The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version

[vhd16]

Not sure if anyone posted this, but seems like a fairly decent 'brand name' option readily available. Not as safe as a full/half rack, but given you only need to lift 75% of your normal weight to maintain muscle mass its a temporary option. Pull up a bench, leave the clamps off on case you have to dump the weight, go light and stay safe. Sorinex Off-Grid Rack, $349.

https://www.sorinex.com/products/off-grid-rack

Rouge had this

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-rml-90slim-rack



This at least you can expand after COVID-19

[BoreDefer]

Yeah I like that chin up bar a lot, I think someone who posts in here sometimes has that rack. I've seen it in the home gym thread... I'm pretty sure anyway, and it was someone from Australia. Maybe they will post in here.

[fahrenhait451]

Hey all, longtime lurker here, first time poster, but would love to get your views.

Have a basic dilemma, choosing between racks. The story: I bought a squat rack, but it arrived without the uprights (of all things). I'm not sure the retailer I purchased from will be able to source the correct parts (seems to be manufacturer error). Meanwhile, as you can imagine, racks are getting snapped everywhere they show up. I run the risk of ending up without a rack if they can't find the uprights.

I have found two potential backups and would love to get the views from more experienced people on how they compare with what I ordered.

Summary:
I ordered a decent, mid-tier squat rack from Reebok.
I found a no-name, lightweight full cage (local European manufacturer).
Also found a no-name, fairly strong squat rack from a French box set manufacturer.

Details:
Reebok squat rack has two gusseted 2x3 uprights, weighs about 105lbs, 48x48x91, 12-14 gauge (mostly 14), 18in spotters, 3 pullup bars (triangle, crossfit style), rated for 550lbs. Prob 600, but in Europe, 250kgs sticks in people's minds more easily than 280kgs. Comparable racks in the US are rated at 600. I bought some weight horns, so I can weigh it down for stability. It's boltable, but I don't plan on bolting it. It's on the expensive side, but on this side of the pond, Reebok is a sorta premium brand.

Local no-name full cage has four non-gusseted 2x2 uprights, apparently the gross package weight is 80lbs (so assembled product is even less), 14 gauge steel, 48x55x84, simple safety pins, and most crucially, two ground-level vertical weight horns in the back. The manufacturer seems to place a 440lb weight rating on all of its racks, regardless of structure. Well-priced. Would probably arrive end of next week.

French box set squat rack has two non-gusseted uprights, has a 600lb weight capacity, similar pullup to the Reebok (but smaller), 48x67x86, a row landmine attachment, and its best feature, four weight horns in the back (hence the extra 19 inch of depth). Would take 1-2 weeks to deliver.

I don't train for PRs; I do build strength, but more to help me outside the weight room. I train in the 10-12 rep range (except for the occasional 3-4 week low rep phase). I'm not going anywhere NEAR the weight limits, but I absolutely DESPISE wobble. Apart from squats and incline bench, will be using the rack for pullups, TRX, and inversions (spinal decompression).

What are all your thoughts? Which should my top choice be, and which should be the backup be? Ie. I'll order another one, and if I end up with two racks, I'll return one of them. I love saying money as much as the next man, but price is secondary. I want to have zero concerns about wobbling.

Thanks!

[Lionhartzero]

First off, awesome thread!

The gyms being closed has certainly been a wake up call, and it's clear that I NEED a power rack now. The problem is that I can barely find any decent/beginner ones available. I'm sure that it's because tons of lifters have swarmed the sites due to Covid, but has anyone come across a rack that is available for same at the moment? I'm not aiming to spend more than $450...I'll wait for them to restock in that case. Thanks!

[krankins]

I'm wondering since this is the Power Rack thread, maybe Racks that should be avoided because they are crap should be added. I mean you can't add every single one but the few big companies that pop up all the time like Weider and Marcy?

[wilkinkc]

Looking at both Rogue and Texas Strength Systems. Would like a rack I don’t have to bolt to the floor as it will be in a spare room and we will probably be moving in a year or two.

Two questions;

- Any other brands I should consider? I don’t want anything cheap I will have problems with.

- Is 24 inches working space comfortable for squat and bench?

I had a powertec rack 10 years ago that I regrettably sold and I can’t remember how big it was exactly.

[RestoringTally]

Looking at both Rogue and Texas Strength Systems. Would like a rack I don’t have to bolt to the floor as it will be in a spare room and we will probably be moving in a year or two.

Two questions;

- Any other brands I should consider? I don’t want anything cheap I will have problems with.

- Is 24 inches working space comfortable for squat and bench?

I had a powertec rack 10 years ago that I regrettably sold and I can’t remember how big it was exactly.

24 inches working space is fine unless you have lousy form.

I have an old commercial York rack with 26" inside. I have a permanently mounted monolift for benching. I also have short pins on the front uprights for holding my squat bar. I have about 8" of front-to-back room when squatting. That is plenty of room as long as I don't let my form break.

I have a tendancy to drift forward when squatting. So I always start a bit to the rear, leaving more space up front. But 8" does not leave much leeway for drifting. Having little room forces me to focus on my form, which is good.

[Risepanda1]

Check out my youtube channel: Risepanda
I have videos on my powerrack and other fitness related content

[sera310]

24 inches working space is fine unless you have lousy form.

I have an old commercial York rack with 26" inside. I have a permanently mounted monolift for benching. I also have short pins on the front uprights for holding my squat bar. I have about 8" of front-to-back room when squatting. That is plenty of room as long as I don't let my form break.

I have a tendancy to drift forward when squatting. So I always start a bit to the rear, leaving more space up front. But 8" does not leave much leeway for drifting. Having little room forces me to focus on my form, which is good.

+1 I am on my 2d rack with 24" depth, this 1 a Rogue, & the depth is a total non-issue for me. The only exception is that it's too tight for a monolift, per Rogue customer service, if that matters to you.

[CanadaBuilder4]

+1 I am on my 2d rack with 24" depth, this 1 a Rogue, & the depth is a total non-issue for me. The only exception is that it's too tight for a monolift, per Rogue customer service, if that matters to you.

If you use a monolift attachment, for bench or for squats, then you plant your feet, lift, and do not move at all. If you end up moving, maybe the weight is too heavy for you.

Rogue's own monolift attachments have about 17 inches extending, so they will fit on their 24 inch power racks, the R3, RML3 or RM3.

[irongrandpa]

+1 I am on my 2d rack with 24" depth, this 1 a Rogue, & the depth is a total non-issue for me. The only exception is that it's too tight for a monolift, per Rogue customer service, if that matters to you.

If you use a monolift attachment, for bench or for squats, then you plant your feet, lift, and do not move at all. If you end up moving, maybe the weight is too heavy for you.

Rogue's own monolift attachments have about 17 inches extending, so they will fit on their 24 inch power racks, the R3, RML3 or RM3.

I have mono hooks and and can use them in a 24" space. As mentioned, you don't move your feet so you don't need a bunch of space.

[bean438]

+1 I am on my 2d rack with 24" depth, this 1 a Rogue, & the depth is a total non-issue for me. The only exception is that it's too tight for a monolift, per Rogue customer service, if that matters to you.

https://www.fitnessdepot.ca/F71MWI72...arms-pair.html

Will fit no problem. Your welcome!

[sera310]

If you use a monolift attachment, for bench or for squats, then you plant your feet, lift, and do not move at all. If you end up moving, maybe the weight is too heavy for you.

Rogue's own monolift attachments have about 17 inches extending, so they will fit on their 24 inch power racks, the R3, RML3 or RM3.

Maybe so, all I know is what Rogue customer service told me: Rogue doesn't recommend the Rogue monolift attachment for use in the RML-3, which is the rack I have.

[sera310]

https://www.fitnessdepot.ca/F71MWI72...arms-pair.html

Will fit no problem. Your welcome!

Thanks for the recommendation

[Ryma87]

Thank you for these recommendations !

[murphyreedus]

Nothing too exciting, but my Ultra Pro rack was like 3/4" too short to OHP full ROM inside. Cut some 2x6s to make 1.5" risers; can't hit the top with an axle bar anymore. A little cheaper than spending $500+ on reverse jcups/spotter arms that I don't really have room for right now anyway. Still need to clean up but pretty happy with a virtually free solution.

[Duplicitous]

Nothing too exciting, but my Ultra Pro rack was like 3/4" too short to OHP full ROM inside. Cut some 2x6s to make 1.5" risers; can't hit the top with an axle bar anymore. A little cheaper than spending $500+ on reverse jcups/spotter arms that I don't really have room for right now anyway. Still need to clean up but pretty happy with a virtually free solution.

Good call. I added a 1/2" block of oak under a Titan rack extension so it could be used on my RML-490. It was the difference between $150 and $600+.