Understanding Precor’s Angled Leg Press Machines: Sled Weight, Starting Resistance, and Performance Considerations

When it comes to lower body development, few machines are as effective and biomechanically supportive as the Precor Icarian Angled Leg Press 601. Built with a reputation for durability, smooth mechanics, and ergonomic design, this plate-loaded leg press is a staple in many commercial and elite training facilities. However, many users often wonder about its starting weight, sled weight, and how that translates to real resistance during use.

In this guide, we’ll break down what you need to know about the Precor plate loaded leg press, focusing on unloaded and starting weights, and how to train more effectively with this powerhouse piece of equipment.

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1. What Is the Starting Weight of the Precor USA Angled Leg Press 601?

The starting weight, also referred to as the unloaded resistance or empty sled weight, is critical for users tracking their lifts or programming progressive overload. On the Precor Icarian Angled Leg Press 601, the sled alone weighs approximately 118 lbs (53.5 kg). This means that even without any plates added, users are already pressing a baseline resistance due to the mass of the sled and its movement along a fixed 45-degree track.

This starting load is ideal for both beginner and advanced lifters—it’s heavy enough to activate major muscle groups, yet light enough for those recovering from injury or focusing on higher-rep hypertrophy work.

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2. Understanding Sled Weight and Its Impact

It’s important to distinguish between sled weight and perceived resistance. While the sled on the Precor angled leg press 601 weighs in at around 118 lbs, the angle of the track (typically 45 degrees) reduces the actual load your muscles must overcome. On a 45-degree incline, about 70% of the sled's mass contributes to the effective resistance. That means the starting resistance is roughly 83 lbs (37.6 kg) in practical terms.

Still, this does not account for friction, which can slightly increase the perceived difficulty, depending on the maintenance of the linear bearings and guide rods.

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3. Comparing to Other Plate Loaded Leg Press Machines

Compared to other commercial-grade plate loaded leg press machines, the Precor 601 is on par in terms of build and resistance. Some machines feature a heavier sled to challenge advanced users, but the 601 strikes a balance: it allows for a wide range of users while still scaling up effectively with added plates.

Additionally, unlike selectorized machines with fixed weight stacks, the plate-loaded design offers maximum flexibility for lifters looking to micro-load, superset, or pyramid train.

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4. Practical Application: How to Program with the Unloaded Weight

Understanding the Precor leg press empty weight helps you plan your sets more accurately. For instance, if you’re aiming to perform sets at 270 lbs of total resistance, you’ll subtract the sled’s contribution (83 lbs effective weight) and only need to load approximately 185 lbs in plates.

This detail is especially useful in progressive programs like 5x5, hypertrophy blocks, or rehab protocols where precision matters.

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5. Final Thoughts: Choosing the Precor Angled Leg Press for Your Gym

Whether you're an athlete focused on leg power or a recreational lifter working toward stronger quads and glutes, the Precor plate loaded leg press delivers a highly functional and scalable platform. Its solid starting weight, durable construction, and smooth sled mechanics make it a smart choice for any training environment.

Always ensure proper form, keep your feet flat, and use a full range of motion within your mobility limits. The 601 is designed to support consistent, safe progression—and knowing its starting specs helps you use it to its full potential.