You've decided you want a wall-mounted rack with cable machine functionality — good call. Now comes the next decision: which REP® wall-mounted functional trainer attachment is right for you? Should you go with the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0 or the Wall-Mounted Athena®?
We'll break down what you need to know when it comes to these wall mount rack and cable system hybrids, so you can make the right choice for your space, workout style, and budget.
What is the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0?
To understand the wall-mount version, first we must understand what the REP® ARES™ is. The REP® ARES™ is a cable attachment designed to transform your rack into a functional trainer, with dedicated lat pull down and low row capabilitites. That means you can use trolley handles for unilateral and bilateral exercises within the existing footprint of your power rack — plus link the cables for dedicated lat pulldown and low row work — to maximize your gains per square foot.
Then the REP® ARES™ 2.0 was born — the best integrated functional trainer on the market — with expanded interior rack space, and upgraded cables, footplate design, ergonomics, swivel functionality for the lat pulldown and low row, and more.
(If you've got more questions, we have a whole guide to help you understand the ARES lineup: What's The Difference Between The Original ARES and ARES 2.0?)
Previously available only for the PR-4000 and PR-5000 series racks in a 4-post or 6-post configuration with a variety of storage and organization builds, the "wall mount" version changes the game. It's a half rack that attaches directly to the wall, providing the versatility of a half rack, cable system, and storage setup while taking up only 29" of depth. This wall mounted design requires 16" or 24" studs and, when installed correctly, provides stability without the need for front foot extensions often required on free-standing racks.
Storage and Accessory Add-Ons
Optional add-ons can help get the most out of your equipment and space.
- Upgrade for Organization: Store your gear without adding depth via a winged out plate storage solution — ideal for those tight on space in need of compact plate rack storage.
- Barbell Rack Storage: Option for two barbell holders, one on each side.
- Weight Horns: A weight storage rack — turning this hybrid cable system and half rack into a weight plate storage rack.
- Pegboard storage: Gives you 12 peg hooks and a lat bar hook so you can keep all your gym accessories and cable attachments organized.
- Pull-Up Option: Add on pull-up bracket and three options for a pull-up bar — 1.25" standard, 1.25" raw, and 2" standard.
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Additional Accessories: Depending on the type of training you're looking to tackle, check out compatible cable attachments, 5000 series compatible rack attachments, J-cups, and more.
Noteworthy Features
Here are some noteworthy call-outs:
- Compact footprint, yet you can still incline bench press up to 30 degrees.
- Smooth aluminum pulleys with 180-degree swivel.
- Ergonomic low row cable position (with ability to row while seated on a bench) with wide, angled, adjustable footplate.
- These weight stacks feature a 2:1 ratio, but what does that mean? For every 2 inches of cable travel, the weight plates only move 1 inch, meaning you can do more movements. Each stack has a maximum usable weight of 130lbs, or 155lbs with the weight stack upgrade (260lbs or 310lbs maximum weight when the stacks are combined). For more info, check out our post about what cable ratios mean and why they're important.
What Is the Wall-Mounted Athena®?
Before we dive into the details of the wall-mount cable machine version, first let's cover the basics. The Athena® is a side-mount functional trainer that attaches to a 6-Post 4000 Series Rack or to a 4- or 6-Post 5000 Series Rack. It's a space saving option compared to having a stand alone functional trainer and power rack — featuring smooth adjustable trolleys with an oversized pop-pin that's sturdy yet still easy to adjust.
The Wall-Mounted Athena® is this same side-mount functional trainer, but integrated directly into a REP® 5000 Series wall-mount fixed rack. This gives you the versatility of a functional trainer and the strength of a power rack, without taking up valuable floor space as it's attached to the wall. You can also choose between dual pulleys or a single right or left side to fit your needs and budget.
Compact Footprint
Not everyone has the space for a dedicated squat rack and cable machine — sometimes even a standard 4-post squat rack might not be in the cards. The wall-mounted Athena® is just 58" wide and 27" deep, taking up less floor space than a large bath towel.
Weight Stacks
Each weight stack provides 85lbs of resistance at a 2:1 pulley ration (170lbs of plates) and can be upgraded to 110lbs of resistance (220lbs of plates). Plus, there's also the ability to utilize integrated band pegs on the base and headplate to increase resistance.
Noteworthy Features
Here are some other notable features that the Wall-Mounted Athena® offers:
- Adjustable trolleys with knurled handles and oversized pop-pins can be adjusted with one hand.
- Three options for a pull-up bar: 1.25" standard, 1.25" raw, and 2" standard.
- High quality galvanized cables with a raw steel core.
- Pulleys can swivel 180 degrees for versatile training.
- Includes a urethane D-handle and is compatible with a variety of cable attachments.
Wall-Mounted Athena® vs ARES™ 2.0 Comparison
We've highlighted the similarities and difference between ARES and Athena to help you decide which wall mount cable machine attachment is best for you. Let the battle begin!
ROUND 1: Low Row and Lat Pull-Down
If you're looking to tackle lat pulldowns or low/seated rows, the Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0 provides this ability while the Wall-Mounted Athena® does not. The Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0 also keeps ergonomics in mind, providing an adjustable foot plate and a higher cable position for low rows.
WINNER: Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0.
ROUND 2: Weight
Both the ARES™ 2.0 and the Athena® utilize 2:1 pulley ratios, so they both offer the same smooth feeling. The ARES™ 2.0 has two weight stacks that start at 130lbs of resistance, versus 85lbs on the Athena® which can be either on one side, or both. The ARES™ 2.0 also has the ability to link the stacks to pull 260lbs of resistance from a single point. Both systems offer weight stack upgrades to make each side of the ARES™ 2.0 have 155lbs of resistance, versus 110lbs of resistance on the Athena®.
The Athena® also includes integrated band pegs, allowing you to use bands to boost the resistance. This is an awesome cost-saving feature, but keep in mind that when using resistance bands, the exact weight you're lifting is less precise.
WINNER: Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0.
ROUND 3: Footprint, Dimensions, and Assembly
The Wall-Mounted Athena® measures 58.2" wide and 27.6" deep. The width of the Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0 is dependent on the type of setup and storage you choose — from 57.6" not including stringer on wall, 55.25" with stringer, 94" with storage wings but not including plates, 106" with storage wings and plates loaded, and 106" with storage wings and barbell holders. It measures 29" deep, and 43.83" deep with the pull-up extension brackets.
Both options offer a compact solution to a typical 4- or 6-post rack and cable machine. Their smallest build sizes each take up roughly 11 sq. ft.
What's more, most customers find the assembly process on the Wall-Mounted Athena® to be easier and less time consuming than the Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0 — primarily since the ARES™ 2.0 can utilize a wider range of add-ons and configurations. Regardless, if you're building the equipment yourself and want to limit the stress in your life, we'd recommend opting for the easier-to-build Wall-Mounted Athena®.
WINNER: Wall-Mounted Athena®.
ROUND 4: Workout Experience and Functionality
While both attachments feature a half rack, cable system, and the ability to even tackle pull-ups, the ARES™ 2.0 offers more resistance, plus lat pulldowns and seated row functionality.
It also features an adjustable footplate for comfort, with a design that allows benches to be centered more easily for incline and flat presses.
WINNER: Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0.
ROUND 5: Storage Solutions
The ARES™ 2.0 offers more built-in storage options, including the wing storage for plates, barbell holders, and peg board with lat bar hook.
WINNER: Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0.
ROUND 6: Price
The Athena® is available in dual pulley configurations ($2,454.94 or $2,514.94 depending on rack height) or single pulley setups ($1,604.95 or $1,654.94), making it the more budget-friendly choice.
While the ARES™ 2.0 offers a wide range of training capabilities and more storage solutions, many of these add-ons come with additional fees.
WINNER: Wall-Mounted Athena®.
Takeaway
While the Athena® delivers solid, space-saving, rack-integrated cable training, the REP® ARES™ 2.0 takes things to the next level. If you want the most versatile all-in-one wall-mounted rack with higher resistance and more exercise variety, opt for the Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0. If you're short on space and your budget is tight, but you still want high-quality cable functionality, the Wall-Mounted Athena® is a smart, compact choice.
FAQs
How do I choose a cable machine?
First, consider how much space you have available, what type of training you're looking to do, and how much weight you see yourself (and others in your home) lifting. If space is limited, consider either the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0 or Wall-Mounted Athena® which both include a half rack. If you're looking for a dedicated cable machine with the highest weight capacity, consider the Adonis™.
Which wall mount functional trainer attachment is best for someone on a budget?
We'd recommend the Wall-Mounted Athena® for those on a budget. This wallet-friendly cable system and pull-up rack hybdrid doesn't have all the bells and whistles that the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0 features (at an additional cost), but it still provides 85lbs of resistance per weight stack, a pull-up bar, and a compact footprint.
When comparing Athena vs ARES REP Fitness equipment, which one is best?
The answer depends on who you are, your space, your budget, and what kind of training you're looking to tackle. Generally, the Wall-Mounted Athena® is a great introduction to a versatile half-rack and cable system, plus if you're only in need of one cable (instead of two) you have that option. However, if you've got a large budget to spend and want the best that REP offers, the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0 is the way to go, since it has a wider variety of storage add-ons, can support lat pulldown and low row moves, and provides a heavier weight stack.
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.
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