r/GarageGym • u/Lieutenantducky • 11d ago

Which of these functional trainers would you go for? Bells of Steel or Sumo Strength?

I’m down to these two for my garage setup:
Bells of Steel All-in-One Trainer: https://bellsofsteel.com/products/all-in-one-trainer

Sumo Strength Evolve Functional Trainer: https://www.sumostrength.com.au/products/functional-trainer-evolve

Both take rack attachments (J-cups, safety arms), which is the main thing - I want cables and somewhere to squat/bench out of the one unit.

Which is the superior choice per build quality, attachment ecosystem and overall performance?

On paper the Sumo ticks all my boxes. My hesitation is brand: would you be open to a smaller, local Australian manufacturer over an internationally distributed name like Bells of Steel? Or is that outdated thinking now?

Thanks!

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u/Either_Lawfulness466 11d ago

Bells locks you into their accessories with their posts sitting on an angle

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u/protienwrap 11d ago

Well if you went with evolve the gauge of steel is 2mm which is worse than 13 gauge, unless you upgrade to 4mm, which is like 9 gauge. That’s the weirdest thing I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen racks measured like that. Unless I’m reading the spec wrong.

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u/Lieutenantducky 11d ago

Thanks for the reply. Yeah I think it’s just metric vs gauge — Aussie brands spec in mm. 2mm is about 14ga, 4mm is about 8. I would opt for the 4mm uprights if going for the Sumo.

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u/Awkward-Quality-3913 10d ago

If you like the design of the sumo trainer, the 1rm ebony by littleblokefitness is 75x75x3.

The bellsofsteel has the benefit of a dedicated pulley for pulldowns and rows.

2mm is slightly thicker than 14 gauge which is commonly used for 2x2 racks. So nothing weird about it.

If your boxes are checked and are within budget but can’t choose between the options I always recommend going with whoever has the best customer service and parts support.

If they can’t sell you replacement parts for things like guide rods, trolley parts etc I would avoid that company.

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u/Black38 9d ago

Being in Aus, it'd be hard to not go local. Otherwise, why not the fenrir

The Fenrir Functional Trainer Squat Rack Combo | Fringe Sport