5 Best Power Rack With Cable Crossover in 2024

Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)

The best power rack with cable crossover attachment is made of 11 or 12 gauge steel as that’s both high quality and durable. Along with which, either a double or a single cable pulley system is used, where the double is slightly more versatile than a single. Lastly, space is a factor that heavily depends on whether the cable crossover attachment is built into the power rack or comes attached outside of it. 

 In a hurry? 

In a hurry?

In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack.


The BD-7 Power Rack takes the top spot, providing unmatched versatility through its dual cable crossover, pull-up bar, and lat pulldown attachment, coupled with high-quality 12-gauge steel construction for durability, stability, and exceptional value for money.

Rogue The Monster Cave

Top 5 Best Power Rack With Cable Crossover Reviewed

 

ProductTotalQualityDurabilityVersatilityReliabilityValue for Money
Valor Fitness BD-749.59.510101010
Monster Cave49101010109
HULKFIT Pro Series458.5999.59
Marcy Smith Cage System438.58.598.58.5
Fitness Reality Squat Rack42.59988.58
 Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack

The BD-7 Power Rack is one of the most versatile cable crossover power rack that you can get. Not only do you get a dual cable crossover attachment, but it also comes with a pull-up bar and a lat pulldown attachment. Along with which, the equipment itself is extremely sturdy as it is made of high quality steel. 

  • Type/Style: Power rack
  • Weight: 500 lbs for bar catchers, 750lb max load, and 200lb for lat pulldown 
  • Height: 85"
  • Width: 138" with plates
  • Number of positions: 27 
  • Material: 2” x 2” 12-gauge steel

Quality

Typically, as you go higher with gauge steel, you have less steel in the equipment itself. So a 13 or 14-gauge steel product has diminished steel compared to something like a 2” x 2” 12-gauge steel. So, they didn’t cheap out on their quality at all. 

Durability

There are several durable features of this product, starting with the steel quality itself. But, it also looks to protect your floors as it comes with rubber base caps. You also get a 3 year frame warranty,1 year hardware warranty, and a 2 year cable warranty. 

Versatility

Versatility is no issue with the BD-7 Power Rack. Not only do you have all the benefits of a power rack, but the dual cable crossover attachments increase the number of exercise possibilities as they can be adjusted to 27 different variations. These are further increased by the pull-up bar and the high and low pulley system. 

Reliability

The product is extremely stable. In fact, they guarantee that the power rack won’t even shake when you’re performing pull ups. A part of the reason is the width of the product, as it gives you a wider base for stability. However, this can also be a drawback. 

Value for Money

There is an incredible value for money as you’re getting an extremely versatile product, made of high quality, and is both stable and safe. 

49.5Expert Score

The BD-7 Power Rack is one of the most versatile cable crossover power rack that you can get.

Quality:
9.5
Durability:
10
Versatility:
10
Reliability:
10
Value for Money:
10
(Show More)

Positives:

  • 27 different cable variations 

  • 12-gauge steel

  • 750 lb weight limit

  • Several warranty offers

Could be better:

  • Not space friendly

THE MONSTER CAVE

Not only is the Monster Cave is a power cage with cable crossover, that provides several customizable options. You can pick from two variations of height and width, along with a few different cable options, in order to build a power rack that is uniquely yours. Even the cable crossover attachment for power rack is customizable. 

  • Type/Style: Power Rack
  • Height: 90 or 100"
  • Width: 30 or 43"
  • Number of racks: 16
  • Material: 3x3" 11 gauge steel

Quality

There shouldn’t really be any quality concerns with this product. Not only is it heavy duty and sturdy, it’s made of the highest quality 3x3" 11 gauge steel. 

Durability

A big part of product durability depends on the steel quality, which as mentioned before, is the highest quality available. Also, the width of the power rack adds an extra layer of stability when you’re performing exercises such as pull ups or putting the weight back down.

Versatility

Versatility isn’t an issue as you have an option of attaching a dual cable system, a CT-1 Cable Tower, and a high and low pulley system. Along with your basic power rack exercises, you can also use the bars overhead for pull-ups.

Reliability

As mentioned earlier, the product is often sought out by pro athletes, so it has earned a reputation for being reliable. It comes with a bunch of safety features and also a MG black finish, to make sure it’s long lasting and safe.

Value for Money

A potential drawback is the high price and the fact that several of the features aren’t included in the base product. So, you would spend a lot on this product, but once you do, you won’t be disappointed as it should last you potentially a lifetime and provide you with lots of workout variation. 

49Expert Score

You can pick from two variations of height and width, along with a few different cable options, in order to build a power rack that is uniquely yours.

Quality:
10
Durability:
10
Versatility:
10
Reliability:
10
Value for Money:
9
(Show More)

Positives:

  • 3x3" 11 gauge steel with MG black finish

  • Pick and choose from different cable systems
  • Customizable height and width options

Could be better:

  • Expensive

  • Requires additional attachments


HULKFIT Pro Series 2.35" x 2.35" Power Cage Squat Rack

The HulkFit Power Cage has a weight capacity of up to 800 pounds, so it definitely made for someone who wants to take their strength gains to the next level. Another unique feature is that the cable crossover attachment uses weight plates rather than a weighted stack. So, the workout cage with cables definitely has some unique features. 

  • Type/Style: Power Rack
  • Weight: 800 lbs
  • Height: 85"
  • Width: 120"
  • Material: 13 gauge steel and rubber

Quality

The quality of the power rack is slightly less compared to its competitors. However, they provide security bars, rubber feet, and a 2.5in x 2.5in vertical post in the back for stability and sturdiness. 

Durability

The power rack can handle upwards of 800 pounds, so there shouldn’t be a lot of durability concerns. It also comes with a 2 year warranty to offset any concerns that rise up. 

Versatility

Majority of the versatility of the product depends on how many attachment options you decide to add to the base power rack. The dual cable crossover is one such option, however it’s plate loaded rather than using a weight stack. You can also add a dip bar and a lat pulldown system. 

Reliability

As mentioned earlier, the product does come with a lot of extra safety and stability features to protect you and your floor. While the cage is sturdy enough to handle a lot of poundage before showing any signs of breaking down.

Value for Money

There is a lot of value for your money, but it also depends on the attachment options you pick. Each option is also an added cost to the overall total of the power rack, itself. 

45Expert Score

The HulkFit Power Cage has a weight capacity of up to 800 pounds, so it definitely made for someone who wants to take their strength gains to the next level.

Quality:
8.5
Durability:
9
Versatility:
9
Reliability:
9.5
Value for Money:
9
(Show More)

Positives:

  • Can handle upwards of 800 pounds

  • Extra stability features

  • Attachment options such as dual cable crossover, dip bar, and lat pulldown

Could be better:

  • 13 gauge steel

  • The cable crossover weight is limited to the size of the plates you use

Marcy Smith Machine Cage System

The Machine Cage System can be switched between a squat rack, power tower, and a utility bench station. So, you don’t have to question the versatility of the product. You also get a multi-grip pull-up bar up above and two different color options.

  • Type/Style: Power Cage
  • Weight: 300 lbs
  • Height: 86"
  • Width: 84" 
  • Material: Steel

Quality

The cage has both heavy duty steel and a powder coating. So, the cage should be able to deal with heavy usage, while the powder coating will protect it from corrosion and rust.

Durability

The powder coating adds to the durability of the product. Along with the steel quality, which isn’t as high as other cages, but gets the job done. 

Versatility

The Marcy Smith Machine Cage System allows you to hit each muscle group thoroughly, so there shouldn’t be any versatility concerns. It even comes with a landmine press attachment, but the barbell system is a smith machine. So, if you’re into using free weights, that is something to consider.

Reliability

There could be some reliability concerns when the weight limit of the product is only 300 pounds. You could find that to be too low to reliably use the product. 

Value for Money

There is value for your money because the product is versatile. So, if your focus is exercise variation, then the Marcy Smith product works well. But, again, weight limit and smith machine portion are things to consider.

43Expert Score

The Machine Cage System can be switched between a squat rack, power tower, and a utility bench station. So, you don’t have to question the versatility of the product.

Quality:
8.5
Durability:
8.5
Versatility:
9
Reliability:
8.5
Value for Money:
8.5
(Show More)

Positives:

  • Unique versatility such as the landmine press attachment

  • Multi-grip pull up bar

  • Powder coating finish

Could be better:

  • 300 pound limit

  • No free weight barbell 

Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage

The Fitness Reality Squat Rack comes with a leg hold down component to help you stabilize during your lat pulldowns. The Lat pulldown attachment can also double for a single cable pulley to allow you to do unilateral work. This squat rack with cable machine can also handle upwards of 800 pounds.

  • Type/Style: Squat Rack
  • Weight: 800 lbs
  • Height: 83"
  • Width: 46"
  • Number of racks: 19
  • Material: 2" x 2" steel 

Quality

The squat rack power cage has a few different quality features, such as the 2" x 2" square steel frame, two safety bars made of 3 1/4" long chrome steel, and two mounted safety bars made of 23" long chrome steel. 

Durability

These safety features and extra steel bracing makes the product pretty durable and stable for you to workout with. 

Versatility

Compared to its competitors, the Fitness Reality Squat Rack Power Cage isn’t as versatile because it only comes with a single pulley system, rather than a dual. 

Reliability

To get a great workout, the product is reliable because it has a weight capacity of upwards of 800 pounds. So, you can maximize your strength gains, but could find it lacking a little for smaller muscle groups.

Value for Money

For strength training, there is a lot of value for your money here, but in terms of a high quality, versatile product to maximize your budget, it could use a few upgrades.

42.5Expert Score

The Fitness Reality Squat Rack comes with a leg hold down component to help you stabilize during your lat pulldowns.

Quality:
9
Durability:
9
Versatility:
8
Reliability:
8.5
Value for Money:
8
(Show More)

Positives:

  • Can handle upwards of 800 pounds

  • Leg hold down feature

  • Several steel safety features

Could be better:

  • Fewer cable exercises available

  • Single pulley system

Why Buy A Cable Crossover Power Rack

Full Body Workout

A power rack is an excellent choice for compound exercises like squats, bench press, and overhead press, and for strength and muscle building. However, where a power rack does lack is in targeting smaller muscle groups or specific muscles, such as the back, shoulders, arms, or glutes, to name a few. That’s where a power rack with a cable crossover can be very helpful, as the cables can be adjusted to different heights and lengths and come with other handle attachments to allow you to target more specific muscle groups. So, with a cable crossover, you’re getting an all-in-one type of product.

Versatility

One way to keep making progress in the gym is to target your muscles from different angles and different resistance methods. That’s why a squat rack with cable crossover is so handy because it adds an array of exercise options to your workout where you can pick what will benefit your muscles the most at the moment.

Unilateral Work

Muscular imbalances are a common fault for many lifters. Bilateral work, where you use both limbs ‌can exacerbate muscular imbalances because one side of the muscle group can overtake the weakened side. That’s why unilateral work is important to do, which is difficult with just a barbell. But with a cable crossover system, you can work your muscle group with one arm or one leg, and address any issues.

Marcy Smith Machine Cage System

How To Pick A Power Rack Cable Crossover Attachment

Single Cable Pulley

A cable crossover comes with a few different pulley options. One of them being a single pulley, where the weight stack is attached to just one cable. You can still increase your exercise variety and add versatility through a single cable pulley, but you won’t be able to do unilateral work as effectively.

Double Cable Pulley

A double cable pulley is where there are two cables, each on one side of the power rack, and both are connected to two different weight stacks. This allows you to work the muscle group unilaterally, while performing the exercise with both arms. This also increases the variety of exercises that you can do, as with a double cable pulley system, you can perform exercises like the cable crossovers for the chest or shoulders.

Tips From the Champ

Choose a cable crossover system with a double cable pulley for versatile exercise options and unilateral muscle engagement, keeping in mind the cable length—especially crucial for taller athletes—to achieve a complete range of motion without limitations in locking out or completing exercises.

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Length Of The Cables

This might not be a universal issue, but can be for taller athletes. Depending on the length of the weight stacks have to travel upwards, you might find yourself unable to fully lock out or complete an exercise. This may be because the stack reaches the top of the cable system before you can lock out.

FAQ

What Is The Difference Between A Cage And A Power Rack?

The two are pretty comparable, but one of the main differences is that a power rack is more stable and sturdy. This is likely because a power rack comes with a bolt down option and because it has 4 metal pillars for stability. A power rack also has more attachment options, which means it can give you more value for your money, depending on your exercise selection and workout program. 

Is Power Rack With Cable Crossover Worth It?

Having a variety of exercise selection usually favours long-term progression in the gym. With a cable crossover attachment to the power rack, you increase the number of exercises you can perform, target your muscles bilaterally and unilaterally, while also addressing imbalances. So, the overall benefit of a power rack with cable crossover is immense. 

Conclusion

A power rack with cable system has several benefits, the main one being versatility, as you can better target smaller muscles and muscular imbalances. To pick the right one, take into consideration the steel quality, the pulley system, and if the power rack can be upgraded with other attachments, as well. The Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack is one that fits this description the best.

Also read:

References:

  • Cable Crossover // Body Building:
    https://www.bodybuilding.com/exercises/cable-crossover
  • Cable Crossover // Trained:               https://www.trainedphysioperth.com.au/unilateral-training-benefits/

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All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

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Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Rack
  • Author
  • Reviewer
Ihor Shymechko

Coach, PRO Olympic Weightlifter

Experience: 26 years

Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,

C&J - 240 kg

My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.

I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.

After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.


If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

Oleksiy Torokhtiy

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Experience: 21 years

Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,

C&J - 240 kg

My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).

After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.


If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.


Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.

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