1) Assembly - awful...ly easy. You take them out of the box and put them on the rig. The hardest part is putting them in a bunch of different positions to see if the pin fits everywhere. Spoiler alert: it does. 2) Looks - They look scary or cool or both. Substantial, robust, black. They give add a visual third dimension to my SML-2. 3) Function - I dropped a 325lbs barbell from about a foot just to see. It made a cool noise but the rig didn't move and neither the bar nor the spotter arms looked no worse. 4) Off label use - they work as fantastic jerk blocks. Also, I have the rig sitting next to my recycle can which is a 96 gallon rolling can. I use the spotter arm as a step to get into the can to stomp down all the boxes I shoved in there. Finally they, placed at the right height, provide a nice place to sit for a face to face conversation. Summary: if you are thinking about it, just do it.

I have been debating on getting the spotter arms for a long while now. I really couldn't justify paying 200 bucks (after tax and shipping) for this because it cost half the price of my SML-2. I workout alone and the spotters give me the added safety I needed to push myself to go heavier in my squats. I also use it to practice my hang cleans and snatches. If you think about it, it is a cheaper version of jerk blocks. Note: I have my SML-2 weighted down with SP3358 Plate Storage Pair which has three 45 lbs plates on each side.

Really solid spotter arms! I really enjoy how easy they are to move to certain heights. Great tools for serious lifters!

I was a little hesitant to pick these bad boys up to accompany my ML Squat Stand because, let's face it, they're a little expensive...or so I thought. That said, I lift in my basement almost exclusively alone - like, nobody else in the house alone - and these give me the option and the confidence to really push myself when I squat without the fear that I'll somehow collapse and be trapped under some heavy weight. Another great product by Rogue and a great addition to your gym!