Introducing the V8: The Next Evolution of Multi-Press Training

Most press machines force lifters to compromise.

Some save space but feel restrictive. Others feel stable but don’t move naturally. And many “all-in-one” systems become bulky, difficult to adjust, or frustrating during real workouts.

That’s exactly why we created the V8.

The GMWD V8 Bench Press & Shoulder Press Machine was designed to deliver four essential pressing movements inside one compact machine—while improving biomechanics, adjustment speed, and overall training feel compared to the previous V7 generation.

This wasn’t just a refresh.

The V8 was rebuilt around one core idea:

Make pressing movements feel smoother, more natural, and more adjustable for real-world lifters.

What Is the GMWD V8?

The V8 is a 4-in-1 plate-loaded pressing machine that combines:

Movement	Primary Target
Vertical Shoulder Press	Front Delts & Upper Shoulders
Incline Chest Press	Upper Chest
Flat Bench Press	Mid Chest
Decline Chest Press	Lower Chest

Instead of needing multiple bulky machines or separate bench setups, the V8 allows users to transition between all four movements quickly within one footprint.

For home gyms, this means:

• Less space used
• Fewer machines needed
• Faster training flow
• More exercise variety

Why We Upgraded the V7

The V7 quickly became popular because of its versatility and compact design. Users loved the ability to train multiple pressing angles on a single machine.

But after long-term testing and customer feedback, we saw opportunities to improve three key areas:

What We Wanted to Improve

V7 Feedback	V8 Solution
Heavy arm adjustments	Dual Linear Rail + Gas Spring System
More natural chest contraction	Converging Scissor Arms
Better fit for different body types	Multi-axis adjustment system
Increased frame stability	Upgraded 3”×3” steel construction
Faster exercise transitions	One-hand adjustment design

The goal wasn’t just adding features.

The goal was improving how the machine actually feels during training.

The Biggest Upgrade: Movement Quality

The New Scissor Arm System

One of the most important changes from the V7 to the V8 is the new converging scissor-arm design.

Traditional fixed press machines often force users into rigid movement paths that don’t match natural shoulder mechanics. While stable, they can feel awkward during chest-focused pressing.

The V8 changes that completely.

The converging arm path was engineered to mimic the feel of dumbbell pressing:

• Deeper stretch at the bottom
• Natural inward movement during lockout
• Stronger chest contraction at the top
• Reduced shoulder stress throughout the press

Instead of pushing straight forward unnaturally, the handles move through a more biomechanically correct pressing arc.

The result:

• Better chest engagement
• Smoother pressing feel
• More comfortable shoulder positioning
• Improved mind-muscle connection

Faster Adjustments, Less Wasted Time

Many traditional plate-loaded machines are frustrating to adjust.

Heavy steel arms, awkward locking positions, and multi-step setup changes slow down workouts and interrupt training flow.

The V8 introduces a Dual Linear Rail + Gas Spring adjustment system designed for fast transitions.

V8 Adjustment Features

Feature	Benefit
22 arm height positions	More precise movement setup
Gas spring assistance	Smooth one-hand adjustments
Linear rail system	Reduced friction during setup
Quick transition design	Faster switching between exercises

This means users can move from incline press to shoulder press in seconds instead of fighting with heavy machine components.

Designed to Fit More Lifters Correctly

Most press machines are designed around an “average” body type.

The problem is: there’s no such thing as average anatomy.

Some lifters have broader shoulders. Some have longer arms. Others prefer neutral grips or narrower pressing angles.

That’s why the V8 includes a multi-axis adjustment system built around personalization.

Multi-Axis Fit System

Adjustment	Range
Fore/Aft Seat Adjustment	22 Positions
Handle Angle Adjustment	12 Positions

This allows users to customize:

• Grip width
• Press angle
• Arm alignment
• Chest positioning
• Wrist comfort

The goal is simple: align the machine to the user—not force the user to adapt to the machine.

Stronger Frame. More Stability.

The V8 also received a major structural upgrade over the V7.

Upgraded Steel Construction

Specification	V8
Steel Tubing	3” × 3”
Gauge	14-Gauge Steel
Frame Size	75×75×2.0mm

This larger steel profile dramatically improves torsional rigidity and overall machine stability.

Even under heavier loads, the pressing path stays stable and controlled.

The integrated weight storage horns also act as additional structural anchoring points, helping the machine feel planted during explosive sets.

In practical terms: the V8 feels more solid, smoother, and more commercial-grade during training.

Four Core Pressing Movements in One Machine

1. Vertical Shoulder Press

Recommended Setup

• Backrest: 80°
• Seat: 10°

Benefits

• Better lower back support
• Reduced shoulder impingement
• Increased anterior delt isolation

This upright setup helps create a more stable overhead pressing position while minimizing unnecessary lower back strain.

2. Incline Chest Press

Recommended Setup

• Backrest: 45°
• Seat: 10°

Benefits

• Greater upper chest activation
• More stable pressing angle
• Prevents body sliding under load

This position is ideal for building upper chest thickness and improving overall chest balance.

3. Flat Bench Press

Recommended Setup

• Backrest: 0°
• Seat: 0°

Benefits

• Balanced chest development
• Traditional commercial-style pressing path
• Excellent overall pressing strength carryover

This setup delivers the most classic pressing feel on the machine.

4. Decline Chest Press

Recommended Setup

• Backrest: -10°
• Seat: 0°

Benefits

• Increased lower chest emphasis
• Reduced shoulder strain
• Comfortable pressing angle for heavier sets

For many lifters, decline pressing feels more shoulder-friendly than steeper pressing angles.

V7 vs V8 Quick Comparison

Feature	V7	V8
Press Variations	3-in-1	4-in-1
Arm Adjustment System	Traditional	Linear Rail + Gas Spring
Pressing Path	Standard	Converging Scissor Arms
Handle Adjustability	Basic	12-Position Dial System
Seat Adjustment	Standard	22-Level Fore/Aft
Frame Construction	Previous Generation	3”×3” 14-Gauge Steel
Adjustment Speed	Moderate	One-Hand Fast Adjustment
Biomechanics Focus	General	Natural Pressing Arc

Who Is the V8 Built For?

The V8 is ideal for:

• Home gym owners maximizing limited space
• Lifters wanting multiple pressing variations
• Users prioritizing chest-focused hypertrophy
• Athletes looking for smoother shoulder mechanics
• Intermediate and advanced strength training
• Anyone wanting commercial-style pressing at home

It’s especially valuable for users who want the feel of free-weight pressing combined with the stability and safety of a machine.

Final Thoughts

The V8 wasn’t designed to simply replace the V7.

It was designed to refine the entire pressing experience.

From the upgraded biomechanics to the faster adjustments and stronger frame construction, every improvement was made with real training performance in mind.

The result is a machine that:

• Saves space
• Improves movement quality
• Adapts to different body types
• Feels smoother under load
• Delivers a more complete pressing experience

For lifters who want more versatility without sacrificing biomechanics or stability, the V8 represents the next evolution of plate-loaded pressing machines.