Functional trainers / cable machines: What to look for?

[wgpa]

Hi All - I’ve looked at these on and off for a few years but have always been space constrained. A few designs now look to be really slim so MIGHT fit in my space!

What should I look for in a cable or functional training machine? Is one style worth paying more for over another? The main difference seems to be the movable arms.

I’ve only used them in a commercial gym environment and I enjoyed them, but are they REALLY worth it for a home gym? I was thinking it would be a really quick way to hit abs, biceps, pecks, triceps etc. and superset thereon very easily.

My current set up is free weights focused so a bit more cumbersome to switch between exercises and weights when trying to ‘bodybuild’ instead of ‘powerbuild’

A few examples of the styles I’ve been looking at are below - I’m open to suggestions and other ideas though.

Style 1: Dual mounted pulley (probably the one that appeals the most right now)

https://www.thegymrevolution.co.uk/i...l-station.html

Style 2: Single mounted pulley (presumably a dual pulley is a LOT more useful?)

https://www.thegymrevolution.co.uk/i...le-pulley.html

Style 3: Dual pulleys but smaller & thinner unit (how does this compare to 1?)

https://www.thegymrevolution.co.uk/i...p-ftx2000.html

Style 4: Functional trainer (largest option so fitting it in would be an issue right now)

https://www.thegymrevolution.co.uk/i...-ftx-4000.html

Thanks all

[BiGx5MurF]

I only just added a FT to my home gym 1.5 months ago. I love it, and use it almost everyday. It's probably the best way to do accessory lifts IMO.

Pay attention to the ratios. Some of the ones you listed has a 1:1 ratio for certain movements. The ones at my local gym had 4:1 and 3:1 ratios, which made me think my 2:1 machine wouldn't have enough resistance. But that wasn't the case.

I've never used a wall mounted unit, so can't help you there. The last one looks very similar to the ones at my commercial gym, and I believe those are 3:1 ratio machines.

[Asjogren]

I have an Inspire FT2 and I love the thing. Had it for 5 years with no issues. Price is now $1500 more than I paid but it’s a great machine. The top pullies can be joined (they swivel )to use both stacks to get. 210lbs. I should mention that I have a rack and that should be purchased 1st .