Cable Machines

How to Choose a Cable Machine

The cable machines here range from a dual-stack functional trainer that fits in 45 x 64 in to a jungle gym with eight stations for group training. All ship free to the contiguous US with the manufacturer's warranty.

• Pulley ratio: it sets the real resistance at the handle. With a 2:1 ratio, a 200 lb stack gives about 100 lbs at the handle. Our guide to cable machine pulley ratios explains what else it changes.
• Stack weight: the dual-stack models here carry 160 to 235 lbs per stack. Read it with the ratio: two 160 lb stacks at 2:1 give about 80 lbs per handle.
• Height: from 83 to 95 in. Measure your ceiling and the way in, including doorways and stairs.
• Footprint: a functional trainer keeps both stacks in one frame, 64 to 68 in wide. A cable crossover sets them apart and spans 156 to 164 in.
• Home or commercial use: warranty terms often differ between the two. Check them on the product page, read our guide to commercial vs residential equipment, or ask us before ordering for a facility.