PR-5000 26" Crossmembers Conversion Kit - Ares 2.0

26” crossmember was engineered to enable the most compact 4-post rack configuration that integrates Ares™ 2.0 or Athena™ with a Smith machine.

No, they are not compatible with Ares™ 1.0.

No. The 26” crossmember is designed specifically for 4-post configurations that integrate a Smith machine and cable system. A 6-post configuration would require a new cable length that is not currently available.

Ares™ 2.0: We recommend both front and rear mini FFEs for optimal stability.

Athena™: Front Mini FFEs are recommended when free-standing.

Wall-Mounted or Bolted down: Not needed.

No. These 26” crossmembers are intended for 4-post half rack setups, so additional strap or flip-down safeties are not planned. For the Summit™ All-In-One Trainer’s, spotter arms are included.

No. A wall-mounted Athena is not currently available with the 26” crossmember.

No. The 26” crossmember is designed for vertical Smith machine use only.

It depends on your exact set-up, your bench and desired angle for incline pressing. For set-ups using the Athena™, the only limiting factor will be the wall, so if you need more room, you can pull your rack away from the wall. For the Ares™ 2.0, the limitation will be the footplate, which prevents the bench from going back further. You can always remove the footplate to get more depth. Based on our testing:

• Smaller benches like the Nighthawk™ typically allow incline up to 30 degrees for most users.
• Larger benches such as the BlackWing™ may feel tight at most incline angles.
• At steeper angles (above 45 degrees), flipping the bench around may improve positioning and enable incline pressing on all benches.

This is one of the tradeoffs of a compact footprint.

Yes. Both selectorized and plate-loaded Lat/Low Row attachments are compatible. The in-rack RBS will be required and sold separately.

Yes. Only the selectorized Athena™ configuration is available for Summit™ All-In-One Trainers.

Refer to the official Smith Machine configuration guide. The Smith bracket should be positioned over holes 3 and 4.

It can be installed either direction, but we recommend positioning the hooks toward the front of the rack to maximize usable space.

Yes. Elbow brackets are required to integrate in-rack storage with Athena™ setups.

When plates are loaded onto the Smith machine, ensure the cable trolley handles are positioned above or below the Smith’s working range to prevent interference.

Yes. This allows the handles to sit on the inside of the rack, reducing interference with Smith plates. This is possible on Athena™ only and not on Ares™ 2.0.

Conversion requires partial disassembly of the rack and cable system. The process is somewhat involved and requires careful reassembly.

There is not a separate conversion guide at this time. The process involves disassembling the cable system and reassembling using the original product’s assembly instructions.

The kit includes two pairs of 26” crossmembers (four total) and the required cables for either Ares™ 2.0 or dual-sided Athena™.