Cybex Strength Equipment: A Buyer’s Guide to VR2, Eagle and Plate-Loaded

Cybex machines are a staple of commercial gyms, colleges and rehabilitation facilities, known for smooth movement and solid construction. Because so many were installed over the years, there's a strong market for used Cybex strength equipment. Here's a guide to the main lines and what to look for.

Quick answer: Cybex makes selectorized lines such as VR1, VR2, VR3, Eagle, Eagle NX and Prestige, plus plate-loaded machines like the squat press and leg press. VR2 and plate-loaded Cybex machines are common used buys. Check cables, pulleys and the weight stack, and confirm that any recall repairs have been done.

About Cybex

Cybex began in the late 1960s and has made both cardio and strength equipment. It was bought by Brunswick Corporation in 2016 and is now part of the Life Fitness family. You can read more on Wikipedia.

The Main Cybex Strength Lines

• VR1: a practical selectorized line, including dual-purpose machines that combine two exercises in one footprint.
• VR2: a widely used selectorized line. Many VR2 machines use Cybex's Dual Axis technology, which lets the handles move along a path that each user's body naturally prefers — for example the VR2 Dual Axis Row.
• VR3: a later selectorized line.
• Eagle and Eagle NX: premium selectorized lines with extra adjustability, like the Eagle NX Glute.
• Prestige: another premium selectorized line.
• Plate-loaded: heavy-duty machines such as the Cybex Squat Press, Plate Loaded Leg Press and Plate Loaded Leg Extension.

Cybex also made multi-function pieces like the Rotary Hip and Smith machines.

Buying Used Cybex: What to Check

• Cables and pulleys: look for fraying and make sure pulleys spin freely.
• Weight stack: all plates present, a working selector pin, and smooth travel on the guide rods.
• Adjustments: test seat, pad and range-of-motion settings.
• Model plate: note the model number so you can find manuals and parts.
• Recalls: some older Cybex Smith Press models (5340 and 5341) were recalled in 2018. Search any model on CPSC.gov and confirm that recall repairs were completed.

Our full used gym equipment checklist walks through every step.

Selectorized or Plate-Loaded Cybex?

Selectorized Cybex lines are ideal for circuits and gyms with members of every level. Plate-loaded Cybex machines are excellent for heavy leg training and need less maintenance. See plate-loaded vs selectorized machines to compare.

Browse our Cybex equipment, or contact us for details on a specific machine.