I am so frustrated with trying to find a decent rack...

[wingman11]

some weights, and a bench.

i don't have TOO many requirements but it seems damn near impossible to find what i want. i just need a quality rack that is under 82" (sumo, topless, full rack, whatever) that has a dip attachment, and a good solid FID bench. i could even live without the decline aspect. last but not least, i just want a decent 7' oly bar and 300# of iron to throw around.

i almost don't even care about the money at this point. i just want nice quality equipment that will serve me for years and take a beating.

i think my biggest limiting factor is that i don't want to deal with a shipping company. i guess i will if it came down to it...but after spending years working with freight deliveries/drivers this is something i prefer to avoid.

comments, advice, anything welcome! please help!

[Accutron]

There are tons of nice racks and benches out there!!!!!!!!

[skinnycalves]

You are going to be hardpressed to find a power rack less than 7 feet tall. EFS sells 6.5 feet racks for extra cost, you can also get a dip attchment.

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by Accutron

There are tons of nice racks and benches out there!!!!!!!!

I can't find 'em!

Originally Posted by skinnycalves

You are going to be hardpressed to find a power rack less than 7 feet tall. EFS sells 6.5 feet racks for extra cost, you can also get a dip attchment.

Yeah, I know I said I am not that worried about the money...but $1,000 for just the rack is a bit much.

[animalfan]

where do you live? how long have you been looking?

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by animalfan

where do you live? how long have you been looking?

On the east coast of the US. I've been watching CL for a few months and reading up on here for a couple weeks. I still can't find something to fit my needs.

[animalfan]

do you have any way to modify a rack? like a sawsall and a drill?

if you do, you could get a rack like the powertec and cut a few couple inches off of the bottom of the posts. then you'd just have to redrill the bolt holes.

[Accutron]

Originally Posted by wingman11

I can't find 'em!



Yeah, I know I said I am not that worried about the money...but $1,000 for just the rack is a bit much.

1k isnt that bad if the rack lasts you a lifetime...You could try a ptec, I can measure mine tomorrow, I made an adjustment so my head fits more under the rafters on chins, its not very tall.

Ptecs are nice, they cost around 500$

Due to how the ptec is made you could even cut away some length on the 4 top posts (11ga is not very thick very easy to cut) and re-drill a couple holes and make it as short as you want.

[Kodokan]

Originally Posted by wingman11

some weights, and a bench.

i don't have TOO many requirements but it seems damn near impossible to find what i want. i just need a quality rack that is under 82" (sumo, topless, full rack, whatever) that has a dip attachment, and a good solid FID bench. i could even live without the decline aspect. last but not least, i just want a decent 7' oly bar and 300# of iron to throw around.

i almost don't even care about the money at this point. i just want nice quality equipment that will serve me for years and take a beating.

i think my biggest limiting factor is that i don't want to deal with a shipping company. i guess i will if it came down to it...but after spending years working with freight deliveries/drivers this is something i prefer to avoid.

comments, advice, anything welcome! please help!

don't let your frustration drive you to a poor decision is all. if you're willing to spend money for new, i think you know you can get what you want...but if you're waiting for craigslist then just remember it's all a matter of change and the next deal which would be perfect for you is right around the corner.

i think i looked for about 3-4 months before i saw a single rack on CL, but since have found several that would have worked out great. you just have to be patient and workout with whatever you have even if its not on your program until you get the right equipment.

[Accutron]

Originally Posted by animalfan

do you have any way to modify a rack? like a sawsall and a drill?

if you do, you could get a rack like the powertec and cut a few couple inches off of the bottom of the posts. then you'd just have to redrill the bolt holes.

Great minds think alike, LOL!

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by animalfan

do you have any way to modify a rack? like a sawsall and a drill?

if you do, you could get a rack like the powertec and cut a few couple inches off of the bottom of the posts. then you'd just have to redrill the bolt holes.

i'd buy the nybb sumo rack before i'd try hacking up a full rack. not that i ever plan on selling it, but once you do that it's basically worthless.

Originally Posted by Accutron

1k isnt that bad if the rack lasts you a lifetime...You could try a ptec, I can measure mine tomorrow, I made an adjustment so my head fits more under the rafters on chins, its not very tall.

Ptecs are nice, they cost around 500$

Due to how the ptec is made you could even cut away some length on the 4 top posts (11ga is not very thick very easy to cut) and re-drill a couple holes and make it as short as you want.

i would definitely buy an elite fts rack for $1,000 if i could fit the full size model in my basement. i don't plan on living in this house forever so i don't want to spend that much money on a rack that i would later want to replace.

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by Kodokan

don't let your frustration drive you to a poor decision is all. if you're willing to spend money for new, i think you know you can get what you want...but if you're waiting for craigslist then just remember it's all a matter of change and the next deal which would be perfect for you is right around the corner.

i think i looked for about 3-4 months before i saw a single rack on CL, but since have found several that would have worked out great. you just have to be patient and workout with whatever you have even if its not on your program until you get the right equipment.

well that's the frustrating thing. i am willing to buy new and i still can't find what i need. if i find a rack that will fit, there is no dip option, etc, etc.

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by wingman11

i'd buy the nybb sumo rack before i'd try hacking up a full rack. not that i ever plan on selling it, but once you do that it's basically worthless.

...

the powertec is listed at 82", cutting an inch or two off of the bottom posts probably wouldn't be noticable.

i wouldn't really want to cut a new rack, either, but if i had to do it so i had a rack to use, there would be shavings on the garage floor. just sayin'.

the nybb sumo rack is a good option, though. i actually thought of it, but didn't know if you were close enough to go get it or if you changed your mind about shipping.

edit: you could just put 2 bars across the safeties to dip on.

[Accutron]

Originally Posted by wingman11

i would definitely buy an elite fts rack for $1,000 if i could fit the full size model in my basement. i don't plan on living in this house forever so i don't want to spend that much money on a rack that i would later want to replace.

Yes, I know what you mean, thats a really good point.

Thats why I didnt buy my 3x3 yet, I may have to move and I dont think it would fit in an apt.

If you just want something temporary, get a full rack on CL and cut it down, then resell it for a bit less than you paid so you take as much of a loss.

Some of those cheaper racks are pretty nice and do the job, like from Ebay and those places, look for anything decent.

Thats what DD bought and he knows his stuff...

[Kodokan]

Originally Posted by wingman11

well that's the frustrating thing. i am willing to buy new and i still can't find what i need. if i find a rack that will fit, there is no dip option, etc, etc.

you can always do something else for dips. rings for example. dips/pullups shouldn't be the driving factor for purchasing a rack IMO. a rack keeps you alive for presses/squats. you can find other ways of doing the other things for cheaper and even better quality.

[Accutron]

Originally Posted by animalfan

the powertec is listed at 82", cutting an inch or two off of the bottom posts probably wouldn't be noticable.

i wouldn't really want to cut a new rack, either, but if i had to do it so i had a rack to use, there would be shavings on the garage floor. just sayin'.

the nybb sumo rack is a good option, though. i actually thought of it, but didn't know if you were close enough to go get it or if you changed your mind about shipping.

edit: you could just put 2 bars across the safeties to dip on.

Im an idiot bro, youre right, just cut the bottoms, I was thinking of the top parts which have more holes to redrill, duh. Thats what I get for posting at late at night

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by animalfan

the powertec is listed at 82", cutting an inch or two off of the bottom posts probably wouldn't be noticable.

i wouldn't really want to cut a new rack, either, but if i had to do it so i had a rack to use, there would be shavings on the garage floor. just sayin'.

the nybb sumo rack is a good option, though. i actually thought of it, but didn't know if you were close enough to go get it or if you changed your mind about shipping.

edit: you could just put 2 bars across the safeties to dip on.

i don't even have a garage!

the nybb sumo rack ships fedex, so i can do that. i just dont want anything to do with a freight truck trying to squeeze down my street and drop a pallet outfront of my house.

Originally Posted by Accutron

Yes, I know what you mean, thats a really good point.

Thats why I didnt buy my 3x3 yet, I may have to move and I dont think it would fit in an apt.

If you just want something temporary, get a full rack on CL and cut it down, then resell it for a bit less than you paid so you take as much of a loss.

Some of those cheaper racks are pretty nice and do the job, like from Ebay and those places, look for anything decent.

Thats what DD bought and he knows his stuff...

When I get into a permanent house I am definitely going to invest in a sweet ass rack with it's own DL platform and all that cool shiit!

Originally Posted by Kodokan

you can always do something else for dips. rings for example. dips/pullups shouldn't be the driving factor for purchasing a rack IMO. a rack keeps you alive for presses/squats. you can find other ways of doing the other things for cheaper and even better quality.

i have a pull up bar for my doorway, but i don't have any other way to do dips. dips are one of my staple exercises so i definitely want some way to do them. i might just end up getting a stand alone dip station

another option is the iron master super bench...however, i haven't heard many reviews on the dip function...

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by Accutron

Im an idiot bro, youre right, just cut the bottoms, I was thinking of the top parts which have more holes to redrill, duh. Thats what I get for posting at late at night

No way I'd cut the bottom. I am flattered you guys have so much faith in my handy man abilities but my rack would end up looking like this //

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by Accutron

Im an idiot bro, youre right, just cut the bottoms, I was thinking of the top parts which have more holes to redrill, duh. Thats what I get for posting at late at night

i thought about the tops- then i looked at a pic of it and thought the bottom would be easier. you're not an idiot! this is my normal awake time- i'm sitting here drinking coffee.

Originally Posted by wingman11

i don't even have a garage!

the nybb sumo rack ships fedex, so i can do that. i just dont want anything to do with a freight truck trying to squeeze down my street and drop a pallet outfront of my house.
...

cool, there you go. do any of the nybb accessories fit the sumo? they make a dip attachment for the full racks- see if it will work on the sumo.

[wingman11]

so that's one variable.

now what about a bench?!

[Accutron]

Originally Posted by animalfan

i thought about the tops- then i looked at a pic of it and thought the bottom would be easier. you're not an idiot! this is my normal awake time- i'm sitting here drinking coffee.
.

I loooooooooooove staying up late too, when I can

I like to listen to Coast to Coast a.m. with George Noory too Great show for night listening.

[Accutron]

Originally Posted by wingman11

so that's one variable.

now what about a bench?!

If youre compromising on the rack (for now), then treat yourself to bench that will last you for 30 years.

I have an Icarian bench I paid 125$ for it used, most of the regulars here found pro benches for cheap on CL...

(In before Cybex!)

Thats the cycle, get whatever now, and upgrade (buy/sell) when a pro bench comes up used...but youve got to check CL everday.

Personally I would recommend getting a flat bench too dedicated for benching since its easy to move around. The pro benches are super heavy.

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by Accutron

I loooooooooooove staying up late too, when I can

I like to listen to Coast to Coast a.m. with George Noory too Great show for night listening.

i just stay on my "work" schedule. well, almost- when i come home from work i go to bed about 6-630am. weekends/layoffs i go to bed at 4 or 5am.

i usually listen to a sports radio program if i have a radio on. tv means sportscenter.

wingman- a bench is alot more "personal". you should go to a sporting goods store or equipment store if there is one local, at least to check into what size bench you like. if you can find a decent equipment store, they will probably have a few different adjustable benches set up.

i got lucky and the bench that came with my rack is good for me. i also have a foldable hoist bench i use for dumbbell work (when i do dumbbell work, anyway).

[hellzlegend]

Originally Posted by Kodokan

don't let your frustration drive you to a poor decision is all. if you're willing to spend money for new, i think you know you can get what you want...but if you're waiting for craigslist then just remember it's all a matter of change and the next deal which would be perfect for you is right around the corner.

i think i looked for about 3-4 months before i saw a single rack on CL, but since have found several that would have worked out great. you just have to be patient and workout with whatever you have even if its not on your program until you get the right equipment.

I agree with this 110%. I was so frustriated finding a rack also. I spent a long time before finally getting mine. I almost bought a half rack and some other crap but I just knew a deal would be there. Good Luck.

[wingman11]

Is there a particular size bench that I should aim for? I think I used to work out on cybex benches at my gym and they were great.

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by wingman11

Is there a particular size bench that I should aim for? I think I used to work out on cybex benches at my gym and they were great.

just find a bench that you like the height of and look for one close to that. i have had benches that were too high for me- i couldn't be flat-footed for benches. i realize i'm short- you may not have that problem.

it would suck to get an awesome bench and then have it be the wrong height for you.

[Wildtim]

Originally Posted by Kodokan

you can always do something else for dips. rings for example. dips/pullups shouldn't be the driving factor for purchasing a rack IMO. a rack keeps you alive for presses/squats. you can find other ways of doing the other things for cheaper and even better quality.

Seriously this. Dips are easy to find a place to do. any rack will work. some gas pipe made into a V shape with the proper screw fittings and you have and awesome dip station to rest in any rack. I usually do dips of my hyperextension handles because it is just so much easier than setting ym rack up for them anyway.

Originally Posted by wingman11

i don't even have a garage!

the nybb sumo rack ships fedex, so i can do that. i just dont want anything to do with a freight truck trying to squeeze down my street and drop a pallet outfront of my house.

The truck driver getting down your street and getting the pallet off his truck is his problem. Don't let that influence you at all. It is is job to gt the delivery to your curb, I've seen drivers back a semi all the way down a residential block with parked cars on both sides they should have the skills.

[wingman11]

Originally Posted by Wildtim

Seriously this. Dips are easy to find a place to do. any rack will work. some gas pipe made into a V shape with the proper screw fittings and you have and awesome dip station to rest in any rack. I usually do dips of my hyperextension handles because it is just so much easier than setting ym rack up for them anyway.



The truck driver getting down your street and getting the pallet off his truck is his problem. Don't let that influence you at all. It is is job to gt the delivery to your curb, I've seen drivers back a semi all the way down a residential block with parked cars on both sides they should have the skills.

I hear you, but I am guessing if I took freight delivery the next thread I'd make would be something like "my rack was delivered with the boxes mangled and hang off of a pallet. i beat the driver in the head with one of the posts and now i am going to prison. advice on exercises to do in my cell?"

[wingman11]

Alright, so I think I am going to go ahead and get the NYBB sumo rack. I don't like giving up the possibility of mounting a punching bag from a rack, but that's kind of ghetto anyway.

The sumo rack has the same post spacing as the full rack, so the dip bars should work.

Still scouring for a bench! I might give the TDS bench a shot...

[animalfan]

Originally Posted by wingman11

Alright, so I think I am going to go ahead and get the NYBB sumo rack. I don't like giving up the possibility of mounting a punching bag from a rack, but that's kind of ghetto anyway.

The sumo rack has the same post spacing as the full rack, so the dip bars should work.

Still scouring for a bench! I might give the TDS bench a shot...

hey, does your basement have finished ceilings, or exposed floor joists? i hung my bag like this:

i bought the bracket from a boxing supply site, i can try to find it if you can use it.

i also made a dip "station" to lay over my safeties. i used a couple pieces of 2x4, 2 pieces of galvanized pipe, and some conduit hangers. if the galvanized won't be heavy duty enough for you, you could just try to find something heavier and use the same principal: