The Ares 2.0 is a great foundation for a versatile rack-based cable setup. I have mine on a 93-inch 6-post rack and use it four days a week. Operation is smooth, the system is versatile, and it gives you a lot of room to expand your setup over time. If you think you will want the weight stack upgrade, buy it up front. Adding it later is not hard, but taking apart the weight stack is tedious. The main downside is installation. The manual is not very helpful, and the REP install video is basically required. Cable twist is also something to watch for, even if you are careful. Be ready to re-run the cables if needed. It is not difficult, but it is annoying because you have to remove and reinstall the safeties. Aftermarket swivel shackles at the cable ends are worth considering to help reduce twist.

The REP resistance bands work great and are priced well. They helped me build up to doing pull-ups for the first time ever, so they have been genuinely useful in my gym. They also feel better than the cheap Amazon versions I have tried.

The REP sport bumper plates are great plates and I really like the colored letters on black look. When I am not using my vintage York bumpers, these are my go-to plates for deadlifts.

The REP change plates are well built, accurate, and fit the bar well. The metal insert is a nice feature because it lets them slide on and off the barbell smoothly. Simple product, but the quality is exactly what I want for regular use. Of course they seem expensive, but aren't all good change plates?

The REP strap safeties are well made, solid, and feel secure. Unfortunately, I cannot use them anymore with the Smith Machine installed, but that is more about my rack setup than the safeties themselves. I am looking forward to REP releasing additional safety options that work better with the Smith setup.

The PR-5000 is a solid rack with a lot of options and great value. I love the color customization, and I went with white uprights and matte black crossmembers for a stormtrooper look. The rack feels sturdy, well built, and flexible enough to grow with my gym. Adding the Smith Machine attachment opened up even more training options, including hip thrusts, calf raises, and controlled pressing movements, without making the setup feel compromised.

The Nighthawk is an amazing bench and probably my favorite bench in the gym. I bought it for the leg developer attachment, but now I am torn between leaving it hooked up full-time and using my AB-5200 2.0 as the daily driver, or moving this one around more. It feels more stable than the AB-5200 2.0, the feel is excellent, and the build quality is off the charts without feeling overbuilt like the BlackWing.

This cable kit is a must-have for the REP leg developer, in my opinion. The load curve is incredibly consistent, the movement is smooth, and I have never even used the weight horns on the leg developer. It is a bit expensive on top of the leg developer itself, but still a must-have for how I use it.