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When GGR founder Cooper “Coop” Mitchell reviewed the Torque Anker 3, he was impressed but had a few major callouts that kept him from giving it a full endorsement. Well, Torque has implemented many of Coop’s suggestions in the Anker 7, which is the next model in the Anker line of fitness equipment.
The best functional trainers allow you to train nearly any muscle group with cables and pulleys, offering a new way to mix up your training if you’re used to training with free weights like barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells. In this Torque Anker 7 review, I’ll explain all of the important features to help you decide if this is the right purchase for your garage gym.
Thoroughly Tested by GGR’s Founder
Each product we review at Garage Gym Reviews is carefully scored after hands-on experience from our team of testers, which includes gym owners, certified personal trainers, athletes, and equipment experts.
For this review, the Torque Anker 7 was carefully tested by GGR’s founder, Cooper “Coop” Mitchell, who broke down every detail in a full video review. Coop scored this functional trainer based on our equipment testing methodology, which looks at specific features of machines, including:
- Construction and Durability
- Ergonomics
- Pricing and Value
- Adjustability
Torque Anker 7 Functional Trainer
Torque Anker 7 Functional Trainer
Product Highlights
- Functional trainer machine
- Weight stacks range from 150 to 225 lbs
- 1:2 weight ratio
- Wall-mounted design
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile machine for full-body workouts
- Low-profile footprint
- Multiple pulley settings
- Very stable during use
- Free shipping
Cons
- Expensive price tag
- 1:2 pulley ratio
- Nylon pulleys
Bottom Line
The Torque Anker 7 is a functional trainer cable machine that's designed to be wall-mounted to save space and add stability. It features multiple pulley settings, an optional pull-up bar, and anchors for bands and battle ropes.
A Quick Look at the Torque Anker 7
Torque offers a wide range of equipment for commercial and home gyms, including power racks, functional trainers, barbells, dumbbells, bumper plates, weight benches, and more. When it comes to home or garage gyms, some of their best-sellers include the F9 Fold-Away Functional Trainer and the Anker 3 Functional Trainer, which we’ve previously written full reviews on, and the innovative Torque Tank, a weight sled on wheels.
The low-profile Anker 7 is the newer version of the Torque Anker 3 (yes, they skipped a few numbers), and they’ve made a few significant changes to improve the function, versatility, and overall value of this cable machine.
The new Anker 7 is a wall-mounted trainer, which requires a very sturdy wall for installation, and once installed, it’s difficult to move. However, the trade-off is a much smaller machine, as you don’t need such a large metal frame to create stability as you train. This saves both space and money, making it a great option for those looking to save space in their home or garage gym.
Before You Buy
- The Torque Anker 7 functional trainer needs to be mounted to a sturdy wall before use, and can’t be used as a standalone unit.
- While Torque has made significant improvements since the Anker 3, it still uses nylon pulleys, which usually aren’t as good as aluminum pulleys.
- At the lowest weight stack option, this functional trainer is one of the best values on the market, with features that rival many expensive competitors.
Torque Anker 7 Video Review
Is the Torque Anker 7 Worth It?
Even though Torque offers free shipping, this isn’t a cheap machine. Before you purchase this to install it at home, you’ll want to make sure this fits both your workout space and training goals, and that you have the space to mount it to a wall.
Great for:
- Those looking for a space-saving functional trainer
- Anyone who wants a versatile machine that’s cheaper than most competitors
- Home gym owners who don’t plan on moving for a while
Not recommended for:
- Anyone who wants a portable functional trainer that can be moved when needed
- Those who prefer the feel of aluminum pulleys
- Anyone who wants to know exactly how much weight they’re using on each exercise
Torque Anker 7 Specs
| Price Range | $1,499 – $1,799 |
| Footprint | 9.3” L x 48.1” W x 83.8” H |
| Weight Stack Options | 150-lb, 200-lb, 225-lb |
| Effective Resistance | 77.5 lbs, 100 lbs, or 112.5 lbs |
| Pulley Ratio | 2:1 |
| Included Accessories | Hanging storage pegs and leg boot, two long strap handles, two rubber over-molded T-Grip short strap handles, welded lower anchor point with nylon strap for battle ropes |
| Attachment Options | Pull-up bar, magnetic phone holder, weight stack adder pin |
| Warranty | 10 year frame and welds, 1 year parts, 90 days misc. |
Torque Anker 7 Functional Trainer Video Review
Workout Experience/Using the Torque Anker 7
On paper, this looks like a huge step up from the Anker 3, packed with features to help you maximize your training. But how does it hold up in real life? How does it feel?
Let’s take a closer look, and see what Coop thought.
Footprint
While the machine is slightly larger than the Anker 3, it’s still a very slim machine. Freestanding functional trainers often have a large metal frame to create stability, but with the Anker 7, the wall-mounted design means it takes up significantly less space, with dimensions of 9.3 inches long by 48.1 inches wide by 83.8 inches high.
Coop said this would be perfect for those who only want to use half of their garage or save space for some of the best home gym equipment if you’re installing it in a bedroom or basement. For the overall footprint, this earns a 5-out-of-5 rating.
Construction and Durability
Coop had both good and bad things to say about the construction and durability, and scored it a 3 out of 5.
The chrome, laser-etched uprights are a nice feature, and the optional pull-up bar handle has a very unique pattern etched into the handles, which Coop compared to the grip on a baseball bat. It’s not barbell knurling, but it still felt nice to use.
However, the unit still uses nylon pulleys, which is Coop’s biggest critique. He had a similar problem with the Anker 3, saying that the nylon pulleys usually don’t feel quite as smooth as aluminum pulleys. This one feels smoother than most nylon pulleys, but you’ll still notice the difference, which was one of Coop’s biggest callouts.
The pulleys do use a 2:1 ratio and feel pretty good for nylon, but they’re still not as good as aluminum, so the pulleys earn a rating of 3 out of 5.
Stability
Because the trainer is anchored to the wall, Coop found that the machine is very stable during use, and said that it feels more stable than nearly any other functional trainer. Of course, you’ll need a sturdy wall, and you want to make sure it’s installed properly, but once you do that, the machine feels great.
Overall, we give this a 5-out-of-5 rating for stability, rivaling nearly any other functional trainer on the market.
Versatility and Weight Stack
For versatility, the Torque Anker 7 earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The trainer includes two sets of handles, a resistance band anchor on the top, a battle rope anchor on the bottom, and a removable pull-up bar with multiple grips that can be purchased for an additional $55.
RELATED: How to Choose Battle Ropes
Unlike the previous model, the Anker 3, the Torque Fitness Anker 7 now includes multiple attachment points for the pulleys, allowing you to fully customize your training experience. Each pulley is on a swivel attachment, allowing you to train with multiple angles.
The weight stacks use a 2:1 weight ratio, which means 200 pounds feels like 100 pounds. Each weight stack is available in 150 pounds, 200 pounds, or 225 pounds.
However, we’re docking a point because Coop pointed out that the weight stack is labeled with numbers, rather than weights. You’ll be able to see which number on the stack you’re lifting with, but most people would probably prefer to see the actual weight they’re lifting.
We wish the pull-up bar was included, but it’s pretty affordable, so for our accessories rating, this earns a 4 out of 5.
Price and Value
At a price that ranges from $1,499 to $1,799 depending on how much weight you get in each stack, this is a great value, earning a 5-out-of-5 rating. It’s stable, has adjustable pulley positions, and because it’s attached to a wall, it requires less metal for the frame, bringing the price down.
The price isn’t necessarily cheap, but the value is high for what you’re getting. It would be hard to find a standalone functional trainer with the same features at a lower price point, although if you choose heavier weight stacks, the higher price gets closer to competitor pricing.
Torque Anker 7 vs REP Arcadia
REP Arcadia
REP Arcadia Functional Trainer
Product Highlights
- Compact functional trainer
- Dual 170-lb weight stacks
- 2:1 ratio
- 81″ cable travel length
- 36 height options
- Lifetime frame warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compact design
- Lifetime frame warranty
- Affordable price tag
- Smooth cables
- High-quality components
Cons
- Short usable width between uprights
- Length assembly process
Bottom Line
The REP Arcadia is the brand's first in-house-designed functional trainer. It may have a compact design, but it offers high-end features and a butter-smooth pulley system.
As Coop pointed out in the video review, the REP Arcadia trainer is another great functional trainer that comes in at a similar price point if you’re going to choose one of the heavier weight stacks from Torque.
The REP Arcadia is about $300 more than the Torque Anker 7 but is a standalone unit that’s easier to move and has slightly more weight per side than the lowest option from Torque, and also uses aluminum pulleys, which last longer and provide a smoother experience.
Overall, Torque is a better option for those who want to save space or those who need more than 170 pounds on each side. If you prefer aluminum pulleys and don’t mind a larger footprint, the REP Arcadia is a great choice.
To learn more, check out our complete REP Arcadia review.
| Torque Anker 7 | REP Arcadia | |
| Price Range | $1,499 – $1,799 | $1,999 |
| Footprint | 9.3” L x 48.1” W x 83.8” H | 35.8” L x 55.3” W x 80.8″ H (or 78″ H with multi-grip bar inverted) |
| Weight Stack Options | 150-lb, 200-lb, 225-lb per side | 170 lbs per side |
| Effective Resistance | 77.5 lbs, 100 lbs, or 112.5 lbs per side | 85 lbs per side |
| Pulley Ratio | 2:1 | 2:1 |
| Included Accessories | Hanging storage pegs and leg boot, two long strap handles, two rubber over-molded T-Grip short strap handles, welded lower anchor point with nylon strap for battle ropes | Built-in storage, multi-grip pull-up bar, band pegs |
| Attachment Options | Pull-up bar, magnetic phone holder, weight stack adder pin | N/A |
| Warranty | 10 year frame and welds, 1 year parts, 90 days misc. | Lifetime frame, 1 year parts |
Customer Experience
Our warehouse received the functional trainer in a large pallet, and even though it’s small, the assembly took longer than you may expect as you need to properly mount it to a wall. Overall, assembly was straightforward and the trainer should be easy to install with two people.
Overall, the warranty is pretty good, as it includes a 10-year warranty on the frame and welds, with a 1-year warranty on parts and a 90-day warranty on miscellaneous parts. It’s not quite a lifetime warranty, but 10 years is still pretty good.
You can return the Anker 7 within 30 days, but you’ll need to cover your own return shipping and request approval from Torque ahead of time. To contact Torque, you can call them at 763-754-7533 or email sales@torquefitness.com to begin your return.
Overall, the customer experience earns a rating of 4 out of 5.
Customer Reviews
As this is a newer trainer, there are only two reviews on Torque’s website, both of which are 5-star reviews. Both reviewers were pleased with the machine, though one noted assembly was a bit difficult.
Final Verdict of Our Torque Anker 7 Review
Overall, the Torque Anker 7 is a versatile, compact functional trainer that’s made significant improvements over the previous model, the Anker 3. Two weight stacks with adjustable pulleys provide endless versatility, but we wish they’d offer aluminum pulleys, rather than nylon.
For the price point, this is a great functional trainer for any home gym owner looking to save space, as long as you have a sturdy wall to secure the trainer.
Full Rating
Torque Anker 7
The Torque Anker 7 is a functional trainer cable machine that's designed to be wall-mounted to save space and add stability. It features multiple pulley settings, an optional pull-up bar, and anchors for bands and battle ropes.
Product Brand: Torque
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1499.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.13
Torque Anker 7: FAQs
How much weight does the Torque Anker 7 have?
The Torque Anker 7 has two weight stacks, and each stack can include 150 pounds, 200 pounds, or 225 pounds per side depending on the option you purchase.
How much does the Torque Anker 7 cost?
The Torque Anker 7 costs $1,499 for the base model with 150-pound stacks, $1,699 for 200-pound stacks, and $1,799 for 225-pound stacks.
Is a functional trainer better than weights?
Functional trainers aren’t necessarily better, but they offer a different type of stimulus. Both weights and functional trainers provide resistance, so you can use progressive overload to build strength and muscle. Both can work equally well, and many people use both free weights and functional trainers in their weightlifting programs.
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