Intermediate Grade power rack?

[jerry193845]

Ok so here is the situation. I'm looking to get a power rack, and my budget is like $600-700. Also, if I can get it off amazon.com, that would be great since I would get free shipping.

[LimitStrength]

Ok so here is the situation. I'm looking to get a power rack, and my budget is like $600-700. Also, if I can get it off amazon.com, that would be great since I would get free shipping.

What are your goals, strength or looks. How heavy do you see yourself going in this power rack? Do you need to buy weights and a bar as well?

[jerry193845]

Goals are mainly to look good (but usually that means strength as well); Chiefly looking for well define pectoral muscles, fairly large triceps, and defined abs. I only see myself going to maybe 300-400 lbs max (for shrugs perhaps). I do need to buy a bar/weights as well, but I can save up more money for that if need be. For the rack alone, I'm looking to spend 600-700, and I want to buy something of high quality, that way I won't ever need to upgrade.

As of now I have a gym membership but it is expiring in a few months (got a 1 year card).

Also, I'm open to getting a half rack.

[RemainDieHard]

I'd say Powertec is in the middle, when compared to cheaper ones such as NYBB/TDS, Powerline, Body Solid, Marcy, etc.. Since your budget is a little more than the Powertec, maybe someone more knowledgeable can recommend a better one that is still in your budget.

I will say for good looking pecs I'd suggest dip handles for your rack. Powertec comes with them.

[LimitStrength]

Goals are mainly to look good (but usually that means strength as well); Chiefly looking for well define pectoral muscles, fairly large triceps, and defined abs. I only see myself going to maybe 300-400 lbs max (for shrugs perhaps). I do need to buy a bar/weights as well, but I can save up more money for that if need be. For the rack alone, I'm looking to spend 600-700, and I want to buy something of high quality, that way I won't ever need to upgrade.

As of now I have a gym membership but it is expiring in a few months (got a 1 year card).

Also, I'm open to getting a half rack.

Most people are very happy with a powertec rack, especially for intermediate lifting. Would easily handle anything you would throw at it. As well, they make a lot of attachments such as lat tower and dip handles and stuff so you can do more with your rack. I think you can find them online for like $500 I believe, including shipping? Could be wrong, have to look around.

In reality any decent rack (powerline ppr200x which is $385 with free shipping from amazon) could take the weights you are talking about using. The powerline rack is more no frills and not as fancy as the powertec.

The bodysolid gpr378 which is their beefier 3"x3" uprights model is pretty affordable as well and would fall in your price range. Issue with this is that some people complain that the hooks you unrack from are too long and get in the way at times.

Another cheap alternative that could easily take those weights is a TDS power rack, they cost around $350 as well.

If I was you, and it seems like you want something nice and not super no frills, I would get a powertec rack (most resellers have significantly better prices than the actual powertec website). Then I would take the extra $200-$300 left in my budget and buy a 300 lbs barbell set preferably used. Make sure the barbell is straight. And if you can squeeze it out, a decent FID (flat, incline , decline bench).

You would be able to do like 90% of exercises. Then over time you could add to your stuff by getting a preacher curl, lat tower, dip handles, adjustable DB's etc.

[RemainDieHard]

When I bought my Powertec it was cheapest at Dumbbellbuddy.com. It's currently $579 shipped there.

That Bodysolid GPR378 looks like a nice step up from the Powertec. Larger tubing and thicker gauge as well.

[jerry193845]

Alright thanks for the advice guys. Right now I'm leaning towards the powerline ppr200x $385, but it seems sort of low quality. I've read reviews where apparently it wobbles when doing dips/pull ups (which would be very annoying), so perhaps something more heavy duty?

Also, I'm looking at getting bumper plates vs olympic plates, and all I can say is are there really any cons to the bumper plates? Why doens't everyone just buy bumper plates instead of the olympic iron ones like you see at every gym? Also, for the bench could someone point me to something decent/high quality. I've found from experience I like the more retro looking ones (they are usually grayish/beige, actually look pretty ugly but I find them the most comfortable), as opposed to the usual black ones.

[Detrus]

Rogue S-2 is $560 + shipping with spotter arms that make it a half rack. R-3 is $695 + shipping. You'd have to bolt the R-3 to floor or platform. S-2 you have to weigh down or bolt to have stability for crazy kipping pullups. Should be more stable than powerline, bigger base. The build quality and feel on these is better than powertec/powerline. I don't know if it's considered intermediate, maybe a bit above. Powerline is the lowest quality usable rack there is.

Bumper plates are more expensive than iron. The cheap black econ bumpers aren't meant to last forever. Hi-temps are reputed to last better. The problem with hi-temps is you can only fit 400 lbs on bar. Other econs are thinner, can fit 480 or something. The reason most commercial gyms don't use bumper plates is because they can wear out with use. Olympic lifting is dangerous and loud. You need expensive flooring or platforms to take overhead drops and to help preserve bumpers.

You looking for a flat bench or adjustable? Ironmaster superbench is decent.

[jerry193845]

Wow great response Detrus. I won't be doing overhead drops, but I though the bumpers might come in handy for deadlifts. Also, I'm thinking adjustable for the bench.

Also, for the barbell, is there a big difference in quality between the $100 ones and the $300?

[LimitStrength]

Alright thanks for the advice guys. Right now I'm leaning towards the powerline ppr200x $385, but it seems sort of low quality. I've read reviews where apparently it wobbles when doing dips/pull ups (which would be very annoying), so perhaps something more heavy duty?

Also, I'm looking at getting bumper plates vs olympic plates, and all I can say is are there really any cons to the bumper plates? Why doens't everyone just buy bumper plates instead of the olympic iron ones like you see at every gym? Also, for the bench could someone point me to something decent/high quality. I've found from experience I like the more retro looking ones (they are usually grayish/beige, actually look pretty ugly but I find them the most comfortable), as opposed to the usual black ones.

The PPR200x i think has 2"x2" uprights, which usually makes them more shaky for pullups and dips. The shakyness is really more due to the fact that it's bolted together (high end rack are usually almost completely welded, such as the Rogue R3 which only has 4 bolts in the entire rack, but it also costs $800 with shipping), as well as the 2x2 uprights.

If you bolted the PPR200x down into your floor or couple of pieces of 3/4" plywood, no swaying or shaking would occur really.

Basically both the PPR200x as well as the powertec wb-pr11 are made from 12 gauge steel, which is the slightly thinner variety. The WB-PR11 has 2.5"x2.5" uprights vs the 2x2 of the powerline. This extra width usually lends itself to stability when re racking weights and doing pullups and such.

The body solid GPR378 has 3x3 uprights of 11 gauge steel (slightly thicker, same gauge most high end racks are made of). This costs $489 on ebay right now including shipping. It says floor model and is sold by Lou Ferrigno's brother. I almost bought this rack myself and called about the floor model status and he explained that due to body solid policy they have to list it as a floor model, but in reality it's a brand new rack shipped still in box.

The only downside to the bigger GPR378 is the double length hook on which the bar set, but if you are no cramped for space you just set your bench further out of the rack, and should have no problem. Worst case scenario for 50 bucks you can get J-hooks that fit a 3x3 rack and you would be set. Since the rack is 3x3 there should be significantly less wobble during pullups and re racking, as well as no need to bolt anything down.

Like I said, after my research I almost bought this rack (decided to go with Rogue R3 cause of several features that are great for powerlifting). I think the GPR378 is right in your price range and would work well, assuming you have no space issues, since it's pretty large.

As for bumpers vs Steel, as someone else said, bumpers take up a lot of space on the bar, so you can only fit around 405 on the bar. They are also wayyyyy more expensive than traditional iron plates. For instance, I can get used slightly rusty plates at a local warehouse around me for $0.35 a pound. Used bumpers usually go for $1-$2.

The rubber on the bumpers also starts to go over the years (decades) if used a ton, or not taken care of over a long period of time. Steel, if well taken care of, lasts forever in the same exact condition you bought it in. Even if you mistreat steel plates, they still function the same, just don't look as pretty.

If you plan on doing lots of olympic lifting (like crossfit) where you have to drop the barbell, get some bumpers. If not I would invest in used steel plates and get a nice bar and bench that will last you a long time.

I have also heard most people have good experience with the Ironmaster benches for intermediate level lifting.

[jerry193845]

I looked up Rogue R3, and it seems awesome.

Right now this is my purchase:

Rogue R3 (shorty) $800
Utility Bench $185
Mens weightlifting bar $265
Weights $400

+$150 shipping

Total $1500

What changes should I make to save? I'm hoping to get it down to like 1200-1100

[Detrus]

Wow great response Detrus. I won't be doing overhead drops, but I though the bumpers might come in handy for deadlifts. Also, I'm thinking adjustable for the bench.

Also, for the barbell, is there a big difference in quality between the $100 ones and the $300?

I also considered bumpers for deadlifts. It's nice to be able to drop them or slam them down hard. But with their thickness they suddenly become less useful when your deadlift goes over 400. I stopped progressing deads at 370, took me around 3 months to go from 300 to 370. Following SS 5x3 powercleans on Mon/Fri, deads on Wed. And if you need fit more than 400, you have to add iron or use thinner competition bumpers. If you add iron you're back at risking damage to floor if dropped. So might as well make a platform and drop and slam iron on it.

With heavy cleans it's nice to have bumpers. Snatches require bumpers. And dropping in general is a great luxury if you have the right space.

And yes there is usually a difference in quality between $100 and $300. Weight capacities, sleeve rotation, knurl, coating, etc. Cap OB86 is a decent quality bar for $150 and the exception to typical CAP crap quality and typical crap sold for $150.

[LimitStrength]

I looked up Rogue R3, and it seems awesome.

Right now this is my purchase:

Rogue R3 (shorty) $800
Utility Bench $185
Mens weightlifting bar $265
Weights $400

+$150 shipping

Total $1500

What changes should I make to save? I'm hoping to get it down to like 1200-1100

R3 is a seriously great rack, it's treated me extremely well. Do keep in mind you have to bolt it down, or else the rack will start to bow and slide apart, since the only thing keeping the 2 halves together is the pullup bar and nothing on the bottom.

In terms of bars there is a difference between the $100 vs $300 ones. But not so significant that you would notice with your current lifts. I recommend a Cap OB-86B you can find these online for a really reasonable price. They are really nice intermediate bars at a great price point. Right now on ebay they are $170 including shipping. That's $95 dollars saved right there.

I would also buy either used weight plates, or walmart steel plates if you want to buy new since you can do in store pick up I believe, so you don't have to pay shipping.

If you are concerned about saving your plates during deadlifts, just get a piece or 2 of 3/4" plywood, glue them ontop of each other and throw a rubber gym mat ontop. This is the setup I used and my plates have never taken any damage after some heavy deadlifts.

The weight price seems to be the most easily cut down.

People are constantly selling 300 lbs weight sets with a ****ty olympic barbell for like $150 on craiglist. That's the place I would go for my setup with that budget.

Between those 2 suggestions you could get it under your budget

[iportal]

You've had some really good responses on here OP.

If you can afford the R3 then bolt it down and go for it.

I have the Powertec, I would of probably gone for the Body Solid option as I prefer Body Solid kit and the quality is better.

R3 is not a choice for me here in the UK.

Sorry I haven't added much more to this thread, you won't be un happy with the R3, but the Body Solid is fantastic for the price.

Don't get the Powerline, it's much lighter duty. It will be fine for most lifts but the BS or R3 will me MUCH more stable.

[Quigley2013]

What changes should I make to save? I'm hoping to get it down to like 1200-1100

Buy your plates used. There are tons for sale on Kijiji or CL...for well less than half the cost of new...

[dac22]

I looked up Rogue R3, and it seems awesome.

Right now this is my purchase:

Rogue R3 (shorty) $800
Utility Bench $185
Mens weightlifting bar $265
Weights $400

+$150 shipping

Total $1500

What changes should I make to save? I'm hoping to get it down to like 1200-1100

Here's my recommendation:
Body Solid Rack- I believe you can get floor models from fitness factory for about $400 shipped
Cap 86B Barbell- $142.60 shipped on Amazon: amazon.com/Cap-Barbell-Pound-Solid-7-Feet/dp/B001K4OPY2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360433673 (seems to be the low-price bar of choice around here)
Ironmaster Superbench- $318 Shipped: amazon.com/Ironmaster-Super-Bench-Adjustable-weight-lifting/dp/B000FMYAOA/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1360433760
Weights- Craigslist, should pay about $0.50/lb, but can find better deals. I personally bought 470 lbs for $125.

Total: $1010.60 (assuming you buy 300 lbs of plates at $0.50/lb.

[817boy]

I looked up Rogue R3, and it seems awesome.
Right now this is my purchase:
Rogue R3 (shorty) $800
Utility Bench $185
Mens weightlifting bar $265
Weights $400
+$150 shipping
Total $1500
What changes should I make to save? I'm hoping to get it down to like 1200-1100

REMEMBER WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING HOME GYM EQUIPMENT "BUY NICE OR BUY TWICE"
I suggest get a Texas Power Bar($280 shipped) or a Cap-0b86 ($200 shipped) depending on budget
You can get olympic weights used for 35-50 cents a pound on craigslist Or 75cents new at most sporting good stores.

Now for a rack and a bench it all depends on your location on what company would be cheapest (I say you check w/ all the companies to see which one would be the best bang for your buck)

If your near NY check out BlackWidowTrainingGear
http://www.blackwidowtg.com/
https://www.********.com/BlackWidowTG

If your near Ohio check out EdgeFitnessSystems
http://www.edgefitnessystems.com/
http://www.********.com/pages/Edge-F...90593644315096

If your near Texas Check out SNP equipment
http://www.snpequipment.com/images/p...ochure_pg1.jpg

[Paulie_G]

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.

[RemainDieHard]

Also, for the barbell, is there a big difference in quality between the $100 ones and the $300?

The cheap bars will quiver and flex a lot even with only 185#s on it. When I upgraded it was night and day.

I looked up Rogue R3, and it seems awesome.

Right now this is my purchase:

Rogue R3 (shorty) $800
Utility Bench $185
Mens weightlifting bar $265
Weights $400

+$150 shipping

Total $1500

What changes should I make to save? I'm hoping to get it down to like 1200-1100

Cut it in half by buying everything used? Yeah you have do check craigslist daily for months sometimes but the savings is worth it.

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 definitely built like a tank, I would recommend them also. Just look at the weight of the one with the plate storage :O I would love to have the band mount. My only complaint is that I'm trying to get away from the long saber style safety and I'd really like one like the current Powerteck or GPR378. I don't know if there is many commercial grades with that style though. Looks like the Promaxima is welded at most joints but still comes apart in large sections. Better call and verify.

[Stasher1]

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.

That FW-163 looks like a nice rack, but its 8' height could be an issue in many home gyms.

[Squats49]

I would do the Darkhorse- $1K shipped if you can save up the extra coin. I have a P-tec, want a darkhorse so bad but I love having a Lat tower and just don't have room for a seperate lat pulldown right now. When I do the darkhorse will likely be the first thing I buy.

[GarageIron]

You could do a Dark Horse without plate storage for $799 shipped. There is also the $495 Edge rack. It's 2x2 11g, Westside spacing with a landline attachment.

[Paulie_G]

The cheap bars will quiver and flex a lot even with only 185#s on it. When I upgraded it was night and day.



Cut it in half by buying everything used? Yeah you have do check craigslist daily for months sometimes but the savings is worth it.



Those are definitely built like a tank, I would recommend them also. Just look at the weight of the one with the plate storage :O I would love to have the band mount. My only complaint is that I'm trying to get away from the long saber style safety and I'd really like one like the current Powerteck or GPR378. I don't know if there is many commercial grades with that style though. Looks like the Promaxima is welded at most joints but still comes apart in large sections. Better call and verify.

I just bought this rack last week. You can break it down in 3-5 pieces, if it was ever needed.

That FW-163 looks like a nice rack, but its 8' height could be an issue in many home gyms.

I had it custom cut to 81" for just a $50 fee.

You could do a Dark Horse without plate storage for $799 shipped. There is also the $495 Edge rack. It's 2x2 11g, Westside spacing with a landline attachment.

I would have some concerns with movement and sway on this style of rack, without weight storage. At the $800 price point, the Promaxima is certainly a better value, as it includes the weight storage at that price, which also add stability to the rack. I love the Dark Horse, and almost bought one. I just decided that the extra $250 was not worth it. At $800 shipped, I'm very confident that the Promaxima is the best bang for the buck at $800 or under. I'll have a short review with pics lext week.

[GarageIron]

I would have some concerns with movement and sway on this style of rack, without weight storage.

I've tried to move it without the plate storage. It's not going anywhere. EliteFTS has been making racks of the same dimensions and steel for some time with no issue that I'm aware of.

Anyway, this is the $495 Edge rack. Not a bad deal for $500. No idea about shipping. If you bolt it down you can remove that crossbar from the rear. Its 2x2 and 2x3 11g.

[jerry193845]

Also, I have tiled flooring so I don't think I can bolt the rack down

[jerry193845]

Does the dark horse need to be bolted?

[LimitStrength]

Does the dark horse need to be bolted?

Rule of thumb I've found when it comes needing to bolt down is as follows.

If it has a crossbar(s) on the back either on the top or the bottom it doesn't need to be bolted for regular use. This is because these crossbars will keep the 2 sides from bowing apart.

2x2 racks tend to need to be bolted if you plan on doing lots of pullups or dips to prevent shifting,sliding, and swaying. This is because the 2x2 racks weight less and are more easily displaced.

3x3 racks are heavier and rarely NEED to be bolted. They tend to weight enough, even without weight storage to not move around easily.

Dark horse has a back crossbeam as well as a pullup bar in the front, the 2 sides will not drift apart if not drilled. More over, it has weight storage that will weight the rack down, making it borderline immovable.

It does not need to be bolted.

(In contrast a Rogue R3 only has a center pullup bar combo which holds the sides together, they will drift apart unless bolted.)

[GarageIron]

Rule of thumb I've found when it comes needing to bolt down is as follows.

If it has a crossbar(s) on the back either on the top or the bottom it doesn't need to be bolted for regular use. This is because these crossbars will keep the 2 sides from bowing apart.

2x2 racks tend to need to be bolted if you plan on doing lots of pullups or dips to prevent shifting,sliding, and swaying. This is because the 2x2 racks weight less and are more easily displaced.

3x3 racks are heavier and rarely NEED to be bolted. They tend to weight enough, even without weight storage to not move around easily.

Dark horse has a back crossbeam as well as a pullup bar in the front, the 2 sides will not drift apart if not drilled. More over, it has weight storage that will weight the rack down, making it borderline immovable.

It does not need to be bolted.

(In contrast a Rogue R3 only has a center pullup bar combo which holds the sides together, they will drift apart unless bolted.)

+1. My R3 needed to be bolted. My dark horse does not, even if you get the $799 version without the plate storage you won't need to bolt it.

[jerry193845]

ALso, Darkhorse vs R3:

which one has better j - cups for bench pressing?

[LimitStrength]

ALso, Darkhorse vs R3:

which one has better j - cups for bench pressing?

I don't think there is really a noticeable difference. I've never lifted in a dark horse but judging from the website the Jhooks are slightly shorter than the R3. The R3 j hooks come with UHMW plastic inserts on the J hooks to protect the knurling of your bar.

That being said even if you don't have those inserts you can always buy them if you want. Also, I've never really had anyone complain about their being a lack of knurling all the way our by the collars, but some people do get annoyed by scuffed up bars and such.

I personally tend to throw my bar back into the rack so having the plastic inserts are nice to prevent a lot of scratches to my bar. But I also put chains in the middle of my bar when pulling sumo which scratches it to hell, so I really don't care about scratches.