The Official Power Rack Thread - August 2010 version

[jormone]

I'm surprised the "My Rack" hasn't made it to North America yet. It is the first inexpensive rack with Monolift attachments that I've seen.

It has arrived in the USA: https://www.forceusa.com/products/myrack

[Bignick31985]

I just 'built' the version of the ForceUSA rack I'd want and it is $1600 w/free shipping.

Lat pull, bench, safeties of multiple types, dip bars, and on and on. Doesn't seem like a bad price considering what you get.

I'd pull the trigger on that if I didn't already have a setup I was digging. My Valor B7 is less run a year old and holding up great, so no reason to upgrade yet.

[kram1979]

Found a couple vids that had some better visuals than their website:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaSKRfXVshA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-zVNcD0voc

Gotta say, I'm pretty intrigued by the rack & attachments for the price...

I did a basic configuration with the following:
+ Base
+ 1 MyRack Classic Grip Chin-up Bar
+ 1 MyRack Deluxe J-Hook
+ 1 MyRack Weight Plate Holders
+ 1 MyRack Box Tube Safety

$825.99 (Shipped)

I'd maybe add mono's or strap safetys in the future.

Anything else out there comparable? (Besides Titan...not against them & I own a bunch of their equipment, but not crazy about what I've seen with their racks).

[Bignick31985]

There is a severe lack of available info on the MyRack. I emailed them to get some info on there safeties and box tube size. I was wondering if there attachments would work with other racks.

The tubing is 2.5" and all the depths appeared to be sorta unique to the MyRack. I really wanted there swing in rectangle safeties to work on my 2x2, lol.

[Cleveland33]

that Force USA looks like an interesting concept.

I wish they had more pics/closeups especially of that rear cross member, looks to be 2-3" off the floor and cuts behind the bar storage tube - I wonder how far back it goes.

And what is the "core trainer"? Looks like an odd landmine

[RestoringTally]

Safety is the major reason most here advocate for a power rack.

Here is a story, Australian boy fatally crushed by gym weights, about someone who was lifting without proper safeties. He would be alive if he had been lifting in a power rack with the safeties properly set.

He was bench pressing 100 kg, about 220 lbs. Depending upon his training level that may or may not have been a lot for a 15 year old boy.

[JosephDubya]

I bought my power rack from Titan Fitness. It was hella cheap so I was kind of scared to buy it at first but it's extremely sturdy and holds up really well to daily abuse from squatting, benching, pull ups... curling in the rack
On a serious note, I'm totally happy because it's good quality bang for your buck!

[heckofagator]

hi gang, I'm just beginning my research on racks. I'd like a 6 post rack with weight storage in the back.

Does Rogue offer add-on weight storage to any of their racks? Or do you have to order the particular rack with it built in? If the latter, I'm only seeing three 6-post racks. Is that right?

[spacecube2000]

Check out this one from Power Body Fitness, they are a Canadian manufacturer who specialize in commercial grade stuffs.

[Idioteque]

I've been reading/researching for 6hrs to decide on a Power Rack. I'll be using the Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID bench.

I need a free standing (non-bolted) rack that is under 7 feet / 84" tall. I prefer black coating for the aesthetics of having this in a spare bedroom. Ideally I'd like pull-up bars.

Number 1 choice right now is the Rep Power Rack PR-1000.
https://www.repfitness.com/strength-...rep-power-rack

Any reason not to go with this?

I looked at the Titan T2 but the Rep Fitness PR-1000 has:
- plastic lined j-hooks that come standard
- numbered uprights
- safety arms that extend outside of the rack (for resting the bar or curling outside of the rack)

Plus the build quality of Titan, i know has improved, but still has me worried a little. There isn't a lot of info on the PR-1000 on the BB forum but they make a very highly reviewed FID Bench, so I figured I'd give them a shot on their Rack.

The only thing about this is it doesn't have a Lat Pulldown Option. What other options have Lat Pulldown attachments?
Other than PPR200x and GPR378? Do most people just get a separate Lat Pull down machine?

[cwcmac]

I've been reading/researching for 6hrs to decide on a Power Rack. I'll be using the Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID bench.

I need a free standing (non-bolted) rack that is under 7 feet / 84" tall. I prefer black coating for the aesthetics of having this in a spare bedroom. Ideally I'd like pull-up bars.

Number 1 choice right now is the Rep Power Rack PR-1000.
https://www.repfitness.com/strength-...rep-power-rack

Any reason not to go with this?

I looked at the Titan T2 but the Rep Fitness PR-1000 has:
- plastic lined j-hooks that come standard
- numbered uprights
- safety arms that extend outside of the rack (for resting the bar or curling outside of the rack)

Plus the build quality of Titan, i know has improved, but still has me worried a little. There isn't a lot of info on the PR-1000 on the BB forum but they make a very highly reviewed FID Bench, so I figured I'd give them a shot on their Rack.

The only thing about this is it doesn't have a Lat Pulldown Option. What other options have Lat Pulldown attachments?
Other than PPR200x and GPR378? Do most people just get a separate Lat Pull down machine?

If space isn't a constraint, there are always inexpensive, but decent, plate loaded pulldown/low row machines. I'd recommend that over having it integrated with your rack.

[Idioteque]

I've been reading/researching for 6hrs to decide on a Power Rack. I'll be using the Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID bench.

I need a free standing (non-bolted) rack that is under 7 feet / 84" tall. I prefer black coating for the aesthetics of having this in a spare bedroom. Ideally I'd like pull-up bars.

Number 1 choice right now is the Rep Power Rack PR-1000.
https://www.repfitness.com/strength-...rep-power-rack

Any reason not to go with this?

I switched it up and went with a Rogue. I didn't want to have any buyers remorse and liked the modular approach allowing me to expand this setup over time, if needed.

So pumped for all this gear. I've never had a proper gym in my house.

Bench: Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID

Rack: Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand with Fat/Skinny Pull up Bar & Spotter Arms

Bar: Rogue Ohio Red Shaft / Midnight Black Sleeve

Plates: XMark Texas Star Rubber Coated Olympic

Accessories:
- Spud Inc Econo Tricep and Lat Pulley
- ML Matador Dip Attachment

Dumbells: Powerblock Sport 50

I just need to get a Plate Tree (on CL probably) and build a platform flooring space.

[Cleveland33]

I switched it up and went with a Rogue. I didn't want to have any buyers remorse and liked the modular approach allowing me to expand this setup over time, if needed.

So pumped for all this gear. I've never had a proper gym in my house.

Bench: Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID

Rack: Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand with Fat/Skinny Pull up Bar & Spotter Arms

Bar: Rogue Ohio Red Shaft / Midnight Black Sleeve

Plates: XMark Texas Star Rubber Coated Olympic

Accessories:
- Spud Inc Econo Tricep and Lat Pulley
- ML Matador Dip Attachment

Dumbells: Powerblock Sport 50

I just need to get a Plate Tree (on CL probably) and build a platform flooring space.

You will likely have buyers remorse getting a squat stand over a full rack.

[bisonp]

I switched it up and went with a Rogue. I didn't want to have any buyers remorse and liked the modular approach allowing me to expand this setup over time, if needed.

So pumped for all this gear. I've never had a proper gym in my house.

Bench: Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID

Rack: Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand with Fat/Skinny Pull up Bar & Spotter Arms

Bar: Rogue Ohio Red Shaft / Midnight Black Sleeve

Plates: XMark Texas Star Rubber Coated Olympic

Accessories:
- Spud Inc Econo Tricep and Lat Pulley
- ML Matador Dip Attachment

Dumbells: Powerblock Sport 50

I just need to get a Plate Tree (on CL probably) and build a platform flooring space.

How would you expand it? The S-2 and S-3 have half-rack kits available, I don't see that for the SML-2, though I suppose the uprights could be re-used.

[Idioteque]

How would you expand it? The S-2 and S-3 have half-rack kits available, I don't see that for the SML-2, though I suppose the uprights could be re-used.

There are two conversion kits. You can convert the SML-2 to

A Half Rack: https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-hr-2-half-rack
'IMPORTANT: If you already own a Rogue Monster Lite Squat Stand (SML-1, SML-2, or SML-3) and wish to convert it to an HR-2, we offer a Half Rack Conversion Kit that would include all the components and hardware you’ll need.'

A Full Rack: https://www.roguefitness.com/rml-390...ster-lite-rack
'The RML-390F is the Flat Foot version of the RML-3 Monster Lite Power Rack. Available as a stand-alone unit or by converting an existing SML-2 or SML-3 Squat Stand'

[Cleveland33]

just get a rack now, why bother with a squat stand?

[Idioteque]

You will likely have buyers remorse getting a squat stand over a full rack.

just get a rack now, why bother with a squat stand?

Only because you ask....long story

Because I will have it in an upstairs spare-bedroom for ~3-4 years until kids are old enough to move upstairs which frees up my downstairs study, currently being used as a nursery. Eventually my study will be my man cave/workout room since it has a concert slab floor.

I didn't want to put too much weight upstairs with a full cage or even have a full cage in my house (at this point), from an aesthetic point of view. I'm a light lifter so don't expect the upstairs rack to pose weight issues. I won't be slamming weights and plan to reinforce with a flat piece of flooring wood.

When it eventually gets moved to the first floor manroom, it will be on carpet over concrete slab. At that point, when load bearing weight is no longer a concern, I can decide if i need a full rack. The Rogue makes that a relatively cheap upgrade. I doubt I will want a rack, because I'm never going to be lifting 300lbs and I like the less prominent look of the stand vs. a full blown crazy looking jungle-gym in my house.

Honestly, my lifts don't justify a Rogue rack but I like having nice things. I make them last, hate feeling buyers remorse for not getting what I really wanted, and like the modular design, upgrade-ability and aesthetics of Rogue. I didn't want to go with another brand where I have to worry if the welds are going to look cheap or worry about some design flaw. I don't see why this won't last me a lifetime.

[Cleveland33]

Rack over squat stands does not add an appreciable amount of weight.

And the difference in safety is huge - doesn't take big weights to seriously injure/kill you

[Idioteque]

Rack over squat stands does not add an appreciable amount of weight.

And the difference in safety is huge - doesn't take big weights to seriously injure/kill you

Why so much fear mongering? I forgot I was in the power rack thread...I'm pretty sure I'll be OK. Its a pretty serious piece of equipment, I think it can take it.

[Cleveland33]

Why so much fear mongering? I forgot I was in the power rack thread...I'm pretty sure I'll be OK. Its a pretty serious piece of equipment, I think it can take it.

It's not fear mongering.

I'm the first one here that says most people here are fine with an old school bench press system - as long as they understand what the risk is.

You do not seem to understand the risk.

[Bignick31985]

In the Rogue half rack conversion, what is the reasoning behind 17" depth on the add-on? That seems like no room for work. Why not at least give a 24" option.

I only ask because I'm 6'2" and 24" interior depth is as little depth as I'd like to move in.

If I had a larger budget, I'd probably buy the EliteFTS or Force USA full rack with lat pull, but it is pricey.

[RestoringTally]

In the Rogue half rack conversion, what is the reasoning behind 17" depth on the add-on? That seems like no room for work. Why not at least give a 24" option.

I only ask because I'm 6'2" and 24" interior depth is as little depth as I'd like to move in.

If I had a larger budget, I'd probably buy the EliteFTS or Force USA full rack with lat pull, but it is pricey.

Rogue has the depth set at 17" because there must be 24" in front of the uprights to attach the spotter arms. The spotter arms cannot extend past the front of the lower supports, which are 48". If the spotter arms extended past the lower supports, the half rack would be subject to tipping. With the rear uprights at the extreme end of the lower supports, there is only 17" left for the the space between the uprights (1" (for bracket) + 3 +17 + 3 + 24 = 48").

17" is barely workable. It is very tight, though, particularly when you consider the space taken by J-hooks.

[Bignick31985]

That makes sense. Thanks for the explanation!

[jormone]

Force USA

Any reviews on their racks

Just noticed this MyRack review

[CDub73]

In looking at ideas and open to suggestions for a power rack with a 1200-1500 budget. I'm also debating maybe waiting a bit to save some more and invest in a Legend build mentioned ITT.

[TacoBob89]

How does this rack look? washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/spo/d/squat-rack-power-rack-by/6446504452.html

I purchased a house recently and looking to start a home gym. I've been keeping an eye on craigslist for a little over a month now, and this has been the best piece of equipment so far. I'm thinking $450 is a bit high, and will probably try to counter with $350. I currently have no other equipment, so I still need to buy a bench, bar, and weights at a minimum. No real budget in mind, just looking for a decent deal.

[murphyreedus]

How does this rack look?

The Parabody 833 is an ok starter rack, but even $350 for just the rack seems high to me. To be fair, I don't like rack-attached pulldowns, so that's not adding much value to me.

I've owned a few of these racks, and one knock I have on them is that they're too short for me to OHP inside, but also don't have bar hooks on the outside of the rack that go high enough for me to be near a proper unracking position. I'm only around 6', so not particularly tall. Due to the welded bar hooks on the inside of the rack, there's also not a pretty way to add new holes so the safety carriage can lock in at a higher position. When I had this rack I would just clean the weight from the floor to start OHP.

[TacoBob89]

The Parabody 833 is an ok starter rack, but even $350 for just the rack seems high to me. To be fair, I don't like rack-attached pulldowns, so that's not adding much value to me.

I've owned a few of these racks, and one knock I have on them is that they're too short for me to OHP inside, but also don't have bar hooks on the outside of the rack that go high enough for me to be near a proper unracking position. I'm only around 6', so not particularly tall. Due to the welded bar hooks on the inside of the rack, there's also not a pretty way to add new holes so the safety carriage can lock in at a higher position. When I had this rack I would just clean the weight from the floor to start OHP.

Yeah, from looking at similar posts around the forums $450 seems way too high, but I doubt I'll get him to come down >100$. Always worth a shot, I guess. I did see some complaints about it not being tall enough for OHP, but I'm on the shorter side at 5'8 so I'm thinking that won't be a problem.

[DesiredDad77]

So I have been pretty much dead set on getting either a Titan T-3 or X-2 rack, but have now backed off a bit. I am now considering the Body Solid GPR378 rack and ordering from Fitness Factory. Can I get some feedback on this rack before I pull the trigger? It seems to get lots of favorable reviews on these forums. I plan on using a Titan flat bench with it. Any input or thoughts is appreciated. Thanks!!

[twodog]

So I have been pretty much dead set on getting either a Titan T-3 or X-2 rack, but have not backed off a bit. I am now considering the Body Solid GPR378 rack and ordering from Fitness Factory. Can I get some feedback on this rack before I pull the trigger? It seems to get lots of favorable reviews on these forums. I plan on using a Titan flat bench with it. Any input or thoughts is appreciated. Thanks!!

The GPR378 was a much better deal, before they went up in price. Here's a recent thread that might help you...

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...ghlight=gpr378