The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version
This is a collaborative effort from the equipment forum members. The 2008 edition has a lot of broken links and rather than keep that one going we decided to start a new one. First let’s have a few definitions to clear up some confusion.
Squat Stands: These are probably the most useless and unsafe pieces of equipment you can buy. All they are really good for is loading a bar up and having it at chest level to perform certain presses, Olympic lifts and squats. The appeal here is that they are usually a lot cheaper than a cage, but they provide zero safety if you fail on a lift and are really not ideal for home use. I would also include any of those bench press/ squat combo things made by Marcy or Apex in this category. They are cheap and completely unsafe.
Squat Rack: A squat rack is much safer than squat stands and much sturdier. You see these in gyms a lot. The main problem with squat racks is that they typically do not have adjustable spotter arms and are really only good for doing squats, and even then they may not work well for a shorter person. Again, they are not really an ideal choice for home use, as they are really only designed for one exercise.
Half rack: Commercial grade half racks show up a lot in gyms. They are heavy and very sturdy and have adjustable spotter arms that can withstand very heavy weight. They also usually have a chin-up bar and plate storage along the back. The main difference from a power cage/ rack is that they do not offer a fully enclosed area. In the chance that you lose your balance and fall back on a squat or overhead press, there is a possibility that you will miss the spotters and hurt yourself. Again, not a great choice for working out alone, but definitely not a terrible choice as you can use them for exercises other than just squats. There are also half racks made for home use but these generally have pretty small spotter arms and are really unsafe to use for squats. I have also seen these called multi-press racks.
Hammer Strength Half Rack and TDS Multi press rack
Power rack/ power cage: This is the obvious and best choice for working out at home. A power cage should be the center piece of any good gym. They are fully enclosed and offer the most safety for exercises like squats and bench press. I cannot tell you how many times my spotter bars have saved me on a failed set. A good rack should be able to handle close to 1000 lbs on the spotters. There are several different variations of power racks and you can pay anywhere from $300 to upwards of several thousand dollars. Racks have many different options and can often be customized with plate holders, different chin up bars, lat pull downs, and many other attachments. All power racks should come with a chin up bar and at least the option to buy dip handles. They can also be open on the top to allow for overhead movements.
Quoted from Manzooka
"One more thing to look for when shopping for a new rack: hole spacing.
The distance between holes will impact your reach and level of comfort when performing various exercises in a power rack. An inch or so may not make a big difference when setting up for your squat, but it could make a huge difference on your bench."
Hole spacing seems to vary, but most good racks have 2 inch spacing (measured from the center of the holes). Elite FTS offers 1.5 inch and even 1 inch spacing on some of their racks through the bench area, which makes it easier to get full ROM when benching. See post #20 for comparison pics.
Powertec Rack and Magnum Fitness open top rack
For shorter ceilings there are also sumo racks like this one from TDS
Monolift: Not something you will see in a lot of home gyms, as a partner is necessary for safety, but very popular in powerlifting circles. "This specially designed squat stand allows for optimal squat training by taking the walkout way from the lift. You un-rack the weight while your training parter pulls the lever moving the rack hooks forward. The hydraulic lift and lever support stands adjust for all heights and hand positions." from Elite FTS
*If anyone wants me to add something to the first post shoot me a pm, we have a 24 hour edit window.
Sumo Base
Monkey Chin Bar
Rod and Pipe Safety Pins
Quick Adjust Safety Pins
Band Pegs Top and Bottom
Band Storage
Chain Storage with UHMW
Weight Storage with UHMW
Extra J Cups
2 Bar Holders (these are placed off back end)
Suspended Safety Chain Hooks
Numbered Posts
Texture Coated Rack Posts
1.5 and 2 inch hole spacing
Rack is now 94" tall
Extra Deep Squatting Area: 36"
This one from Texas Strength systems has also grabbed my attention. They offer a ton of options and with a base starting price of $600, it seems like a great rack
1" hole spacing
Sumo-base for wide stance squatting & deadlifting
Rod & pin safety catch design (2 pair)
Band pegs for top & bottom with over 24 adjustment holes per side
7' tall, 30" deep, constructed from 2.5" x 2.5" 11 gauge square tubing
Industrial Painted Air Brush Finish
This is the rack I have, you can get it for $420 shipped from Amazon. Its a very good lower end rack, and serves its purpose well, but I can't wait to upgrade. NYBB offers a lot of attachments for it as well, the lat attachment is pretty questionable from what I have read though. Just something to keep in mind if a lat attachment is important to you, it's not to me, but some people love having the option.
1" Round Solid Steel Pins
Distance between holes - 2"
28 Holes with numbers for Adjustments
Heavy Duty "J" Hooks
Olympic Plate Holder
CHINNING BAR ON FRONT
Deep Knurled Front Chinning Bar
White Powder Coated
26" Distance between Posts
SIZE: 48.5" X 48" X 82.5"H - 152 lbs.
The foundation of our Performance Series line of American made cages, the Power Cage has the most accessories and options of any cage in the Legend lineup. Fabricated entirely of big, beefy 3″ square tubing, the Power Cage has tons of features. Hole spacing on the uprights is 2″ center-to-center to maximize adjustability. Three feet of room is inside the massive uprights, 12 welded chrome pegs stand out in the rear for weight storage, the welded J-hooks are the strongest in the industry, a chin bar is included, and it has a strong, wide base that is five feet from front to rear.
ProMaxima PL-34A "Super Power Rack"
2" x 3" 7 Gauge Steel (Overkill???)
66" Deep x 48" Wide x 88" Tall
Shipping weight - 500 lbs (per ProMaxima sales)
Cost - $895 (Includes FW-12A Bench)
Likes:
Heavy Duty Rack, this thing isn't going anywhere
Weight Storage
Gun Rack-esque (4 spots to rack the bar)
Plenty of room to work inside, and room for a (human) spotter if you want one
Spotter arms adjust very quickly
Pull up Bar - Normal grips, wide angled grips & neutral grips off the back
Open Rack Design - Able to do overhead movements in rack
Dislikes:
Spotting arm adjustment not ideal for bench press (~3.5" spacing)
- It happens to work fine with my bench and body type, others have recommended plywood under the bench
No Band pegs (added after purchase)
No Lat Option - Not a problem for me, but some may want it.
Based on the design of the rack, there probably aren't many after market options you could add, although there isn't much else needed
Other Notes:
This is my 2nd rack, I had an older Tuff Stuff Rack that worked pretty well, but this is in another league completely.
I purchased this rack used on eBay for $350, but at full price this is still a great rack for the money (especially since it includes a nice adjustable bench as well). The price quoted above is from the ProMaxima 2010 Catalog. ProMaxima will sell directly to the consumer, and you will find the best prices (hands down) on their equipment that way. If you are anywhere near Houston, TX, picking up direct from their warehouse is a good way to save a few hundred $$$ on freight shipping. Their equipment is made to order on site in Houston, so you're not gonna have to wait forever to get a rack shipped in from some foreign country, and you're supporting a US company which is always a good idea. They have also done custom modifications on a GHD I ordered from them, and you can choose what color powder-coat and upholstery you want on your equipment.
This is the rack I have, you can get it for $420 shipped from Amazon. Its a very good lower end rack, and serves its purpose well, but I can't wait to upgrade. NYBB offers a lot of attachments for it as well, the lat attachment is pretty questionable from what I have read though. Just something to keep in mind if a lat attachment is important to you, it's not to me, but some people love having the option.
1" Round Solid Steel Pins
Distance between holes - 2"
28 Holes with numbers for Adjustments
Heavy Duty "J" Hooks
Olympic Plate Holder
CHINNING BAR ON FRONT
Deep Knurled Front Chinning Bar
White Powder Coated
26" Distance between Posts
SIZE: 48.5" X 48" X 82.5"H - 152 lbs.
im thinking of getting this one but im curious about the dip handles
amazon has them listed as one of the items frequently purchased with the rack but it looks like theyd be to far apart to do dips. do you use a different dip attachment?
This is the rack I have, you can get it for $420 shipped from Amazon. Its a very good lower end rack, and serves its purpose well, but I can't wait to upgrade. NYBB offers a lot of attachments for it as well, the lat attachment is pretty questionable from what I have read though. Just something to keep in mind if a lat attachment is important to you, it's not to me, but some people love having the option.
1" Round Solid Steel Pins
Distance between holes - 2"
28 Holes with numbers for Adjustments
Heavy Duty "J" Hooks
Olympic Plate Holder
CHINNING BAR ON FRONT
Deep Knurled Front Chinning Bar
White Powder Coated
26" Distance between Posts
SIZE: 48.5" X 48" X 82.5"H - 152 lbs.
This one from Texas Strength systems has also grabbed my attention. They offer a ton of options and with a base starting price of $600, it seems like a great rack
1" hole spacing
Sumo-base for wide stance squatting & deadlifting
Rod & pin safety catch design (2 pair)
Band pegs for top & bottom with over 24 adjustment holes per side
7' tall, 30" deep, constructed from 2.5" x 2.5" 11 gauge square tubing
Industrial Painted Air Brush Finish
MAN, every time I look at this rack....I want it more and more. I like the EliteFTS Collegiate and Legend racks...but it's hard to beat this price.
****edit....and this needs to be a Sticky****
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard"
Psalms 144:1
Praise be to the Lord my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.
MAN, every time I look at this rack....I want it more and more. I like the EliteFTS Collegiate and Legend racks...but it's hard to beat this price.
****edit....and this needs to be a Sticky****
That one has a really cool chin-up bar upgrade, too. I have a legend one but came very close to getting this one. I just hadn't heard of anyone who actually got this one. I think someone here recently did, so if there are any pictures of this rack 'in the wild' I'm sure we'd all love to see it.
I'm looking for a power rack that I can do squats, standing press, pull ups and dips with. Basically, a power rack with a pull up bar, dips attachment, and 2 safety hooks outside the rack for a standing press.
I've looked at getting the Bodycraft F430, with F433 Extra Bar Hooks and F432 Dip Attachment(~£480) or Bodymax CF475 with Dip Attachment (~£300)
I'm swaying towards the bodymax kit (of course) but the only problem is the standing ress will be difficult to do as it does not have extra bar hooks to go on the outside. Help? I'm open to other power rack suggestions/
Update on my new Elite byo 2x2 rack: (Had about 1 1/2 months now)
Generally, at this point if I had it to do over again I'd probably spend more money & get a 3x3 from another company, but that's because I can afford it, could use it, & more idealistic than many.
The problems I have with it is that 1-It can really rock side to side (there's no angled bracing on it at all; it rocks pretty good just putting heavy plates on their pegs), 2-I paid $225 for top & bottom band pegs & they refuse to fix the issue on top (stated in my earlier post in this thread). I'm sure I paid more than enough for an effective peg to be mailed to me, but they disagree (with this big expensive brainless surprise I don't feel like I can trust them much for now on), 3-I got plate storage, but with only 4 pegs & the top 2 about 5" long, the top's full already, so I have to do a lot of plate juggling, 4-I wish it was sturdy enough to hang my 80 lb punching bag in but absolutely no way. As much as I spent on it, I now can more easily spend more for more.
But...I absolutely love having my own rack, and this one is a good solid piece of work. I don't regret having it (so far), just kinda regret having spent over $1500 (including several options) not going bigger & better, & having bought from Elite. I'm real big on trying to do business with more honest & intelligent businesses, then you're less likely to be bitten in the arse. I don't think the service matches the price.
This rack: I love the low 1" high lip on the j-hooks, & they're deep. The 1" hole spacing is sometimes nice, but I can see how you can go without.
If looking at this rack, consider saving more $ to buy more stability & maybe from a more reputable company (this rack has design issues), how much you want/plan to bang it around, whether you want more holes (Texas Strength System) for more storage & more versatile storage.
Update on my new Elite byo 2x2 rack: (Had about 1 1/2 months now)
Generally, at this point if I had it to do over again I'd probably spend more money & get a 3x3 from another company, but that's because I can afford it, could use it, & more idealistic than many.
The problems I have with it is that 1-It can really rock side to side (there's no angled bracing on it at all; it rocks pretty good just putting heavy plates on their pegs), 2-I paid $225 for top & bottom band pegs & they refuse to fix the issue on top (stated in my earlier post in this thread). I'm sure I paid more than enough for an effective peg to be mailed to me, but they disagree (with this big expensive brainless surprise I don't feel like I can trust them much for now on), 3-I got plate storage, but with only 4 pegs & the top 2 about 5" long, the top's full already, so I have to do a lot of plate juggling, 4-I wish it was sturdy enough to hang my 80 lb punching bag in but absolutely no way. As much as I spent on it, I now can more easily spend more for more.
But...I absolutely love having my own rack, and this one is a good solid piece of work. I don't regret having it (so far), just kinda regret having spent over $1500 (including several options) not going bigger & better, & having bought from Elite. I'm real big on trying to do business with more honest & intelligent businesses, then you're less likely to be bitten in the arse. I don't think the service matches the price.
This rack: I love the low 1" high lip on the j-hooks, & they're deep. The 1" hole spacing is sometimes nice, but I can see how you can go without.
If looking at this rack, consider saving more $ to buy more stability & maybe from a more reputable company (this rack has design issues), how much you want/plan to bang it around, whether you want more holes (Texas Strength System) for more storage & more versatile storage.
I'm really sorry to hear about the rack and service problems that you are having. It really bites to be buying a rack without seeing it or getting to use it before ordering, but sadly that's the general route that most have to go. The bad service has absolutely no excuse, the reason that you ordered from this company is their name in the industry, and perceived customer service. Good write up, and I'd think about making a seperate post to get others to hear about your problems as well as give Elite a whupping on the internet. Don't just accept their incompetency at customer service. Good luck.
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do, than by the ones you did" Mark Twain
[]---[] Equipment Crew #42 []---[]
()---() York Barbell Club #18 ()---()
Update on my new Elite byo 2x2 rack: (Had about 1 1/2 months now)
Generally, at this point if I had it to do over again I'd probably spend more money & get a 3x3 from another company, but that's because I can afford it, could use it, & more idealistic than many.
The problems I have with it is that 1-It can really rock side to side (there's no angled bracing on it at all; it rocks pretty good just putting heavy plates on their pegs), 2-I paid $225 for top & bottom band pegs & they refuse to fix the issue on top (stated in my earlier post in this thread). I'm sure I paid more than enough for an effective peg to be mailed to me, but they disagree (with this big expensive brainless surprise I don't feel like I can trust them much for now on), 3-I got plate storage, but with only 4 pegs & the top 2 about 5" long, the top's full already, so I have to do a lot of plate juggling, 4-I wish it was sturdy enough to hang my 80 lb punching bag in but absolutely no way. As much as I spent on it, I now can more easily spend more for more.
But...I absolutely love having my own rack, and this one is a good solid piece of work. I don't regret having it (so far), just kinda regret having spent over $1500 (including several options) not going bigger & better, & having bought from Elite. I'm real big on trying to do business with more honest & intelligent businesses, then you're less likely to be bitten in the arse. I don't think the service matches the price.
This rack: I love the low 1" high lip on the j-hooks, & they're deep. The 1" hole spacing is sometimes nice, but I can see how you can go without.
If looking at this rack, consider saving more $ to buy more stability & maybe from a more reputable company (this rack has design issues), how much you want/plan to bang it around, whether you want more holes (Texas Strength System) for more storage & more versatile storage.
I'm sorry you're not entirely happy with it. I have had my 2x2 Elite rack for about 3 and a half years now. I don't feel mine has side to side wobble issues, but it is also bolted to the platform whish might help a little. It sucks they wouldn't work with you on the band peg. Did you get 1" spring clamps with it? If so sticking the peg in backwards and putting the spring clamp on it should be a good fix. I had a similiar issue with Elite where I recently asked why I got the J hooks I did and they said they are not our J hooks and couldn't do anything. Maybe I shouldn't have waited 3.5 years to complain. Overall I am really happy and am looking to buy another one shortly.
I should add too that I really debated a long time about going 2x2 or 3x3. Then I realized I have seen Chuck Vogelphol bang out 1000 pound rack pulls in a 2x2 in the Westside DVDs and figured if it was good enough for Westside it was good enough for me. I might look into those safteys on my second one, how much did you pay extra for them?
Want to purchase a power rack and believe i have it narrowed down to the Texas Strength and Rogue R6. Both look very solid and have all the accessories i want. Rogue is going to be more expensive. Can't decide on which one so was looking to be swayed one way or the other. Thanks.
Hello. I am new to the forum, but have done quite a bit of reading and have found some very helpful information on this forum. I have done some searching but still have a couple of questions:
1. The Powertech Utility Bench - several people had noted issues with it in the past, but it seems that they have redesigned since then. How is the usabability? Does it decline sufficiently?
2. What is the load rating of the Utility Bench? - I have read in several areas that it is only 500 lbs. That is a big concern.
3. How do the safe spotters attach and re-attach? I have looked for youtube videos on this, but can't find anything. It appears that they new design does not just pull out from the front like the old style. Is it fairly quick to change the settings?
I need to purchase a new rack. After reading these forums I realized that I have far exceeded the weight limits on my current cage.
If anyone has any pictures or videos that they could post or direct me to that would be great.
It seems that the Powertec is highly recommended on this board.
Thanks for your help.
Jon
If you look at the pics of the rack it is pretty obvious how the spotters work. You lift up on them and then slide the bar back to pull it out. And again please no bench questions in here.
This thread has been very useful/awesome in general.
Now I ask it's members for assistance!!!!
I wanna purchase a Power Rack/Cage....and my price point is > $600. Granted I'd like to go used, but I figure this might be a smart way to look first. Cause when I'm looking on craigslist or ebay I will used the items you guys suggest as references!
(Reps naturally for help!) Thanks...
Also I would like to get a cage that I won't "outgrow" or feel I need to replace.
This thread has been very useful/awesome in general.
Now I ask it's members for assistance!!!!
I wanna purchase a Power Rack/Cage....and my price point is > $600. Granted I'd like to go used, but I figure this might be a smart way to look first. Cause when I'm looking on craigslist or ebay I will used the items you guys suggest as references!
(Reps naturally for help!) Thanks...
Also I would like to get a cage that I won't "outgrow" or feel I need to replace.
To me that depends what your idea of 'outgrow' is. For me I had the powertec rack (around $450ish new) which has served me well for the last 4-5 years. I decided to upgrade to a beefer rack because I felt I outgrew the powertec rack awhile ago. But when I say outgrow I mean more of a convenience thing than I do a safety thing. I wanted something heavier and bigger that just won't budge when re-racking after sets, and in general I wanted some more options like built in band pegs.
For <$600 new I'd suggest powertec, body solid, or the bodycraft racks. I don't have much experience with any others in that price range.
If you look at used then you just need to get lucky a bit, you can find something built very well for under that price point but it may lack some of the options you'd see in some of the custom built (pricey) racks.
Things to look out for in my opinion is the distance between holes and the manufacturer and you could figure out from there if it's a rack that'll fit you or not. Or just post in one of the threads here if you find a used rack that you need advice or opinions on.
To me that depends what your idea of 'outgrow' is. For me I had the powertec rack (around $450ish new) which has served me well for the last 4-5 years. I decided to upgrade to a beefer rack because I felt I outgrew the powertec rack awhile ago. But when I say outgrow I mean more of a convenience thing than I do a safety thing. I wanted something heavier and bigger that just won't budge when re-racking after sets, and in general I wanted some more options like built in band pegs.
For <$600 new I'd suggest powertec, body solid, or the bodycraft racks. I don't have much experience with any others in that price range.
If you look at used then you just need to get lucky a bit, you can find something built very well for under that price point but it may lack some of the options you'd see in some of the custom built (pricey) racks.
Things to look out for in my opinion is the distance between holes and the manufacturer and you could figure out from there if it's a rack that'll fit you or not. Or just post in one of the threads here if you find a used rack that you need advice or opinions on.
Of course you're on spread dark :P, but thanks!
Yeah by outgrow I mean I don't wanna start squatting 400+ and worrying if the rack is gonna have issues ya know? Plus I'm a big frame so I need to be able to actually use the pullup bar without worrying about it falling forward on me.
As for "extras" the only things I want from a rack are a good strong frame, pullup bar, lat attachment (or ability to attach one) and the row attachment (or ability to attach one)
Yeah by outgrow I mean I don't wanna start squatting 400+ and worrying if the rack is gonna have issues ya know? Plus I'm a big frame so I need to be able to actually use the pullup bar without worrying about it falling forward on me.
As for "extras" the only things I want from a rack are a good strong frame, pullup bar, lat attachment (or ability to attach one) and the row attachment (or ability to attach one)
I'm not a fan of cable attachments on racks. I don't think they are a good substitute for commercial cable equipment and feel awkward to me, but there are people around here that really enjoy them. At 6'1" you might have a hard time finding one that will actually get you full ROM in something like a lat pd.
As far as pullup bars go I have heard of people tipping they're racks but the only rack pullup bar I've used extensively was my powertec rack and I never had any issues, I'm not small in size and I could chain up to 2 plates on myself and the rack never budged. Chances are that if you find a rack you like you can find someone around here that has it and see what they think of the pullup bar.
That rack is discussed on the first page of this thread. Its an okay bottom line rack, it will do just fine as a home rack, just don't expect to be extremely impressed with it.
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