Ancore Trainer Review: The Smallest Home Gym Cable Pulley System w/ Adjustable Resistance!

[@KailuaDoug]

When these get down to a reasonable price, like $199 for TWO I'll consider it. But at $550 for ONE, that's ****ing insane.

[@peytonmunch4170]

I like to guess the price before Coop says, I was guessing like $120. $550 is, in fact, ****ing insane

[@KailuaDoug]

@@peytonmunch4170 - The material cost of ONE of these is about $15. $20 tops. Selling it for $550 is smoking crack.

[@jonsalazar1228]

At this price point it's competing with the $1300 Inspire cable machine that comes with 330lbs of resistance

[@KailuaDoug]

@@jonsalazar1228 - I'd rather spend $6K to get the machine Coop has, than $1,100 on these cheap plastic cables. They really are not much better (if any) than resistance bands. And bands are cheap.

[@erichbachman7363]

Haha,I bet Ancore are looking at the comments for this video and in a future meeting will discuss the price of these vs. market expectations xD.

[@SimonLi]

Lost me at the $1100 price for small plastic 😂😭

[@F3nrisTAG]

I had not made it that far into the video and went to look a the price... Holy crap, yeah, I don't need any coffee as that $$$$ woke me up!

[@BrownBarbellClub]

Waiting for Titan to copy this and sell for 349$. Then I will review it :-D

[@poopking4051]

actually came back to comment this, but I saw this comment and immediately left the video lol

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

i bet i can break it with wear and tear in an hour

[@infamous1ao]

Facts!

[@jasongarcia9267]

Titan.. you know what to do lol We want!

[@Netrool]

😆🤣😂

[@Abc-to9xy]

Come on titan make it please

[@betterhomesnc2437]

Lol titan gives no fucks. They rip everyone off. I'm all for it though.

[@alexgonzo000]

we want it and we want it heavier

[@R.T.12]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@briansmith8507]

Me watching the video: Dang this is perfect I thought I was done buying equipment! Me after seeing the price: Wow I love my resistance bands they are so versatile.

[@pursuithemi5.7awd81]

That's great more resistant band community. I ordered undersun bands and being on the road it keeps my massive 260lbs physique. Plus when I finally get to gym I'm able to bench 315lbs as warm up reps of 8-10

[@jib6984ify]

Ditto 🤣🤣

[@BasementBrandon]

Interesting concept but too rich with not enough return for my blood.

[@AlbertFischer]

I can and have bought a series of "rubber bands" that do the same thing for a lot less. It is very cool though.

[@luisbolanos8393]

Saw the price tag and same. I put together 3 anchor points on each side of my squat rack and used resistance bands to get a cable system going. It’s pretty legit considering I only spent $30 on two sets of resistance bands.

[@derek723]

@@AlbertFischer Different strength curves so not apples to apples. Agree with the overpriced part

[@AlbertFischer]

@@derek723 The thing is though, you can buy a nice lat station for less(and I have.) The rubber bands are just nice for the stretching work and injury prevention which is basically what Coop is saying about the reviewed device. Bottom line, you can get a lat station and a set of rubber bands for less than buying two of these things.

[@derek723]

@@AlbertFischer I agree. I think the space savings and convenience these things provide are definitely worth a premium though, just not the premium they're currently priced at. A lot of us might scoff at the max resistance too, but you have to figure it fits the needs of a lot of people

[@brianbunge8560]

If they were $300 each I could easily see buying a set but for $1200 or so that functional trainer from Costco would be hard to beat.

[@Alysbar]

I actually don't think a set should be more than $350, max $400 is pushing it. The pulley cord should also be better quality for that price.

[@sk8ameda]

What functional trainer from Costco do you speak of. 😮

[@ryanlavallee3239]

@@sk8ameda inspire ftx

[@handsomejack5787]

I wouldn't pay 300 for it.

[@nm-tu7mh]

I have one for a month now and it is a real addition to my small home gym. Really like the product. I use it mostly for isolation stuff. They did a good job

[@JRBardown]

I absolutely believe you, but damn that price. There are a ton of other options for $500-1200 bucks that would be a bigger ROI for a small gym like mine though. I feel like they are trying to max profit (not a totally bad thing) during this stay at home gym period of history.

[@69elchupacabra69]

Is there a limit to the number of plates/pucks you can stack? I see they also sell the plates/pucks individually

[@nm-tu7mh]

@@69elchupacabra69 there is. Maximum om 65lbs i think.

[@69elchupacabra69]

@@nm-tu7mh Okay, that's sad. I know they sell the kits in 65lbs, but was hoping to add more plates to it if I somehow outgrow the 65lbs. If you don't mind me asking, do use this for chest presses/flyes? If so how much do you bench and are the weights on this enough for you?

[@JJ-to6qu]

It might be a spring coil that is being wound when you pull. That would allow you to add extra coils to add resistance and would explain why it gets harder the farther you pull (the tighter the coil). They should lean into the dynamic resistance and give each puck (?) a resistance range instead of a static number.

[@GarageGymReviews]

I think you're right.

[@0dayExploit]

This got me thinking. Cable, gear reduction, axle pushes on coil spring or magnets. Then each additional puck has connector to the axle and self-contained additional spring or magnet. Gear reduction is so you can have a long pull Theoretically it sounds pretty simple actually, but I don’t have the tools or materials for making a proof of concept

[@JJ-to6qu]

@@0dayExploit Coop, time to make a bigger impact in the gear market. Need a channel-backed kickstarter for this.

[@riffdex]

Nahr k if you figure it out I’ll be your first customer

[@HickLif3]

Spring coil is what immediately popped into my head when I saw it work

[@markhendrix5438]

Hey Coop! I bought the Fitness Reality cheapest power rack based on your review and I love it. Thanks man! You’re killing it.

[@katro4326]

So it's basically an overpriced set of resistance bands that comes with a handle. WOW

[@ramtron1775]

Homie. You are exactly right.

[@BarbellThor]

There are some notable, relevant differences. But yes Hella overpriced lol

[@joelm2692]

Crazy price tag... no thx!

[@lalalalalala8314]

Yup

[@ehrlichgesagt863]

@@BarbellThor like? Buy 2 pairs and some good J-cups you have the same product

[@petesilva9648]

As someone who is ALWAYS looking for easily packable and transportable options to get my workout in these look like they would have so much potential! From the velcro attachment straps to the cable length watching this had me drooling... I can't pony up the buy in cost anytime soon but I do hope the company keeps refining and improving on the design and this concept

[@The_Conspiracy_Analyst]

the Handy Gym is way better than this thing

[@lizellevanwijk]

I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the kzbin.infoUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B

[@furatal2541]

Rubber bands would do the same thing ( better , heavier , cheaper).

[@TR-zx1lc]

Coop's showing his age thinking Big Macs are $1. It's ok Coop, I know that feel.

[@thomasmuller623]

His age? He is only 28.

[@TR-zx1lc]

@@thomasmuller623 and I'm 29. That's why I said it lol.

[@thomasmuller623]

Ah okay, I thought you were estimating him to be older. I was actually quite surprised when I heard he was 28.

[@hardbodytraining100]

It's the mustache

[@thomasmuller623]

@PiMp RoOsTa I am 41 and I thought he could be almost my age. I think it's mostly his style which makes him apear older. The mustache doesn't help either.

[@OmaHaSevEn]

Coop looking strong, filling out the sleeves in his Kabuki shirt 😯

[@enzo9640]

Thank you very much for the complete and sincere analysis. Greetings from Brazil.

[@bobcieslinski]

Another great video thanks! I’ve been looking for a 4ft Olympic straight bar. Do you have any suggestions.

[@bwatt1383]

There's the arcas shorty bar on elitefts idk 4ft is pretty rare

[@FlubJumper]

Waiting for some knock up product for half the price, lol

[@neilpollack3514]

It would still be overpriced for what it can do. It’s basically a replacement for elastic bands.

[@PabloLotta]

Hell yeah capitalism

[@girlsdrinkfeck]

@Eastside Dumbbell i doubt it ,cheap plastic arse will prob break in a week

[@juliansedor7101]

I love it. When they sort out everything and the price drops I'd love to get a set.

[@pablieto-veganson]

Bands also have accomidating resistance and are super cheap.... aaaand you can go as ridiciously heavy as you want... aaand you can use them in comination with a barbell... aaand you can put them around a plate loaded machine in some instances... and they can be attached in even more places with some creativity and some simpel carabiners or hooks. Aaaand you can use them also for bodywheight exercises, make them harder or easier.... aaand....... etc...

[@lukea2806]

Or you could get two sets of quality resistance bands for about $60 and have essentially the same thing.. I mean what the hell are these companies thinking? $1100? I got a used powertec functional trainer for $250

[@jujimufu]

First

[@frankyavocados5794]

hi

[@Psycatrice]

:o

[@jamesriley72281]

The collab we need.... could it be?

[@GarageGymReviews]

:)

[@christianrolls8902]

@@GarageGymReviews YOu need to do a review of his gym when he finishes it !

[@yevrahelyk]

Just glad to be here

[@lazur1]

Same problem as bands: Many compound pulls & single joint lifts require LESS resistance at the end of the positive rep to enable a productive # of full-range reps.

[@preciousmetals168]

thumbs up for the video telling us what happened when coop broke his phone and his friend broke his arm assembling that machine

[@riffdex]

I was interested in these until I saw that they have a similar strength curve as a band. I use cable machines because I want the intensity to remain consistent throughout the range of motion.

[@TheDogDad]

Coop is probably the only owner of these things

[@wariorman21]

You’re so polite hahah I love it. Great to hear your opinion about these things

[@marcusrichards6510]

I will stick with bands! Great review of Coop Pro's & Coop Cons!

[@keitherdr93]

You should attach a band to the handle and pull on the other end of the band. This would help us visualize (by length of band) the amount of tension and change that occurs with distance from unit.

[@ehswim1]

Ancore is aimed at the Keiser market. 4 Keiser adjustable cable columns + air compressors + installation is over $20,000. Comparatively, the Ancore “Pro Facility Bundle” which includes 4 Ancore units on an adjustable c-channel (or rack mount option) is just over $4,000. So when facilities like Boyle’s are wanting to add more options in their gym to do motions like chops, lifts, pallof presses, anti-rotations, Prehab stuff or general pop rows, presses, Lat pull downs without needing the amount of watts they’re producing (which is Keiser does and is their big selling point), they choose Ancore.

[@amaterasu8829]

I agree. Great concept. Needs refinement. Im not a big fan of variable resistance machines, wich in my opinion this kindof is. If they could make it a constant resistance machine i would consiter it more.

[@thomasbrown7328]

Coop review the Keiser functional trainer please. My physical therapist has one- they’re so smooth.

[@HugoCoolDude]

Wow you should have so many more subscribers!

[@iForgot160]

Solid review as always Coop. You da man.

[@nbab4school]

A pretty cool compact home gym piece, that I've purchased is the maxPro system. One of the huge downsides is that it only offers concentric tension. But it is extremely portal and weighs 10lbs, you could definitely fit it in your carry-on.

[@lawmat93]

Your review was exactly what I was thinking

[@scottf3456]

Nice review Coop.

[@cdmoore85]

I really like the concept. I agree with your statement that if they can get the cost down, it could end up being a very popular home gym item. I have a plate loaded cross over and would still buy these to add more diversity if the price drops significantly.

[@strangeshredz3741]

Like the idea for traveling as well. Like you said, price down, and more weight it could be huge

[@premopop16]

I think we should talk about the garage door opener. I have the same one and taking the track and motor from the middle of my garage ceiling opened up for more overhead lifting space that is priceless. I’m not sure I’ve heard you bring it up before but it’s worth mentioning

[@sgallegos702]

He has. It’s amazing and I want one.

[@FitnessNews24]

It's a great concept but for $1,000USD (for two) seems a bit limited in weight and exercise selection. Tbh it seems like using resistance bands would be very similar to everything this can do

[@DadLifting]

Holy cow that price!!

[@SimonLi]

We’ve been waiting for this video for months!

[@ArK18]

I bought the set with the wall brackets. For a small space this can’t be beat

[@BrownBarbellClub]

Jeez is there any limit to 'inventions'? Anyway waiting for Titan to copy this and sell for 349$. Then I will review it :-D

[@Abc-to9xy]

Titan make one

[@BrownBarbellClub]

@@Abc-to9xy send me link. I can’t find it. I will review if it looks worth it!

[@TongPSuh]

As always a great review thank you Coop!

[@Alysbar]

Would be great if they could do one that you can attach to studs if you don't have a cage, as well as have a couple of 5lb'ers so it's more women friendly. That 10lb jump is not always use friendly as you're trying to gain strength. They took the idea off of the Bowflex Revolution. Their weight stack is the same concept.

[@Roger-il8iw]

I bought my power rack, a barbell, and two 40 lb dumbbells for $550 lol

[@LemieuxJiuJitsu]

Could see the Ancore trainer being useful in a smaller studio commercial gym setting. Price is high, but it's more compact and affordable than a keiser style cable system.

[@millcp]

Please review the new Ancore Pro! It looks like they've made some improvements.

[@ryank42301]

Love your channel but need to call something out on this one. The primary advantage of the Ancore over bands is that it keeps the load consistent through the range of motion. The load does not go up as you extend the cable. What you’re demonstrating, the point where it gets ‘harder’, is the end of its range. I don’t have the specs in front of me right now but I believe it’s ~ 8 ft of range so what you’re demonstrating is the limit to its range and not a load that increases with distance (presumably if you overcome the load at the end of its range you’d just break it as there’s no more cable). Only chiming in here because I have one of the Ancore Pro units and it’s easily the best investment in gear I’ve made. This is a particularly under appreciated product (I’m going to blame Ancore’s marketing for that; their product is much better than their messaging).

[@zacharykennedy5752]

Yup just sold my freemotion dual cable cross 1200lb behemoth so I can afford this.

[@jonathanwong46]

did you ever try adding more than 65 lb on a unit? i'm looking to get one of these but my big skepticism is the 65 lb limit

[@Lou2Louable]

I agree the Price is really high. Living in Canada it's even higher with Duties. Great video! Love your content.

[@FitnessNews24]

Yeah would be like 1600 for us delivered...can get a full on functional trainer from Costco right now for same cost lol

[@nabilhussain6257]

I wouldn't say the Freemotion is the best movable arm functional trainer. It has a tendency to break. I prefer the Nautilus Freedom Trainer. Both are limited in felt resistance. Same issue with the Keiser and Cybex Bravo. The Prime is the only movable arm with a 2:1 ratio so that would be my current pick. The Atlantis is the best dual adjustable pulley on the market by far.

[@seanwilson183]

That was perfect, super helpful, well said bro

[@umbrellamort.67]

Dude so ur a gym equipment collector! Nice collection!

[@SuperJustinian]

Great review!

[@ddmirolli]

This + a TRX would be perfect for truckers trying to stay in shape. Add a weight vest and you're set!

[@kendralane5951]

Great review, thanks! Have you found a small cable pulley machine that does NOT increase the force / resistance as you pull further from the device AND has resistance in both directions (pulling the handle away from the device and bringing the handle towards the device)

[@kevins6246]

Having already invested in a Functional Trainer and a set of Monster Bands don't have a need but if I did and they were closer to $200 a pop I would be interested in at least considering them.

[@Kainotto74]

I was about to buy some until I watched this review. Actually was still on the fence even after watching this review and hoped the price dropped from the time this review came out. The price is now $650 for this device. HARD PASS FOR ME.

[@Shabanezloth]

So it acts like an elastic band? What's the point?

[@Mister_Vintage]

Might as well review golden dumbells as well. Small and compact! And you get one dumbell for $52,000

[@simon.houseaccount4807]

I like these. And big into cables for working out

[@scottmcbride2237]

When did Paul.Blart start a gym youtube channel. Great vid Blart.

[@jasonvichinsky1458]

Outrageous price

[@MrTdawg75]

Holy smokes! I have a home built power rack with high/low cable system that can do all the same things (albeit a little less convenient)that costed me less than $550 (and that was with the current high wood prices). Love the concept, but that's mighty expensive.

[@jayjacobl4667]

pretty cool. didn't know anything like this existed. as someone working out in a home gym room barely large enough to rack a barbell, but who misses cable accessory work, this has a lot of potential. Hell, even the current price on it would be justified if it could go up to more weight (150lb+ instead of 65lb per side) I think. Don't $2000-$3000 functional trainers only go up to around that weight, while taking up a ridiculous amount of space and being impossible to transport? excited that i might finally be able to do cable loaded facepulls again for $1000, yay.

[@bbartel1978]

Coop, I know it's still stupid expensive, but was just curious if you were able to try out the pro and if it's any better.

[@chrisleduc7566]

I can't believe it's way more expensive then bowflex adjustable dumbbells and barbells.. what the hell

[@timlarge2954]

I love this. It’s really nice. Even the weight doesn’t bother me considering the size. But this price is laughable.

[@leedurbin1120]

Me: *See's small adjustable cable system that would fit on squat rack* I'm in! *See's 1,100 Price tag* I'm out!

[@crocoperson]

for sure could be a game changer with a lower price and heavier weight. Maybe design the middle portion to be larger and accept smaller/ larger pucks. If it was $550 for both it would be an instabuy for most

[@shadowmosesmusic]

Just saw that the price for one - 3 years later is up to 650. wow.

[@walkedintoawall]

In this episode of coop reviews new equipment Coop: it’s cool, but too expensive

[@mach5jeep]

Those little pucks are most likely clock springs. The more you wind them the tighter (heavier) they get. Just like winding your watch

[@rodneyriley100]

I would love a dual package, but like you said I can’t justify that price for it. I have a lot of Rogue equipment that I paid good money for but I this takes the cake.

[@oafkad]

Seems neat. I like novel designs like this.

[@felix_2855]

1. with little space going further back to increase resistance isnt allways possible, but on the other side this equipment is designed for little space 2. if the restistance curve is like bands (in contrast to a real cable system) i dont see there any benefits to use this system instead of bands- and bands are waaay cheaper

[@armyofangels12]

Coop, you should review the MaxPro. It’s similar to this but would like to see what you think about it.

[@ianbarlis894]

Would be awesome to have in a home gym but the price is crazy. Soon tho!

[@johnscott5218]

looks good machine i was comparing it also with the digital version" Voltra Trainer" which too is mega expensive .

[@evelioguaperas]

So if it's like an elastic band in the way it applies force why not use an elastic band that it's not $1000? It could be interesting if it applied constant force.

[@hismoness23]

Hey there Coop! Long time subscriber! What are your thoughts on the Ancore pro

[@GarageGym411]

6:30: I love my Keiser FT... and my Tuff Stuff PS-245 FT (Athlean X)... and my Bodymasters Belt Driven Lat Pulldown... and...

[@CPowell133]

Great concept for space savings but the price kills it

[@anthonyboudreau6966]

It looks like a good concept but if it gets harder the further away you get, it’s essentially a $550 resistance band. I would have to try it out to get a feel of what it’s like.

[@jeeveshs7132]

Yup , good review coop

[@Gee-lo6cb]

You said there are better, cheaper options.... Can you mention them here? Something which is not an inertia trainer or bands, doesn't use weights, and works on concentric and eccentric movement?

[@jmagnum15]

Crickets to this comment unfortunately, but I’d like to know the same. The concentric/eccentric movement of this device sets it apart from bands, but the comment section has largely dismissed that aspect. I would like to see a lower price, but have my eyes on this. Still seems to be a great space saving option.

[@TheJackal159]

I really see no reason for these over bands, especially considering that they accommodating resistance like bands. The entire point of a weight stack is the linear loading, which this doesn’t have.

[@mizouse02]

will you be reviewing that REP pr5000 half rack you featured in this video? I'm looking to make something similar but with the pr4000.

[@meisdetermined]

Coop! Have you looked at the Luxiaojun plates? I wonder how similar they are to your favorite bumper plates, the Klokov(?)

[@mickbator6979]

Great stuff! Any Gym Clock reviews in the works?

[@mikecook7683]

Thanks coop! I agree seems like you could spend the 1000 better elsewhere, but a cool machine!

[@Sarge9272]

This system is incredible!!! But that price point is just way too much. My basement gym has a ceiling height of 85" and im struggling to find a solid lat/cable system, majority of the lat pull downs are made at standard rack height of at least 90". I got the SML-1 squat stand + half rack conversion kit, which is great but no lat pull downs work for it. As the Rogue Slinger would technically fit on top my rack but the way the uprights are done there wouldn't be any holes to mount it correctly. So this system would be absolutely perfect. But that price is just ridiculous. Anyone have any suggestions on a cable system?

[@creepincat7399]

Most likely spring loaded. you can use a luggage scale to test the force required to pull

[@paulskulas5324]

There is zero chance I was ever planning on buying this. I just really enjoy Coop

[@albe23]

You could get two Rogue Slingers, pin loading add-ons for each, and two extra pulley attachments for about the same price.....

[@dodger1x]

Imagine combining this tech with the technolgy in unitree pump. Having a super portable but high resistance hybrid digital cable machine. The motor will fine adjust the resistance and the «spring» technology will give the added base resistance. So instead of the 5-20kg with unitree . You could couple in the spring and have a hard mode with 20-40 kg or even more

[@jimhamner1]

Sorry to nitpick but bands and this device are Progressive Resistance. Accommodating would feel like the same resistance throughout the movement. Out of curiosity, did you try doubling up the two units? Both cables to one handle or grab both with one hand. If so, how does that affect the resistance?