Beyond Power Voltra Review: I Was Wrong About Owning Two
By Mike, PhD, Professor of Exercise Science and NSCA Strength and Conditioning Coach, Hybrid Resistance.
Disclosure: I purchased my second Voltra. Links and codes in this article may be affiliate links, which support the channel at no extra cost to you.
This Beyond Power Voltra review is about something I got wrong. I used to say that if you own a functional trainer, you don't need a Voltra, let alone two. Then I picked up a second one, and two Voltras started getting more use than my functional trainers.
The Voltra is a portable digital resistance unit. Bottom line: it's very good, and the modes are addictive. But I was right about the costs. Each unit is about $2,000, the mounts add up, cables wear, and you'll be charging it weekly. It's best for lifters who want variable and eccentric resistance on their existing equipment. If you're on a tight budget or you just want grab-and-go simplicity, skip it.
Beyond Power Voltra Quick Specs
Spec | Details |
Type | Portable digital resistance unit |
Price | $2,199 on beyond-power.com (about $2,000 when I made the video) |
Modes I use | Weight training (default), eccentric only, chains, inverse chains, auto assist, autoload |
Charging (heavy use) | At least once a week, definitely every two weeks |
Where to Buy the Beyond Power Voltra
You can get the Voltra here: beyond-power.com/hybrid.
Gear I pair it with:
Andreoni bar: code HYBRID
Quantum Free Trainer: code HYBRID
SquatMax: code HYBRID50 ($50 off)
What I Used to Say
For a long time, my summary was simple. If you had a functional trainer, you didn't need one of these. Most of the benefits come from a single unit anyway. For most people's budgets, I'd still mostly agree with that.
I started with one Voltra. It took over the job my resistance band platform used to do, and I mostly used it as a platform. When I bought the second one, I honestly had some buyer's remorse. I didn't think I'd use it much, and some of the ways I wanted to use it weren't working out.
▶ Watch: my video on buying a second Voltra
Where I Was Wrong
Two Voltras beat my functional trainers
At one point I had three setups in my gym: two very good functional trainers, and a single squat stand with two Voltras. Even with the functional trainers right there, plug-and-play, I kept gravitating to the Voltras.
The reason was the autoload function. I could set up chest presses, flies, rows and all sorts of pulls using a basic functional training bar or the Andreoni bar. I'd say the best use for both bars isn't on a functional trainer at all. It's on two Voltras. The way you can set up and start in those positions, safely, is a big deal.
So my old line, that if you had a functional trainer I couldn't see the rationale for ever having this, is the biggest thing I got wrong.
I wasn't using the modes
Using the first unit mostly as a platform, I wasn't taking advantage of the modes. These are the ones I use now:
Weight training mode. This is the default, and honestly I still go back to it very often.
Eccentric-only mode. I got addicted to it in pretty much everything. It makes forced negatives easy.
Chains mode. It acts like variable resistance, similar to bands.
Inverse chains mode. It's heavier at the bottom and lighter at the top. A commenter said eccentric mode with inverse chains is the ultimate combination, and I can kind of agree. It's a whole unique sensation.
Auto assist. This acts almost like a self-spotter. If you start to get stuck, it lightens the load. I barely used it as a platform, but it shines with two units.
Autoload. It lets you start the load at the top position instead of always from the bottom.
It makes other machines better
My first attempt at two Voltras on the Quantum Free Trainer didn't go well, because the front end wanted to lift off the ground during the lift. A few small sandbags fixed that for the weights I use. Now it works great, especially for lighter work. I also run one on the back for pulldowns.
It's been a luxury there. I don't have to mess with heavy weight plates, adjustments are easy, and autoload lets me start at the top.
The same goes for my SquatMax. I combined it with a Bulletproof isolator and a Voltra. I've dubbed the setup the "Squatmaxinator", and it has taken my leg extensions and leg curls to a whole other level.
Now I mostly keep the two units at separate stations, so I'm not moving one unit between exercises.
▶ Watch: my Quantum Free Trainer review
▶ Watch: my SquatMax-MD review
Where I Was Right: The Real Costs
I'm not trying to make this a straight-up praise review. Some of my concerns held up.
Price and cost creep
The obvious one is price. The unit itself is about $2,000. Getting two starts to get crazy. I'd call these things money pits, because the base unit is just the start.
Mounts. My DARKO mounts are very good, but they're $150-plus each. I also have two strap mounts that I think were about $200.
Cases and adapters. I bought cases for both, and I needed a 90-degree USB-C adapter to fit the unit in the case.
Cables. The cables wear over time. I was told that pulling at 90 degrees off the pulley increases wear, especially when you go heavy. That's why a lot of mounts angle the unit for a more vertical pull. If you use these heavily, you'll be replacing cables. I'm already noticing wear on one of mine.
You don't need all the extras, and you can get by with simple setups. But you'll likely spend a lot more than the base unit.
Battery life and charging
I used to say battery life wasn't that bad, and I still don't think it's horrible. But the more I use the units, especially with more weight, the more I charge them: at least once a week, and definitely every two weeks.
It's kind of annoying. I have to bring them in, take them out of the case, charge one, then swap in the other. That takes a decent amount of time.
Tinkering can eat your workout
Overall I think the Voltra saves you time, like not loading plates on the Quantum Free Trainer or the SquatMax. But if you get into custom curves and fiddling with settings, it can waste time. I've caught myself doing it.
Tech vs steel
On a functional trainer you just grab a handle and go. With the Voltra you're relying on technology, with batteries, buttons and charging, even for something as important as safety. I've seen very few complaints about these failing, but that's something I'll always be mindful of.
Cons: What I Don't Like About the Voltra
About $2,000 per unit, and two doubles it.
Accessories add up fast. Mounts are $150 to $200-plus each.
Cables wear, faster with 90-degree pulls and heavy use.
Weekly charging under heavy use, plus swapping between units.
Tinkering with modes and curves can eat into your actual training.
Reliance on tech compared with simple steel.
Mounting quirks. When I put a Voltra on the outside of my Force USA FTR, the cord rubbed against the upright, so I had to angle it inward.
Value and Alternatives
Option | Best for | Tradeoff |
One Voltra | Most budgets, most of the benefits | You lose the two-handed bar setups |
Two Voltras | Chest presses, flies and rows with a bar, eccentric and inverse chains work | About $4,000 before mounts |
Functional trainer (e.g. Force USA FTR) | Grab-and-go simplicity, no charging | No eccentric or curve modes |
Resistance bands | Cheap variable resistance | Less precise than digital modes |
Cheaper digital units coming to market | Lower price point | Not out yet at the time of the video |
▶ Watch: my Force USA FTR review
Who Should Buy the Voltra
You want eccentric-only, chains or inverse chains resistance at home.
You'd use two units with a bar for presses, flies and rows.
You want to add digital resistance to equipment you already own, like a Quantum Free Trainer or SquatMax.
You're tired of loading and unloading plates.
You'll put in the work and won't just tinker.
Who Should Skip It
You're on a tight budget. For most people, one unit is plenty.
You already have a functional trainer and only do basic cable work.
You want zero maintenance: no charging, no cable replacement.
You know you'll spend more time adjusting settings than training.
Final Verdict: Is the Beyond Power Voltra Worth It?
I was wrong about two Voltras. Once I stopped using one as a platform and started using two with autoload, eccentric-only and inverse chains, they got more use than my functional trainers. That's the opposite of what I used to tell people.
I was right about the costs, though. At about $2,000 a unit, plus mounts, cable wear and weekly charging, these things are money pits.
And don't forget the simple stuff. Drop sets, supersets, compound sets and bands can get you the same results, possibly better, if you put in the effort. The worst thing that can happen is you buy one, get lazy, and tinker instead of training.
Beyond Power Voltra FAQ
Is the Beyond Power Voltra worth it?
If you'll use the modes, like eccentric-only, chains and autoload, I think it is. For most budgets, one unit gets you most of the benefits. Two only make sense if you'll use them with a bar for presses, flies and rows.
Do you need two Voltras?
Not usually. I used to say no, and for most budgets I still mostly agree. Where two changed my mind is bar-based chest presses, flies and rows with autoload. Those outshined my functional trainers.
Voltra vs functional trainer: which should I get?
A functional trainer is grab-and-go simple with no charging. The Voltra adds eccentric-only, chains and inverse chains modes, plus autoload, and it moves between machines. I kept choosing the Voltras, but they cost more and need more maintenance.
How long does the Voltra battery last?
With heavy use, I charge at least once a week, and definitely every two weeks. It's not horrible, but swapping and charging two units is a bit annoying.
What is the Voltra eccentric mode like?
I got addicted to it in pretty much everything. It makes forced negatives easy. Pairing it with inverse chains, which is heavier at the bottom and lighter at the top, is a unique sensation.
How much do Voltra mounts cost?
My DARKO mounts are $150-plus each, and my strap mounts were about $200. You don't need mounts to start, but they add up quickly.
Do Voltra cables wear out?
Yes, over time. Pulling at 90 degrees off the pulley increases wear, especially going heavy. I'm already noticing wear on one of mine.
About the author: My name is Mike, and I've worked in the fitness industry and higher education as a professor of Exercise Science my whole adult life. I'm a Certified Personal Trainer and NSCA Strength and Conditioning Coach, with a PhD in Health Education and a Master's in Exercise Science. Other qualifications include ISSN Certified Sports Nutritionist, Precision Nutrition Coach and ACSM Exercise Physiologist. On Hybrid Resistance I share honest (non-sponsored) reviews of efficient, effective home gym equipment.
Watch the Full Video
Also see: best functional trainers I've tested, with my early Voltra thoughts
Gear in this article: Beyond Power Voltra · Andreoni bar, code HYBRID · Quantum Free Trainer, code HYBRID · SquatMax, code HYBRID50
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