The busy schedule of many people prompts them to find ways to work out in their own gym at home, in their free time and comfortable space. This necessity of home gyms led to the introduction of many cable machines on the market, that are easy-to-use at home.
They are so versatile that you won’t get bored trying different and various forms of training exercises. However, the only issue is that there are a lot of machines to choose from, and each comes with their own sets of pros and cons.
So, how do you know which is the best cable crossover for your home gym?
If you have already purchased one of these machines for your home gym, learn how to set it up and utilize your space and maximize your gains properly right here.
Best Cable Machines for Home Gyms
1. Powerline PCCO90X
Powerline PCCO90X
Features
- Large diameter pulleys provide maximum cable life and smooth operation
- Carriage system travels on nylon bushings with four high resin pulleys on each side
- Accepts both Olympic and standard plates.
- Includes two cable hancles and one ankle strap.
- Assembled Dimensions: 82"H x 112"L x 39"W
PowerLine is an extremely versatile fitness gym machine that can fit perfectly in every room.
Key Features
- Sturdy frame
- Sized to fit indoors
- 8 resin pulleys
- 180-degree movement
- Chrome cable handles
The assembled dimensions of the PowerLine are 112L x 39W x 82H inches and should accommodate in a room with a ceiling of seven feet.
The frame is made from sturdy steel tubing with bases that come with rubber stabilizers.
The PowerLine comes equipped with a set of eight resin pulleys with large diameters, which have built-in ball bearings for maximum durability. It is designed to move 180 degrees, in order to make it easy for the users to perform high and low pulley exercises.
This one offers the users two chrome cable handles, but without weights. The users have the freedom to choose weights according to their needs.
The PowerLine allows users to perform as many exercises as they want because of the comfort and variation it offers.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Can use both Standard and Olympic weight plates
- Can perform more than 50 exercises
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Exercise manual not included
- The top and bottom pulleys are fixed
PowerLine helps you to achieve your goals of becoming a total performer with its remarkable features. It uses standard weight plates and can use Olympic weight plates; thus leaving a lot of room for weight adjustments and increments.
2. Body-Solid SDC2000G2
Body-Solid Pro Club Line SDC2000G2
Features
- 2" x 4" steel mainframe with extra tough, tear resistant durafirm
- Dual weight stacks
- In only a 3 ft x 4 ft area, you can perform an unlimited amount of exercises
If you have limited open space in your house, those bulkier machines simply won’t do. The Body Solid SDC2000G2 is a compact yet powerful tool that easily fits in a 3ft x 4ft area.
Key Features
- 160-pound weight-stacks
- Strong, durable frame
- Adjustable
- Smooth
The mainframe is strong and made from 2 × 4-inch heavy gauge steel.
Fully adjustable vertical pulleys that can be moved up and down easily with help from a pop-pin arrangement.
The pulleys and cable are of premium quality, ensuring that you have a smooth and exciting workout experience.
Pros
- Compact, uses less space
- Uses aircraft quality cables and pulleys
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Fewer prospects for exercises that can only be done on wider machines
- Expensive
The greatest thing about the Body Solid SDC2000G2 is that you can carry out more than 100 diverse kinds of exercises.
3. Valor Fitness CB-12
Features
- HEAVY DUTY- Constructed from 2” x 2” 12-gauge Steel for strength and stability. Seat Pad using High density dual-layered padding to withstand intense stress over time. 60” long cable pulley holds up to 250 lb.
- VERSATILE- Includes Lat Bar and an adjustable Lower Utility T-Bar that offers a range of Lat, Shoulder, and Arm exercises. Includes double stitched harness strap with soft handles to perform seated ab crunches. Bar holder located at the top of the unit.
- ADJUSTABLE SEAT PAD- Seat adjusts up or down in 4 positions for a 5” range of motion with locking pull pins. Textured, diamond plated foot plates for the user to stand on for extra stability while performing curls and upright rows.
- CONTINUOUS PEGS- Weight storage pegs constructed with continuous Steel rod ensures strength. Holds standard 1” size plates but can also accommodate 2” Olympic size plates with the EX-10 Olympic Adapter Sleeve (sold separately).
- ADDITIONAL- Includes 2 spring clips (25mm) to keep weights in place. Max weight load of 250 lb. Meant for light-commercial use. Arrives in 2 separate boxes.
Valor Fitness CB-12 is a complete home gym in a compact design. Thanks to cable locations of high and low cable pulleys, you can perform ample exercises. It also includes a latch pulldown bar, rows, and leg extension.
Key Features:
- Strong, steel tubing frame
- High tension pulleys
- Adjustable seat pads
- Compact
Valor CB-12 has a strong steel tubing frame with high tension pulleys that allow you to use it securely and smoothly.
The adjustable seat pads and four base caps ensure to keep you comfortable and keep your machine stable when you workout.
Despite being compact, the CB-12 lets you perform numerous exercises like upright rows, tricep pulldowns, ab crunches, standing leg extension and seated row.
This is the best cable machine for a personal gym since it is compact, sturdy built, and comfortable.
Pros
- Solid steel frame
- Highly durable tension pulleys that ensure safety and smooth performance
- The plate loaded carriage system can hold up to 250 pounds of resistance.
Cons
- Weight stack not provided
- Not suitable for very tall and heavy people
Valor Fitness CB-12 is budget-friendly yet effective, as compared to others. It is light, so it is easy to move around.
4. XMark Functional Trainer
Features
- UPGRADED ACCESSORIY PACKAGE: Triple chrome plated chinning triangle, single grip handles (2), triceps rope, revolving curl bar, and triceps press down bar. In addition to 8" hand straps (2), 17" long strap handles (2), 23" triceps rope, two bars (8” and 42”), leg extension leg curl strap and ankle strap.
- CUSTOMIZABLE RESISTANCE: Dual 200 lb weight stacks with a 2:1 resistance ratio allow users of various fitness levels to tailor the intensity of their workouts to their needs.
- INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH: With a weight exceeding 800 lbs, the XMARK FT Cable Machine boasts a robust steel mainframe construction. Its commercial-grade pull-up rig and pulley system offer exceptional solidity and smoothness.
- ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED: Users can target specific muscle groups and perform diverse movements with the various attachments included with our trainer (hand straps, handles, tricep ropes, bars, and more).
- FREIGHT SHIPMENT: Realizing this is a significant investment for our customers, XMARK ships your cable machine in a reinforced crate via freight carrier ensuring it arrives in pristine condition. An agent will contact you to schedule a curb-side delivery appointment. A valid phone number is required at time of purchase.
If you are looking for a more versatile, slim and decent system, then the XMark Functional Trainer is definitely a piece of home gym equipment to add to your list.
Key Features
- Durable build
- Scratch-resistant
- 200-pound weight-stacks
- Adjustable
The mainframe of the XMark Functional Trainer is built from durable steel, with a corrosion and scratch resistance grey coat finish.
It comes with 200lbs; thus making it quite stable and robust, weighing over 800lbs when fully assembled.
This XMark offers you dual weight-stacks that are attached to cable pulleys, and allow you to work each limb separately.
There are 19 exclusive column adjustments that come with several accessories.
The XMark Functional Trainer requires little maintenance and operates quietly. It comes with a complete set of add-ons that makes it more versatile and functional.
Pros
- Offers true isolateral movements
- Easy-to-use pulleys that offer quick adjustments
- Exceptionally durable metallic cables with PVC covers for smooth operation
Cons
- Weight-stacks are not upgradable
- Expensive
- Tricky to assemble
The XMark Functional Trainer is excellent for all users as it offers you the possibility to do more than 35 gym-quality exercises. Although it is expensive, it definitely offers great value for the price.
5. Body-Solid
Body-Solid
Features
- INDUSTRY LEADER: For 30+ years, Body-Solid has held the widest array of products designed to meet the demands of the ever-changing fitness industry (home gym, free weight machines, treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, weight plates, kettlebells, dumbbells, flooring, accessories and more). Our products are cutting edge and reliable and are built for Life……Your Life.
- VERSATILE & CUSTOMIZABLE: This dual independent weight stack system provides dedicated resistance with true isolateral movements. From cable crossovers and shoulder presses to pull-ups, leg kickbacks and everything in between, make a motion to improve your core, build your strength and increase your endurance with this exercise machine.
- STURDY CONSTRUCTION: This cable crossover machine has a sturdy construction and an extra-wide mainframe provides users with a high-quality machine that is both cost-effective and budget-friendly. This machine allows users to access a near-unlimited number of high and low pulley exercises while working every major muscle group. Includes two 160 lb. weight stacks (weight ratio is 1/2 : 1).
- EXERCISES: Use this home gym to complete a variety of full body workouts (pec fly, bench, incline, crossover, upright row, deltoid raise, shoulder press, close grip front lat pullup and pulldown, bent over row, seated row, ab crunch, oblique bend, tricep press down, outer and inner thigh abduction, calf press, reverse fly, glute kickback and many more.
- DIMENSIONS: Heavy-duty construction with 11-gauge, 2" x 4" oval tubing with an electrostatically applied powder coat finish. Measures 43"x 73"x 84" and weighs 514lbs. This product is Commercial Rated and features a Lifetime Warranty on frames, welds, weight plates & guide rods. 3 Years on pulleys, bushing, bearings & hardware. 1 Year on cables, upholstery, grips and all other components.
Body Solid Functional Trainer isn’t really the most affordable, but it’s worth the price, given the fact it offers endless exercising possibilities.
Key Features
- High quality
- 160-pound weight-stacks
- 180-degree pulley system
- Comfortable to use
It is a high-quality and durable gym machine that comes with two 160lbs weight-stacks. The frame of the body is constructed from 11-gauge 2-inch by 4-inch oval tubing.
Each stack arm is upgradable and you can add up to 5 more plates on each stack. The stack arm features a vertical carriage system, made of fiberglass.
The pulley system moves 180 degrees and allows the user to exercise smoothly through multiple planes of motion.
This unit has a dual-position chin-up bar.
The Body-Solid Functional Trainer is equipped with handles, that feature nylon strips making grip comfortable yet strong.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with brilliant powder coat finish
- 4-way adjustable hand straps
- Suitable for people of all builds and heights
- Wide yet compact enough to fit into a small space
Cons
- Pulldown bar not included
- The bottom of the weight stack guide rails don’t have rubber stoppers
The Body Solid Functional Trainer offers the possibility to perform more than 25 gym-exercises. This machine is surely a great investment for moderate users, who don’t have time to join a gym.
6. Valor Fitness BD-62
Features
- SPACE SAVER- Versatile, space saver provides the opportunity to incorporate strength training with the use of a cable system in your home or light-commercial gym. Perfect for you home gym fitness goals.
- DUAL PULLEY SYSTEMS- 16 adjustable positions.User can perform a wide range of bilateral and unilateral muscle exercises Double Bar Track provides stability and allows the plate loaded system to glide smoothly along the tracks for perfect movements.
- WALL MOUNT- The BD-62 attaches to the wall at the top and bottom for added support and stability and to ensure the unit stays in place while in use. If you would prefer to not attach a machine, the Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Station would be a better fit.
- INCLUDES STRAP HANDLES- Two, single strap handles are included in the purchase and can be adjusted to 5 positions. HOLDS STANDARD OR OLYMPIC PLATES-Holds Standard 1" Plates but commonly used with 2" Olympic Plates & EX-10 Adapter(sold separately).
- ADDITIONAL- Includes a bracket to create a single anchor point for attachments. The BD-62 measures 80” tall and must be mounted to the wall. The ratio is approximately 1:1. Max weight load of 200 lb. Warranty 3-year frame, 1-year cable.
With its compact, space-saving design, the Valor Fitness BD-62 is ideal for home use. However, despite its small stature, it still allows you to perform a wide range of functional-exercises.
Key Features
- Dual pulley system with 16 height adjustments
- Plate loaded using regular or Olympic weight plates
- Unilateral and bilateral action
- Wall-mounted for increased stability
Cable machines, especially those that feature twin weight-stacks, take up a lot of space. In contrast, the Valor Fitness BD-62 is narrow enough to fit into even the smallest workout space. With no fixed weight stack, you can use as many (or as few) weight plates as you like, which means it is suitable for all exercises, from beginners to advanced.
Pros
- Ideal for household use
- Allows for a wide range of exercise
- Compact, space-saving design
- Supplied with all necessary handles and attachments
- Suitable for upper body and lower body training
Cons
- Narrow design
- Weights not provided and need to be purchased separately
If you are short on space but still want a functional, useful, home-gym, the Valor Fitness BD-62 is an excellent choice. Possibly not as versatile as a full-sized crossover machine, that’s a small price to pay for something so compact.
7. ARCHON
Features
- ⚙️ x4 Linear Steel Ball Bearing Plate Carriage: Engineering that reduces friction on solid steel rods. You can hear them working!
- Dual swivel pulley station: 17 Vertical positions providing bilateral and unilateral training.
- ⚙️ Vertical upper and lower wall mount: Ability to mount to one stud. Ability to floor mount bottom bracket if there is baseboard interference. Top mount must still be used. (Wood and Concrete Mounting Hardware Included)
- ️ Fitness Equipment for Home Gym: Connect your favorite cable machine attachments or purchase ARCHON Accessory Kits.
- Home gym set includes 2 commercial handles. Weight plate rack holds 1" and 2" Olympic Plates
Where most have built-in weight stacks, the ARCHON uses 1″ and 2″ weight plates. This makes it easier to install and ideal for home use.
Key Features
- One single machine
- 17 height adjustments
- Vertical upper and lower wall mount – ability to mount to one wall stud
- Mounting hardware included
The ARCHON is a commercial-style machine designed for home use. This is machine is a space saver without compromising your workout. With its sturdy construction of 4 ball beerings, this machine is smooth to use. It comes plate loaded instead of supplied with weight-stacks, overall it’s versatile and suitable for beginner and advanced exercisers.
Pros
- Customizable width ideal for home use
- Offers a wide range of exercise
- Secure and stable in use
- Smooth and quiet in use
Cons
- No center beam means no pull-up/chin-up option
- Must be wall-mounted and cannot be fixed to the floor
- Attachments and weights not supplied and must be purchased separately
This cable machine is suitable for smaller training spaces. However, the lack of a central beam means you cannot do pull-ups and chin-ups which, for some users, maybe a drawback.
8. Body-Solid BFFT10R
Body-Solid BFFT10R
Features
- Premium Material - The Body-Solid BFFT10R 190lb Stack Home Gym is constructed to last with a heavy duty steel frame, ensuring maximum stability and durability of your workout equipment. The 190-lb selectorized weight stack makes this gym a highly reliable and efficient exercise machine for your home.
- Versatile Workouts - With this state-of-the-art machine, you can perform a variety of exercises to strengthen and tone your chest, shoulders, arms, and more. This machine also offers cable cross-over attachments and other gym accessories so you can tailor your workout routine at home.
- Compact Design - The Body-Solid BFFT10R 190lb Stack Home Gym is designed to fit in even the most compact of home gyms or workout spaces. The space-saving design ensures that you’ll have enough room to add other fitness equipment.
- Adjustable Pulleys - This Best Fitness Functional Trainer features adjustable pulleys which swivel 180° providing a wide variety of starting positions. The 190lb weight stack is challenging for most users, while the no cable change design allows you to go from exercise to exercise quickly.
- Safety Features - The Body-Solid BFFT10R 190lb Stack Home Gym is designed with safety in mind. The stack pulleys are rounded for comfort, and the loading pins are textured to help prevent slippage and maintain your exercise form. And the adjustable Lat-bar ensures that you’ll receive full range of motion for your workout.
Body-Solid has an excellent reputation for making quality fitness equipment. The Body-Solid BFFT10R is compact and versatile, making it ideal for home or garage use.
Key Features
- Small footprint
- Two pulleys for unilateral and bilateral exercises
- Supplied with 190 lbs. weight stack
- Built-in chin-up/pull-up bar
- 19 vertical adjustments
The Body-Solid BFFT10R functional training machine allows you to do a wide range of upper body and lower body exercises in a relatively small space. The single selectorized weight stack means that changing exercises is a quick, simple process. Combined with an adjustable bench (not included) this is a great do-it-all option for home exercisers.
Pros
- Very compact and versatile
- Suitable for upper body and lower body exercises
- Independent pulleys for functional training
- Pull-up bar
Cons
- Single 190 lbs. weight stack may be too light for some users
- Only supplied with one pair of nylon handles – extra accessories must be purchased separately
The Body-Solid BFFT10R is a compact, affordable and is ideal for exercisers with limited space. However, despite its price and size, it performs every bit as well as bigger, more expensive units. However, where many that have two 150-200 lbs. weight-stacks, this one only has one 190 lbs. stack which may mean it’s not heavy enough for some users.
9. Titan Fitness
Features
- HIGH-QUALITY PULLEYS & CABLES: At Titan, we don’t mess around when it comes to building our fitness equipment. We’ve designed these high-quality pulleys and cables using expert craftsmanship and superior materials. They’re so strong, you won’t have to worry about the cables snapping or breaking as you use them. You’ll also get 2 premium cable handles with your purchase, giving you a better grip.
- CONVENIENT PLATE HOLDERS: This cable crossover machine can accommodate several different weight plates because it has 4 bumper holders. The plate holders measure 9.75” each. It’s time to stack on the weights and get to work with this cable crossover machine by Titan. Add it to your fitness equipment today!
- BUILD YOUR MUSCLE: If you’re hoping for effective muscle growth, then our cable crossover machine is for you. This machine can help you target a wide variety of muscles, including your pectorals, abs, deltoids, biceps, triceps, and obliques. In no time, you’ll notice more developed muscles as you consistently use this exercise machine.
- GREAT FOR HOME GYMS: Stop wasting your time and gas going to the gym. Instead, you can work out in the comfort of your own home when you invest in this cable crossover machine. This unit is made to fit rooms with an 8-foot ceiling. It’s perfect to put in your home, personal gym, or garage. Just store it against the wall and slide it out when you’re ready to use it.
- DIMENSIONS: This cable crossover machine has a footprint of 113” W x 36” D. It has an overall height of 83.5” with a clearance height of 80.5”, accommodating people of all shapes and sizes. The weight holders measure 9.75” in length. This machine weighs approximately 110 lbs., making it a lightweight piece of equipment.
The Titan Fitness is a no-frills cable machine designed for home use. With no built-in weight-stacks, you can add as little or as much weight as you like, making it ideal for beginner and advanced users.
Key Features
- Freestanding
- 8’ height so suitable for most rooms and garages
- Two independent weight towers
- Four fixed pulleys
- High-quality pulleys and cables
This lightweight functional training machine is designed specifically for home use. The manufacturers suggest that you can slide it out of the way when not in use. With its four pulleys (two high, two low) it allows for a reasonable range of exercises to be performed. It’s supplied with two nylon handles.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Light and easy to install and move
- Ideal for home or garage use
Cons
- Not fixed to the wall or floor and could be unstable
- Center beam not suitable/strong enough to pull-ups or chin-ups
- Weight plates and accessories must be purchased separately
- Pulley height is not adjustable
The Titan Fitness is very budget-friendly, but that means it lacks many of the bells and whistles to be found on more expensive machines. It’s lightweight, mobile design may mean that it’s unstable and that could be a drawback for advanced exercisers who want to lift heavy weight.
Home Gym Cable Machines Buyers Guide
When you are searching for the best home gym cable system, here are a few things that you should consider:
Size
Cable machines are a piece of large-sized workout equipment and require some overhead clearance in order to install it. Thus, make sure that you have enough room in your home to assemble and use the equipment.
Easy-To-Use
Always look for a cable machine that is simple to use. You won’t enjoy using your cable machine if you find it is complicated to adjust the weights or pulleys. The home equipment, which is easy to use, will surely make your workouts quicker and more efficient.
Assembly Requirements
You should find out the things that you might need to assemble your unit. If it is easy to set up, you might be able to do it by yourself, but if it’s bulky you will need an extra pair of hands.
Price
Let’s be fair- a cable machine is a big investment, so you will need to keep aside a large sum of money to purchase one of these gym units. However, if you are an ardent fitness enthusiast, investing in a good cable machine will prove to be a great investment in your future.
Before you buy a cable machine for your gym, make sure to check its total stack weight, its size, accessories and finally your budget. Don’t get the cheapest cable machine for your home gym; instead, think of it as a future asset for your gym and your health.
How to Use a Cable Machine
The cable machine works on the same principle as any strength building equipment. It helps to provide resistance for your muscles to work against. In the cable machine, the weights are attached to the cable with the help of pulleys.
You workout by moving the cables, that remain under tension because of the added weights. Your muscle also remains under pressure while you exercise. It is worth noting that there is no ‘resting point’ when you workout with the cable machine.
Usually, every home cable machine consists of two weight-stacks, that are attached with two cables. The space in the middle is used by the trainer to stand and perform workouts. There is a set of outer pulleys that can be adjusted in order to fix the cable attachments at varying heights.
This setup of a cable machine lets the user perform diverse types of exercises. You can stretch the cables in almost any direction and they will still work against the same resistance. You can level up your training sessions by combining different cable accessories.
Benefits of Cable Machines
The flexibility of a cable machine means that it offers a large number of advantages that include:
Versatility
You can perform a large range of exercises and tone every muscle group with the best cable machine. So, it becomes a great addition to your home gym if you are looking to buy a single price of gym equipment, or your home allows just enough space for one.
Muscle Group Isolation
A cable machine is the perfect equipment to isolate specific muscle groups. You can perform different exercises that specifically help to work your chest, biceps, triceps or any other muscle.
Safe to Use
Once you have mastered the use of a cable machine, you can safely use it to perform exercises as compared to the use of other weight-lifting equipment that includes uncertainty. Also, the use of a cable machine reduces the need for a spotter.
Time-Saver
When you are using a single piece of gym equipment to work all your muscles, there is no need to switch machines and spend a long time loading and unloading weights.
Keeps You Interested
If you are bored with doing traditional exercises, a cable machine will ensure to revamp your old exercises.
Possible Cable Machine Exercises That Build Muscles
The cable machine can be used for working out your shoulders, chest, and triceps. You can use it to exercise your lower back and lower body, like legs, abdominals, knees and other body parts. Here is a list of the best exercises that you can do with a cable machine:
- Standing Cable Chest Press
- Standing Cable Row
- Cable Machine Squat
- Cable Forward Lunge
- Core Exercises
- Side Plank Cable Row
- Anti-Rotation Press
- Pall of Press
- Single-Arm Chest Fly
- Face Pull
- Shoulder Rotation
Note: Cable machines usually have a weight limit and they are good for isolating smaller muscles; thus it is recommended that you use less weight and higher repetitions. Be focused and work patiently on the muscles you want to work, and you won’t face any issues using these exercises to level up your training program.
Bottom Line
A cable machine makes an amazing addition to your home gym. They provide you with a comfortable, safe and secure zone to perform a plethora of exercises with variations, that are needed to build your muscles. It will help to target your major muscle groups without the need for other gym equipment except perhaps a solid pair of workout gloves.
The best cable machine for a home gym is the PowerLine, which offers you solid pulleys with various types of settings. In addition, XMark is also popular among fitness enthusiasts. It provides you with two 200lbs weight-stacks with adjustable pulleys and an extremely robust frame.
Visit our homepage for all your fitness needs!
Jason was a former bodybuilder who dedicated a significant part of his life to the sport. Although now retired from the competitive bodybuilding World, he still coaches a select few clients and is a full-time health advocate to the readers here at Fitness Equipment Reviews!
