F40 Pro V2 vs F70 Max vs PT100 vs PT200 V2: Which Functional Trainer Should You Buy?

If you're building a home gym or upgrading a commercial setup in Aotearoa, a quality all-in-one functional trainer could be the best investment you make in 2026. Flex Fitness Equipment NZ carries four Armortech models each combining strength training, cable work, and Smith machine functionality differently. This guide goes beyond individual model descriptions and compares every unit across weight stack capacity, cable ratio, dimensions, setup type, and included attachments so you can choose with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• All four Armortech models carry a lifetime frame warranty, the baseline standard for quality.

• Weight stack ranges from 2 x 70 kg (F40 Pro V2) to 2 x 120 kg (PT200 V2) match the stack to your current and future training level.

• Only the PT100 offers a switchable cable ratio (2:1 and 1:1) a meaningful advantage for varied training.

• The F40 Pro V2 has the smallest footprint; the PT200 V2 has the deepest measure your space before committing.

• The PT100 includes the most training attachments out of the box; the F70 Max includes the most complete cable accessory kit.

• A counterbalanced Smith machine (PT200 V2) performs differently to a standard Smith (F40 / F70) and understands the difference before buying.

Why 2026 Is a Smart Time to Invest in a Functional Trainer

Home training has become a permanent fixture for many Kiwi households. The convenience of training at home removes commute time, gym queues, and membership fees without compromising results. According to Exercise New Zealand (ExerciseNZ), participation in strength training among New Zealanders is growing steadily, with more people investing in quality home setups for long-term consistency.

The New Zealand Ministry of Health recommends muscle-strengthening activities on at least two days per week. A functional trainer at home makes meeting that guideline straightforward on your schedule, at your pace. Research confirms that resistance training delivers benefits across cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal strength, neuropsychological wellbeing, and metabolic function all accessible from a single well-chosen machine.

What Makes a Great All-in-One Functional Trainer?

Before comparing models, it helps to understand the specifications that actually drive training outcomes. These are the six factors that separate a machine that keeps delivering results for years from one that just looks impressive on paper.

Armortech All-in-One Functional Trainer Range — Full 2026 Comparison

The table below gives you a complete side-by-side view of all four Armortech models across every key specification.

Weight Stack and Cable Ratio — How Much Resistance Do You Actually Get?

The weight stack and cable ratio work together to determine the real resistance you feel at the handle. Two machines with identical stack weights can feel completely different depending on their cable ratio. Here is how all four Armortech models compare on this critical specification.

The F40 Pro V2's 2 x 70 kg stacks feel like approximately 35 kg per handle at the top of the range. This is adequate for most cable-based accessory work and suits beginners to intermediate lifters well. It will not, however, challenge advanced lifters on pulling or pressing movements.

The F70 Max steps up to 2 x 100 kg, delivering around 50 kg of felt resistance per handle. This is meaningful headroom for intermediate to advanced users and ensures the machine stays relevant as strength improves. The heavier stack is the primary reason to choose the F70 Max over the F40 Pro V2.

The PT100 is the standout on this specification. Its switchable 2:1 and 1:1 cable ratio is the only such feature in the Armortech range. At 2:1 you get precise, controlled resistance for high-rep work and rehabilitation movements. Switch to 1:1 and the full 102 kg stack becomes available at the handle genuinely suitable for maximal strength sets. No other model in the range offers this flexibility.

The PT200 V2 carries the heaviest stacks at 2 x 120 kg, delivering approximately 60 kg per handle at 2:1. This is designed for athletes whose strength demands will consistently push the upper end of a cable machine's capacity. The fixed 2:1 ratio keeps movements smooth throughout.

Dimensions and Space — What Will Actually Fit in Your Gym?

Every Armortech model is a substantial piece of equipment. Checking assembled dimensions against your available space including ceiling height and side clearance should come before any other decision.

The F40 Pro V2 has the smallest floor footprint in the range at 188 x 158 cm. It is the best choice for compact home gym setups or multi-use rooms where space is limited. At 222 cm tall, it is also the tallest model ceiling clearance of at least 230 cm is recommended.

The F70 Max is the widest at 220 cm, which is a genuine constraint in narrower rooms. Its 214 cm height is the lowest of the four, giving it a slight advantage in rooms with lower ceilings. The 155 cm depth is the shallowest in the range, which partially offsets the width.

The PT100 and PT200 V2 have the greatest depth at 174 cm and 179 cm respectively. If your gym space is limited in the front-to-back direction, both require careful measurement. Factor in a minimum of 1 to 1.5 metres of clearance on all active sides for safe cable and barbell movements.

Setup Type Compared — Smith Machine, Half Rack, and Cable System

Each model takes a fundamentally different approach to how strength training is structured within the frame. Understanding these differences helps you match the machine to how you actually train.

The F40 Pro V2 and F70 Max share the same core structure: a Smith machine, functional trainer, and half rack in a single frame. This combination covers barbell squatting, pressing, and racking alongside full cable work. The key difference between the two is the F70 Max's rotating landmine (versus fixed on the F40), heavier stacks, and more complete cable accessory kit. Both include dip handles and bar storage features the PT models do not have.

The PT100 takes a different structural approach. There is no Smith machine, but roller J-hooks allow barbell work to be performed within the frame. The PT100's value is in its integrated training attachments leg press, jammer arm, hip thrust, monolift, and squat platform which make it the most functionally complete training station in the range for varied movement patterns.

The PT200 V2 features a counterbalanced Smith machine, a meaningful distinction from the standard Smith in the F40 and F70. Counter-balancing reduces the effective starting bar weight, which makes the movement feel more natural during squats, bench press, and overhead pressing. Combined with 2 x 120 kg stacks and the most comprehensive attachment set, the PT200 V2 is the premium all-in-one option for athletes who want a permanent, commercial-quality installation.

Cable Ratio Deep Dive — Why the PT100's Switchable Ratio Is a Genuine Advantage

Cable ratio is one of the most misunderstood specifications on a functional trainer. It directly affects the training experience on every single exercise, yet it rarely receives the attention it deserves. Here is how all four models compare.

The F40 Pro V2 and F70 Max both operate at a standard cable ratio of approximately 2:1. This is perfectly functional for most cable exercises and provides smooth, controlled resistance throughout the range of motion. The limitation is that neither can deliver maximum stack weight at the handle; a 100 kg stack on the F70 Max feels like 50 kg, not 100 kg.

The PT100's switchable ratio is where the practical difference becomes significant. For high-rep cable rows, face pulls, or tricep pushdowns, the 2:1 ratio provides precise control. Switch to 1:1 for heavy lat pulldowns or cable chest presses and the full 102 kg stack is available at the handle. This range effectively makes the PT100 two different machines depending on training goals, a flexibility that no other Armortech model provides.

The PT200 V2 operates at 2:1 only, but with 120 kg per side, the felt resistance at 60 kg per handle is sufficient for even advanced lifters across virtually all cable exercises.

Included Attachments — Exercise Variety From Day One

The attachments included with each model define how many exercises you can perform without additional purchases. This is one of the clearest points of differentiation across the four Armortech models.

The F40 Pro V2 covers the essentials for cable and rack-based training. Its inclusions J-hooks, landmine, dip handles, and band pegs support a solid foundation of exercises. The optional leg press add-on is available for purchase but is not included in the base price. If your training is primarily barbell and basic cable work, the F40's inclusion set is sufficient.

The F70 Max has the most complete cable accessory kit of any model in the range. The included tricep rope, long curl bar, revolving straight bar, long straight bar, and dual D-handles mean you can programme a wide range of cable isolation exercises straight out of the box. For users who prioritise cable training variety specifically, the F70 Max's accessory kit outperforms the other models.

The PT100 leads on integrated machine attachments. Leg press, jammer arm, hip thrust support, squat and row platform, and monolift are all included covering lower body, posterior chain, and explosive movement patterns that the F40 and F70 cannot replicate without additional equipment. If training variety across movement categories matters most, the PT100 delivers the widest scope.

The PT200 V2 adds leg extension and curl functionality, the only model in the range with isolated leg machine capability included. Combined with the jammer arm, hip thrust pad, and monolift, the PT200 V2 effectively replaces multiple standalone machines in a single unit.

Which Armortech Functional Trainer Is Right for You?

F40 Pro V2 — Best for Compact Home Gyms

The F40 Pro V2 is the right choice when training space is limited and you want a single machine covering barbell, cable, and rack functionality. The 2 x 70 kg stacks suit beginners to intermediate lifters, and the included landmine, dip handles, and band pegs add variety in a 188 x 158 cm footprint. If you expect your strength to progress significantly beyond intermediate level, the F70 Max's heavier stacks are worth the step up.

F70 Max — Best for Intermediate to Advanced Lifters Who Train Heavy

The F70 Max takes the same Smith and half rack setup as the F40 but delivers 2 x 100 kg stacks, a rotating landmine, and a significantly better cable accessory kit. If you are training at or near the top of 70 kg per side, the F70 Max provides the headroom and the toolset to keep progressing. The wider 220 cm footprint is the main trade-off.

PT100 — Best for Maximum Exercise Variety and Training Flexibility

The PT100 is the most versatile machine in the Armortech range. The switchable cable ratio is a unique feature that no other model offers, and the included leg press, jammer arm, hip thrust, monolift, and squat platform make it the widest-ranging training station available. If you programme varied sessions across strength, hypertrophy, functional movement, and lower body work and want one machine to cover all of it the PT100 is the strongest all-round choice.

PT200 V2 — Best for Serious Athletes Who Want the Most Complete Setup

The PT200 V2 is the flagship. The heaviest stacks (2 x 120 kg), a counterbalanced Smith machine, and the most complete attachment package including leg extension and curl make it the closest equivalent to a fully equipped commercial gym in a single unit. It requires the most floor space of the four models but delivers the highest training ceiling of any machine in the range.

Complete Your Setup: GO30 Treadmill Range

Strength training and cardio complement each other for overall fitness. The GO30 Treadmill range at Flex Fitness Equipment NZ offers five models to pair with your functional trainer from compact foldable entry-level units to commercial-grade machines.

The GO30 V1 suits active recovery cardio between strength sessions. The V3 adds AC motor reliability and Bluetooth connectivity. The V5 is the most practical all-round choice foldable, with a 1.5hp AC motor and a 1480 x 500mm belt. The V7T Plus and V8T both reach 20 km/h with 0–18% incline, streaming screens, and commercial-level motor power. Pairing either with a PT100 or PT200 V2 gives you a genuinely complete strength and cardio setup.

Getting the Most Out of Your All-in-One Trainer

• Start with compound cable movements rows, pulldowns, and chest presses to build the foundation before adding isolation work.

• Use both cable ratio options where available: 2:1 for high-rep controlled sets, 1:1 for maximum strength work.

• Apply progressive overload consistently increase resistance or reps every two to three weeks to keep driving adaptation.

• Combine strength sessions with GO30 treadmill cardio in the same session to keep heart rate elevated and save time.

• Plan at least two strength sessions per week, in line with the NZ Ministry of Health muscle-strengthening guidelines.

• Seek guidance from a qualified exercise professional before starting resistance training, particularly if you are new to cable-based equipment.

Auckland University of Technology researchers have highlighted how strength training supports functional independence, bone density, and long-term metabolic health, all outcomes that a well-structured home programme around a functional trainer can deliver. Sport and Exercise Science New Zealand (SESNZ) also underscores the growing importance of structured strength programming for Kiwis across all fitness levels.

Conclusion

Choosing the right all-in-one functional trainer in 2026 comes down to four questions: How heavy do you train now and how heavy do you expect to train in two years? How much space do you have? How much exercise variety do you want from a single machine? And do you need integrated barbell support alongside cable training? The F40 Pro V2 answers the space and budget constraint. The F70 Max answers the heavy lifting needs. The PT100 answers the exercise variety question. The PT200 V2 answers all of them for athletes who want a permanent, premium solution.

Ready to invest in 2026? Contact us today and we will help you find the exact model that matches your goals, space, and training style.

FAQs

What is an all-in-one functional trainer?
An all-in-one functional trainer combines a Smith machine, cable functional trainer, and half rack (or equivalent attachments) into a single space-saving unit.

What weight stack size do I need for a functional trainer?
Beginners suit 70 kg per side (F40 Pro V2); intermediate and advanced users should look for 100 kg or more per stack (F70 Max, PT100, or PT200 V2).

Is a functional trainer good for beginners?
Yes. Adjustable resistance and guided cable movements make functional trainers accessible and safe for all fitness levels.

How much space does an all-in-one functional trainer need?
Armortech models range from 188 x 158 cm (F40 Pro V2) to 220 x 179 cm (PT200 V2) in floor footprint, plus at least 1 to 1.5 metres of clearance on all active sides.

What is the difference between a 2:1 and 1:1 cable ratio?
A 2:1 ratio halves the felt resistance for smoother, more controlled movement. A 1:1 ratio delivers the full stack weight at the handle. The PT100 is the only Armortech model with a switchable ratio.

Can I pair a functional trainer with a treadmill for a full home gym?
Yes. Combining any Armortech functional trainer with a GO30 treadmill covers both strength and cardio in a compact, efficient home gym setup.