Multi-Functional Trainer or the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer: which should I buy?

For some time now, the Multi-Functional Trainer (MFT) has been our most popular rack system by a country mile. It’s easy to see why; in one piece of kit you get a heavy-duty squat rack, a smith machine and dual cable pulleys, not to mention a host of other attachments and smart little features we’ve added. It felt right, then, to take what made the original Multi-Functional Trainer such a hit and expand on it.

Let us introduce you to the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer, the older sibling of the MFT with plenty of new bells and whistles to shout about. Here’s our Head of Product Chris talking about the machine while he was visiting our factory in China. Have a listen, learn about the key features and then read on for a comparison against our existing Multi-Functional Trainer.

Here’s everything you need to know to help you decide which of these powerhouse offerings is right for you.

Size

More features in the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer means it takes up a larger footprint. The Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer runs deeper than the original version in order to house its additional weight stack at the rear.

Frame & hole spacing

The frame and hole spacing in the front uprights is identical in both functional trainers. This is good news as it means our existing Multi-Functional Trainer attachments are compatible with both models, so you’ll have no issue adding jammer arms, a dip handle or our leg press attachment to your workouts. The front frame on both racks is made from 50 x 50 x 2mm stainless steel for a solid build quality. Where the racks differ is in the rear upright in the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer. We constructed this from 75 x 75 x 3mm powder-coated steel for an even sturdier build when you’re using the new lat pulldown seat or any other exercise that tap into the 130kg weight stack at the back of the rack.

Cables & weight stacks

There are some differences in the cables and weight stacks between our functional trainers that you should be aware of. In the original Multi-Functional Trainer, we used 2 x 72kg weight stacks at the rear of the rack set at a 1:1 ratio, meaning you could feel up to 72kg on the handle. This did make it tricky to progress on some isolation exercises though, so we released an increment weight plate that lets you move up in 2.5kg jumps instead of 4.5kg.

In the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer, we have three weight stacks. Two of them are now positioned on the side behind branded weight shields, with an entirely new weight stack added at the back. The two side weight stacks clock in at 90kg and are set on a 2:1 ratio. This means you can feel a max resistance of 45kg on the handles. The rear weight stack weighs in at 130kg and is set on a 1:1 ratio. This means you’ll have 130kg of resistance at the handle when accessing the entire stack. This is a significant amount of weight that’s perfect for lat pulldowns, low rows and other heavy lifts and complements our lighter side pulleys perfectly.

Attachments & add-ons

Both racks come with the same base attachments such as your J-Hooks, spotter arms, landmine attachment and D-handles. There’s only two changes to be aware of here.

The first is that the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer comes with a new lat pulldown seat that can attach onto the rack’s rear upright to access the 130kg stack. The second is that we’ve made a slight change to the row footplate that’s placed on the base of the left upright. While this was previously static and could be a trip hazard when you were training, we’ve now made it collapsible so you can tuck it away during your workouts for added safety.

What our team says

Both functional trainers are a smashing addition to any home gym. Our team knows their stuff when it comes to gym equipment, so here’s what a few of them said about the Multi-Functional Trainer and its Advanced cousin.

Chris Billingham, CEO and Head of Product: “This rack really came about from listening to our customers. When people come into our showroom and see the Multi-Functional Trainer alongside the Phase 4 Rack, our commercial-grade option, they’re often interested in the Phase 4 only to learn that it’s out of their budget. We wanted a product that could bridge the gap between our standard MFT and the Phase 4 system and I think we’ve hit the nail on the head with this. We couldn’t make it as space-efficient as the Phase 4, but we’ve managed to add in the 1:1 and 2:1 cable stacks which open the door to so much versatility while keeping the rack at a sensible price.”

Sharna Halai, Customer Service Manager: “The Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer is a great upgrade from our standard Multi-Functional Trainer. With the addition of the 130kg weight stack on a 1:1 ratio, you will never outgrow this rack. With the additional depth provided you will have no issues utilising a bench inside the rack or training with the optional leg plate attachment. I anticipate customers opting for our standard Multi-Functional Trainer solely when space and budget constraints come into play.”

Cam Brierley, Marketing Executive: “The way I see it, the Advanced Multi-Functional Trainer is a no-brainer if you have the space and budget for it. The new rear weight stack is a wicked addition and you still have the smith machine and barbell functionality available to you. The only case I could see where someone might be better served by the standard functional trainer (budget and price aside) is if they need the 1:1 dual cable stacks. Since the side pulleys on our Advanced trainer max out at 45kg of resistance, it’s worth considering if you’d reach a point where you’ve outgrown that weight.”

Still unsure?

Get in touch with our team who can match the perfect rack system for you based on your requirements, available space and budget.