The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version

[rpark]

I just saw this video on Nebula's latest and greatest racks. Looks like Rae Crowther made some slight changes in the design. I think the rollers on the hooks looks pretty cool. I quoted a half rack that I think I'm going to get, as they are one of the few that I found that will customize the height of the unit for a single unit ordered.

Not sure how to embed youtube vids so here:

http://www.youtube.com/embed/SNfZAvmNln0

[KBKB]

Here it is embedded...

A lot of interesting features on that rack.

[PaulWog]

Here it is embedded...



A lot of interesting features on that rack.

Wow. That rack looks like it's beyond gym quality. More like it's ready for a battlefield.

[ProudMarineDad]

Wow. That rack looks like it's beyond gym quality. More like it's ready for a battlefield.

Wow is right. I want one. Wonder if Santa will bring me one? Nah.

[cejusprice]

After reading over this thread and stalking this forum for the last few weeks I really want to get a power cage.
I'm 5'9 160lbs pretty scrawny if I say so myself I have never lifted near 300lbs on any of my lifts. I'm trying to make sure I get a power cage that I am going to happy with, without spending too much money.
I'm between the NYBarbells Basic Rack, The cheap Powerline rack, The Protec Power Rack, and the cheap valor rack that comes with the lat pull down. I want to be happy with my purchase and after reading all the negatives about he valor rack I have pretty much ruled it out. The ability to add a lat attachment is something I would like in a power rack system. I'm just having a real tough time deciding which route to take. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I have searched craigslist I even have the app on my phone that searches local ads constantly and I haven't come across anything good.

[Alphonzawill]

does it include the bench? if yes, i'd grab it. maybe that's just me.

Hammer strength makes some of the best equipment worldwide, so I'm pretty sure that would be a great deal. Post a pic.

[Kodokan]

After reading over this thread and stalking this forum for the last few weeks I really want to get a power cage.
I'm 5'9 160lbs pretty scrawny if I say so myself I have never lifted near 300lbs on any of my lifts. I'm trying to make sure I get a power cage that I am going to happy with, without spending too much money.
I'm between the NYBarbells Basic Rack, The cheap Powerline rack, The Protec Power Rack, and the cheap valor rack that comes with the lat pull down. I want to be happy with my purchase and after reading all the negatives about he valor rack I have pretty much ruled it out. The ability to add a lat attachment is something I would like in a power rack system. I'm just having a real tough time deciding which route to take. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. P.S. I have searched craigslist I even have the app on my phone that searches local ads constantly and I haven't come across anything good.

I would suggest skipping the lat attachment and just work on doing pull-ups and tricep extensions or partial-range bench presses. It's enough to keep you busy for a long time to come, and during that time you can keep checking in on craigslist...eventually a standalone pulldown will come available for a good price.

[Wukillabeez78]

Hey guys, happy to have recently joined the community (when I have more time I'll add a pic and update my profile). I was a member at another bodybuilding site but grew tired of it and feel this community has much better information and is more user-friendly.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone has any experience with an Ebay power rack I've been looking at. I can't post links yet (post count not over 50) but if you go to Ebay and search "power rack" it is the first rack that you see (at least for me). The vendor is barbellstore if this helps you guys locate it (maybe someone with a high enough post count can find it and post a link so everyone can see it). This rack looks to be a TDS 92563 clone. It is only $199.99 compared to the TDS 92563 which sales for $299.99 (also on Ebay via New York Barbells). The only difference seems to be the TDS has the very convenient numbered holes while the "no name" rack does not. Other than that that they seem to be comparable.

$100 certainly isn't make it or break it for me and I like the TDS power rack and know that it would more than meet my demands. I was just curious if anybody has any experience with the "no name" rack or notices something I don't about it. I will be expanding my weight room soon (from a 11' x 11' area to a 24' x 25' area) and a nice, basic power rack is the one piece of equipment I really need that I don't currently have.

[PassinThrough]

maybe someone with a high enough post count can find it and post a link so everyone can see it

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Power-Rack-N...ht_7061wt_1139

[Wukillabeez78]

This is it, thanks (repped). It's a basic rack for sure and I like the TDS better (since it comes from a reputable brand name and also has the numbered holes) but I think it is an interesting addition to this thread...

[LiDude]

I don't know who makes this rack being sold on ebay for $199, (if someone does I'd love to know) but it is 83 inches tall and I did previously see there is also a a shorter one which looks identical and is designed to fit under a 7 foot ceiling, pretty cool if that is a limitation you have to deal with.

[a7stringkilla]

Just put a second rack in my gym, an Atlantis full rack to go along side my Cybex. Im freakin stoked on it, that thing is strong as hell!

[a7stringkilla]

Its a beautiful sight!

[darkfact]

nice setup dude. some of you guys are making me want 2 racks now lol.

[Skyaura]

Its a beautiful sight!

The rich get richer. Was not enough that you had a nice sturdy Cybex rack. You had to go get an excellent Atlantis rack too. All kidding aside, that is a very good setup.

[96Blacksunshine]

Just put a second rack in my gym, an Atlantis full rack to go along side my Cybex. Im freakin stoked on it, that thing is strong as hell!

Who makes that dumbell rack you have? I like it and something like that would fit in my cramped garage/gym nicely

[1975MichelleC]

I cant post any links as I am a newbie but have a look at Savage Strength USA website (and Savage Strength also have a UK) Some great examples of power racks and lifting platforms.

[PassinThrough]

I cant post any links as I am a newbie but have a look at Savage Strength USA website (and Savage Strength also have a UK) Some great examples of power racks and lifting platforms.

Looks extremely over priced.

[a7stringkilla]

Who makes that dumbell rack you have? I like it and something like that would fit in my cramped garage/gym nicely

Its a Hampton dumbbell rack. I have the one that holds on all four sides but they also have one with two sides. Yeah, its a nice rack if your cramped for space like I am and its pretty sturdy too.

[96Blacksunshine]

Thanks man! Im gonna check that out for sure now. I have a space it would fit nicely in.

[kokidpham]

very nice equipment

[96Blacksunshine]

Yay! I finally have 50 posts and can put some pics. I had a ghetto bench that I had been using for a while and finally decided to upgrade. Using the uprights on my bench for squats was gettin squirrely. I decided on the Bodycraft f430 and the f320 bench. I really have zero complaints about it so far. Its sturdy and everthing fuctions smoothly on it. Now I just need a dumbell rack and Im set. Oh, and some black mats lol.

[96Blacksunshine]

And the stereo for crankin out some tunes

[golfwolf]

This is it, thanks (repped). It's a basic rack for sure and I like the TDS better (since it comes from a reputable brand name and also has the numbered holes) but I think it is an interesting addition to this thread...

I bought it a few weeks ago. I live near the guy's warehouse so he agreed to meet me one the weekend and I picked it up directly from him (saved $90 on shipping). Very nice guy.


For the price and for the amount I lift I like it a lot. I do belong to a gym and this is convenient for when I can't make it there. There are no numbers which I didn't think was a big deal but it definitely adds some time as sometimes I need to up or lower the safety bars to get them just right. I'll probably get some sticker and stick them on.

The biggest downside to me is whenever I move the safety bars, the paint scrapes off because they rack holes are not the smoothest and are not sanded. I tried using tape (as the seller suggests) but the tape gets caught and bunches up. I need to find an alternative. Maybe there's a heavy duty paint I could use. I didn't think it would be a big deal but picture fingernails or a something sharp scraping a chalkboard.

All in all for $200 I don't regret the purchase one bit. I feel it's plenty sturdy for me and I didn't go into the deal expecting the quality to similar to many of the $400 / $500 racks which are popular on the board.

[CPADave71]

Hey guys, happy to have recently joined the community (when I have more time I'll add a pic and update my profile). I was a member at another bodybuilding site but grew tired of it and feel this community has much better information and is more user-friendly.

Anyway I was wondering if anyone has any experience with an Ebay power rack I've been looking at. I can't post links yet (post count not over 50) but if you go to Ebay and search "power rack" it is the first rack that you see (at least for me). The vendor is barbellstore if this helps you guys locate it (maybe someone with a high enough post count can find it and post a link so everyone can see it). This rack looks to be a TDS 92563 clone. It is only $199.99 compared to the TDS 92563 which sales for $299.99 (also on Ebay via New York Barbells). The only difference seems to be the TDS has the very convenient numbered holes while the "no name" rack does not. Other than that that they seem to be comparable.

$100 certainly isn't make it or break it for me and I like the TDS power rack and know that it would more than meet my demands. I was just curious if anybody has any experience with the "no name" rack or notices something I don't about it. I will be expanding my weight room soon (from a 11' x 11' area to a 24' x 25' area) and a nice, basic power rack is the one piece of equipment I really need that I don't currently have.

I purchased this rack from amazon recently, and I just did my first full workout on it tonight. Very solid rack, no complaints. 2" spacing for holes - I used silver metallic sharpie to number them. Plenty of space, perfect size for me. There is a problem with the paint chipping off on the hooks and safeties, but I'm not worried about that. Function over form!

I may pick up plate pegs from newyorkbarbell.com for additional storage. It would be nice to put at least the 45's vertical. Right now, the plates all lay horizontal on the one peg on each side sticking up in the back. It's probably better to just get a plate tree, actually. I do wonder if I should build a platform and bolt the rack down...not much to stop it tipping over if I were to rack a heavy squat especially aggressively. There are no holes for bolting the rack down, but I could either drill holes or build some sort of bracket.

Overall I'm very pleased with the purchase - especially for the price. I would definitely recommend it.

[vibrantred94gt]

I purchased this rack from amazon recently, and I just did my first full workout on it tonight. Very solid rack, no complaints. 2" spacing for holes - I used silver metallic sharpie to number them. Plenty of space, perfect size for me. There is a problem with the paint chipping off on the hooks and safeties, but I'm not worried about that. Function over form!

I may pick up plate pegs from newyorkbarbell.com for additional storage. It would be nice to put at least the 45's vertical. Right now, the plates all lay horizontal on the one peg on each side sticking up in the back. It's probably better to just get a plate tree, actually. I do wonder if I should build a platform and bolt the rack down...not much to stop it tipping over if I were to rack a heavy squat especially aggressively. There are no holes for bolting the rack down, but I could either drill holes or build some sort of bracket.

Overall I'm very pleased with the purchase - especially for the price. I would definitely recommend it.

I too purchased this rack a couple weeks ago. I was on the way out for vacation, but wanted to get it put together so I put it up in about 45 minutes. Due to the quick assembly I ended up with a rack that was not square and would not take the right safety pin. By the time I got back from vacation I didn't even think that assembly was a problem as I'd forgotten how quick I'd put it together. I loosened things up at top an no go. I contacted the seller who emailed back within an hour and started giving advice on narrowing the problem down so he could send out new pieces Monday morning.

Turns out I didn't loosen up the top enough and the bottom was bolted on the base crooked. Point is the customer service was absolutely awesome. Now that it's assembled correctly it's sturdy and I'm very satisfied. It's a little back heavy due to all of my 45's being stacked on the plate holders but nothing that bad.

For 300 shipped you can't beat this rack.

FYI the seller is thinking about not painting/coating the safety pins/j-hooks due to the flaking problem. He asked what I thought and I told him excellent idea. And for the numbers (or lack of) I grabbed the wife's label machine and now have labels number 1-28 for each side. Simple fix, and as someone stated above there's more than one way to do it.

[Wukillabeez78]

Thanks golfwolf, CPADave71 and vibrantred94gt for your comments regarding the Ebay rack. The weight rating of 700 lbs is pretty solid (I won't ever be benching/squatting that much)... I plan to buy at the end of the year (I'm expanding the size of my weightroom and hope to have the renovations done by then) but I'm still considering the TDS 92563 rack (I really like the TDS C-8518 power rack as well but I'm not sure it's $200 better than the TDS 92563). I'm planning on buying the freestanding TDS Super Lat/Row Machine (C-4650-W) at New York Barbells for $499 so the TDS power racks will match it better than this Ebay rack will.

[golfwolf]

Thanks golfwolf, CPADave71 and vibrantred94gt for your comments regarding the Ebay rack. The weight rating of 700 lbs is pretty solid (I won't ever be benching/squatting that much)... I plan to buy at the end of the year (I'm expanding the size of my weightroom and hope to have the renovations done by then) but I'm still considering the TDS 92563 rack (I really like the TDS C-8518 power rack as well but I'm not sure it's $200 better than the TDS 92563). I'm planning on buying the freestanding TDS Super Lat/Row Machine (C-4650-W) at New York Barbells for $499 so the TDS power racks will match it better than this Ebay rack will.

When I met with the seller he mentioned he may have an accompanying lat pulldown by the end of the year.

[Wukillabeez78]

When I met with the seller he mentioned he may have an accompanying lat pulldown by the end of the year.

That's interesting. I'm assuming it will be one that attaches to the power rack? I like the freestanding lat/row machines better and the TDS one I mentioned above appears to be pretty solid...

[kene4466]

And the stereo for crankin out some tunes

Darn bro I think you need some more speakers lol