JUNE 25, 2022 BY JOZEPH P

WHAT ARE THE BEST CROSS-TRAINERS FOR HOME USE?

best-calf-raise-machines

Image Credits: heartnsoul

Buying Guide for Calf Machines

Quality: When it is about your health, we should not settle for a low-quality product. All of the materials, as well as the setup and structure, should be exceedingly sturdy. One should look for the quality of its thick padding, quality leather, and sturdy metal frame.

Budget: There are affordable ones and the additional features loaded higher price calf machines. It is up to you to select the ideal one according to your budget.

Weight Capacity: In a calf machine, the higher the weight capacity, the better the machine. Higher weight capacity gives it the much-needed stability.

Size/Space/Footprint: Ideally, the machine should take up only four feet or less for such a small body part.

Know your body muscles: This will help you decide which calf machine will be best for you.

10 Best Calf Raise Machines

XMark Seated Calf Raise XM-7613

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Best seated calf machine
best-calf-raise-machines-XMark-Seated

Image Credits: amazon

What We Like

Features height-adjustable swiveling thigh pads that allow you to rotate your thighs while you do your reps.

Specifications

Dimensions ‎47.5 x 22 x 35 inches
Weight 80 Pounds
Material Steel
Features Scratch-resistant, Height-adjustable swiveling thigh pads
Price $ 414.00

Xmark Fitness Adjustable Seated Calf Raise Machine is an efficient machine with the XMark Seated Calf Raise XM-7613. Also, the sitting calf raise from XMark is made of 11-gauge 2 x 3 steel with skid-resistant feet and a scratch-resistant baked powder coat finish. Furthermore, you can load any current standard-Olympic sized plates into the calf machine using the Olympic peg system. It implies that there will be no further costs for new weight stacks or adaptor sleeves.

Its compact design will take much space for its storage.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Simple yet effective design Because the fastenings are not precise, extra care may be required to get the most out of this product.
Olympic plates as standard, with no additional cost for sleeves Olympic adapters are a bit too long. 
Easy installation
Good seat size 

Body-Solid Squat and Calf Raise Machine (GSCL360)

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Best standing calf machine
best-calf-raise-machines-Body-Solid-Squat

Image Credits: bodysolid

What We Like

It has a large weight capacity which supports over 800 pounds.

Specifications

Dimensions ‎62 x 43 x 56 inches
Weight ‎170 Pounds
Material Blend
Features Large weight capacity, Calf raise block is round instead of square.
Price $699.00

As a standing calf machine, the GSCL360 shines. It covers more than just your calf. Also, it works on your calves, lower back, thighs, and glutes to increase your strength. Moreover, the calf raises block on the Body-Solid machine is round rather than square, making it distinctive from its counterparts. As a result, this will help you get a deeper pre-stretch for calf blasts, which will help you grow stronger muscles. You can put up to 800 pounds in this machine! The Leverage Squat Machine is the most powerful machine in its class, capable of lifting even the largest loads. The spring-loaded lockouts handle is positioned within reach for user safety. It is ideal for both home and commercial use.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Large weight capacity No weights included
12 gauge steel
Comfortable DuraFirm pads
Weight storage

Body-Solid GSCR349 Seated Calf Raise Machine

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Best for its features
best-calf-raise-machines-Body-Solid-GSCR349

Image Credits: homefitnessdirect

What We Like

It comes with angled foot platforms that help reduce stress on your feet.

Specifications

Dimensions 47 x 20 x 39 inches
Weight 95 Pounds
Material Steel
Features Operates on a three-to-one weight ratio,  Angled foot platform
Price ‎$741.00

The GSCR349 was designed with a user-friendly ergonomic design and sophisticated biomechanical engineering to promote calf muscle contact and accelerate growth. Also, the angled foot platforms help in reducing stress on your feet.

In addition, the superb 3:1 ratio, a carefully constructed foot brace, and smooth, friction-free movement are all included. Furthermore, the primary frame is made of 2″ x 3″ 11-gauge high-tensile strength steel to carry the greatest loads, making the GSCR349 ideal for high-traffic, heavy-use gyms and clubs. Furthermore, the GSCR349 is ideal for home and commercial use due to its high-quality appearance and practicality,

Soozier Adjustable Steel Seated Calf Raise

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Best in price seated calf raise machine
Soozier-Adjustable

Image Credits: Amazon

What We Like

Extremely user-friendly design

Specifications

Dimensions ‎48 x 23.25 x 41.75 inches
Weight 48.50 lbs
Material ‎Steel
Features Unique foot platform design for reduced stress
Price $199.99

Soozier Adjustable Steel Seated Calf Raise is an affordable pick with great features. It is a seated machine that allows you to train your lower body easily. Also, the machine’s sophisticated build and ergonomic design make it ideal for stronger calf exercises.

Furthermore, the foot platform will relieve the stress caused due to the pressure during exercise. Apart from that, you can adjust both the seat and thigh pads. The machine’s strong structure makes it long-lasting.

Moreover, the rubberized handles, which provide a safer grip, are also designed to improve the user’s experience. Therefore, Soozier is an excellent option to consider for the price value it is being offered at.

TDS 1000 Rated Standing Calf Unit

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Best budget calf machine
TDS-1000-Rated

Image Credits: amazon

What We Like

Easy to install.

Specifications

Dimensions 50″ x 23″ x 62″H
Weight 98 Pounds
Material Steel
Features Dual plate holders can hold up to 1000 lbs Olympic Plates, Adjustable height
Price $359.99 

The TDS 1000 Rated Standing Calf Unit is easy to assemble. It is designed with home users in mind. It can handle up to 1000lbs and uses Olympic plates. Also, it is height-adjustable, has substantial shoulder pads, and is made of durable steel construction. Additionally, TDS 1000 includes dual plate holders. Moreover, the weight plates you attach are easy to adjust to increase or decrease the resistance required.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Non-slip foot platform No weight plates included
Adjustable height Narrow foot brace bar to stand on while exercising.
Thick Shoulder Pads For Support & Comfort
Holds Up To 1000lbs
Weight plate storage

Powerline PSC43X Seated Calf Machine

Buy Now
Best within its price range
Powerline-PSC43X

Image Credits: amazon

What We Like

Adjustable height knee pads

Specifications

Dimensions 44.88 x 21 x 4.5 inches
Weight 44 lbs
Material Steel
Features Operates on a 3:1 weight ratio, Angled foot platform
Price $298

Without compromising on the product’s build quality, the Powerline PSC43X Seated Calf Machine is a solid budget machine. It is compact enough to be placed in your bedroom. Also, it operates on a 3:1 weight ratio, which offers a smooth calf movement. Depending on how many weight plates you put in, your calves will experience three times the weight resistance per pound. Moreover, it also offers a foot brace with a unique design and friction-free movement. Also, the angled foot platform with no-slip surface for a wide range of motion.

Powertec Fitness Leverage Calf and Squat Machine

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Best calf-squat combo machine
Powertec-Fitness

Image Credits: powertec

What We Like

Equally good for both home and commercial use.

Specifications

Dimensions ‎55 x 58 x 61.6 inches
Weight 100 lbs
Material Steel
Features Easy to access bar, Fixed safety stops 
Price ‎$949.00

The Powertec Fitness Leverage Calf and Squat Machine are equally popular among athletes and the general masses. The Powertec Fitness Calf Raise Machine is designed to help you get the most out of your calf workout by putting a lever arm and a footplate at an appropriate angle that relieves stress and pressure on your lower back and knees.

Moreover, the Powertec concentrates all of the power on the calves, giving them a thicker appearance. Besides, this machine gives you a wide range of movement options while still giving you a good squat workout. Overall a great machine with a lot of attention to detail and quality.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Thick shoulder pads Expensive 
Good build quality Foot support needs a bit more grip
Great for calf raises and various lower body exercises like squats, lunges, etc.
Flat foot support puts less stress on the shoulders and knees.

TDS Super Seated Calf Unit w/Pillow Block Bearings

Buy Now
Best in budget calf machine.
TDS-Super-Seated

Image Credits: Amazon

What We Like

Has the highest-weight capacity calf raise machines

Specifications

Dimensions 48 x 22 x 40 inches
Weight 65 lbs
Material Steel
Features Adjustable Foot Holder, Weight Holder to Hold 800 lbs
Price ‎$579.95 

One of the highest weight capacity calf raise machines is the TDS Super Seated Calf Unit w/Pillow Block Bearings. It is a low-cost machine with everything you need to bulk up your calf muscles. The machine itself is simple to operate. It is the same level of quality you would find at a gym, so get a gym-grade workout at home.

Furthermore, the machine’s feet are covered in a unique rubber grip that keeps it from sliding on the floor. No one wants their machine to wobble or shift while using it. Thus this is a critical safety feature.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Extra Thick Foam Foot Pads No customizations
Adjustable 4-Way Hand Grips
Thick Adjustable Stitched Chest & Seat Pads
Highly durable coated steel
Non-slippery footrest

Valor Fitness CC-5 Seated

Buy Now
Best for its durability and stability
Valor-Fitness

Image Credits: Amazon

What We Like

Adjustable to six different heights and five different horizontal orientations

Specifications

Dimensions 51.25x25x36-41
Weight 80 lbs
Material Steel
Features Constructed of 12-gauge steel, Adjustable, Max weight load of 350 lb
Price $322.98

The CC-5 Calf Machine is constructed with 12-gauge steel for strength and durability. Also, you can adjust the knee pads vertically in six different positions. In addition, the machine can handle up to 350 lbs. Using this machine, you can perform both leg curls and leg extensions. Moreover, the diamond-plated footplates give you the stability to do calf lifts and work your calf muscles.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Heavy Duty and Durable The foam pads at the knee area are very soft. 
Max weight load of 350 lb
Full ankle extension
Diamond-plated footplates

Deltech Fitness Seated Calf Machine

Buy Now
Best for both beginners and athletes
Deltech-Fitness

Image Credits: Amazon

What We Like

Can hold up to 500lbs of weight

Specifications

Dimensions 31-1/2″ H x 24″ W x 48-1/2 L
Weight 66 lbs
Material Steel
Features Olympic Weight Compatible, Scratch and rust-resistant
Price $249.00Price

The Deltech Fitness Seated Calf Machine might be one of the cheapest calf machines. But it doesn’t compromise much on the quality. Although the knee pads do not swivel and there are no help grips to pull on, they are pin-pull adjustable. Also, it is scratch and rust-resistant since it is made of high gauge steel tubing and finished with a durable powder coat.

Furthermore, this device may also be used with Olympic or regular plates, thanks to the provided adaptor. Deltech can be a perfect choice for your everyday use.

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Non-slip cushions and footrest No assisting handle
Olympic Weight Compatible Poorly positioned foot support 
Weight capacity of 500 lbs.
High-density foam padding

Conclusion

Overall our favorite calf machine is XMark Seated Calf Raise XM-7613 for the reasons described above. We found this product ideal for both beginners and professional bodybuilders. It is a simple yet effective device.

Calf machines will keep your lower bottom healthy, fit, and ready for action. So now that you have an idea about the calf machines, get one for yourself and start your healthy life!

FAQs:

Calf raises, both seated and standing, can help you bulk out your calves. Use a sitting calf machine to strengthen bigger muscles in the lower soleus muscle. Standing calf raises increase the size of your gastrocnemius muscles, resulting in an upside-down heart form. Sprinting, jumping rope, and walking or jogging uphill are excellent strategies to increase calf size.

While some people are born with terrific or decent calves, others can enhance their size by building muscle overall and focusing on lower body workouts.