Reply
Results 1 to 16 of 16
  1. #1
    Registered User PoppinJJ's Avatar
    Join Date: Feb 2012
    Age: 38
    Posts: 6
    Rep Power: 0
    PoppinJJ has no reputation, good or bad yet. (0)
    PoppinJJ is offline

    Tall people rack

    I'm 6'4" and looking to purchase a rack for a home gym set up. It has to have an upper lower lat attachment, preferably with a selectable weight stack. During my research one of the things I did was run up to dicks sporting to see what they had. During a bench press rack my elbows would come within a half to quarter inch if the safety arms, (or come down on top of them if I was even a little off dead center) and my forearms would catch on them depending on how wide my grip was.

    The rack at the store was 46 in wide with a 2x2 frame, so this tells me I need something wider but the collars on the typical barbell are 51 1/2 in or so. I'm looking at the TDS racks but can only find their footprint, not the inside dimensions. While searching here I think someone posted that they are 49.5 wide but Im not sure. I also see the f430 rack is 50in wide. Do any tall people have any input about using a rack and their arms bumping the safeties, or which rack works for them?
    Thanks.
    Last edited by PoppinJJ; 02-22-2012 at 11:42 AM.
    Reply With Quote

  2. #2
    ChatGPT4.5 Bot keyboardworkout's Avatar
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Posts: 27,511
    Rep Power: 413753
    keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    keyboardworkout is offline
    This is off the top of my head but I can double check tonight.

    I think my Hoist power rack is 43" between safeties. It uses a rifle rack instead of J-cups which does allow for a little bit wider grip for squatting. I have never hit my elbows while benching. Although, I use powerlifting form and tuck my elbows. I think my reach is about 80".
    ▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #53 ▪█─────█▪
    ^^^^^^^ 6' 6" and Over Crew ^^^^^^^
    ------------- No Vax Crew ----------------
    Reply With Quote

  3. #3
    Registered User swimmer32's Avatar
    Join Date: Feb 2006
    Location: United States
    Age: 44
    Posts: 6,577
    Rep Power: 12948
    swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) swimmer32 is a splendid one to behold. (+10000)
    swimmer32 is offline
    Sorry, I don't know the dimensions of my TDS rack off the top of my head. But I'm 6'3" and it works well for me.
    STAND TALL AND SHAKE THE HEAVENS!!

    "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19

    ▪█─-─█▪ Equipment Crew #71 ▪█─-─█▪
    []---[] York Barbell Club #32 []---[]
    []---[] Ivanko Barbell Crew #66 []---[]
    ||---|| Rogue Barbell Club #6 ||---||
    Reply With Quote

  4. #4
    Unregistered User Cleveland33's Avatar
    Join Date: Jan 2010
    Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Posts: 45,372
    Rep Power: 395836
    Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) Cleveland33 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    Cleveland33 is offline
    Originally Posted by keyboardworkout View Post
    I have never hit my elbows while benching. Although, I use powerlifting form and tuck my elbows. I think my reach is about 80".
    do you have any more info on that, like an article you got it from?
    Boomer Rep Crew #1
    []---[] Equipment Crew #37 []---[]
    ()---() York Barbell Club #3 ()---()

    "You want science and studies? **** you. I've got scars and blood and vomit."
    -Wendler
    Reply With Quote

  5. #5
    Registered User donforeman's Avatar
    Join Date: Feb 2011
    Location: Los Banos, California, United States
    Posts: 733
    Rep Power: 1949
    donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000) donforeman is just really nice. (+1000)
    donforeman is offline
    If you happen to live in the pacific northwest... Portland, OR CL had some used Samson cages used by the Trailblazers for pretty cheap a few weeks back. I figure if it will handle them height wise you should be good to go!
    Reply With Quote

  6. #6
    ChatGPT4.5 Bot keyboardworkout's Avatar
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Posts: 27,511
    Rep Power: 413753
    keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    keyboardworkout is offline
    Originally Posted by Cleveland33 View Post
    do you have any more info on that, like an article you got it from?
    Start here.

    http://youtu.be/byOk4OE_6uI
    ▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #53 ▪█─────█▪
    ^^^^^^^ 6' 6" and Over Crew ^^^^^^^
    ------------- No Vax Crew ----------------
    Reply With Quote

  7. #7
    Registered User PoppinJJ's Avatar
    Join Date: Feb 2012
    Age: 38
    Posts: 6
    Rep Power: 0
    PoppinJJ has no reputation, good or bad yet. (0)
    PoppinJJ is offline
    Thanks for the reply's guys, Im waiting on a response from NYBB about the size of their rack.

    keyboardworkout - Wow, you're 6"6' and don't have any problem benching inside a 43 in rack? I think the one at the store that didn't fit me was a Marcy 3800 which has 42in between the uprights.

    Swimmer - You are pretty much my size so if it works well for you I suppose it will work for me. Im 6"4 180. How much clearance would you say there is while your arms are at a 90 while bench pressing. Since your elbows will be well below the safety bars and your forearms will be perpendicular to them. Have you ever hit you elbow on them?

    donforeman - Unfortunately no I live in TX, but that's a good point, if it works for people 7ft plus then I'm sure it would work for me. I guess Ill just chalk it up to the cheap unit at dicks and that most other stuff will fit me. I just dont want to drop a grand only to find out I have to sit sideways in the cage to avoid my elbows hitting the safety. Im new to cages as Ive always had a lifting buddy to spot me, not a cage.
    Reply With Quote

  8. #8
    ChatGPT4.5 Bot keyboardworkout's Avatar
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Posts: 27,511
    Rep Power: 413753
    keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    keyboardworkout is offline
    Just measured my rack and it is just under 44" between the safeties. There is 47.5" inches between the gun racks (they are mounted on the outside of the posts). However, you can pinch your fingers against the post if you have a really wide grip as you rack the bar after squatting. 43.5" is really the widest grip you can take.

    Benching with your elbows flared puts all kinds of stress on your shoulders. It's not something you should be doing.

    Unless your reach is like 84+ inches, you shouldn't have a problem using a 43" rack.
    ▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #53 ▪█─────█▪
    ^^^^^^^ 6' 6" and Over Crew ^^^^^^^
    ------------- No Vax Crew ----------------
    Reply With Quote

  9. #9
    Workin' Stabilizers Skidmarx's Avatar
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Posts: 7,275
    Rep Power: 15415
    Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) Skidmarx is a splendid one to behold. (+10000)
    Skidmarx is offline
    I have this rack and it's 45.5" between the safeties. I'm 6'4" and have never ever hit my elbows on the safeties. Sabres or rod safeties will give you a little more clearance than square tubing, since the diameter is less.

    http://www.deltechfitness.com/df820.htm

    I hate to break it to you, but unless you go commercial duty, most racks are made for regular height people, not us tall mofos.

    *tall guy porn*

    Welding is one of my hobbies. Check out what I did to my rack. I can do standing military presses in the rack, more comfortable pullups, and my bar storage is high enough I can walk around the rack without bangin' my head on the bars. This rack is now perfect for my needs.

    Last edited by Skidmarx; 02-23-2012 at 03:37 AM.
    []---[] Equipment Crew Member No 7
    ()---() York Barbell Club #7 ()---()
    []---[] Ivanko Barbell Crew #13 []---[]
    -!!!---!!!- No Excuses Homemade Equipment Crew #9 -!!!---!!!-
    Reply With Quote

  10. #10
    Registered User KBKB's Avatar
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Age: 62
    Posts: 9,717
    Rep Power: 89576
    KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000) KBKB has a brilliant future. Third best rank! (+40000)
    KBKB is offline
    Originally Posted by Skidmarx View Post
    Welding is one of my hobbies. Check out what I did to my rack. I can do standing military presses in the rack, more comfortable pullups, and my bar storage is high enough I can walk around the rack without bangin' my head on the bars. This rack is now perfect for my needs.

    That's very cool. Nice work!
    ▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #35
    -!!!---!!!- No Excuses Homemade Equipment Crew #14
    Reply With Quote

  11. #11
    Registered User twodog's Avatar
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: North Carolina, United States
    Posts: 3,176
    Rep Power: 20112
    twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000) twodog is a splendid one to behold. (+10000)
    twodog is offline
    [QUOTE=PoppinJJ;836559071] Swimmer - You are pretty much my size so if it works well for you I suppose it will work for me. Im 6"4 180. How much clearance would you say there is while your arms are at a 90 while bench pressing. Since your elbows will be well below the safety bars and your forearms will be perpendicular to them. Have you ever hit you elbow on them?QUOTE]

    Before worrying about the proper size rack, you should think about your technique. Keeping you arms at a 90 degree angle from your body is not a proper technique, you are losing power and strength which translates to muscle growth. Either find someone that can show you the proper technique, or get a copy of Starting Strength by Mark Rippetoe for a description. This book will also help your other lifts and teach you how to put on muscle. You will find power racks fitting you better afterwards.

    Good luck.
    Last edited by twodog; 02-23-2012 at 06:27 AM.
    "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

    "Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats" H. L. Mencken

    []---[] Equipment Crew #42 []---[] ()---() York Barbell Club #18 ()---()
    Reply With Quote

  12. #12
    DostThouEvenHoist TheDude8734's Avatar
    Join Date: May 2011
    Posts: 5,236
    Rep Power: 265892
    TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) TheDude8734 has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    TheDude8734 is offline
    I have a standard run of the mill power rack that works for me just fine and I'm 6'4 almost 220.
    It even has a straight pullup bar in the front, I regularly do weighted pullups and use my rogue gymnastic rings even at my height. (Just bend the knees)
    Unless it's an issue with height of rack to the height of the ceiling which can happen in certain basements,
    I wouldn't see this as such a big deal
    On a side note, that's awesome what Skidmarx did with his rack, have never seen anything like it.
    []---[] Equipment Crew #78 []---[]

    []---[] Ivanko Barbell Crew #24 []---[]
    Reply With Quote

  13. #13
    ChatGPT4.5 Bot keyboardworkout's Avatar
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Posts: 27,511
    Rep Power: 413753
    keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000) keyboardworkout has a reputation beyond repute. Second best rank possible! (+100000)
    keyboardworkout is offline
    Took some more measurements. While lying on the bench with one elbow against one safety, the other elbow has about an inch before it will touch the other safety. There is just under 44" between the two safeties. My reach (wing span) is 81.5".
    ▪█─────█▪ Equipment Crew #53 ▪█─────█▪
    ^^^^^^^ 6' 6" and Over Crew ^^^^^^^
    ------------- No Vax Crew ----------------
    Reply With Quote

  14. #14
    Registered User DrFeelgood127's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2009
    Posts: 266
    Rep Power: 285
    DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50) DrFeelgood127 will become famous soon enough. (+50)
    DrFeelgood127 is offline
    Most racks will be within the same range of 44-45" roughly between safeties, more if they use sabers or gun racks. This is due to the fact that all racks need to accomodate the inside collar space of the olympic bar and be wide enough to maintain balanced when the bar is unevenly loaded.

    It seems like, unless I am misreading the situation, that you experienced these brushes with the safeties while pressing only while at Dick's. Unless they offer different models, I would assume that you tested out their Proviction/Protocol house brand rack. If so, their safeties rest against the inside of the upright and cut into the overall inside room of the rack. Most racks design their safeties to be contained within the uprights, either the block/quick release safeties, or the saber/pin type.

    I would heed the advice of your fellow giants, and not be too concerned about any of the racks you may choose, unless you do go with the Proviction/Protocol rack from Dick's. Just make sure that you are being safe, both your form and using proper equipment.
    Reply With Quote

  15. #15
    Equipment Geek Mod Wildtim's Avatar
    Join Date: Dec 2007
    Location: Michigan, United States
    Age: 50
    Posts: 16,707
    Rep Power: 1129518
    Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz Wildtim has the mod powerz
    Wildtim is offline
    You really need to look at your bench technique, regardless of rack size. From your description of what happened I would say you are pushing your elbows directly out to the sides when you bench otherwise they would not be the first things to contact the rack.

    Take a look at this pay special attention to the part around 2:45:

    []---[] Equipment Crew Member No. 11

    "As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another" Proverbs 27:17
    Reply With Quote

  16. #16
    Registered User PoppinJJ's Avatar
    Join Date: Feb 2012
    Age: 38
    Posts: 6
    Rep Power: 0
    PoppinJJ has no reputation, good or bad yet. (0)
    PoppinJJ is offline
    Thanks for the reply's guys.
    Im really not to worried about my form as I don't flare my elbows out to a 90, I know how terrible it is for your shoulders, but that was a pretty cool video. I have only experienced this issue at Dicks using their Marcy Pro rack but it never even dawned on me that it could be an issue. I just threw a bar without weights on it to see how it looked/felt and noticed how close my elbows were getting, and that if I had a wide enough grip the bar would pinch my hands when it rested on the safety. Perhaps I noticed this and flared out my elbows to check out clearance because I was surprised that it was even an issue. Im not even sure now. Its never been an issue in the gym but I dont normally use a rack.

    After reading through all this it seems that Im worrying about nothing. None of you seem to have any trouble and some of yall are even taller than me. Im still going to aim for one that is closer to 50 in wide that 46 as most of the racks Ive been looking at fall between these measurements.

    Nice work on the rack Skidmarx, wish I knew how to weld.
    Reply With Quote

Similar Threads

  1. Deep Squats Impossible For Some Tall People
    By Sabre28 in forum Exercises
    Replies: 65
    Last Post: 12-10-2013, 03:36 PM
  2. Tall people with a Ptec Rack & Lat
    By thatashguy in forum Workout Equipment
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 03-11-2010, 04:53 AM
  3. Partials and tall people
    By stanli in forum Exercises
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 12-17-2009, 08:40 PM
  4. tall people and bodybuilding...
    By eternal struggle in forum Teen Bodybuilding
    Replies: 30
    Last Post: 02-05-2006, 03:44 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts