Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Functional Trainers

Force USA FTR vs Fringe Sport Dane 2.0

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Force USA FTR and Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 score essentially the same (4.5 vs 4.5). Pick the one whose trade-offs match your priorities — the strengths and watch-outs below are where they actually differ.

Force USA FTR
Ranked #3 in Best Functional Trainers
Force USA FTR
4 sourcesall derived$3,399as of Oct 3

The Jungle Gym Reviews found that the Force USA FTR successfully merges a true 3x3 power rack with a dual-stack functional trainer, offering a space-efficient solution for home gyms. Reviewers praised the standard upright dimensions for enabling third-party accessory compatibility and highlighted the articulating arms as a standout feature for creative unilateral training. However, some noted that the unit's premium pricing excludes essential safety attachments like spotter arms from the box. This machine is best suited for serious lifters seeking an integrated centerpiece who are willing to invest in upgrades, rather than those looking for a budget-friendly entry-level setup.

Strengths
  • — Uses standard 3x3 uprights with 1-inch holes, allowing compatibility with third-party J-cups and spotter arms
  • — Features dual articulating arms that rotate up to 180 degrees and lock into five angle positions for dynamic movements
  • — Curved functional trainer profile allows the unit to fit tightly into corners while maintaining a narrow footprint
Watch-outs
  • — Does not include J-cups or spotter arms by default, requiring separate purchases for full rack functionality
  • — Standard dual weight stacks provide only 100 lbs of effective resistance due to the 2:1 cable ratio
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0
Ranked #2 in Best Functional Trainers
Fringe Sport Dane 2.0
4 sources2 derived$2,799as of Oct 3

The Jungle Gym Reviews identified the 1:1 cable ratio as the standout feature, delivering exact stack weight for heavy compound movements unlike standard 2:1 competitors. However, this design results in 10 lb increments that may feel too coarse for lighter isolation exercises or rehabilitation work requiring finer progression steps. The trolley rollers are criticized for feeling cheap compared to the robust commercial-grade build quality of the frame. Home Gym HQ warned that the machine’s 92-inch height requires at least an 8-foot ceiling, limiting placement in smaller rooms or basements. This rack fits lifters prioritizing heavy loading capacity and universal metric 3x3 compatibility, but those needing small weight increments or lower clearance should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — 1:1 cable ratio delivers the exact weight selected on the stack, unlike most competitors that use a 2:1 ratio.
  • — Dual 160 lb weight stacks provide sufficient resistance for heavy compound movements like lat pulldowns and rows.
  • — Commercial-grade build quality with 3x3, 11-gauge steel uprights and stainless steel options available.
Watch-outs
  • — Trolley rollers are criticized for feeling cheap compared to the rest of the build quality.
  • — 10 lb weight increments can be too large for lighter isolation exercises or users accustomed to 5 lb steps.
  • — 92-inch height requires at least an 8-foot ceiling, limiting placement in smaller rooms or basements.

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Force USA FTR

The Force USA FTR distinguishes itself with dual articulating arms that rotate up to 180 degrees, offering dynamic movement options not available on the static trolley systems of the Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 or REP Fitness Arcadia. However, its effective resistance is limited to 100 lbs per side due to a 2:1 pulley ratio, which is significantly less than the actual stack weight provided by the Titan Fitness Functional Trainer and Frige Sport Dane 2.0.

Fringe Sport Dane 2.0

The Fringe Sport Dane 2.0 features a 1:1 cable ratio that delivers the exact weight selected, avoiding the halved effective resistance found in the Force USA FTR and REP Fitness Arcadia. While it offers heavier actual stack weights than the Arcadia's dual 170 lb setup, its 10 lb increments are coarser than the five-pound micro-adder steps available on the REP model.

Specs side-by-side

SpecForce USA FTRFringe Sport Dane 2.0
Weight Stack200 lb (dual)Dual 160 lbs
Pulley Ratio2:11:1
DimensionsExterior: 49 in (W) x 43 in (D) x 87 in (H)47"W x 60"D x 92"H
Exercise Optionssquats, benching, and pulls—
Pulley Typepolished aluminum pulleys—
Frame Construction11-gauge steel—
Upright Size3x3 inch steel tubing—
Total Height87 inches—
Weight Capacity300 lbs—
Material11-gauge steel—
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