A functional trainer or cable crossover is only as good as the attachments hanging on its hooks. Most home gym builders spend $2,500 on a cable machine and then $40 on a single lat bar, then wonder why their training feels limited. Body-Solid sells more than 25 different cable attachments, ranging from $33 stirrup handles to $88 multi-grip lat bars. This guide breaks down which attachments you actually need, what each one does that the others do not, and how to build a complete cable kit for under $300.
The five attachments every home cable setup needs
If you own a cable machine and you do not own these five attachments, you are leaving 70% of your machine's exercise list on the table. Buy these first, then expand based on what your training actually calls for.
1. A lat bar (MB148RG or MB438RG)
The lat bar is the most-used cable attachment in any home gym. It runs lat pulldowns, straight-arm pulldowns, wide-grip rows on certain machines, and a few less-common upper-back movements. Body-Solid sells two main options.
The MB148RG Pro-Grip Lat Bar ($62.99) is a 48-inch solid-steel bar with six grip positions and a Pro-Grip rubber coating. The length matters: at 48 inches, you get a true wide-grip pulldown that hits the lats from the right angle. Shorter bars (under 40 inches) end up training more bicep than back.
The MB438RG Multi-Grip Lat Bar ($87.99) is 38 inches wide with angled outer grips. It is the better choice for shorter lifters or for anyone who wants a deeper lat stretch through angled hand position. Most home gyms only need one of these two, and the MB148RG is the more versatile pick.
2. A pair of stirrup handles (MB501 or NB59)
Stirrup handles run any unilateral cable exercise: single-arm rows, single-arm presses, cable curls, kickbacks, cable lateral raises, and any rehab-style movement that needs independent loading on each side. You want a pair, not a single, because almost every unilateral cable workout alternates sides.
The MB501 Stirrup Handle pair ($52.99) is the machined-steel standard. Heavy welded eyelet, no give under heavy loads. The NB59 Adjustable Nylon Stirrup Handle pair ($52.99) is a softer-grip alternative with adjustable hand position, which makes it the better pick for users who train high-rep conditioning work rather than heavy strength sets.
3. A triceps rope (TR20 or TR30)
Triceps ropes look like a one-trick attachment until you actually own one. Then you find yourself using it for rope pressdowns, rope face pulls, rope curls, rope cable rows, and overhead triceps extensions. The flexibility of the rope makes the contraction feel different from a fixed bar, and the dual-end grip gives you a slight pronation at the bottom that hits the long head of the triceps better.
The TR20 Triceps Rope ($42.99) uses oversized rubber end blocks for a more secure grip. The TR30 Natural Fiber Rope ($36) is longer and more flexible, which makes it the better choice for face pulls and overhead extensions where you need rope length to wrap over the shoulders. If you have to pick one, pick the TR30.
4. A seated row / chinning triangle (MB502 or MB502RG)
The close-grip V-handle is the second most-used cable attachment after the lat bar. It runs seated cable rows, close-grip lat pulldowns, and (clipped to a chin-up bar) close-grip chins. For any lifter who wants thicker back development through the middle traps and rhomboids, this is the attachment that does it.
The MB502 Seated Row / Chinning Triangle ($47.99) is solid steel with a close-grip handle position. The MB502RG Pro-Grip version ($49.99) adds rubber grips for $2 more, which is worth it if you train rows for high reps.
5. A curl bar (MB229 or MB229RG)
An EZ-style curl bar at the low pulley is the right way to train cable curls. The angled grip takes wrist stress out of the movement that you get with a straight bar. The MB229 Revolving Curl Bar ($54.99) is the chrome-finished steel option. The MB229RG Pro-Grip version ($72.99) is heavier with a rubber coating. Both spin freely on the eyelet so the bar tracks naturally during the rep.
Five more attachments worth adding
Once you have the core five, the next tier of attachments unlocks specific exercises that the core kit cannot run.
Ankle strap (NAS3 or MA308V)
An ankle strap clips to a low pulley for cable kickbacks, inner / outer thigh work, glute kickbacks, cable abductions, and standing cable leg curls. For glute training, this is the attachment that gives you the most direct line of force into the working muscle. The NAS3 Nylon Ankle Strap ($32.99) is the durable everyday pick. The MA308V Leather Ankle Strap ($59.99) is the higher-end leather-and-neoprene option that holds shape better over years of use.
Straight bar (MB022, MB022A, or MB022RG)
A straight bar is the default for triceps pressdowns, straight-bar curls, upright rows, and front raises. The MB022 Revolving Straight Bar ($53.99) is the standard steel option. The MB022A Aluminum version ($48.99) is lighter (good for high-rep work) and rust-proof, which matters in a garage gym. The MB022RG Pro-Grip version ($69.99) is the heavier rubber-coated option.
Tricep pressdown bar (MB504 or MB504RG)
The angled pressdown bar is a category beyond a straight bar. The geometry forces the elbows to stay tucked, which isolates the triceps lateral head better than any straight-bar variation. The MB504 Tricep Pressdown Bar ($46.99) and the MB504RG Pro-Grip version ($45.99) are both solid choices. The RG is actually cheaper because of the lighter steel core.
Multi-purpose bar (MB503RG)
The MB503RG Pro-Grip Multi-Purpose Bar ($69.99) is a deep-clearance bar that covers seated rows, triceps pressdowns, and shrug variations from a single attachment. If you want one bar that handles the work of three, this is it. Buy it instead of the dedicated tricep bar and lat bar if you are building a minimalist kit.
Balanced V-bar (MB507RG)
The MB507RG Balanced V-Bar ($59.99) is an ergonomic neutral-grip bar designed for consistent tension through the full range of motion on cable rows and lat pulldowns. The neutral grip puts the biceps in a stronger mechanical position, which lets you load the bar heavier than you can on a pronated lat bar.
Specialty attachments for specific training goals
The third tier of cable attachments solves specific problems that the first two tiers leave open.
The ACH18 Ab Crunch Harness ($39) hooks to a high pulley for kneeling or standing cable crunches. It is the right attachment for direct loaded ab work, which is the most underused exercise category in most home gyms.
The BSTCB Cannonball Grips ($54) are 3-inch diameter painted-steel spheres that strap to pull-up bars, Olympic bars, dumbbells, and cable machines for grip and forearm work. Useful for grip-specific training, climbing carryover, and rehab.
The BSTDB Dog Bone Grip ($54) is a dedicated grip-strength training tool with two distinct training surfaces. For lifters who want to add direct grip work without dedicating a full station, this is the most cost-effective option.
The MB100A Dual Cable Bar ($69.99) is a long aluminum bar designed specifically for dual-stack functional trainers, where you clip into both cables at once for true bilateral loading. If you own a functional trainer rather than a single-stack cable column, this attachment unlocks exercises the standard lat bar cannot run.
Recommended kits by training goal
| Kit | Attachments | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Starter (5 attachments) | MB148RG lat bar, MB501 stirrup pair, TR30 rope, MB502RG triangle, MB229 curl bar | $269 |
| Complete (9 attachments) | Starter + NAS3 ankle, MB022A straight bar, MB504RG tricep, ACH18 ab harness | $400 |
| Premium (12 attachments) | Complete + MB503RG multi-bar, MB507RG V-bar, MA308V leather ankle | $580 |
Coating choice: chrome, aluminum, or Pro-Grip rubber?
Body-Solid offers most of its core attachments in three finishes. The differences matter less than the price gaps would suggest.
Chrome-finished steel (no suffix on the SKU) is the standard finish. Heaviest, most durable, classic gym look. Most home gym users never wear one out.
Aluminum (suffix A on the SKU, like MB022A) is roughly 40% lighter than steel. Rust-proof, which matters in a garage or basement gym with humidity issues. Slightly more expensive on some models, slightly cheaper on others.
Pro-Grip rubber (suffix RG on the SKU, like MB022RG) adds a thick rubber coating over a solid steel core. Heaviest of the three. Best grip in sweaty hands. Most expensive option, usually $10 to $20 more than the chrome version. For home gyms where grip security matters more than weight, the RG version is the right pick. For most everyday training, chrome is fine.
You can browse the full attachment line in the Body-Solid cable attachments collection, and pair them with the right cable machine from the functional trainers and cable crossovers collection.
Frequently asked questions
What cable attachments do I actually need to start with?
A lat bar (MB148RG), a pair of stirrup handles (MB501), a triceps rope (TR30), a seated row / chinning triangle (MB502RG), and a curl bar (MB229). Five attachments, around $270 total, and you can run roughly 80% of the exercises your cable machine can do.
What is the difference between chrome, aluminum, and Pro-Grip attachments?
Chrome is the standard steel finish: heaviest, most durable, classic look. Aluminum is roughly 40% lighter and rust-proof. Pro-Grip rubber (suffix RG) adds a thick rubber coating over steel for better grip in sweaty hands. Most home gym users do not need to upgrade from chrome unless they specifically want grip security or rust resistance.
Do I need a separate lat bar and tricep bar?
Not necessarily. The MB503RG Multi-Purpose Bar covers seated rows, triceps pressdowns, and shrug variations from a single attachment. If you are building a minimalist kit, the multi-bar replaces two dedicated attachments for less total cost.
What size lat bar should I buy?
48 inches is the standard for true wide-grip lat pulldowns. The MB148RG and MB148A are both 48 inches. Shorter bars (under 40 inches, like the MB438RG at 38 inches) put the grip in a closer position that targets the lats from a different angle but trains less bicep stretch.
Are aluminum cable attachments worth the price?
In two situations: humid environments (garage, basement, coastal home gyms) where steel attachments will rust, and for users who specifically want a lighter attachment for high-rep conditioning work. For dry-environment strength training, chrome-finished steel is the better value.
Do all Body-Solid attachments fit all Body-Solid cable machines?
Yes. Every Body-Solid cable attachment uses a standard quick-disconnect snap hook that works on every Body-Solid functional trainer, cable crossover, multi-station home gym, and Pro Dual cable column. Attachments are interchangeable across the entire line.
What is a triceps rope used for beyond triceps?
Face pulls, rope curls, rope rows, rope crunches, and overhead triceps extensions. The flexibility of the rope changes the line of force in ways a fixed bar cannot, which makes it one of the most versatile attachments in the catalog.
How long do cable attachments last?
Chrome steel attachments routinely last decades. Rubber-coated Pro-Grip attachments last as long as the rubber holds up, typically 5 to 10 years of daily home use. Aluminum attachments last indefinitely but show cosmetic scuffing faster than chrome.