The Cheapo Setup

[Domicron]

a power rack is always important when training alone. what doesn't make sense is that you're willing to spend more money on the weights but you want to pinch pennies on the rack, which is so much more important to your safety than the weights.

honestly weights i think should be the last thing you look to buy.

do yourself a favor: figure out an actual budget for your entire gym before you start spending your cash. try to find some good equipment on craigslist, and then see what you have left to spend. i would definitely buy your weight used and cheap until you have everything else all set.

[rjx]

a power rack is always important when training alone. what doesn't make sense is that you're willing to spend more money on the weights but you want to pinch pennies on the rack, which is so much more important to your safety than the weights.

honestly weights i think should be the last thing you look to buy.

do yourself a favor: figure out an actual budget for your entire gym before you start spending your cash. try to find some good equipment on craigslist, and then see what you have left to spend. i would definitely buy your weight used and cheap until you have everything else all set.

You make a very valid point regarding pinching pennies for a rack. I only replied in this thread cause I saw the Rep rack mentioned here. It's kinda hard to find user experience for that rack.

I'll eventually start another thread regarding the right rack for me since my budget probably doesn't fit within the theme of this thread.

Happy holidays.

[Tinyweiner]

Atlas is selling a new "improved" version of their highly rated power rack on Amazon. It's got a higher weight rating, and in the FAQs they mention it has "improvements". It's also $10 cheaper (whoopty doo). It's showing as sold out, but if you google "yellow black atlas Amazon" you can take a look at it.

Dick's has their 300lb. Olympic weight set on sale for $189.99. Sign up for their email and get a 10% coupon. Also $25 in credit to their store for spending $150 and $10 off (if you buy online for in store pickup). Not sure if you can make everything stack, but it's the best deal I could find locally (no Academy Sports within a few states, makes the Cap set impossible.)

[Domicron]

well this thread is a year old yesterday! kind of crazy to think it's still active at all.

in the last year i think the 2 biggest arrivals are the atlas flat bench, which has a stellar review from a regular (UrbanLifter) and a negative review from someone who's name i can't remember (sorry dude).

Titan has gotten a lot of great reviews, but i think it's mostly for their more expensive t-3 line. their t-2 rack looks pretty much exactly like the Atlas rack (and other) and frankly i'm still sticking with the ppr200x recommendation. i'm probably biased because i still have mine sitting in the basement, but i think it's got a pretty good track record, even if the price is a little higher. the Atlas might be good, but i haven't seen anyone here review it.

i'm still a fan of all the other stuff i mentioned: ppr200x, CAP weight set (or equivalent) from whichever discount retailer has it on sale, stall mats, etc...

[packer43064]

Why was I not informed that this horse stall mat weighs 400lbs?!lol

It seriously probably weighs 60 lbs and is weird as hell to pick it up. I might just push it down the stairs. I picked it up in the rain. Me and the employee probably dropped it like 8 times.

[dieselmike]

They are 100 lbs each. Assuming you are referring to the typical 4' x 6', 3/4" thick.

One man carry tip: Roll it the best you can and put a ratchet strap around it, then hoist over your shoulder.

[Domicron]

They are 100 lbs each. Assuming you are referring to the typical 4' x 6', 3/4" thick.

One man carry tip: Roll it the best you can and put a ratchet strap around it, then hoist over your shoulder.

Fireman style is smart...i just deadlifted mine and walked down the stairs

[rdsk8ter]

Fireman style is smart...i just deadlifted mine and walked down the stairs

That's how I planned to carry mine into my gym this spring Ill be getting 12 of them and doing the floor but the ratchet strap seems like a good plan. My buddy suggested a frame out of 2x4's and two guys carrying them about 40 yards hes thinking we could do it in two trips but Im not sure good grip training if nothing else

[vhd16]

Amen for the atlas flat bench. I got the new version which weighs little less than previous 46 lbs vs 42 lbs. I have not assembled yet. Planning doing to this week and use over the weekend.

The guy who gave negative review is Arkaa.

As per stall mats I told my older one that we both are moving them. He already helped me move them from driveway onto the deck. With the all the snow and rain they no longer smell.

Next step, move them into the garage and let them dry and then move them to the basement. There are only 4 of them though.

[packer43064]

Fireman style is smart...i just deadlifted mine and walked down the stairs

This is what I did.

Girlfriend is already complaining about the smell. Go figure.

[C123C]

well this thread is a year old yesterday! kind of crazy to think it's still active at all.

in the last year i think the 2 biggest arrivals are the atlas flat bench, which has a stellar review from a regular (UrbanLifter) and a negative review from someone who's name i can't remember (sorry dude).

Titan has gotten a lot of great reviews, but i think it's mostly for their more expensive t-3 line. their t-2 rack looks pretty much exactly like the Atlas rack (and other) and frankly i'm still sticking with the ppr200x recommendation. i'm probably biased because i still have mine sitting in the basement, but i think it's got a pretty good track record, even if the price is a little higher. the Atlas might be good, but i haven't seen anyone here review it.

i'm still a fan of all the other stuff i mentioned: ppr200x, CAP weight set (or equivalent) from whichever discount retailer has it on sale, stall mats, etc...

This is a fabulous thread and should be stickied. Too bad you can't edit the first post to keep it up to date for any new inclusions.

For people just starting out with the idea of a home gym this is the place to go. Avoid truly crap product and get something solid that will last...while not spending much if any more. The folks with more experience mostly know what they need, spent some time reviewing the market, and ask more discerning questions that can warrant a separate thread. For most and specifically the NY Resolutioners...this is it. Only thing that would be more useful would be a banner with "You need a rack, bench, bar, weight, copy of Starting Strength...click <here>" with a link to this thread.

[Domicron]

This is a fabulous thread and should be stickied. Too bad you can't edit the first post to keep it up to date for any new inclusions.

For people just starting out with the idea of a home gym this is the place to go. Avoid truly crap product and get something solid that will last...while not spending much if any more. The folks with more experience mostly know what they need, spent some time reviewing the market, and ask more discerning questions that can warrant a separate thread. For most and specifically the NY Resolutioners...this is it. Only thing that would be more useful would be a banner with "You need a rack, bench, bar, weight, copy of Starting Strength...click <here>" with a link to this thread.

thanks. if it ends up getting stickied i'll ask a mod to help me tidy it up, but it's not important to me. it might have been, but this thread has turned into a good conversation about the value in low-end equipment and what's worth it and what's not...

[rs2332]

thanks. if it ends up getting stickied i'll ask a mod to help me tidy it up, but it's not important to me. it might have been, but this thread has turned into a good conversation about the value in low-end equipment and what's worth it and what's not...

This is a fantastic thread. Thanks Dom and all the experienced members here. I started off wanting a bowflex p1000 and after two weeks of reading through this my knowledge has grown so much. I am pulling the trigger today but want to make sure i am getting the right equipement to start. My budget ceiling is $850. Should i get option A or B listed below. I am starting out but not a total newbie and safety/durability is important. Ordering them today!

A) GPR378 cage, GFID100, 300 pounds weights+ barbell from dicks and upgrade barbell later
B) ppr200x, GFID100, 300 pounds weights + Cap OB-86

Looked into Titan t2 also.

[dieselmike]

Of those choices, I'd be partial to Option B. Forget the Fitness Gear weights from Dicks. They may look nice, but they are terribly inaccurate. Generic Olympic Weights set are a dime a dozen used (CL). Try to get em for .50 per.

I do like what Titan has been putting out. But not the T2. T3 or better yet the new T6.

My only gripe with the Cap OB -86B is the lack of center knurl. If it is going to be your only bar and squats are a staple of every workout (IMO) then go with the Power Bar version of that CAP (OB-86PBCK)

[rs2332]

Of those choices, I'd be partial to Option B. Forget the Fitness Gear weights from Dicks. They may look nice, but they are terribly inaccurate. Generic Olympic Weights set are a dime a dozen used (CL). Try to get em for .50 per.

I do like what Titan has been putting out. But not the T2. T3 or better yet the new T6.

My only gripe with the Cap OB -86B is the lack of center knurl. If it is going to be your only bar and squats are a staple of every workout (IMO) then go with the Power Bar version of that CAP (OB-86PBCK)

Thank you! FF is willing to ship the OBS300s and OB86 for $300. I have to see if i have space for the T3. i know i dont for a T6.

[dieselmike]

You lost me on "OBS300s". What is that? A weight set? If so, let me see what they are.

Edit: disregard. I found it. OSB300s - you inverted the S and the B.

[Domicron]

Have you searched online for a used weight set? I understand not wanting to bother with too much online/2nd hand stuff and thats fine. But weights are pretty straightforward

[rs2332]

Have you searched online for a used weight set? I understand not wanting to bother with too much online/2nd hand stuff and thats fine. But weights are pretty straightforward

i am ok checking out PIAS but i prefer to stay away from CL at this point. Just a personal preference.

[Tinyweiner]

i am ok checking out PIAS but i prefer to stay away from CL at this point. Just a personal preference.

Did you look at the Atlas Power Rack? The reviews are super positive and numerous, and it's priced well within your budget.

[vhd16]

This is a fantastic thread. Thanks Dom and all the experienced members here. I started off wanting a bowflex p1000 and after two weeks of reading through this my knowledge has grown so much. I am pulling the trigger today but want to make sure i am getting the right equipement to start. My budget ceiling is $850. Should i get option A or B listed below. I am starting out but not a total newbie and safety/durability is important. Ordering them today!

A) GPR378 cage, GFID100, 300 pounds weights+ barbell from dicks and upgrade barbell later
B) ppr200x, GFID100, 300 pounds weights + Cap OB-86

Looked into Titan t2 also.

I went with option A + Cap-OB-86 last year when I got back to lifting after long long time.

Edit: Pls Mech can make custom accessories for GR378 in case you are interested such as Monolift, Curl bar holder etc...If you do get GPR378, you need to get Custom J-jooks

Got GPR378 + Sports Authority Plates + cheap chrome bar with center knurl on CL.
OB-86 is good for deadlifts.

Now after 9 months or so, it is totally different ball game.

I see that you mentioned that you don't like to go through CL, then ideally you can start with Option A + OB-86.

GPR378 is only 80" tall max. Close to 79.4" . I have ceiling limit of 84" . If you have more than 84" ceiling then you are good to go for pulls ups chin up etc.

[OGLuc1f3r]

Of those choices, I'd be partial to Option B. Forget the Fitness Gear weights from Dicks. They may look nice, but they are terribly inaccurate. Generic Olympic Weights set are a dime a dozen used (CL). Try to get em for .50 per.

I'm not sure I agree with this. I bought around 320lbs of FG plates from a used shop (in near new condition) for $0.60 a pound. I then picked up the 300lbs (bar included) set from Dicks for $187 (tax included). Assuming the bar is worth $50 (for accessory work, as a second bar) that puts the plates at $0.53 a pound. I weighted all 45's (new and like new) and they were all exactly 45.5lbs. I didn't bother weighting the rest as I had 6 matching plates on the high end.

[dieselmike]

I hear what you are saying. The price point on the Dick's weight is so low it's hard to argue with it. A few months ago I got 350lb of those plates along with an older model PowerTec Multi (Dicks used to sell that too). The plates would slide all over the place. Holes were too big. I didn't have as much luck with the accuracy as you did. (had a 48.5 lb 45!! and a 22 lb 25) The diameter is also too small for dead lifting as they are not a regulation diameter. Good I guess for deficit DL'ing. But they were pretty and in excellent condition.

They went out the door as soon as I could move them. But yes. The price is insanely cheap.

[fiestyflower1]

Newbie here *waves*. I have a question...regarding the GPR378. Is it better than the Titan T-3?
I looked on the BodySolid website and I see a $795 price but is that with the lat attachment? I did email for a quote. They are taking too long

Thanks.

[vhd16]

Newbie here *waves*. I have a question...regarding the GPR378. Is it better than the Titan T-3?
I looked on the BodySolid website and I see a $795 price but is that with the lat attachment? I did email for a quote. They are taking too long

Thanks.

Go to fitness factory.com it is around $500 to $600 range . Plus you can get it refurbished. And also ask for Matt if you call them. I think he usually gives additional 10% discount.

EDIT: https://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/...id_Power_Rack/

And also search the forum . There are people who got it less than $595 new one.

[fiestyflower1]

Go to fitness factory.com it is around $500 to $600 range . Plus you can get it refurbished. And also ask for Matt if you call them. I think he usually gives additional 10% discount
And also search the forum . There are people who got it less than $595 new one.

I tried searching the forum and I didn't find anything for less than 595 for body solid power rack. What is the difference between GPR378 vs the T-3?

[Timthemedic]

Sorry if this isn't in the best thread. But I'm on a budget, so here we are.

I need a short rack. That leaves me with fairly few options.

The low point of the ceiling for the most ideal spot is about 80". I have another somewhat workable spot that will take a more normal sized rack, but its only about 8x8, which will make it inconvenient as anything for changing plates.

It looks like the T3 can be cut down quite easily, and it appears that there are mounting holes going down a foot or so. It looks like I could chop off 4 inches off and then not need to worry about re-boring mounting holes, where I would definitely need to do that for other racks.

My other option is the short T2, but I know that gets bagged on a bit.

Least attractive is the PPR200x, not because of the quality, but because of the hassle of cutting it down some.

Money is a definitely a factor, but not the most important factor. I'm not 100% opposed to buying a new rack in the future either.

I think OP cut down his T3 easy enough, but maybe I missed something about that.

Anyone have any thoughts? (Or discount codes for Titan?) Right now my gut feeling is to go with the T3 and wack it down.

Also, regarding the GPR378, FF puts refurbished stuff on ebay too, I thought I saw a refurbished one there the other day, but maybe I'm mistaken. They do have refurb PPRs for a good price.

[Domicron]

I got a ppr200x and had it cut. i paid someone $50 to do it and they did a pretty bad job. i wish i would have tried to do it myself with a hacksaw and a drill bit.

what's your budget and where are you located?

[Timthemedic]

Des Moines IA, 400 max. I'd prefer to stay below 350, and below that would be gravy.

ETA: My bad, I thought you had a T3 cut down. Sorry about that.

[Domicron]

cheapo thread is based on buying new, and for $400 that's pretty tough to do. have you looked online for equipment yet?

i typed in "squat" in craigslist and here's the first result:
https://desmoines.craigslist.org/hab/5956798007.html

not sexy, but if you can talk the guy down to $150 or less you've got a good place to start.

don't mean you need to buy this one, but it's a start.

[Timthemedic]

I have, I think I emailed that guy and its sold. I may be thinking of a different rack though. It seems like most of the ones I could find within a couple hours of me are sold at least. I've been looking on CL.

I can get a T3 or a refurbished PPR200x for less than 400, and those seem to be decently regarded. I don't need everything for 400, I need a rack for 400. But like I said, less would be better.

Thank you for your replies - you're very helpful and I appreciate it.