FringeSport ‘The Dane’ Functional Trainer Rack Review: Ballin’ On A Budget!

[@rodolfomedini9931]

Fringe sport's customer service is the best customer service I've encountered in the industry especially at their price points. They go out of their way to make it right and not just make you whole... Bought a 100 pound bumper set missing 15s due to out of stock they allowed me to get any denomination within that model (I picked 45s) or ANY other 15 pound bumper pair they had in stock... Midas short bar arrived a little jacked up a free replacement or a percentage back if I can live with it.... Can't say the same for other equipment companies

[@ericlancaster2889]

Agreed. Top notch service

[@countryboy7263]

Similar experience with the no hassle service. They just make it right and I’ll go back again because of it.

[@PeterKeller247]

Thanks my man! We try to treat everyone as we would like to be treated!

[@PeterKeller247]

@@countryboy7263 Awesome awesome awesome

[@authentichealthcoach4142]

Agreed! They are fantastic. Love the Fringe Sport crew

[@Spp235.]

I love 1-to-1. If you need more cable, simply get a cable extension and clip in the carabiner. Simple and cheap solution. And add magnetic microweights to have smaller steps up increments. Bonus is that you can use the microweights on dumbbells or even add to barbell plates. Am baffled why folks use 2-to-1. 1-to-1 makes so much sense for home gyms.

[@FringeSportHQ]

Great in-depth review as always COOP!

[@Eldiablo212]

You guys killed it with this one. Gonna have to stop by and see it in person.

[@Dungwader]

Is there room between the weight stack and rear post, to use your vertical barbell storage attachment?

[@kyleblu8207]

Awesome review. I’m a recent convert to fringe and have been nothing but impressed with quality and the customer service. New favorite gym company

[@fluwithshotz6077]

were you converting from another half rack functional trainer? If so what brand was your previous rack.

[@PeterKeller247]

You're our new favorite customer

[@erinkishoni9094]

Can't wait for the Ares 2.0 Review 💪

[@odelltaylor1724]

I’ll have to see which is better rep 2.0 or the new fringe

[@danb2533]

​@@odelltaylor1724imo ares 2.0 is better, but after selecting options, mine was 1200 more than the Dane 🫤

[@N852FB]

Just ordered mine!! Can’t freaking wait, thanks Coop!!

[@dho11]

HEIGHT = AWESOME!!! I wont give you shyt anymore about that! Appreciate the review. I'm thinking of selling my Rogue Monster rack and getting something like this. I'm getting old now (63) and I'd like to have a functional trainer but no room for it. I have an old lat pull machine (stack) but only a top and bottom pulley. I have quite a few accessories for the Rogue rack though so they'd have to work. The HEIGHT is an issue for me though as I have low ceilings in the garage. Not sure how to overcome that issue with any of these functional trainer racks unfortunately.

[@djhhherri]

Damn, Coop. You’re going to have to do a functional trainer-rack roundup at the end of this year. I’m saving my pennies but can’t keep up with all the options that keep dropping! Still leaning ares v2 because function to footprint is insane, but I could be totally wrong at this point. Keep ‘em coming!

[@BasilNaaar]

Great review! I appreciate the honesty and fair evaluation of the product. By the way, I bought Vesta's Smith Machine SM2001 about six months ago. It was a tough choice between that and Marcy's SM-4033, but Vesta's customer service was top-notch during my purchase. I'm just one person, but I reviewed their Google and website reviews, and they were convincing enough for me.

[@belzile46]

Please review the B.O.S All in one trainer! Looks like a great option in this category

[@ellismcvoy5076]

Do you think Rep PR5000 attachments like the ISO arms and utility seat would fit on this?

[@THEREALTWISTEDINSANE]

Waiting on the rogue and vesta 3 in 1 with smith machine review , Vestas customer service is amazingly good. I have one its straight 🔥

[@benjaminbixby8459]

I have the RepAthena system dual weight stacks on my 93" GR3 Griffin rack. Bolts right up no issues works great.

[@Hemsworths23]

This review really convinced me to go with Fringe instead of Vesta. That is a great looking Casio too Coop! I would like to ask if you have an affiliate link or the name for those cable crossover handles at 9:40 (and throughout the video)? Thanks for the great review!

[@Cptblack91]

As many pieces of equipment that Coop has reviewed, companies need to just start flying him out to test prototypes on an NDA before going to market. Simple fixes from an experienced outside eye

[@PeterKeller247]

We have flown Coop to Austin before. He stayed in my house and we rode bikes together and hit some golf balls. Good times

[@Noahbdh]

Yea, Coop would love to never be home or see his kids.

[@DampRaccoon]

This is so visually pleasing

[@HeadCannonPrime]

If you want a LONGER pull, you can just add chains or more cable onto your attachment. They sell cable at every lowes and home depot. I personally just have extension chains attached to the grips that have long traverse like low rows.

[@Grumpyoldman666]

That won’t fix the issue with cable travel due to 1:1 ratio

[@HeadCannonPrime]

@@Grumpyoldman666 My arm traverse is not longer than the entire height of the weight stack so I'm good. The only time I have issues with 1:1 is when I have to pull out the cable before starting the exercise under tension, like on a row with foot plates that extend from the side.

[@ChuicyProductions]

Would love to see the Maxum SX2 all in one. On paper it sounds amazing, 3x3 11 gauge uprights with 5/8" holes, dual 220lb stacks with plate option included as well as a bunch of included accessories. Been thinking of getting one but there doesn't seem to be any in depth reviews of the rack or the quality

[@darrensemmel6830]

I'll tell you, I just looked at that Maxum SX2, I'm super excited about it! I would love to see a review of this as well, as I am considering buying it soon!

[@Davidtresmoore]

Another great review, Coop. Didn't expect this to be a competitor for me but it seems like it will be when I purchase a functional trainer style rack

[@PeterKeller247]

Thanks for the review my man!

[@jamicanshakin]

Looking to be a new customer but waiting for that restock in October. Would personally drive from Dallas for one!

[@mdpellegrino]

Diving down the rabbit hole of awesome videos as I’ll finally have my first garage soon! Would love a video about your thoughts on platforms - diy or otherwise. Do you recommend or fine to just have horse mats under the rack? Do you need plywood? Thx!

[@juggernautota]

I like the 1:1 ratio, sure it isn't as smooth as other options, but you're getting more weight you paid for to workout with. It would be like me selling a 45-lbs plate, but only allowing you to lift 22.5 pounds of it. Plus, this will work with any rack that is 3" x 3" with 1" holes so a person could choose to make their own Frankenstein power cage with elements from many different companies, which I love. I am sure that something might be better, but I hardly doubt the bigger companies can come even close to that price point. I am curious which other outfits will follow suit and make more improvements.

[@fwiffo42]

A very similar design is the Fray Savage Functional Trainer rack. It has dual 250 lb stacks with a 1:1 ratio. It’d be great to see a review on that unit to compare it to this since they’re at a similar price point. (The Fray has been on sale for $2k plus shipping for like 6 months).

[@trevcdeal]

You read my mind with Heigth Height, I wasn't going to comment but the correction got me haha.

[@AFA567poker]

Hey Coop, what would you recommend for an 83” height basement ceiling? Would like a functional trainer + rack. Leaning toward an Athena-4000 for best value, but any other cheaper options you think are “worth it” or stick with Athena?

[@futbol1972]

How is rhe lat pull down with this rack? It looks like when doing lat pull downs they have to be done at a angle since the trolley does not sticks out enough like a regular lat pull down.

[@luisamudio]

Hey Coop, would be nice to see a best gym equipment for europeans video since most of the ones you recommend are not available in europe.

[@jessc3337]

Coop mentioned he prefers 2:1 ratio over 1:1. Why would one prefer 2:1 over 1:1 besides cable travel? What are the benefits?

[@killerkhatiby009]

Seems like a great value choice! But I do think the 1:1 ratio is generally not the right choice for a functional trainer, I'd rather see a 2:1 ratio plus plate pins to allow going heavier when using it for pulldowns and rows. Only 53" of cable travel distance may not be enough for taller individuals doing things like chest flys, reverse flys, or RP style two-arm behind the back super ROM cable lateral raises. I think MAXUM Fitness nailed it with their SX2 all-in-one, it has a 2:1 ratio combined with dual 220lb stacks that also have built-in plate horns to load plates to go heavier. They also have articulating arms for the functional trainer so you can swivel both arms together and combine them to mimic a 1:1 ratio and get 220lb feel weight with just the stacks. They also include attachments for holding your legs in place and a foot plate for doing the exercises either single sided or center mounted. The value proposition seems incredible to me. Would love to see a review of the MAXUM SX2 from you Coop!

[@MrMadeinthe80s]

I would also love a review of this machine. It seems to have everything I want in a machine.

[@raven-19x]

That's the only all-in-one I'm interested in at the moment. It really seems to check every box compared to the competition. I just hesitate because there isn't much reviews on it and I don't know how reliable the company is.

[@DarrellLangford]

That one is almost 2x the price of this one. It sits in a different price bracket.

[@killerkhatiby009]

​@@DarrellLangford Definitely different base price! But most people probably aren't going with the just the base kit and have no additional attachments for their rack and there is no barebones SX2 base kit to compare directly unfortunately. Once you factor in all the attachments included with the MAXUM SX2 and try to add similar options to the Dane, the SX2 is actually lower cost while being more versatile (since you can't easily add a smith machine and leg press to the Dane plus the unique things the MAXUM has like the articulating functional trainer arms).

[@DarrellLangford]

@@killerkhatiby009 Need to find a coupon somewhere for the Maxum to get it under the 4k mark, and then i could probably justify it.

[@Spencer-it1ue]

This thing looks awesome. And I agree, if it had a center mount pull down, plate loaded that could go decently heavy. It would be so much in one unit.

[@starvin-marvin-the-martian]

Really like some of these newer functional trainer racks, but for those of us who already have a rack they involve abandoning a substantial investment. I'd love to see some retrofit solutions.

[@b2284]

Looks awesome, i ended up going with the Bells of Steel All in One rack mostly becuaee ym gym/shed has a super low ceiling so i had to go that route. And i went with the weight stack version and just loaded up on Accessories. Still happy with my choice, just getting into finding the right program to start using all the stuff I have now. Nothing like starting to decide to lift and workout regularly at 40 😂🤦‍♂️

[@mariol8004]

Thank you for all of your reviews. They have been extremely helpful. Keep up the good work! Coop can you review the Fray fitness power rack funtional trainer. Do you have any thoughts on this? This all in one also is a 1 to 1 stack.

[@I25M]

We need a walking pad comparison! Please, you're our only hope!

[@Kamikaze00ish]

You mentioned that news studies have come out that suggest a wider cable machine may not be ideal for crossovers. Could you site those so I can go look at them, because I’d always thought wider was better as well.

[@tybkc87]

Would love to see your review of the Major Fitness F35 for people that want versatility without a lot of space.

[@samrosario4105]

Just ordered mines also!

[@mikemoorhouse9185]

I would like to see the fray fitness power rack functional trainer reviewed

[@Frennemydistinction]

About the multigrip pull-up bar: just use regular straight bar and get Swissies from Kensui (neutral, 45°, and 360°). Allows for variety of grips, at infinity widths.

[@dillonbecker1967]

@garagegymreviews Any plans to review the new Torque Fitness ski machine (relentless ripper)? I just ordered one and am hoping it’s worth the price tag.

[@jaceduhon5152]

Thoughts on the assembly process?

[@PeterKeller247]

Assembly kinda sucks, not gonna lie. But a few hours and you'll be done. And you'll never think about assembly again.

[@matthollub4977]

It would be sick to have a plate loaded lat pulldown/low row setup and multigrip pullup bar included with what was shown. I'd literally be the perfect customer for this product. Love the price, the features, and the 1:1 pulley system is best imo. I'd be cool to see REP and Titan compete in this junction between price range, feature set, and component quality.

[@SuperBizalz]

FINALLY!! 😂😂😂 3:01 - 3:11 - YES!!!! You GOT IT RIGHT!!! NOYCE!!!! Coop!! That’s awesome!! Thank you!! 🙏 🏆

[@jasonm.9776]

Can you please review the jacked up fitness racks. Especially the lat extension add on. Allows the functional trainer part of it to be higher for a true lat pulldown.

[@biscotto]

$2249 is mid range? Ive never felt so poor.

[@SeanFarrell1]

I do not understand what Coop is saying about the wide crossovers. He is saying he likes the width of this rack, but studies show more of a stretch is better... but having a really wide rack might not be as good? How does that make any sense?

[@john_lipp]

When are you gonna review the bolt warlord?

[@TheEguzman69395]

You've reviewed griffins GR3 in the past. They're come out with more products. It would be great to review some of them! Mainly the articulating lever arms!

[@pawow9292]

Can you do a review on vesta fitness 2in1 smith machine or 3in1 smith machine next please?

[@Tchristx]

Their customer service is amazing.

[@PeterKeller247]

[@texasfinest34]

How does this compare to vesta 2&1

[@Rdenieuwe91]

I think I found my upgrade for my old Rep PR1100. I have weight tree and the lat low row and just want more! And this would cover that and then some for me!

[@ty2fly23]

Coop’s mustache is looking real Dr. Robotnic.😂

[@misterringer]

this looks awesome. Do you know off hand how much weight you can add to the stack with pins? Edit - maybe you could use the straight pull up bar with a couple of lynch pins and a bar pad to create a makeshift center lat pulldown leg pad. I assume the handle bars made for center use would work fine.

[@PeterKeller247]

How much weight do you want to add?

[@misterringer]

@@PeterKeller247 50ish for seated rows to start. More as I continued to build up. Lat pulldowns are already at my working weight.

[@PeterKeller247]

@@misterringer nice! We will have a pin soon to add more weight

[@misterringer]

@@PeterKeller247 sounds good. Looks like a killer rack for the price.

[@PeterKeller247]

@@misterringer I would buy it. 🥴

[@edwardmeyer7178]

Nobody comes close to Rep for ordering variety. You can literally "Piece Order" your rack and accoutrements the color and size you like. (Limited variation in size and color of course) but still the absolute INDUSTRY LEADER...

[@alexislandry4827]

Is there a huge difference between single and dual stack for muscle growth while using both handles at the same time?

[@ukn0wjack]

Will you review SAVAGE SERIES FUNCTIONAL TRAINER POWER RACK COMBO? It seems like a good deal when they are running specials! I’m curious what you would think of it

[@locsmiths]

Would that low row foot plate fit on the foot of a PR-5000 Athena setup? if so, that would be a reason for me to go Athena for the better build quality. If not, the Dane is way more versatile for the price and quality difference.

[@chrisbesu817]

They need to teach REP how to make a usable shelf with the Athena. The engineer at REP completely failed at this. Will the shelves fit the REP pr5000?

[@Metoo2025]

I got mine last week and the selector rod hits the 20lbs weight when I have only 10lbs selected. Is there a fix for that. I mentioned it in my review on the website, but it was never posted.

[@joeoil2470]

If my main exercises are Squats, Benches, Incline Benches and Overhead Presses, where do u do them on these racks, on the outside?

[@PeterKeller247]

Yes. We include free spotter arms

[@amcinc.657]

What kind of jump box is it that Coop was sitting on? I like the protected edges.

[@nickmaag8423]

Does Rep accessories fit this??

[@allenblack2049]

please do a review on the mayhem chrome plates. i’ve been eyeing them for a while but there’s no in depth reviews on them. mainly concerned with the durability of the chrome and if it’s going to chip the first year of use

[@LouisaKellner-ti1ez]

I have the Vesta fitness rack with the Smith machine, bought it last November. It’s solid, but the pulleys aren’t as smooth as the REP machine that I tried out (I couldn’t test Vesta). I had an issue with my pulley upon installation and was put in touch with an installer from Vesta fitness via FaceTime, which impressed me. My spotter arms arrived pretty scratched up as the Smith hook wasn’t packaged correctly. I was told they would send a new pair to me, and they never did.

[@Summershine24]

Hi Louisa, this is Chelsea from Vesta. Sorry we missed this.. reach out to you shortly about the spotter arms!

[@Banana69999]

Did they make it right?

[@Banana69999]

Can you review the vesta pro series, it’s similar to this also but with no wait time. Same 11 gauge, functional and lifetime warranty

[@t-dog5538]

Would love to see a company come out with an all in one functional trainer with 3x3 uprights having 5/8 and/or 1" hole option, Smith Machine included and also a dual weight stack at least 200lbs . Keep the functional trainer at 2:1 ratio and have a center lat pull down and low row at 1:1, be priceless in my opinion. Force USA C10 real close , I do like their option to turn out the functional trainer pulleys for a wider cross over , but the internal with is pretty narrow. The Rep 2.0 is on point if it just had a smith machine.

[@raven-19x]

Check out the Maxum SX2.

[@myounguf1]

I am hoping ATX indeed comes over to the US. ATX ® Hardcore Power Rack & Pull Station FCR-780

[@ChiefDLK]

Excellent bang for the buck on this rack.

[@PeterKeller247]

Hell yeah

[@cameronman1329]

Really wish there would be one of these functional racks in a shorter height. My ceiling height is 2.03m so nothing fits. Luckily I have a rack shorter than that and have a makeshift cable pulley but would love an all in one, especially if they included a smith machine too.

[@Hichris808]

Ares 2.0 or Dane?

[@PaulSmith-ey7jj]

Review the Major F35 folding rack!

[@matthewgoodall819]

Have you seen the 3 in 1 adjustable dumbbell, barbell and kettlebell. It’s good for someone on a budget

[@matthewgoodall819]

Love to hear what you think :)

[@mach5jeep]

It looks like that Vesta pin would hit the shelf after you load plates on the inside of the stack. Well the plates would hit at least

[@gatoenfuego8734]

Another fellow Dane middle namer here. Just bought the Vesta version of this, it's still in the crate while we get our garage gym ready for it. Kind of wish I had held off and got this one instead, the 1:1 is pretty nice, wonder if there is a way I could convert the Vesta to 1:1 since these are pretty much the same product?

[@tajinpeeps1934]

See if you could return it and get this one instead. Not sure if converting it to a 1:1 is possible for that rack.

[@PeterKeller247]

They have a number of differences in the details. And it is technically possible to convert the Vesta to 1:1 but it would be a massive PITA. I do not recommend

[@joemurray1664]

Fringe did a good job with this one.

[@PeterKeller247]

Hell yeah

[@FaceIntoKeyboard]

I'm just about to move into a condo and this looks like an amazing setup for a smaller footprint.

[@sethlevy6269]

Just bought one on Labor Day sale at 25% off. I have to wait until December to get it but that price seems like a steal.

[@randyforguson7057]

Same 3,100$ for the Dane, pull down seat, multi grip pull-up, bumper plate holder, peg board, wonder bar, and 260lb savage plates. Free delivery. Wild. But yeah December delivery. Thanks Coop, I sent an email making sure you get credit for the purchase👌🏼

[@bradr637]

Jacked up fitness plate loaded all in one please!

[@cozmodog]

Please review a Tytax T1-X. It's the one offering that is very different from all the others.

[@RandomJoe-bi8op]

Would love to see a review of the Talon!

[@NoFate247]

Basement Gym Owners crying right now....

[@Dr_No_PhD]

That’s where I’m at. I need max height of 85” or less

[@Hairy_Rhodan]

Really love it. But can´t find a seller in Germany : /

[@QKVCS]

FS IS AWESOME

[@darrellrussell7259]

When are you going to review the Talon?

[@fatboitino2]

Everyone's snapping with these functional training racks. Wish they'd have one with the 1:1 lat pull-down in the back as well. These racks were a novelty-now, the modern customer will be inundated

[@markmarquardt3989]

I wish more companies would implement a roller trolley for their pulley systems!!!! Coop! What do you think? Should this be more common?

[@raven-19x]

Rep is the only one that doesn't as far as I'm aware.

[@bowtguy4929]

Coop got the Tom Selleck starter kit going on with the mustache good review

[@SotirisTokkas-oi9wq]

do you have any options that ship to Europe and Cyprus?

[@ant_life_4ever]

The price has my attention!! It fits well in my middle class family income… 😂

[@miltonrutherford6596]

Why don’t they just offer a cable extender that is just to loops one that connects via a carabiner then add an attachment? Sell them in a few different lengths.

[@authentichealthcoach4142]

All the reviews of functional trainers are demonstrating linear cable movements. So yea that works as a 1:1 cable ratio and begs the question do you need a functional trainer if everything you are using it for is linear training. A true functional trainer with a 3:1 allows for multiplanar, multidirectional movement while staying smooth throughout the motion. If you want a functional trainer for with a FREEMOTION Dual Cable Cross. So to your point coop, maybe it should be called a Rack with Cable System.

[@eddyyymachete]

How do the stacks compare to the Rep FT5000?

[@ShawntreezyBreezy]

Love how coop always speaks the obvious

[@theunknownsamurai7426]

When will you review the BoS All in one Trainer?

[@coachpaul-vedicfitness]

Do the Watson with Smith machine coop ! Looks like a great one

[@chocopong98]

Dang that was fast they just released this.

[@ericlancaster2889]

Likely timed release with reviewers

[@PeterKeller247]

@@ericlancaster2889 We sent a few out for review and told the reviewers when the product would drop. We did not tell them what to do, just what timing they might WANT to hit ;)

[@erictabor8534]

Would love a review of the Rep Arcadia Max!

[@jckclt]

If this had a smith machine option I would buy it right now.

[@andreadalex8893]

The price Will double or triplicate probably! But there Is Force USA great!

[@anthonyneoman5862]

This or a used clear coat rep ares/pr5000 with accessories ($3500)?

[@Ezratal]

He spent some time discussing how the 1:1 ratio for the weight here is great, the best idea, etc., and then when he mentioned what he liked about the Ares he listed the 2:1 ratio....