The Ares™ 2.0 cable attachment is a high-performance, functional trainer designed to integrate with power racks in both home and commercial gyms. As an evolution of the original Ares™ system, the 2.0 model introduces several key improvements, including a smoother feel, a broader range of motion, and enhanced ergonomics. This article provides a detailed overview of the Ares™ 2.0's installation requirements, its compatibility with various rack configurations, and the features that make it a versatile addition to any strength training setup.
Overview of Ares™ 2.0 Features
The Ares™ 2.0 cable attachment is engineered for both unilateral and bilateral training, offering a wide variety of exercises through its dual 260lb (upgradable to 310lb) weight stacks. These stacks can be used independently or in tandem, allowing for simultaneous training by two athletes or supersetting by a single user. The system supports a 2:1 cable ratio, meaning that 100lbs of resistance feels like 50lbs, which is ideal for dynamic functional training. Additionally, the Ares™ 2.0 includes a lat pulldown bar, four fully knurled D-handle attachments, two integrated drop-down 5lb add-on weights (which feel like 2.5lbs), and a clip for connecting to the stack cables.
One of the standout features of the Ares™ 2.0 is its patent-pending design, which includes aluminum pulleys with custom retainers for a smoother pull. All pulleys are equipped with a 180-degree swivel, enhancing versatility and allowing for movements outside the rack. The cables have a thinner coating, which contributes to a smoother feel during use. The trolleys are designed with a smooth plastic liner for easy one-handed adjustment and feature oversized pop-pins for quick changes. These trolleys also support up to 450lbs of weight capacity, ensuring durability and stability during intense workouts.
The Ares™ 2.0 also includes an improved footplate design, which is angled at the top for better support when sitting on a bench. The footplate is wider than the original version and positions the cables in the middle of the user's feet, enhancing comfort and versatility. Additionally, the footplate includes cutouts on the sides to accommodate benches like the AB-5200 2.0, BlackWing™ adjustable bench, AB-3000 2.0, and Nighthawk™ for incline and flat bench exercises. The weight stacks have been rotated 90 degrees and pushed back to create more usable space inside the rack, especially beneficial for benching and using the Safety Squat Bar.
Installation Requirements and Compatibility
The Ares™ 2.0 is designed to be mounted on a variety of PR-4000 and PR-5000 power rack configurations. It is compatible with both 6-post and 4-post racks, provided they meet specific crossmember requirements. For 6-post racks, the Ares™ 2.0 can be installed on the PR-4000 with 16", 24", 30", or 41" crossmembers in the front and 16" crossmembers in the back. It is also compatible with the PR-5000 6-post rack with 16", 30", or 41" crossmembers in the front and 16" in the back. For 4-post racks, the Ares™ 2.0 is suitable for the PR-4000 and PR-5000 models that have only 16" crossmembers.
Newly designed brackets are expected to enable 4-post configurations to include a straight pull-up bar, expanding the system's functionality. However, for current installations, it is important to note that the Ares™ 2.0 attachment 4-post requires Mini Front Foot Extensions on both the front and back of the rack. If a user already has a pair of Mini Front Foot Extensions installed, they can omit an additional pair from their order. If only one pair is installed, an additional pair will be necessary to meet the installation requirements.
The Ares™ 2.0 also includes offset front trolleys that increase the width of cable flies, providing a broader range of motion. This design allows for more ergonomic and versatile movements, particularly for exercises like cable flies and rows. The system also features integrated drop-down micro-weight adjustments, which eliminate the need for searching for micro-plates during training. These adjustments are designed to be easily accessible, ensuring a seamless training experience.
Installation Process and Setup
To install the Ares™ 2.0, users must first ensure that their power rack meets the compatibility requirements outlined in the previous section. Once compatibility is confirmed, the installation process involves several key steps. The first step is to attach the Ares™ 2.0 brackets to the rack. These brackets are designed to fit securely onto the uprights of the rack and must be positioned according to the manufacturer's specifications. It is important to ensure that the brackets are level and properly aligned to prevent any issues with the trolleys or cables during use.
After the brackets are installed, the next step is to mount the Ares™ 2.0 attachment to the brackets. This involves securing the attachment using the provided hardware and ensuring that all components are properly aligned. The trolleys must be positioned at the bottom of the uprights when not in use, which helps to maximize the available space at the top of the rack. This design also allows for a greater range of height placement for other attachments, such as J-cups.
Once the attachment is mounted, the next step is to install the cables and pulleys. The Ares™ 2.0 uses a 2:1 cable ratio, which means that each trolley is connected to a weight stack with a 2:1 mechanical advantage. This configuration ensures that the resistance feels lighter than the actual weight, making it ideal for functional training. The cables must be routed through the pulleys according to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure smooth operation and prevent tangling.
The final step in the installation process is to attach the included D-handles, lat pulldown bar, and other accessories. These components should be securely fastened to the trolleys and adjusted to the user's preferred height. The integrated drop-down micro-weight adjustments can be used to fine-tune the resistance levels, ensuring that the system is optimized for the user's training goals.
Performance and Ergonomic Enhancements
The Ares™ 2.0 offers several performance and ergonomic enhancements that set it apart from the original Ares™ system. One of the most notable improvements is the increased range of motion provided by the offset front trolleys. This design allows for a greater range of motion during exercises like cable flies and rows, making it easier to target different muscle groups. The improved cable routing also ensures that the trolleys can rest at the bottom of the uprights while working outside of the rack, which is particularly beneficial for users with 80" uprights who need maximum height for J-cup placement.
The Ares™ 2.0 also features an improved lat bar rest, which makes it easier to stay seated while using other cables. This design is especially useful for users who perform multiple exercises in a single session, as it allows for quick transitions between different movements. The lat bar is designed to be used in conjunction with the seated row and lat pulldown functions, providing a versatile training experience that can be tailored to the user's fitness level and goals.
Another key enhancement is the improved footplate design. The angled top of the footplate provides better support when sitting on a bench, which is important for exercises like incline and flat bench presses. The wider footplate also positions the cables in the middle of the user's feet, which enhances stability and power transfer during exercises like squats and lunges. The cutouts on the sides of the footplate allow for deeper placement of benches, which is particularly useful for users who perform a variety of benching exercises.
The Ares™ 2.0 also includes a cutout on the sides of the footplate to accommodate benches like the AB-5200 2.0, BlackWing™ adjustable bench, AB-3000 2.0, and Nighthawk™. This design allows for both incline and flat bench exercises, making the Ares™ 2.0 a versatile addition to any gym. The weight stacks have also been rotated 90 degrees and pushed back to create more usable space inside the rack, which is beneficial for users who perform a variety of exercises using the Safety Squat Bar.
Conclusion
The Ares™ 2.0 cable attachment is a high-performance, functional trainer that offers a wide range of exercises and resistance levels. Its compatibility with various power rack configurations makes it a versatile addition to both home and commercial gyms. The system's patent-pending design, including aluminum pulleys, a 2:1 cable ratio, and improved footplate, enhances its performance and ergonomics, making it suitable for users of all fitness levels. The installation process is straightforward, provided the user follows the manufacturer's guidelines and ensures that their power rack meets the compatibility requirements. With its dual weight stacks, smooth feel, and broader range of motion, the Ares™ 2.0 is an excellent choice for anyone looking to expand their strength training options.