-4965 emerges as the superior choice, given the additional features.
Winner: Marcy MWM-4965
Workout Variety
The MWM-4965 has over 40 different workouts, while the 990 only has around 34.
They both let you do popular lifts like seated bench pressing, triceps pushdowns, and seated bicep curls. But the 4965 also lets you do standing bicep curls, crunches, and single-arm cable rows.
Winner: Marcy MWM-4965
User Weight Capacity
Both Marcy Pro machines support a maximum user weight of about 300 lbs. So, the MWM-4965 and 990 remain on a level playing field in this aspect.
Winner: Tie
Space Requirement
The Marcy MWM-4965 takes up around 72″ x 38″ x 78″ of space. So, if you live in a small apartment or house, it might feel too big and get in the way.
The MWM-990 is smaller at about 68″ x 36″ x 78″. So, it gives you more room to move around and can fit better in tight spots.
Winner: Marcy MWM-990
Assembly and Maintenance
The MWM-4965 comes with additional assembly steps that can make it more challenging to put together alone. However, the MWM-990 is more straightforward to assemble as long as you refer to the manual correctly.
Winner: Marcy MWM-990
Safer to Use
The MWM-990 and MWM-4965 are both super safe to use. Their steel alloy frames can handle up to 300 pounds with no problem.
The pulleys are strong, and the seats are cushioned so you can work out comfortably. Both are built to last for years of safe, sturdy workouts.
Winner: Tie
Price
In most places, the MWM-990 and MWM-4965 have the same price. But with the 4965, you get way more exercises and features for your money.
So, even though the tags look the same, you’ll get more bang for your buck if you go with the MWM-4965.
Winner: Marcy MWM-4965
Warranty
Marcy Pro offers the same warranty for both machines. The MWM-4965 and 990 remain covered with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts for two years from the date of purchase.
So, you’ll have to weigh the other features to decide a winner in this case.
Winner: Tie
Marcy MWM-4965 vs. 990: What Are Users Saying?
Most people say the MWM-990 is great for beginners since it has decent resistance up to 150 lbs and enough workouts for newbies.
But more advanced users say more is needed for them.
Users praise the MWM-4965 for giving a killer full-body workout at home. However, some hardcore bodybuilders say even its 150 lb limit is too light for serious lifting.
The Final Verdict: Which One is the Winner?
The Marcy MWM-4965 and 990 are both awesome home gyms. Newbies can crush workouts on either one with no problem.
But since they cost about the same, the MWM-4965 beats out the 990 by a bit thanks to having more ab exercises and more workout variety overall.
So, if you want the absolute best home gym with the most exercise options, go with the Marcy MWM-4965.
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