The Prime functional trainer is basically as good as it gets in the functional trainer world. The only reason it wasn’t five stars across the board is due to the price, it is not cheap. However, the performance and build quality are absolutely top of the line and it is one of the most versatile pieces of equipment out there.
The things that stand it apart from the broader FT market are the adjustable arms, that you can configure for almost anything you’d do with a cable machine, how incredibly smooth it is (aluminum pulleys not required, IYKYK), the simple design that makes removing the weight stacks easy if you need to move this behemoth, and the optional bench centering device that I consider an absolute must.
Talking about the bench centering device, it is an optional add on that extends out from the FT with many possible adjustment points, and will anchor to a Prime bench. This makes any cable exercise with a bench that much better because you don’t have to worry about lining it up, or the bench moving from the weight being moved. Something like chest supported rows or cable chest press are possible without the bench moving under the hardest of reps. This allows you to replicate so many standalone cable machines you see in commercial gyms.
Other notes, the arms adjust with zero effort and feel weightless due to the counterweights and how smooth every moving part is. The range of adjustability is huge and as someone with a 6’4” wingspan, cable flies are easily done with no limitations to range of motion. The dual weight stakes go up to 265lbs with the three 5lb added weights built in so you can make 5lb jumps, and it is a 2:1 ratio.
It is shipped fully assembled with an immaculate packing job to protect it. Be warned, it weighs around 1000lbs and is not easy to move unless you take the stacks off and bolt some 5” heavy duty casters to the frame to roll it (a must if going any sort of distance).
Performance
Value
Build Quality
