Newcomer needs some advice...

[laa767]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for some advice on setting up a home gym. I'm planning on purchasing within the next month and have a budget of between $750 - $1K. It will be for myself and my 15 year old son.

I've been researching power racks for the last few weeks, and the Powertec P-PR with the lat attachment seems to be a pretty decent deal, but I've also been looking at the Powertec WB-RS because I thought it might be better for my son. We will also need to purchase barbell/weights.

I'm in decent shape, but want to get stronger, so want to lift. My son needs to be strong for sports, primarily basketball. We have space for a rack, but it would take up most of the room.

This will be a sizable purchase for me, and I'll want it to last for awhile, so need it to be durable.

You guys have a ton of knowledge, so given my budget and knowing the goals, what would you recommend?

Thanks!

[gbrs5]

Originally Posted by laa767

Hey everyone. I'm looking for some advice on setting up a home gym. I'm planning on purchasing within the next month and have a budget of between $750 - $1K. It will be for myself and my 15 year old son.

I've been researching power racks for the last few weeks, and the Powertec P-PR with the lat attachment seems to be a pretty decent deal, but I've also been looking at the Powertec WB-RS because I thought it might be better for my son. We will also need to purchase barbell/weights.

I'm in decent shape, but want to get stronger, so want to lift. My son needs to be strong for sports, primarily basketball. We have space for a rack, but it would take up most of the room.

This will be a sizable purchase for me, and I'll want it to last for awhile, so need it to be durable.

You guys have a ton of knowledge, so given my budget and knowing the goals, what would you recommend?

Thanks!

What's the WB-RS? I think you either mean WB-BRS, P-RS, or WB-LS?

[laa767]

Originally Posted by gbrs5

What's the WB-RS? I think you either mean WB-BRS, P-RS, or WB-LS?

It's the WB-BRS. Any thoughts between that and the Power Rack? Or any other recommendations?

[darkfact]

For a budget of 1k I'd skip the lat attachment, I would put other things as a priority, the rack is a great start, dumbbells and a barbell set are also way up there in terms of bang for buck.

I have only owned the Powertec rack so I can't give personal experiences with other home models, but I would recommend it for sure. I've had mine for over 4 years and it's done everything I've needed it to handle and still going strong.

If your left over budget is $500 or less after the rack I'd look into dumbbells rather than a barbell set if you're really interested in quality that will last. A good 7' bar and reputable plates will set you back at least the $500 for a probably less than modest amount of weight.

For dumbbells I have two of the adjustable types, the 85lbs Powerblocks and the Ironmaster set. IMO the Ironmaster's have been far superior to the powerblocks, in fact I bought the powerblocks first and was unhappy with them because I could quickly see these things won't last long unless you treat them very carefully. I bought the Ironmasters when I needed an upgrade in weight and got the 1st tier addon kit with them for a total of 120lbs each. I have absolutely loved them, they are in the same condition as the first day I bought them and I'm not shy about dropping weights when I'm done with my heavy sets. I just recently upgraded them even further to the 165lbs kit and they still feel as safe and secure at that weight as they do at much lighter weights.

You'll also have to factor in a good adjustable bench so you'll have to find something that will work with that budget but at least it's a great start, hope I helped and good luck!

[wolfdragon]

I'd suggest the power-rack over the work-bench. The rack is much safer. How is your areas used market? You can find a power-rack on Craigslist for much cheaper depending on your area. You can also find cheaper new racks online.

[boxertim]

a full rack for sure...if you are going to be working out with your kid then a saber style rack (like the powertec) is fine...if your kid is going to work out alone (and is lazy) then get a rack that has a pin opeerated set of safeties...this way he can't workout without them on the rack.

tim

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by darkfact

For a budget of 1k I'd skip the lat attachment, I would put other things as a priority, the rack is a great start, dumbbells and a barbell set are also way up there in terms of bang for buck.

I have only owned the Powertec rack so I can't give personal experiences with other home models, but I would recommend it for sure. I've had mine for over 4 years and it's done everything I've needed it to handle and still going strong.

If your left over budget is $500 or less after the rack I'd look into dumbbells rather than a barbell set if you're really interested in quality that will last. A good 7' bar and reputable plates will set you back at least the $500 for a probably less than modest amount of weight.

For dumbbells I have two of the adjustable types, the 85lbs Powerblocks and the Ironmaster set. IMO the Ironmaster's have been far superior to the powerblocks, in fact I bought the powerblocks first and was unhappy with them because I could quickly see these things won't last long unless you treat them very carefully. I bought the Ironmasters when I needed an upgrade in weight and got the 1st tier addon kit with them for a total of 120lbs each. I have absolutely loved them, they are in the same condition as the first day I bought them and I'm not shy about dropping weights when I'm done with my heavy sets. I just recently upgraded them even further to the 165lbs kit and they still feel as safe and secure at that weight as they do at much lighter weights.

You'll also have to factor in a good adjustable bench so you'll have to find something that will work with that budget but at least it's a great start, hope I helped and good luck!

well, i agree the rack is the first thing he should get, along with an adjustable bench. but why would you suggest a rack and a db set? if dbs come before a barbell and weights, shouldn't a bench come before the rack?

i'd get a rack, bench, and olympic set first, then worry about the dbs. could get olympic handles and a few extra plates to use until a better db set comes up.

i have powerblocks and never use them, they may go up for sale shortly.

[gbrs5]

I have the Powertec WB-BRS (weird thing is I don't have its bench even though it's suppose to be a rack/bench set I believe). Anyways, I would definitely recommend the power rack as well.

I have a couple of issue with the WB-BRS. The safety bars, set at its lower position, is still too high to spot for benching and even squatting for me (if you're taller, it might be just low enough). Thus I don't use it as safety bar as it was made to be. And the other thing is, even if it can be adjusted lower, I can't imagine how effective it would be because it's so short. Another little issue is that when you want to use the pull up bars, the barbell will probably get in the way, so you would have to take it off the rack. I never use the pull up bars on the rack, so it's not a big deal for me.

The issues with the safety bars are probably the one issues I have. But that makes the rack unsafe, so I wouldn't recommend it.

EDIT: I agree with animal on the barbell vs dumbbell. No use in getting a power rack if you don't have the barbell set.

[laa767]

Originally Posted by laa767

Hey everyone. I'm looking for some advice on setting up a home gym. I'm planning on purchasing within the next month and have a budget of between $750 - $1K. It will be for myself and my 15 year old son.

I've been researching power racks for the last few weeks, and the Powertec P-PR with the lat attachment seems to be a pretty decent deal, but I've also been looking at the Powertec WB-RS because I thought it might be better for my son. We will also need to purchase barbell/weights.

I'm in decent shape, but want to get stronger, so want to lift. My son needs to be strong for sports, primarily basketball. We have space for a rack, but it would take up most of the room.

This will be a sizable purchase for me, and I'll want it to last for awhile, so need it to be durable.

You guys have a ton of knowledge, so given my budget and knowing the goals, what would you recommend?

Thanks!

Thank for all the feedback everyone, I really appreciate it.

It sounds like a Power Rack is the way to go. Is the Powertec P-PR at $749 still one of the better deals around? Any extra accessories I would need? Also, is there anything I should watch out for when buying a barbell and weights?

[darkfact]

Originally Posted by animalfan

well, i agree the rack is the first thing he should get, along with an adjustable bench. but why would you suggest a rack and a db set? if dbs come before a barbell and weights, shouldn't a bench come before the rack?

i'd get a rack, bench, and olympic set first, then worry about the dbs. could get olympic handles and a few extra plates to use until a better db set comes up.

i have powerblocks and never use them, they may go up for sale shortly.

Yeah you're right, I was thinking more about quality with that budget but the order was wrong for sure, I think of my gym as a constant work in progress so I don't normally consider order as much as future needs. I just couldn't buy a rack, plates, and a bar that would last long term for 1k or less unless I found a great deal on used stuff, my 800lbs of plates would pretty much eat that budget up alone.

So if we're talking about 1k total and done here and a gym wasn't an option then I'd drop my standards a bit and get a barbell/plate set to go with a good rack. In that event I'd suggest to start looking for a good used plate set rather than buying something like a Cap barbell quality set new.

[ExtremistPullup]

X2 on the Power rack, I would also Skip the lat attachment especially if you can already do pull-ups.

Invest in a STURDY commercial bench that will go Decline and 90' with and adjustable seat.
I bought a cheap rack off CL for 120 but I spent 200 on a new Power-tec bench.

Definitely check out CL for some good deals on weights. Put Cl on your tab Bookmarks and check it everyday.
http://www.searchtempest.com/

Also your local live auctions small gyms go out of business all the time. you can even get on there mailing list where they will send you a post card when the are doing a auction that includes fitness equipment.

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by darkfact

Yeah you're right, I was thinking more about quality with that budget but the order was wrong for sure, I think of my gym as a constant work in progress so I don't normally consider order as much as future needs. I just couldn't buy a rack, plates, and a bar that would last long term for 1k or less unless I found a great deal on used stuff, my 800lbs of plates would pretty much eat that budget up alone.

So if we're talking about 1k total and done here and a gym wasn't an option then I'd drop my standards a bit and get a barbell/plate set to go with a good rack. In that event I'd suggest to start looking for a good used plate set rather than buying something like a Cap barbell quality set new.

definately. i have so many plates right now, and i've sold over 1200# this year. i bought one new cap set, in 2003- haven't bought any new plates since, except a pair of 45s when i needed another pair and couldn't find any used. 2 weeks after i bought those i ended up buying 1300# of plates from a powerhouse gym that was upgrading.

i like your suggestion to buy quality stuff- but with his budget, i'd wait on the good dbs till he saved more money, unless he finds everything he needs used and gets some deals. entirely possible if he's got the patience and a decent cl market in his area.

[Wildtim]

Originally Posted by laa767

Thank for all the feedback everyone, I really appreciate it.

It sounds like a Power Rack is the way to go. Is the Powertec P-PR at $749 still one of the better deals around? Any extra accessories I would need? Also, is there anything I should watch out for when buying a barbell and weights?

$749 is the rack with the lat attachment, just fyi. Honestly when just getting your first set there really isn't much to look out for in a weight set. The plates on the most expensive sets are the same weight they just might be a little easier to hold because of handles or have a nicer finish on them. Bars do have a lot of quality variance between the best and worst. Though at lower weights the differences really don't show themselves, they are usually in the way the sleeves are made to spin with the best bars having expensive bearings in them while the cheapest are just metal on metal. There are also capacity differences in bar with the better holding five times more than the average, but since the cheapest still hold more than 300#'s safely this isn't an issue for the first years of training.

[gbrs5]

What about this set: http://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/item.cfm?id=3137

From what I know, the Body Solid rack is on par with the Powertec. And this one includes a free weight set. Looks like a pretty nice deal for $600.

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by gbrs5

What about this set: http://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/item.cfm?id=3137

From what I know, the Body Solid rack is on par with the Powertec. And this one includes a free weight set. Looks like a pretty nice deal for $600.

that's a pretty good deal, but wonder what they charge for shipping the weight set?

[gbrs5]

Originally Posted by animalfan

that's a pretty good deal, but wonder what they charge for shipping the weight set?

I don't know. If I remember correctly, someone from here bought that set recently. There was a whole thread about that and also about skelooth's language in his letter lol

[laa767]

From what I know, the Body Solid rack is on par with the Powertec. And this one includes a free weight set. Looks like a pretty nice deal for $600.[/QUOTE]


Thanks, I will definitely look into that, it sounds like a good deal. I'll check into the shipping cost and see how it adds up.

[Wildtim]

I think its free shipping anywhere in the CONUS

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by Wildtim

I think its free shipping anywhere in the CONUS

it says free shipping applies to the rack only. customer pays shipping for the weight set.

[Wildtim]

I missed that completely, pretty sneaky. As long as its less than a couple hundred to ship it would still be a deal.

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by Wildtim

I missed that completely, pretty sneaky. As long as its less than a couple hundred to ship it would still be a deal.

yea. if shipping adds too much to the cost, you can "give back" the weight set. you'd still pay $599 for the rack setup, and get free shipping on it. would still work out fine- just spend the extra money on an olympic set or the shipping for the free one, whichever is cheapest.

at least that's how i'd look at it.

[HardKore79]

The deal from Fitness factory would be a great deal for locals like me that can pick up. I don't see it being a deal if it has to be shipped. Now with the new spotters is worth looking at it even for me.

[Keetman]

Originally Posted by HardKore79

The deal from Fitness factory would be a great deal for locals like me that can pick up. I don't see it being a deal if it has to be shipped. Now with the new spotters is worth looking at it even for me.

Say it ain't so!!!??? You'd consider trading the parabody for that Bodysolid?

I like the Bodysolid and agree'd, those new spotters are nice, but I wouldn't give up my rack for that one!!!!!



OP......let us know what the damage is on the shipping.




Unless I'm forgetting something...the most talked about new racks around here are the Powertec, Powerline, Bodysolid, Bodycraft, and elitefts.


Current ballpark prices right now:

Powertec is about $450 shipped

Powerline is about $300 shipped

Bodysolid is $600 shipped

Bodycraft is $600 shipped

Elitefts 2x2 (plain rack) is on sale right now for $675 and $165 shipping (http://flexcart.com/members/elitefts...&cid=167&pid=9)

[HardKore79]

Ehhh, I guess you're right Keet! The Parabody was made in USA and just for that have to keep it. Nothing is made here anymore, so this will serve as a relic.

[laa767]

[QUOTE=Keetman;406826681]Say it ain't so!!!??? You'd consider trading the parabody for that Bodysolid?

I like the Bodysolid and agree'd, those new spotters are nice, but I wouldn't give up my rack for that one!!!!!



OP......let us know what the damage is on the shipping.




Unless I'm forgetting something...the most talked about new racks around here are the Powertec, Powerline, Bodysolid, Bodycraft, and elitefts.


Current ballpark prices right now:

Powertec is about $450 shipped

Powerline is about $300 shipped

Bodysolid is $600 shipped

Bodycraft is $600 shipped

Elitefts 2x2 (plain rack) is on sale right now for $675 and $165 shipping

What would your top three choices be from those 5 racks that you've listed?

[Keetman]

Originally Posted by laa767

What would your top three choices be from those 5 racks that you've listed?

I've only seen two of those in person (Bodycraft...I own this one and the Powerline...I have this one at work and use it frequently), so I'll rate them, but you need to know my experience.



1. Elitefts

2. Bodycraft

3. Bodysolid

4. Powertec

5. Powerline



The Elitefts is widely known as a solid power rack with emphasis on power. It is well respected by many members and lifters that I have read about and its sold by a reputable company. It is big, strong, and has a good amount of options. I've never heard one bad thing about this rack. My opinion is based solely on others' opinions and the reputation of Elite.....plus it looks pretty cool......I'd also be labeled some sort of equipment crew heretic if I put it anywhere but the top of the list .

I own the Bodycraft and the crossover attachment. I love it and probably won't get rid of it. I say "probably" because nothing is sacred in my gym unless one of my children happens to be in there. Its attractive, roomy, very stable, and has pop-pin safeties which I prefer. I was doing dips in it a couple of weeks ago and on the last set I noticed one of the pop-pins had not set into the hole.......the safety was supporting my 224lbs suspended by one pop-pin and the force against the other upright and I hadn't even noticed until the last set because I was on a slight angle! The crossover attachment is extremely well made and has added even more stability to the overall picture. It is easy to operate, comfortable, and just a great piece of equipment. My only disappointment in the whole thing is that I cannot find a way to do a standing overhead press with my rack, even though I'm not that tall.

I have not seen the Bodysolid. I have had several pieces of Bodysolid equipment and two pieces of their current line (multi-press rack & the preacher curl). I can't speak more highly of the fit and finish of those two pieces. I also really like the new safety upgrade over sabers. If I could see one of these in person and use it for a bit, I might change my mind and move it above the Bodycraft......maybe, just based on the quality I've seen from the other two pieces and if I liked the safeties almost as much as the pop-pins....I know I won't like them more because I really like that feature.

The powertec is just the powertec. I haven't seen one, but I have two pieces of their equipment and have own another. There stuff is attractive, functional, and fairly strong. The only complaints I know of with the powertec is (as almost always the case) that they cut a few corners with QC and their steel is a bit thinner than others. But those who have this rack love it and its almost always considered the best buy for the money.....even with the price increase. This part is debatable though, because I haven't seen it, but I have seen the Powerline......if it isn't $150 better than the Powerline, why upgrade?

The Powerline is just a rack. It is safe and sturdy enough and when you're lifting you won't feel afraid or anything....its just not as good of a feel. Someone on a budget who is looking at buying just a bench press should get this rack and never feel bad about doing so. If I hadn't had the opportunities and good fortune I have.....I would put this rack in my gym in a heartbeat. It would not be my first choice, but I could still get strong with it and not get killed if used properly.




I hope this helps. Remember I haven't seen them all and I've tried to mention why I feel the way I do about them. Also learn or acknowledge the difference in the safeties. The Powerline and Powertec use sabers, the Bodycraft uses pop-pins, the Bodysolid uses a box tube safety that you turn and lift out, and the Elite uses a saber, but it has small ends and a wide body....to be honest I haven't seen it and do not totally understand it.......but its apparently pretty effective!

You just need to understand the differences and what's important to you. The pop-pins are the quickest to change, but cannot be removed.....all the others can be taken out completely, but this only matters a little because you can move the pop-pins all the way up if you need them out of your way. I've heard it argued the pop-pins are stronger because of their construction.......but seriously I'm a public servant, not an engineer so your guess is as good as mine.

Good luck.

[hellzlegend]

[QUOTE=laa767;406906021]

Originally Posted by Keetman

Say it ain't so!!!??? You'd consider trading the parabody for that Bodysolid?

I like the Bodysolid and agree'd, those new spotters are nice, but I wouldn't give up my rack for that one!!!!!



OP......let us know what the damage is on the shipping.




Unless I'm forgetting something...the most talked about new racks around here are the Powertec, Powerline, Bodysolid, Bodycraft, and elitefts.


Current ballpark prices right now:

Powertec is about $450 shipped

Powerline is about $300 shipped

Bodysolid is $600 shipped

Bodycraft is $600 shipped

Elitefts 2x2 (plain rack) is on sale right now for $675 and $165 shipping

What would your top three choices be from those 5 racks that you've listed?

I would personally rate them

1. Elitefts
2. York from this thread http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=120174931
very close if not equal 3. Bodycraft
4. Bodysolid
5. Powertec

[EPMD]

Cost becomes an issue if you are buying for durability. I would figure the following budget should get you what you need at a reasonable quality:

Bench = $200 (Brands like Body Solid offer benches at this price point)
Power Rack = $450 (Powertec fits in here)
Olympic Barbell/300 lb. Weight Set = $250 (You might be able to save here buying used)
Rubber Matting = $50

If you want dumbbell handles to use with the Olympic plates, that's another $75 or so.
If you want some storage for your weight plates, that's another $50-100.