@@REPfitness whole I've got you here. Will there be an upgrade kit to go from plate loaded to selectorized? And can I get a selectorized and then later get the weight stack upgrade?
Your Anthena videos and then this repsonse from REP is what has made up my mind. I will be ordering an Athena (5000 rack - 6 post) as soon as its available again. thank you both.
I actually bought the plate loaded Athena and have all ready assembled it. Aside from it not being compatible with my weight horns, I LOVE IT. One response to COOP's comments about the stock handles: I believe they are meant to be light. The reasoning is for every pound the handle attachment is, takes away from the effective weight. They do feel "Cheap" for this reason, but they are also pretty high quality IMO. Some comments from my end for any potential buyers: - Easy assembly - Very versatile - Very smooth and high quality, even comparing to dedicated functionally trainer - The plate loading does take a bit more time when you want to change weight, because you have navigate to both sides of your rack, and walk around it. If money is no option for you, go for the plate loaded. If you are concerned about price, plate loaded is AWESOME. - You don't need to Lat Pull down with the plate loaded. Just use one side and load it up.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together? Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@@kadegreen5356 with plate loading, if you have the barbell on the j cups already loaded would you still be able to use plate loaded or would it band into the weights on the barbell? thanks
@vancouverbill it would bang unto the barbel. At least on my 6 post rack I need to unload the barbell. I could do it with the barbell on the j cups and unloaded, but typically don't because it seems sketchy.
I went with the ares. Had it for roughly 4 months now and I still think it is the absolute best way to go. I love it and highly recommend if you are ok with the price
Honestly can't go wrong either way, they're both extremely innovative and pack a lot of versatility, but I do have an opinion on which is best, which will be revealed in the future vid! - Coop
@OfficialFTG can you tell us more about what you can do with Ares vs Athena? I have space and budget for a rack of my choice and either an Ares or an Athena. I don’t want to limit myself in terms of bench and bar work in the near future even though I am mainly interested in the functional trainer aspects right now. Do you think the Ares stack in the middle of the 16” area limits your ability to bench/work in the larger area… limited spotter access, etc? I feel myself leaning toward the open design of the Athena primarily for that reason… I guess I worry about having to work outside the rack for incline/decline etc. Thanks
@@NoNameFish247 If it is a necessity to work inside the rack for you then athena is probably the way to go. I have moved basically all my lifts outside of the rack even though I didn't see myself doing that when I bought it
I don’t care about price at all. Is the ares the better one? I’m confused as to which one is BETTER. I’m starting from scratch so I just want to buy the best rack and pulley system combo.
Can you do a video about the limitations (if any) that having the Athena causes to the other uses of the squat rack and also the workarounds. Also if you did that with the Aries and the Aries Lat pull-down. Specifically the selectorized versions. This is what has me going back and forth when deciding what way to go. Thank you for all your content. I haven’t made a purchase yet that your reviews didn’t effect. It’s nice having professional, in depth and unbiased critiques of this stuff because none of it is cheap
The value this product provides is insane. Plate loaded products in the home gym is a must. Is it as fast or efficient? No, but the saved money on weights is worth it in my opinion.
@@jerseyjim9092 with plate loading, if you have the barbell on the j cups already loaded would you still be able to use plate loaded or would it band into the weights on the barbell? thanks
I built my own spreadsheet to compare costs and build out my rack around Christmas. The center lat pull-down and Athena let’s you build in stages, but if you have the cash the Ares seems best if you get it all at once.
I've had the dual-selectorized (with weight stack upgrades) Athena on my 16" 5000 rack for 3 weeks and i absolutely love it. So much functionality in a tiny 8 sq ft. space - worth every penny. Add the globe pullup bar to the front, add a dual pulley lat pull down bar (if you don't have the rear lat addition) and boom, an incredibly efficient exercise space! This is, by far, the best half rack setup on the market today, imho. Rep if you are listening - the holy grail for tight spaces would be if Rep comes out with an athena-like add-on for their folding racks. That would be the end game.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together? Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@@futbol1972 Yeah, @GarageGymReviews spends a lot of time talking about the lat pulldown machine in the back, but IMO, it's not needed. Save your cash. For lat pulldown, i bought a dual pulley bar from Bells of Steel (Inspire fitness has them too). And i added some leg holders - works extremely well. For rows, i do seated rows on my bench with a plank of wood against the rack for my feet. No issues and i really like it. The 16" 5000 rack + selectorized Athena w/ weight upgrades is $3k. It'll replace all the equipment you mentioned, IMO.
definitely interesting. As a basement gym owner, the biggest thing that keeps me from getting these is the thought of carrying all this stuff down into my basement and setting it up by myself. Since I have no friends. I'd love it if REP had an installation service. Would gladly pay to have it installed
Had the weight selectorized athena since late December. Loving it since my small gym space doesnt have sq footage for both a rack and functional trainer. Truly a win for us small footprint folks!
I’ve been waiting for this review! Thank you! I would definitely go with the 93” Dual selectorized Athena w/ the Lat Pull/Low Row. I know it’s pricier, but the convenience of simply moving the pin instead of loading weight and doing calculations. A downside is definitely the handle but those are affordable enough to upgrade. I was looking at REP’s handle packages and I do wish they had an all-inclusive bundle so you didn’t have to pick & choose.
I already have the plate loaded center lat pull-down. Love that I can get a single side selectorized Athena so I can superset exercises now. I love how they let you build in stages. I don’t do cable flys so I see no need for a dual side setup.
@@jimwhite1334 - no regrets, it’s awesome. In terms of the install, defiantly a two person job. Nothing is really that difficult, just take your time and go step by step.
I noticed you put the weight stack selector pin on the inside of the rack as opposed to the outside like Rep has pictured on their website. I think the way you have it makes waaaay more sense than the pins on the outside. Im glad to see it can be set up this way.
We upgraded our home gym in late 2022, and specifically bought a PR-5000 so that I could include a single Athena selectorized stack (primarily because of an earlier GGR video on these products). I've had it now for ≈6 weeks, and my wife and I both love it! Very versatile, easy to use, and takes up essentially no additional space in the gym. I don't feel the need for dual Athenas on each side, but if that changes adding another one to the other side of the rack will be simple. Spent a bit more on some cable attachments to go along with this, as the REP-included attachments for both the Athena and lat/row center stack feel like a significant step down in quality compared to the rest of their products, but now it's a real pleasure to use.
I’ve been looking at both for a bit and haven’t been able to decided which one to get. Looking forward to the comparison video. Thanks for all the info Coop!
As a a starter option, people seem really happy with the devices that connect the two cables in the front to make it a single point pull down, especially on the 93” version. I’ve seen Gym pin makes a 30 in one and others make some cheaper ones allowing you to also use single point attachments. This would make a 4 post version really nice (and cheaper) because you would still have full bench functionality in the center without loosing any space in the back. You’d have to adjust weight with two pins instead if one… Can be attached to a wall in the back with stringers or could add front feet for added stability. Most have said it isn’t really needed. Squatting from the front of the four post would obviously require more support.
I have the weight stack option with the upgrade and the plate loaded lat pulldown and love it. I am thinking about adding the weight stack option for the lat pulldown in the future. Excellent review,thank you. Got the upgraded handles as well, way to go rep
9 days and counting as the anticipation of the Athena vs Ares video continues to build. Based on the videos I have seen, I am leaning towards getting the Athena with the addition of the lat/low attachment - after I buy my next house so I don't have to move it.
Just got Athena in December and love it. My main reasons for selectorized Athena: 1) Lower cost vs Ares 2) Ease of setup and ability to move in future if needed vs Ares 3) Space constraints (plate loaded Athena or Ares or lat pulldown would have limited my ability to get rack close to wall and get my car in garage) Don't love the lower weight stacks but with two sided Athena and band pegs (and not being super strong myself) there are plenty of options to work around.
@@rpclance if not going heavy, they can work on a single side or, what I've done, is just done pulldowns on both cables and then used the leg roller to keep knees in place. Kind of prefer two handles that enable a swivel motion vs the static bar anyways.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together? Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together? Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@@futbol1972 I've only done rows on one side and it's probably less than ideal but worked for me to add heavy bands and put my feet up against the post. I'm sure there is probably a better way to do it (some sort of attachment for feet on single post), but my general mindset is that where there is a will, there's a way. As far as connecting the two cables, not sure how well that would go over but presume it could be done.
6 post Rep idea: Very back - Lat pulldown. Back section - 16in depth Athena stack. Middle section - 16in depth Smith Machine Front section - 24in squat cage. Front outside of rack - Athena pulleys, and all other attachments.
I love my Ares. The handles that came with it are collecting dust. I bought Prime Fitness's KAZ handles and RO-T8 handles. I also bought the BackWidow. Another attachment I bought is Prime Fitness's Quick Connect Collars.
Athena with L shaped cross members on a rack with 2 extra uprights. This setup only prevents front-of-rack exercises and gives you a much wider (much better than rack width) double fly exercise. Athena ALL THE WAY. If rep starts giving more modular cross member options you can get really creative with how to place/orient athenas.
One thing none of these cable stack/functional trainer/row + lat pulldown combos ever have that I would 100% pay extra for is the ability to do rows without having to sit on the ground. Is it really that hard to create a seat and foot plate attachment a couple dozen extra inches off the ground so I can recreate the cable seated row experience from a commercial gym?
Agreed, check out Prime Fitness. They make a nice foot plate attachment for the upright so you don’t have to sit on the ground. Just put your bench in position to sit on and good to go.
I would love to see someone run these cables through trolley arms to create a Freemotion style functional trainer out of the Athena. If the arms were double jointed it would recreate a ton of cable machines and solve the width problem at the same time
Coop could you tell us the dimensions of this new garage set? Would love to see a visual representation of what can fit comfortably in different sized spaces. Thanks for all the vids!
Few additional costs to consider. My PR4000 needs the updated rear stabilizer and v2 16” cross members. I also need to change out one set of 6” weight horns to 12”. That is $330 in extra cost to add the Athena to my rack.
I got the Ares, i have no intentions of moving for the next 30 years... so it works for me. Even if I was moving, I'd prefer weight stack. It's easier and faster to change weights.
Hey Coop! Amazing review once again! I have my Athena for about a month now and I'm just loving it. One note though, when you mentionned the 47'' wide to be a bummer, that might be the case for the Ares but the Athena actualy give you the possibility to put it anywhere. Me for example, I put it on each extremety of my 12 posts rack. So that gives me a real wide fonctional trainer that I can adjust my resistance profil according to the stimulus I'm looking for by being closer or further from the rack. It's REAL good! Go take a look to my rack, I would love to have your feedback! Let me know if it's juggernaut enough for you or as you'd say; "la crème de la crème" lolll
Thanks for the review. I am considering the Ares, but will definitely need to see your comparison first. The Ares seems to be the better choice for people starting to assemble a home gym from scratch, and who don’t own any plates. Would you agree?
Coop - can you do a video that shows how you would connect the ares or Athena to a Rogue RML and/or RM rack? Would love this but don’t want to replace my rack and I’m sure there are others in the same boat. Thanks!
Could you please do a review of the wall mounted Athena! Looking for a weight rack option that takes up as little space as possible but also that I don't feel the need to fold and put away constantly. Also really love the functional trainer aspects so a basic rack doesn't feel like it will fit my needs. At the moment I have a large multi function rack with smith machine lat pull down ECT. And love it, but really need to downsize for my new area. Thanks for the content!
I contemplated getting the Ares when it came out (I've got a PR5000 with a plate-loaded lat/low row). But, after watching your review on the Ares, I went with 2 selectorized Athena attachments. The Ares low-row seemed "wonky" to me. Anyway, I love the Athena attachment functionality. Something I find a little weird on both the Ares and Athena trollies is the cutout for the upright numbers. The cutout is on the right-hand side for both trollies. So, if I'm adjusting the left trolly, I have to lean over a bit to see what number I'm on. It's not a big deal, but it messes with my symmetry obsession a bit.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together? Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@JasonConger I am considering doing the same. The Ares stack in the middle of the rack seems like a limiting factor to me. I’m curious if you went 4 post or 6 for the Athena? Any regrets? Ordering soon.
It would make sense to me that you would go with the stacks for the functional trainer and the plate loaded for the center lat pull down- I am curious what the stats are on what options are ordered the most often. I have a Freemotion dual cable cross so wouldn’t order this but the ARES and the ATHENA are very cool
Already had a 5000 and plate loaded lat pull-down, so I ended up ordering the selectorized Athena and the selectorized lat upgrade. The cost does hurt, but it felt like the more flexible option as well and could be blown out into a 9 or 12 post if the width was that big of an issue. Will be fun to see the comparison.
If you were to add an additional 3 posts for extra width, what size crossmembers were you thinking? I feel like a 30” extension would add enough width for almost anyone. What do you think would be a good length?
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together? Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
Good breakdown, but I wish you started out with a quick 60 second pitch on all the moves you can complete and where. For this one you dove right into thoughts, and I was forced to figure out how it works from various B roll shots. I'm still confused as to why yours is asymmetrical. Is that an option? Or custom to you so you can test the plate load vs the stack load? Thank you, appreciate your reviews
Coop, nice review. Some questions: (1) what was the build time and process like?, (2) Is there a rack attachment for the lat pull down that can allow for assisted pull ups?, (3) What time frame did you order the equipment and when did it come to your door?, (4) I got the 16" depth version only because of space constrains. Do I need feet in front to help stabilize the rack?
Minimum usable weight for the selectorized version should be 10lb, not 5lb, feel-weight. The head plate is 20lb, according to Rep's video on how they built the Athena.
9:54 Rep just sent me a free replacement to these handles which are similar to the Spud inc D handles. I ended up buying the Rogue ones so now I have 3 sets.
Coop, I’m debating between a four and six post Athena to save some space. Can you rerack a barbell on a short four post? Or do the trolley handles get in the way or the barbell and plates? I’m 5’11” for reference.
Great review as always. Would love to hear your feelings on the Athena wall mount with dual stacks verses a stand-alone functional trainer. I have a small interior room (10x11) with 8ft ceilings that I'm attempting to maximize. My current front runner has become the wall mounted Athena as it only has ~27" depth but is alo available in 93" high rack. I have chatted with REP and the ceiling height with mounting plate is only 94 1/2" (got to believe that was by design) I'm tall (6' 3") and want the highest pulley placement possible. Thanks
Gym Newbie Here: Do I need a lat pulldown / Low Row attachment at the back, or can I have a bar that connects to both pulleys in the front, and use that instead ?
Coop - I’d love to see how this compares to the fray savage functional trainer. Seems very similar but also quite different (imperial measurements, wider rack, 1:1 ratio, etc)
Can you do a functional trainer type attachment review or comparison video between the Buffalo Bully Glyder and the Bridge Built Omni Pulley System. Thanks in advance.
My Athena came with upgraded handles I have the weight stack option and I don't need a gym pin I can put plates on the band peg on trolley for extra weight
Hey Coop I was watching this vid again since I am considering the Athena but I would really be interested in a video where you mount the Athena on the front 2 sides of a PR 5000 with 16 or 30 in crossmembers and increase the width to 79in or 107in turning the functional trainer into a cable crossover essentially. Is that possible and does the function still work well together built to the side? If so I was considering that could be a great alternative since it’s designed at 47 in width. Thanks for any consideration into this idea.
Does the Athena Require to to have a 6 post rack, or is does it come with the extra cross members? I want to buy a squat rack and would like to have the option to upgrade to this, buying a 4 post would make me able to ditch the gym membership sooner, but I'd like to get there as cheaply, and incrementally as possible.
Questions This works with p4000 correct ? Also if I have weight plated lat pull down I can just buy sides right ? Also do I need to purchase the extra uprights and cross bars for the back area that holds the weight
Thanks for the review Coop. Question for you or anyone to answer: Why when adding the Selectorized Lat Low Row attachment to the rear of a PR5000 4 post rack with the 2.0 RBS Why does it add 19.5 inches and not just 9 inches ? Where does the extra depth come from ? Please explain. Thank you
This is likely answered in the forthcoming vid, but can the weight upgrade be added to the rig at a later date? And if yes, do you have to disassemble much of the system?
Hey guys, Looking for the lat pulldown upgrade option when on the Athena Product page. Unsure How I go about finding it. Can someone give me some direction here?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm just glad Coop is finally pronouncing both names right
Can we double upvote this? haha
@@REPfitness whole I've got you here. Will there be an upgrade kit to go from plate loaded to selectorized? And can I get a selectorized and then later get the weight stack upgrade?
Definitely looking forward to the Athena vs the Ares. Thanks Coop!
Ohhh yeah! It's a good one! - Coop
@@GarageGymReviews when will that video drop?
Your Anthena videos and then this repsonse from REP is what has made up my mind. I will be ordering an Athena (5000 rack - 6 post) as soon as its available again. thank you both.
…your presentations just keep getting better and better…really professional…very impressive…product coverage is in depth…tres useful…
Thank you! - Coop
I was about to order the Ares, but waiting on next video before making the big purchase. Great info and perfect timing. Thanks for the content!
Same here. I was set on the Athena and maybe the rear late too which sounds more $$ than the Ares. Waiting on next vid to decide.
Just bought PR-5000/Athena/Lat Pull-down/upgraded weight stacks for all 3 - Per your review. Thanks Coop!
Griffin just released their Talon. Would love to see a comparison between it and the Athena/Ares.
Can you review the Athena wall mount?
I actually bought the plate loaded Athena and have all ready assembled it. Aside from it not being compatible with my weight horns, I LOVE IT.
One response to COOP's comments about the stock handles: I believe they are meant to be light. The reasoning is for every pound the handle attachment is, takes away from the effective weight. They do feel "Cheap" for this reason, but they are also pretty high quality IMO.
Some comments from my end for any potential buyers:
- Easy assembly
- Very versatile
- Very smooth and high quality, even comparing to dedicated functionally trainer
- The plate loading does take a bit more time when you want to change weight, because you have navigate to both sides of your rack, and walk around it. If money is no option for you, go for the plate loaded. If you are concerned about price, plate loaded is AWESOME.
- You don't need to Lat Pull down with the plate loaded. Just use one side and load it up.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together?
Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@@futbol1972 I don't connect both sides together, I just load 1 side up. For low rows, I do a cheap thing and put a bar across the upright.
@@kadegreen5356 with plate loading, if you have the barbell on the j cups already loaded would you still be able to use plate loaded or would it band into the weights on the barbell? thanks
@vancouverbill it would bang unto the barbel. At least on my 6 post rack I need to unload the barbell. I could do it with the barbell on the j cups and unloaded, but typically don't because it seems sketchy.
@kadegreen5356 okay thanks very much. That's good to know. Lots to think about!
This video just made me start saving for the Athena
I went with the ares. Had it for roughly 4 months now and I still think it is the absolute best way to go. I love it and highly recommend if you are ok with the price
Honestly can't go wrong either way, they're both extremely innovative and pack a lot of versatility, but I do have an opinion on which is best, which will be revealed in the future vid! - Coop
@@GarageGymReviews when's the comparison video coming out? I'm looking to buy one of these options hopefully this month!
@OfficialFTG can you tell us more about what you can do with Ares vs Athena? I have space and budget for a rack of my choice and either an Ares or an Athena. I don’t want to limit myself in terms of bench and bar work in the near future even though I am mainly interested in the functional trainer aspects right now. Do you think the Ares stack in the middle of the 16” area limits your ability to bench/work in the larger area… limited spotter access, etc? I feel myself leaning toward the open design of the Athena primarily for that reason… I guess I worry about having to work outside the rack for incline/decline etc. Thanks
@@NoNameFish247 If it is a necessity to work inside the rack for you then athena is probably the way to go. I have moved basically all my lifts outside of the rack even though I didn't see myself doing that when I bought it
I don’t care about price at all. Is the ares the better one? I’m confused as to which one is BETTER.
I’m starting from scratch so I just want to buy the best rack and pulley system combo.
I’m getting the Athena at the end of the month. Thanks Coop for the awesome reviews.
Can you do a video about the limitations (if any) that having the Athena causes to the other uses of the squat rack and also the workarounds. Also if you did that with the Aries and the Aries Lat pull-down. Specifically the selectorized versions. This is what has me going back and forth when deciding what way to go. Thank you for all your content. I haven’t made a purchase yet that your reviews didn’t effect. It’s nice having professional, in depth and unbiased critiques of this stuff because none of it is cheap
The value this product provides is insane. Plate loaded products in the home gym is a must. Is it as fast or efficient? No, but the saved money on weights is worth it in my opinion.
All day- and it makes it easier to move
@@billybrown7953 I mean, somethings, I prefer to buy new. Buy, you're right
Agree. Plate loaded just works. And not only for this application, but for everything else you can do with the plates as well.
Don't you find changing out plates all the time a pita. Maybe I'm just spoiled from using selectorized.
@@jerseyjim9092 with plate loading, if you have the barbell on the j cups already loaded would you still be able to use plate loaded or would it band into the weights on the barbell? thanks
I built my own spreadsheet to compare costs and build out my rack around Christmas. The center lat pull-down and Athena let’s you build in stages, but if you have the cash the Ares seems best if you get it all at once.
I've had the dual-selectorized (with weight stack upgrades) Athena on my 16" 5000 rack for 3 weeks and i absolutely love it. So much functionality in a tiny 8 sq ft. space - worth every penny. Add the globe pullup bar to the front, add a dual pulley lat pull down bar (if you don't have the rear lat addition) and boom, an incredibly efficient exercise space! This is, by far, the best half rack setup on the market today, imho. Rep if you are listening - the holy grail for tight spaces would be if Rep comes out with an athena-like add-on for their folding racks. That would be the end game.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together?
Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@@futbol1972 Yeah, @GarageGymReviews spends a lot of time talking about the lat pulldown machine in the back, but IMO, it's not needed. Save your cash. For lat pulldown, i bought a dual pulley bar from Bells of Steel (Inspire fitness has them too). And i added some leg holders - works extremely well. For rows, i do seated rows on my bench with a plank of wood against the rack for my feet. No issues and i really like it. The 16" 5000 rack + selectorized Athena w/ weight upgrades is $3k. It'll replace all the equipment you mentioned, IMO.
How do u hold your self to do latpull downs and also low rows?
@Shortiest of Shorts! thank uou. It will be nice if u can post a video:)
@Shortiest of Shorts! how would i make thos work with the mag lat pull down attachmwnts?
definitely interesting. As a basement gym owner, the biggest thing that keeps me from getting these is the thought of carrying all this stuff down into my basement and setting it up by myself. Since I have no friends. I'd love it if REP had an installation service. Would gladly pay to have it installed
They do
@@donnahughes777 where on their site do you see this?
Had the weight selectorized athena since late December. Loving it since my small gym space doesnt have sq footage for both a rack and functional trainer. Truly a win for us small footprint folks!
I’ve been waiting for this review! Thank you! I would definitely go with the 93” Dual selectorized Athena w/ the Lat Pull/Low Row. I know it’s pricier, but the convenience of simply moving the pin instead of loading weight and doing calculations.
A downside is definitely the handle but those are affordable enough to upgrade. I was looking at REP’s handle packages and I do wish they had an all-inclusive bundle so you didn’t have to pick & choose.
The Ares and the Athena both look amazing. Impressive designs
Coop, Thanks for the awesome review! I’m sold.
The Athena with with upgraded weight stacks and rear lat pull-down seems like the way to go
Been binging your videos! Would love to see a marketplace home gym build!
Garage gym reviews is like Unbox therapy but for gym equipment 💪
This little studio is looking great.
I already have the plate loaded center lat pull-down. Love that I can get a single side selectorized Athena so I can superset exercises now. I love how they let you build in stages. I don’t do cable flys so I see no need for a dual side setup.
@10:00 - I just got my wall mounted Athena and I’m happy to report I got new handles and they’re really nice!
Looking at the wall mount and would love to hear your impressions after having it for a couple of months. Any regrets? Was it hard to install?
@@jimwhite1334 - no regrets, it’s awesome. In terms of the install, defiantly a two person job. Nothing is really that difficult, just take your time and go step by step.
I noticed you put the weight stack selector pin on the inside of the rack as opposed to the outside like Rep has pictured on their website. I think the way you have it makes waaaay more sense than the pins on the outside. Im glad to see it can be set up this way.
We upgraded our home gym in late 2022, and specifically bought a PR-5000 so that I could include a single Athena selectorized stack (primarily because of an earlier GGR video on these products). I've had it now for ≈6 weeks, and my wife and I both love it! Very versatile, easy to use, and takes up essentially no additional space in the gym. I don't feel the need for dual Athenas on each side, but if that changes adding another one to the other side of the rack will be simple.
Spent a bit more on some cable attachments to go along with this, as the REP-included attachments for both the Athena and lat/row center stack feel like a significant step down in quality compared to the rest of their products, but now it's a real pleasure to use.
I’ve been looking at both for a bit and haven’t been able to decided which one to get. Looking forward to the comparison video. Thanks for all the info Coop!
I am litterally specing out my home gym and am planning in buying either the Athena or Ares, I need this next video!
Let it be known. I have acquired the Ares, and it is great.
As a a starter option, people seem really happy with the devices that connect the two cables in the front to make it a single point pull down, especially on the 93” version. I’ve seen Gym pin makes a 30 in one and others make some cheaper ones allowing you to also use single point attachments. This would make a 4 post version really nice (and cheaper) because you would still have full bench functionality in the center without loosing any space in the back. You’d have to adjust weight with two pins instead if one… Can be attached to a wall in the back with stringers or could add front feet for added stability. Most have said it isn’t really needed. Squatting from the front of the four post would obviously require more support.
I have the weight stack option with the upgrade and the plate loaded lat pulldown and love it. I am thinking about adding the weight stack option for the lat pulldown in the future. Excellent review,thank you. Got the upgraded handles as well, way to go rep
What did I win
9 days and counting as the anticipation of the Athena vs Ares video continues to build. Based on the videos I have seen, I am leaning towards getting the Athena with the addition of the lat/low attachment - after I buy my next house so I don't have to move it.
Ditto. We just moved into our new home and don't expect to move. I am going to do the 4000 rack + Athena + middle lat pull down system.
@@Beef707 Nice. GGR video confirmed it for me as well.
Just got Athena in December and love it. My main reasons for selectorized Athena:
1) Lower cost vs Ares
2) Ease of setup and ability to move in future if needed vs Ares
3) Space constraints (plate loaded Athena or Ares or lat pulldown would have limited my ability to get rack close to wall and get my car in garage)
Don't love the lower weight stacks but with two sided Athena and band pegs (and not being super strong myself) there are plenty of options to work around.
How are lat pulls on the Athena? Possible?
@@rpclance if not going heavy, they can work on a single side or, what I've done, is just done pulldowns on both cables and then used the leg roller to keep knees in place. Kind of prefer two handles that enable a swivel motion vs the static bar anyways.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together?
Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together?
Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@@futbol1972 I've only done rows on one side and it's probably less than ideal but worked for me to add heavy bands and put my feet up against the post. I'm sure there is probably a better way to do it (some sort of attachment for feet on single post), but my general mindset is that where there is a will, there's a way.
As far as connecting the two cables, not sure how well that would go over but presume it could be done.
The rep guys faces when you said the handles suck, they weren't happy lol
6 post Rep idea:
Very back - Lat pulldown.
Back section - 16in depth Athena stack.
Middle section - 16in depth Smith Machine
Front section - 24in squat cage.
Front outside of rack - Athena pulleys, and all other attachments.
I love my Ares. The handles that came with it are collecting dust. I bought Prime Fitness's KAZ handles and RO-T8 handles. I also bought the BackWidow. Another attachment I bought is Prime Fitness's Quick Connect Collars.
Athena with L shaped cross members on a rack with 2 extra uprights. This setup only prevents front-of-rack exercises and gives you a much wider (much better than rack width) double fly exercise. Athena ALL THE WAY. If rep starts giving more modular cross member options you can get really creative with how to place/orient athenas.
One thing none of these cable stack/functional trainer/row + lat pulldown combos ever have that I would 100% pay extra for is the ability to do rows without having to sit on the ground. Is it really that hard to create a seat and foot plate attachment a couple dozen extra inches off the ground so I can recreate the cable seated row experience from a commercial gym?
Agreed, check out Prime Fitness. They make a nice foot plate attachment for the upright so you don’t have to sit on the ground. Just put your bench in position to sit on and good to go.
I would love to see someone run these cables through trolley arms to create a Freemotion style functional trainer out of the Athena.
If the arms were double jointed it would recreate a ton of cable machines and solve the width problem at the same time
Coop could you tell us the dimensions of this new garage set? Would love to see a visual representation of what can fit comfortably in different sized spaces. Thanks for all the vids!
That would be cool. Have three or four sets representing common garage sizes.
I’ve been looking for the detailed breakdown of Athena vs Ares. These are two that
I want to narrow on for my home gym.
Few additional costs to consider. My PR4000 needs the updated rear stabilizer and v2 16” cross members. I also need to change out one set of 6” weight horns to 12”. That is $330 in extra cost to add the Athena to my rack.
That mustache is OUT OF CONTROL 🤣
GOING FULL TOM SELLECK
I got the Ares, i have no intentions of moving for the next 30 years... so it works for me. Even if I was moving, I'd prefer weight stack. It's easier and faster to change weights.
Been thinking about getting the Ares , but may have to move in future , can it be disassembled
@@Gooz-B of course. Just reverse what you did during the initial assembly
Can you share a link to each of the priced buildouts mentioned? Keen on seeing the $950 option as well the forthcoming comparison video.
Hey Coop!
Amazing review once again! I have my Athena for about a month now and I'm just loving it. One note though, when you mentionned the 47'' wide to be a bummer, that might be the case for the Ares but the Athena actualy give you the possibility to put it anywhere. Me for example, I put it on each extremety of my 12 posts rack. So that gives me a real wide fonctional trainer that I can adjust my resistance profil according to the stimulus I'm looking for by being closer or further from the rack. It's REAL good! Go take a look to my rack, I would love to have your feedback! Let me know if it's juggernaut enough for you or as you'd say; "la crème de la crème" lolll
This sounds like a great idea do you have a picture or video of your rack?
@@Jonnyp610 alexducharme_
@@alex.gbperformance oh you’re the guy rep just posted on their story today! ha your set up is top tier! Impressive
@@Jonnyp610 thanks man!
Thanks for the review. I am considering the Ares, but will definitely need to see your comparison first. The Ares seems to be the better choice for people starting to assemble a home gym from scratch, and who don’t own any plates. Would you agree?
Coop - can you do a video that shows how you would connect the ares or Athena to a Rogue RML and/or RM rack? Would love this but don’t want to replace my rack and I’m sure there are others in the same boat. Thanks!
Could you please do a review of the wall mounted Athena! Looking for a weight rack option that takes up as little space as possible but also that I don't feel the need to fold and put away constantly. Also really love the functional trainer aspects so a basic rack doesn't feel like it will fit my needs. At the moment I have a large multi function rack with smith machine lat pull down ECT. And love it, but really need to downsize for my new area. Thanks for the content!
I contemplated getting the Ares when it came out (I've got a PR5000 with a plate-loaded lat/low row). But, after watching your review on the Ares, I went with 2 selectorized Athena attachments. The Ares low-row seemed "wonky" to me. Anyway, I love the Athena attachment functionality.
Something I find a little weird on both the Ares and Athena trollies is the cutout for the upright numbers. The cutout is on the right-hand side for both trollies. So, if I'm adjusting the left trolly, I have to lean over a bit to see what number I'm on. It's not a big deal, but it messes with my symmetry obsession a bit.
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together?
Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
@JasonConger I am considering doing the same. The Ares stack in the middle of the rack seems like a limiting factor to me. I’m curious if you went 4 post or 6 for the Athena? Any regrets? Ordering soon.
I like the set with the storage racks with down lighting.
Thank you Coop. Good review.
It would make sense to me that you would go with the stacks for the functional trainer and the plate loaded for the center lat pull down- I am curious what the stats are on what options are ordered the most often. I have a Freemotion dual cable cross so wouldn’t order this but the ARES and the ATHENA are very cool
PLEASE REVIEW THE WALL-MOUNTED ATHENA
Already had a 5000 and plate loaded lat pull-down, so I ended up ordering the selectorized Athena and the selectorized lat upgrade. The cost does hurt, but it felt like the more flexible option as well and could be blown out into a 9 or 12 post if the width was that big of an issue.
Will be fun to see the comparison.
If you were to add an additional 3 posts for extra width, what size crossmembers were you thinking? I feel like a 30” extension would add enough width for almost anyone. What do you think would be a good length?
Howd do u do low rows and how you hold your self for low rows if conecting both cables/throlleys together?
Do you think the athenas will replace a selectorized lat pull down machine? Thinking about selling my titan selectorized lat pulldown, my functional trainer and my titan foldable x-3 rack to buy athenas. I wanna add two straydog goats arms to the back post to do press exercises and use them as monolifts for barbell lifts. This way I can live the front post free for the cable throlleys so I don't have to be adding and removing stuff all the time.
Good breakdown, but I wish you started out with a quick 60 second pitch on all the moves you can complete and where. For this one you dove right into thoughts, and I was forced to figure out how it works from various B roll shots.
I'm still confused as to why yours is asymmetrical. Is that an option? Or custom to you so you can test the plate load vs the stack load? Thank you, appreciate your reviews
You order each side of the Athena separately. So they sent him a plate loaded and a selectorized for testing
Coop, nice review. Some questions: (1) what was the build time and process like?, (2) Is there a rack attachment for the lat pull down that can allow for assisted pull ups?, (3) What time frame did you order the equipment and when did it come to your door?, (4) I got the 16" depth version only because of space constrains. Do I need feet in front to help stabilize the rack?
Been waiting for this one
Love the aesthetic. Can you link the wood or vinyl planks used for the accent wall? Thanks 🙏🏾
Minimum usable weight for the selectorized version should be 10lb, not 5lb, feel-weight. The head plate is 20lb, according to Rep's video on how they built the Athena.
9:54 Rep just sent me a free replacement to these handles which are similar to the Spud inc D handles. I ended up buying the Rogue ones so now I have 3 sets.
Coop, I’m debating between a four and six post Athena to save some space. Can you rerack a barbell on a short four post? Or do the trolley handles get in the way or the barbell and plates? I’m 5’11” for reference.
I'd go with ARES only because I want to go heavy and it's more versatile overall with plate stacks
It definitely goes heavy! We had a really enjoyable day disassembling it last time. Ha! - Coop
Great review as always. Would love to hear your feelings on the Athena wall mount with dual stacks verses a stand-alone functional trainer. I have a small interior room (10x11) with 8ft ceilings that I'm attempting to maximize. My current front runner has become the wall mounted Athena as it only has ~27" depth but is alo available in 93" high rack. I have chatted with REP and the ceiling height with mounting plate is only 94 1/2" (got to believe that was by design) I'm tall (6' 3") and want the highest pulley placement possible. Thanks
Can we get a video on if the ares or Athena can fit to other racks like sorinex or rogue?
I second this!
Will you ever review the powertec work bench?
How does the standalone selectorized lat pull-down compare to the ares? Will that be in the future video?
Coop are you going to be doing a video on recovery gear (I've noticed some stuff on your wall in previous videos such as massage products).
Coop great review. Any idea when Rogue is going to bring out something similar? As the Slinger just doesn't compare and we can't get REP in the UK.
Gym Newbie Here: Do I need a lat pulldown / Low Row attachment at the back, or can I have a bar that connects to both pulleys in the front, and use that instead ?
Can you do lat pullwdowns and Low rows and not get the center rear lat dulldown?
Coop - I’d love to see how this compares to the fray savage functional trainer. Seems very similar but also quite different (imperial measurements, wider rack, 1:1 ratio, etc)
What kind of wall panels are those in the background?
Can you do a functional trainer type attachment review or comparison video between the Buffalo Bully Glyder and the Bridge Built Omni Pulley System. Thanks in advance.
What's the advantage of overloading at the end of your range with bands?
Can you still use the iso / lever arms if you go with the ares or athena option?
I am wondering the same thing. The only thing I can think of is if you add short lever arms to the center posts.
I went with the Ares. I love it! I never received any new handles for my Ares. Did Rep Fitness do that for anyone? I have the Rogue D handles though.
My Athena came with upgraded handles I have the weight stack option and I don't need a gym pin I can put plates on the band peg on trolley for extra weight
Please review the Rogue Monster Cave Coop.
Hey Coop I was watching this vid again since I am considering the Athena but I would really be interested in a video where you mount the Athena on the front 2 sides of a PR 5000 with 16 or 30 in crossmembers and increase the width to 79in or 107in turning the functional trainer into a cable crossover essentially. Is that possible and does the function still work well together built to the side? If so I was considering that could be a great alternative since it’s designed at 47 in width. Thanks for any consideration into this idea.
Does the Athena Require to to have a 6 post rack, or is does it come with the extra cross members?
I want to buy a squat rack and would like to have the option to upgrade to this, buying a 4 post would make me able to ditch the gym membership sooner, but I'd like to get there as cheaply, and incrementally as possible.
Questions
This works with p4000 correct ?
Also if I have weight plated lat pull down I can just buy sides right ?
Also do I need to purchase the extra uprights and cross bars for the back area that holds the weight
How does it compare to FT 5000 functional trainer? Do we get anything from going to traditional functional trainer?
Did you have any trouble with large plates bumping into the RBS with plate loaded version? This would really really help me. Thanks!!
Thanks for the review Coop. Question for you or anyone to answer: Why when adding the Selectorized Lat Low Row attachment to the rear of a PR5000 4 post rack with the 2.0 RBS Why does it add 19.5 inches and not just 9 inches ? Where does the extra depth come from ? Please explain. Thank you
Does the Athena work with the Omni Rack?
Coop can you please review Bolt Fitness
thanks coop love you bro
What other racks would it fit on?
This is likely answered in the forthcoming vid, but can the weight upgrade be added to the rig at a later date? And if yes, do you have to disassemble much of the system?
Good job Samuel
Can you just use one of the stacks for lay pull downs instead of buying the mat add on for the center ?
I wonder if you can do incline inside with the rbs+latrow attachment.
HEY REP!! Where's my free Athena!?!? 🤣🤣 also, wish rep would include a way to make these a 1:1 ratio like the fray fitness one.
Hey guys,
Looking for the lat pulldown upgrade option when on the Athena Product page. Unsure How I go about finding it. Can someone give me some direction here?
What is the best cable options for rogue monster lite?
Athena with center stack or FT-5000 functional trainer ? What say you Coop? Thanks
Late pull downs on Athena, how possible? Maybe on a bench with leg rollers on both sides and a somehow connecting both pullies to a single bar?