Luckily, I\u2019ve been in the market for a functional trainer for the past year, so I spent hours researching the different options. This article is the result of all that research and my experience using dozens of functional trainers in commercial gyms over the years.<\/p>\n
How We Chose the Best Functional Trainers<\/h2>\n
The Breaking Muscle team consists of certified personal trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, CrossFitters, and other experts who live and breathe fitness. We chose the best functional trainers after a thorough examination of several criteria and dozens of hours training on the machines at our testing facility in Springfield, MO. As we tested each machine, we also ranked them on a scale of 1 to 5 (one being the worst, five being the best) based on factors like the assembly process, construction quality, durability, versatility, and smoothness of the cables.<\/p>\n
A key component of our analysis was the many spaces where home gym owners might set up their functional trainers \u2014 from basements and garages to multi-use rooms requiring them to stow away after use.<\/p>\n
We also aimed to ensure that our selections catered to various budgets. While we\u2019ve highlighted options offering the best value, we\u2019ve also featured combo units for those prioritizing all-in-one equipment pieces.<\/p>\n
Our Top Picks for the Best Functional Trainers<\/h2>\n\n- Best Functional Trainer Overall: REP Fitness FT-5000<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Functional Trainer With a Smith Machine: Force USA G20<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine: Force USA X15<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Compact Functional Trainer: Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n
- Best Budget Functional Trainer: Bells of Steel Functional Trainer<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Best Functional Trainer Overall: REP Fitness FT-5000<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"REP](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/rep-fitness-ft-5000.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tREP Fitness FT-5000\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 85.5\u201d H, 58\u201d W (front), 33\u201d W (rear), 36\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 448 pounds<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Weight stacks<\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> One year on the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime on the rack and frame<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Smooth aluminum pulleys<\/li>\n
- 22 trolley height settings<\/li>\n
- Comfortable multi-grip pull-up bar<\/li>\n
- Aesthetically-pleasing design<\/li>\n
- Handy attachment storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Weight stacks made in kilograms<\/li>\n
- 12.5-pound starting weight<\/li>\n
- Instruction manual lacking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Compared to the competition, the REP Fitness FT-5000 is the best functional trainer overall. At a price of just under $2,500, you get thoughtful innovation and a high-end cable machine experience that rivals the feel of a commercial-grade unit \u2014 with some minor tradeoffs.<\/p>\n
The FT-5000 is the second iteration of this functional trainer. In this model, REP included aluminum pulleys instead of nylon, making your reps ultra-smooth. In fact, our product testing team ranked the smoothness of the pulleys 5 out of 5 stars.<\/p>\n
REP has also upgraded the number of trolley heights on each guide rail \u2014 the previous one had 16, whereas this newest version features 22 different heights. More height options means you can fine-tune your starting position to your body and preferences. However, the machine stands at 85.5 inches high, compared with other functional trainers that are at least 91 inches tall. Based on our testing experiences, if you\u2019re a taller individual, you may still have to bend your knees to do pull-ups or sit on the floor for lat pulldowns instead of sitting on your favorite weight bench<\/a>.<\/p>\nREP optimized the height of the guide rail for the trolley system so that your overhead exercises, like tricep pushdowns and lat pulldowns, can feel as similar to a commercial functional trainer as possible. They even added rubber grips and aluminum end caps to the pull-up bar, which offer three different grip variations: pronated, neutral, and wide grip. When we tested this machine, we found the rubber grips comfortable, but our hands slipped a lot once they started getting sweaty.<\/p>\n
Lastly, there are two horizontal beams across the center for storing your handle attachments. We find this to be quite handy instead of having them strewn on the floor.<\/p>\n
The main downside is that the weight stacks are made in kilograms and jump by 2.5-kilogram increments. Considering REP Fitness is an American company, this is strange since the USA uses the imperial system. My best guess is that their functional trainers are probably made overseas in a metric-based country, and their weight stack molds don\u2019t have an imperial version yet. It sounds like this is a common criticism, with one reviewer on YouTube saying, \u201cThis machine would be an instant purchase if the plates were in 10lb increments\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Similarly, the weight stack starts at 12.5 pounds of felt <\/em>weight due to the 2:1 pulley ratio of the machine. This is due to the amount of pulleys present, which causes you to only feel half of the absolute weight from the weight stack. However, REP makes it easy \u2014 they list the felt <\/em>weight increments, so there\u2019s never a question of how much weight you\u2019re actually lifting.<\/p>\nThe thing is, 12.5 pounds is a little high and makes a fair amount of rehab work inaccessible. Many small muscle groups that suffer from overuse injuries, particularly rotator cuffs, can benefit from isolation work, but the weight has to be between five and 10 pounds. If this functional trainer\u2019s first weight plate in the stack was 2.5 kilograms (roughly five pounds), I think this would bridge the gap.<\/p>\n
Despite the improved features in the FT-5000, this innovation has yet to reach the assembly process fully. This customer\u2019s review sums it up pretty well: \u201cRunning the cables was a pain and the instructions were severely lacking (basically no instructions for the cable part). The instructions for running the cables really needs to be provided with the installation guide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Our product testing team agrees with this sentiment. We\u2019ve assembled dozens of pieces of home gym machines, including everything from squat racks to top-rated cardio machines<\/a>. Despite this, it took two of our staff members nearly four hours to assemble the FT-5000. We gave the assembly process 2.5 stars out of 5.<\/p>\nBest Functional Trainer With a Smith Machine: Force USA G20<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Force](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/force-usa-g20.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tForce USA G20\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 91\u201d H x 79\u201d W x 67\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Selectorized<\/li>\n
- Warranty: <\/strong>Lifetime structural<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Smith machine-functional trainer combo<\/li>\n
- 30 attachments included<\/li>\n
- 65 trolley height positions<\/li>\n
- Industry-standard 3\u201d x 3\u201d tubing<\/li>\n
- Additional upgrade kit (optional)<\/li>\n
- 2,000-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Hefty $5,999 price<\/li>\n
- Extra-large footprint required<\/li>\n
- Rear-facing plate storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019ve been wishing for a Smith machine capable of functional training, you\u2019ll find it in the Force USA G20. It packs a serious punch by combining two sought-after equipment pieces into a single footprint while offering the most value out of all the options in this article.<\/p>\n
The G20 is the sibling of the Force USA X15. It is similarly designed but focuses on those who want a Smith machine instead of a power rack’s typical Olympic barbell<\/a> functionality. The Smith machine\u2019s barbell runs along a set of guide rods inside the half rack, while the functional trainer\u2019s trolley system slides up and down the outer uprights. That said, you can still mount traditional rack attachments on the outer uprights and perform Olympic barbell work.<\/p>\nThe default package includes 30 attachments, the most out of any other functional trainer in this list. From the tried-and-true landmine and ankle strap to the globe-style pull-up bar and leg press attachment, it\u2019s clear that Force USA wants you to maximize this machine’s potential straight from the get-go. There are optional upgrade kits for a lat-row station and additional attachments like jammer arms, dip bars, and a leg extension\/curl station.<\/p>\n
Note, however, that some attachments are subpar. For example, we find that the powdercoat on the J-hooks chips easily. The spotter arms are short, meaning we have to shorten our walkout when we do squats. While we give the G20 4.5 out of 5 stars based on the number of attachments available, we give it only 3.5 stars out of 5 for attachment quality.<\/p>\n
With the included attachments and the available add-ons, the G20 offers a lifetime of training in a single footprint. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars for versatility due to the sheer number of exercises you can do with it.<\/p>\n
If a custom fit is essential to you for cable exercises, then this functional trainer with Smith machine is the top choice. The guide rods for the functional trainer component are essentially two uprights and feature 65 different trolley positions \u2014 by far the most out of any other unit in this article. The high degree of custom heights makes the G20 an ideal choice if you simply want precise adjustments to fine-tune your starting positions. But where it will truly shine is when using it with multiple users: with holes spaced every inch along the uprights, it can accommodate users of varying sizes.<\/p>\n
With a hefty price tag of $5,999.99, this is a serious investment and one I wouldn\u2019t suggest making until you\u2019ve compared it to other options. I\u2019d highly recommend you test this unit in person to ensure it works as you envisioned. If you\u2019re local to one of the company\u2019s showrooms, that would be the best option since you\u2019d ensure you\u2019re using the most recent model. However, even getting a chance to test one at a commercial gym would be helpful because there aren\u2019t usually huge upgrades between versions of the same machine.<\/p>\n
At 79 inches wide and 67 inches deep, this unit is a beast. You\u2019ll also need at least one to two feet on each side of the barbell to add and remove weight plates<\/a>. This adds anywhere from 24 to 48 inches of extra width. And while the feet of this combo unit extend forward, I suggest you have an additional foot of space to use the uprights for barbell back squats<\/a>. Want to bench press with a traditional barbell off the uprights? You\u2019ll need up to four feet of extra room.<\/p>\nWhile I appreciate the attempt to save space by having the plate pegs extend out from the back, this orientation is less than ideal. In my opinion, the best placement for weight pegs is parallel with the sleeve of the barbell you\u2019ll be using. Similar to the extra width required for putting plates on your barbell, you\u2019ll also need a minimum of one foot between the end of the peg and the wall (assuming it\u2019s not going in the middle of a room) to allow your body enough space for accessing your weight plates.<\/p>\n
Since it has a potential space requirement of up to 127 inches wide by 115 inches deep, it\u2019s important to measure twice before investing in this piece. The assembly process is also quite long \u2014 it took our staff almost 35 hours to put together. We recommend paying for the professional assembly service, which starts at around $800, if you can swing it.<\/p>\n
Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine: Force USA X15<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Force](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/force-usa-x15-pro-multi-trainer.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tForce USA X15\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 92\u201d H x 70\u201d W x 57\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type:<\/strong> Selectorized <\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> Lifetime structural<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Power rack meets cable machine<\/li>\n
- 15 attachments included<\/li>\n
- Industry-standard 3\u201d x 3\u201d tubing<\/li>\n
- 42 trolley height positions<\/li>\n
- Upgrade kit for even more versatility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Expensive $3,999 price<\/li>\n
- Large footprint required<\/li>\n
- Smaller width<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019re looking for the best functional trainer cable machine, this could be it. The Force USA X15 combines a half rack’s versatility with a functional trainer’s functionality.<\/p>\n
The most significant benefit of the Force USA X15 is that it is essentially a half rack combined with a functional trainer. This means you can do barbell lifts and cable exercises using a single unit by removing the attachments from the uprights (the trolley system\u2019s guide rails) and adjusting the trolley to your desired height. The product page claims there are over 400 possible exercises, and I believe it.<\/p>\n
The number of included attachments is seriously impressive. Fifteen rack attachments come with it, from J-hooks and spotter arms to plate pegs and a landmine attachment. You can maximize your barbell exercises as soon as it\u2019s assembled. Force USA also includes a variety of attachments to ensure you get the best out of your cable system, including a pair of d-handles to a checkered textured foot plate for your low rows.<\/p>\n
Since the trolleys of the cable machine slide up and down on the uprights of the half rack, these guide rails have one of the highest number of adjustment heights out of any other functional trainer in this article. So, if you value getting your cable exercises as close to a perfect starting point as you can, this unit can be a solid choice.<\/p>\n
The main drawback to the X15 is the price tag. For most lifters, a price tag of nearly $4,000 isn\u2019t exactly within reach. However, I think more people will warm up to its cost when they realize that this is essentially an industry-standard power rack with a ton of accessories plus a beefed-up functional trainer.<\/p>\n
The other elephant in the room is the large footprint requirement. Like the Force USA G20, the X15 has a significantly larger depth than your typical functional trainer. Additionally, since this is also a half rack for barbell exercises, you\u2019ll need a minimum of nine feet of width to have at least one foot on either side of the barbell to load your weight plates (an Olympic barbell is around seven feet long). As a result, those with a small space might be unable to fit this unit. <\/p>\n
Finally, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the useable width of the pulley cables will result in specific cable exercises feeling cramped. The uprights the pulleys are mounted onto are 48 inches apart. However, the pulleys can swing inwards by approximately six inches on each side. Because of this, the distance between the handles on exercises like chest flies<\/a> or cable crossovers will only be about 36 inches, not giving you much of a stretch in your chest.<\/p>\nBest Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Titan](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/titan-plate-loaded-functional-trainer.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tTitan Plate Loaded Functional Trainer\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 81\u201d H x 61\u201d W x 53\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 660-pound weight plate capacity; 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Plate-loaded<\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> One year<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Dedicated lat pulldown\/low row<\/li>\n
- Five attachments included<\/li>\n
- 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Significant depth<\/li>\n
- No-frills design<\/li>\n
- Basic one-year warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Even though the quality of Titan Fitness\u2019s equipment can sometimes be questionable, I\u2019ve never had any issues with anything I\u2019ve bought from them \u2014 including my favorite squat rack<\/a>, the X-3 Power Rack. I\u2019m also impressed with Titan\u2019s plate-loaded functional trainer because it packs in a serious number of features. Its dedicated pulldown-row station, five included attachments, and reasonable price make it the best plate-loaded functional trainer on the market.<\/p>\nThe standout feature I noticed immediately on this unit was the center pulldown-row station. This isn\u2019t included in most functional trainers, so it will appeal to you if you like performing the best back exercises<\/a> frequently. The separate lat pulldown area means you can keep your lat pulldown bar hooked up and out of the way. Meanwhile, the low-row station uses a separate cable to spare you the time of constantly swapping your attachments and also has a footplate for you to brace your feet and push your cable rows to the max.<\/p>\nTitan includes five different attachments: a tricep rope, an ankle cuff, a lat pulldown bar, a low row bar, and dual stirrup handles. On the other hand, most companies only provide a pair of basic handles. In my opinion, this is a great addition because it allows you to perform a wide range of exercises, including tricep pushdowns, glute kickbacks, and more.<\/p>\n
The 1,540-pound cable capacity is a prime example of a company correctly positioning its plate-loaded functional trainer. Although the lat-row station has a 660-pound capacity for weight plates, you can technically <\/em>add much more than that based on the cable capacity. So, if you have calibrated plates, you can load \u2018em up and know that this unit can keep up with even the strongest powerlifters. Compared to the other functional trainers on the market, Titan\u2019s has one of the highest absolute weight capacities.<\/p>\nOne drawback is that this plate-loaded functional trainer is quite deep. Since it has a center lat-row station, it ends up with a depth of 53 inches, which usually requires you to put it in the corner of your gym. Depending on your home gym layout, this might not be feasible, and if all of the corners in your workout space are already occupied, you\u2019ll be stuck with putting it along a wall. This means it will stick out by almost six feet. With the widest part at the front, you might find its 61-inch width annoying (and a tripping hazard).<\/p>\n
Some minor call-outs on the quality: the hanging hooks are basic, and the low-row footplate is smooth, offering little grip. It\u2019s also welded directly to the bottom crosspiece, which results in no adjustability. While five attachments are included, the long bar and the short bar don\u2019t feature rotating centerpieces, so your reps won\u2019t feel as smooth compared to a higher-quality attachment. Lastly, the pulleys are nylon instead of ultra-smooth aluminum.<\/p>\n
Like most Titan Fitness products, their functional trainer only has a one-year warranty. This is typical with almost all their products and reflects the more budget-focused quality you\u2019ll experience with Titan. However, they offer two and three-year warranty extensions for $120.99 and $157.99, respectively, if you want additional coverage.<\/p>\n
Best Compact Functional Trainer: Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t![\"Torque](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/torque-f9-fold-away-functional-trainer.webp\")
\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tTorque Fitness F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.4\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions*<\/strong>: 83.8\u201d H x 69.7\u201d W x 61.2\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance<\/strong>: 225 pounds static, 112.5 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Selectorized<\/li>\n
- Warranty<\/strong>: Lifetime frame, welds, and parts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Height includes pull-up bar handles; widest width is shown, and depth is with doors open.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Folds away to save space<\/li>\n
- 150, 200, or 225-pound stacks<\/li>\n
- Narrow or wide fold-out options<\/li>\n
- Helpful add-on accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Expensive<\/li>\n
- Less smooth nylon pulleys<\/li>\n
- Lacks storage area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Torque F9 is our pick for the best compact functional trainer due to its space-saving capability and high-end touches.<\/p>\n
The Torque F9 folds away to just 44.6 inches wide and 34.9 inches deep. This makes it ideal for home gym owners who want to invest in a quality functional trainer but don\u2019t have a huge amount of space. It\u2019s also ideal for those who don\u2019t want their functional trainer on display at all times and have limited floor space and want to maximize it.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/torque-f9-fold-away-functional-trainer-folded.jpg\")
The Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer at the Breaking Muscle testing facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWe\u2019ve had a chance to test the Torque F9, and in our experience, the best way to make use of the folding feature is to place the machine in a corner. The doors are easy to fold in and out because of the heavy-duty casters (wheels) at the bottom of each door.<\/p>\n
Another key feature of the Torque F9 is the different weight stack options. You can choose between 150-pound, 200-pound, or 225-pound dual-weight stacks. Few companies offer more than one option, and the fact that you can choose between three increments is a big plus, especially since this is where a significant amount of the weight will come from for the machine \u2014 the heavier the machine, the more shipping fees, too.<\/p>\n
If you know the machine will only be used for light rehab work, you can opt for the 150-pound version to save quite a bit of coin. On the other hand, if you\u2019re looking to build strength<\/a>, it\u2019s best to select the heaviest 225-pound option because you can grow into it. If trying to decide between two weight increments, I recommend choosing the heaviest because it doesn\u2019t look like Torque currently offers expansion kits.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/torque-f9-fold-away-functional-trainer-open.jpg\")
The Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer opened up at the Breaking Muscle testing facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, one thing to note about the weight stacks is that they aren\u2019t labeled by the amount of weight you\u2019d be lifting when you adjust the pin. Instead, they\u2019re labeled as 1, 2, 3, and so on. Torque doesn\u2019t disclose how much each individual weight stack plate weighs, but based on our testing, we believe each weighs 10 pounds.<\/p>\n
Torque includes six attachments by default, and I appreciate that they do this because we\u2019ve been able to use this functional trainer to its maximum potential. Once assembled, we didn\u2019t have to go out and buy basic attachments like we\u2019ve had to for other functional trainers we tried.<\/p>\n
A couple of the attachments are quite unique, such as the squat harness, which allows you to perform squats more easily, and the universal strap that you can use to assist you on pull-ups or chin-ups<\/a>. We like this because it allows for even more exercise variety than most functional trainers on the market.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/torque-f9-fold-away-functional-trainer-pull-ups.jpg\")
A Breaking Muscle staff member doing pull-ups on the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere\u2019s also a foldaway bench that you can buy as an add-on, which fits inside the unit after folding it away. If this machine is the centerpiece of your home gym, I would highly recommend going with the bench because it will also save valuable floor space. Lastly, they even have weight stack pins to add 2.5 pounds, which are excellent for microloading those smaller muscle groups.<\/p>\n
RELATED: <\/em><\/strong>The 9 Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym (2023)<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThe biggest downside to the Torque F9 is the price. Torque doesn\u2019t list the price outright, but I did some digging and found out the prices can range from around $2,300 to around $2,699 \u2014 the price range depends on which weight stack option you choose. For another $400, you can also get the foldaway bench. Compared to other options in this article, though, this total price tag is fairly expensive and doesn\u2019t even include shipping costs.<\/p>\n
An area for improvement that I see is the pulleys. This foldaway functional trainer uses nylon pulleys, which are known to be less smooth than aluminum ones. Nylon pulleys make sense for a commercial machine because the machine will be abused in a commercial facility by dozens or even hundreds of people daily. But in my opinion, aluminum pulleys are better for home gym units because they will be used by just a single person or maybe <\/em>a couple of users. For this reason, I wish Torque included aluminum pulleys by default or as an optional upgrade since they\u2019re more durable and offer a smoother pull.<\/p>\nLastly, I\u2019m a little disappointed by the lack of storage on the F9. I understand that most of the center area of the functional trainer needs to be open for the doors to close inwards, but it looks as if a big nameplate is just occupying the upper half of the middle. This could be a prime place for storing attachments, or perhaps offering some storage hooks on the inside panels of the folding doors.<\/p>\n
As an aside, Torque offers a wall-mounted version of their F9 foldaway functional trainer, which has an upgradeable storage rack in the unit’s center area for dumbbells or kettlebells<\/a>. I think this is an excellent upgrade and a great use of space \u2014 I just wish they considered a similar storage system for their standalone functional trainer.<\/p>\nBest Budget Functional Trainer: Bells of Steel Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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Best Functional Trainer Overall: REP Fitness FT-5000<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tREP Fitness FT-5000\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 85.5\u201d H, 58\u201d W (front), 33\u201d W (rear), 36\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 448 pounds<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Weight stacks<\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> One year on the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime on the rack and frame<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Smooth aluminum pulleys<\/li>\n
- 22 trolley height settings<\/li>\n
- Comfortable multi-grip pull-up bar<\/li>\n
- Aesthetically-pleasing design<\/li>\n
- Handy attachment storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Weight stacks made in kilograms<\/li>\n
- 12.5-pound starting weight<\/li>\n
- Instruction manual lacking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Compared to the competition, the REP Fitness FT-5000 is the best functional trainer overall. At a price of just under $2,500, you get thoughtful innovation and a high-end cable machine experience that rivals the feel of a commercial-grade unit \u2014 with some minor tradeoffs.<\/p>\n
The FT-5000 is the second iteration of this functional trainer. In this model, REP included aluminum pulleys instead of nylon, making your reps ultra-smooth. In fact, our product testing team ranked the smoothness of the pulleys 5 out of 5 stars.<\/p>\n
REP has also upgraded the number of trolley heights on each guide rail \u2014 the previous one had 16, whereas this newest version features 22 different heights. More height options means you can fine-tune your starting position to your body and preferences. However, the machine stands at 85.5 inches high, compared with other functional trainers that are at least 91 inches tall. Based on our testing experiences, if you\u2019re a taller individual, you may still have to bend your knees to do pull-ups or sit on the floor for lat pulldowns instead of sitting on your favorite weight bench<\/a>.<\/p>\nREP optimized the height of the guide rail for the trolley system so that your overhead exercises, like tricep pushdowns and lat pulldowns, can feel as similar to a commercial functional trainer as possible. They even added rubber grips and aluminum end caps to the pull-up bar, which offer three different grip variations: pronated, neutral, and wide grip. When we tested this machine, we found the rubber grips comfortable, but our hands slipped a lot once they started getting sweaty.<\/p>\n
Lastly, there are two horizontal beams across the center for storing your handle attachments. We find this to be quite handy instead of having them strewn on the floor.<\/p>\n
The main downside is that the weight stacks are made in kilograms and jump by 2.5-kilogram increments. Considering REP Fitness is an American company, this is strange since the USA uses the imperial system. My best guess is that their functional trainers are probably made overseas in a metric-based country, and their weight stack molds don\u2019t have an imperial version yet. It sounds like this is a common criticism, with one reviewer on YouTube saying, \u201cThis machine would be an instant purchase if the plates were in 10lb increments\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Similarly, the weight stack starts at 12.5 pounds of felt <\/em>weight due to the 2:1 pulley ratio of the machine. This is due to the amount of pulleys present, which causes you to only feel half of the absolute weight from the weight stack. However, REP makes it easy \u2014 they list the felt <\/em>weight increments, so there\u2019s never a question of how much weight you\u2019re actually lifting.<\/p>\nThe thing is, 12.5 pounds is a little high and makes a fair amount of rehab work inaccessible. Many small muscle groups that suffer from overuse injuries, particularly rotator cuffs, can benefit from isolation work, but the weight has to be between five and 10 pounds. If this functional trainer\u2019s first weight plate in the stack was 2.5 kilograms (roughly five pounds), I think this would bridge the gap.<\/p>\n
Despite the improved features in the FT-5000, this innovation has yet to reach the assembly process fully. This customer\u2019s review sums it up pretty well: \u201cRunning the cables was a pain and the instructions were severely lacking (basically no instructions for the cable part). The instructions for running the cables really needs to be provided with the installation guide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Our product testing team agrees with this sentiment. We\u2019ve assembled dozens of pieces of home gym machines, including everything from squat racks to top-rated cardio machines<\/a>. Despite this, it took two of our staff members nearly four hours to assemble the FT-5000. We gave the assembly process 2.5 stars out of 5.<\/p>\nBest Functional Trainer With a Smith Machine: Force USA G20<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tForce USA G20\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 91\u201d H x 79\u201d W x 67\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Selectorized<\/li>\n
- Warranty: <\/strong>Lifetime structural<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Smith machine-functional trainer combo<\/li>\n
- 30 attachments included<\/li>\n
- 65 trolley height positions<\/li>\n
- Industry-standard 3\u201d x 3\u201d tubing<\/li>\n
- Additional upgrade kit (optional)<\/li>\n
- 2,000-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Hefty $5,999 price<\/li>\n
- Extra-large footprint required<\/li>\n
- Rear-facing plate storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019ve been wishing for a Smith machine capable of functional training, you\u2019ll find it in the Force USA G20. It packs a serious punch by combining two sought-after equipment pieces into a single footprint while offering the most value out of all the options in this article.<\/p>\n
The G20 is the sibling of the Force USA X15. It is similarly designed but focuses on those who want a Smith machine instead of a power rack’s typical Olympic barbell<\/a> functionality. The Smith machine\u2019s barbell runs along a set of guide rods inside the half rack, while the functional trainer\u2019s trolley system slides up and down the outer uprights. That said, you can still mount traditional rack attachments on the outer uprights and perform Olympic barbell work.<\/p>\nThe default package includes 30 attachments, the most out of any other functional trainer in this list. From the tried-and-true landmine and ankle strap to the globe-style pull-up bar and leg press attachment, it\u2019s clear that Force USA wants you to maximize this machine’s potential straight from the get-go. There are optional upgrade kits for a lat-row station and additional attachments like jammer arms, dip bars, and a leg extension\/curl station.<\/p>\n
Note, however, that some attachments are subpar. For example, we find that the powdercoat on the J-hooks chips easily. The spotter arms are short, meaning we have to shorten our walkout when we do squats. While we give the G20 4.5 out of 5 stars based on the number of attachments available, we give it only 3.5 stars out of 5 for attachment quality.<\/p>\n
With the included attachments and the available add-ons, the G20 offers a lifetime of training in a single footprint. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars for versatility due to the sheer number of exercises you can do with it.<\/p>\n
If a custom fit is essential to you for cable exercises, then this functional trainer with Smith machine is the top choice. The guide rods for the functional trainer component are essentially two uprights and feature 65 different trolley positions \u2014 by far the most out of any other unit in this article. The high degree of custom heights makes the G20 an ideal choice if you simply want precise adjustments to fine-tune your starting positions. But where it will truly shine is when using it with multiple users: with holes spaced every inch along the uprights, it can accommodate users of varying sizes.<\/p>\n
With a hefty price tag of $5,999.99, this is a serious investment and one I wouldn\u2019t suggest making until you\u2019ve compared it to other options. I\u2019d highly recommend you test this unit in person to ensure it works as you envisioned. If you\u2019re local to one of the company\u2019s showrooms, that would be the best option since you\u2019d ensure you\u2019re using the most recent model. However, even getting a chance to test one at a commercial gym would be helpful because there aren\u2019t usually huge upgrades between versions of the same machine.<\/p>\n
At 79 inches wide and 67 inches deep, this unit is a beast. You\u2019ll also need at least one to two feet on each side of the barbell to add and remove weight plates<\/a>. This adds anywhere from 24 to 48 inches of extra width. And while the feet of this combo unit extend forward, I suggest you have an additional foot of space to use the uprights for barbell back squats<\/a>. Want to bench press with a traditional barbell off the uprights? You\u2019ll need up to four feet of extra room.<\/p>\nWhile I appreciate the attempt to save space by having the plate pegs extend out from the back, this orientation is less than ideal. In my opinion, the best placement for weight pegs is parallel with the sleeve of the barbell you\u2019ll be using. Similar to the extra width required for putting plates on your barbell, you\u2019ll also need a minimum of one foot between the end of the peg and the wall (assuming it\u2019s not going in the middle of a room) to allow your body enough space for accessing your weight plates.<\/p>\n
Since it has a potential space requirement of up to 127 inches wide by 115 inches deep, it\u2019s important to measure twice before investing in this piece. The assembly process is also quite long \u2014 it took our staff almost 35 hours to put together. We recommend paying for the professional assembly service, which starts at around $800, if you can swing it.<\/p>\n
Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine: Force USA X15<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tForce USA X15\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 92\u201d H x 70\u201d W x 57\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type:<\/strong> Selectorized <\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> Lifetime structural<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Power rack meets cable machine<\/li>\n
- 15 attachments included<\/li>\n
- Industry-standard 3\u201d x 3\u201d tubing<\/li>\n
- 42 trolley height positions<\/li>\n
- Upgrade kit for even more versatility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Expensive $3,999 price<\/li>\n
- Large footprint required<\/li>\n
- Smaller width<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019re looking for the best functional trainer cable machine, this could be it. The Force USA X15 combines a half rack’s versatility with a functional trainer’s functionality.<\/p>\n
The most significant benefit of the Force USA X15 is that it is essentially a half rack combined with a functional trainer. This means you can do barbell lifts and cable exercises using a single unit by removing the attachments from the uprights (the trolley system\u2019s guide rails) and adjusting the trolley to your desired height. The product page claims there are over 400 possible exercises, and I believe it.<\/p>\n
The number of included attachments is seriously impressive. Fifteen rack attachments come with it, from J-hooks and spotter arms to plate pegs and a landmine attachment. You can maximize your barbell exercises as soon as it\u2019s assembled. Force USA also includes a variety of attachments to ensure you get the best out of your cable system, including a pair of d-handles to a checkered textured foot plate for your low rows.<\/p>\n
Since the trolleys of the cable machine slide up and down on the uprights of the half rack, these guide rails have one of the highest number of adjustment heights out of any other functional trainer in this article. So, if you value getting your cable exercises as close to a perfect starting point as you can, this unit can be a solid choice.<\/p>\n
The main drawback to the X15 is the price tag. For most lifters, a price tag of nearly $4,000 isn\u2019t exactly within reach. However, I think more people will warm up to its cost when they realize that this is essentially an industry-standard power rack with a ton of accessories plus a beefed-up functional trainer.<\/p>\n
The other elephant in the room is the large footprint requirement. Like the Force USA G20, the X15 has a significantly larger depth than your typical functional trainer. Additionally, since this is also a half rack for barbell exercises, you\u2019ll need a minimum of nine feet of width to have at least one foot on either side of the barbell to load your weight plates (an Olympic barbell is around seven feet long). As a result, those with a small space might be unable to fit this unit. <\/p>\n
Finally, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the useable width of the pulley cables will result in specific cable exercises feeling cramped. The uprights the pulleys are mounted onto are 48 inches apart. However, the pulleys can swing inwards by approximately six inches on each side. Because of this, the distance between the handles on exercises like chest flies<\/a> or cable crossovers will only be about 36 inches, not giving you much of a stretch in your chest.<\/p>\nBest Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tTitan Plate Loaded Functional Trainer\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions:<\/strong> 81\u201d H x 61\u201d W x 53\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 660-pound weight plate capacity; 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Plate-loaded<\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> One year<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Dedicated lat pulldown\/low row<\/li>\n
- Five attachments included<\/li>\n
- 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Significant depth<\/li>\n
- No-frills design<\/li>\n
- Basic one-year warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Even though the quality of Titan Fitness\u2019s equipment can sometimes be questionable, I\u2019ve never had any issues with anything I\u2019ve bought from them \u2014 including my favorite squat rack<\/a>, the X-3 Power Rack. I\u2019m also impressed with Titan\u2019s plate-loaded functional trainer because it packs in a serious number of features. Its dedicated pulldown-row station, five included attachments, and reasonable price make it the best plate-loaded functional trainer on the market.<\/p>\nThe standout feature I noticed immediately on this unit was the center pulldown-row station. This isn\u2019t included in most functional trainers, so it will appeal to you if you like performing the best back exercises<\/a> frequently. The separate lat pulldown area means you can keep your lat pulldown bar hooked up and out of the way. Meanwhile, the low-row station uses a separate cable to spare you the time of constantly swapping your attachments and also has a footplate for you to brace your feet and push your cable rows to the max.<\/p>\nTitan includes five different attachments: a tricep rope, an ankle cuff, a lat pulldown bar, a low row bar, and dual stirrup handles. On the other hand, most companies only provide a pair of basic handles. In my opinion, this is a great addition because it allows you to perform a wide range of exercises, including tricep pushdowns, glute kickbacks, and more.<\/p>\n
The 1,540-pound cable capacity is a prime example of a company correctly positioning its plate-loaded functional trainer. Although the lat-row station has a 660-pound capacity for weight plates, you can technically <\/em>add much more than that based on the cable capacity. So, if you have calibrated plates, you can load \u2018em up and know that this unit can keep up with even the strongest powerlifters. Compared to the other functional trainers on the market, Titan\u2019s has one of the highest absolute weight capacities.<\/p>\nOne drawback is that this plate-loaded functional trainer is quite deep. Since it has a center lat-row station, it ends up with a depth of 53 inches, which usually requires you to put it in the corner of your gym. Depending on your home gym layout, this might not be feasible, and if all of the corners in your workout space are already occupied, you\u2019ll be stuck with putting it along a wall. This means it will stick out by almost six feet. With the widest part at the front, you might find its 61-inch width annoying (and a tripping hazard).<\/p>\n
Some minor call-outs on the quality: the hanging hooks are basic, and the low-row footplate is smooth, offering little grip. It\u2019s also welded directly to the bottom crosspiece, which results in no adjustability. While five attachments are included, the long bar and the short bar don\u2019t feature rotating centerpieces, so your reps won\u2019t feel as smooth compared to a higher-quality attachment. Lastly, the pulleys are nylon instead of ultra-smooth aluminum.<\/p>\n
Like most Titan Fitness products, their functional trainer only has a one-year warranty. This is typical with almost all their products and reflects the more budget-focused quality you\u2019ll experience with Titan. However, they offer two and three-year warranty extensions for $120.99 and $157.99, respectively, if you want additional coverage.<\/p>\n
Best Compact Functional Trainer: Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tTorque Fitness F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.4\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- Dimensions*<\/strong>: 83.8\u201d H x 69.7\u201d W x 61.2\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance<\/strong>: 225 pounds static, 112.5 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Selectorized<\/li>\n
- Warranty<\/strong>: Lifetime frame, welds, and parts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Height includes pull-up bar handles; widest width is shown, and depth is with doors open.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n\n- Folds away to save space<\/li>\n
- 150, 200, or 225-pound stacks<\/li>\n
- Narrow or wide fold-out options<\/li>\n
- Helpful add-on accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n\n- Expensive<\/li>\n
- Less smooth nylon pulleys<\/li>\n
- Lacks storage area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Torque F9 is our pick for the best compact functional trainer due to its space-saving capability and high-end touches.<\/p>\n
The Torque F9 folds away to just 44.6 inches wide and 34.9 inches deep. This makes it ideal for home gym owners who want to invest in a quality functional trainer but don\u2019t have a huge amount of space. It\u2019s also ideal for those who don\u2019t want their functional trainer on display at all times and have limited floor space and want to maximize it.<\/p>\nThe Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer at the Breaking Muscle testing facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWe\u2019ve had a chance to test the Torque F9, and in our experience, the best way to make use of the folding feature is to place the machine in a corner. The doors are easy to fold in and out because of the heavy-duty casters (wheels) at the bottom of each door.<\/p>\n
Another key feature of the Torque F9 is the different weight stack options. You can choose between 150-pound, 200-pound, or 225-pound dual-weight stacks. Few companies offer more than one option, and the fact that you can choose between three increments is a big plus, especially since this is where a significant amount of the weight will come from for the machine \u2014 the heavier the machine, the more shipping fees, too.<\/p>\n
If you know the machine will only be used for light rehab work, you can opt for the 150-pound version to save quite a bit of coin. On the other hand, if you\u2019re looking to build strength<\/a>, it\u2019s best to select the heaviest 225-pound option because you can grow into it. If trying to decide between two weight increments, I recommend choosing the heaviest because it doesn\u2019t look like Torque currently offers expansion kits.<\/p>\nThe Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer opened up at the Breaking Muscle testing facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nHowever, one thing to note about the weight stacks is that they aren\u2019t labeled by the amount of weight you\u2019d be lifting when you adjust the pin. Instead, they\u2019re labeled as 1, 2, 3, and so on. Torque doesn\u2019t disclose how much each individual weight stack plate weighs, but based on our testing, we believe each weighs 10 pounds.<\/p>\n
Torque includes six attachments by default, and I appreciate that they do this because we\u2019ve been able to use this functional trainer to its maximum potential. Once assembled, we didn\u2019t have to go out and buy basic attachments like we\u2019ve had to for other functional trainers we tried.<\/p>\n
A couple of the attachments are quite unique, such as the squat harness, which allows you to perform squats more easily, and the universal strap that you can use to assist you on pull-ups or chin-ups<\/a>. We like this because it allows for even more exercise variety than most functional trainers on the market.<\/p>\nA Breaking Muscle staff member doing pull-ups on the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThere\u2019s also a foldaway bench that you can buy as an add-on, which fits inside the unit after folding it away. If this machine is the centerpiece of your home gym, I would highly recommend going with the bench because it will also save valuable floor space. Lastly, they even have weight stack pins to add 2.5 pounds, which are excellent for microloading those smaller muscle groups.<\/p>\n
RELATED: <\/em><\/strong>The 9 Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym (2023)<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nThe biggest downside to the Torque F9 is the price. Torque doesn\u2019t list the price outright, but I did some digging and found out the prices can range from around $2,300 to around $2,699 \u2014 the price range depends on which weight stack option you choose. For another $400, you can also get the foldaway bench. Compared to other options in this article, though, this total price tag is fairly expensive and doesn\u2019t even include shipping costs.<\/p>\n
An area for improvement that I see is the pulleys. This foldaway functional trainer uses nylon pulleys, which are known to be less smooth than aluminum ones. Nylon pulleys make sense for a commercial machine because the machine will be abused in a commercial facility by dozens or even hundreds of people daily. But in my opinion, aluminum pulleys are better for home gym units because they will be used by just a single person or maybe <\/em>a couple of users. For this reason, I wish Torque included aluminum pulleys by default or as an optional upgrade since they\u2019re more durable and offer a smoother pull.<\/p>\nLastly, I\u2019m a little disappointed by the lack of storage on the F9. I understand that most of the center area of the functional trainer needs to be open for the doors to close inwards, but it looks as if a big nameplate is just occupying the upper half of the middle. This could be a prime place for storing attachments, or perhaps offering some storage hooks on the inside panels of the folding doors.<\/p>\n
As an aside, Torque offers a wall-mounted version of their F9 foldaway functional trainer, which has an upgradeable storage rack in the unit’s center area for dumbbells or kettlebells<\/a>. I think this is an excellent upgrade and a great use of space \u2014 I just wish they considered a similar storage system for their standalone functional trainer.<\/p>\nBest Budget Functional Trainer: Bells of Steel Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tREP Fitness FT-5000\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n
- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 85.5\u201d H, 58\u201d W (front), 33\u201d W (rear), 36\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 448 pounds<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Weight stacks<\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> One year on the pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables; lifetime on the rack and frame<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Smooth aluminum pulleys<\/li>\n
- 22 trolley height settings<\/li>\n
- Comfortable multi-grip pull-up bar<\/li>\n
- Aesthetically-pleasing design<\/li>\n
- Handy attachment storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Weight stacks made in kilograms<\/li>\n
- 12.5-pound starting weight<\/li>\n
- Instruction manual lacking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Compared to the competition, the REP Fitness FT-5000 is the best functional trainer overall. At a price of just under $2,500, you get thoughtful innovation and a high-end cable machine experience that rivals the feel of a commercial-grade unit \u2014 with some minor tradeoffs.<\/p>\n
The FT-5000 is the second iteration of this functional trainer. In this model, REP included aluminum pulleys instead of nylon, making your reps ultra-smooth. In fact, our product testing team ranked the smoothness of the pulleys 5 out of 5 stars.<\/p>\n
REP has also upgraded the number of trolley heights on each guide rail \u2014 the previous one had 16, whereas this newest version features 22 different heights. More height options means you can fine-tune your starting position to your body and preferences. However, the machine stands at 85.5 inches high, compared with other functional trainers that are at least 91 inches tall. Based on our testing experiences, if you\u2019re a taller individual, you may still have to bend your knees to do pull-ups or sit on the floor for lat pulldowns instead of sitting on your favorite weight bench<\/a>.<\/p>\n
REP optimized the height of the guide rail for the trolley system so that your overhead exercises, like tricep pushdowns and lat pulldowns, can feel as similar to a commercial functional trainer as possible. They even added rubber grips and aluminum end caps to the pull-up bar, which offer three different grip variations: pronated, neutral, and wide grip. When we tested this machine, we found the rubber grips comfortable, but our hands slipped a lot once they started getting sweaty.<\/p>\n
Lastly, there are two horizontal beams across the center for storing your handle attachments. We find this to be quite handy instead of having them strewn on the floor.<\/p>\n
The main downside is that the weight stacks are made in kilograms and jump by 2.5-kilogram increments. Considering REP Fitness is an American company, this is strange since the USA uses the imperial system. My best guess is that their functional trainers are probably made overseas in a metric-based country, and their weight stack molds don\u2019t have an imperial version yet. It sounds like this is a common criticism, with one reviewer on YouTube saying, \u201cThis machine would be an instant purchase if the plates were in 10lb increments\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Similarly, the weight stack starts at 12.5 pounds of felt <\/em>weight due to the 2:1 pulley ratio of the machine. This is due to the amount of pulleys present, which causes you to only feel half of the absolute weight from the weight stack. However, REP makes it easy \u2014 they list the felt <\/em>weight increments, so there\u2019s never a question of how much weight you\u2019re actually lifting.<\/p>\n
The thing is, 12.5 pounds is a little high and makes a fair amount of rehab work inaccessible. Many small muscle groups that suffer from overuse injuries, particularly rotator cuffs, can benefit from isolation work, but the weight has to be between five and 10 pounds. If this functional trainer\u2019s first weight plate in the stack was 2.5 kilograms (roughly five pounds), I think this would bridge the gap.<\/p>\n
Despite the improved features in the FT-5000, this innovation has yet to reach the assembly process fully. This customer\u2019s review sums it up pretty well: \u201cRunning the cables was a pain and the instructions were severely lacking (basically no instructions for the cable part). The instructions for running the cables really needs to be provided with the installation guide.\u201d<\/p>\n
Our product testing team agrees with this sentiment. We\u2019ve assembled dozens of pieces of home gym machines, including everything from squat racks to top-rated cardio machines<\/a>. Despite this, it took two of our staff members nearly four hours to assemble the FT-5000. We gave the assembly process 2.5 stars out of 5.<\/p>\n
Best Functional Trainer With a Smith Machine: Force USA G20<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tForce USA G20\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t4.0\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 91\u201d H x 79\u201d W x 67\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Selectorized<\/li>\n
- Warranty: <\/strong>Lifetime structural<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Smith machine-functional trainer combo<\/li>\n
- 30 attachments included<\/li>\n
- 65 trolley height positions<\/li>\n
- Industry-standard 3\u201d x 3\u201d tubing<\/li>\n
- Additional upgrade kit (optional)<\/li>\n
- 2,000-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Hefty $5,999 price<\/li>\n
- Extra-large footprint required<\/li>\n
- Rear-facing plate storage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019ve been wishing for a Smith machine capable of functional training, you\u2019ll find it in the Force USA G20. It packs a serious punch by combining two sought-after equipment pieces into a single footprint while offering the most value out of all the options in this article.<\/p>\n
The G20 is the sibling of the Force USA X15. It is similarly designed but focuses on those who want a Smith machine instead of a power rack’s typical Olympic barbell<\/a> functionality. The Smith machine\u2019s barbell runs along a set of guide rods inside the half rack, while the functional trainer\u2019s trolley system slides up and down the outer uprights. That said, you can still mount traditional rack attachments on the outer uprights and perform Olympic barbell work.<\/p>\n
The default package includes 30 attachments, the most out of any other functional trainer in this list. From the tried-and-true landmine and ankle strap to the globe-style pull-up bar and leg press attachment, it\u2019s clear that Force USA wants you to maximize this machine’s potential straight from the get-go. There are optional upgrade kits for a lat-row station and additional attachments like jammer arms, dip bars, and a leg extension\/curl station.<\/p>\n
Note, however, that some attachments are subpar. For example, we find that the powdercoat on the J-hooks chips easily. The spotter arms are short, meaning we have to shorten our walkout when we do squats. While we give the G20 4.5 out of 5 stars based on the number of attachments available, we give it only 3.5 stars out of 5 for attachment quality.<\/p>\n
With the included attachments and the available add-ons, the G20 offers a lifetime of training in a single footprint. We gave it 5 out of 5 stars for versatility due to the sheer number of exercises you can do with it.<\/p>\n
If a custom fit is essential to you for cable exercises, then this functional trainer with Smith machine is the top choice. The guide rods for the functional trainer component are essentially two uprights and feature 65 different trolley positions \u2014 by far the most out of any other unit in this article. The high degree of custom heights makes the G20 an ideal choice if you simply want precise adjustments to fine-tune your starting positions. But where it will truly shine is when using it with multiple users: with holes spaced every inch along the uprights, it can accommodate users of varying sizes.<\/p>\n
With a hefty price tag of $5,999.99, this is a serious investment and one I wouldn\u2019t suggest making until you\u2019ve compared it to other options. I\u2019d highly recommend you test this unit in person to ensure it works as you envisioned. If you\u2019re local to one of the company\u2019s showrooms, that would be the best option since you\u2019d ensure you\u2019re using the most recent model. However, even getting a chance to test one at a commercial gym would be helpful because there aren\u2019t usually huge upgrades between versions of the same machine.<\/p>\n
At 79 inches wide and 67 inches deep, this unit is a beast. You\u2019ll also need at least one to two feet on each side of the barbell to add and remove weight plates<\/a>. This adds anywhere from 24 to 48 inches of extra width. And while the feet of this combo unit extend forward, I suggest you have an additional foot of space to use the uprights for barbell back squats<\/a>. Want to bench press with a traditional barbell off the uprights? You\u2019ll need up to four feet of extra room.<\/p>\n
While I appreciate the attempt to save space by having the plate pegs extend out from the back, this orientation is less than ideal. In my opinion, the best placement for weight pegs is parallel with the sleeve of the barbell you\u2019ll be using. Similar to the extra width required for putting plates on your barbell, you\u2019ll also need a minimum of one foot between the end of the peg and the wall (assuming it\u2019s not going in the middle of a room) to allow your body enough space for accessing your weight plates.<\/p>\n
Since it has a potential space requirement of up to 127 inches wide by 115 inches deep, it\u2019s important to measure twice before investing in this piece. The assembly process is also quite long \u2014 it took our staff almost 35 hours to put together. We recommend paying for the professional assembly service, which starts at around $800, if you can swing it.<\/p>\n
Best Functional Trainer Cable Machine: Force USA X15<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tForce USA X15\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 92\u201d H x 70\u201d W x 57\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type:<\/strong> Selectorized <\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> Lifetime structural<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Power rack meets cable machine<\/li>\n
- 15 attachments included<\/li>\n
- Industry-standard 3\u201d x 3\u201d tubing<\/li>\n
- 42 trolley height positions<\/li>\n
- Upgrade kit for even more versatility<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Expensive $3,999 price<\/li>\n
- Large footprint required<\/li>\n
- Smaller width<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
If you\u2019re looking for the best functional trainer cable machine, this could be it. The Force USA X15 combines a half rack’s versatility with a functional trainer’s functionality.<\/p>\n
The most significant benefit of the Force USA X15 is that it is essentially a half rack combined with a functional trainer. This means you can do barbell lifts and cable exercises using a single unit by removing the attachments from the uprights (the trolley system\u2019s guide rails) and adjusting the trolley to your desired height. The product page claims there are over 400 possible exercises, and I believe it.<\/p>\n
The number of included attachments is seriously impressive. Fifteen rack attachments come with it, from J-hooks and spotter arms to plate pegs and a landmine attachment. You can maximize your barbell exercises as soon as it\u2019s assembled. Force USA also includes a variety of attachments to ensure you get the best out of your cable system, including a pair of d-handles to a checkered textured foot plate for your low rows.<\/p>\n
Since the trolleys of the cable machine slide up and down on the uprights of the half rack, these guide rails have one of the highest number of adjustment heights out of any other functional trainer in this article. So, if you value getting your cable exercises as close to a perfect starting point as you can, this unit can be a solid choice.<\/p>\n
The main drawback to the X15 is the price tag. For most lifters, a price tag of nearly $4,000 isn\u2019t exactly within reach. However, I think more people will warm up to its cost when they realize that this is essentially an industry-standard power rack with a ton of accessories plus a beefed-up functional trainer.<\/p>\n
The other elephant in the room is the large footprint requirement. Like the Force USA G20, the X15 has a significantly larger depth than your typical functional trainer. Additionally, since this is also a half rack for barbell exercises, you\u2019ll need a minimum of nine feet of width to have at least one foot on either side of the barbell to load your weight plates (an Olympic barbell is around seven feet long). As a result, those with a small space might be unable to fit this unit. <\/p>\n
Finally, it\u2019s worth mentioning that the useable width of the pulley cables will result in specific cable exercises feeling cramped. The uprights the pulleys are mounted onto are 48 inches apart. However, the pulleys can swing inwards by approximately six inches on each side. Because of this, the distance between the handles on exercises like chest flies<\/a> or cable crossovers will only be about 36 inches, not giving you much of a stretch in your chest.<\/p>\n
Best Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer: Titan Fitness Plate-Loaded Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tTitan Plate Loaded Functional Trainer\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.8\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 81\u201d H x 61\u201d W x 53\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 660-pound weight plate capacity; 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n
- Type: <\/strong>Plate-loaded<\/li>\n
- Warranty:<\/strong> One year<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Dedicated lat pulldown\/low row<\/li>\n
- Five attachments included<\/li>\n
- 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Significant depth<\/li>\n
- No-frills design<\/li>\n
- Basic one-year warranty<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Even though the quality of Titan Fitness\u2019s equipment can sometimes be questionable, I\u2019ve never had any issues with anything I\u2019ve bought from them \u2014 including my favorite squat rack<\/a>, the X-3 Power Rack. I\u2019m also impressed with Titan\u2019s plate-loaded functional trainer because it packs in a serious number of features. Its dedicated pulldown-row station, five included attachments, and reasonable price make it the best plate-loaded functional trainer on the market.<\/p>\n
The standout feature I noticed immediately on this unit was the center pulldown-row station. This isn\u2019t included in most functional trainers, so it will appeal to you if you like performing the best back exercises<\/a> frequently. The separate lat pulldown area means you can keep your lat pulldown bar hooked up and out of the way. Meanwhile, the low-row station uses a separate cable to spare you the time of constantly swapping your attachments and also has a footplate for you to brace your feet and push your cable rows to the max.<\/p>\n
Titan includes five different attachments: a tricep rope, an ankle cuff, a lat pulldown bar, a low row bar, and dual stirrup handles. On the other hand, most companies only provide a pair of basic handles. In my opinion, this is a great addition because it allows you to perform a wide range of exercises, including tricep pushdowns, glute kickbacks, and more.<\/p>\n
The 1,540-pound cable capacity is a prime example of a company correctly positioning its plate-loaded functional trainer. Although the lat-row station has a 660-pound capacity for weight plates, you can technically <\/em>add much more than that based on the cable capacity. So, if you have calibrated plates, you can load \u2018em up and know that this unit can keep up with even the strongest powerlifters. Compared to the other functional trainers on the market, Titan\u2019s has one of the highest absolute weight capacities.<\/p>\n
One drawback is that this plate-loaded functional trainer is quite deep. Since it has a center lat-row station, it ends up with a depth of 53 inches, which usually requires you to put it in the corner of your gym. Depending on your home gym layout, this might not be feasible, and if all of the corners in your workout space are already occupied, you\u2019ll be stuck with putting it along a wall. This means it will stick out by almost six feet. With the widest part at the front, you might find its 61-inch width annoying (and a tripping hazard).<\/p>\n
Some minor call-outs on the quality: the hanging hooks are basic, and the low-row footplate is smooth, offering little grip. It\u2019s also welded directly to the bottom crosspiece, which results in no adjustability. While five attachments are included, the long bar and the short bar don\u2019t feature rotating centerpieces, so your reps won\u2019t feel as smooth compared to a higher-quality attachment. Lastly, the pulleys are nylon instead of ultra-smooth aluminum.<\/p>\n
Like most Titan Fitness products, their functional trainer only has a one-year warranty. This is typical with almost all their products and reflects the more budget-focused quality you\u2019ll experience with Titan. However, they offer two and three-year warranty extensions for $120.99 and $157.99, respectively, if you want additional coverage.<\/p>\n
Best Compact Functional Trainer: Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\tTorque Fitness F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t3.4\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n- \n
- Dimensions*<\/strong>: 83.8\u201d H x 69.7\u201d W x 61.2\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance<\/strong>: 225 pounds static, 112.5 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Selectorized<\/li>\n
- Warranty<\/strong>: Lifetime frame, welds, and parts<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
*Height includes pull-up bar handles; widest width is shown, and depth is with doors open.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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\n\t\t\t\tCheck Price\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\nPros<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Folds away to save space<\/li>\n
- 150, 200, or 225-pound stacks<\/li>\n
- Narrow or wide fold-out options<\/li>\n
- Helpful add-on accessories<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n
Cons<\/h3>\n
- \n
- Expensive<\/li>\n
- Less smooth nylon pulleys<\/li>\n
- Lacks storage area<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
The Torque F9 is our pick for the best compact functional trainer due to its space-saving capability and high-end touches.<\/p>\n
The Torque F9 folds away to just 44.6 inches wide and 34.9 inches deep. This makes it ideal for home gym owners who want to invest in a quality functional trainer but don\u2019t have a huge amount of space. It\u2019s also ideal for those who don\u2019t want their functional trainer on display at all times and have limited floor space and want to maximize it.<\/p>\n
The Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer at the Breaking Muscle testing facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n We\u2019ve had a chance to test the Torque F9, and in our experience, the best way to make use of the folding feature is to place the machine in a corner. The doors are easy to fold in and out because of the heavy-duty casters (wheels) at the bottom of each door.<\/p>\n
Another key feature of the Torque F9 is the different weight stack options. You can choose between 150-pound, 200-pound, or 225-pound dual-weight stacks. Few companies offer more than one option, and the fact that you can choose between three increments is a big plus, especially since this is where a significant amount of the weight will come from for the machine \u2014 the heavier the machine, the more shipping fees, too.<\/p>\n
If you know the machine will only be used for light rehab work, you can opt for the 150-pound version to save quite a bit of coin. On the other hand, if you\u2019re looking to build strength<\/a>, it\u2019s best to select the heaviest 225-pound option because you can grow into it. If trying to decide between two weight increments, I recommend choosing the heaviest because it doesn\u2019t look like Torque currently offers expansion kits.<\/p>\n
The Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer opened up at the Breaking Muscle testing facility<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n However, one thing to note about the weight stacks is that they aren\u2019t labeled by the amount of weight you\u2019d be lifting when you adjust the pin. Instead, they\u2019re labeled as 1, 2, 3, and so on. Torque doesn\u2019t disclose how much each individual weight stack plate weighs, but based on our testing, we believe each weighs 10 pounds.<\/p>\n
Torque includes six attachments by default, and I appreciate that they do this because we\u2019ve been able to use this functional trainer to its maximum potential. Once assembled, we didn\u2019t have to go out and buy basic attachments like we\u2019ve had to for other functional trainers we tried.<\/p>\n
A couple of the attachments are quite unique, such as the squat harness, which allows you to perform squats more easily, and the universal strap that you can use to assist you on pull-ups or chin-ups<\/a>. We like this because it allows for even more exercise variety than most functional trainers on the market.<\/p>\n
A Breaking Muscle staff member doing pull-ups on the Torque F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n There\u2019s also a foldaway bench that you can buy as an add-on, which fits inside the unit after folding it away. If this machine is the centerpiece of your home gym, I would highly recommend going with the bench because it will also save valuable floor space. Lastly, they even have weight stack pins to add 2.5 pounds, which are excellent for microloading those smaller muscle groups.<\/p>\n
RELATED: <\/em><\/strong>The 9 Best Weight Benches for Your Home Gym (2023)<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n
The biggest downside to the Torque F9 is the price. Torque doesn\u2019t list the price outright, but I did some digging and found out the prices can range from around $2,300 to around $2,699 \u2014 the price range depends on which weight stack option you choose. For another $400, you can also get the foldaway bench. Compared to other options in this article, though, this total price tag is fairly expensive and doesn\u2019t even include shipping costs.<\/p>\n
An area for improvement that I see is the pulleys. This foldaway functional trainer uses nylon pulleys, which are known to be less smooth than aluminum ones. Nylon pulleys make sense for a commercial machine because the machine will be abused in a commercial facility by dozens or even hundreds of people daily. But in my opinion, aluminum pulleys are better for home gym units because they will be used by just a single person or maybe <\/em>a couple of users. For this reason, I wish Torque included aluminum pulleys by default or as an optional upgrade since they\u2019re more durable and offer a smoother pull.<\/p>\n
Lastly, I\u2019m a little disappointed by the lack of storage on the F9. I understand that most of the center area of the functional trainer needs to be open for the doors to close inwards, but it looks as if a big nameplate is just occupying the upper half of the middle. This could be a prime place for storing attachments, or perhaps offering some storage hooks on the inside panels of the folding doors.<\/p>\n
As an aside, Torque offers a wall-mounted version of their F9 foldaway functional trainer, which has an upgradeable storage rack in the unit’s center area for dumbbells or kettlebells<\/a>. I think this is an excellent upgrade and a great use of space \u2014 I just wish they considered a similar storage system for their standalone functional trainer.<\/p>\n
Best Budget Functional Trainer: Bells of Steel Functional Trainer<\/h2>\n
\n\n <\/p>\n\n\t\t<\/p>\n
\t\t<\/p>\n
- Maximum resistance<\/strong>: 225 pounds static, 112.5 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Dimensions*<\/strong>: 83.8\u201d H x 69.7\u201d W x 61.2\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 660-pound weight plate capacity; 1,540-pound cable capacity<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 81\u201d H x 61\u201d W x 53\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 92\u201d H x 70\u201d W x 57\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 289 pounds static, 131.3 pounds felt<\/li>\n
- Dimensions:<\/strong> 91\u201d H x 79\u201d W x 67\u201d D<\/li>\n
- Maximum resistance:<\/strong> 448 pounds<\/li>\n
![\"Bells](\"http:\/\/bestratefinders.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/bells-of-steel-functional-trainer-edited.webp\")