Side by side
gymnastic rings vs Ares 2.0
gymnastic rings
58 positive (97%) · 0 mixed (0%) · 2 negative (3%)
Trust + time weighted: +93%
AI summary — not a quote
Gymnastic rings are widely considered one of the most versatile and cost-effective tools for bodyweight fitness. Users frequently describe them as a "game changer" for building upper body strength and stability, noting that they engage more muscle groups than fixed bars due to their inherent instability. While highly praised for their portability and effectiveness for exercises like dips, pull-ups, and rows, they are significantly more difficult to use than stable equipment and can be "humbling" for those transitioning from fixed bars.
Pros
- High versatility, supporting a wide range of movements including dips, pull-ups, rows, and muscle-ups
- Excellent for developing stabilizer muscles and forearm/grip strength
- Portable and easy to set up on trees, doorway pull-up bars, or ceiling hooks
- Allows for a neutral grip, which can help alleviate joint discomfort during pulling exercises
Cons
- Inherent instability makes exercises significantly harder than on fixed bars
- Requires a secure and sufficiently high mounting point for full range of motion
Top excerpts
I've been following the recommended routine (using rings which are amazing by the way) and have only just recently started to adapt it to allow me to work on some skills.
Get some rings and knock out 3-4 sets of 8-12 if possible.
I like using rings a lot partly because I feel like the rings help pull my shoulders apart when I'm in the 'resting' position for inclined rows or facepulls.
I use a doorway pull up bar and then hang some gymnastic rings from it for dips. Works pretty well and rings are stabled.
I use a door pull up bar and gymnastic rings. It's good for rows and dips
Ares 2.0
15 positive (71%) · 6 mixed (29%) · 0 negative (0%)
Trust + time weighted: +72%
AI summary — 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
Top excerpts
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