Having cable machine functionality with the power rack is very nice and essentially achieves most of the equipment I used at the commercial gym. I have 7' basement ceilings so I needed something short enough to fit, however the height of this rack is the toughest thing about it. For the cable machine specifically, the travel space on the rack is the biggest limiting factor on the exercises you can use it for. For lat pulldowns I have to sit on the floor, delt side raises I have to kneel down next to the low pulley, I just have to get creative with body positioning so I don't bottom out on the weight and hit the top of the rack when pulling on it. I'm sure much of this would be improved by getting the taller version of this rack, but for limited space, the pulleys are smooth and the weight plate loading rack makes it easy to use the weights you already have for your barbell. Great (I'd say essential) addition to the power rack.