Early in 2024, REP Fitness released a new functional trainer featuring tons of bells and whistles. From our hands-on experience, we think the REP Arcadia may be the best functional trainer for compact spaces to date.
In this REP Arcadia review, I’ll give you insights into our experience with the machine and link to a full video review so you can get an even better understanding of this excellent functional trainer. With tons of functionality, butter-smooth pulleys, and a footprint suitable for most spaces, it’s worth reading on to see if this is your next home gym equipment purchase.
Over a Dozen Functional Trainers Tested
During the testing process, the REP Arcadia was tested at different cable positions, range of motion, and a variety of different weights. Coop Mitchell, OG product tester and founder of Garage Gym Reviews, made sure to test the REP Arcadia on chest flyes, pull-downs, pull-ups, pull-throughs, and tons of shoulder exercises.
Coop not only tested popular cable movements, he also scored a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5 using our in-depth fitness equipment testing methodology. Some of our testing categories include:
- Construction and durability
- Versatility
- Weight limit
- Footprint
- Value
REP Arcadia
REP Arcadia Functional Trainer
Product Highlights
- Compact functional trainer
- Dual 170-lb weight stacks
- 2:1 ratio
- 81″ cable travel length
- 36 height options
- Lifetime frame warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact design
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Affordable price tag
- Smooth cables
- High-quality components
Cons
- Short usable width between uprights
- Length assembly process
Bottom Line
The REP Arcadia is the brand's first in-house-designed functional trainer. It may have a compact design, but it offers high-end features and a butter-smooth pulley system.
A Quick Look at the REP Arcadia Functional Trainer
In our REP FT-5000 2.0 functional trainer review, Coop has a few callouts and suggestions for REP, which are clearly stated in Coop’s full video review. The truly incredible part about Coop calling out REP is that the brand actually used his feedback to create its first in-house-designed functional trainer.
Notable features in this 2024 release include the super-smooth trolleys (as seen on the REP Ares and Athena rack builder attachments), knurled D-handles, 10-pound increment weight stacks, and a multi-grip pull-up bar.
RELATED: REP Fitness Athena Rack Review
Before You Buy
- REP doesn’t charge for shipping, which is a huge perk on such a sizable machine.
- The standard weight stack is 170 pounds per side, but there is an option to upgrade to 220 pounds per side.
- The pulley ratio is 2:1, which means the effective weight (or weight you actually feel) is about half the weight you choose on the stack.
- You can use long-loop resistance bands for added effective resistance using the built-in band pegs.
REP Arcadia Video Review
Is the REP Arcadia Worth It?
The best functional trainers on the market are typically priced over $2,000 (like the Rogue Fitness FT-1 Functional Trainer) with some budget outliers falling below (like the Bells of Steel functional trainer). The REP Arcadia comes in right at $2,000, but our experience leads us to believe it’s well worth the price.
We know that $2,000 is nothing to sneeze at—it’s a solid chunk of change. Our team shares the mindset that purchasing the highest quality piece of equipment you can afford is the best possible bet for longevity and your satisfaction. And there are a lot of high-quality and well-built features on this functional trainer.
Great for:
- Small home gyms
- Pull-ups
- Using resistance bands for more challenge
Not recommended for:
- Folks who prefer plate-loaded machines
- An ultra-budget purchase
- Taking the place of a power rack
REP Arcadia Functional Trainer Specs
| Price | $1,999 |
| Footprint | 35.8” L x 55.3” W x 80.8″ H (or 78″ H with multi-grip bar inverted) |
| Dual stack | Yes |
| Weight stack weight | 170 lbs per side |
| Pulley ratio | 2:1 |
| Effective resistance | 85 lbs per side |
| Cable travel length | 81” |
| Number of height options | 32 |
| Accessories | Built-in storage, multi-grip pull-up bar, band pegs |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 1-year parts |
Workout Experience With the REP Arcadia
We think this compact functional trainer deserves a round of applause. It’s super smooth and easy to use (and we don’t hate the fact it’s nice to look at). It’s so smooth Coop says, “This feels like a big bucket of I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter.”
Coop tested the cables by performing chest flyes, seated lat pulldowns, single arms rows, and shoulder raises. He also used the multi-grip pull-up bar for, you guessed it, pull-ups.
The one thing Coop notes as a downfall to the compact functional trainer design is not having a ton of room between the uprights for chest flyes or cable crossover curls.
Some notable features not typically seen on functional trainers include the sleek metallic powder coat finish, equalizer cutouts, laser cut logo, over-size pop-pins, and knurled trolley handles.
Footprint and Portability
Don’t expect portability with the REP Arcadia functional trainer. This is the type of machine that gets built and stays in one place. Even so, it’s not as large as other functional trainers we’ve tested. It measures 35 inches deep, 55 inches wide (in the front), and about 80 inches tall. The multi-grip bar can be inverted during the installation, which takes the height down to 78 inches.
While it’s not stated on the website, Coop made sure to measure the distance (42 inches) between the uprights to gauge how much space you’ll have for exercises like cable crossovers. “While the usable width is smaller than REP’s full-size functional trainer, the height is comparable,” says Coop, comparing the Arcadia to the REP FT-5000.
Durability and Construction
The REP Arcadia functional trainer is well-designed and thoughtfully engineered. Overall, Coop gives this cable machine a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for durability and construction.
We’ll dive into our experience with assembling the Arcadia a bit later, but what you need to know now is that the uprights are welded and basically pre-assembled, which makes for a super solid build. You’ll use the pull-up bar and pegboard to bolt together each upright.
Plus, the uprights are constructed from high-quality stainless steel featuring 32 cable positions and laser cut numbers. “The finishes on the Arcadia are nicer than most functional trainers at this price point,” says Coop.
Not only does it have nice finishes, it functions as good as it looks. REP Fitness reengineered the trolley system from the REP Ares rack and made a smaller version to fit the Arcadia. “This is actually engineered and designed, it’s not an off-the-shelf component from overseas,” says Coop.
RELATED: REP Ares Cable Attachment Review
The aluminum pulleys also make for a smooth and enjoyable experience compared to nylon pulleys. “Essentially you don’t want to think about the movement of the machine, you just want to think about the exercise. This is exactly that: One of the smoothest functional trainers I’ve ever used,” says Coop.
Another high-quality component is the brass bushings. Coop explains that bearings (aka brass bushings) have a major influence on the feel of the cables—just as much if not more than the pulley material.
RELATED: DIY Pulley System
Coop explains the trolleys have oversized pop-pins with heavy springs for a rather “tactile feeling.” Plus, he appreciates the knurled handle on the trolley for a unique aesthetic nodding to classic home gym equipment: barbells and dumbbells.
You may also like knowing both trolleys rotate side to side enabling you to use the cables at an angle to yourself away from the machine (or even have another person using the opposite stack at the same time).
Adjustments and Customization
When it comes to adjustments and customizations Coop gives the Arcadia functional trainer a 5-star rating. With this machine you’re going to have 32 different cable positions to choose from on the uprights (all of which feature laser-cut numbers). The REP Arcadia also comes standard with dual 170-pound weight stacks with a 2:1 ratio. For about $320 you can upgrade to dual 220-pound weight stacks.
Keep in mind with a 2:1 ratio, you actually feel and lift about half of the selected weight, which is commonly called effective weight or felt weight. This means if you put the pins at the bottom of the stack for the full 170 pounds, you’re actually going to feel 85 pounds. And for the upgraded stack, the maximum effective weight per stack is 110 pounds. Coop says both with and without the upgraded stack, both options are pretty comparable to what you get at this $2,000 price range.
There’s also a 5-pound micro-weight adjustment with its own pop-pin that you can unlock and slide from the top of the rack to the bottom to add to the weight stack. Coop explains that this micro-weight auto-locks in place when you push it back to the top, which Coop mentions is the same technology REP used on the BlackWing adjustable bench.
RELATED: Blackwing Adjustable Bench Review
“It’s minor features like this most companies aren’t really thinking about,” says Coop. “REP is going all in on engineering the best designs—and it’s noticed”
Additionally, the multi-grip pull-up bar is similar to ones you see on a traditional squat rack, not on a cable machine. You’ll have a ton of variety for different grips or looping one of the best pull-up assistance bands through the top. You can also install the pull-up bar facing up for more height or inverted for a few fewer inches off the top (depending on ceiling height).
Speaking of bands, the Arcadia has band pegs. Band pegs are usually reserved for powerlifting and weightlifting equipment, but REP notes you have the potential to hit a maximum resistance of 540 pounds using the integrated band pegs on either the base or headplate.
Attachments
One of Coop’s suggestions to the REP FT-5000 was adding a pegboard for storage. And you know what? REP listened. The Arcadia has a pegboard for storage and comes standard with both 4- and 6-inch hooks that are totally modular so you can organize your attachments however you want.
While there are plenty of attachments available for purchase (like ankle straps and rope attachments) it comes with one pair of heavy-duty D-handles designed with a knurled handle. You can say goodbye to squishy foam handles, these are legit and will replace any dinky one you already own.
REP Arcadia vs REP FT-5000 2.0
REP Fitness FT-5000 2.0
REP FT-5000 Functional Trainer
Product Highlights
- Frame constructed with 11-guage steel
- Chip-resistant powder coating
- Dual 224-pound weight stacks
- Multi-grip pullup/chin-up options
- Ships partially assembled
- Lifetime frame warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multi-grip pullup/chin-up grip options
- Ships partially assembled
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Dual 224-lb weight stacks
Cons
- There have been some complaints of inconsistent craftsmanship
- Starting weight may be too heavy for some isolation exercises
Bottom Line
The REP FT-5000 is a great choice for anyone looking for a functional trainer in their home gym.
It’s a REP versus REP showdown, but in this case we know which one comes out on top: The REP Arcadia. While there are some similarities, it’s worth pointing out that the REP FT-5000 2.0 is a full size functional trainer. It’s still not a complete cable crossover like you might see in a commercial gym, but you’ll get more distance for chest flyes and rows than you will on the REP Arcadia.
However, the Arcadia offers superior bearings, pulleys, and trolleys, and more adjustments. And while it comes standard with less weight, you can upgrade for about $320 more and have nearly the same weight stack as the FT-5000.
| REP FT-5000 2.0 | REP Arcadia | |
| Price | $2,499 | $1,999 |
| Footprint | 36” L x 68” W x 85.5” H | 35.8” L x 55.3” W x 80.8″ H |
| Weight stacks | Dual 224-lb stacks | Dual 170-lb stacks (220 lbs with upgraded stack) |
| Weight ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Cable travel length | 86” | 81” |
| Number of height options | 21 | 36 |
| Minimum useable weight | 12.5 lbs per stack | 10 lbs per stack |
| Max useable weight | 112 lbs per stack | 85 per stack (110 lbs with upgraded stack) |
Customer Experience
When it comes to the customer experience and company policies, REP Fitness earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating. Our expert testers—including Coop—agree that REP has a pretty solid warranty, a standard return policy, and several options to pay (or finance) your purchase. Additionally, our team appreciates the fact REP has multiple ways to contact customer service and clearly outlines company hours to make sure you’re not spinning your wheels.
United States customer support can be reached by emailing info@repfitness.com, calling (or texting) 720-420-1731, or using the live chat function on the website. Customer service hours are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST for phones (or 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays) and until 4 p.m. MST for live chat.
Returns
If the REP Arcadia doesn’t tickle your fancy, you’ll have 30 days to contact REP Fitness to initiate the return process, which includes a shipping label and a return authorization document. You will be on the hook for return shipping fees and potentially a 15% restocking fee if you don’t return your equipment in the original packaging or are missing parts (like hardware).
Warranty
Functional trainers from REP Fitness are backed by a lifetime warranty on the frame and a one-year warranty on pop-pins, pulleys, bearings, and cables. It’s worth noting that the fine print on the lifetime warranty clause states that REP Fitness will warranty products from defects in material, functionality, and workmanship. Keep in mind it does explicitly state it will not cover normal wear and tear to the frame. The warranty also only applies to the original purchaser.
Financing options
At checkout when entering your contact information you can choose one of three express checkout options (ShopPay, PayPal, or Google Pay) or continue if you want to make a one-time payment with your credit card or sign up for financing options.
REP Fitness teams up with ShopPay and Affirm for payment plan options. ShopPay offers 3- or 12-month loan terms while Affirm offers 6-, 12-, or 18-month options. Both financing plans range from 0 to 36% APR.
Assembling the REP Arcadia
Ordering the REP Arcadia is a cinch on the REP Fitness website and shipping is free. As for receiving the REP Arcadia, be prepared for a pallet to arrive at your door via freight. The website discloses this, but it’s worth noting in advance.
Sam Presley, GGR operations manager says, “The REP website states you don’t have to be home in order to receive this shipment, but if you don’t want a pallet dropped on your curbside, plan to be home and ask the freight driver to help pull it up to your garage.”
Once the pallet arrives, you’ll be able to build it right in your garage. “However, if you don’t want this in your garage, you’ll need to load it into your house piece by piece,” says Sam.
He also notes there are two fully welded and “pre-assembled” sections of the functional trainer that you’ll set up and tighten with the pull up bar and the pegboard in the back. Even with two fully welded pieces of the machine ready to go, Sam says it took roughly 4 hours to assemble with two people.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing this review, there are 18 customer reviews on the REP Fitness website. Even with a limited number of reviews, the results are overwhelmingly positive. The two 4-star reviews (the lowest given so far) make mention of lengthy assembly and the distance between the uprights.
Final Verdict of Our REP Arcadia Review
The REP Arcadia is one of our favorite functional trainers to date. It has sleek finishes, plenty of usable weight, and durable moving parts and components. Plus, a lifetime frame warranty can help assure you that making a $2,000 investment is a solid choice for your home gym and your future gains.
We suggest considering the Arcadia functional trainer if:
- You’re in the market for a compact functional trainer
- Your home gym is too small for a full cable crossover machine
- You don’t want to pay upward of $5,000 for a cable machine PR
- You will benefit from a multi-grip pull-up bar and band pegs
Full Rating
REP Arcadia FUnctional Trainer
The REP Arcadia is the brand’s first in-house-designed functional trainer. It may have a compact design, but it offers high-end features and a butter-smooth pulley system.
Product Brand: REP Fitness
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1999.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
REP Arcadia Review: FAQs
What is the difference between REP FT-3000 and FT-5000?
The release of the REP Arcadia discontinued the FT-3000 functional trainer. For functional trainers, the brand now offers Arcadia and FT-5000. The main difference is the width between the uprights. While the REP FT-5000 offers more usable width, the Arcadia has superior components and features. From our hands-on testing experience, the Arcadia offers more functionality and durability.
Is a functional trainer better than weights?
When it comes to cables versus free weights one is not inherently better than the other. However, for hypertrophy (aka muscle building) cable workouts on a functional trainer can work just as effectively as free weights.
If you’re training for speed or sports, cable training might not be the most effective way to train the majority of exercises due to the effective resistance for both the concentric and eccentric portions of the lift. All that to say, keep in mind the best home gym equipment for you is the machine or free weights you enjoy using.
Is REP made in the USA?
Unless explicitly stated, REP Fitness products are imported and not made in the USA.
