Self spotting free weight gyms

[free_db_lifter]

I lift at home. Because of that, I am unable to do certain movements, like bench press, to max weight. I have been looking at some of the racks/cages that feature self spotters. Are these worth their salt? Is there a better solution?
I have also been recommended the Bowflex but have heard mixed reviews about these. I have always been a big believer in free weights. These Bowflex's are quite expensive and I could get a really nice self spotting free weight gyms for about the same price or even less in some cases. Any opinions out there?

 

[Scotty the Body]

Just a cheap old squat rack is all you need, nothing fancy.

I use mostly DB at the gym cause I don't' have a partner and its mostly women there in the morning and they are afraid to spot even though they wouldn't need to help much if at all.

 

[Arnold]

I think the Bowflex systems are a waste of money, and anything like them, but that's just my opinion.

How about a decent Smith machine? they have "spotters" that can be put in any position on the rack.

 

[firestorm]

I also train at home. I train alone but do not let that hinder me from training heavy. And YES I've missed reps before and would have gotten stuck but I had the safety bar set (luckily). So to answer your question,, the self spotting setups are great. I use Musclecraft equipment and swear by it. Here is my unit but they have many more to choose from. http://www.fitnessfactory.com/Fitne...pg&itemid=281&secid=4&linkon=section&linkid=4

Their main page is www.fitnessfactory.com