The Ultimate Guide to Buying Cable Machines for Your Garage Gym: Best Cable Machines for Home Use
- Vulcan Team
- Aug 25
- 10 min read
Updated: Sep 7
In this article, we will examine cable machines and explain why their versatility makes them a suitable choice for most garage and home gyms.
We will also highlight key features to look out for when buying and present the Vulcan Strength cable machines we have in our roster.
By the time you finish reading this article, you will have a much better idea of whether or not it's the right time to invest in a quality cable machine.
What Is a Cable Machine? Understanding Types, Components, and Benefits
A cable machine is a system of adjustable pulleys, cables, and adjustable weight stacks, tied together into a sturdy frame, allowing users to perform a multitude of exercises. Let's break down each component:
Pulleys: A pulley is a simple machine consisting of a wheel on an axle that allows the transfer of force. In cable machines, pulleys will enable you to move the cable in any direction without compromising stability. Because of pulleys, you can use the same weight stack for various exercises, just by switching to the top/bottom pulley or readjusting height.
Cables: While cables require no explanation, as they are what attach the handle to the weight stack and go through a pulley, they do offer some unique workout benefits. Unlike free weights, cables provide tension throughout the entire range of motion. Because of this, cable machines are ideal for muscle-building exercises and especially for the muscle activation of small and often neglected muscle groups.
Weight stack: Cable machines typically feature adjustable weight stacks, often equipped with magnetic pins or switches that allow for easy adjustments. That will enable you to instantly and comfortably adjust weight, making these machines ultra-convenient. However, you will also find mixed and budget options that utilize weight plates.
What kind of exercises can I perform with cable machines?
While cable machines are exceptionally versatile, they are particularly useful for performing isolation movements that can benefit from constant tension on the muscles the cables provide, such as:
Cable crossover
Cable flyes
Standing chest press
Lat pulldowns
Cable rows
Cable lateral raises
Cable cickbacks, hip abductions, and adductions
Cable pull-throughs
Cable crunches, woodchoppers, and similar abdominal exercises
Cable triceps pushdowns, tricep extension, bicep curls, and similar arm muscle exercises
While you can perform these movements with free weights, cable movements offer continuos tension which may lead to increased muscle development in targeted areas as well as being a great supplement to core barbell and dumbbell lifts.
Can you build muscle with just a cable machine?
As you can see from the above, cable machines allow you to target all muscle groups, making them sufficient for muscle growth throughout your body.
However, it is worth noting that working out solely on a cable machine isn't optimal for functional strength, power, and development. If possible, at least get a set of dumbbells, and ideally an Olympic barbell and a bench. That combination, alongside a cable machine, will enable you to train both strength and power, as well as muscle hypertrophy, and develop a balanced physique and a powerful, functional body.
For that reason, the combinations of squat racks and cable pulley machines we are about to discuss are an excellent option for constrained spaces, as one piece of equipment provides the best of both worlds.
Are Cable Machines as Good as Free Weights? Pros and Cons
As we mentioned, cable machines are an ideal supplement to free weights. Here's a pros and cons breakdown that will help you compare the two:
Pros:
Cable machines are safe to use, especially for beginners.
Cable machines are easier to use, as you only need to adjust the pulley height and change the weight pin position or add a plate to a predefined holder.
Cable machines are excellent for isolating muscles and can be a good option for rehab, as they allow for eccentric and isometric work.
Cons:
Not good for strength-power development
Limited compound lift options
Not the best option for functional and full-body training
Who should buy a functional trainer?
You will often hear a functional trainer (or machines, in general) vs. free weights debate. However, both types of training are important, and you will incorporate them into an ideal workout plan.
Overall, using free weights will promote coordination, power, and strength, allowing you to pack on more muscle size, as you will be able to lift more weight (especially with barbells).
Cable machines are more joint-friendly and excellent for isolating specific muscle groups. Ideally, you will use them in conjunction with free weights to develop a complete and strong physique.
Standalone Cable Machines vs. All-in-One Trainers: Which Is Right for Your Garage Gym?
Most commercial gyms have standalone cable machines. You will usually see separate machines for lat pulldowns, cable rows, and a standalone cable crossover machine.
However, constricted spaces, such as home and garage gyms, don't have such a luxury. That's why purchasing a multi-functional cable machine that allows you to switch handles and attachments, and perform all exercises on the same machine, is a smarter choice.
One such example is Vulcan TALOS. Not only does it feature a sliding pulley that can be set up at any height, but it also saves you even more space with its eight weight plate holders.
If you want an all-in-one power rack with a built-in cable machine, the Vulcan FORGE Power Rack is the way to go. With it, one piece of equipment allows you to perform the primary barbell movements safely and to work on muscle isolations on the cable machine.
Cable Machine Space Considerations
The primary factor that will determine whether you opt for a standalone cable machine or an all-in-one functional trainer is space considerations. For that reason, it's imperative first to measure the free space in your home gym or garage, as well as the ceiling height.
Remember to leave enough room in front of the machine so you can comfortably pull out cables while working out. But, leaving room on both sides is equally important, as you want to have buffer room so you can safely use weight plate holders.
However, your primary focus should be on safety—you want to be able to perform the exercises with good form, but also be able to move freely around your gym when you finish.
Single Pulley vs. Dual Pulley Systems: What You Need to Know
Single-pulley systems are simpler and offer a 1:1 resistance ratio. In other words, the weight you select will equal the resistance you feel. For this reason, they provide a better feel when performing exercises such as lat pulldowns or cable rows that require heavier weights.
Dual pulley systems have a 2:1 cable ratio, which means you will feel half of the selected weight. Some machines even have a 4:1 weight ratio, which means 100 lbs will feel like 25 lbs. That often creates confusion among lifters, especially when they compare machines and wonder if the weights on cable machines are accurate.
Overall, a dual pulley system, although more complex, offers some distinct features:
A wider range of motion
Better control
Smoother motion at more angles
Additionally, whenever possible, opt for a double-weight stack (tower) cable machine, as it allows you to perform more exercises. For example, performing cable crossovers with both hands simultaneously will save you time while still allowing you to work both arms independently. Not to mention that you can work out with a training partner simultaneously on a single machine.
Which one you get depends on which system suits your training goals. In general, single-pulley systems are simpler and, therefore, usually less expensive. The same principle applies when selecting a single-tower versus a dual-tower cable machine. However, if you don't have to, don't base your decision solely on budget, as gym equipment isn't something you buy every day.
Plate-Loaded vs. Pin-Loaded Weight Systems: Pros and Cons
Here's a simple breakdown of the two most common cable machine types:
Plate-loaded cable machines
Plate-loaded systems utilize standard weight plates for resistance, which are placed on the machine. Because there's no weight stack, plate-loaded cable machines are much cheaper. You will already need to have weight plates to use them, which is why they are recommended for people who already own sufficient weight plates.
Pros:
Cheaper than pin-loaded
Simple design
Good option if you already have plates
Cons:
Requires more space for weight plates (although you can stack them on some machines)
Takes more time to change weight between exercises
Pin-loaded cable machines
Pin-loaded machines come with a weight stack. You use them by putting a magnetic pin inside the stack at the desired weight. This makes selectorized weight stacks super convenient for use. But the weight stack significantly increases the total price.
Pros:
Super easy to use
Requires less space
Great for quick transition between exercises
Cons:
Much more expensive
Choosing a Cable Machine for Small Spaces: Compact & Small Footprint Options
One of the primary challenges home gym owners face when selecting a cable machine is the limited space available. That's because you should not only consider the floor space (length and width) and vertical clearance, but also leave enough room for cable travel and use weight plate holders, which are usually found on cable machines.
Things get even more complicated if you decide to buy a power rack + cable machine combination. Yes, this does save you space overall, but this is probably the biggest machine you will have in your entire garage gym.
However, there are compact designs you can try, such as wall-mounted and foldable options. And, if both space and budget constrain you, you can opt for a DIY solution and install some wall anchors that you will use in combination with inexpensive resistance bands or basic pulley kits. While it's far from perfect, it works.
Vulcan Strength Compact Machines
Vulcan has a few options for constricted spaces:
Vulcan Lat Pulldown and Low Row: Our lat pulldown and seated row machine is similar to those found in commercial gyms. Although it doesn't feature two distinct weight stacks, it allows you to effectively train your entire back. Additionally, with a few extra attachments, you can utilize it to target other muscle groups, such as the arms, shoulders, and abs.
Vulcan TALOS Standalone: While TALOS can be used as a Vulcan power rack attachment, if you use it standalone, you will benefit from its smaller dimensions (HxWxL: 94.5" x 53" x 28"). You will receive a multi-functional cable machine with two weight stacks, enabling you to perform a wide range of exercises.
Versatility and Exercise Variety: Maximizing Your Workout with Attachments
While cable machines do require a lot of free space, you will be able to use them for a full-body workout. However, to maximize its usability, you should invest in some cable machine attachments:
Triceps rope: An excellent option for arm training, but also face pulls, cable pull-throughs, and other exercises.
Lat bars: The standard lat bar is a must-have. While you can use it for the lat pulldown, it is also a good option for upper body exercises such as wide low rows, pulldowns, and even arms. There are also specialist lat bars with wider and narrower (hammer) grips, but those are non-essential, at least initially.
Classic handles: Handles are useful for chest and shoulder exercises, such as crossovers and raises, as well as for training the arms.
Ankle straps: These will allow you to target your glutes, adductors, abductors, and hamstrings.
Evaluating Durability, Build Quality, and Smoothness
When browsing cable machines, you will notice many technical specifications that will determine the build quality. Here's what to pay attention to:
Steel gauge: If you want a heavy-duty machine, go for a lower-gauge number. For example, Vulcan machines such as TALOS are built from 11-gauge steel, maximizing durability. Remember, the lower the number, the thicker the steel.
Cable quality: Cables are often the weakest point of any machine, being most prone to wear and tear. That's why it's essential to get strong cables. Vulcan uses heavy-duty cables with a 1200 lbs capacity, ensuring long-term use.
Pulley design: We have already covered single-pulley and dual-pulley systems; however, the pulley design and quality will determine how smoothly the machine feels during exercise. Vulcan billet aluminum pulleys are precision-engineered to allow smooth operation, low resistance loss, and safe use under high tension.
CONCLUSION: Choosing the Right Cable Machine Fit for Your Home or Garage Gym
As you can see, cable machines offer distinct benefits of cable resistance training and are a wise choice if you have the space and budget to purchase one.
Yes, on their own, they can't replace quality barbells and weight plates. But, in combination with them, you will be able to perform practically any type of exercise you could do in any well-equipped commercial gym, from the comfort of your home or garage.
BONUS FAQ Section: Common Questions About Cable Machines
Here are some common questions people ask regarding cable machines:
Are cable machines as good as free weights?
Cable machines and free weights serve different purposes. Cable machines are excellent for isolating specific muscle groups and are simple to use. Free weights, on the other hand, are an excellent option for developing foundational strength and power, but may require more coaching.
Are cable machine weights accurate?
Cable machines use pulleys, and depending on the number of them, the resistance will have a different ratio. For example, if the pulley ratio is 2:1, lifting 100 lbs on a cable machine will feel like 50 lbs. That's not inaccurate, it's just how cable machines work.
Can I build muscle with just a cable machine?
Cable machines allow you to hit all muscle groups from different angles, so, yes, you can build muscle with just a cable machine, as long as you implement progressive overload. But you will ideally combine cable machines with free weights to develop a complete physique.
What kind of exercises can I do with a cable machine?
Cable machines allow you to perform exercises such as lat pulldowns, low rows, cable crossovers, triceps extensions, biceps curls, shoulder raises, and cable crunches. In other words, they are one of the most versatile pieces of home gym equipment.
Who should buy a functional trainer?
Anyone who has the budget and space for a functional trainer can benefit from owning this piece of gym equipment. However, cable machines are especially useful when paired with free weights, as the combination allows you to achieve all of your fitness goals.
How to choose a cable machine?
Several factors will determine which type of cable machine is the right choice for you, including your training needs, budget, and available space. We recommend reading our full article to learn in detail what makes a good cable machine and which features determine its quality and durability.
