The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version

[Paulie_G]

alright guys, finally have my own place (renting) and gonna get a rack so i dont have to keep trudging to the overcrowded base gyms and suffer with their terrible hours. I dont wanna skimp since I know ill have it for years and years so I might as well get a good quality. after reading a lot through this thread and other threads, I think Ive decided on an elite fts 3x3 byo. Some of my preferences: definitely strength and stability (even without bolting to the ground), weight storage, hole spacing, and a good assortment of extras/expandability to add extras later. I like the price and hole spacing on the texas strength, but the elite just really has everything. great construction, sumo base, great j hooks, etc. I looked at the legend and its nice, but no sumo base, hole spacing and a couple other features make it just decent. for just a couple hundred more, I could get the elite which seems much better. i know they are overpriced, but i'd rather get something once than have to purchase something better in a few years. i've done that too often, and esp with something over a grand as a starting point (even to go "cheap" with the darkhorse or something) i dont want to do it here. Any comments, info to push or pull me in any direction, or are the elite racks a good choice?

also, I need a bench and weights. should I package one of the elite adjustable benches with the rack to save shipping costs? or is there a certain top quality bench out there? searches didnt turn up too much other than people looking for cheap benches. I'm looking to get quality that will last a long time, not cheap stuff i dont wanna skimp the money on. I'll get a good quality oly bar and keep my eye out for ebay weights, but being in pensacola/milton, fl there is almost nothing on craigslist. so i'll probably have to buy a set online. Ive read york barbell is good quality and direct from their company would offer good packages and possible deals.

Thanks guys and all input is appreciated

Elite racks are always going to be a good choice. However, it depends whether you want to spend that kind of money or not. For $300-$400 less total shipped price, you can get the Dark Horse, or for $500 less, a Promaxima FW-163. Both are going to be about bulletproof, and last you a liftime. The Promaxima rack offers color options, with just a 2-3 week delivery time, and the racks are built in Houston in their own facility. What I'm saying, is that you can still get a high quality rack, without spending that kind of jack.

As far as quality plates go, I would contact Allison at York, Juan at Cemco, or Adamant Barbell for Troy commercial plates, with a $50 max shipping charge. There are times that going to Adamant barbell for Troy plates will be cheaper than company direct, because of $50 shipping, which 1/2 to a 1/3 less than company direct shipping quotes I've recieved.

It's too bad you are so damn far away. I just listed a crap load of Ivanko OM 45 pound plates for sale on my local craigslist.

[SolyBuds]

So its been about two years since i purchased my Powertec rack and i could not be any happier. I stumbled upon this thread and decided to read through all the comments just for fun to see how the rack world has progressed. To my surprise as i started reaching the end of this thread more and more people where bashing the Powertec rack. I know its a beginner rack and all but it seems to be built quite well although i am unsure of the gauge in material. So i was just wondering what are the negatives considering this rack?


Price point?
Build quality?

[Navyguy825]

So its been about two years since i purchased my Powertec rack and i could not be any happier. I stumbled upon this thread and decided to read through all the comments just for fun to see how the rack world has progressed. To my surprise as i started reaching the end of this thread more and more people where bashing the Powertec rack. I know its a beginner rack and all but it seems to be built quite well although i am unsure of the gauge in material. So i was just wondering what are the negatives considering this rack?


Price point?
Build quality?

from what i have seen it isnt a bad rack. i was trying to buy one used on CL but never heard from the person. i would have definitely got one if i could have used for a good price. as for new i figured it was pointless and to just spend like 300-400 more and get a dark horse which will definitely be better.

[thebraj]

well i just found out im moving to south texas today..such is the navy. i have less than 2 weeks to find a place and move.. since ill be in texas, ill look into a tss rack if i'd be able to just pick it up instead of paying to get it shipped. even getting it fully loaded, it would be pretty inexpensive since their starting prices are so low. any thoughts on the these?
link:
http://www.texasstrengthsystems.com/powerracks.html

[scottofio]

[QUOTE=thebraj;1022612533]well i just found out im moving to south texas today..such is the navy. i have less than 2 weeks to find a place and move.. since ill be in texas, ill look into a tss rack if i'd be able to just pick it up instead of paying to get it shipped. even getting it fully loaded, it would be pretty inexpensive since their starting prices are so low. any thoughts on the these?
link:


I almost pulled the trigger on that rack so many times, but got lazy and didnt wanna drive 4 hour round trip + borrow a truck. Everyone I talked to seemed happy with their rack, and highlighted that it is extremely functional and versatile especially for band work. One thing to note is that if you want the pulldown attachment and the weight storage, they have to be built together, so don't think you can grab the weight storage first and then add lat attachment later. Everything else can be added gradually.
Where are you going to be stationed? I grew up in San Antonio, and you can pm me any questions on the area. If I can help I'm glad to.

[jfindon]

What's the current recommendation for someone who only wants a rack for squatting, pull-ups, and dips? They already have the IM2000 setup from Ironmaster.

[RemainDieHard]

For all the guys with the first gen Powertec rack, I priced the gen 2 spotter bars and J-hooks. Spotters were $36.50 each and J-hooks were $28.75 each. Plus shipping. I am really looking forward to getting the gen 2 rectangular spotters so I don't have to hear that metal on metal screeching of the long round ones. Also I plan to put some rubber on top of the rectangular spotters for cushioning.

The J-hooks from Black Widow look to be much better quality. I emailed them and I'm waiting for a response if they will fit the Powertec rack.



http://www.blackwidowtg.com/product_p/custom-j-cups.htm

[RemainDieHard]

I got my Powertec many years ago and at the time it was $400 shipped. I see the price has gone up by almost 50% since then. It is a nice rack and pretty stout, but considering the price increase, if I was buying new presently, I would spend the extra and get a better one. I saw Promaxima mentioned and I can say their products are bulletproof and very high quality and they have great customer service as well. I just ordered a new pulley and cable for my Promaxima lat pull and they even warranty those. (pulley damaged by the previous owner/cable damaged from outside storage)

[Andrew_WOT]

I got my Powertec many years ago and at the time it was $400 shipped. I see the price has gone up by almost 50% since then. It is a nice rack and pretty stout, but considering the price increase, if I was buying new presently, I would spend the extra and get a better one. I saw Promaxima mentioned and I can say their products are bulletproof and very high quality and they have great customer service as well. I just ordered a new pulley and cable for my Promaxima lat pull and they even warranty those. (pulley damaged by the previous owner/cable damaged from outside storage)

Not many quality racks out there that have lat tower attachment, it comes pretty handy on Powertec w/o taking much of a space.

[jfindon]

I got my Powertec many years ago and at the time it was $400 shipped. I see the price has gone up by almost 50% since then. It is a nice rack and pretty stout, but considering the price increase, if I was buying new presently, I would spend the extra and get a better one. I saw Promaxima mentioned and I can say their products are bulletproof and very high quality and they have great customer service as well. I just ordered a new pulley and cable for my Promaxima lat pull and they even warranty those. (pulley damaged by the previous owner/cable damaged from outside storage)

Do you know what the Ultra 500 goes for? Their web site is terrible.

[RemainDieHard]

Not many quality racks out there that have lat tower attachment, it comes pretty handy on Powertec w/o taking much of a space.

I guess if you truly lack the space or budget yeah that would be a big plus. I always imagined it having a cobbled up feel to it. After owning a commercial Promaxima lat pull, I could never go to a built in lat setup like the Powertec. The quality of the knee pads, smooth as silk feel to the mechanicals, and convenience of the stack, are just in a different league from the home setups. A lat pull is just a luxury piece of equipment anyways. I think it's biggest advantage would be for someone who could not do a bodyweight pull up.

Do you know what the Ultra 500 goes for? Their web site is terrible.

Not sure man. They have never had any of their prices up. I finally called them one day to get the new price of my lat pull. I just took a quick peek and looks like Ultra 500 is the name of the line that has over a dozen rack models. If you call them and price one, make sure to post up the price here.

[jfindon]

Bah, I guess I meant the FW-113 Competition Power Rack . Seems like it wouldn't cost too much as it's fairly simple looking, but I have no clue.


EDIT: Found this list, not sure how updated or accurate it is, but it might be useful for comparing a lot of rack models. It says the FW113 is $435+, I'm assuming the "+" means shipping.

http://www.myweightlifting.com/best-power-rack.html

[RemainDieHard]

Just saw this in another thread:

Promaxima FW-163. Hands down, the best you will find around your price range. Under $800 shipped. If you don't care about plate storage, the FW-113 can be had for $under $700 shipped. Fully built at Promaxima in Houston.

Those are fully welded... would you even be able to get them in your basement?

[RemainDieHard]

Bah, I guess I meant the FW-113 Competition Power Rack . Seems like it wouldn't cost too much as it's fairly simple looking, but I have no clue.


EDIT: Found this list, not sure how updated or accurate it is, but it might be useful for comparing a lot of rack models. It says the FW113 is $435+, I'm assuming the "+" means shipping.

http://www.myweightlifting.com/best-power-rack.html

Great link!

Club Weider... 310# capacity lol. I looked at one of those once and I think a power tower weighs more than the complete rack. Electrical tubing weighed more than those spotters. I still see them on CL fairly regular and they're usually overpriced.

[jfindon]

Just saw this in another thread:



Those are fully welded... would you even be able to get them in your basement?

These would be for someone else, not me. I didn't realize it's fully welded though, that may not work for him either. Poop.

[RemainDieHard]

Sorry I take that back. Looks like many joints are welded but many are not. Looks like the outer frames are one piece that bolt onto the bottom plate. Top crossbars are clearly bolted.

[jfindon]

[Randy95]

Gonna buy the Marcy Pro Platinum PM 3800 power rack, the bench can have a ton of attachments now(up to 5 I think). I have only $450 to spend on one(plus bench) and I have been up and down craigslist and amazon looking for something to buy and it seems to be the best option for price and weight capacity(600lb total, 300lb per peg/safety bar). If anyone has found a better options please reply. Thanks

[mscriven]

I'm in the market for a rack with a lat option. I'm currently a novice lifter and am leaning towards the Powertec rack. Any thoughts on pros/cons? Or other decent racks with available lat option?

[Paulie_G]

Just saw this in another thread:



Those are fully welded... would you even be able to get them in your basement?

These would be for someone else, not me. I didn't realize it's fully welded though, that may not work for him either. Poop.

Sorry I take that back. Looks like many joints are welded but many are not. Looks like the outer frames are one piece that bolt onto the bottom plate. Top crossbars are clearly bolted.

I bought the Promaxima FW-163 recently, and posted a thread on it with some pics last night. I'll be adding a review over the next couple of days, as I have time. The entire base is welded, and the 2 upright pieces are welded as well. The uprights, pull up bars and weight plate storage racks are bolted on. I had the rack custom cut to 81" to fit my short ceilings. The rack, with custom sizing, an extra set of bar hooks cost me just north of $800 shipped. You simply will not find anything more solid, with better features at this price. After receiving the rack, I can't understand how they make any money on it at all.

[Kevin007]

I'm looking for a nice beginner rack for my bachelor, yea bachelor so it can't be too big but I still want it there.

I'm looking for one with a bench, lat pulldowns, preacher curl, cables if possible, chest flys, etc.

Can I start off with some suggestions? I'm only looking for the basic stuff in the mean time. I'm hoping I spend between $500-1000.

thanks guys.

[KBKB]

I'm looking for one with a bench, lat pulldowns, preacher curl, cables if possible, chest flys, etc.

Can I start off with some suggestions? I'm only looking for the basic stuff in the mean time. I'm hoping I spend between $500-1000.

There are racks which have an integrated lat / row (cable) station, but there aren't many. I doubt you'll find anything decent which also incorporates a preacher curl pad and a pec deck.

If you limit your requirements to just a basic rack with pull up bar, there are a lot of good choices.

[Kevin007]

I was thinking of this, it looks like it fits what I need and it is reasonably priced too. What do you think? Any better alternatives? Space is an issue for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gold's+G...30-114757537-2

[KBKB]

I was thinking of this, it looks like it fits what I need and it is reasonably priced too. What do you think? Any better alternatives? Space is an issue for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gold's+G...30-114757537-2

Don't know anything about that particular model, but the Equipment FAQ lists Gold's Gym as one of the manufacturers to avoid.

[RhysGM]

Hi guys,

I was intending on buying this rack;

www .powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf475-heavy-power-rack-with-latlow-pulley.php

however after reading this thread, I'm now unsure. Is there a better option at a similar price? Or will I be safe with this? I'm only a beginner now but I would like it to last a few years.

[RemainDieHard]

I was thinking of this, it looks like it fits what I need and it is reasonably priced too. What do you think? Any better alternatives? Space is an issue for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gold's+G...30-114757537-2

A Smith Machine is not a Power Rack, therfore any Power Rack would be an alternative.

IMO, my bare bones minimum space setup would be a Ironmaster DB's, FID bench, power tower, and a dip belt to use the IM weights for dips and pullups.

[Wheyum]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/spo/3613627023.html

any thoughts on this rack guys?

cant seem to find anything on it.

[Stasher1]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/spo/3613627023.html

any thoughts on this rack guys?

cant seem to find anything on it.

Bears a striking resemblance to the Xmark Commercial Power Rack, which can be picked up for less than the asking price for that used one.

[oicok]

does anyone have any info on this power rack, i can't find any info on it so am wondering has anyone used or own this power rack

Gator Fitness W-291 Power Cage (sorry i can't post a link i don't have enough posts)

[Stasher1]

does anyone have any info on this power rack, i can't find any info on it so am wondering has anyone used or own this power rack

Gator Fitness W-291 Power Cage (sorry i can't post a link i don't have enough posts)

http://www.gatorfitness.com/w-291.html