Budget Bells of Steel Functional Trainer & Squat Rack Build!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 มิ.ย. 2024
- An inexpensive functional trainer that doubles as a squat rack?!?!
🔥 BoS Cable Tower (Plate Loaded): www.garagegymreviews.com/go/b...
🔥 BoS Cable Tower (Weight Stack): www.garagegymreviews.com/go/b...
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0:00 - Budget Bells of Steel Functional Trainer & Squat Rack Build!
1:51 - Overview
2:34 - Plate Loaded Vs. Weight Stack Versions compared
4:27 - What Makes the Bells of Steel Cable Tower Unique?
6:09 - How to Use the Cable Tower as a Squat Rack
7:32 - Plate Loaded Verion - Value (Pricing & Other Options to Consider)
8:20 - Things to Watch Out for
9:02 - Pros & Cons
11:59 - Rack Attachment Compatibility
12:57 - Final Thoughts
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I loves this! 3 years ago I bought a rogue 4 post rack that folds up to wall(if needed) due to space s I can still pull in car or project s from time to time in my garage...but wanted stability of 4 post. it was new at the time and blew my mind...
Fast forward 3 years and realize my real life lifting didn't need as heavy duty a rack. Rogue is popular, it is certainly quality....but it is NOT all in one.
I have learned that I don't want to spend the 2k on a functional rack for movements I really want and need. And it would not fit well if I wanted to still do a project in the garage once in awhile. So my gym is not as perfect as I dreamed.
But this!! I can squat, press, pull using a stable rack. I have smooth pulleys with two points(!) for weight choice to really have a huge range to grow into....its TWO IN ONE....and its SMALLER than my fold away.
Now....who wants to buy my Rogue rack???
Been thinking of doing this setup for awhile, really happy he did this vid
This is perfect for what I'm trying to accomplish, thanks for the review!
I have the double plate stack with a bunch of the accessories, and I love it. Use it one way or another every day. Thanks for reviewing it.
I like the versatility, value, and footprint... If I had space wanting a second squat rack or FT I'd get this for the utility.
Once again, Thanks COOOOOOOPPP!!!! My dream home gym rack is still the REP ARES with an upgraded stack. I love how REP Fitness and Bells of Steel are getting deeper into modularity, which makes it a product line you can start small on and add to it.
I gotta say if there's a type of math us meatheads can bust out instantly, it would be adding up plates 😂
Until we get to specialty bar, suddenly it's wait.. the axel is 25lbs not 45 and that trap bar is 75 not 45. Suddenly Im not so good anymore lol.
😂🤣
Thanks for reviewing this one, coop! Been on my radar. Actually, your last few vids were exactly the ones I've been waiting for (this + the titan hack+leg press).
I'd love it if you did more reviews of combo machines that mimic the gym experience at home. Have you tried the powertec lever gyms before?
I just left the BoS website after looking at their full size FT and these stacks. I was wondering how the plate loaded stack would function if I bought 2 and nested them together. I came to garage gym reviews and here it is, exactly what I was looking for. You just sold me on the concept. BoS should be grateful 😂. Thanks Coop!
I have the plate loaded version and I absolutely love it
This would be a PERFECT fit for my garden shed/workshop/gym 😅
Used your link to purchase one just now. Thanks Coop! Merry Christmas and I love you dudes
Now that they just released a new all-in-one which is effectively a functional trainer with front-facing uprights which allow it to function as a squat rack, I'd love to see a comparison between this and that (or at the very least a review of the all-in-one!)
I have the weight stack version and absolutely love it
It’d be real cool if you could do a comparison between the Bells of Steel and Get RX’D twin cable towers. Get RX’D might not have as many accessories but they have some unique ones, and they also use 3x3 posts.
If you can afford it buy the weight stack, super satisfied with my purchase. I started off with a plate loaded cable tower on the back of a power rack (Valor Fitness BD7) and constantly having to shift weights around for every new exercise gets old fast, especially when you're using 180lbs for lat pulldowns and having to unload down to 20lbs for lateral raises. The price difference will pay for it self when you consider all the time you spend shifting plates around.
How you deal with the cable twisting. It annoying to fix
@@bulletprooff1k What do you mean, like when you have two cables attached to one attachments?
I’ve had an issue with the cable twisting as well. I can’t figure out why it’s happening.
@@johnmorrison7205 the thing that hangs in the middle the cables twist sometimes when i finish a workout
@@Dan-ee9oe support say you have to align where cable bends
i have been waiting for you to review this
Another great video, Coop. Please do a review of the new BOS monolift attachments with rollers. Can’t seem to find a whole lot of consumer feedback on that particular product, so your insight would be very much appreciated. Thanx.
Thx bro I really like your videos they helped me plan my home gym
Love your videos! Do you have one for the Bells of Steel Functional Trainer Stand Alone?
I would like to see a comparison for using two of these and setting it up to use as a squat rack, vs the major lutie or ritfit racks with the functional trainer
I use these as a squat rack and regularly bench and incline bench on it with spotter arms. Its awesome, super stable since theyre bolted to the wall. I am so glad I went with this option as apposed to a rack for my space. Even if I moved into a bigger space I would just keep these instead of a 4 post rack because its just so good, theres no reason for me to get a rack when I have these with spotter arms. Even with the nylon pullies this setup rocks.
@@KeeL246 Did you space the feet out on these for more room to mount your squat bar?
If they make a 90-93 inch version I am in. They could also offer a seat attachment then for lat pulldowns. I am surprised no one has thought of this. They also should really make it with 3x3 .
I have a plat loaded lat pulldown/low row. Every time I change the plates, I wish I had a weight stack. I can't see myself investing in more plate loaded equipment.
I’ve been bouncing between this setup vs the double stack functional trainer from Bells. I didn’t know before this video that the double exit makes the pulley ratio 1:1 and the single exit is a 2:1. I think that has made me make up my mind. Once I can afford it, I’ll be getting a single stack, then when I can afford the second, grab that one. Then turn it into a rack when I can afford the required components. Let the gains begin!
Dang was looking at rep ares and g20pro but might go with 2 plate loadable ones instead.
I own the two double stack and absolutely love them what I had done different for the height I cut 2 2x4s and stacked them under the front footing and for the rear did 2 2x4s straight across and bolted them together now they sit higher much better for a better stretch for lat pull downs also I removed the pull up bar and separated them apart further out to have better cable flys. I already own a squat rack with a pull up bar, so didn’t have a need for another squat rack. And i could still buy attachments from Bells Steel without any affect.
Could you use this for a smith function as well?
How high is it originally please?
Yes! Give us those reviews
I love this!
You should do a review on one of the jacked up fitness power racks. Took a while for me to get mine though, about 2 months.
Two plate loaded stacks with the aluminum upgrade and the accessories is all you really need with a good bench and some plates
Hey coop.really enjoying your videos, especially the functional trainers. I'm looking at the inspire sf3 due to limited space. But would really like your input on this.
@@-GarageGymReviews..- fantastic
I'm thinking about getting two of these, instead of a functional trainer, for this reason: thinking about putting them on either side of my 70" Rogue mass storage dumbell rack, so 1. space efficient - I'd be using all the space between the towers for dumbell and other storage, 2. they'd be wide apart, hopefully like a real cable crossover
So this can replace my titan x3 foldable rack and inspire functional trainer??? I wanna cimbine some stuf in my gym to make space. Love my separate stations though. I also have a rhino stand alone, and titan selectorized lat pull down. I was thinking about droping in rhino in rack with surplus system like coop rack but i dont k ow if i will like loading plates to do lat pull downs😳
Coop, Can the plate-loading fit 25’s or 35’s w/out scraping the back wall? It looks like you have a single 5 or 10 lb. plate during demo exercising. If that’s all that can fit (5-10s) how much weight in plates can fit?
Can you review the Major Lutie Functional Power Racks?
I got 2 of the plate loaded towers and use them as a squat rack and functional trainer inmy 8x10 basement. This thing is amazing, I can do anything I want to that I'd want a power rack for and get all of the benefits of a FT as an incredibly low price. It also allows me to have open floor space in such a small basement and it fits into low ceilings.
I would like to correct you that the uprights are actually 2.3x2.3 with 5/8 holes, so it will only work with their attachments for their original line of racks. Not to worry though if that concerns anyone, they make all of their attatchments with the 2.3x2.3 that they would for their 3x3 line of racks and pretty much have any attachment you'd want already available.
I have the nylon pullies and while they are nice and smooth and I don't really have any complaints, I will be upgrading to the aluminum at some point.
My ONLY compaint with this setup is that you CANT upgrade to a weight stack in the future from the plate loaded setup. While disappointing for me as I would've liked that option, not really a big deal.
How are pulldowns? Are you using the double hook straight bar? How to you support you legs for your pulldowns?
@@ZugZugMahogny I woudlve loved the weight stack version, but at 3x the cost, idk if i could justify that for my budget. Loading the plates is fine and im definitely used to it but damn, having the stacks wouldve been convenient.
lat pulldown are awkward. its not really tall enough to do proper lat pulldowns unless you sit on the floor and do some diy leg holder stuff. I dont do pulldowns very much at all but I like to sit backwards on my incline bench and do single arm pulldowns at a bit of an angle and it works just fine for me. my ceiling height wouldnt allow me to get anything that would allow me to do conventional lat pulls anyways so i have no complaints@@jndq591
If you were to bench press / put a bench in between does it fit well or is it only good to do with squats?
You can't upgrade the stacks, but one thing that you can do is connecting pulleys together for 1:1 ratio, and add a gympin bar that connect both connectors together. You now should have the two stacks working together, having each 1:1 ratio, so 420lbs total.
Keep in mind that the cables are rated for only 250lbs anyway.
How effective might a rack made of two plate loaded stacks work for small plate weight storage (up to 25lb)?
What about the Titan Nemesis single stack functional trainer? Any thoughts on that as there don't seem to be any reviews out there
Taller version with heavier weight capacity on the plate loaded version is a must for me to buy. And it would be nice if they made it upgradable to the weight stack option.
For a standalone weight stack around the same price point, Archon has the very low profile Dual Cable Station Weight Stack. I've got one and am enjoying it so far. I haven't seen another product like it if you're really short on space. Unfortunately, like the Bells, it does come with nylon pulleys which I'm planning on upgrading. It would be interesting to see a review of this and other "low profile" functional trainers/cable stations.
I would like a review on this too, I bought 2 of the Archon Dual Cable Stations (plate loaded) and have them as a functional trainer. They have been great so far with no issues and the price was cheaper than the Bells of Steel.
Thanks for bringing these up. An additional month in, are these still holding up/functioning well? I’m not very familiar with Archon, which is my primary cause for hesitation in purchasing.
I think the thing that makes the BOS one better is the ability to add attachments. That may be the only thing that makes it better than the Archon.
Got their belt squat and their cable stacks ordered 2 separate ones due to my studio gym being upstairs and needing to distribute weight well. Also two stacks single towers are lighter than most functional trainers
What would you recommend when looking at this in the weight stack full rack version vs the Force USA G6?
Great review man. I bought 2 of the plate stack versions during the COVID lockdown and they are amazing. I will say, my only complaint is not upgrading the pulley wheels but over all this thing is amazing and I use it during every workout in addition to my rack!
@@-GarageGymReviews..- Thank you, I wasn't expecting anything.
How are pulldown on your dual tower? Are you using the double hook straight bar to do them? How do you support yourself, your legs when doing so? I'd really like to know.
@@jndq591 pulldowns are not as good as having a pulldown system designed for pull downs but this does a good enough job. I normally just sit on the floor in front of the machine without any additional support
Coop what do you recommend for basement gym, 2 bells of steel weight stack to make a rack or the newer Rep fitness FT Arcadia? Also, do the feet not get in the way of using this as a rack? Seem like they would
"Whoa, COVID days were wild, am I right? But you know what? I gotta admit, that's when I discovered your channel, and it's been an absolute blast ever since! Seriously, your content kept me pumped up during those crazy times when I set up my own home gym. Now, I'm totally hooked! So, how about giving us a mind-blowing, space-saving setup? I'm talking double plate loaded stack as a squat rack, cable attachments galore, barbell, weights, adjustable dumbbells, elastic bands, and storage that magically fits it all! And don't forget the cherry on top: a super versatile bench. I'm dying to see how you can make it all neat, organized, and ready for some heavy-duty workouts! You're a rockstar, man! Can't wait to see what you come up with! 🤘💪"
Where do you get the pullup bar attachment and the jcups and safety bars? Im not seeing them as an option on the website
Can you connect one cable from left and from right to the middle and do lat pulldowns? I know it wouldn't be as good as a real lat pulldown but like a completely vertical lat pulldown instead of the angled one.
That double plate loaded sounds top notch. Question for GGR or anyone who has this set up... how well does a bench fit in between the uprights with those base supports going inward? Could they be rotated to be parallel and still provide sufficient stability and support?
The feet have multiple holes and can be mounted wider on the front to allow easier benching.
I have the plate loaded version with the aluminum upgrade. Worth the purchase.
Amy problems with it being uneven if you only have plates on one side of it? I have a cheaper plate loaded and I always have to have plates on both sides or it will pull crooked a bit. Thanks in advance!
Are you able to add 45’s to the plate pins? It looks a bit tight back there with it being mounted to the wall.
Yo, yo, pay attention, my friend, I'm 'bout to drop some lines that transcend,
Been hooked on your channel since COVID, no trend,
Started my home gym, gains on a steady ascend,
Now I need a setup, efficient, space-saving, my friend!
Imagine a double plate loaded stack, a squat rack that's stacked,
Cable attachments, barbell, weights, no lack,
Adjustable dumbbells, elastic bands, all intact,
Storage solution on point, organized to the max!
I need versatility, an adjustable bench that's top-notch,
Heavyweight exercises, I won't settle for a botch,
Tidy, organized, integrated, that's how I watch,
Your skills put to the test, show me what you've got!
Cockiness oozing, I bring the swagger, no doubt,
Your creation better make others pout,
Can't wait to witness your genius, watch you stand out,
You're a fitness icon, bro, hear the crowd shout!
Unleash your magic, boss, let the world feel the sting,
With your setup, we'll rise, we'll be the kings,
No need for cocky references, let your achievements sing,
Keep dominating the game, that's how you win!
Would like to hear your opinion on the Powertec lat pull down
Is there enough room for bumper plates if mounted to the studs of my wall?
Would love to see this compared to the wall mounted Athena that Ryan from REP teased the other day.
can you review some of the new nordic bench/back extension combos? I'm intrigued but I see some design flaws in each of them.
Would it be possible to attach the pulleys to a barbell with a strap or something? Or would it be unstable? I feel like maybe there's some barbell type exercises that could take advantage of the unique combo of pulleys and barbell j cup
Really wish they would release a 3x3 Hydra version of this. I would love to have a functional trainer that doubles as second squat rack, but having to have two separate sets of attachments kills the appeal.
Coop please review the titan fitness plate loaded functional trainer
need to review the wall mounted athena
How would I secure the top bracket to a stud in my garage if I have a concrete 4" curb around the perimeter of the floor? (so the bracket doesn't reach the wall since it will be 4" apart.
Nice review ! Btw what's your cap ?
I wish they had a functional trainer for the Hydra rack instead of just the lat pull-down attachment. It’s great but it would be really nice to have other placement options too.
Is there room for full sized plates on the plate-loaded option? It looks like you've just got change-plates on there?
Coop, I would like to see 2 BOS wall mounted cable starions tied together as U have in this video compared to the
ER Kang, Major Lutie, or Mikola budget power racks that have the built in functional trainers. I have the ER Kang which is superior to the Major Lutie based on one factor. The ER Kang has numbered uprights where as the Major Lutie and Mikola do not as far as I've seen.
I use mine as my functional trainer as it is my second rack.
It is stable enough to use as my main rack but it is not macho enough for me to use as my main rack.
Only downfall I've seen with the ER Kang (which will also be the case with the Major Lutie and Mikola) is U cannot use attachments from other companies so the JCups, safeties, dip bars, etc. will have to come from ER Kang and they are not good but using the rack to work as my functional trainer works fine.
Anybody have experience with the Get RX’D plate loads functional trainer? Wondering how it compares to this and the titan cable tower
I'm constantly gettng advertised the Major Lutie rack with the plate loaded on both sides, and every time the price catches me off guard for how not-terrible it seems. So yeah if you could review it along side a proven option like this one that'd be awesome!
Would be cool to see this combined with the bulletproof isolator, endless possibilities!
I was thinking the same thing. I am just worried if it could support my weight.
Just confirm the the Bulletproof Isolator can fit on 2.3x2.3 uprights. It did not appear as an option on their website.
There is a product called pmup pro I have not seen a review on it and how does it compare to a flywheel
Hey coop. Have u seen the NV rack? U should try to review it. It's a rack mounted cable system selling on rogue rn. Seems to be for power generation.
I was really curious about this until I saw the 2.5k price tag.. that sort of did it for me
REP FT-5000 v2 or 2 BOS single weight stacks?
@garagegymreviews Thanks Coop! This is something I didn't even know I was looking for. Could see using this as a serious squat rack? Will it hold heavy weight? 500-600lbs+? or is it best used as functional trainer and with weights under 300lbs?
I've put 355 lbs on it for squats and since I'm not that strong I could barely do 2 reps and when trying to do the 3rd rep I intentionally bailed out dropping the bar a few inches above the spotter arms and the rack, the roller J cups and the spotter arms held on perfectly.
If I would've had this video two months ago, I would not have purchased the REP Ares. I do not regret the REP Ares, it's a marvelous product, but this two-tower set up would've done the job for nearly half the price. I would then wonder how to solve the garage gym floor slope problem that most of us STILL deal with. @GarageGymReviews Is there a video that shows us our options to solve the sloping floor problem for a cheap price? Also, a video comparing the two-tower weight stack BoS w/rack attachments (mentioned at 10:00) versus REP PR4000 w/Ares would be dope!
I have my squat rack mounted on an 8x8 platform that I built. I shimmed the side of the platform to account for the slope.
I’d love to see more REP vs Bells too
would be cool to have some kind barbell, connecting to the pulleys and turn into a Smith
Hi Coop, I’m your fan. I like very much your videos and content! I have a question for you…
Is there any company that has shipments to Mexico?
I would like to make some improvements to my Rig (GETRXD 3x3, 1”) but I have not been able to find any company that has shipments to Mexico.
I appreciate your attention, Coop!
Greetings from México.
I like plate loaded because I can use the plates for other things. DB handles or loadable kettlebell, for example.
I’m considering adding two of these cable towers (either the plate load or weight stack versions) to the left and right sides of the front of my rogue monster lite rack with 24 inch bells of steel crossmembers to attach and secure the cable towers. This would create a fantastically wide functional trainer… aka my homegym DREAM.
My biggest concern is cable length for cable crossovers.. do any owners of these cable towers (or anyone else) have any idea if this will work?
I have 2 of the weight stack version, and crossovers work great. Even when I do lat pull downs while sitting on the floor it doesn't max out the cables.
Is there enough room on the backside to add bumper plates on the weight pins? It looks like there might not be enough room between where you add the plates and the wall.
There's definitely not enough space for the weight pins to hold bumper plates unless you don't bolt the towers to the wall and leave a significant space between the wall and the back upright and even then the bumper plates would hit the sleeves on the plate loaded towers as there's only about 7 inches of clearance between the back upright and the sleeves, pretty sure it would be even less clearance for the selectorized version
Man GetRXd has a similar build with 3x3 1" hole uprights and the compatibility with other 3x3 attachments makes it kind of a better option. I think its also cheaper. Either one one these is really tempting me to swap out my Rep rack for it.
I think the reason the cables don't have a higher weight rating is because of the front footing design. If the front footing was a front facing extension instead of side to side, there would be something impeading front toppling of the machine if there was failure in the top wall connection point (a remote possibility but...)
I have the weight stack version of this and I love it. I use everyday I workout. Including leg day. One small thing. The upright is actually 2.3” x 2.3”. Not 2” x 2”.
How you do legs on this
Rope pull throughs, glute kickbacks, straight leg kickbacks, cable straight leg hip abductions. You could also probably use it for belt squats.
@@Dan-ee9oe i see ty
Can I ask which of these (Titan, Bells of steel...) are available in Europe? or is there something similar from other producers (price, wall mounted ...) thanx
Does a bench fit in between to bench press?
What would be the comparable functional trainer for the price of 2 of the plate loaded versions?
Is this a better option than that?
2 of the plate loaded version of these or RitFit cable crossover rack ?
Is the back upright far enough back that the plate loaded pulley doesn't hit it if you have 45s on the weighthorn?
Have you found an answer yet? I’m wondering the same thing.
I’m sorry Coop. I bought this without thinking about your link (love it!). I will repent and seek penance. I ask your forgiveness.
Loving the space savings and price.....
Where is the wall mounted Athena that you mentioned?
@@johnhernandez4763 still unreleased, it was only teased a few weeks ago
please compare the plate loaded setup to the ritfit rack
I just ordered 2 of these for a squat rack set up, the only thing I've disappointed in is that there's no lat pulldown seat attachment. Does anyone know of one from a different company that would work?
I would like to know the length dimensions (with the pull-up bar). Does anyone know them? Thanks
We need REP new barbells reviews! And Major Lutie
I wish they would put weight horns on top of the weight stack in case you wanted to add plates/bands/chains
Inspire FTX from Costco! Was $1199 a couple months ago.
Can you fit a 45LB plate without hitting the wall?
Thanks for all the advice big home! 💪
Yes you can, but it will only fit 3 45 lbs bumper plates per side. There is about 2-4 inches of clearance from the wall with the plates on.
Does the knurl pull-up bar come with it? On the website I don’t see it as an option.
They are optional attachments sold separately to the towers
I've been looking at these for a while.and haven't pulled the trigger. Wondering if it still moves smooth if you don't load the weight on either side evenly, like if you threw a 25 on one side of the horn. Please let me know, thanks Coop!
I was wondering the same thing.
It absolutely doesn't move smoothly with uneven weight. You can feel the system rubbing pretty bad if the weight is off. If you are going to use uneven weight, you may want to think about getting the upgraded pulleys.
@@cclark5051 Thanks for the reply. I had a feeling that would ve the case.
Tip for the titan cable machines. Open the pulleys and hit them with some silicone lubrication spray and wipe down the poles with it also. Smoooth.
New ones have 2 racks so you can do bench and squats
So using this as a squat rack too, you could put a bench in the middle and use it to bench paresse along with squat? If so are there safety arm or strap options? This could be great option with its small footprint!
Just saw the let’s talk comment,
So LET’S TALK! 😁
Plate loaded would not be able to be mounted on the wall mount if you use large plates 9:50. I like the stack👍🏻
This is great, but where is the pull up bar on the web site? Send me a link please. I want to eventually purchase two of these things.
@@-GarageGymReviews..- whats that sir? Contacted you.