Quick Overview
The Beyond Power Voltra 1 is a unique, portable, high-quality cable attachment with up to 200 lbs of digital resistance. It offers multiple training modes, including eccentric overload, chains, resistance bands, and more. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and the build quality is downright impressive.
Who It’s Right For
Things to Consider
The Beyond Power Voltra 1 is one of the most impressive pieces of gym equipment I’ve tested.
From its build quality to its technology and features, it packs a big punch in a small footprint.
Adding a cable machine to your home gym is an easy way to add variety and supplement your primary training.
The problem is these machines can be bulky and expensive.
And while the Voltra 1 isn’t a budget option, unlike most “smart” gym equipment, it doesn’t require a subscription.
Combined with several training modes and solid resistance, it’s versatile and effective.
In this review, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Voltra 1. I’ll share the pros and cons and compare it to the portable ANCORE cable system.
Beyond Power Voltra 1
It’s hard to find truly unique pieces of gym equipment.
Sure, there are unique features and creative ways to enhance existing concepts, but completely novel products?
That’s not easy anymore.
But the Voltra 1 fits the bill. There’s currently nothing else like it – a portable cable trainer with 200 lbs of resistance, a touchscreen display, and the freedom to digitally manipulate loading curves.
That’s actually crazy and what attracted me to the device in the first place.
I love how easy it is to set up, the overall build quality, and the technology. The resistance feels great, and the training modes aren’t some marketing gimmick.
However, there are some things I don’t care for, including twin mode (using dual units), rechargeable batteries, and an underwhelming warranty program.
Let’s take a look at the specs and get into the review.
Specs
- Dimensions: 12.7″ L x 5.5 W x 3.9″ H
- Weight: 12.8 lbs
- Resistance: 5-200 lbs
- Cable: Synthetic fiber, 9.4′ long
- Touchscreen: 4″ LCD
- Battery: Lithium Ion (charges via USB-C)
- Included: Voltra 1 unit, 65w charger, charging cable, carabiner
- Warranty: 12 months
Design & Construction
The Voltra 1 is built with a magnesium alloy shell and weighs close to 13 lbs. It’s legitimately one of the nicest and most well-made pieces I’ve tested. Everything looks and feels premium and high-end.
Internally, the unit uses a direct-drive motor to provide the resistance. The biggest benefit of direct-drive is that it doesn’t require a mechanical transmission or gearbox. This limits the number of moving parts and extends the life of the motor.
The Voltra 1 is powered by a block of lithium-ion batteries and charged with a 65w USB-C charger (provided).
You should plan on charging the unit every 3-4 training sessions. In a life of powered tech, it’s not abnormal, but it’s also not really intuitive in a gym context. If you accidentally forget to charge, you’re basically out of luck.
From 0% to 100%, it takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes with the provided charger to get a full charge. Since I have two units, I tested with the Beyond Power charger and an iPhone charger. The iPhone charger powered by a USB-C took approximately twice as long.
Beyond Power is currently working on offering a replacement battery pack in the event the original one goes out.
Lastly, the cable is made of synthetic fiber, which Beyond Power claims is stronger than steel. I can’t confirm that’s actually the case, but it seems well-made with a tight weave and thick diameter. They’re also working on offering a replacement cable if needed.
Quick Tip
Don’t let go of any attachment when finishing a set. While the cable retraction is fairly controlled, a swinging attachment may damage the LCD screen.
Technology
The technology is the biggest reason to buy the Voltra 1. On the front left of the unit, you’ll find a 4″ LCD touchscreen with a highly intuitive interface.
It’s responsive, well laid out, and generally easy to navigate. In addition to the training modes, here are a few of the primary settings:
- WiFi/Updates: By connecting to your WiFi, you can update the firmware in the general section. Periodically check for updates to ensure you get the most out of the unit.
- Units: Toggle between metric or imperial
- Twin Mode: Pair two units for crossover movements (see more below)
- Cable: Adjust cable length or trigger the cable to retract
- Safety: Toggle on assist mode to serve as a self-spotter or turn on child protection mode to prevent children from using the device.
- Sport Mode: Increases weight and cable speed limits and is required for eccentric manipulation
Once you’re ready to use the unit and have selected your mode/resistance, the device will track your sets and reps. After ~3 seconds of inactivity, the machine will assume the set is over. Resuming activity will then show a new set.
By default, the screen doesn’t show other metrics, but you can toggle them on to show max power, average velocity, or cable velocity.
Lastly, you can download the Beyond+ app to track workouts, organize training sessions, and manage athletes. It’s overkill for most people, but it’s a nice feature that seamlessly integrates with the Voltra 1.
Resistance & Training Modes
The Voltra 1 can generate up to 200 lbs of resistance in the concentric and eccentric phases of movement. This form of digital training was made popular by Tonal, and it produces some interesting results and added variety.
I continue to be impressed by the resistance profile. You might hear ‘digital resistance’ and ‘200 lbs’ and think that’s not much, but I assure you it’s effective and downright challenging.
Adjusting resistance is as simple as swiping your finger up and down, but with the latest update, you can now quickly adjust in 1, 5, or 10 lb increments. This was a major improvement, especially when trying to make fast weight changes.
When powered on, you’ll have the option to select from three different modes:
Weight Training
The mode most people will use is weight training. In this setting, you can adjust the weight and receive constant tension throughout the entire range of motion. However, you can also manipulate the load in several ways:
- Eccentric: Adjust the load to be more difficult in the eccentric (lowering) portion. Studies show that eccentric overload is highly effective, and this program provides a safe and easy way to add up to 60% of additional weight to the eccentric portion.
- Chain: You can add variable chain weight to make it harder the further you pull the cord. As with traditional chains, the further you pull, the heavier it gets since you’re lifting additional links off the floor. You can add up to 100% of extra weight in the concentric.
- Assist: You can toggle assist mode on to turn the unit into a self-spotter and help you through a sticking point.
Resistance Band
As the name implies, this mode mimics the feel of a resistance band – the further you pull the band, the greater the resistance. It’s not the same as chain mode in the sense that this isn’t for max strength.
The latest update also added an inverse band mode to reverse the resistance curve.
Damper
The damper mode adjusts in real-time to make it harder or easier based on how much force you use. For example, the harder you push the harder it becomes. Think of an air bike where the harder you pedal the harder it becomes because there’s more air resistance.
In addition to these modes, you also have the option to set your cable length. Most movements are fine at the standard length, but you can pull the cable out further and reset the starting position for some movements, like rotational exercises.
Twin Mode
While you can purchase a single Voltra 1 unit and perform dozens of movements, you can also purchase two to perform cross-body and other exercises.
With two, you can pair the devices together with twin mode to match the weight, variables, etc.
Conceptually, this is a smart feature, but it’s not as smooth as a traditional functional trainer since the motors aren’t synced. If one side goes faster or slower than the other, it can lead to some clunky behavior.
It still works, and reasonably well, but I think most people are better served with a single unit. In the meantime, perhaps Beyond Power can remedy or improve with a firmware update.
Mounting Options
The Voltra 1 unit requires a mount to use, and Beyond Power offers several options:
- Sliding Rack Mount: Shown in this review, the sliding mount is the best choice for most people. It will fit a variety of racks, including 2×2, 2×3, and 3×3 tube sizes with 5/8″ – 1″ holes. They even have an option for 4×4 racks.
- Adaptive Rack Mount: This is a versatile option that will attach to numerous racks with different tube/hole sizes. It’s not as heavy-duty as the sliding mount, but it’s smaller and more affordable.
- Fixed Rack Mount: This mount accommodates 5/8″ or 1″ holes and provides a more permanent solution on your rack. It’s ideal if you plan to only train certain movements from a consistent spot. I don’t recommend it for most people.
- Bar Mount: This mount attaches to a standard pull-up bar (1″-1.5″ diameters) to allow for high-pulley movements. It’s the most affordable but also the least versatile.
You can also mount the Volta 1 horizontally or vertically on your rack. In either orientation, the screen will automatically rotate, similar to rotating your phone.
Attachments
While you’re free to use any cable attachment you want, Beyond Power offers a few of their own.
In my opinion, the travel platform is the most compelling because it serves as a mount for floor-based movements. With the platform, you can easily perform deadlifts, goblet squats, curls, upright upright rows, and more.
Additionally, they offer a few cable accessories, including CarbonFlex Bars, a basic D-handle, and a resistance band. Unless you buy a package with these included, I recommend just using your own.
Shipping & Assembly
The Voltra 1 Ships in a single box with excellent protection. The units are individually boxed in a form-fitted travel case, and the unboxing experience was simply a joy.
It reminded me of an Apple product – just a premium experience all around.
Once unboxed, assembly is quick an easy by connecting the mount to the rack and then the unit to the mount.
To lock the unit onto the mount, press in and hold for one second. To unlock, press and hold both buttons on top of the unit for one second and rotate the device in either direction.
Price & Warranty
The Voltra 1 is fairly expensive for something so small. The technology and build quality are really impressive, so I understand the pricing, but it’s going to price most home gym owners out.
As of this review, a single unit costs just over $2,000, with bundles ranging from ~$2,400 to ~$5,100.
Beyond Power currently offers a 1-year warranty, which includes the unit, power adapter, battery pack, cable, and accessories.
I would like to see a longer warranty for something as expensive as the Voltra 1. That said, Beyond Power is working on extended warranties, maintenance care, and replacement parts.
User Reviews
The Voltra 1 has received very positive feedback so far, although there aren’t many reviews yet. Users love it’s versatility, smooth operation, and compact design for portability. I’ll update this section as more reviews are posted.
Voltra 1 vs. ANCORE
The ANCORE is a popular portable cable system, and while it’s also rack-mounted, that’s where the similarities end.
Unlike the Voltra 1, the ANCORE is not powered. Rather, it uses tension via removable plates in 5 or 10 lb increments. It still provides constant tension throughout the full range, but it only goes up to a max of 65 lbs.
It’s a very well-made unit and performs flawlessly, but I think it’s better for sport-specific training than strength-building. Specifically, I think the ANCORE is perfect for explosive rotational movements that throwing athletes, grappling athletes, etc., may use.
It’s also excellent for injury rehab and recovery.
Since the ANCORE isn’t powered, there’s less risk for downtime, no need for charging, etc., which some will find beneficial.
Ultimately, the Voltra 1 is far more versatile and better for strength training. However, it’s considerably more expensive, which is a big consideration for home gym owners.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fluid cable system with seamless resistance
- Multiple training modes for better versatility
- Intuitive user interface
- Compact, space-friendly design
- Heavy-duty construction
Cons
- Expensive for most home gym owners
- Twin mode doesn’t feel as smooth
- Warranty could be better
Final Thoughts
The Voltra 1 is one of the most revolutionary and intriguing pieces of gym equipment I’ve tested.
I love its versatility and small footprint. The resistance feels excellent, and the training modes are useful and effective.
The build quality is truly impressive, but having to recharge the batteries is a bit annoying, especially if you forget.
The twin mode lacks polish, and it’s ultimately an expensive piece.
If you have the budget and need for a compact cable system, this is an excellent addition. However, most home gym owners will find it too pricey and may prefer traditional machines overall.