Squat Rack Suggestions

I have been reading through this forum for the past few weeks, so this is my first post. I'm looking to buy a rack and Olympic barbells for my 15 year old son. We currently already have a bench so that is not needed. I live pretty close to Fitness Factory and have been eyeing the Body Solid GPR 378 and the 300 lb Rubber grip plate set (I want rubber because it will be quieter). Would the Ethos 1.0 rack be an option I should consider?

I know Black Friday is coming up. What other options should I be considering in this price range.

I don't envision either of us lifting major weight, so don't think we need to step up to Rogue or anything of that level. I've heard that the barbell that comes with the plate sets is not the best. But, will it be good enough for what we will be doing (bench < 200 lbs, Squat , 225 lbs)?

I'm just looking for something that will be safe, look decent, and be stable. This will be in the basement and my ceiling tops out at 90 inches.

[QUOTE=msujohn;1534901121]I have been reading through this forum for the past few weeks, so this is my first post. I'm looking to buy a rack and Olympic barbells for my 15 year old son. We currently already have a bench so that is not needed. I live pretty close to Fitness Factory and have been eyeing the Body Solid GPR 378 and the 300 lb Rubber grip plate set (I want rubber because it will be quieter). Would the Ethos 1.0 rack be an option I should consider?

I know Black Friday is coming up. What other options should I be considering in this price range.

I don't envision either of us lifting major weight, so don't think we need to step up to Rogue or anything of that level. I've heard that the barbell that comes with the plate sets is not the best. But, will it be good enough for what we will be doing (bench < 200 lbs, Squat , 225 lbs)?

I'm just looking for something that will be safe, look decent, and be stable. This will be in the basement and my ceiling tops out at 90 inches.[/QUOTE]what kind of bench do you have? Add a cap ob-86 and your off to an excellent start.

[QUOTE=jdforsy;1534907751]what kind of bench do you have? Add a cap ob-86 and your off to an excellent start.[/QUOTE]

We have the Body Solid SFID 325. The plate set I'm looking at also has a barbell -just hoping it will be good enough for us.

[QUOTE=msujohn;1534901121] and the 300 lb Rubber grip plate set (I want rubber because it will be quieter). Would the Ethos 1.0 rack be an option I should consider?
[/QUOTE]

Just be aware that non-virgin rubber coated products from China are a gamble when it comes to odor...
[url]https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=155001243[/url]

And the Ethos has nicer J-hooks and pull-up bar, and you don't have to move spotters between squatting and benching since it has 2 sets. Either rack would be fine.

[QUOTE=msujohn;1534901121] I live pretty close to Fitness Factory and have been eyeing the Body Solid GPR 378 [/QUOTE]

You can't go wrong with the 378... I know, because I have one, and it has roughly 1000 workouts on it. Not a single complaint about it (though I did get some better J-cups from blackwidow). That said, if I was buying again -- AND DEFINITELY if I lived near Fitness Factory -- no doubt I would go with the Body Solid SPR1000. I know they seem very similar, but they've upgraded several subtle things that make a difference. I'm assuming it would be $2-300 off in person? Especially if you are buying plates too.

[QUOTE=msujohn;1534901121]I have been reading through this forum for the past few weeks, so this is my first post. I'm looking to buy a rack and Olympic barbells for my 15 year old son. We currently already have a bench so that is not needed. I live pretty close to Fitness Factory and have been eyeing the Body Solid GPR 378 and the 300 lb Rubber grip plate set (I want rubber because it will be quieter). Would the Ethos 1.0 rack be an option I should consider?

I know Black Friday is coming up. What other options should I be considering in this price range.

I don't envision either of us lifting major weight, so don't think we need to step up to Rogue or anything of that level. I've heard that the barbell that comes with the plate sets is not the best. But, will it be good enough for what we will be doing (bench < 200 lbs, Squat , 225 lbs)?

I'm just looking for something that will be safe, look decent, and be stable. This will be in the basement and my ceiling tops out at 90 inches.[/QUOTE]

I think there are better racks in that price range. Id be looking at the x-3 rack by Titan (assuming you are looking to avoid a rack that requires bolting down) The short version would fit and is $495 shipped. Lots of attachments that can be added in the future if desired. The gpr378 is an ok entry level rack that is no longer priced like one.
Titan x-3 short version

[img]https://i.imgur.com/WlXuC8J.jpg[/img]

I'd opt for the Ethos over the GPR378 or any of the Titan offerings in that price range. I've looked them over in person and like the options, build quality is pretty good, and the color is nice. ;)

[QUOTE=Stasher1;1535040551]I'd opt for the Ethos over the GPR378 or any of the Titan offerings in that price range. I've looked them over in person and like the options, build quality is pretty good, and the color is nice. ;)[/QUOTE]

forgot about that one. at $699 for the ethos id still go for the titan, but if the Dicks Thankgiving 20% off applies to the ethos, then it would be $560 and for that price its a solid choice.

I can get 20% off on ethos this week. Looked at it today. Seems very solid. Nice finish, etc. I just haven’t found anywhere to buy another j cup for it.

I’ve seen gpr378 as well. It’s very stable and has a nice finish.

Haven’t seen a Titan in person. Worry about the finish on them as well as it’s stability. It doesn’t have a cross member option on the x3.

All of these are within $100 or so. Decisions decisions.

Also looking at barbell and plate set. Dicks has the fg on sale for $180 or I’m considering the body solid rubber plate set. It’s listed for $399 ( haven’t seen Black Friday sale yet).

Titan sucks.

Bodycraft F430; Body-Solid GPR378; Powertec; or Rogue.

[QUOTE=jdforsy;1534907751]what kind of bench do you have? Add a cap ob-86 and your off to an excellent start.[/QUOTE]

Body-Solid/Fitness Factory will cut you a deal if you call, or go in and work with them. If you buy a weight set, sell the bar. It's crap. No, really. It's C-R-A-P. Buy a Rogue Beater or an OB-86 from CAP (not from Body-Solid). And get some extra plates while you are at it. Another pair of 45s and some extra 10s and 5s.

[QUOTE=msujohn;1535189071]I can get 20% off on ethos this week. Looked at it today. Seems very solid. Nice finish, etc. I just haven’t found anywhere to buy another j cup for it.

I’ve seen gpr378 as well. It’s very stable and has a nice finish.

Haven’t seen a Titan in person. Worry about the finish on them as well as it’s stability. It doesn’t have a cross member option on the x3.

All of these are within $100 or so. Decisions decisions.

Also looking at barbell and plate set. Dicks has the fg on sale for $180 or I’m considering the body solid rubber plate set. It’s listed for $399 ( haven’t seen Black Friday sale yet).[/QUOTE]

ive seen and used the x-3 (taller version). it was plenty stable, but you can buy cross members. its nice not having anything in the way on the floor as you can position your bench where you need it. thats one of the problems with the gpr378...the rear lower cross member isnt offset at all so depending on your bench it can present issues. the j hooks are unnecessarily long as well and side to side stability isnt that great for a rack at that price.

you do get alot of rack for ~$550 with the ethos...long spotter arms for work off the front, monkey bar pullup (wish all racks came with one). the rack is 3x3 so id guess you could get extra j hooks that would work from another source if they arent available through dicks.

Dont have experience with the X3 but I was very pleasantly surprised with the quality of my recently purchased T3 rack. Id happily recommend any Titan fitness product based on my experience.
height
I agree - I dont like the GPR378s. It looks like the cross member would be in the way when squatting. I guess you could set the j hooks on the other side but...eh.

Let me tell you, westside spacing is awesome for benching solo. Especially when you get a set of strap safeties. My rack has 6x the safety height granularity as the GPR378.

Also, are the GPR378 jhooks/safeties lined with plastic? I guess if its a cheap bar you might not care as much about keeping it nice.

[QUOTE=msujohn;1535189071]I can get 20% off on ethos this week. Looked at it today. Seems very solid. Nice finish, etc. I just haven’t found anywhere to buy another j cup for it. [/QUOTE]

I wouldn't be surprised if they had contact info on the directions and the ability to order spare parts with the Ethos.

That said, I believe it is 2x2 with a 5/8" pin which means Rogue has hooks that will fit.

Look at that, the Ethos 5.0 is on sale for $799 (not sure if the 20% can be applied too). Strap safeties are cool, but I would rather have the extended feet and the cross member of the 1.0

[QUOTE=Cleveland33;1535239921]

That said, I believe it is 2x2 with a 5/8" pin which means Rogue has hooks that will fit.
[/QUOTE]

i think its a 3x3, but rogue/titan make those for their 3x3 flat foot racks.

[QUOTE=Cleveland33;1535239921]I wouldn't be surprised if they had contact info on the directions and the ability to order spare parts with the Ethos.

That said, I believe it is 2x2 with a 5/8" pin which means Rogue has hooks that will fit.

Look at that, the Ethos 5.0 is on sale for $799 (not sure if the 20% can be applied too). Strap safeties are cool, but I would rather have the extended feet and the cross member of the 1.0[/QUOTE]

The one I looked at was 3x3 with 3/4" pins. Nice rack though.

ok 3x3 with a 3/4" pin - should still be able to find parts, but I am guessing Ethos would sell them as well.