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A cable crossover machine is one of the most versatile gym equipment you can consider for your home gym.
You can use a cable crossover machine for various exercises to support your strength training efforts
Best Cable Crossover Machines For Home Gym – A quick look
Benefits of a cable crossover machine
Cable crossover machines are user-friendly.
Many new lifters dread using such free weights as barbells which can hamper their weight and strength-building efforts.
That is not the case with cable crossover machines. They are user-friendly, easy to start with, and do not require much body coordination. You can always start with simple moves and move on to complicated ones.
Low risk of injury
Cable machines are less risky to use compared to free weights. You can easily miscalculate the weight on a barbell or dumbbell and end up with a broken back or joints. That is not the case with a cable crossover machine.
Barbells, for example, can be very unstable, forcing your muscles to work overtime to keep you in balance which can be a recipe for injury. But a cable crossover machine allows you to work in a particular range of motion, making it easy to build your muscles safely.
Very versatile
You can use a cable pulley machine for many exercises, including rows, bicep curls, chest presses, lat pull-downs, hip adductions, and cable kickbacks.
You can use a cable crossover machine to target most muscles in your body. There are many cable chest exercises that can help build your chest and upper body, cable shoulder exercises to build your delts, etc. The options are wide-ranging.
By adjusting the tension in the cables, you can increase the resistance to help get better results in your strength training and muscle-building efforts.
A cable pulley machine can help you to target muscles from different angles.
One primary difference between using a cable crossover machine and free weights like dumbbells to build muscle is the angle at which you can target your muscles.
Continuous resistance to your muscle
Using a cable crossover machine will allow you to apply continuous resistance to your muscles, which can be a determining factor in building lean and strong muscles.
Easy to target muscles from different angles
A cable crossover machine makes it much easier to hit angles free weights find difficult to
While free weights work with gravity, a cable crossover machine can allow you to target your muscles from any angle – horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
You can do exercises like cable chops, core rotations, and chest flyes without much restriction, helping you to challenge your body in new and innovative ways to improve your results and reduce boredom.
Best Cable Crossover Machine for Your Home Gym capable of supporting your strength training
Rogue CT-1X2 Cable Tower
Rogue Fitness is one of the top fitness equipment manufacturers in the world., They produce and supply high-quality products for commercial and home gyms. And the Rogue CT-1X2 Cable Tower is not an exception.
The build quality I of the highest degree, and you will struggle to find another of that high quality.
The original Rogue CT-1 cable machine has only a pulley and cable. That means you can only train one side of your body at a time unless you install two of them.
The Rogue CT-1X2 is an updated version of the CT-1.
The Rogue CT-1X2 is a dual-handle system with corresponding pulleys. That gives the athlete an expanded range of motion and makes such two-handed movements as high pulls, cable flys, cable presses, etc. possible.
The build quality makes the cable machine suitable for commercial and home use. But it is quite a hefty machine requiring a minimum of 10 x 10 feet for installation. You will need to bolt the CT-1X2 securely to the floor. But Rouge Fitness does not include the mountain hardware, which is a shame, given the price at which it is on offer.
Manufactured in the USA with some of the highest grade components and powder-coated for durability, you can be sure of getting a product that will serve you well for many years if you opt for it.
It is delivered fully assembled, saving you much time and headache trying to figure things out.
Unlike others on the market, it comes with a 300-pound (combined) weight stack, with 10-pound increments, and a 2:1 weight-to-resistance ratio, giving you enough resistance for your strength training requirements.
The cables are easy to set up, and knurled stainless steel adjustment handles ensure you can train without the possibility of the handles slipping from your hands.
The Rogue CT-1X2 has a wide range of adjustable features, which are easy to set for different movements.
Please note that the Rogue CT-1X2 is a made-to-order product, and Rogue charges a 20% restocking fee.
The Rogue CT-1X2, like all other gym equipment from Rogue Fitness, is not cheap and will cost you an arm and a leg. But it is the one to go for if you want a heavy-duty cable machine that can withstand rough usage and intensive use.
The Rogue CT-1X2 Cable Tower is available to buy directly from Rogue Fitness.
Pros
Cons
- High-quality build with some of the best components
- Dual handle cable system for a variety of exercises
- High weight stack
- Delivered fully assembled
- Suitable for home and commercial use
- Pricey. Price will leave a big dent in your bank account
- The design will not be suitable for some crossover movements
- The large footprint will take a large chunk of your gym space.
Product Weight: 760 pounds | Product Length: 54 inches | Product Width: 60 inches | Product Height: 107.5 inches | Foot Print: 54 x 60 inches | Steel Notes: 3×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
XMARK Functional Trainer Cable Machine
The XMark 7626 is a well-made, functional cable crossover machine with many features that make it stand out from the rest.
The build quality is solid, durable, and sturdy. The anti-corrosion and anti-scratch coating on the high-quality steel, combined with a lifetime warranty, means it could serve you well for many years.
A note of caution. The XMark is a large cable crossover machine that will take a good portion of your gym space.
Working out on the XMark should not give you much headache, thanks to the quality pull-up rig and the easy-to-adjust pulley. The pulleys are not as smooth as we had preferred, but that should not be an issue for many.
The different levels of resistance settings will help you target and isolate muscles as you want to.
Unlike the Rogue CT-1X2 Cable Tower, the XMark 7626 comes with a 200-pound weight stack. That makes it much lighter. That should be more than enough to meet the strength training requirements of many lifters. But others may find that the weight stack may not be high enough for some exercises. Heavy lifters may have to assess their future requirements before a decision.
Other accessories with the XMark cable machine include hand straps, different length bars, and straps for your ankle and legs.
Again, unlike the Rogue CT-1X2, the Xmark will require assembly, which many may find daunting and challenging. The assembly instructions also leave much to be desired. You will need patience and some help to put the cable crossover machine together.
The XMARK Functional Trainer is available to buy on Amazon.
Pros
Cons
- Well-built and good quality material
- Supplied with various accessories
- Price comparable with others
- Complex and time-consuming assembly
- Confusing assembly instructions
- Large footprint
- Low weight stack
- Pulley’s performance could be better
Product Weight: 247 pounds | Product Length: 65.5 inches | Product Width: 43.5 inches | Product Height: 83.5 inches | Foot Print: 51.25 x 22.5 inches | Steel Notes: 2×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
Valor Fitness BD-62 Wall Mount Cable Station
The Valor Fitness BD-62 should be a good option for those with limited home gym space who want to include some cable exercises in their workouts.
It is a dual pulley wall-mounted gym equipment that will get you started with your cable exercises. It should be usable for exercises like rows and curls but may not be ideal for crossovers.
Unlike the similar design from Rogue Fitness, it doesn’t come with any weight stack.
The weight plate holder can take both standard and Olympic plates, making it convenient for those who already have weight plates. The maximum weight it can take is 200-pounds which may not be enough for serious lifters.
And you may need a solid wall to mount it safely. But it is a good option for starters. It is lowly priced and will be a good option for those on a limited budget. As will all things, the low price is a good indication of the quality you are getting.
You can buy the Valor Fitness BD-62 on Amazon.
Pros
Cons
- A space-saving cable machine
- Good price-quality ratio
- Affordable
- Simple and not difficult to assemble
- Operation not as smooth as higher-priced versions
- It May require additional mounting options to make it safer to use
- Assembly instructions could be better
Product Weight: 62 pounds | Product Length: 25 inches | Product Width: 24.5 inches | Product Height: 80 inches
Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station
The BD-61 Cable Crossover Station is a more expensive cable machine from Valor Fitness. It is a freestanding crossover station with a cable machine attachment.
Unlike the BD-61, which is wall-mounted and space-saving, the BD-62 will take a large portion of your gym space. Thus you will need to make provision for that, given that it will be a permanent feature in your home gym.
And despite the current price, you don’t get any weight plates with your purchase. While it may not be a big deal for those having weight plates, many may have to budget for the purchase of the weight plates, which may not be that cheap.
Another issue many purchasers seem to have is the performance of the cables is not as smooth as they would like.
Build quality and quality control could also be better, with a percentage of buyers complaining about poor finishing and defective components.
While it is not the best, it is also not the worst cable crossover machine on offer. It could still be a good buy for those on a budget who already have weight plates and are not in the position to shell out for a more expensive option.
For those who are happy to live with the inconsistencies in design, the limitations, and the average quality, you should have a cable crossover machine that can support your strength training in the comfort of your home gym.
The Valor Fitness BD-61 is available to purchase from Amazon
Pros
Cons
- It will suit those who already have weight plates and are on a budget.
- No weight stack included.
- Large footprint – will take a good chunk of your gym space
- Poor quality control
- Inconsistent quality levels
Product Weight: 62 pounds | Product Length: 50 inches | Product Width: 56 inches | Product Height: 81 inches
Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer
The Inspire Fitness FTX Functional Trainer is similar in design to the XMark 7626. But it has a smaller footprint. That means it will not take up much space in your home gym. But the 85-inch height makes it the tallest machine on our list
It is heavy-duty steel construction with a powder coat finish for durability.
But unlike the XMark, its weight stack is limited to just 165 pounds which is on the low side, even when you conder the offered 2:1 resistance to weight stack ratio on offer.
You can increase the weight stack, but it will mean an extra cost on top of the price.
The pulleys have different adjustment and swivel positions, and the included curl bar expands the exercise options available.
Other attachments and accessories include D handles, a chin-up belt, and a rope for tricep exercises.
The Inspire Fitness Trainer will be an ideal cable crossover machine for beginners who plan to expand their requirements later. Your purchase will give you a limited lifetime warranty and a free 2-week connection to the Inspire Fitness App.
You can purchase the Inspire Fitness FTX Trainer from Amazon
Pros
Cons
- Comes with all tools for assembly
- Relatively smooth operation
- Reasonable footprint
- Adjustable pulley positions
- Acceptable build quality
- Price in the mid-range
- Low weight stack
- Some may find the price does not match the features on offer.
Product Weight: 544 pounds | Product Length: 40 inches | Product Width: 54 inches | Product Height: 85 inches
Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Cable Machine
The Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 Cable Machine is in the same price range as the XMark, but the quality doesn’t match.
The Body-solid PFT100 is much lighter and simple with basic features. While the build quality is not terrible, it is not as good as others.
You get a 160-pound weight stack with your purchase – not high enough for any serious athletes. You can increase the weight stack to 210-pound at an additional cost. But that will still not be high enough for many.
You can rotate the pulley in different directions to expand your exercise options. The performance is acceptable but not outstanding.
The assembly can be very challenging and may require about three people to put it together. Pars are not labeled, and the assembly instructions are not helpful either.
Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 can be a good buy for those looking for a cable crossover machine with the necessary features but are not ready to splash out on extras.
Don’t expect too much, but a cable crossover machine that can get you going and push you forward on your strength training journey.
The Body-Solid Powerline PFT100 is available to buy on Amazon Now
Pros
Cons
- Simple, minimalist design
- Reasonable build quality
- Suitable to those on a budget
- Build quality could be better
- Confusing assembling instructions and process
- May require extra pairs of hands for assembly
Product Weight: 476 pounds | Product Length: 42 inches | Product Width: 63 inches | Product Height: 83 inches
BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer Home Gym
The Bodycraft HFT Functional Trainer is arguably one of the best cable crossover machines on our list.
The HFT is a dual-stack cable with a wide range of accessories and features that allow you to target and train your upper and lower body.
Aside from the dual pulleys, you get two adjustable cable handles, a rack for storage, an ankle strap, and a pull-up bar among the accessories.
The build quality is very high, with Bodycraft opting to use powder-coated heavy-duty steel for the frame. The result is a cable crossover machine that is solid, sturdy, and well-built to serve you well for many years.
The pulleys with nylon-covered cables with 2000-pound tensile load capacity operate smoothly to ensure you can train and work out without any hitch. The pulleys are vertically adjustable, allowing you to target your muscles from different angles.
The HFT comes with a 150-pound weight stack, which is disappointing, as others offer much higher weight stacks. You can upgrade the weight stack but at an extra cost. Despite the upgrade option, the maximum weight stack that the HFT can handle may not be adequate for some exercises. That is a shame.
Despite the low weight stack, we believe the BodyCraft HFT Home Gym can meet the strength training requirements of most athletes.
Bear in mind that it is a large gym equipment that will take a large portion of your home gym. It is heavy as well and will need assembly on delivery.
But all-in-all, the BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer is a well-made crossover machine worth having in your home gym. A higher weight stack would have made it much better.
You can purchase the BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer on Amazon.
Pros
Cons
- High build quality with high quality components
- Wide range of features and accessories
- Many users will not struggle much with the assembly.
- Suitable for home and commercial gyms
- Low weight stack may not be suitable for some exercises
- Large footprint; it will take a good portion of your gym space.
Product Weight: 521 pounds | Product Length: 40 inches | Product Width: 56 inches | Product Height: 82 inches
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cable Crossover Machine
The design of cable crossover machines is pretty similar across manufacturers. But many factors could make one gym equipment stand out from the others. That is because manufacturers have different processes and quality levels. Thus while there are similarities, there are many differences as well.
Given that a good cable machine could leave a small dent in your bank account, you must ensure the gym equipment you buy will meet your requirements and serve you well for many years.
Below are some factors to consider before choosing the best cable crossover machine for your budget.
Build Quality
The build quality of a cable crossover machine, and for that matter, any gym equipment, must be of the highest quality.
You need to ensure the material and components can withstand the intensity of your workout.
The quality and type of materials for the frame and the cable can influence the build quality. Heavy-duty solid steel, for example, could be more durable and sturdy than hollow metal pipes.
Included Weight Stack
The weight stack is another critical element of any cable crossover machine. It can determine the level of resistance and the type of exercise you can do with the gym equipment.
A weight stack that is very low will limit your possibilities and may require an upgrade much sooner than you plan to.
A cable crossover machine with no weight stack will also mean an extra expense.
Size and Footprint
Most cable machines are sizeable and will take a good portion of your gym space.
You will need to install other equipment in your home gym. And you will need room to enable you to move around freely. Planning is the key. Ensure you get the dimensions correct before making your final decision
Features
Most cable machines have similar designs and layouts. But others have extra features that may make your life much easier.
Decide what you intend to use the gym equipment for and ensure your choice has all the features you require to meet your fitness goals.
Functionality and Usability
A cable crossover machine must be easy to set up and adjust. You wouldn’t want to spend ages trying to change the resistance level, for example, in the middle of your workout.
You want an equipment with pulleys that operate smoothly, and you want grip handles that will not leave blisters on your palms.
Value
Is your choice a good value for money, or are you paying for features you will never use? The question may seem trivial, but many of us tend to pay high prices that may include extras we never use.
Versatility
How versatile is the equipment?
Is it possible to use the cable crossover machine for other exercises?
Does it include attachments that make it possible to expand the number of exercises?
These are some of the questions to ask and answer before your final choice.
Final Words from LiveLife
A cable crossover machine could be one of the best non-essential equipment to install in your home gym.
Having one will allow you to train and target your muscles from angles that will not be possible with free weights.
They may not be cheap to buy, but they can add variety to your workout and make your strength-building and training challenging.
The build quality of the Rogue CT-1X2 Cable Tower is second to none, but the price takes it out of the reach of most athletes.
The XMARK Functional Trainer and the BodyCraft HFT Functional Trainer are well-made with good features, and any of them should be a good choice. But if you are on a budget or have limited gym space, then the Valor Fitness BD-62 could be a viable option.
We are confident one of the cable crossover machines we have identified would be good enough to support your strength training efforts.