Mikolo Anubis-2.0 Smith Machine with Weight Stack, 3×3 All-

The Verdict

If you’ve been shopping home Smith machines, you’ve likely run into the same problem I did: most units under $1,500 are flimsy compromises. They wobble at the top of a heavy squat, the safety stops feel like an afterthought, and the “weight stack” turns out to be a plate-loaded system with a cheap cable. The Mikolo Anubis-2.0 is not that machine. This is the rare budget-adjacent Smith that actually feels like commercial gym gear.

What You Actually Get

The box delivers a surprisingly complete package. You’re getting the 3×3 all-steel 11-gauge frame, a 300 lb weight stack (in 5 lb increments, which is a genuinely thoughtful touch), a 7-position J-hook system, safety catches, a lat pulldown bar, low row handle, and the Smith carriage itself. The pull-up bar is integrated into the top crossbeam rather than bolted on — a small detail that matters when you’re 200 lbs hanging off it.

As shown in the product image, the Anubis-2.0 has a clean, professional silhouette. The matte black finish is powder-coated, not painted, so it won’t chip when you bump plates against it.

Performance and Build Quality

The standout feature is the linear bearing carriage. Most Smith machines in this price range use a bushing system that creates friction and lateral play. The Anubis-2.0 uses actual ball bearings on both rails, which means the bar path is buttery smooth on squats and overhead presses. I tested it with 225 lbs on back squats and there was zero side-to-side wobble — the bar tracked straight up and down like it was on a track.

The weight stack is where this machine separates itself from the $900 competitors. The selector pin engages cleanly, and the 5-lb increments mean you can actually progress on movements like lateral raises or calf raises without making 10-lb jumps. The stack maxes at 300 lbs, which covers most lifters for everything except heavy squats — for that, the J-hooks let you load plates onto the Smith bar itself.

What Buyers Consistently Praise

The 245 Amazon ratings at 4.9/5 aren’t inflated. The recurring themes in verified reviews are the build quality and the smoothness of the carriage. One buyer noted: “I’ve owned a Titan and a Rep Smith before this — neither came close to the bearing glide on this thing. It’s the closest to a commercial Star Trac I’ve used at home.” Another reviewer highlighted the assembly instructions, saying “the hardware is labeled clearly and the manual actually makes sense, which is rare for this category.”

Where It Falls Short

Let’s be honest about the tradeoffs. Assembly is the biggest hurdle — expect 3 to 4 hours of your Saturday. The uprights are heavy, and you’ll need a second person to get them seated in the base plate without scratching the finish. Also, the footplate on the lat pulldown is a bit narrow for taller users; if you’re over 6'2", you’ll want to brace your feet on the floor instead.

The cable system at the top pulley has a slight friction point when you’re pulling near the stack’s max weight. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you’ll notice a minor hitch at the start of the pull. Finally, check your ceiling height before ordering — this thing is 87 inches tall, so 8-foot ceilings are the absolute minimum, and you’ll want a few extra inches if you’re doing overhead presses.

Who Should Buy This

The Anubis-2.0 is for the home lifter who’s serious enough to want a dedicated Smith machine but doesn’t have commercial gym floor space or budget. It’s ideal for someone who wants to squat heavy without a spotter, do rack pulls, or run a full-body program with the lat pulldown and low row attachments. If you’re a beginner who’s not sure you’ll stick with home training, this is overkill — grab a cheap power rack instead.

FAQ

Q: Can I do free-weight barbell work on this frame? Yes. The J-hooks support a regular barbell, and the safety catches work for bench press and squats outside the Smith carriage.

Q: How much floor space do I really need? The footprint is 55" deep × 47" wide. Plan for about 8×8 feet of clear space to load plates and move around safely.

Q: Is the 300 lb stack enough for leg exercises? For squats, probably not — but you can add plates to the Smith bar via the J-hooks. For everything else, 300 lbs is plenty for most lifters.

The Verdict

Buy it if: You want commercial-grade Smith machine smoothness, a real weight stack, and a frame that won’t flex — without paying $2,500+ for a Rogue or Rep equivalent.

Skip it if: You have low ceilings, a tight assembly window, or you’re not committed to a Smith-focused training style.

Rating: 4.6/5 — the smoothest sub-$1,500 Smith machine I’ve tested, docked half a star for the assembly marathon and the minor cable friction at max load.

Where to Buy

👉 Check Price on Amazon →

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.