Ares 2.0
Reddit take
AI summary of the Reddit excerpts below — not a quote
The Ares 2.0 is highly regarded as a premium, space-saving cable system that integrates functional trainer, lat pulldown, and low row capabilities directly into a power rack. Users frequently describe it as a 'best investment' for home gyms due to its exceptionally smooth pulley action and high-end feel, though it is notoriously difficult to assemble.
Pros
- Extremely smooth pulley movement once tensioned correctly
- Excellent space efficiency by combining multiple machines into the rack footprint
- High build quality and premium 'commercial' feel
- Significant value/ROI compared to subscription-based digital trainers
Cons
- Extremely difficult and time-consuming assembly process
- Plastic trolley liners can feel cheap and may rattle during use
- Potential for cable rubbing if tension is not perfectly dialed in
- Can feel crowded if installed in a primary lifting space rather than a dedicated cable extension
Caveats
- The 80-inch rack version may be too short for full-range lat pulldowns depending on your bench height
- Tricep pushdowns may require an exaggerated lean or kneeling to get full extension
- Trolley cables are routed on the outside in this version, which is an improvement but still requires careful setup
Best for
- Home gym owners looking to maximize functionality in a small footprint
- Users upgrading from basic plate-loaded cable attachments to a selectorized system
- Lifters who want a 'one-and-done' cable solution for their power rack
Avoid if
- You have limited patience for complex mechanical assembly
- You are very tall and planning to use the 80-inch rack height for lat pulldowns
- You require a completely clear rack interior for specialized lifting
This summary uses balanced time weighting with about a 6-month half-life. The evidence is older (median age ~574 days) and comes primarily from a single specialized community, which may not reflect the most recent hardware revisions.
Sentiment
15 positive (71%) · 6 mixed (29%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted score: +72% · raw score 71%
What redditors said (10 of 21)
I really wanted to go with the Ares 2.0 but we wanted to be able to still use the garage for parking, maintenance, detailing, etc.
No issues with the ares 2.0!
I picked up the Ares 2.0 on BF sale and LOVE it. Was using Tonal before but at $65 per month, this had a pretty simple ROI. The smoothness of the pulleys is unbeatable. Standard stack is plenty for me. Only draw back, assembly was a BITCH (which is to be expected)
Is the ares 2.0 new? Curious why you went that route since I did was well. I’m pretty sad they are adding the smith crossmembers for the 4 post later on. I hope we can adapt those to our 2.0s and it doesn’t come with some breaking design that would not retrofit to the 2.0.
We have upgraded slowly with the last big piece being the Ares 2.0. We couldn’t be happier
Now, after moving two times, another child and 7 years I finally upgraded from the R3 to a Rep Fitness PR-5000 with an Ares 2.0. Best investment I ever made fitness wise.
Ares 2.0 looks sick tho, glad it’s not hoggin' your rack space!
Seriously though; the ares 2.0 is amazing, but I’d hate it if it was in my dedicated rack space
The Ares 2.0 looks great.
Heart of the gym is the ares 2.0 but picked up some other hoist and nautilus machines.
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