The Best Home Gym Setup With the REP® ARES™ 2.0 — 2025

By: Rosie Borchert
Updated On: Oct 14, 2025
Two athletes work out on the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment and the power rack it's attached to.
Two athletes work out on the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment and the power rack it's attached to.

If you build it, the gains will come.

The REP® ARES™ 2.0 is a dual-stack cable system that supports low row and lat pulldown work — and it's a higher-end option compared to the Athena® cable attachment. But this isn't some stand-alone cable machine taking up valuable floor space, it attaches to your compatible REP® power rack giving you the training variety you need in the space you have. 

If you're considering adding this attachment to your home gym, or you've already gotten setup, here are the best pieces of REP® equipment to build out the ultimate cable machine home gym.

The Best Home Gym Equipment Pairings With the REP® ARES™ 2.0

A man tackles rows beside his PR-5000 power rack and ARES™ 2.0 cable system.

Note: The following products are featured in the Ultimate ARES™ 2.0 Package (pictured above). Choose what you want, and see the cost of each add-on as you do, but feel free to leave any equipment out of your cart that doesn't spark joy.

Shop the Ultimate Ares 2.0 Package

The Best REP® Power Rack

The REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable machine attachment works with both the PR-4000 and PR-5000 power rack. While the PR-4000 can save you some cash, the PR-5000 is our choice for the best home gym equipment to use with the REP® ARES™ 2.0.

Best Overall Power Rack for ARES™ 2.0: PR-5000 

Compared to the PR-4000, the PR-5000 offers built-in storage components and pinhole spacing that provide a wider range of training versatility and attachment functionality. If you're looking to build out the ultimate home gym, the PR-5000 is the power rack for you.

[Read More: Garage Gym Starter Package with PR-5000]

The Best REP® Bench Options

Of course you need an adjustable bench to support your training with the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment. "An adjustable bench gives you the freedom to tackle a wider range of training from your home gym setup," says Ashley Boyer, ACE-CPT. "When flat, you can tackle bench press and rows, or set it up at an incline for bicep curls, decline for ab work — really, this functionality widens your window of training capabilities."

Plus, the REP® ARES™ 2.0 was engineered with your adjustable bench in mind, providing space within your rack to tackle incline bench press and more.

Best Adjustable Bench Overall for ARES™ 2.0: BlackWing™ Adjustable Bench

The BlackWing™ adjustable bench is a flat, incline, and decline bench with a ladder system for easy angled adjustment. The bench also features ZeroGap® technology, allowing you to slide the bench's pad to eliminate bench gap at whatever angle you're working from.

Best Budget FID Adjustable Bench for ARES™ 2.0: Nighthawk™ Adjustable Bench

The Nighthawk™ adjustable bench provides a huge range of versatility and adjustability, with 0 to 85 degrees of back rest adjustments and -15 to 20 degrees of seat adjustments. It also features a tri-pod leg design, ideal for powerlifters looking for the freedom to tuck their feet, and can be stored vertically to save space.

The Best REP® Bench Attachments

Both the BlackWing™ and Nighthawk™ adjustable bench are compatible with two attachments to widen your training capabilities.

Best Leg Curl/Leg Extension for ARES™ 2.0: Leg Curl/Leg Extension Bench Attachment

Target your quads and hamstrings with the Leg Curl/Leg Extension Bench Attachment. Easily attach it to your bench and utilize either weight plate, band, or cable resistance for your workout. Plus, built-in transport wheels make adjusting your setup and stowing your gear as simple as possible.

Best Multi-Use Bench Attachment for ARES™ 2.0: Leg Roller Attachment

Doing sit ups with Nighthawk Bench and the Leg Roller Attachment.

The Adjustable Bench Leg Roller Attachment can connect to your adjustable bench and give you the stability to safely tackle decline sit-ups, decline chest press, decline dumbbell flyes, Nordic curls, and more. 

The Best REP® Adjustable Dumbbells

Save floor space and limit clutter with a pair of premium adjustable dumbbells. REP offers two versions for your consideration. Both options are durable and will stand the test of time against even your toughest workouts, with the QuickDraw™ being a more cost-friendly option and the REP® x PÉPIN™ FAST Series™ supporting heavier lifts.

If you're working with limited space, check out our Small Home Gym Space Saver Package which can help to keep your workout footprint as small as possible.

Best Budget Adjustable Dumbbell for ARES™ 2.0: QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbell

The QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbell (available in both pounds and kilograms) replaces an entire set of dumbbells — saving you space and money. These adjustable dumbbells feature a Lock-N-Load steel switch that allows you to choose the amount of weight you lift and a flat bottom shape to keep these weights from rolling away.

Best Heavy Adjustable Dumbbell for ARES™ 2.0: REP® x PÉPIN™ FAST Series™ Adjustable Dumbbell

The REP® x PÉPIN™ FAST Series™ Adjustable Dumbbell is a top-shelf, premium piece of weight lifting equipment that packs a serious punch for even the biggest lifters. These weights are adjustable in 10 pound increments up to 85, 105, and 125 pounds. Plus, the cradle is expandable if you want to push your training further in the future with add-on weight.

The Best REP® Dumbbell Storage

If you want the ultimate REP® ARES™ 2.0 setup, with the best barbell, weight plates, and dumbbells, you'll need some organization capabilities to keep everything tidy, neat, and exactly where you need it.

Best Overall Dumbbell Cart for ARES™ 2.0: Dumbbell Storage Cart

The Dumbbell Storage Cart is compatible with both the QuickDraw™ and REP® x PÉPIN™ FAST Series™ adjustable dumbbell, and works by keeping these tools off the floor and within reach. You'll also find side peg storage and a large lower shelf which can hold your cable attachments, resistance bands, lifting belt, and whatever other accessories you want close by.

Best Overall Dumbbell Stand for ARES™ 2.0: Adjustable Dumbbell Stand

This dumbbell stand comes in two options — one is compatible with the QuickDraw™ adjustable dumbbell and the other with the REP® x PÉPIN™ FAST Series™ adjustable dumbbell. Adjust the height of this stand to make your lift as convenient as possible, plus there's swiveling-locking caster wheels that let you move your weights wherever you need them.

The Best REP® Barbells

A barbell with clips is a necessity to round out the perfect home gym setup. Here are two of our favorite options depending on the type of training you're looking to tackle.

Best Mixed-Use Bar for ARES™ 2.0: Colorado™ Mixed-Use Bar

This mixed-use barbell, available in both 20kg and 15kg, features dual knurling to help you find the right hand placement for your lifts. This knurling is also a medium-depth, volcano style to keep your grip locked in without shredding your hands when you're working through high rep schemes throughout your fitness routine.

Best Power Bar for ARES™ 2.0: Black Diamond™ Power Bar

An athlete uses the Black Diamond™ Power Bar to tackle their workout.

This 20kg powerlifting bar was built to tackle whatever weight you're looking to lift. Engineered to be able to support loads up to 1,500 pounds, with an aggressive-depth volcano-style knurl to keep your hands locked in under load.

The Best REP® Weight Plates

You've got a barbell to use with the PR-5000 power rack, now you'll need some weight plates to support your lifts and utilize progressive overload no matter the exercise you're looking to tackle.

Best Bumper Plates for ARES™ 2.0: Black Bumper Plate Set

Available in pounds and kilograms, these Black Bumper Plates can help to dampen noise, soften drops (although flooring or mats are still important to protect your home), and feature a low-bounce to keep you in control of your equipment after a drop.

Best Budget Plates for ARES™ 2.0: Old School Iron Plate Set

These Old School Iron Plates are a classic in weight rooms, giving you the clank and clatter that really makes you feel like you're in a commercial gym. Ideal for weight training and powerlifting, these plates are the most cost-friendly plates offered by REP.

[Read More: Home Gym Cost Saver Package]

Best Premium Plates for ARES™ 2.0: Equalizer™ Urethane-Coated Plate Set

If you're looking for a premium, commercial-style plate, look no further than the Equalizer™ urethane-coated weight plate. These bad boys are constructed from iron with a urethane coating that helps to dampen noise and provides a softer grip when adjusting your barbell load.

The Best REP® Cable Attachments

With the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable machine attachment, you'll want the right handles and attachments to train. Rather than buying individual handles, these packages help cut cost and provide you with every cable attachment you'll need for a complete home gym set.

Best Innovative Cable Attachments for ARES™ 2.0: REP® x Kleva Built® Cable Attachment Bundles

Items included in the REP® x Kleva Built® cable machine and landmine attachment package.

REP teamed up with Kleva Built® to bring you innovative and ergonomic cable machine attachments. Choose the bundle that supports your training goals, with options including a tricep pushdown, the Genesis Jack® 2.0 for quick and efficient weight plate adjustments, and a variety of cable and landmine attachments. 

Best Budget Cable Attachments for ARES™ 2.0: Performance Package

Various cable machine attachments in the Performance Package.
Bring home the tools you'll need to utilize your REP® ARES® 2.0 cable attachment with the Performance Package. This package  includes an Ankle Cuff, Sports Handle, Multi-Grip Curl Bar, 20” Straight Bar, and a Tricep Rope. Each item made with durable hard chrome components to withstand rep after rep.

Best Multi-Use Cable Attachments for ARES™ 2.0: Pro Series Package

The Pro Series Package includes a variety of cable attachments.

The Pro Series Package provides you with cable attachments to make the most out of your REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment. This set includes the Pro Series Triangle Row Attachment, Pro Series 48” Lat Bar, Pro Series Straight Bar, Pro Series D Cable Handle, and the Pro Series Neutral Grip Lat Bar, allowing you the ability to tackle pulldowns, rows, curls, presses, and more.

The Best Home Gym Equipment Accessories

If you're looking to add more to your ideal home gym setup, here are the best REP® accessories to add even more training variety to your routine.


Takeaway

Armed with the best equipment to support the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment and your PR-5000 power rack, you can built out the ultimate home gym to support your training. Bring home your choice of an adjustable bench, barbell, adjustable dumbbells, dumbbell storage, weight plates, cable attachments, and accessories to have you set up for success.

FAQs

What is the best bench to use with the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment.

An adjustable bench is perfect for use with the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment and the PR-5000 power rack, since there's room within the rack to tackle bench press and even incline bench press. The BlackWing™ and Nighthawk™ adjustable bench are two options that'll give you the most functionality for your training.

What power rack does the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment work with?

This cable attachment is compatible with the PR-4000 or PR-5000 power racks.

What equipment should I get with the REP® ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment?

While everyone has different goals and styles of training they're looking to tackle, we'd recommend getting setup with an adjustable bench, barbell, weight plates, adjustable dumbbells, dumbbell storage, and cable machine attachments. You'll also need a power rack, either the PR-4000 or PR-5000, that the ARES™ 2.0 cable attachment can hook up to.

 

Rosie Borchert is NASM-CPT, former Nike Volleyball coach, and fitness writer whose work has appeared on BarBend and Tonal. If anyone would like to hire her to play beach volleyball, snowboard, binge watch TV, or go climbing, please get in touch.

This article was reviewed by Ashley Boyer, ACE-CPT, for accuracy.

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