Yeah, I know about that. I do both types and I am not a power lifter. I cross train and am actually squatting to correct more important muscle imbalances, and for increased, not maximum strength.
What I like about the smith machine:
I can focus way better on protecting my weak link knee than with free. Spotter doesn’t help with that. I can focus on my foot plant instead of worrying about the weights as much. The benefit of good heel plant and protecting my knee for a stagger at the wrong time out weighs all other things for me. All this allows me to go into a deeper range of motion which in theory can be taken back to the free weight station after adaptation on the safer Smith, for better gains in quality and quantity.
Even at the serious weight training level there are professionals who support the machine with caveats. I am cognizant of the probability of self righteousness having plenty to do with bashing it. Anyway, to each their own.
