Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0 vs Athena®: Which Is Right for You?

If you’ve decided on a wall-mounted rack with cable machine functionality - great choice. The next step is choosing between two of REP’s most popular systems: the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0 or the Wall-Mounted Athena®.

Both combine the strength of a half rack with the versatility of a functional trainer, but each offers slightly different benefits depending on your space, training style, and budget.

Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know.

What Is the Wall-Mounted REP® ARES™ 2.0?

The ARES™ is REP’s flagship cable attachment, designed to transform your rack into a full functional trainer with dedicated lat pulldown and low row capability. It offers:

• Trolley handles for unilateral and bilateral exercises

• Linked cables for pulldowns and rows

• Smooth aluminium pulleys with 180° swivel

• Ergonomic low row positioning with an adjustable footplate

The ARES™ 2.0 is the upgraded version, offering:

• Expanded rack space for easier movement

• Improved cables and ergonomics

• Swivel functionality for both lat pulldown and low row

• A more streamlined training experience

The wall-mounted ARES™ 2.0 attaches directly to your wall, giving you the benefits of a rack, cable system, and storage in one compact footprint (depth around 29"). When installed correctly, it’s stable without needing front-foot extensions, making it ideal for UK garages, studios, or compact gyms.

Storage & Accessory Options

The wall-mounted ARES™ 2.0 can be expanded with:

• Winged plate storage for compact organisation

• Barbell holders and weight horns

• Pegboard storage for cable attachments

• Pull-up brackets with multiple grip options

• Compatible J-cups, cable attachments, and 5000 series accessories

What Is the Wall-Mounted Athena®?

The Athena® is REP’s side-mount functional trainer, designed to attach neatly to a rack while taking up minimal space. The wall-mounted version integrates this into a REP® 5000 Series wall-mount rack, combining:

• A half rack with cable functionality

• Smooth, one-handed adjustable trolleys with oversized pop-pins

• Dual pulleys or single-side options to suit your training style

Compact Footprint

At just 58" wide and 27" deep, the Athena® is one of REP’s most space-saving solutions - ideal for UK homes or PT studios where space is tight.

Weight Stacks & Features

• Each stack provides resistance at a 2:1 ratio, with optional upgrades for more weight

• Integrated band pegs allow you to boost resistance without additional plates

• Three pull-up bar options (standard, raw, or thick grip)

• Swivelling pulleys for versatile training angles

ARES™ 2.0 vs Athena®: Side-by-Side

Round 1: Lat Pulldown & Low Row

• ARES™ 2.0: Dedicated lat pulldown and low row with ergonomic footplate

• Athena®: No lat pulldown or seated row function

Winner: ARES™ 2.0

Round 2: Weight Capacity

• ARES™ 2.0: Dual weight stacks, linkable for heavier single-point resistance

• Athena®: Lower starting resistance, but includes band pegs for added challenge

Winner: ARES™ 2.0

Round 3: Space & Assembly

• ARES™ 2.0: Compact for what it offers, but more complex to assemble

• Athena®: Slimmer footprint and quicker installation

Winner: Athena®

Round 4: Workout Versatility

• ARES™ 2.0: Offers incline/flat pressing, lat pulldowns, rows, and higher weight capacity

• Athena®: Great for functional cable work but more limited in scope

Winner: ARES™ 2.0

Round 5: Storage Solutions

• ARES™ 2.0: Built-in plate storage, barbell holders, pegboards

• Athena®: More streamlined, fewer storage options

Winner: ARES™ 2.0

Round 6: Budget Considerations

• ARES™ 2.0: Premium option with more features

• Athena®: More budget-friendly wall-mounted solution

Winner: Athena®

Which Should You Choose?

• Choose the Wall-Mounted ARES™ 2.0 if you want maximum versatility, higher resistance, and the ability to train with dedicated lat pulldowns and rows.

• Choose the Wall-Mounted Athena® if space and budget are your top priorities, but you still want high-quality cable functionality integrated into your rack.

Both options give you a compact, UK-friendly solution for cable training without needing a separate standalone machine.

FAQs

1. Can I install these in a UK home or garage?
Yes. Both systems are designed to attach to wall studs and are suitable for garages, PT studios, and compact home gyms when installed correctly.

2. What’s the main difference between the ARES™ 2.0 and Athena®?
The ARES™ 2.0 offers lat pulldown and low row capability with greater weight capacity, while the Athena® is slimmer, simpler, and more budget-friendly.

3. Do I need a lot of space for these wall-mounted systems?
No. Both are compact compared to traditional 4- or 6-post racks. The Athena® has the smaller footprint, while the ARES™ 2.0 gives more training variety for slightly more depth.

4. Which is easier to assemble?
The Athena® is typically quicker and simpler to set up, while the ARES™ 2.0 may take longer due to its wider range of add-ons.

5. Which is better for UK PT studios?
If you’re training multiple clients and need variety, the ARES™ 2.0 is ideal. For solo or small-space PT setups, the Athena® delivers excellent value and compact design.