HVO Seated Dip Machine Review

The HVO seated dip machine is a plate loaded machine that works the chest and triceps muscles.

Seated tricep dip machines are a good way to build up to bodyweight dips but also give me more stability and isolation when I want to go heavy.

HVO added a chain to the back of the machine for bicep curls so I’m gonna put that to the test.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

Every part came bubble wrapped with no damages to report.

All the metal pieces are at the bottom with the pads sitting on top.

There’s several pieces to put together and although it can take a little bit of time, the extra assembly time helps to save on shipping.

Otherwise, a mostly assembled machine would require a bigger box.

Shipping is not something I enjoy paying for since it’s not tangible.

Specs

• Dimensions: 48″D x 26.5″W x 48″H

• Material: Alloy steel (looks like 14 gauge)

• Weight capacity: 330 lbs of plates + 300 lbs of user weight

• Padding: 1″ thick

• Handle length: 4″

• Handle diameter: 30mm

• Neutral handle length: 4.5″

• Weight horn length: 9.5″

• Seat height adjustments: 4

What Is The HVO Seated Dip Machine?

The HVO seated dip is a budget isolation machine specifically made to target the medial and lateral head of the triceps.

Since I’m pressing down, I also feel it in my chest and shoulders.

So it’s like doing a dip except I’m not up in the air so it is more stable which means I’ll be able to push more weight than with weighted dips.

It’s plate loaded, has 3 handle positions, and also has a straight bar in the back for bicep curls.

Top Benefits Of The HVO Seated Dip Machine

Progressive Overload

Compared to dips, I can start with low weight (lower than my bodyweight) and slowly add weight as I get stronger.

I can do something similar with dips and resistance bands, but with bands the weight is not constant so it’s hard to quantify.

Stability & Isolation

The seated tricep dip machine has a triangular base configuration: two hind feet and a front foot lined with rubber.

This makes it much more stable than using a dip bar so it’s easier to isolate my triceps and/or chest.

With good stability and a loading capacity of 330 lbs, I can go much heavier on this machine than I ever would doing dips.

Space Saving

Isolation machines are rare in my garage gym because they usually take up a lot of space and don’t have a lot of versatility.

At 48″ deep and 26″ wide, this is one of the smallest isolation machines I’ve had in here.

So if you have to have this isolation machines in your home gym, it is space friendly.

Best Features Of The HVO Seated Dip Machine

Handle Options

The handles are T-shaped so there’s 3 ways I can grab them.

I think there’s actually 2 ways since those are the padded ones but I prefer to use the middle one that’s neutral.

And here’s what that looks like…

I prefer the neutral grip because it feels like I’m doing dips.

The other options are to grab the inside or outside handles.

One thing I noticed is that the inside handles come close to my outer thighs when I push down.

For me it’s not an issue but for bigger buys with real big thighs, the inside handles might rub against your thighs at the bottom.

Angling the arms out in the shape of a V (like a dip bar) might be a better design.

Adjustable Seat

The seat has 4 height adjustments so it should work for most people.

Height ranges from 16.5″ at the lowest setting to 21″ at the highest.

Since this machine can be loaded with a lot of weight, I’d like if it had a seatbelt attached to the seat.

This way if I load it up with more than I weigh, I can stay on the seat.

Universal Weight Horns

The weight horns are 9.5″ long so I have room for a lot of plates and they’re also adjustable.

What you see are detachable sleeves so I can use Olympic size weight plates or I can remove the sleeve and use standard weight plates.

HVO Seated Dip Machine Pros & Cons

Pros

• Stable: Does not wobble and my body does not rock so it reduces the risk of shoulder, elbow, or wrist injuries

• Weight capacity: High weight capacity of 330 lbs so I can load this up more than I would doing weighted dips

• Isolation: I can isolate my triceps and chest based on my posture and hand position

• Progressive overload: Accurate weight increments make it easy to track progress

• Easy to use: Load it up and push down, there’s not much to it

• Adjustable seat: Four seat heights make it easy to fit people of different heights

Cons

• Bicep curls: Curls are not the best to do with this setup. The movement doesn’t feel natural.

• Seat belt: It’d be great if they added a seat belt to keep me from being lifted off the seat when the weight is heavier than what I weigh

HVO Seated Dip Machine Price

The HVO seated tricep dip machine costs $179 which is not bad at all.

And after doing some research, this is one at least $50 less expensive than other similar products in the market.

HVO Seated Dip Machine Alternatives

Titan Seated Tricep Dip Machine

Titan’s seated dip machine is similar but handles are oriented in a neutral grip position only.

I like that the space between handles seems to be angled out like a dip bar.

And this one is made of 11 gauge steel so it’s a thicker steel.

GMWD Seated Dip Machine

The GMWD seated tricep dip machine has unique 180 degree rotating handles.

I can rotate the handles to the inside or outside position for narrow or wide grip.

My Experience Using The HVO Seated Dip Machine

I like this machine a lot for tricep isolation and it actually helped me to continue working out when I had a shoulder tendinitis flare up.

I couldn’t do dips at that time but with the dip machine I used lower weight than my body weight and I was able to control the weight better.

My favorite handle position is the neutral grip because it feels more natural to me.

So as far as tricep workouts go, the movement feels smooth…

Now when it comes to the biceps attachment in the back, I don’t like it.

The straight bar is too narrow and the line of drive during curls doesn’t feel natural.

It feels ok at the bottom of a curl but as I go up the weight shifts forward.

I think HVO just slapped a chain in the back in an attempt to make it more versatile but this movement doesn’t feel natural.

While I was fooling around with it, I did like how bent over rows felt.

But I’d probably switch out the handle to something wider like the Back Bar or a V-handle.

Is The HVO Seated Dip Machine Worth It?

If you’re in the market for a budget seated tricep dip machine, this is one to consider.

It’s stable, comes with an adjustable seat, multiple grip options, a high weight capacity, and a universal weight horn.

I’d use it mainly for seated tricep dips since the biceps function is not all that good.