The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version

[thebraj]

well i just found out im moving to south texas today..such is the navy. i have less than 2 weeks to find a place and move.. since ill be in texas, ill look into a tss rack if i'd be able to just pick it up instead of paying to get it shipped. even getting it fully loaded, it would be pretty inexpensive since their starting prices are so low. any thoughts on the these?
link:
http://www.texasstrengthsystems.com/powerracks.html

[scottofio]

[QUOTE=thebraj;1022612533]well i just found out im moving to south texas today..such is the navy. i have less than 2 weeks to find a place and move.. since ill be in texas, ill look into a tss rack if i'd be able to just pick it up instead of paying to get it shipped. even getting it fully loaded, it would be pretty inexpensive since their starting prices are so low. any thoughts on the these?
link:


I almost pulled the trigger on that rack so many times, but got lazy and didnt wanna drive 4 hour round trip + borrow a truck. Everyone I talked to seemed happy with their rack, and highlighted that it is extremely functional and versatile especially for band work. One thing to note is that if you want the pulldown attachment and the weight storage, they have to be built together, so don't think you can grab the weight storage first and then add lat attachment later. Everything else can be added gradually.
Where are you going to be stationed? I grew up in San Antonio, and you can pm me any questions on the area. If I can help I'm glad to.

[jfindon]

What's the current recommendation for someone who only wants a rack for squatting, pull-ups, and dips? They already have the IM2000 setup from Ironmaster.

[RemainDieHard]

For all the guys with the first gen Powertec rack, I priced the gen 2 spotter bars and J-hooks. Spotters were $36.50 each and J-hooks were $28.75 each. Plus shipping. I am really looking forward to getting the gen 2 rectangular spotters so I don't have to hear that metal on metal screeching of the long round ones. Also I plan to put some rubber on top of the rectangular spotters for cushioning.

The J-hooks from Black Widow look to be much better quality. I emailed them and I'm waiting for a response if they will fit the Powertec rack.



http://www.blackwidowtg.com/product_p/custom-j-cups.htm

[RemainDieHard]

I got my Powertec many years ago and at the time it was $400 shipped. I see the price has gone up by almost 50% since then. It is a nice rack and pretty stout, but considering the price increase, if I was buying new presently, I would spend the extra and get a better one. I saw Promaxima mentioned and I can say their products are bulletproof and very high quality and they have great customer service as well. I just ordered a new pulley and cable for my Promaxima lat pull and they even warranty those. (pulley damaged by the previous owner/cable damaged from outside storage)

[Andrew_WOT]

I got my Powertec many years ago and at the time it was $400 shipped. I see the price has gone up by almost 50% since then. It is a nice rack and pretty stout, but considering the price increase, if I was buying new presently, I would spend the extra and get a better one. I saw Promaxima mentioned and I can say their products are bulletproof and very high quality and they have great customer service as well. I just ordered a new pulley and cable for my Promaxima lat pull and they even warranty those. (pulley damaged by the previous owner/cable damaged from outside storage)

Not many quality racks out there that have lat tower attachment, it comes pretty handy on Powertec w/o taking much of a space.

[jfindon]

I got my Powertec many years ago and at the time it was $400 shipped. I see the price has gone up by almost 50% since then. It is a nice rack and pretty stout, but considering the price increase, if I was buying new presently, I would spend the extra and get a better one. I saw Promaxima mentioned and I can say their products are bulletproof and very high quality and they have great customer service as well. I just ordered a new pulley and cable for my Promaxima lat pull and they even warranty those. (pulley damaged by the previous owner/cable damaged from outside storage)

Do you know what the Ultra 500 goes for? Their web site is terrible.

[RemainDieHard]

Not many quality racks out there that have lat tower attachment, it comes pretty handy on Powertec w/o taking much of a space.

I guess if you truly lack the space or budget yeah that would be a big plus. I always imagined it having a cobbled up feel to it. After owning a commercial Promaxima lat pull, I could never go to a built in lat setup like the Powertec. The quality of the knee pads, smooth as silk feel to the mechanicals, and convenience of the stack, are just in a different league from the home setups. A lat pull is just a luxury piece of equipment anyways. I think it's biggest advantage would be for someone who could not do a bodyweight pull up.

Do you know what the Ultra 500 goes for? Their web site is terrible.

Not sure man. They have never had any of their prices up. I finally called them one day to get the new price of my lat pull. I just took a quick peek and looks like Ultra 500 is the name of the line that has over a dozen rack models. If you call them and price one, make sure to post up the price here.

[jfindon]

Bah, I guess I meant the FW-113 Competition Power Rack . Seems like it wouldn't cost too much as it's fairly simple looking, but I have no clue.


EDIT: Found this list, not sure how updated or accurate it is, but it might be useful for comparing a lot of rack models. It says the FW113 is $435+, I'm assuming the "+" means shipping.

http://www.myweightlifting.com/best-power-rack.html

[RemainDieHard]

Just saw this in another thread:

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 fully welded... would you even be able to get them in your basement?

[RemainDieHard]

Bah, I guess I meant the FW-113 Competition Power Rack . Seems like it wouldn't cost too much as it's fairly simple looking, but I have no clue.


EDIT: Found this list, not sure how updated or accurate it is, but it might be useful for comparing a lot of rack models. It says the FW113 is $435+, I'm assuming the "+" means shipping.

http://www.myweightlifting.com/best-power-rack.html

Great link!

Club Weider... 310# capacity lol. I looked at one of those once and I think a power tower weighs more than the complete rack. Electrical tubing weighed more than those spotters. I still see them on CL fairly regular and they're usually overpriced.

[jfindon]

Just saw this in another thread:



Those are fully welded... would you even be able to get them in your basement?

These would be for someone else, not me. I didn't realize it's fully welded though, that may not work for him either. Poop.

[RemainDieHard]

Sorry I take that back. Looks like many joints are welded but many are not. Looks like the outer frames are one piece that bolt onto the bottom plate. Top crossbars are clearly bolted.

[jfindon]

[Randy95]

Gonna buy the Marcy Pro Platinum PM 3800 power rack, the bench can have a ton of attachments now(up to 5 I think). I have only $450 to spend on one(plus bench) and I have been up and down craigslist and amazon looking for something to buy and it seems to be the best option for price and weight capacity(600lb total, 300lb per peg/safety bar). If anyone has found a better options please reply. Thanks

[mscriven]

I'm in the market for a rack with a lat option. I'm currently a novice lifter and am leaning towards the Powertec rack. Any thoughts on pros/cons? Or other decent racks with available lat option?

[Paulie_G]

Just saw this in another thread:



Those are fully welded... would you even be able to get them in your basement?

These would be for someone else, not me. I didn't realize it's fully welded though, that may not work for him either. Poop.

Sorry I take that back. Looks like many joints are welded but many are not. Looks like the outer frames are one piece that bolt onto the bottom plate. Top crossbars are clearly bolted.

I bought the Promaxima FW-163 recently, and posted a thread on it with some pics last night. I'll be adding a review over the next couple of days, as I have time. The entire base is welded, and the 2 upright pieces are welded as well. The uprights, pull up bars and weight plate storage racks are bolted on. I had the rack custom cut to 81" to fit my short ceilings. The rack, with custom sizing, an extra set of bar hooks cost me just north of $800 shipped. You simply will not find anything more solid, with better features at this price. After receiving the rack, I can't understand how they make any money on it at all.

[Kevin007]

I'm looking for a nice beginner rack for my bachelor, yea bachelor so it can't be too big but I still want it there.

I'm looking for one with a bench, lat pulldowns, preacher curl, cables if possible, chest flys, etc.

Can I start off with some suggestions? I'm only looking for the basic stuff in the mean time. I'm hoping I spend between $500-1000.

thanks guys.

[KBKB]

I'm looking for one with a bench, lat pulldowns, preacher curl, cables if possible, chest flys, etc.

Can I start off with some suggestions? I'm only looking for the basic stuff in the mean time. I'm hoping I spend between $500-1000.

There are racks which have an integrated lat / row (cable) station, but there aren't many. I doubt you'll find anything decent which also incorporates a preacher curl pad and a pec deck.

If you limit your requirements to just a basic rack with pull up bar, there are a lot of good choices.

[Kevin007]

I was thinking of this, it looks like it fits what I need and it is reasonably priced too. What do you think? Any better alternatives? Space is an issue for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gold's+G...30-114757537-2

[KBKB]

I was thinking of this, it looks like it fits what I need and it is reasonably priced too. What do you think? Any better alternatives? Space is an issue for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gold's+G...30-114757537-2

Don't know anything about that particular model, but the Equipment FAQ lists Gold's Gym as one of the manufacturers to avoid.

[RhysGM]

Hi guys,

I was intending on buying this rack;

www .powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/bodymax-cf475-heavy-power-rack-with-latlow-pulley.php

however after reading this thread, I'm now unsure. Is there a better option at a similar price? Or will I be safe with this? I'm only a beginner now but I would like it to last a few years.

[RemainDieHard]

I was thinking of this, it looks like it fits what I need and it is reasonably priced too. What do you think? Any better alternatives? Space is an issue for me.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Gold's+G...30-114757537-2

A Smith Machine is not a Power Rack, therfore any Power Rack would be an alternative.

IMO, my bare bones minimum space setup would be a Ironmaster DB's, FID bench, power tower, and a dip belt to use the IM weights for dips and pullups.

[Wheyum]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/spo/3613627023.html

any thoughts on this rack guys?

cant seem to find anything on it.

[Stasher1]

http://jacksonville.craigslist.org/spo/3613627023.html

any thoughts on this rack guys?

cant seem to find anything on it.

Bears a striking resemblance to the Xmark Commercial Power Rack, which can be picked up for less than the asking price for that used one.

[oicok]

does anyone have any info on this power rack, i can't find any info on it so am wondering has anyone used or own this power rack

Gator Fitness W-291 Power Cage (sorry i can't post a link i don't have enough posts)

[Stasher1]

does anyone have any info on this power rack, i can't find any info on it so am wondering has anyone used or own this power rack

Gator Fitness W-291 Power Cage (sorry i can't post a link i don't have enough posts)

http://www.gatorfitness.com/w-291.html

[mscriven]

I'm in the market for a rack with a lat option. I'm currently a novice lifter and am leaning towards the Powertec rack. Any thoughts on pros/cons? Or other decent racks with available lat option?

Anyone? Almost ready to pull the trigger on this. Best choice rack with lat attachment at ~$1000?

[jpy15026]

More than happy with my Powertec WB-PR11 Rack and Lat Attachment : )

I got the WB-PR11 rack in the beginning of November and was so happy with it I ordered the WB-LTO13 Lat attachment a couple of weeks later.I've been using a Powertec Half Rack for a few years now and decided to upgrade to a full rack and after much research I decided to stay with the Powertec name and I'm glad that I did.

I bought mine from best buy fitness,for a bit less than what it is now.They had the best price at that time and I couldn't have been more pleased with their communication,service and how quickly I received it.

bestbuyfitness.com/product_detail_3083.aspx ($579 and the Lat Attachment is $529 =$1108)

This is posted on their website:
* Please Call Us if you find a lower price, to take advantage of our 110% Price Match Guarantee 1-888-882-2348

I see it's selling for less ($549 and the Lat Attachment is $449 = $998 ) from fitness factory outlet,but I don't know anything about them.
I would guess that bestbuyfitness would give you the 110% Price Match Guarantee so you might luck out and it be even less than fitness factory's lesser price.

fitnessfactoryoutlet.com/store/Powertec-Power-Rack.html

I found Sam's Club to be the best source for the BodySolid Lat Attachments that I bought.Even with the non-member 10% surcharge ,they still beat everyone's price.
Wayfair was a close runner up for the items not available at Sam's

I love my Powertec rack and Lat Attachment,no question in my mind that I made the right choice.
jpy15026

[Andrew_WOT]

More than happy with my Powertec WB-PR11 Rack and Lat Attachment : )

I got the WB-PR11 rack in the beginning of November and was so happy with it I ordered the WB-LTO13 Lat attachment a couple of weeks later.I've been using a Powertec Half Rack for a few years now and decided to upgrade to a full rack and after much research I decided to stay with the Powertec name and I'm glad that I did.

I bought mine from best buy fitness,for a bit less than what it is now.They had the best price at that time and I couldn't have been more pleased with their communication,service and how quickly I received it.

bestbuyfitness.com/product_detail_3083.aspx ($579 and the Lat Attachment is $529 =$1108)

This is posted on their website:
* Please Call Us if you find a lower price, to take advantage of our 110% Price Match Guarantee 1-888-882-2348

I see it's selling for less ($549 and the Lat Attachment is $449 = $998 ) from fitness factory outlet,but I don't know anything about them.
I would guess that bestbuyfitness would give you the 110% Price Match Guarantee so you might luck out and it be even less than fitness factory's lesser price.

fitnessfactoryoutlet.com/store/Powertec-Power-Rack.html

I found Sam's Club to be the best source for the BodySolid Lat Attachments that I bought.Even with the non-member 10% surcharge ,they still beat everyone's price.
Wayfair was a close runner up for the items not available at Sam's

I love my Powertec rack and Lat Attachment,no question in my mind that I made the right choice.
jpy15026

Second that. I bought mine almost 4 years ago, it's perfect to my needs and even with lat attachment doesn't take a lot of space.
Fancier rack does not translate to a better progress, but that's me, I just don't see myself squatting 1000lb in a year.