Rep Fitness Thread

[urbanlifter]

Why can't REP and Titan get this right? It's UHMW, this stuff is not that expensive or hard to figure out. My Titan Mono's are fantastic but I'm still plagued by their choice of UHMW, it more like straight plastic not like the high impact 'slippery' UHMW you'd find as chute liners. Why in the world would REP use spongy plastic alternatives that have compression? The stuff Mech used on his mono's looked fantastic well over a year after owning them, while my Titan ones are seriously chunked up after a couple months of use. LOL

[DarthCholo]

It's that time of year and the bad REP pub keeps on coming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GpVilR-2M8.

Hopefully they can get this fixed, 400ish really isn't that much weight and shouldn't smash the UHMW all the way down below the metal like that. Just seems like an odd area to cut corners on because they've really done a nice job structurally on the jcup itself.

I saw that. It seems bad enough to recall or send replacement real umhw to customers. Not sure if it's a design issue or Chinese skimped on the materials rep asked for.

[ncsuLuke]

I know it's been said before but does Rep have anyone that actually lifts testing this stuff? Brandon really tried hard to not point out what a failure this is because it shows that there isn't much attention to detail or QC going on there.

[urbanlifter]

I know it's been said before but does Rep have anyone that actually lifts testing this stuff? Brandon really tried hard to not point out what a failure this is because it shows that there isn't much attention to detail or QC going on there.

I'm sure they do, but apparently not anyone who can squat more than 405lbs.

Which leads to the next hilarious revelation, why haven't more REP owners complained about this? (giggle)

[Deep-Voiced-One]

It's that time of year and the bad REP pub keeps on coming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GpVilR-2M8.

Hopefully they can get this fixed, 400ish really isn't that much weight and shouldn't smash the UHMW all the way down below the metal like that. Just seems like an odd area to cut corners on because they've really done a nice job structurally on the jcup itself.

They should not only either refund his money, or replace Brandon's bum J-cups with better ones, but also replace his bar that's scratched by them as well considering that's the whole purpose of those style J-cups, or at least give him store credit for a stainless steel power bar of theirs lol.

[boxer_for_life]

Mono's are scheduled to arrive on Thursday. Their website shows a weight capacity of 1500lbs, but I only have about 900lbs available to test their UHMW lol

[jamesovercome]

Oh nice, good idea...you’re right it’s pretty light compared to others (almost half the weight of some). It doesn’t have UHMW on the arms or on the brackets that touch the rack, but that doesn’t matter to some or you can add it yourself...but it would be good for Rick to incorporate it if he ever plans to make revisions to it.

That's the biggest downfall. My Texas Power Bar knurling is decimated to the point of non existence by the sleeves because of no UHMW. The good news is all that metal on metal grinding makes it effortless to recenter the bar after each set.

[urbanlifter]

That's the biggest downfall. My Texas Power Bar knurling is decimated to the point of non existence by the sleeves because of no UHMW. The good news is all that metal on metal grinding makes it effortless to recenter the bar after each set.

It may sound insane but I was thinking about smoothing down the outer knurling on my REP barbell, create my own 'Deep Knurl Power Speed Bar'.

It's just a barbell right, a consumable...? LOL

[ncsuLuke]

It may sound insane but I was thinking about smoothing down the outer knurling on my REP barbell, create my own 'Deep Knurl Power Speed Bar'.

It's just a barbell right, a consumable...? LOL

It's a shame they discontinued the PowerSpeed bar because I really love that feature. I have no use for knurl on the ends and it sure makes centering the bar a lot easier.

[MGM711]

I'm sure they do, but apparently not anyone who can squat more than 405lbs.

Which leads to the next hilarious revelation, why haven't more REP owners complained about this? (giggle)

If you recall on this thread when they released the belt squat attachment, I questioned the 300lb limit on the unit, the reply was that the majority of people aren't as strong as myself, so if 300lbs is a number they think most can't achieve, then 405lbs is certainly almost unattainable in their minds. I guess I don't get the idea of making a really well made rack that can withstand thousands of pounds to only cut corners on the attachments, especially the Jcups, the piece that connects the bar to the rack, it just doesn't make any sense to me, and the savings can't be that much when you get down to it. It's puzzling, and I'm saying this as a REP PR-5000 owner, so I'm pulling for them.

[MGM711]

I know it's been said before but does Rep have anyone that actually lifts testing this stuff? Brandon really tried hard to not point out what a failure this is because it shows that there isn't much attention to detail or QC going on there.

I've pointed this out before, it's either they have little idea of what they're doing, have very poor QC and have little to no idea of what's actually going on in these factories, or they just don't have the right people in their corner telling them what's good or bad. They can't keep having these mistakes unless one of these three or more situations is going on. They tend to fix their problems eventually, but how they continue make it to market this way is puzzling.

[MGM711]

Mono's are scheduled to arrive on Thursday. Their website shows a weight capacity of 1500lbs, but I only have about 900lbs available to test their UHMW lol

Let's hope they got this one right!

[MGM711]

I saw that. It seems bad enough to recall or send replacement real umhw to customers. Not sure if it's a design issue or Chinese skimped on the materials rep asked for.

I very much agree, they absolutely should address this immediately!

[urbanlifter]

then 405lbs is certainly almost unattainable in their minds.

In truth I'll admit that they are partly correct, we are blind to reality because we surround ourselves with likeminded people. Then couple that with social media and you'd think everyone had a 500lb+ squat, 800lb deadlift, and warms up with 3 plate bench press LOL. My time lifting at 'big box' gyms certainly confirmed this for me, it was a rarity that I ever saw anyone squatting over 315lbs or benching more than 2-3 plates for reps.

[cwcmac]

If you recall on this thread when they released the belt squat attachment, I questioned the 300lb limit on the unit, the reply was that the majority of people aren't as strong as myself, so if 300lbs is a number they think most can't achieve, then 405lbs is certainly almost unattainable in their minds. I guess I don't get the idea of making a really well made rack that can withstand thousands of pounds to only cut corners on the attachments, especially the Jcups, the piece that connects the bar to the rack, it just doesn't make any sense to me, and the savings can't be that much when you get down to it. It's puzzling, and I'm saying this as a REP PR-5000 owner, so I'm pulling for them.

The bigger issue, as I see it, is that they are looking to compete with Rogue but at a more affordable price. One of the reason many people go with Rogue instead of companies like Legend is the availability and options for add ons. Cutting corners on accessories will really impact how they are trying to position themselves and many people on the fence may bite the bullet and go with Rogue is they have concerns about accessories. Some may go with a Rep rack and Rogue accessories.

[dukenukem7777]

The liner issue only affects the flat sandwich jcup variety and recently made ones. We changed to urethane for the part that touches the barbell, arguably higher quality than UHMW and shows almost no wear after extended use. It's more expensive but looks really good. UHMW was used prior to that. UHWM has always been used on the parts that touch the rack, so that hasn't changed. Problem is the hardness was too low on the urethane formula. It'll be corrected shortly.

Monos use UHMW only.

[MGM711]

In truth I'll admit that they are partly correct, we are blind to reality because we surround ourselves with likeminded people. Then couple that with social media and you'd think everyone had a 500lb+ squat, 800lb deadlift, and warms up with 3 plate bench press LOL. My time lifting at 'big box' gyms certainly confirmed this for me, it was a rarity that I ever saw anyone squatting over 315lbs or benching more than 2-3 plates for reps.

I agree, but why not then just make light duty racks and attachments if this is the majority of buyers? The reason is because they want in on this market, but if you want in on this market, you need to have it all the way around and not just pick and choose.

[MGM711]

Some may go with a Rep rack and Rogue accessories.

Count me in as one of these going that route, partly because none of the REP accessories aren't in stock, but also because some of these Rogue attachments are way heavier duty such as the Sandwich Jcups and 24in Spotter Arms.

[MGM711]

The liner issue only affects the flat sandwich jcup variety and recently made ones. We changed to urethane for the part that touches the barbell, arguably higher quality than UHMW and shows almost no wear after extended use. It's more expensive but looks really good. UHMW was used prior to that. UHWM has always been used on the parts that touch the rack, so that hasn't changed. Problem is the hardness was too low on the urethane formula. It'll be corrected shortly.

Monos use UHMW only.

Will there be a way to swap out to the newer, corrected style for those of us who have these recently made sandwich jcups that flatten out?

[dukenukem7777]

Will there be a way to swap out to the newer, corrected style for those of us who have these recently made sandwich jcups that flatten out?

Yes, we'll take care of everyone once we have a solid replacement.

[vhd16]

I would say credit goes to both Brandon and Duke on this UHMW/Urethane J cup issue

Brandon is probably first one to not to recommend a product on a you tube review
So far I have not seen any SM reviewer not recommending a product (barring Titan products) ,well I think answer is fear of losing the sponsor

Duke as always explaining the problem and owning up to it with out giving some BS reason which is what most equipment companies tend to do

[DarthCholo]

Thanks rep for addressing the flat jcup issue. I imagine urethane or polycarbonate protection works where there is steel right below supporting the weight like on regular jcups and spotter arms.

Still love my rep rack and the narrower racking uprights.

[boxer_for_life]

Monos use UHMW only.

Pure speculation: If harder urethane is the future and UHMW had issues, it's safe to say the monos will experience the same issue that Brandon discovered with soft UHMW?

[dukenukem7777]

Pure speculation: If harder urethane is the future and UHMW had issues, it's safe to say the monos will experience the same issue that Brandon discovered with soft UHMW?

Sorry if I didn't explain that clearly: UHMW has always been fine. We started using urethane on some of the jcups to give it a cleaner look and more durable/less noticeable wear. The formula used for the urethane is the problem and will be corrected. UHMW has no issues.

[boxer_for_life]

Sorry if I didn't explain that clearly: UHMW has always been fine. We started using urethane on some of the jcups to give it a cleaner look and more durable/less noticeable wear. The formula used for the urethane is the problem and will be corrected. UHMW has no issues.

Ah, makes sense now that I reread it. Thanks for the clarification!

[MGM711]

Yes, we'll take care of everyone once we have a solid replacement.

Good on that, I must say, when you get things wrong, you certainly address them and take care of it, and I really appreciate that about REP.

[MGM711]

The liner issue only affects the flat sandwich jcup variety and recently made ones. We changed to urethane for the part that touches the barbell, arguably higher quality than UHMW and shows almost no wear after extended use. It's more expensive but looks really good. UHMW was used prior to that. UHWM has always been used on the parts that touch the rack, so that hasn't changed. Problem is the hardness was too low on the urethane formula. It'll be corrected shortly.

Monos use UHMW only.

So was the urethane design tested pre production and these were a bad batch, or just figured the urethane was right and just went along with production?

[broganoff]

The bigger issue, as I see it, is that they are looking to compete with Rogue but at a more affordable price. One of the reason many people go with Rogue instead of companies like Legend is the availability and options for add ons. Cutting corners on accessories will really impact how they are trying to position themselves and many people on the fence may bite the bullet and go with Rogue is they have concerns about accessories. Some may go with a Rep rack and Rogue accessories.

IMO the main reason people go to Rogue or Rep as opposed to Legend is that Rogue, Rep and Titan are clearly going after the home gym market, while Legend, Sorinex, and other high end brands are more focused on the scholastic and commercial gym market. Rogue, Rep and Titan all have online ordering and the specs of the products, especially racks, are more homeowner and shipping friendly. Whereas Legend, Sorinex etc do not even have online ordering, and their marketing materials show a lot of custom logo and color work.

I do agree on your assessment regarding Reps positioning and the availability of accessories. The pricing on Legend's limited number of add ons is kinda silly.

[BigSteve7856]

Why is the HR 5000 now absent from the website, while most everything else just shows “out of stock”?

[mrcheeze36]

Why is the HR 5000 now absent from the website, while most everything else just shows “out of stock”?

See this post, there’ll be a big revision to it so maybe that’s why it was pulled:
https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...post1623578471