If you’ve been looking for an all-in-one Smith machine that won’t break the bank, the Mikolo M4 has probably shown up on your radar. And if you know anything about the original version, you’ve probably also seen the horror stories. Bent uprights, plates smashing into each other, shaky Smith machine movement, and some rough reviews across the home gym world.

Now we have the Mikolo M4 2.0. Mikolo claims they listened to feedback and rebuilt the rack to fix the biggest issues from the original.

I spent a few weeks testing it in real workouts, loading it up, running clients through it, and breaking down every upgrade. This review covers what’s improved, what still isn’t perfect, and who this rack is actually built for.

If you want to check it out, here’s my affiliate link. Use code NICK at checkout to save 5 percent.
https://mikolo.pxf.io/dO14KW

What the Mikolo M4 2.0 Actually Is

The M4 2.0 is a true 3-in-1 system.
It functions as a half rack for barbell movements, a Smith machine, and a dual adjustable functional trainer with a 2 to 1 cable ratio.

The version I tested is the Ultra model that uses aluminum pulleys and a plate loaded cable system. Mikolo also offers a Standard version with plastic pulleys and an Elite version that uses selectorized weight stacks.

Footprint and Dimensions

Depth: 71 inches
Width at uprights: 41 inches
Total width with Smith bar: about 75 inches
Height: roughly 87 inches

It fits easily into garages, home gyms, or small offices as long as you have a normal ceiling height.

Major Upgrades From the Original M4

Mikolo made a surprising number of changes. These are the biggest improvements.

✓ 2 inch hole spacing instead of 4 inch spacing. This makes J cup and safety bar setup far easier and more accurate.

✓ Higher functional trainer travel. The trolleys now sit higher, giving you more range of motion on lat pulldowns and other movements that need elevation.

✓ A new 3 in 1 pad. It locks your legs in for lat pulldowns, supports your feet for seated rows, and doubles as a step pad when needed.

✓ New sandwich J cups. These are much better. The originals looked like plastic toys. The new ones are larger, UHMW lined, and actually feel protective.

✓ Rear crossmember storage. You now get organized storage for attachments, including hooks for cable handles and ropes.

✓ Zero plate interference. On the original model, plates from the Smith machine and the trolley could hit each other. On the 2.0, everything clears, which is a major improvement.

✓ Smith bar top storage. You can store the Smith bar up and out of your way.

✓ Plastic lined barbell holders. Two vertical storage tubes lined so they don’t scratch your barbells.

✓ Landmine attachment. Basic but functional. The only drawback is that the sleeve isn’t lined, so it may mark your bar.

✓ Optional weight stacks or aluminum pulleys. Higher models allow for upgrades if you want a more premium cable feel.

Smith Machine Performance

This might be the most important upgrade.
The original Smith machine was heavily criticized for feeling rough and unstable.

The new version uses linear bearings, creating a smoother and more predictable path. The guide rods are heavy and feel solid. There is almost no side to side or front to back play.

The main limitation is range of motion. If you want to do RDLs or bent over rows inside the Smith, you might need to elevate yourself. You also can’t overhead press inside the rack due to height.

Still, for the price, it performs better than expected.

Functional Trainer Performance

This is the highlight of the entire rack.

The 2 to 1 ratio gives longer travel distance and allows for lighter work like lateral raises, rehab movements, and accessory training. The aluminum pulleys feel smooth and surprisingly premium for a rack in this price range.

Both trolleys adjust with one hand. One of mine was slightly stiffer than the other, but that may improve with use.

For cable training, the M4 2.0 performs extremely well.

Upright Stability

The uprights are 2 by 2, not heavy duty 3 by 3 steel.
That said, they feel stable enough for most lifters. I did dips, squats, and bench work without any wobble or concern.

If you are lifting very heavy or want a commercial grade feel, this may not be the right rack. Mikolo’s 3 by 3 racks or a rack like the REP PR5000 are better options for that.

Included Attachments

The included attachments are basic but usable.

The tricep rope, straight bar, and lat pulldown bar are fine for everyday training. The landmine handle feels good and has a nice width.

Spotter arms are short but functional.
The dip bars are the one attachment I really didn’t love. They feel too wide and awkward for most people.

The pull up bar knurling is very passive and only applied in certain spots. Some areas that make sense to knurl simply aren’t knurled.

Assembly Experience

I built the entire rack by myself.
The instructions were clear enough, the hardware was labeled properly, and everything lined up without much trouble. Expect a little balancing act when assembling the uprights, but nothing crazy.

Who the M4 2.0 Is For

This rack is a great option for:

✅ Everyday lifters
✅ Small home gym spaces
✅ People who love cable training
✅ Anyone looking for a versatile budget friendly all in one
✅ Anyone who wants a smooth functional trainer without spending a fortune

If you want a complete training system at the price of approximately $1,200, this fits the bill.

Who Should Avoid It

This rack is not ideal for:

🚫 Very heavy lifters
🚫 People wanting commercial grade steel
🚫 Anyone who wants a rack with lots of third party attachments
🚫 People expecting a 3 by 3 rack experience

The 2 by 2 uprights limit compatibility with outside companies.

Final Verdict

The Mikolo M4 2.0 is a real upgrade over the original.
The functional trainer is excellent.
The Smith machine finally feels good.
The storage, hole spacing, and attachment improvements make a noticeable difference.

It isn’t perfect, but for the price and footprint, it delivers a ton of value.

If you want to pick one up, use my link and code NICK at checkout to save 5 percent.
https://mikolo.pxf.io/dO14KW

This helps support the channel and allows me to keep reviewing more equipment for you all.