My wife and I are not big into lifting but want to get into it. She is really more interested in using a cable system and I'm much more into barbell lifting. I used to lift pretty regularly but it's been a while.

We are looking at this as a decent option as it keeps going on sale and has pretty decent reviews. Anyone used this or one similar? Looking to build out a little home gym, budget about $1000. This seems like it would fulfill both of our wants.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mikolo-Power-Rack-Cage-Weight-Rack-Dual-Pulley-Cable-Crossover-Machine-Multi-Function-Squat-Rack-J-Hooks-Dip-Bars-Landmine-Home-Gym-Red/3757993707

I can't speak to that particular rack but just glancing at I would be very leery of its quality and durability.

I would research quality home gym brands and start keeping a close eye on marketplace.

Will take some patience and due diligence but I think you will both be much happier with a quality set up from a reputable brand. Will also allow you more configuration options in the future most likely.

There is such a big difference in the feeling of a quality, heavy and solid rack than a cheaper one. The one you linked is 13 gauge steel. Look for at least 11 gauge. The difference is very noticeable.

Spitballing some brands to start looking into…

Rogue
Rep
Bells of steel
Fringe
GetRx
Bolt
Titan

What bam said...

Might be okay to get you started but I'd be leary. Bam is right - you can probably find stuff on marketplace or Craigs list that you would be much happier with.

This piece from Bells of Steel was a finalist back when I was shopping around, but a cable system wasn't as high a priority so I just went with a typical rack. Obviously more expensive, but I think the quality will be worth it. If you go REP or Rogue you're likely going to go 1.5 or 2x this BOS price. Get RXed would be a middle ground possibly. Titan is hit or miss with its quality.

If you live in Houston, Get RXed and Bolt are local. Fringe is out of Austin. Could save some shipping costs.

https://bellsofsteel.com/collections/cable-machines/products/all-in-one-trainer#variants

Came here to recommend this one. I don't have this particular product, but have the Bells of Steel cable tower and it is awesome for the price.

If I didn't feel the need to have the cage for heavy squatting, I would go with something like this, especially if I'm sharing with the wife.

You get the added benefit of being able to use all of their rack attachments, so you can get a dip station, spotter arms, etc. Spotter arms aren't ideal but I use them when I'm benching and they've saved my butt a couple of times; I've got the dents in them to prove it.

I'd probably go plate loaded to save on costs if you plan on doing barbell lifting, but that's personal preference and your wife may prefer just to stick the loading pin in vs having to lug the plates back and forth.

I pre-load all my wife's weights for her workouts so that she has one less excuse not to do it.

https://titan.fitness/products/x-3-series-bolt-down-power-rack-80-24

This is the one I bought from Titan which has been great for the price. Sure there's nicer ones out there, but if you don't want to spend the money on something like Rogue it's a good compromise IMO. Their prices include shipping as well. You can add a pulley system to their racks if that's something you definitely need.

FWIW I follow a guy on Instagram that loads up 1000+ hatfield squats on a Titan rack and uses a ton of their gear for other stuff too. Anecdotal, sure, but if someone who regularly deadlifts 800+ pounds trusts their products I think they're doing OK.

So I will admit, I almost hesitated to include Titan in my list in my reply. I honestly don't think they get a fair rap on quality. My entire gym is pretty much Titan stuff and it has all been excellent except for an adjustable bench that I had trouble putting together and just never felt right. Could've been user error.

Maybe their quality was poor at the beginning, but I've had nothing but a great experience. Customer service has been good as well.

bam02 said:

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So I will admit, I almost hesitated to include Titan in my list in my reply. I honestly don't think they get a fair rap on quality. My entire gym is pretty much Titan stuff and it has all been excellent except for an adjustable bench that I had trouble putting together and just never felt right. Could've been user error.

Maybe their quality was poor at the beginning, but I've had nothing but a great experience. Customer service has been good as well.

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I decided to put a gym in our basement when COVID hit and I did a deep dive on equipment and settled on Titan because it was the best bang for the buck, especially the X3 which is overkill for what I need but far from cost prohibitive. I've purchased a bunch of attachments from them as well, and bumper plates. I can't say I've been disappointed by anything I've purchased from them. I have adjustable dumbbells from Bowflex, barbell from Fringe, and kettlebells from Rogue but everything else in my gym is from Titan.

It might actually be cheaper in the long run to buy 2 different systems if you have the room. One cable and one rack. You can find quality racks, even on the secondary market for pretty cheap. I tend to find these combo systems don't hold up very well.

Dude go for it. If your a beginner get the beginner set. It's got everything you need. Of course a rack for $800 will be better but if this is in your budget and your not trying to set any lift records I think you found a hit.

In this same vein, I got a cheap like $150 one off of Amazon to get me started. Then got a boneyard barbell from Rogue that has served me well for 3 years, then got the starter 160 pound bumper plate set from them.

I used that rack till my squats were pushing 250+ pounds and I didn't feel comfortable/confident in those safety arms for where I knew I wanted to take my lifting, so I got the Rogue RML-3 Lite. I would get a different rack in hindsight but this one is perfectly fine.

Once I was done w/ the cheap one I gifted it to my nephew who was about to get into middle school so he'd have a rack to start practicing lifting on.

10andBOUNCE said:

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This piece from Bells of Steel was a finalist back when I was shopping around, but a cable system wasn't as high a priority so I just went with a typical rack. Obviously more expensive, but I think the quality will be worth it. If you go REP or Rogue you're likely going to go 1.5 or 2x this BOS price. Get RXed would be a middle ground possibly. Titan is hit or miss with its quality.

If you live in Houston, Get RXed and Bolt are local. Fringe is out of Austin. Could save some shipping costs.

https://bellsofsteel.com/collections/cable-machines/products/all-in-one-trainer#variants

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I have been looking around to possibly get a rack but had not seen one like this. As a 51 year old, not a powerlifter or anything but have been pushing myself this year and starting to get back to my 30 year old strength. This would provide the J-Hooks and a little added protection in case I get stuck plus all the added cable exercises. Think if I had a hex bar and a landmine, would probably give me everything I want at a decent price.

If you're willing to make the investment my wife and I have been beyond pleased with our Tonal.

Previously had power rack and free weights in our basement gym and sold it all for this. It would be perfect for you and your wife. Hadn't touched a machine in ten years and spent all my time on a barbell but at 45 really enjoy the programming and different challenges the Tonal brings. Also takes the planning and does it for me. We're busy enough so it's nice to have the programs and everything else done for me.

rooftop18403 said:

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Dude go for it. If your a beginner get the beginner set. It's got everything you need. Of course a rack for $800 will be better but if this is in your budget and your not trying to set any lift records I think you found a hit.

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OP, seriously....if you advance enough that you don't like it anymore, it will have been money well spent.

You'll still use the plates and adjustable bench you'll likely need to get on anything new even if you feel need something better.

I have a mono I can sell you...

I have a Rep Athena plus rack. I love it. Paid around $5200 or so which may be more than what you care to pay, but it's a great functional trainer.

This would be high on my list also if trying to accommodate both a rack and cable feature.

Fringe customer service has been pretty solid for me the couple of times I have needed it.

https://www.fringesport.com/products/the-dane?variant=42847375523887

After a few years with a Fringe fold up rack I will be upgrading to the Dane 2.0. I dont think anyone comes close to it price wise. The Rep & Rogue versions are double. When I bought my first rack I thought I wouldn't need cables but quickly realized that they were way more convenient than bands.

This is probably a good deal on a Rep functional trainer. Looks like it's in the Kerrville area. Just fyi…

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BnQawPYAf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Another vouch for the Titan X3 rack. I got it on sale and have added on to it over the year. It has been a solid setup for a very reasonable price