Agreed! Felt more like a round up of what's out there and thoughts on them, mix of hands on and just video reactions rather then a review, one of the recommended products isn't even out yet and the Athena seems coops not ever had hands on it but still recommend it. Wish this had been either a separate video for each category or a much longer video where actually hands on testing was done with each product similar to how they do round ups with other categories. I think it was a great idea but sort came out half baked, and not up to the channels usual review standard, at least that's how it came across in the video. Sorry for the tough words love you coop
Yep I've taken mine apart a few times to move around the house and I can do it fairly quickly now. Just sliding the plates on and off is what takes the longest and that's not too bad.
I have 2 of the Titan plate loaded towers. I bought them early-pandemic for maybe $180ish a piece which feels pretty great right now. I do so much with them almost every workout. I would of course love to have selectorized stacks, but for 1/5 the price I am very happy with them.
I have owned an Inspire FT2 for a couple of years now and totally happy with it. It does take 8 hours to assemble but offers a total body workout that is as good as the best military gyms I regurarly used throughout my career and 20+ years of retirement. I don't miss the gym crowds and unexped closures I experienced over the last 40+ years. My FT 2 replaced my Jones machine which replaced my soloflex machine. I have disassembled and reassembled my FT2 twice now because of moves and this process takes half the time of origional reassembly. My workouts are super-sets, working oposing muscle groups in each set. This machine (with two additional handel sets) allows very quick transitions between sets because I leave the handles attached to the upper pull-down cables, the lower row cables, and the adjustable wider cables while the leg extension cables are still attached. I can complete 16 different exercises without moving the bench. Great machine.
Inspire FTX is so well loved by the community. Not to mention you can sell the bench for $200 to help reduce costs, bonus it frequently goes on sale at Costco.
The Bells of Steel single stack - the can be joined together with a chin up bar and used as a squat rack too. They have j-hooks and spotter arms and other accessories that fit on them
I bought that Xmark about 7-8 yrs ago and have used almost every day since with zero issues, never had a cable or pulley failure. Some of it’s competitors are much narrower which to me is not good for flys, It’s also wide enough and steady enough that it doesn’t need to be bolted down like some of those other ones you showed. I also figured out how to build a wooden platform that allows me to use both stacks for belt squats. It’s been an awesome machine! My advice is to buy something that is easy to transition from each exercise to the next. Can’t believe how expensive the all are now!
After much thought, I ended up buying the titan fitness plate loaded functional trainer. It went for sale to $960, currently at $1260. The reason was the price, and unlike most weight stack functional trainers, it has a lat pulldown and low row included in the build. I love it and use it for every workout session.
Good call! Those reviews look solid and I’m glad you like it. I’ve got my eye on that functional trainer now! My mind wasn’t even on one until I watched this video 😂
I’ve been tempted by one because I always prefer plate loaded over selectorized. But my concern is… I still have one of their budget wall mount pulley towers. There is nothing that really distinguishes the stand alone functional trainer from buying two of those and putting them in a corner for less than half of the cost. I mean it’s the same brand, same pulleys/bearings/etc used in both and the same thickness of metal I would assume. I wish more brands sold plate loaded options.
This was exactly what I went with, for the exact same reasons. I bought mine when it was at $1200. Certainly would have liked it cheaper, but at the time it was still the best cable trainer that included the lat pulldown and low row for the price. Definitely love my decision and use it almost daily
I didn't see it in the comments, but may have missed it, but I ended up with the Body Solid GFT100 with the dual 310 lbs weight stacks. It falls in your mid-range, but it's smooth in motion and has a 2:1 ratio.
Great video, Dog. You should have mentioned Stray Dog Strength functional trainer. It is a great functional trainer that can also be used as a squat rack too, does not take up a lot of space, and you can add many great attachments to it too. AND you can choose from many colors too, which is something that not a lot of companies offer on their functional trainers. I figure if I am going to spend a lot of money on one I should be able to get my favorite color too. :D I plan on getting one next year and adding dumbell shelf attachments in between them. You should do a video on this functional trainer someday.
Bought the inspire fitness sf3 through costco and love it so far! I was a little indifferent on the smith machine functionality but find myself using it every workout for a few moves.
I install fitness equipment for a living and for functional trainers for a home gym i would stick with Inspire FT1/FT2 depending on space availability. they have 150lbs and 200lbs stacks. I say this because Inspire has a very good assembly process and great customer support.
We went kind of nuts and got the Ares. The cost stung a bit initially, but what a great piece of gear! So many cool things that can be done with it, and it makes our workouts more efficient.
Was hoping to see the offerings from Archon Fitness on here. Low price point on both their plate loaded and weight stack towers. We need a review on these to compare to the BoS and Titan cable towers!
I have the latest rendition of the Free Motion Double Stack. It's awesome. I know it won't appeal to a lot of people but I would enjoy seeing a video on how you accessorized your free motion. Especially interested in seeing how you use the upright section that is bolted to the front. Thanks again for all the content!
Force USA G3 deserves a mention. It’s their $2,000 option. Plate loaded functional trainer, smith machine, and rack that’s honestly the best value for the category in my opinion. I have it in my garage and it’s awesome. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything apart from stacks.
My recommendation for a cost no object unit would be the Body Solid S2FT with 310lb stacks. Can be had online for about $5500-6000. For a mid range cost unit (if you have room to spare ) Del tech fitness makes a really nice cable crossover unit for around $1900. Their single stack budget model I would recommend the HG935 for $999 with the 200lb weight stack or $549 set up to use Olympic weight plates. Your option. This less expensive machine comes with both row attachment and a lat pulldown bar attachment as well as a pec set up.
I think the Titan Wall-Mount Pulley needs to have much more praise. I’ve had it for 2 years and it’s been amazing (even though I expected it to be temporary). The only limitation is not being able to do true flies, which is fine for me. If that were a deal breaker someone else, I’d tell them to buy a second one and put it 7-8 feet away (500-600 total? I mean come on!)
I love the FTX for the cost. Got mine from Costco for $1300 before inflation and it's holding up! My only real complaint is with the plates that came with it. There are some plates that are inconsistent in size with the rest of them and there's pitting on a few of the plates. I'm not sure if that's why it's so cheap from Costco, but the machine is pretty smooth for such a cheap unit.
@@joshuagator1607 Well I was excited about the bench at first then I can't remember if I was sitting on the end doing a DB workout or if I was benching but I felt it give some and make a sound so I put it to the side after that lol
Awesome review of so many really nice functional trainers. I would not shy away from a single stack. You can do so much with it. With functional trainers you may have to be more creative with your positioning, because not all exercises can be done on it. That said, it is so much easier, convenient and time saving to move a pin rather than the weight.
Just bought the SAVAGE SERIES FUNCTIONAL TRAINER POWER RACK COMBO. I haven't put in the time to rate it yet, but initial impressions is that its well built and with some attachments it will do the job of a few different machines in one. For the price and what you get, i think its worth taking a look.
COOOOOOP!!! This chanel is THE gold standard for home gym equipment reviews and crossover training content. I would luv to see Hoist equipment thrown into the mix.
There’s a unique dual-stack Torque Fitness functional trainer in your showroom that folds inwards to save space and looks like a tall cabinet that you should review. I already own it and think it’s pretty good but like seeing reviews of equipment I own. I think it’s a good apartment option for people who want to work out but want to keep the space looking tidy. I have that in my condo and the prime functional trainer in my garage in my house. They’re both good at what they’re intended for. Also, the Torque F9 has two horizontal adjustments that allow the columns to be 69” and 52” wide so tall and short people can do chest flyes. The narrow option also potentially allows some push movements with the included straight bar. Torque is the only functional trainer besides the prime/free motion/tuffstuff style functional trainers with the two large arms that allow horizontal adjustments.
Looking at one of marketplace now. How wide does it get? My hesitation with the Inspire is that it seems a bit narrow. Is the Torque you own narrow? How's the smoothness of it?
@@arkham5018 forgot to mention, that’s the other great thing about the F9, it has a narrow and wide option for the width of the functional trainer because the cable columns have to move to allow it to open and close. No other functional trainer besides the Prime/TuffStuff/Free Motion style functional trainers with the two long arms allow horizontal adjustments. I actually wish they had made more holes so there would be more than two adjustments. Website shows the wide is 69.73” and the narrow is 52.13”. That’s for the outer edges of the machine though so the part where the cables protrude from might be an inch or two more narrow. I’m not at my condo so can’t measure myself. The torque is smooth enough for its purpose. The cables and columns thinner than my Prime but Prime of course is commercial and double the cost while Torque advertises this as light commercial. The whole unit rattles a bit compared to the prime because of this but it doesn’t affect anything. The arms of the Prime actually rattle a bit as well because of the adjustment holes, any tighter and it’d be hard to adjust. Both the prime and torque doesn’t come close to the smoothness of the ares that I tested at Rep headquarters last week probably because of the aluminum pulleys. Prime and Torque use plastics. But I don’t think that matters much simply because Prime and Torque offer unique features for my two setups that make Ares impossible. I got the torque to put it in the bedroom of my condo and literally would have no functional trainer if the Torque F9 didn’t exist because others are too wide and not aesthetically pleasing enough for a bedroom. I think there’s three main reasons to get it: 1) you are/have a short training partner so the narrow and wide option helps. 2) space is at a premium and want to turn the functional trainer into a 3’ triangle when not in use to use the space in front and to the sides for various workouts 3) The look of a regular functional trainer is out of place for your space (e.g. living room of a house/condo) but working out is vital to you. Any one of these three reasons maybe sufficient on their own to justify getting it. Also, they have a new wall-mounted version of the F9 but I don’t know much about it. www.torquefitness.com/products/free-standing-f9-fold-away-functional-trainer
@@ted6580 this is the feedback I was looking for. I’m looking for a FT for a basement space. My options on marketplace are the torque, inspire ftx, or go big with the rep or titan trainer. My main worry is quality and width to do flys and all exercise variation
I bought a Parabody 425 serious steel setup in the mid to late 90’s. Still use it today. Looks new. I’ve replaced the rubber bands a few times. Did not get the leg press accessory but it has proven to be a solid piece of equipment for my diverse basement home gym. I think I paid about $1200 back then with delivery and installation.
I was looking for a single stack this year. I ended up giving up because of a lack of good options. I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that there needs to be more in this space.
I’m looking at the Ares and the Athena now. Could you elaborate on why you like the Athena and a Lat pull-down Low Row over the Ares? When do you expect to put out your Athena review? Love your reviews, keep it up!!
GREAT VIDEO! Thank You very much for taking the time to do this video. One question about REP Fitness, do they make a Smith Machine? Hope and Pray all is well in your neck of the woods.
Woooo, I was waiting for this one! I'd love to get your thoughts on the Inspire Fitness SF3 at Costco. It sounds like a stripped-down version of the FT2 (no lat pulldown + upper/lower pulleys), but is half the price at $2500 (and actually currently on sale for $2000). I know some people aren't a fan of how the smith works, but it seems like a reasonable tradeoff and otherwise incredible bang for the buck at that price point.
Pulled the trigger on the SF3 from Costco. I, like you was looking into the FT2 which is offered thru Costco Next for $5100. Didn't want to drop $5k on it so I got the SF3 and if I ever feel that I need more weights or not satisfied with it I can always return and upgrade to the FT2. I would to tell you "just get the SF3" but can't since I still need to try it and explore its potential...just can't beat the $2k price.
Not so much of review of anything but more of an overview. You should title these type of videos as that. I would like to see you review the CT-1X2 from Rogue. I would also like to see you compare it to the FT-1. I think they both have different trade offs. But I would be interested in seeing how the CT-1X2 works doing exercises like chest flys. Give me more Coop.
I was looking at the BoS plate loaded single stack around Black Friday but there were no deals to be had. The Inspire FTX went on sale @ Costco for $1500 Canadian rubles (shipping included). Was a bit more than I wanted to spend, but I don't regret it. Love being able to switch weight with just moving a pin or two. The trainer comes with a few attachments: a couple D handles (sorry Coop, no knurling), a dip belt, tricep rope, and dual hook curl bar (passive knurling partially due to coating, same can be said for the pullup bar). None of them are top quality, but they're more than adequate for me and it's nice that they were all included. I honestly have no big plans on replacing any of them in the near future. The FTX package from Costco also comes with an adjustable bench that's super low to the ground, which may actually be of some benefit. The trainer's height is only 83", so if you want to use it for pulldowns you need to get pretty low to the ground. I'm 5'9" and still have to lean back a bit more than I'd prefer while using the bench to get full extension of my arms during pulldowns. Overall quite happy with the unit. Installation was pretty quick and easy and both me and my young son use it daily (he loves using the dip belt with both pulleys for weight assisted pullups). No complaints with the pulleys thus far. Thanks for all of the info you've provided and continue to provide regularly. Other than a few resistance bands, I had no gym equipment this time last year. Now I'm up a rack with various attachments, plates, bar, adj. dumbells, func. trainer, couple benches, bike, stall mats, etc, and I am down 1 garage bay.
I never see "home gyms" mentioned or see them in other people's gyms. I have the inspire fitness m3 with the leg press attachment, and for the money it offers WAY more movements than any functional trainer. The leg press is also a 1:2 ratio and with a 210lb weight stack that gives you 420lbs of resistance. The footprint is excellent especially considering any leg press would take up about the same amount of space as the entire M3. It has a low, middle, and 2 upper pulleys. The only thing it doesn't have is a column to adjust where the pulley can be located. Also, the low pulley is a 2:1 ratio and has no footplate so low rows aren't much of an option. I love that machine and would recommend it to anyone. I just don't understand how these machines that are literally made as home gym machines get overlooked by the home gym community.
I don’t always agree with Coop and I’m sure he can be a little too bias in some situations based on his relationships with the companies….that said, the positive impact that he has single handedly had on the gym equipment industry for all of us is impressive. From the very beginning, he has focused on using his reviews to drive innovation and competition, and the remarkable part is that I’m confident it’s actually working. Sure, the timing of the channel growth aligning with the pandemic was helpful but GGR just seems to be making more of an impact than “reviewers” in other industries. Well done man, keep it up. Also, I got the Inspire Fitness one at Costco last year for $1200. Best per dollar value in my gym.
Coop, at the 9:20 mark in the video, you mention using the budget friendly trainers, like the Titan and Bells of Steel in a dual configuration. That is the scenario I want to achieve. My question is, how far apart should I install them?
Commercial machines use composite pulleys not only because of reduced wear on the cables, but also because they produce less friction and are thus smoother than their aluminum counterparts (all else being equal).
I have the Torque Fitness F9. I don't see many review on it but I like that I can close it up into a corner. This is the same manufacturer that makes the Tank.
I got my rep ft 3000 for $1700 shipped directly from Rep 2 years ago. I would say my functional trainer is the best value for the money and compact size for limited garage space.
I use the Nautilus Inspiration Dual Adjustable Pulley at my gym. I absolutely love that machine and prefer it to the Freemotion machines. Of course, it retails for over $7000.
I have an Inspire FT2. I have to say that Lifefitness one looks very well built. The Inspire is probably one of the cheaper quality builds (I've used quite a few of these brands at gyms) but I really enjoy it, and I like the bench with the leg attachment.
Aside from crossover/chest flies, what are the main reason to get functional trainers like these instead of a single cable machine? What other exercises need two cables? Thanks in advance!
I think the Powertec Workbench Functional Trainer Deluxe would be worth checking out since it allows one to use their own weight plates. Would make it easier to use micro weights with it.
Morr plate loaded variations would be nice in all categories. Built solid enough to load heavy. I'd rather not pay for weight stacks when I have versatile plates already.
Can you review the Unitop U-Trainer please? Your reviews are great! I’m looking for a functional trainer for small apartment & would love to hear your thoughts on the Unitop U-Trainer plus
Hey Coop, what do you think about Torque's new Anker 3? The slim design seems perfect for people who want to still park in their garage. Awesome video!
One thing about rogue ft-1. Whenever you ask them questions like how the shipping will go. They give you some round about shit that is non committal. Like, "you will be able to schedule with the carrier but they don't necessarily have to accommodate you." So lets me understand this. I'm spending almost 7k and the shipping company doesn't have to call me to setup delivery but they also need my help bc it will require a forklift. wtf. Get your shit together rogue, if you want people to buy your shit, dont treat your customers like a fkn afterthought.
Hey coop I really Think the Savage Series Functional Trainer Power Rack Combo from fray fitness would blow your mind. Hope you do a review on it someday. Love your vids !!!
Surprised the Titan Plate Loaded Functional Trainer was omitted. All the benefits, cable crossovers, lat pull down and seated lat pulls. You provide the weight plates you already have. I have a basement gym so moving a few boxes of packed pieces was doable. It works for me on many levels, price, mobility, variety of exercises.
Coop, nice video. Very comprehensive. Two things though: (1) can you cover a summary of simple attachment options to racks with different types of resistance options and (2) cover the differences and similarities as well as integration of cables and resistance bands into training?
Coop...We're confused by your section on the Combo units. I am building my dream gym and REP is winning out over Rogue due to the functional trainer capability. I am debating between Aries and Athena. What are you actually saying YOU would prefer?. You showed what looked like a single stack on the right and plates on the left. Then you talked about a "center stack"?... help me out?
The unitree pump needs to be considered as a super budget friendly entry into the smart space. I received mine a week ago and whilst it has its limitations, it is amazing for a compact homegym and for travel. Taking it with me on my trip to the US this week and don't have to worry about missing any workouts.
I agree- snowed in today so used the PUMP and had a great workout. Used door mount both from bottom and mid door and was able to do a variety of exercises.
I have the bells of Steel plate loaded towers with the pulley upgrades and have attached them to my rack. Very smooth very functional. And at a decent price
Thanks for the review...I would love to see you review the Body Force X9...It is the most unique/revolutionary of all the functional trainer platforms...thank you!
Im surprised you didn’t mention that Free Motion offers the Dual Cable Cross Lite G424 -a little smaller footprint with smaller weight stacks but it is more than enough for most people for a functional trainer (you will never stack on a functional trainer with functional movements) and its half the price you mentioned-I have it and it’s the best unit i have purchased. It’s function is exactly the same as the big unit you have (i had those also at a club i worked at) if you have the means go with it. Free Motion will Deliver and set up and their customer service has been outstanding!
I did the ultra budget option with the dual Titan pulley towers. Had them before BoS came out with theirs. It was a great option. I would love to upgrade some day to dual stack by Rep or Titan down the road but not a priority at the moment.
As someone who owns both, how do you feel about the build quality of each. I was leaning towards BOS but I'm not thrilled with the 60mm upright situation. My existing squat rack is 2x2 with one inch holes which would match the titan tower neatly for accessories. Cheers.
I recently got the ultimate half rack from Vesta fitness! I have the clear coat finish and I must say that this is very nice. I did not get the smith machine option but what I have with all it comes with it super nice! Check them out to anyone that reads this comment! The quality is badass! This is my first functional trainer and I’m so glad I got this one!! Thx Big Coop for the reviews as usual
Ok this was good but I was looking for something like this that covers just the lat pull down tower options (both free weight and selectoral plates) for example Titan, Fray Fitness lat pull down towers and Reps Fitness built in lat towers etc
I have had 5 functional trainers/cable crosses in my garage. The LifeFitness is my current machine and favorite thus far. If I could get a freemotion at a comparable price that would be my top pick.
