Most Popular REP® Racks with Smith Attachment & Cable Machine Builds

You want a rack with Smith and cable capabilities — whether you're upgrading your current setup or starting from scratch to build the perfect training space.

We'll walk you through the top recommendations and most popular configurations to take the guesswork out of creating your dream setup.

The Best Racks with Smith and Cable Functionality

Whether you're starting from scratch or updating your current setup, here are the best options to provide you with a Smith Machine Attachment and Cable System on your rack.

• Best Basic Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: 6-post 16" + 30", 4K/5K + Smith + REP ARES™ 2.0
• Best Basic Smith and ATHENA® Solution: 6-post 16" + 30", 4K/5K + Smith + ATHENA® 
• Best Functionality Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: 6-post 16" + 41", 4K/5K + Smith + REP ARES™ 2.0 
• Best Functionality Smith and ATHENA® Solution: 6-post 16" + 41", 4K/5K + Smith + ATHENA® 
• Best Compact Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: 6-Post 16" + 16", 5K + Smith + REP ARES™ 2.0 
• Best Compact Smith and ATHENA® Solution: 6-Post 16" + 16", 4K/5K + Smith + ATHENA® 
• Best Budget 6-Post Smith and Cable Solution: Altitude™ Rack, Altitude™ Smith, and Altitude™ Cable Attachment 
• Best 4-Post Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with REP ARES™ 2.0
• Best 4-Post Smith and Wall-Mounted REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Wall-Mounted REP ARES™ 2.0
• Best 4-Post Smith and ATHENA® Solution: Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with ATHENA®

6-Post Racks

We're covering the most popular 6-post configurations with Smith and cable attachments, but keep in mind that we recommend a crossmember length of 26" or 30" for optimal Smith Attachment usage — space permitting.

Best Basic Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: 6-post 16" + 30", 4K/5K + Smith + REP ARES™ 2.0 

Use the ARES™ 2.0 Builder.

When the Smith is setup toward the back of these 30" crossmembers (suitable for both 4K and 5K racks), you'll have the widest access to an assortment of pull-up bars — except the Globe Grip. This setup may also compromise your incline bench functionality.

The Smith setup toward the front of these 30" crossmembers is only suitable for 5K racks, and is best suited for use with a 4-Post Pull-Up Bar Extension or the 1.25" Standard Pull-Up Bar  — although, the Standard Bar may be a bit awkward since clearance from the Smith bar may be limited.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical or angled
• Best For: Owners of a 4000- or 5000-Series 6-post rack, 30" crossmember length, with the REP ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment, who would like to add Smith functionality to their setup.
• Consider Another Option: If starting from scratch, consider the Summit™ All-In-One REP ARES™ 2.0 4-post configuration for a more cost-effective half-rack alternative.
• Incompatible Attachments Inside the Rack: Strap safeties, flip-down safeties, pin-pipe safeties

Best Basic Smith and ATHENA® Solution: 6-post 16" + 30", 4K/5K + Smith + ATHENA®

Use the ATHENA® Builder.

If you have a 16"-30" ATHENA® rack, and are looking to add guided vertical lifts with the Smith Attachment, this setup is for you. 

When the Smith is setup toward the middle uprights, you'll have the most variety of pull-up capabilities, whether you attach a multi-grip pull-up bar across crossmembers or a standard pull-up bar from the front of the rack.

When the Smith is closer to the front of your 30" crossmembers, you'll have slightly fewer options, due to the position of the Smith bar — the Multi-Grip pull-up bar won't work in this configuration while the 1.25" standard pull-up bar works but might be a little bit awkward. In both Smith setups, the Globe Grip isn't compatible.

If you're working with a 4K rack, you'll need to set your Smith toward the middle uprights — front setup with the Smith on this configuration is only compatible with 5K racks.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical or angled
• Best For: Owners of a 4000- or 5000-Series rack, with 30" crossmembers and the ATHENA® cable system, who would like to add vertical guidance to their lifts.
• Consider Another Option: For new customers without a current setup, we recommend a 6-post power rack, 26"-30" if space permits, with ATHENA® cable attachment and Smith Attachment.
• Incompatible Attachments Inside the Rack: Strap safeties, flip-down safeties, pin-pipe safeties

Best Functionality Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: 6-post 16" + 41", 4K/5K + Smith + REP ARES™ 2.0

Use the ARES™ 2.0 Builder.

For those of you with a 16"+ 41" rack and REP ARES™ 2.0, adding on a Smith Machine Attachment can give you veritcal guidance to your lifts while allowing you to retain power rack capabilities — like bench press and squats within the rack.

Setting up the Smith Attachment closer to the front upright is only compatible on 5K racks. This setup won't work with the Globe Grip or Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar, however you can use the 1.25" Standard Pull-Up par placed furhter inside or at the very front. We also recommend the 4-Post Pull-Up Bar for this configuration, plus Smith J-Cups and Safeties for use inside the power rack.

When the Smith Attachment is setup closer to the middle upright, you won't be able to utilize the Globe Grip Pull-Up Bar, but aside from that, you'll have free reign to use the pull-up attachment of your choosing. Standard J-cups and spotter arms can be used inside the power rack, as well as Smith Strap Safeties.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical or angled
• Best For: Existing 6-post 4000- or 5000-Series racks with 41" crossmembers, and REP ARES™ 2.0 owners. Adding the Smith Attachment to this setup provides vertical guidance to your lifts while retaining full power rack capabilities.
• Consider Another Option: For new customers who want a Smith, REP ARES™ 2.0, and rack setup, we recommend opting for either a 26" or 30" crossmember length. This provides optimized Smith Machine functionality without taking up additional space.
• Incompatible Attachments Inside the Rack: Strap safeties, flip-down safeties, pin-pipe safeties

Best Functionality Smith and ATHENA® Solution: 6-post 16" + 41", 4K/5K + Smith + ATHENA®

Use the ATHENA® Builder.

When the Smith is setup towards the middle uprights, you'll appreciate few pull-up bar restrictions besides the inability to use the Globe Grip. You'll also want Smith J-cups and Safeties to use inside the power rack. 

When the Smith is set up towards the front uprights, you'll have the option to use the Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar (set-up furhter back in your rack) or the 1.25" Standard Pull-Up Bar (but it may be a bit awkward because of the Smith bar). You can also use standard J-cups and Spotter Arms or Smith Strap Safeties inside the rack.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical or angled
• Best For: Current owners of a 6-post 4000- or 5000-Series rack, with 41" crossmembers, and the ATHENA® cable system, who want to add guided stability to their lifts.
• Consider Another Option: For new customers who want a Smith, REP ARES™ 2.0, and rack setup, we recommend opting for either a 26" or 30" crossmember length. This provides optimized Smith Machine functionality without taking up additional space.
• Incompatible Attachments Inside the Rack: Strap safeties, flip-down safeties, pin-pipe safeties

Best Compact Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: 6-Post 16" + 16", 5K + Smith + REP ARES™ 2.0

Use the ARES™ 2.0 Builder.

For those with a 6-post 16" 5K rack with the REP ARES™ 2.0 cable system, this solution allows you to add the Smith Attachment in either an angled or vertical orientation. The Smith Attachment fits inside the front 16" crossmembers, and is compatible with the 1.25" Standard Pull-Up Bar — although, the pull-up setup might be awkward, since the Smith bar may interfere with your pull-ups. 

This configuration isn't compatible with the Multi-Grip or Globe Grip Pull-Up Bar. However, we recommend utilizing the 4-Post Pull-Up Bar Extension to give you more forward space without taking up any additional floor space.

Due to the compact footprint of this setup, tackling incline bench press might be tight. Additionally, you'll need to move the trolleys on the REP ARES™ 2.0 up and out of the way to perform your incline bench reps. 

• Smith Orientation: Vertical or angled
• Best For: Owners of a 6-Post PR-5000, with 16" depth, and the REP ARES™ 2.0 attachment, who want to add the Smith Attachment.
• Consider Another Option: For new customers who want Smith machine and REP ARES™ 2.0 cable system capabilities, we recommend opting for a 4-post 26" or 30" setup.
• Additional Call-Outs: This setup works on 5000-Series racks, but not on 4000-Series racks.
• Incompatible Attachments Inside the Rack: Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar, Strap Safeties, Flip-Down Safeties, Pin-Pipe Safeties

Best Compact Smith and ATHENA® Solution: 6-Post 16" + 16", 4K/5K + Smith + ATHENA®

Use the ATHENA® Builder.

This setup is best for those who already have a 6-post 16" ATHENA® setup who are looking to prioritize Smith work in their routine. However, for new customers, we recommend the 4-post 26" or 30" to save some space and provide similar functionality.

PR-4000 racks provide vertical Smith setup, while PR-5000 racks allow for vertical or angled. However, if choosing to work with an angled Smith setup, you'll need to move trolleys out of the way to give your Smith bar clearance when working with guided stability.

The Multi-Grip and Globe Grip Pull-Up Bars are not compatible, however, you can choose to work with a Standard 1.25" Pull-Up Bar — although, it might be a bit awkward due to the Smith bar being in your pull-up path.

While the ATHENA® cable system and Smith Machine Attachment work with the 16" rack depth, we don't advise this setup for users who want to lift inside their racks.

• 5K Smith Orientation: Vertical or angled
• 4K Smith Orientation: Vertical
• Best For: Owners of a 4000- or 5000-Series 6-post rack, 16" crossmember length, with an ATHENA® cable system setup.
• Consider Another Option: For new customers who want Smith Attachment and ATHENA® cable system capabilities, we recommend opting for a 4-post 26" or 30" setup.
• Incompatible Attachments Inside the Rack: Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar, Strap Safeties, Flip-Down Safeties, Pin-Pipe Safeties

Best Budget 6-Post Smith and Cable Solution: Altitude™ Rack, Altitude™ Smith, and Altitude™ Cable Attachment 

Select your build starting with the Altitude™ Power Rack.

6-post, 80" or 93" Altitude™ rack height, Altitude™ Smith Machine, and Altitude™ Cable Attachment gives you access to REP's most wallet-friendly rack and attachments.

This rack features a built-in rackable weight capacity of 700lbs, and when paired with the Altitude™ Cable System and Altitude™ Smith Machine, provides you with 21.7" of working space within the rack — giving you room within the rack to bench press and squat to your heart's content.

The Altitude™ Series uses its own specific attachments, labeled as such. You can add Altitude™ Strap Safeties, the Altitude™ Leg Roller, Altitude™ J-Cups, Altitude™ Cable Attachment Weight Stack Upgrade, Altitude™ Cable Attachment Shrouds, the Altitude™ Dip Attachment , and the REP® x Kleva Built® Adroit Landmine to complete your budget-friendly home gym setup.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical
• Best For: Anyone wanting a more cost-effective setup, who doesn't mind a lower 700lb weight capacity.
• Consider Another Option: If you want angled Smith orientation or a higher weight capacity, consider another option.
• Incompatible Attachments: PR-5000 ecosystem of attachments.

[Read More: Altitude™ Rack Deep Dive]

4-Post Racks

Previously, the 4-post 4000- and 5000-Series Racks didn't allow for the Smith Machine Attachments, since the crossmember length wasn't long enough. Instead, you'd have to upgrade to a 6-post setup. However, to help you get the most out of your setup, REP came out with 26" crossmembers that allow you to have a Smith and cable system in your bite-size 4-post setup.

REP has released the Summit™ Series, giving you access to a streamlined rack-cable-smith setup, with a 26" crossmember to give you access to a more compact and optimized 4-post build.

Best 4-Post Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with REP ARES™ 2.0

Check out the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with REP ARES™ 2.0 here.

Skip the 6-post rack build and choose the newly optimized 4-post Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with REP ARES™ 2.0. This build is typically more cost-effective than a 6-post setup, and can help keep your home gym setup from taking up your entire room. 

This build includes everything you need for a complete home gym package. Your choice of 80" or 93" 5K uprights and crossmembers, REP ARES™ 2.0 Cable Machine Attachment, Smith Machine Rack Attachment, Smith bar, Weight Storage Horns, REP ARES™ 2.0 4-Post Pull-Up Bar, Spotter Arms, Flat Sandwich J-Cups 2.0, plus 2 Mini Front Foot Extensions to keep your setup secure (unless you plan on bolting it down).

Up the ante on your training versatility with additional compatible pieces: Leg Roller 2.0, REP® x Kleva Built® Adroit Landmine, and various cable attachments like REP® x Kleva Built® Cable Attachment Bundles, Performance Package, or Pro Series Package.

This setup unlocks a wide variety of training in a compact package, however, due to the compact build, the Nighthawk™ and BlackWing™ bench won't be able to fully clear due to limited backwards travel.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical
• Best For: Anyone wanting a Smith, cable, and half-rack, in a 4-post package.
• Consider Another Option: If you want angled Smith orientation, the ability to work with the Nighthawk™ or BlackWing™ bench, or full power rack capabilitites, consider a 6-post setup.

Best 4-Post Smith and Wall-Mounted REP ARES™ 2.0 Solution: Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Wall-Mounted REP ARES™ 2.0

Check out the Summit All-In-One Trainer with Wall-Mounted REP ARES™ 2.0 here.

In this configuration, the Smith and REP ARES™ 2.0 attach to the same 26" crossmember, which gives you the most compact half-rack/Smith/cable system possible.

This setup comes with an 80" or 93" 5K rack (uprights and crossmembers), the REP ARES™ 2.0 cable machine attachment, Smith Machine Attachment, a Smith bar, stringer and hardware, Compact 2.0 crossmember, weight storage horns, REP ARES™ 2.0 4-Post Pull-Up Bar, Spotter arms, and flat sandwich J-cups. You'll also have the option to add storage wings and/or peg boards to your setup to help keep your space organized.

For added versatility, consider adding the Leg Roller 2.0 and REP® x Kleva Built® Adroit Landmine for added workout versatility. Plus, cable attachment bundles like the REP® x Kleva Built® Cable Attachment Bundles, Performance Package, or Pro Series Package.

This setup unlocks Smith and cable versatility while taking up minimal floorspace. However, due to this tighter depth, you won't be able to bench with the Nighthawk™ or BlackWing™ benches.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical
• Best For: Anyone wanting the most compact half-rack, Smith, and cable system setup.
• Consider Another Option: If you want angled Smith orientation, full ability to tackle incline bench work with the Nighthawk™ or BlackWing™ bench, full power rack capabilitites, or don't want to drill into the wall, consider a 6-post setup.

Best 4-Post Smith and ATHENA® Solution: Summit All-In-One Trainer with ATHENA®

Check out the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with ATHENA® here.

When you want the most budget-friendly 4-post build, the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with ATHENA® provides. This half rack provides you with a Smith and ATHENA® cable system, for added workout versatility to keep your routine fresh.

This setup comes with an 80" or 93" 5K rack (uprights and crossmembers), the ATHENA® cable machine attachment, Smith Machine Attachment, Smith bar, Logo Plate Crossmember, Weight Storage Horns, a 1.25" Standard Pull-Up Bar, Spotter Arms, Flat Sandwich J-Cups 2.0, and 1 Mini Set of Front Foot Extensions (unless you plan on bolting your rack down).

For added versatility, choose compatible attachments. Consider adding the Leg Roller 2.0 and REP® x Kleva Built® Adroit Landmine to upgrade your training. Plus, cable attachment bundles like the REP® x Kleva Built® Cable Attachment Bundles, Performance Package, or Pro Series Package.

Skip costly redesigns and choose this all-in-one build, giving you a wide range of capabilities in a minimal footprint. However, due to the compact design, Nighthawk™ and BlackWing™ adjustable benches provide limited incline bench clearance, and the Smith Machine orientation is limited to vertically.

• Smith Orientation: Vertical
• Best For: Anyone wanting the most wallet-friendly, compact half-rack, Smith, and cable system setup.
• Consider Another Option: If you want angled Smith orientation, the ability to fully tackle incline bench work with the Nighthawk™ or BlackWing™ bench, or full power rack capabilities, consider a 6-post setup.

Takeaway

We've got a Smith and cable solution that suits your space, budget, and needs — from wall-mounted half-racks that take up the minimum amount of space, to larger 6-post setups where you'll have room to lift within the rack.

First, figure out the room you have available. Then, nail down your available budget. And lastly, take into consideration if you can update the gear you already have or if you'll need to start from scratch. Because setting up a rack, Smith, and cable system gives you the sort of big-gym workout versatility that'll make lifting challenging, fun, and fresh.

FAQs

What's the most cost-friendly rack with Smith and cable functionality?

The Altitude™ Rack was designed to bridge the gap between the affordability of 1K racks and the attachment capabilitites of 5K racks. This rack provides you with a vertical Smith, a cable system with lat pulldown and low row functionality, and a 700lb rackable weight capacity — for a lower cost than other configurations.

What's the most compact rack with Smith and cable functionality?

The Summit™ Series puts the Smith and your choice of cable systems on a 4-post rack, helping to free up floor space. For the most compact option, you'll want to bolt these systems down, which means you won't have to add Front Foot Extensions (saving you even more space). Out of the three Summit™ configurations, the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer with Wall-Mounted REP ARES™ 2.0 takes up the least amount of space.