The 10 Best Cable Crossover Machines
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in October of 2018. Cable crossover machines are among the most popular pieces of workout equipment in any gym. They are just as suitable for beginners who want to perform safe exercises without the worry of dropping anything, as they are for heavy lifters looking to carve a few more lines into their bodies. They are extremely effective at targeting a variety of muscles and allow movement in any angle and direction. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
December 01, 2020:
Cable crossover machines are great because of their versatility. They allow you to work on a variety of muscle groups, and target different areas of each of those muscles. Perhaps no model better represents this versatility than the FreeMotion Dual EXT, a staple machine in most commercial gyms. Its two arms move on both the vertical and horizontal planes, allowing you to adjust the height and width. This compares to most other machines that simply allow you to adjust the height. Conveniently, it has demonstrations of many exercises printed right onto it too, making it simple for uneducated gym goers to start using.
Another machine that stands out for versatility is the BodyCraft Jones Light Commercial, which incorporates a Smith machine that moves on two planes for lunges and squats. It, like many others, also includes an overhead pull-bar, however, the grip positions of said bar are limited.
If you prefer an option with more hand positions in the integrated pull-up bar, you should look to the Inspire Fitness FTX, Valor Fitness BD-61, and XMark XM-7626, all of which offer three positions positions. The Inspire Fitness FTX allows for narrow, standard, and wide, whereas the Valor Fitness BD-61 and XMark XM-7626 allow for standard, wide, and hammer.
When it comes to budget-friendliness, the Ipanda Trainer is an immediate winner, though you will already need to have your own weight plates to truly realize the savings. It is also ideal for anyone without any floor space to spare, since it is a wall-mounted option. We wouldn't recommend it for very heavy lifters though.
October 25, 2018:
When identifying the best models for our list, we made sure to include both gym-quality machines and more budget-friendly models suited to the home gym. We also made sure to include some slightly more compact units. All of the cable crossover machines on our list feature smooth action and are suited to both beginners and experienced fitness enthusiasts.
Special Honors
Torque F9 Foldaway If you are setting up your equipment in a home gym with limited space or any area that is usually in view of guests and you want maintain a neat look, the Torque F9 Foldaway is a great option. As the name implies, it features two folding doors that you open up when your are ready to workout, and close when finished. torquefitness.com
Hoist CMD-6180 The Hoist CMD-6180 is an expandable machine that is suitable for use in commercial gyms. For convenience, it offers one-handed hi-low adjustment of the pulleys, and it also features stabilizing hand grips on either side of the weight stacks for those times you are doing single-arm exercises. It comes with a range of accessories, including an aluminum D-handle, a lat bar, and a tricep rope. hoistfitness.com