Cable machines are a staple in commercial gyms, but they’re becoming more and more accessible to home gym users. Gone are the days when the only equipment you’d find in a home gym was adjustable kettlebells and a barbell.
Those are great pieces of equipment, but sometimes you need to mix it up to stay engaged with your workouts. And there’s no better way to do so than by using cable attachments. Some manufacturers sell full sets of attachments, but those can be bulky and expensive. If you're working out at home, you likely have limited space and need to keep your footprint small. Most of us also need to consider a budget, so this list is all about the essentials.
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The Best Cable Attachments - Our Top Picks
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- Tricep Rope: REP Fitness Tricep Rope
- Lat Bar: Rogue Stainless Steel Lat Bar
- D-Handle: Rogue Single Handle Attachment
- V-Handle: Titan Grip Cable Machine Attachment
- Short Straight Bar: REP Fitness 20" Straight Bar
- Ankle Straps: Rogue Ankle Cuffs
- Curl Attachment: REP Fitness 20" Straight Bar
Tricep Rope - REP Fitness Tricep Rope
SPECS
- Features: Versatile, lightweight nylon, no-slip end caps
- Exercises: Tricep pushdowns, face pulls, hammer curls
Tricep ropes are one of my favorite cable attachments. Their versatility allows you to use them for a variety of different exercises, and they challenge your grip strength in ways other attachments don't.
The REP tricep rope balances simplicity and attention to detail. The universal cable attachment is compatible with a range of machines, the braided rope is lightweight, and the plastic end caps have been machine smoothed, so you’ll never slice your hand during an intense workout.
What We Like
- Very versatile
- Big bang for your buck at a low cost
- Grippy material and smooth end caps
What We Don't Like
- Tricep ropes wear easily without proper maintenance
- REP's tricep rope does not come with a carabiner
Lat Bar - Rogue Stainless Steel Lat Bar
SPECS
- Features: Top-quality stainless steel, great knurling
- Exercises: Lat pulldown variations
Lat pulldowns are one of the most popular exercises to develop your back muscles. You can shorten or widen your grip on the bar to target different areas of your back, or use an underhand grip to activate your biceps. Needless to say, a lat bar is a cable attachment worth your investment.
There are two things I love about all Rogue products: You can trust their quality, and they have some of the best knurling. Rogue's lat bar comes in two sizes, but I would recommend staying with the 40”. The knurling on this bar will help you keep your grip even if your hands get sweaty.
What We Like
- Excellent grip with knurl marks to help line up your hands
- Durable stainless steel
- Compatible with many other cable machine brands
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- The bar feels thin if you have medium to large hands
BUY: Rogue Stainless Steel Lat Bar
Single Hand Attachment - Rogue Single-Handle Attachment
SPECS
- Features: Knurled handle spins while the strap stays steady
- Exercises: Cable flies, curls, pull downs, tricep extensions, rows
You can work almost any upper body muscle with a single-handle cable attachment. Many manufacturers make a similar attachment called a D-handle, but the Rogue attachment is much more flexible. D-handles are usually made with steel, and the only part of the handle that moves with your hand is the knurled bar.
What We Like
- Flexible straps
- Spinning knurl
- Budget friendly
What We Don't Like
- Sold individually, not in pairs
- Some may not like the cerakote finish
BUY: Rogue Single Handle Attachment
V-Handle - Titan Grip Cable Machine Attachment
SPECS
- Features: Larger grip than standard, can be strapped to a pull up bar
- Exercises: Seated rows, close-grip pull ups, oblique rotations
A V-handle attachment is exactly what it sounds like. You've probably seen people using these attachments for seated rows if you've ever been to a commercial gym. Used properly, V-handles can boost your grip strength while working your middle back and arms.
I recommend the Titan Grip cable machine attachment for one main reason. The grip on this handle is significantly larger than the standard grip on most handles. Extra-large grips can make your hands and forearms burn and eliminate any strength imbalances in those areas.
What We Like
- Thicker than standard grips
- Comes with a strap to hook up to a pull-up bar
- Heavy-duty construction
What We Don't Like
- If you have small hands, the larger grips will give you trouble
- Some reviews say the carabiner is cheaply made
BUY: Titan Grip Cable Machine Attachment
Short Straight Bar - REP Fitness 20" Straight Bar
SPECS
- Features: Ergonomic grip, lightweight
- Exercises: Tricep push-downs, curls, lat pull-downs
This short straight bar has an ergonomic construction and a light knurl with marks for your hands, whereas some other 20” bars are knurled all the way across.
The REP 20” straight bar can be used for many of the same exercises as a lat bar, with the exception of wide-grip pulldowns. If you're trying to get the most use out of one attachment, this REP bar will serve you well.
What We Like
- You can work most major upper body muscles with this single attachment
- Ergonomic grip
- Shallow knurl that is marked for hand placement
What We Don't Like
- Made of hard chrome instead of stainless steel
- The bar is only 1" in diameter
BUY: REP Fitness 20" Straight Bar
Ankle Straps - Rogue Ankle Cuffs
SPECS
- Features: Multiple attachment points
- Exercises: Hamstring curls, kickbacks, hip abductions, lunges
Ankle straps are one of those attachments that people skip because they seem pretty niche. But the truth is, you can work a lot of your major muscle groups from the hips down with a good ankle strap.
The Rogue ankle strap is unique because it has four attachment points on the strap, while most competitors only have one. That means you can change the angle of the attachment rather than the angle of the cuff when switching exercises.
What We Like
- Four attachment points
- Webbed strap design for extra security
- Designed with input from a world-champion bodybuilder
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than some options
- Extra foam padding adds slightly more weight than other options
Curl Attachment - REP Fitness 20" Straight Bar
SPECS
- Features: Good grip, versatility
- Exercises: Curls
There are two different ways you can go when shopping for a curl attachment. There are the traditional EZ curl bars that you've probably seen, or there are short bars. EZ curl bars are effective, and they’re a great option if they're available.
However, it doesn't make sense to buy multiple pieces of equipment when one will do the job. That's why I believe the REP 20” straight bar is a better investment. The knurl marks on this bar work as hand placement for curls, and you'll get the pump you're looking for, trust me.
What We Like
- Ergonomic grip ensures proper form
- Can be used for other exercises if you're trying to superset
- Works your biceps just as well as EZ curl bars
What We Don't Like
- The knurl is pretty shallow
- Light for a straight bar, but heavier than some curl bars
BUY: REP Fitness 20" Straight Bar
What to Consider When Buying Cable Attachments
Types of Cable Attachments
There are a lot of different cable attachments out there. Some are more versatile than others, but almost all target a specific muscle group. For example, the tricep rope is made to work your triceps, but you can also use it for other exercises.
Make sure you're checking reviews to ensure an attachment has the versatility you're looking for.
Compatibility
Most cable attachments are universally compatible because almost any machine can hook up to a carabiner. However, some manufacturers make welds or design shapes that work best with their own equipment. You want to look for a simple attachment point, most likely a hole with enough room for a detachable carabiner.
Fitness Goals
Your fitness goals are probably the most important consideration when buying cable attachments. If you're into general fitness, you'll probably be able to get by with a few attachments or a basic set. If you're a bodybuilder, you'll need more specific attachments for targeted muscle workouts.
Regardless of your current fitness level, there is a cable attachment out there that will help you reach your goals.
FAQs About Cable Attachments
What attachment is best for cable rows?
For seated cable rows, it is hard to beat a V-handle attachment. Some, like the Titan Grip, come with a strap that allows you to use the V-handle with a barbell for bent-over rows.
Are cables good for building muscle?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Cable machines let you work your muscles from angles that would be impossible with free weights without risking serious injury.
Are cables better than weights?
Cables and free weights are different. It’s hard to say which is better, but one advantage of cables is that you can use multiple attachments on the same machine for a full-body workout. Plus, more angles are available to your muscles.
About the Author
Cory is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition coach. After spending six years as an educator and coach, Cory joined the ACTIVE team as a staff writer turning his passion for education toward helping ACTIVE readers live their best, healthiest lives.
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