Speediance Gym Monster 3S and Gym Monster Ultra are both designed for serious strength training. The GM 3S delivers high-performance strength training in a more compact configuration, while the GM Ultra adds integrated pull-up and lat pulldown capabilities, more cable positions, and a broader range of training options. The right choice ultimately comes down to how you train, how much space you have, and how much versatility you want from your home gym.
Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between the Gym Monster 3S and Gym Monster Ultra to help you find the right fit for your training needs.
Gym Monster Ultra vs. Gym Monster 3S: What Sets Them Apart
Size and Footprint
GM3S has a footprint of about 9 ft² (0.84 m²) unfolded and weighs 190 lb (86 kg). GM Ultra takes up considerably more space — 22.4 ft² (2.08m²) unfolded including the lat pulldown arms (15.1 ft²/1.41m² without them) — and weighs 276 lb (125 kg).
Folded footprint follows the same pattern: 2.7 ft² (0.25 m²) for GM3S versus 6.4 ft² (0.59m²) for GM Ultra including the lat pulldown arms. This is the clearest signal of who each configuration is designed for — GM3S fits into a more space-constrained setup, while GM Ultra assumes a larger training area.
Movement Coverage
The two configurations offer different training options, particularly when it comes to movement coverage.
- Pull-ups. GM 3S does not support pull-ups, while GM Ultra supports pull-ups as part of its integrated training setup.
- Lat pulldowns. GM 3S requires a separate accessory for lat pulldowns, while GM Ultra comes equipped with lat pulldown arms.
- Pulley system and cable positions. GM3S has a single vertical pulley pair. GM Ultra expands that to three pulley positions — top, vertical, and bottom — for a combined 33 cable positions (1 top + 27 vertical + 5 bottom), compared to GM3S's 20 (19 vertical + 1 bottom). In practical terms, that's a much wider range of angles and movement patterns available on GM Ultra, particularly for lat pulldown and cable-crossover-style training that GM3S isn't built to cover.
Day-to-Day Usability
Gym Monster Ultra also introduces several practical improvements that make everyday use more convenient:
- Platform lowering: GM3S requires bending down to press a button; GM Ultra unlocks by foot, with no need to bend down.
- Accessory connector: GM3S uses a ball-shaped connector that requires two hands to change; GM Ultra uses a new connector designed for quick, one-handed accessory changes.
- Pulley arm adjustment: GM3S requires pulling a pin to reposition the pulley arm; GM Ultra uses a simpler press-to-move mechanism.
- Training platform area: 0.54 m² on GM3S versus 0.88 m² on GM Ultra.
Gym Monster Ultra vs. Gym Monster 3S: Comparison Table
| GM3S | GM Ultra | |
| Footprint (unfolded) | 9 ft²/0.84 m² |
22.4 ft²/2.08㎡ (incl. lat pulldown arms) 15.1 ft²/1.41㎡ (excl. lat pulldown arms) |
| Footprint (folded) | 2.7 ft²/0.25 m² | 6.4 ft²/0.59m² |
| Weight | 86 kg (190 lb) | 125 kg (276 lb) |
| Pull-up support | No | Yes |
| Lat pulldown | Separate accessory | Yes |
| Pulley system | 1 vertical pair | 3 pairs: top, vertical, bottom |
| Cable positions | 20 (19 vertical + 1 bottom) | 33 (1 top + 27 vertical + 5 bottom) |
| Platform lowering | Bend down, press button | Foot-unlock, no bending required |
| Accessory connector | Ball-shaped, two-handed | New connector, one-handed |
| Pulley arm adjustment | Pull-pin | Press-to-move |
| Training platform area | 0.54 m² | 0.88 m² |
Which Gym Monster Fits Your Training?
Choose Gym Monster Ultra if:
- You have enough space for a more complete and gym-style home setup.
- You want integrated pull-up and lat pulldown functionality without relying on separate accessories.
- You want a more complete home gym setup with broader movement coverage.
- Multiple people in your household train with different goals and need a wider range of exercise options.
Choose Gym Monster 3S if:
- You have limited space and prefer a more compact setup — The smaller footprint of GM 3S makes it easier to fit into space-limited homes.
- You don't need integrated pull-up or lat pulldown functionality — GM 3S covers a wide range of strength training without these additional features.
- You want a compact machine that still covers serious strength training
FAQ
Does GM Ultra need more ceiling clearance than GM3S?
Yes. GM Ultra stands about 2.27 m (89.4 in) tall unfolded, compared to GM3S's 1.85 m (72.8 in) - roughly 16 inches taller. It's worth checking your ceiling height before choosing GM Ultra.
Is GM Ultra big for a small home gym?
It depends on your space. GM Ultra's footprint (22.4 ft² unfolded with the lat pulldown arms, 15.1 ft² without) is larger than GM3S's 9 ft², so it's worth measuring your space before choosing Ultra over a more compact configuration.
Can GM Ultra do pull-ups?
Yes. Pull-up support is built into the frame on GM Ultra, which isn't available on GM3S.
Do GM3S and GM Ultra offer the same training modes?
Yes. Both configurations support the same four resistance modes - Standard, Chain, Eccentric, and Fixed Speed.
Bottom Line
The Gym Monster 3S and GM Ultra are built with different priorities in mind. The GM3S offers a more compact setup with the resistance headroom needed for serious strength training. The GM Ultra takes a more complete approach, adding integrated pull-up and lat pulldown functionality, more cable positions, and broader movement coverage for a more gym-like training experience. Ultimately, the better choice depends on your available space, training style, and the range of exercises you want from your home gym.
Related article:
Gym Monster 3 vs. Gym Monster 3S: Which One Is Right for You?
