If you've been comparing Body-Solid multi-station gyms, you've probably run into the term "bi-angular." It's Body-Solid's name for a converging press arm path, as opposed to the fixed, single-plane path most standard press arms use. This guide breaks down bi-angular vs standard press arms in plain terms, using two real Body-Solid gyms — the G6B and the G1B — to show what the difference actually looks like in practice.
What Is Bi-Angular Technology on a Home Gym?
On a standard press station, the handles move through a single fixed plane — straight forward and back, on a single pivot. A bi-angular press arm moves along a converging path instead, meaning the arms angle inward as you press, more closely following the natural arc your arms take during a real chest press or shoulder press movement. The goal is a press motion that feels closer to a barbell or dumbbell press than a purely linear machine path.
G6B Bi-Angular Multi-Station Gym
Price: $3,855 | Application/Use: Commercial | Type: Single Stack Gym | Weight Stack: 210 lb. (260 lb. upgrade option) | Dimensions: 84" L x 58" W x 83" H | Unit Weight: 547 lbs. | Cables: 2,200 lb. tension aircraft cables
The G6B Bi-Angular Multi-Station Gym is Body-Solid's commercial-application multi-station gym built around the bi-angular converging press arm path described above. It ships with a 210 lb. weight stack (with a 260 lb. upgrade option available) and a larger 84" L x 58" W footprint than the G1B below, reflecting its positioning as a commercial-grade unit.
Best for: Commercial or heavy-use home gym settings where the converging press path and commercial application rating both matter.
G1B Multi-Station Gym
Price: $2,100 | Application/Use: Residential | Type: Single Stack Gym | Weight Stack: 160 lb. | Dimensions: 55" L x 47" W x 83" H | Product Weight: 324 lbs. | Cables: 2,200 lb. tension aircraft cables | Warranty: Body-Solid Lifetime Warranty
The G1B Multi-Station Gym is built for residential use, with a smaller 160 lb. weight stack and a noticeably more compact 55" L x 47" W footprint compared to the G6B. It uses a standard (non-bi-angular) press arm path, which keeps the mechanism simpler and the overall unit smaller and lighter — a reasonable trade-off for a home gym prioritizing footprint over the converging press feel.
Best for: Smaller home gyms and residential use where a compact footprint matters more than a converging press arm path.
G6B vs G1B: Which Multi-Station Gym Should You Choose?
The core decision isn't really about press arm technology in isolation — it's about application and space. The G6B is rated for commercial application with a larger frame and a bigger weight stack, and the bi-angular press arms are part of that more heavy-duty, higher-capacity package. The G1B is a residential-rated unit with a smaller footprint and a standard, non-converging press path, making it the better fit for a tighter home gym space or lighter, less frequent use.
Quick Comparison Chart
| Model | Price | Key Spec | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| G6B Bi-Angular | $3,855 | Commercial-use, 210 lb. stack, bi-angular press arms | Commercial or heavy home use |
| G1B | $2,100 | Residential-use, 160 lb. stack, standard press arms | Compact residential setups |
Why Buy From Everything Gyms?
Everything Gyms is an authorized Body-Solid dealer, and both of these multi-station gyms ship from Body-Solid's warehouse near Chicago with free nationwide shipping, a price match guarantee, and the full manufacturer's warranty included.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bi-angular technology on a home gym?
Bi-angular is Body-Solid's term for a converging press arm path, where the handles angle inward as you press rather than moving through a single fixed plane, more closely following the natural arc of a chest or shoulder press.
What are the bi-angular converging press arm benefits?
A converging press path is designed to feel closer to a free-weight press movement than a fixed, single-plane machine arm, which can make pressing exercises feel more natural through the full range of motion.
G6B vs G1B multi-station gym: what's the real difference?
The G6B is rated for commercial application with bi-angular press arms, a 210 lb. weight stack, and a larger 84" L x 58" W footprint. The G1B is rated for residential use with a standard press arm path, a smaller 160 lb. weight stack, and a more compact 55" L x 47" W footprint.
Is a bi-angular press machine better than a standard press machine?
It depends on your goals and space. Bi-angular press arms offer a more natural converging press path, but a standard press arm machine like the G1B is more compact and suited to residential use where footprint matters more than press-path technology.
What is a converging press arm vs a fixed path press machine?
A converging press arm (bi-angular) angles the handles inward as you press, following a natural arc, while a fixed path press machine moves the handles through a single, unchanging plane of motion.
Ready to compare them in person? Explore the G6B Bi-Angular Multi-Station Gym and the G1B Multi-Station Gym at Everything Gyms to find the right fit for your space.