Less than a year after releasing its first iteration of a half-rack functional trainer, Fringe Sport released The Dane 2.0, an upgrade from the original with longer cable length, more compact weight stacks, aesthetic improvements, and optional stainless steel uprights for smooth trolley travel.
When the first Dane came out, GGR founder Coop Mitchell loved the value proposition, as it was one of the best functional trainers at a low price, separating itself from more budget-minded brands like Major Fitness and RitFit. So, how does the upgraded version stack up?
In our Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 review, we’ll take a deeper look at the machine and see if the improvements are worthwhile. Plus, we’ll determine if The Dane 2.0 still provides great value compared to the rest of the market.
Our Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Review, Summarized
The Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 is a highly versatile half rack and functional trainer combo built with quality in mind, all while sticking to a mid-range price point. With aluminum pulleys and 11-gauge steel construction, it uses top-notch materials at half the cost of many competitors. The updates from the original Dane 1.0 are minor, and the price has been increased slightly, but this remains a great trainer that still provides solid value.
How We Test Functional Trainers
Functional trainer and half rack combos are made to handle some heavy weights, so we ensure that these profiles perform as such when we test and score for construction and durability. We’ll take a look at the materials used, as well as how the trainer holds up during use.
We favor heavy-duty, 11-gauge steel uprights, aluminum pulleys, and coated cables to earn a top score in durability, but functional trainers that use some plastic and nylon pulleys will get a 3 out of 5.
It’s always important to check if a piece of fitness equipment will fit in your garage gym’s space. Traditionally, most functional trainers are larger machines with a 39-inch length and 53-inch width, on average. Height is an important aspect as well, so a functional trainer gets a 3 out of 5 if the height can accommodate most home gyms, and—if needed—it can be moved by a couple people. Higher points go to foldable trainers, or ones with versatile storage systems to help get the most out of the used space.
Accessories and attachments are a necessity with functional trainers and cable machines, so we take a look at both the amount of attachments available for a functional trainer as well as the quality of said accessories. Higher scores go to brands that have accessories included, but having them as an additional purchase can score well, too—so long as the price is fair. Essentially, the more attachments available, the higher a score in this category.
We take each of these pieces of strength equipment through extensive hands-on testing and score them on particular features according to our functional trainer testing methodology.
Our proprietary testing guidelines give us clear instructions for thoroughly testing each functional trainer in many important categories, including versatility, stability, value, and more.
The team of testers at Garage Gym Reviews includes certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, competitive athletes, lifting coaches, and home gym enthusiasts. We’ve tested more than 30 functional trainers and cable machines across top brands like Rogue, REP Fitness, ForceUSA, Major Fitness, and many others.
We’ve helped more than 107,000 customers find their ideal piece of strength equipment over the last year, and continue to test the latest and greatest to help our readers stay informed on the best home gym equipment out now.
The Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 is a functional trainer with a built-in half rack that uses 3″ x 3″ and 11-gauge steel. It’s versatile, durable, and compatible with plenty of third-party accessories.
What to Know Before You Buy
- The Dane 2.0 is available with upgradeable stainless steel front uprights for an extra $200, which can make for smoother trolley adjustments.
- This functional trainer rack includes five attachments: D-handles, J-cups, spotter arms, extension feet, and a landmine attachment. Extra attachments are available—including plate and dumbbell storage—but for an additional fee.
- The frame of the Dane 2.0 has a lifetime warranty from Fringe Sport, but the pulley system is only covered for five years. Nevertheless, this is a solid warranty, and many customers (including Coop) say Fringe Sport has some of the best customer service in the industry.
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Video Review
Is the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Worth It?
Functional trainers can serve as excellent home gym essentials given their ability to provide a full-body workout across a single machine. A study from 20211 suggests that a total-body workout routine is best for optimizing strength gains, meaning a cable machine can help you get the most out of your exercise.
The original Dane functional trainer was a great value, ideal for budget-conscious people looking for an affordable yet effective piece of training gear. Sure, there are functional trainer rack combos that are cheaper, but few combo machines are built with this quality of material at so low of a price point.
While still similar, The Dane 2.0 has an upgraded cost: $2,799 for the standard trainer, or $2,999 for the unit with stainless steel front uprights. Nevertheless, it’s still well under most premium functional trainer rack combos and remains a great mid-range item for the person whose budget can handle the price point. Here’s who may be best suited for adding the Dane 2.0 to their home gym setup, plus some groups who may want to consider another option.
Still believe the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 is the functional fit for your training space? Let’s continue with some key specs and testing anecdotes related to this functional trainer.
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $2,799 |
| Footprint | 60” L x 47” W x 92” H |
| Materials | 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel with a powder-coat finish |
| Weight Stack or Plate-Loaded | Dual weight stacks |
| Weight Stack Weight | 160 lbs each |
| Pulley Ratio | 1:1 |
| Cable Travel Length | 5.8’ |
| Number of Height Options | 33 |
| Accessories | J-cups, spotter arms, D-handles, extension feet, landmine (other attachments available as add-ons) |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty (squat rack); 5 years (pulley system) |
Experience Using the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0
GGR founder and expert product tester Coop Mitchell has had plenty of experience with functional trainers, power racks, and cable machines since the site’s creation in 2014. He previously tested the Dane 1.0, and then spent numerous workouts examining the upgraded Dane 2.0. Along with using the half rack functionality, he tried out multiple cable exercises on this functional trainer, noting the cable length, available travel, and versatility of the machine.
The Dane 2.0 uses dual 160-pound weight stacks on the pulleys at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 50 pounds will feel like 50 pounds. A 2:1 ratio, on the other hand, will have half the felt weight, but more cable length. The lengthier cable can be beneficial for certain movements, such as cable crossovers far away from the machine.
The original Fringe Sport Dane had a 53-inch cable length, which is on the shorter side, in our opinion. The new Dane 2.0, in comparison, features thinner weight stacks, meaning that there’s more travel on these cables—nearly 70 inches. “If you want to do crossovers, cable travel is no longer an issue,” adds Coop. “It’s a beautiful thing.”
RELATED: Cable Arm Workouts
Another new feature is the optional stainless steel uprights (available at an additional cost of $200). “The trolley system is just OK, but with the stainless steel, it moves so fluidly and smoothly,” says Coop. The stainless steel can also help prevent scarring and scratching that you may get from trolleys moving up and down on a powder-coated upright.
With other minor refinements, Coop says the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 is a solid machine. Truth be told, though, he doesn’t feel that it’s a clear second generation of The Dane. “When I think of a true 2.0, I think of a complete reworking,” he explains. “This feels more iterative, like a version 1.2.”
He doesn’t like the added $300 for minor changes between the two versions, either. That said, compared to higher-priced machines like the REP Ares 2.0, the sub-$3,000 price is certainly worth considering.
The stainless steel helps with the trolley travel, but you’re not going to have to worry about scarring or marring on your rack, like chips in the powder coating. If you’re a home gym owner and this is going to be a forever rack, I would recommend upgrading to stainless steel.
Coop Mitchell, GGR founder and expert product tester
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Rating
Construction and Durability
The Dane 2.0 is built with solid components and materials, which is why it earns a 4.5 out of 5 for construction and durability.
For one, it uses heavy-duty 11-gauge steel for the rack. The tubing is 3-inch-by-3-inch steel and has 1-inch holes throughout, making it compatible with many other power rack attachments (not just Fringe Sport’s ecosystem). UHMW plastic is strategically placed on attachments and the trolleys, too, to prevent any metal-on-metal contact.
One differing factor from the original Dane functional trainer is the use of red aluminum pulleys…OK, the color isn’t the only difference, although the red highlights of the pulleys and attachment pins is a nice touch. Coop explains, “The pulleys also have a larger diameter from the original, which is more expensive because it requires more metal. That said, it also makes the pull smoother with better bearings.”
Footprint
Coop rates the footprint of the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 at 4 out of 5. It’s a fairly compact functional trainer with plenty of versatility, making its footprint highly functional while not taking up much more space than your average squat rack.
The trainer rack combo is 47 inches long and 60 inches wide, but the height of 92 inches might make it a bit too tall for some spaces with low ceilings. It’s also compatible with several storage option attachments (dumbbell shelf, bumper plate rack, and pegboard), but you’ll need to actually own some plates and weights to justify these add-ons.
Delivery and Setup
While we don’t see the assembly process as too problematic, The Dane 2.0 only gets a 3 out of 5 for its delivery and setup. This is a large build, after all, so be prepared for it to take a few hours, at least. We also recommend having a friend help out with setting up the machine given the weight and dimensions of some components.
The Dane 2.0 can be ordered directly from Fringe Sport, and the brand offers free shipping within the contiguous United States. One thing to note is that early on in the release of The Dane 2.0, quite a few customers complained of delivery wait times and delays. Since then, however, it appears there have been far fewer issues according to customer reviews; some customers even praise The Dane’s straightforward (albeit time-consuming) assembly.
Versatility
When looking at the versatility of functional trainers, we want to see how many exercises you can perform well on the machine, so we look at weight stacks, cable height options, and any other functionality.
In the case of The Dane 2.0, Coop rates the versatility at 5 out of 5. There are virtually endless possibilities with this profile, starting with the fact that it’s a functional trainer and half rack in one. The Dane 2.0 functional trainer is compatible with multiple attachments, too, and you even have the option of using non-branded accessories thanks to the 3-inch-by-3-inch uprights.
The 160-pound weight stacks at a 1:1 ratio allow for heavy lifts, so weight shouldn’t be an issue for most folks, either. Some lifters may find it a tad light for lat pulldowns or low rows, but otherwise, the weight stacks and cable length are versatile enough for regular cable machine workout demands. The cables are capable of supporting a dynamic weight of 750 pounds, so you can add weight pins to the stacks and go much heavier, if needed.
Another new yet convenient feature is that the Dane 2.0 has a lighter starting plate of 5 pounds (instead of the original’s 10-pound top plate). This can open the door for some lighter rehab or cable exercises for even more training potential.
Stability
The Dane 2.0 is sturdy, earning a 5 out of 5 for stability. In addition to a heavy-duty rack, The Dane 2.0 comes with extension feet to help provide balance across the frame. This way, when you’re racking your Olympic barbell with hundreds of pounds of weight, it won’t rock or topple forward.
The pulleys feel stable and smooth throughout, too. “This is an incredibly smooth cable system,” adds Coop. “There’s very little friction; you’re not going to get a lot smoother of a pull than this.” The 1:1 pulley ratio helps with this experience, as there’s less mechanics and cable travel going on. As such, there’s less of a chance for things to go wrong, or for your cable to stick along the track.
Accessories
Fringe Sport gets a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for the accessories available for the Dane 2.0. There are many attachments to peruse, but it doesn’t get a perfect score because many of them aren’t included with the standard bundle.
That said, accessories that come with Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 include J-cups, D-handles, spotter arms, extension feet, and a landmine attachment. You can also add on any of the following accessories to your order before checking out:
- Lat pulldown seat
- Honeycomb pegboard
- Low row foot plate
- Multi-grip pull-up bar
- Dumbbell storage shelf
- Bumper plate toaster storage
- Lat pull bar attachment
If you need a better reach for certain movements, you can also purchase a lat pulldown extender or Gibbon arms cable crossover attachments, though these may not be necessary (or desirable) for some athletes.
Value
The Dane 2.0 earns a 4 out of 5 for its value. The slight increase in price from the original Dane puts it very close to the average cost of functional trainers, which our research shows to be around $2,650. The standard Dane 2.0 is $2,799, so it’s slightly more expensive, but it also has the added versatility of a half rack and several attachments (optional and included).
It’s also made with high-quality materials, so it’s less expensive than other options with similar components. I wouldn’t call it “budget-friendly,” since it is approaching a $3,000 sticker price, but it certainly has high value when compared to the rest of the home gym machine landscape.
Customer Experience
Fringe Sport’s customer service gets plenty of praise from customers—Coop, included. “It’s a good rack and has good components, but if there’s a reason to get this rack, it’s that Fringe Sport will take care of you,” he says, rating the customer experience at 5 out of 5.
Based in Austin, Texas, the company is available for customer service inquiries Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm (CST). You can contact them via email, phone, or live chat.
The warranty package is solid on The Dane 2.0, as well, with a lifetime warranty on the rack and a five-year warranty on the pulley system. Financing is available through ShopPay, and the functional trainer is HSA- and FSA-eligible.
We also appreciate Fringe Sport’s solid return policy; lightly used items can be returned within 30 days, but unopened, unused products returned within the first 365 days can be eligible for a full refund.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, The Dane 2.0 is a certified hit amongst the home gym community with an average customer rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 85 online testimonials—76, of which, are 5-star reviews. Many customers are pleased with the functional trainer, loving the solid build of the machine and also stating that the assembly was fairly straightforward. Some people do note that the video instructions are more helpful than the paper instructions, though.
The lowest rating was a lone 3-star review from May of 2025 (three months after the release of the Dane 2.0). The customer complained that the vertical pin to a weight stack was slightly bent, and the other weight stack was tight, meaning lighter weights would stick on the rails. From my research, some shipping delays and issues occurred during the Dane 2.0’s initial release, but much of that seems to have been resolved; the customer review also has a response from Fringe Sport trying to rectify the issue, which shows the brand’s dedication to excellent service.
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Vs
To help demonstrate the mid-range price and features of The Dane 2.0, let’s compare it to both a budget functional trainer and rack combo as well as a higher-end combination unit—from Major Fitness and REP Fitness, respectively.
First, let’s look at a less expensive option: The Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym. This power rack has a plate-loaded cable system and includes many attachments at no additional charge: D-handles, J-hooks, spotter arms, low row foot plate, dip bars, and more. All of this comes in at under $1,000, but the steel used is 14-gauge, which leads to a lower weight capacity (700 pounds) than the Dane 2.0 (1,200 pounds).
You get higher-quality materials and attachments with Fringe Sport’s machine, but at about triple the price than the Major Fitness home gym.
On the other end of the spectrum is the REP Ares 2.0 Cable Attachment, which can be attached to both the PR-4000 and PR-5000 power racks from the same brand. Using similar 11-gauge steel and quality aluminum pulleys, the REP Ares weight stacks are set in the back instead of at the sides to allow for use inside the power rack silhouette. Additionally, the Ares 2.0 uses a 2:1 cable ratio, but the two weight stacks can be combined in the center of the rack for heavier lat pulldowns.
RELATED: REP PR-4000 Vs REP PR-5000 Power Rack
The REP Ares 2.0 has a bit more refinement and can be customized between the rack and cable attachment, but the price for both the rack and cable system is significantly higher—anywhere between $500 and $3,000 more than the Dane 2.0, depending on your customizations. You can learn more in our REP Ares 2.0 review.
|
|
|
|
|
| Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 | REP Fitness Ares 2.0 | Major Fitness | |
|
Rating
|
|||
| Type | Functional trainer | Functional trainer & lat pulldown/low row | Power rack |
| Footprint | 47″ L x 60″ W x 92″ H | Adds 6” D x 5.2” W x 0.9” or 2.1” H to power rack dimensions | 55.5″ L x 68.9″ W x 82.5″ H |
| Resistance | 160 lbs per side | 260 lbs per side | Plate loaded (max 700 lbs on spotter arms) |
| Accessories | Low profile spotter arms, upgraded reverse sandwich j-cups, a pair of D-handles, a landmine attachment, and extensions feet | Lat pulldown bar, knurled D-handles | Dual pulley system, multi-grip pull-up bar, landmine attachment, band pegs |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty on the rack, 5-year warranty on the cable system | Lifetime | 1 year, 35-day money back |
Final Verdict of Our Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Review
Space is limited in your garage gym, so a machine that combines a functional trainer with a half rack can be a great addition without consuming your entire floor plan. The Dane 2.0 from Fringe Sport is a solidly built functional trainer and half rack made with quality materials that improves upon the first iteration with some minor upgrades.
Although Coop isn’t a fan of the increased price, he likes the build of the rack, along with the smooth trolley travel across the optional stainless steel uprights. Don’t let the elevated cost fool you, either. Maybe it’s not as big of a savings as before, but this trainer has solid quality at a lower price than other premium competitors.
- The stainless steel uprights are an additional $200 purchase, but Coop insists they’re worth the investment given the smooth travel and less of a chance of marring your uprights over time.
- The increased cable length from the original Dane 1.0 allows for more exercises, increasing the machine’s already impressive versatility.
- With a 1:1 pulley ratio, the dual 160-pound weight stacks can allow for significantly heavy loads for just about every movement.
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 Review: FAQs
What is the best functional trainer on the market?
With so many options available, the ideal functional trainer for your home gym can vary depending on your budget, floor space, and fitness goals or needs. That said, we find the best pick for most people is the REP Arcadia. Made with solid materials, this functional trainer also has a compact footprint, meaning it can fit in smaller spaces or even rooms with low ceilings. Serious lifters can also upgrade the dual weight stacks from 170 to 220 pounds.
How much does the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 cost?
The Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 is listed at $2,799 for the standard trainer, or $2,999 for the upgraded stainless steel front uprights.
What accessories are included in The Dane 2.0?
This functional trainer comes with J-cups, D-handles, spotter arms, a landmine attachment, and extension feet. You can order other rack attachments at an additional cost, including a pegboard, multi-grip pull-up bar, lat bar, low row foot plate, and a dumbbell storage shelf, among others.
References
- Bartolomei, S., Nigro, F., Malagoli Lanzoni, I., Masina, F., Di Michele, R., & Hoffman, J. R. (2021). A Comparison Between Total Body and Split Routine Resistance Training Programs in Trained Men. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 35(6), 1520–1526. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003573
