The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version

[rthawker]

Q's: Ready to place an order for Power Rack & Bench Fitness Factory Outlet.

Hello guys,

I'm about to place my order but before i placed the order, thought I run this by you guys:


The total with the 5% discount comes to $805.60

Q's:
1) Do you recommend this seller: Fitness Factory Outlet?
2) Where else do you see these items for less?
3) Thoughts comments....?

Thank you Guy!

1) Try the search function. There are plenty of threads and reviews of this company.
2) You never specified which items you are looking at. There are plenty of different benches and racks covering a wide array of price ranges.
3) There is plenty of info here just for the taking all you have to do is put forth a little effort. The stickies are a good place to start and once again the search function is very useful.

[BAVE]

A custom piece from BWTG for my EliteFTS 3x3: pair of rack mounted platforms for belt squats. I plan to cut a piece of stall mat rubber for each one and they'll also be used to hold heavy dumbbells. Dean at BWTG can make all types of cool pieces for racks.





For those who aren't familiar with belt squats:

[MyWeightLifting]

Hi guys,

I wanted to share a resource that I created on my website - It's a power rack comparison chart that lets you sort by 20+ categories, and it has additional pop-up annotations to provide additional info where necessary: http://www.myweightlifting.com/best-power-rack.html

I think a lot of you might find use in it, especially if you're actually looking to buy a rack. FYI, I finished it about a year and a few months ago, so the info is still pretty fresh. Plus, I plan to update it periodically going forward. Enjoy.

[KBKB]

A custom piece from BWTG for my EliteFTS 3x3: pair of rack mounted platforms for belt squats. I plan to cut a piece of stall mat rubber for each one and they'll also be used to hold heavy dumbbells. Dean at BWTG can make all types of cool pieces for racks.

Nice!

[KBKB]

I wanted to share a resource that I created on my website - It's a power rack comparison chart that lets you sort by 20+ categories, and it has additional pop-up annotations to provide additional info where necessary: http://www.myweightlifting.com/best-power-rack.html

Nice resource. Thanks for sharing!

[MyWeightLifting]

Nice resource. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks! Glad I can contribute to this awesome thread.

[groleau]

can i trust fitnesszone.com if i want to buy Powertec Power Rack PR-11 (i live in canada)

[AJCxZ0]

Thank you, Jimbo.

Based on the advice in the thread starter, the first item I bought for my home gym was the Valor Fitness BD-19 Sawtooth Squat / Bench Combo, which can be found in the obvious section of the vendor's web site.

It looks almost identical to the TDS Multi press rack pictured. I can't offer any comparisons since this, along with the DA-7 Flat Bench is the only gym equipment I've ever bought and assembled, nevertheless I am impressed with the quality, from the size and strength of the nuts and bolts, the accurate positioning of the holes, the way all the components line up perfectly to the rigidity of the assembled rack. Based on my research and shopping experience I think it was pretty good value at just over $300 delivered (with the bench just over $100 delivered).

I'll be using it to resume the Starting Strength Novice Program (squat, bench press, shoulder press, deadlift) after moving away from my local XSport Fitness gym. This time I won't have to wait for the rack or my Rogue Burgener & Rippetoe Bar.

But first I need to clean up those 375 lbs of used weights and get those two 100 lb horse stall mats down to the basement.

[MyWeightLifting]

can i trust fitnesszone.com if i want to buy Powertec Power Rack PR-11 (i live in canada)

Hey groleau,

I did some researching, and there's not a ton of reviews. However, the few I did find were negative. Specifically, the complaints were about their poor customer service and deceptive advertising with regard to "free shipping" cla. See:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...7657031&page=1
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...1615391&page=1
http://www.mouthshut.com/review/Fitn...iew-qorpmtruon

That said, they do have an A+ rating from the BBB (but that's not always a good indicator of the actual trustworthiness of a business).

Also, I did find a forum posting of someone who claims his order of the WB-PR11 was in the process of being shipped for the claimed $540 total price. See:
http://forums.anandtech.com/archive/...t-2247587.html

It's hard to say, based on the small sample size, but it's up to you.

If you wanna do more research, you might found some info/reviews buried somewhere in this Google search:
http://goo.gl/CAE4i

I'd just go with Fitness Factory Outlet. It's just 20 bucks more and shipping is free, too: http://www.fitnessfactoryoutlet.com/...FYPd4AodFFMATQ
Plus, the reviews seem a lot more positive. See:
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...2282003&page=1

[DugB]

I'm getting my first power rack and was considering the Elite 3x3 Classic for the walk-through design, width and tighter spacing. But I noticed that the Elite Old School rack is identical, except for the spacing (1.5 to 2" vs. 3" on the Old School).

The price difference is significant: $1350 for the 3x3 with standard chin up bar vs. $849 for the Old School (chin up bar included).

I gather both are manufactured by Williams Strength.

I wanted the tight spacing of the 3X3, but I'm not sure it is worth $500. Just thought I'd pass this on and see if others had comments on this.

Couldn't you just drill out the holes in the bench area of the rack yourself and save $500?

Hope this helps!

flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=167&m=PD&pid=2473

flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?cid=391&m=PD&pid=3234

[BAVE]

I have the BYO 3x3 but to be very honest, if I had known about the Sorinex I would have opted for the Dark Horse and saved a lot of money: http://store.sorinex.com/Dark-Horse-Rack-p/p01385.htm

[DugB]

[QUOTE=BAVE;1054288861]I have the BYO 3x3 but to be very honest, if I had known about the Sorinex I would have opted for the Dark Horse and saved a lot of money.

Thanks for the tip!

The Dark Horse runs $1034 set up like the base EFS 3X3, and shipping runs "only" $125 to PA, so substantially less than the $350 shipping from EFS for the 3X3 and $199 for the Old School. The EFS Old School is cheaper than the Sorinex at $849, but with shipping they come out about the same.

Maybe my google skills are lacking, but I can't find a reference to the hole spacing for the Dark Horse.

They all seem to be very similar in quality and functionality, and made in the USA.

Guess you really can't go wrong, maybe just pay a bit more. Sometimes perseverating over a decision costs more in time than what is gained in financial savings!

[DamonB82]

Contact elite directly to see if they can give you a real life shipping quote, also doesn't hurt to "push" for a slight discount on the rack.....

[Huck43]

[QUOTE=DugB;1054305221]

I have the BYO 3x3 but to be very honest, if I had known about the Sorinex I would have opted for the Dark Horse and saved a lot of money.

Thanks for the tip!

The Dark Horse runs $1034 set up like the base EFS 3X3, and shipping runs "only" $125 to PA, so substantially less than the $350 shipping from EFS for the 3X3 and $199 for the Old School. The EFS Old School is cheaper than the Sorinex at $849, but with shipping they come out about the same.

Maybe my google skills are lacking, but I can't find a reference to the hole spacing for the Dark Horse.

They all seem to be very similar in quality and functionality, and made in the USA.

Guess you really can't go wrong, maybe just pay a bit more. Sometimes perseverating over a decision costs more in time than what is gained in financial savings!

Hole spacing is 2"

[DugB]

Contact elite directly to see if they can give you a real life shipping quote, also doesn't hurt to "push" for a slight discount on the rack.....

Good point.

[DugB]

[QUOTE=Huck43;1054349771]

Hole spacing is 2"

Thanks for the info.

[StephanBB]

Also consider the time it takes to ship the rack. I'm pretty sure the Sorinex Dark Horse will ship well before the EliteFts.

[BAVE]

For anyone looking for a low (relatively speaking) cost setup, Pendlay has some sweet deals. $898 for this pair:


Pics:
http://www.pendlay.com/assets/images...errack-alt.jpg
http://www.pendlay.com/assets/images...0bench-alt.jpg

[slimneverdies]

[QUOTE=BAVE;1052813021]A custom piece from BWTG for my EliteFTS 3x3: pair of rack mounted platforms for belt squats. I plan to cut a piece of stall mat rubber for each one and they'll also be used to hold heavy dumbbells. Dean at BWTG can make all types of cool pieces for racks.



Bave...

Do you have some more info/review or pics of this setup? Looks very interesting

[cpl505]

how's the Pendlay Power Rack (pendlay.com)

I can't link to it since I don't have enough posts but I found it via google

I'm looking for something that won't wobble on me during pullups. I'm hoping for $500-$600 shipped

Thank you!

[BAVE]

[QUOTE=slimneverdies;1057268551]

Bave...

Do you have some more info/review or pics of this setup? Looks very interesting

I just installed my new gym this week and finally got a chance to use these yesterday. On my 3x3 rack these fit perfect. I used a Spud Inc belt, Ironmind loading pin, and a bunch of 35 lb plates to clear the platforms. If you want to use 45s you can probably just mount these high and use a chain between the belt and the loading pin. These things were perfectly solid (no shake like I get when using benches or squat boxes. I also love the fact that they can be adjusted to any height.

-As a side bonus, you can mount them low and use them for a little extra stretch when doing stiff leg deadlifts.
-They can be used as dumbbell stands (think seated shoulder presses and placing them up high with the DBs standing vertically on top of a piece of rubber mat on each platform).
-Step ups.
-Platform to step up for dips on a cage
-probably a few other uses.......

[ColonelKlenk]

Hi, I just posted a thread, " need help on home gym squat machine ". http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...11&pagenumber=.

I was thinking, due to spatial limitations, on mounting a rack system on the wall. I was thinking about how tire stores keeping the wheels on the wall. Any ideas would be great.
Thanks

[matrix563]

bave thats awesome. me want . how much did it run?

[BAVE]

bave thats awesome. me want . how much did it run?

Belt squat pair was around $175 or so for the pair. They are solid as hell on my rack. Doing box squats on anything that has even a little wobble sucks so these make it more stable and the ability to do virtually any height is a bonus.

[lukeyyy]

Anyone in the UK know of any decent power racks around £400 ?

And will it work out cheaper buying the bench,barbell etc. separate or finding a one with them included?

[Chouby]

Is it possible to order from Elite FTS from Canada ? Also i don't want some ridiculous shipping prices. I am ready to invest into a high quality rack 1000$ to 2000$ price range but it looks like everything is made in the US and shipping really is a deal breaker. It's sad because i really liked the combinations on the ''Build Your Own 3x3 rack'' from Elite FTS and i don't think i will be able to find it elsewhere

[HealthNutMD]

For those who aren't familiar with belt squats:

Nice shot of the Atlantis Dip Station

[jackbravo]

Nice shot of the Atlantis Dip Station

are those the black iron strength dumbbells?

[HealthNutMD]

are those the black iron strength dumbbells?

That was exactly what I was thinking as well. They look nice.

[showstoppa5717]

For those that have sumo base racks do you like this feature? If you don't plan on doing deads inside the rack is it useful?

Also what is the hole size on the elite racks and sorinex? Not spacing actual size.

I see the elite signature is 4x3 tubing, do yall feel that is too big?

Trying to finalize my cad drawing for the rack I am building. I planned 3/16" thick 3x3 tubing but might change to 4x3 like the elite rack if price is not that much different. Ill post up the cad pictures when its done next week and after I have it fabricated some time later this summer.