Finnlo Cabl: putting the compact cable tension trainer to the test
8.12.2021
Translation: Megan Cornish
It wants a place on my wall. In return, the Finnlo Cabl promises quiet, varied training. And it delivers good, albeit limited, resistance.
But before I can use the Finnlo Cabl, I have to put it together. The trainer is mounted on an aluminium rail. It creates the resistance required using nitrogen cylinders instead of weights. This means that it weighs little more than three kilogrammes and can be hidden away in a cupboard if needed. The rail is the only thing that stays on the wall. You should think carefully about where you install it to give yourself maximum options. There’s a perfect place in my cellar for it.
Installation
The instructions recommend leaving half a metre either side and two metres behind it. The 150 cm aluminium rail should be affixed at least 30 centimetres above the ground so that the trainer can be engaged even at the lowest of its nine levels. That makes the highest level 180 centimetres above the ground.
You also need around half a metre of free space above it in case you want to set the rail the other way around for some exercises. It’s not strictly necessary, but it does bring the cable a few centimetres closer to the ground and creates more options if you’d like to use the foot straps, for example.
If you have a sloping ceiling or pipes like I have in my cellar, things can be a little tight because the trainer slides onto the rail from above. And when you’ve put everything together, there’s no going back. What’s cool is that the trainer doesn’t just come with the right plugs and screws; there’s also a concrete drill bit. As far as additional tools are concerned, you need the right drill, a spirit level and a screwdriver.
The rail consists of three aluminium pieces joined together with plastic teeth and secured with screws. Then you add the plastic ends. In total, you should drill at least seven holes to mount the rail securely on the wall. Ten at most. If it doesn’t stay up even then, you’ve definitely chosen the wrong wall.
Resistance
The thing that stands out straight away when you use the Finnlo Cabl is the lack of noise. I can pretty much only hear the quiet scratch of the cable as it slides through the pulley, so you there’s no risk of you annoying your neighbours. The trainer contains three nitrogen cylinders, and there’s a dial underneath with six resistance levels. Setting it higher pulls the cylinder rod into the corresponding cylinder, circulating the gas and increasing the initial resistance. Level 1 and 2 uses just one cylinder, while levels 3 and 4 use two and levels 5 and 6 use all three. This keeps the trainer small and light, but the compressed gas allows the resistance to be adjusted gradually from 3 to a maximum of 16 kilogrammes. That’s not a huge amount, but it’s enough for a lot of people and exercises.
The top part of the trainer can rotate 170 degrees, which is enough, as the rest of the space is mostly occupied by the wall. And that definitely offers more resistance than the Finnlo Cabl. The trainer works in an interesting way, in that you don't lift weight. The gas is compressed and the top part lifts during the pull phase. I added handheld suitcase scales instead of the handle, which illustrates the effect: you only reach maximum resistance at the end.
This has the biggest impact on explosive exercises because the moment of inertia stops, and it’s easier for you to settle into a fluid movement. Generally speaking, your joints are happier when you’re not working against inconsistent resistance.
I find training with the Cabl pleasant and harmonious, but sometimes I’d like to be able to turn the dial up a few more levels. As long as you use the available resistance for each exercise, everything’s fine and dandy. The levels should correspond to 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 16 kilogrammes and they do – but only at the end of the movement allowed by the 146-centimetre cable.
In classic cable pull throughs, the moment of inertia is manipulated by pulleys, which changes the transformation ratio. However, you’d need multiple times its weight to achieve similar resistance to the Finnlo Cabl.
Accessories
You can not only adjust the height of the trainer, changing the pulling angle; you can also add in a range of accessories. Instead of a greasy, thick cable you’d get in a fitness studio, the trainer comes with a thin black version that you attach with a small snap hook. Of course, it, the foot straps and the handle can withstand the maximum possible forces. But as they’re not very high, it looks different. It’s streamlined so that everything is attractive and suitable for living.
Maintenance
I have no complaints about the finish. The 3-kilogramme white cylinder sits neatly in its guide rail. Nothing wobbles under tension and there’s never any danger of trapping your fingers. You can easily adjust the height of the Finnlo Cabl by pulling the lever on the side and locking it in the desired position with a loud click. After your workout, you can take it out and store it in a cupboard. It likes dry, dust-free conditions, but otherwise it’s low-maintenance.
There is a risk of damage if you adjust the resistance while the cable is still under tension or if you pull it sharply and ignore the maximum cable length. According to the safety information, accessories are authorised, provided they only weigh up to 25 kilogrammes. Once a month, you should check the condition of the cable and, if there are any signs of wear and tear, open the «Cord Inspection Panel» on the back and take a closer look at the problem.
Verdict
The compact cable tension trainer is varied and gives you options. It allows lots of different exercises from a range of angles, which you can constantly vary and use to create new stimuli. The trainer is quiet, well made and manipulates the moment of inertia with its resistance technology. Nevertheless, 16 kilogrammes can only ever be 16 kilogrammes. That and your training goals determine whether it’s right for you. If it appeals to you, you’ll find a range of workouts at cablfit.co – and you’ll definitely find a place for the Finnlo Cabl in your home.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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