Functional Trainer Buying Guide: How to Choose Between Icon, Oasis, and Evolve

A functional trainer is the closest thing to a training studio at home. Pulldowns, presses, rows, cable flyes, even squats, all from one machine instead of a queue at the gym. When it comes to functional trainers, Gym Plus has you covered: Icon, Oasis, and Evolve, each built for a different space and a different kind of lifter. So the right pick comes down to what you've got to work with and how you train.

Quick Decision Guide

Your Situation	Best Fit		Reason
Want cable, Smith, and rack in one machine	Icon All-in-One Functional Trainer		-Dual cables, angled Smith machine, and rack functionality packed into a 1.54m × 1.24m footprint
Want the Icon setup, but make it pink	Icon All-in-One Functional Trainer — Pink		-Same spec as Icon, in a pink finish for a setup that fits your space and your style
Want premium gear that's ready to go, no plates required	Oasis All-in-One Functional Trainer		-Dual 72kg pin-loaded weight stacks (144kg total) for quick, consistent resistance
Already own or want a home gym that grows over time	Evolve Power Rack with Dual Pin-loaded Rack Mount Cable System		-Built on the Evolve Power Rack, compatible with the comprehensive Evolve attachment range

Product Comparison Table

	Icon All-in-One Functional Trainer / Pink Option	Oasis All-in-One Functional Trainer	Evolve Power Rack with Cable System and Extended Storage	Evolve Power Rack with Dual Pin-loaded Rack Mount Cable System
Best For	Want cable, Smith, and rack in one machine	Serious trainers wanting premium, plate-free resistance	Want an upgradable home gym with storage	Want an upgradable home gym without extra footprint
Original Price	$2,799.95	$2,999.95	$4,461.95	$5,033.95
Setup Type	Cable + Smith + Rack	Cable + Half Rack	Cable + Rack + Storage	Cable + Rack
Resistance Type	Plate-loaded	Dual weight stack (72kg per side)	Weight stack (90kg)	Dual weight stack (90kg per side)
Maximum Capacity	600kg	280kg	460kg	460kg
Uprights	60×60mm, 2mm thick	50×50mm, 2mm thick	75×75mm, 3mm thick	75×75mm, 3mm thick
Storage	Rear peg board + 10 attachment hooks, 3 pairs of weight plate pegs, and 2 barbell holders	Rear peg board + 10 attachment hooks	Integrated storage for plates, dumbbells, balls, and barbell	Add on
Base Footprint	154cm (D) × 124cm (W)	165.5cm (W) × 98cm (D)	112cm (D) × 244cm (W)	112cm (D) × 135cm (W)
Features	• Westside hole spacing for precise adjustment • 7-degree angled Smith bar for natural press • Spring-cushioned stoppers for smooth lowering	• Precision adjustment handle • Fast resistance changes without loading plates	• Compatible with the comprehensive Evolve attachment ecosystem • Includes a low row footplate • Fortress-level stability	• Compatible with the comprehensive Evolve attachment ecosystem • Space-efficient design • Fortress-level stability

What To Check Before Buying

1. Resistance Type
Functional trainers come in two types: pin-loaded weight stacks, where you select your resistance with a pin and go, or plate-loaded systems, which run off your own plates for a higher weight ceiling. Going Icon? Don't forget to add plates to your cart.

2. Smith Machine
Not every functional trainer comes with Smith machine functionality built in. Icon has it standard straight out of the box. Oasis offers it as an add-on. If guided bar-path squats and presses are part of your plan, check what's included before you order, not after it turns up.

3. Footprint vs Function
A bigger footprint doesn't always mean more capability, and a compact unit doesn't always mean you're giving something up. Icon packs cable, Smith, and rack functions into a 154x124cm frame. Measure your space, but also check what's actually included in that footprint before assuming smaller is better.

4. Already Own a Rack?
If you've already got a power rack, you may not need a full functional trainer at all. A rack-mount cable system can add cable training to your existing setup without taking up extra floor space. If you’ve got the Evolve Power Rack, simply add the Pin-loaded Rack Mount Cable System to unlock more movement. If your rack isn't compatible, a standalone cable tower works alongside it just as well.

5. Storage
Plates, barbells, and attachments pile up fast. Icon, Oasis, and Evolve Power Rack with Cable System and Extended Storage include integrated storage as standard. If your machine doesn't, check out storage options to keep your space tidy.

6. Delivery
Check if your address qualifies for Free Metro Shipping on Orders over $250.

7. Warranty
Know what is covered and for how long before you buy.

Home Gym Setup Builder

Before you start adding things to cart one by one, check whether a package already has you covered. Gym Plus bundles functional trainers with the essentials at better value than buying separately.

- Icon Garage Gym Package or Complete Setup

- Pink Icon Garage Gym Package or Complete Setup

- Oasis Garage Gym Package or Complete Setup

- Evolve Dual Cable System Garage Gym Package

- System X Garage Gym Package or Complete Setup

Prefer to build your own setup? Here’s what to add:

Add This To Your Order		Reason
Olympic Barbell & Plates		For plate-loaded trainers e.g. Icon and unlock a full strength setup
Bench		Opens up seated cable rows, cable chest press, and a wide range of movements
Rubber Flooring		Protect your floor, reduce noise, define your training space
Rack Attachments / Cable Attachments		More attachments, more movement
Olympic Collars		Secures your weight and lift efficiently

Common Mistakes

Buying a plate-loaded machine without plates
If you're after a plate-loaded system like Icon, add plates to your order. It's an easy one to miss, the machine looks complete in photos, but plate-loaded means exactly that, you bring the plates. Sort both in one order and you'll be training the day it arrives.

Buying a full functional trainer when you already own a rack
If you've already got a power rack, check whether a rack-mount cable system fits it first. Options like the Evolve Pin-loaded Rack Mount Cable System add cable training to your existing setup without duplicating what you already have or eating into your floor space. A lot of buyers don't realise this option exists until after they've already ordered a whole new machine.

Not planning for storage
Plates, attachments, and a barbell all need a home too. Some machines like Icon and Oasis come with storage built in. If yours doesn't, check out storage solutions to keep everything sorted. Buyers who skip this step usually end up with a "garage gym" that's more garage than gym.

Not checking attachment compatibility first
Want to train a specific movement down the track, say, landmine presses or ab work? Check the attachment range for your specific trainer before you buy. Attachments aren't universal across ranges, so if you're going Icon, check the Icon attachment range covers what you're planning to add later. If you want the widest range to grow into, Evolve has the most comprehensive attachment ecosystem around.

Service And Support

We’re here to help.
Not sure which functional trainer is right for you? We've got you.
Whether you're setting up your first home gym or fitting out a commercial space, the Gym Plus team is ready to help you get it right.

Customer Service
Contact us online. We usually respond within a few hours during business hours.
Call 03 5615 8001, Monday to Friday, 10am–4pm AEST.

B2B Enquiries & Partnerships
Setting up a studio, gym, or commercial space?
Speak to our B2B team at 03 9007 2389. You can also apply for atrade account for ongoing orders.

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