A power rack with a cable machine combines a squat rack, pull-up bar, and cable machine into a single frame—the perfect solution when there’s no room for separate pieces of equipment in your home gym. This comparison ranks six models for 2026 based on their intended use, not on marketing claims.
- Force USA With its 9 stations, the G6 is perfect for serious home workouts.
- Force USA The X20 Pro is best suited for cable-only workouts without a Smith machine.
- Force USA The G12 V2 offers the widest variety of cable exercises with a 2x100 kg double pulley.
- Force USA The C20 brings a studio-like experience to your home with a half rack and large weight stacks.
- In 2026, cable ratio and pull height will be more important factors in determining training quality than price.
Why Choosing the Right Cable Pull Rack Matters
A standard power rack is suitable for squats, bench presses, and pull-ups—but it doesn't include a cable machine for lat pulldowns, face pulls, or cable crossovers. If you want to do these exercises without a separate cable machine, you'll need a rack with a built-in cable machine.
The difference between the models rarely lies in their appearance, but rather in the cable configuration, stack size, and the number of stations that can be used simultaneously. A look at theKraftathlet home gym lineup shows just how much the entry-level and studio-class models differ in these details.
What Makes a Good Power Rack with a Cable Machine
- Cable ratio: 2:1 for high tension during squat rows, 4:1 for heavy lat pulldowns with less counterweight
- Pull Height and Pulley Rigs: Essential for Face Pulls, Cable Crossovers, and Triceps Exercises
- Stability During Combined Use: The frame must support the Smith machine and cable pulley simultaneously without vibration
- Number of stations: how many exercises are possible without reconfiguring the equipment
- Space Requirements: Width, Depth, and, Above All, Ceiling Height in the Home Gym
- Accessory Compatibility: Benches, leg press attachments, and racks that can be retrofitted
Power Rack with Cable Pulley: An Overview
| Model | Best for | Standout Feature | Most Important Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Force USA G6 | Serious Home Workouts | 9 exercise stations in one frame | Requires more space than standard racks |
| Force USA G3 V2 | Beginners & Compact Spaces | Smith Machine + Double Pulley in a Compact Design | The cable pull stack is smaller than on professional models |
| Force USA G12 V2 | Maximum Variety of Cable Pulls | Double Pulley with 2x100 kg Stack | Heavy weight; requires a stable surface |
| Force USA C20 | Studio-style / commercial | Smith Machine + Half Rack + 2x90.7 kg stacks | Often oversized for a home gym |
| Force USA G20 V2 Pro | Premium All-Around Performer | 5 machines, including a vertical leg press | Comparison of the Highest Price Categories |
| Force USA X20 Pro | Pure Cable Machine Training | Double Adjustable Pulley Without a Smith Machine | No built-in Smith machine function |
1. Force USA G6: The Best Power Rack with Cable Machine for Serious Home Workouts
The Force USA G6 combines a rack, Smith machine, and double pulley into nine usable stations. It is designed for users who work out several times a week in their home gym and don't want to have to reconfigure the equipment between exercises.
Force USA G6 – Advantages:
- Nine stations can be used without renovation
- Double Pulley for Cable Training on Both Sides
- Sturdy frame construction for Smith machine and free-weight exercises
Force USA G6 – Disadvantages:
- Requires more floor space than compact models
- Assembly takes longer than with one-piece racks
Best for: Home gym users with a dedicated workout space who work out several days a week.
2. Force USA G3 V2: The Best Power Rack with Cable Machine for Beginners and Compact Spaces
The Force USA G3 V2 is the entry-level model in the G Series: it combines a Smith machine, a functional trainer with a double pulley, a power rack, and a pull-up station in a compact frame. It fits in spaces where the G6 would be too large.
Force USA G3 V2 – Advantages:
- Most compact version with full cable pull
- Five pieces of exercise equipment in one frame
- A good starting point before an upgrade
Force USA G3 V2 – Disadvantages:
- Cable pull stack is smaller than on the G12 or G20
- Fewer accessory slots than the larger models
Best for: Your first purchase for a home gym with limited space.
3. Force USA G12 V2: The Best Power Rack with Cable Machine for Maximum Cable Machine Variety
The Force USA G12 V2 combines seven machines into a single frame, featuring a double pulley capable of handling 2x100 kg. This is the largest cable stack in this comparison and accommodates pulling exercises where smaller racks reach their limits.
Force USA G12 V2 – Advantages:
- 2x100 kg stack for heavy pulling exercises
- Leg press also included
- Smith Machine and Rack in a Single Unit
Force USA G12 V2 – Disadvantages:
- A heavy weight makes it difficult to relocate the equipment later
- Check the ceiling height before making a purchase
Best for: Users who regularly train with heavy cable pull weights.
4. Force USA C20: The best power rack with a cable machine for a gym-like experience and commercial use
The Force USA C20 combines a Smith machine, half rack, and cable machine with two weight stacks of 90.7 kg each. It is designed for users who want to recreate a studio-level workout at home—not just a home gym.
Force USA C20 – Advantages:
- Two separate 90.7-kg stacks for parallel exercises
- The half-rack design provides more space around the barbell
- Built sturdy enough for repeated use in the studio
Force USA C20 – Disadvantages:
- Often too large for a single home gym
- Largest footprint in the entire comparison
Best for: Small home gyms or households with multiple users. Our take: A good choice if you have enough space and the right number of users.
5. Force USA G20 V2 Pro: The Best Power Rack with Cable Pulley—A Premium All-Around Workout Machine
The Force USA G20 V2 Pro combines five pieces of equipment: a Smith machine, a commercial functional trainer, a power rack, a pull-up station, and a vertical leg press. This is the top-of-the-line model in the G Series.
Force USA G20 V2 Pro – Benefits:
- Vertical leg press also included
- Highest number of stations in the Premium class
- A Wide Variety of Cable Machines at a Studio Level
Force USA G20 V2 Pro – Cons:
- Highest price range in the entire comparison
- It's only worth it if you actually use all five features
Best for: Users who want a device that will last for years without needing to buy a replacement. Our take: A good choice if your budget allows for a premium model.
6. Force USA X20 Pro: Best Power Rack with Cable Machine for Pure Cable Training Without a Smith Machine
The Force USA X20 Pro combines a double-adjustable pulley with a full-featured power cage—without a Smith machine rail getting in the way. Those who prefer free weight training and want cable machines only as a supplement will find fewer structural elements in the workout area.
Force USA X20 Pro – Benefits:
- Greater range of motion without the Smith machine's guide
- Dual-adjustable cable pulley for a variety of angles
- A full-featured Power Cage as a foundation
Force USA X20 Pro – Cons:
- No Smith machine function, in case it is desired later
- Fewer total stations than the G12 V2 or G20 V2 Pro
Best for: Users who avoid Smith machines and value free movement. Our take: A good choice for training exclusively with free weights and cables.
To complement the rack itself, a matching bench is a worthwhile addition. The MyBench V2 FID bench can be combined with most Force USA frames and also supports bicep and leg exercises.
The criteria we used to sort the items
We did not test the equipment ourselves. Each model was evaluated based on the manufacturer’s specifications according to the six criteria listed above: cable layout, pull height, frame stability, number of stations, space requirements, and accessory compatibility. No single model excels in all six areas—which is why each one is assigned its own recommended use case rather than a general ranking.
“A cable ratio of 4:1 is only worthwhile if heavy lat pulldowns are actually part of your workout routine.”
Which power rack with a cable machine should you choose?
For most home gym users in 2026, the Force USA G6 is the obvious choice: nine stations, solid construction, and no compromises on the cable machine. Those with limited space can start with the Force USA G3 V2 and upgrade later using a compatible upgrade kit. Those who regularly perform heavy pulling exercises should opt for theForce USA G12 V2 with its 2x100-kg stack.
The Force USA C20 and the Force USA G20 V2 Pro are worth the investment if you’re looking for studio-quality equipment or have multiple users in your household. The Force USA X20 Pro remains the right choice for anyone who generally avoids Smith machines.
You can find more racks, rigs, and combination stations in the Power Racks & Strength Training Racks category.
FAQ
What is a power rack with a cable machine?
A power rack with a cable machine combines a squat rack with a cable machine, usually via a double pulley system with guide pulleys. By 2026, models such as the Force USA G6 or G12 V2 will be standard equipment for home gyms with limited space.
Is a power rack with a cable machine better than separate pieces of equipment?
If you have limited space, yes, because a single frame can be used for squats, pull-ups, and cable exercises. If you have unlimited space, separate machines often offer a higher weight capacity for each exercise.
What is the best cable configuration for home gyms?
A 2:1 ratio is suitable for most exercises with moderate counterweight, while a 4:1 ratio is particularly useful for heavy lat pulldowns. Models like the Force USA G15 can switch between the two ratios.
How much space does a power rack with a cable machine take up?
Compact models like the Force USA G3 V2 fit into smaller rooms, while the Force USA C20 requires significantly more floor space and ceiling height. The exact footprint varies by model and should be measured before setup.
Can I retrofit a Smith machine with a cable pull later on?
For modular frames such as the G-Series from Force USA , upgrade kits are available that allow you to expand functionality. In contrast, a rack designed solely for cable pulls without a Smith rail—such as the Force USA X20 Pro—cannot be retrofitted into a Smith machine.
What is the difference between the G3 V2 and the G12 V2 from Force USA?
The Force USA G3 V2 is the compact entry-level model with a smaller cable stack; the G12 V2 offers significantly more cable capacity—2x100 kg—and also includes a leg press.
Is a power rack with a cable machine a good investment for gyms?
Yes, models like the Force USA C20, which come with two 90.7-kg stacks, are better suited for frequent use in small studios than as pure home gym models, given their larger weight stacks. Be sure to clarify commercial use before making a purchase.
One more thing
Most buyers underestimate the ceiling height, not the floor space. A rack with high-mounted pulleys for lat pulldowns requires more headroom than a standard Smith machine rack—this is still the most common oversight when planning a gym in 2026. Measure the ceiling height in your workout room before deciding between the Force USA G6 and G12 V2.