The Cheapo Setup

[Domicron]

Dom,

It's not Sport's Authority that was on sale, it's a Cap brand oly set at Academy. Sports Authority (and I believe Dicks also) has their 'own' oly set which do not have standard size 45# plates and IMO should be avoided.

thank you, fixt

[Ramcharger310]

As far as benches go, I don't think the FG bench is a terrible option for new lifters, but I'd rather see someone buy a solid flat bench than a questionable FI/FID bench for about the same price. Rogue has a couple flat benches in the same price range (Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 for $175, or their Bolt Together Utility Bench for $182.50) that would undoubtedly be stronger than the FG and retain more of their value for resale later on...but there's no real reason to get rid of them unless you're stepping up to a heavy commercial piece.


http://www.roguefitness.com/strength...aining/benches

And this is were you guys are right. You guys always recommend a flat bench. Which I should have bought first, but didn't because I thought I knew better than you guys lol.

For $180 I compare my FG FID bench to my USA made EliteFTS Scholastic bench and it sports 11 gauge, 70 lbs, IPF spec dimensions with gripper pad and I am amazed.

[Ramcharger310]

Dicks Sporting Goods 300# Olympic set on sale for $179. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...uctId=10793623

Sign up for the 10% email promo code and it comes down to $161.http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/he...button=Sign+Up

FG Pro Utility bench still on sale for $149 also. ~$135 w/promo code.

[morebarbell]

Nice idea. I'm on spread to you and the rest of you folks.

There's no Academy Sports here. Is it some sort of free shipping deal?

You might add Dunham's Sports as another source for the CAP weight set. That will help cover more of the US48. Dunham's usually has the 300 lb CAP set on sale and sometimes there's a hot deals coupon on their website for in store purchase.

I've seen the price fluctuate from $150-200. It looks like it's currently $190. http://www.dunhamssports.com/product...ic-weight-set/

[Domicron]

Nice idea. I'm on spread to you and the rest of you folks.

There's no Academy Sports here. Is it some sort of free shipping deal?

You might add Dunham's Sports as another source for the CAP weight set. That will help cover more of the US48. Dunham's usually has the 300 lb CAP set on sale and sometimes there's a hot deals coupon on their website for in store purchase.

good call on Dunham. i think the idea is to look for a sale on a set of plates under $200. honestly i'd recommend everyone buy used iron to start, but the theme was buying new.

i can't edit anymore, but if people are too lazy to read past the first page, it's not my problem.

[TwoBitHit]

Frequent lurker, infrequent poster here, but I thought I'd add my two cents after having recently upgraded from the bench/squat rack combo to a power rack and bench in my 8'x5' space.

I'm still a student so I have access to a gym at my university that has everything I need but I bought a weight bench to supplement my workouts at home. There was really no point in doing this, as when my bench press got above 200 lbs the bench itself wasn't stable underneath me and the uprights didn't inspire confidence when unracking and reracking. Squatting is even worse. I've used my Gold's Gym brand bench and a Marcy one that belongs to my girlfriend's brother too, both are equally crap. This doesn't even get to the fact that there are no safeties so you can't go to your max.

Essentially all these benches are good for are as a rack for overhead presses, shrugs and other exercises that you probably won't be using really high weight and where your body won't be under the bar. I have used the bench frequently to dry wet clothes, for which it is excellent, albeit a use it was not designed for.


I went from this...



to this...



The difference is immeasurable, the pictures online didn't prepare me for how solid the rack (Powerline PPR200X) and bench (CFF flat bench), they feel solid enough for the weight I can lift and way beyond.

Here are the weight pegs/J hooks side by side, Gold's Gym on the left, Powerline on the right, both 1 inch in diameter, but the PPR200X is solid steel.



Here are the nuts and bolts, again Powerline on the right, Gold's Gym on the left.



The safeties next to each other, the Powerline is solid steel, the Gold's Gym...isn't.





For anyone considering a cheap combo bench, this is all to say that you should either stick with the gym membership or go the whole way and get a power rack.


As for the equipment that I chose, I think enough has been said about the PPR200X, I have nothing to add.

The Cap OB-86B is a joy to use, I've used it for a couple of years and I love it. It's a huge step above the standard chromed bar, again this product has been commented many times on this forum upon and it is recommended for a reason.

I'm really happy with the CFF flat bench, I got it because it was cheap enough ($143 delivered) compared to the Rep fitness ($169), Rogue ($197 shipped) and Valor DA-6 ($180) flat benches. It's only 43" long, but I'm 5'11" and change and it's fine for me. Although I live in a great CL area, I don't have a car but I think getting a used commercial bench is the best option for a "cheapo setup".

Craigslist is the best place too, for plates.

I have the crappy puzzle-piece mats solely for the purpose of not scratching the floor with my stuff, these things do not protect your floor from dropping anything except crumbs, the next upgrade will be stall mats, I may be able to fit one in the space that I have.

The plants are chilis, doing slightly better indoors than they would be outside in the freezing temperatures we've been having.

[Chillout2015]

I'm thinking of buying the Powerblock Sport Bench mainly because it is adjustable and it is the right height for me, being 5'6. Is there is any other options out there that offer decline as an option at a similar price point?

[dukenukem7777]

Good idea OP. The only thing that stands out to me as a recommendation that doesn't fit, is the Rogue Flat Bench. It's not in line with the other inexpensive gear listed (it's $200+ including shipping), and there are other options for less money that will get the job done and have good reviews.

The powerline rack has been around forever, but I think there's a reason why it's no longer the top selling rack on Amazon-- 3 or 4" spacing, chrome pegs that will wear away knurling, no weight storage. There are better options, it's just that no one on the forum is familiar with them yet.

[Seatard]

Good idea OP. The only thing that stands out to me as a recommendation that doesn't fit, is the Rogue Flat Bench. It's not in line with the other inexpensive gear listed (it's $200+ including shipping), and there are other options for less money that will get the job done and have good reviews.

The powerline rack has been around forever, but I think there's a reason why it's no longer the top selling rack on Amazon-- 3 or 4" spacing, chrome pegs that will wear away knurling, no weight storage. There are better options, it's just that no one on the forum is familiar with them yet.

I'd agree about the bench but what are you getting at about the power rack? 3 or 4" spacing, chrome pegs? Why so cryptic?

[Domicron]

Good idea OP. The only thing that stands out to me as a recommendation that doesn't fit, is the Rogue Flat Bench. It's not in line with the other inexpensive gear listed (it's $200+ including shipping), and there are other options for less money that will get the job done and have good reviews.

The powerline rack has been around forever, but I think there's a reason why it's no longer the top selling rack on Amazon-- 3 or 4" spacing, chrome pegs that will wear away knurling, no weight storage. There are better options, it's just that no one on the forum is familiar with them yet.

what are your recommendations? i meant for this thread to be a living thread; where things such as sales and new products would change what the best items are.

it's true that the flat bench isn't the cheapest, but it's well reviewed, rock solid by all accounts, and not something that would ever need to be upgraded. (you might add an FID, but i wouldn't really count that as an upgrade to a flat bench)

so by all means, share what're the better options so they can be discussed.

[Stasher1]

I could be completely off base here, but it sounds to me like he's implying that his products are better, just not as well known.

[Domicron]

I could be completely off base here, but it sounds to me like he's implying that his products are better, just not as well known.

kind of how it sounds to me also. but i'm going off of what's recommended by others who've bought and used the equipment in their own personal workouts. and by what i own, of course.

i spend a ton of time on these forums and i'm good at filtering this stuff out. if you want to bring up your own equipment, then go for it, but i'm not familiar with it and how it compares to the price of the pieces i've listed.

remember also: this is bottom of the barrel but still worth using. no luxuries really except maybe the rogue bench, but even then: it's a freaking flat bench.

[dukenukem7777]

Some people get really sensitive about any perceived promotion and automatically seem to assume the worst here, so I try to walk a fine line. There are other products out there that I would pick before the Powerline and Rogue besides our own, but I think we're the best option for an inexpensive rack and a good flat bench:

Our power rack was just updated (arrives this week, so it doesn't show that anywhere yet) to include 2 pullup bars, both a fat bar and standard bar. The fat bar replaces the rear top support. It also has weight storage in the rear, UHMW-lined j-cups, and 2" spacing. Total weight of the rack is about the same as the powerline (we're 8 lbs more) so I'm assuming steel thickness is about the same. Ours currently costs $10 more than the powerline. Seems like a no-brainer and I think we'll overtake them on Amazon in a few months once we're stocked up.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...ower-rack-1046
Amazon: Rep Power Rack

Our flat bench has been a best-seller on Amazon for a while now. Just search for "flat bench" and it will come up near the top. I think it's a good alternative to the Rogue bench, costs less, same weight rating, same gauge of steel, slightly lower to conform to IPF height specs. Pad is very dense/firm and similar to Rogue. I've used both benches myself. Price will be lowered to $149 shipped in a few days and should remain there indefinitely.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...rep-flat-bench
Amazon: Rep Flat Bench

Amazon is a good source of reviews because manufacturers can't filter those, and I think our products speak for themselves there.

[Domicron]

Some people get really sensitive about any perceived promotion and automatically seem to assume the worst here, so I try to walk a fine line. There are other products out there that I would pick before the Powerline and Rogue besides our own, but I think we're the best option for an inexpensive rack and a good flat bench:

Our power rack was just updated (arrives this week, so it doesn't show that anywhere yet) to include 2 pullup bars, both a fat bar and standard bar. The fat bar replaces the rear top support. It also has weight storage in the rear, UHMW-lined j-cups, and 2" spacing. Total weight of the rack is about the same as the powerline (we're 8 lbs more) so I'm assuming steel thickness is about the same. Ours currently costs $10 more than the powerline. Seems like a no-brainer and I think we'll overtake them on Amazon in a few months once we're stocked up.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...ower-rack-1046
Amazon: Rep Power Rack

Our flat bench has been a best-seller on Amazon for a while now. Just search for "flat bench" and it will come up near the top. I think it's a good alternative to the Rogue bench, costs less, same weight rating, same gauge of steel, slightly lower to conform to IPF height specs. Pad is very dense/firm and similar to Rogue. I've used both benches myself. Price will be lowered to $149 shipped in a few days and should remain there indefinitely.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...rep-flat-bench
Amazon: Rep Flat Bench

Amazon is a good source of reviews because manufacturers can't filter those, and I think our products speak for themselves there.

that's great, they look like a good value. again, not many people here have reviewed it that i'm aware of, which is why i listed the ppr200x and the rogue flat bench.

i would definitely be interested in getting some reviews of the product though before recommending it widely. nothing against you, but i have recommended the ppr200x to many people here and also bitched about what sucks about it, so i feel confident in telling people it's a good value.

also next time maybe just recommend your stuff but be very obvious that you sell them. and don't be overly pushy or trash talk the competition. if you were to post stuff in that manner i wouldn't have a problem in a thread like this that's designed to list and compare items.

from the pics: i will say i like saber style safeties, especially the way yours turn and lock in place as opposed to the PPR200x which has a pop pin. the problem is the front of your saber is unusable whereas the front of my rack is great for RDL and such. not a big thing, just a thing i notice.

[dukenukem7777]

the problem is the front of your saber is unusable whereas the front of my rack is great for RDL and such. not a big thing, just a thing i notice.

3 months out from having that changed on ours They will still lock in, but will have the chrome pegs out the front for that use. That versio will also have laser-cut numbered holes at 1,5,10 etc... Didn't want to mention it since it's a bit of a ways off, but it is on the way. Those improvements will either not increase the price, or maybe $10 at most.

[Seatard]

Our power rack was just updated (arrives this week, so it doesn't show that anywhere yet) to include 2 pullup bars, both a fat bar and standard bar. The fat bar replaces the rear top support. It also has weight storage in the rear, UHMW-lined j-cups, and 2" spacing. Total weight of the rack is about the same as the powerline (we're 8 lbs more) so I'm assuming steel thickness is about the same. Ours currently costs $10 more than the powerline. Seems like a no-brainer and I think we'll overtake them on Amazon in a few months once we're stocked up.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...ower-rack-1046
Amazon: Rep Power Rack

I am interested in your rack but have a few questions:

Why does your power rack have the lower rear cross member extending past the sides by a couple of inches? What problem does this design solve?

What was your thinking with the atypical design of the weight storage pins? How is it better than just stacking plates on the floor?

What drove your decision to not include any type of gussets in the design of the connections? Is your rack as rigid as rack that includes gussets such as the Powerline rack you referenced?

You mention knurl damaging chrome pegs in an earlier post. Do the chrome pins on your rack not cause damage to knurling?

Thanks in advance. It is not often a purchaser has a chance to converse directly with the designer and manufacturer of a product before purchase.

[splitsquat]

Why does your power rack have the lower rear cross member extending past the sides by a couple of inches? What problem does this design solve?

That's the better rack design. If the lower rear cross member is in line with the rear uprights, you can't easily get underneath the bar when it's on j-hooks on the rear uprights because you will want to place your feet where that lower rear cross member is.

[Ramcharger310]

Some people get really sensitive about any perceived promotion and automatically seem to assume the worst here, so I try to walk a fine line. There are other products out there that I would pick before the Powerline and Rogue besides our own, but I think we're the best option for an inexpensive rack and a good flat bench:

Our power rack was just updated (arrives this week, so it doesn't show that anywhere yet) to include 2 pullup bars, both a fat bar and standard bar. The fat bar replaces the rear top support. It also has weight storage in the rear, UHMW-lined j-cups, and 2" spacing. Total weight of the rack is about the same as the powerline (we're 8 lbs more) so I'm assuming steel thickness is about the same. Ours currently costs $10 more than the powerline. Seems like a no-brainer and I think we'll overtake them on Amazon in a few months once we're stocked up.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...ower-rack-1046
Amazon: Rep Power Rack

Our flat bench has been a best-seller on Amazon for a while now. Just search for "flat bench" and it will come up near the top. I think it's a good alternative to the Rogue bench, costs less, same weight rating, same gauge of steel, slightly lower to conform to IPF height specs. Pad is very dense/firm and similar to Rogue. I've used both benches myself. Price will be lowered to $149 shipped in a few days and should remain there indefinitely.
Our site: http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...rep-flat-bench
Amazon: Rep Flat Bench

Amazon is a good source of reviews because manufacturers can't filter those, and I think our products speak for themselves there.

If we all here went by what Amazon says, we would be using puzzle mats, a marcy flat bench and a weslo cadence treadmill...all of which are #1 in their categories currently.

I have been an Amazon Prime member for 10 years and these past few years have gotten pretty sketchy with reviews. I see sellers offer promo codes and discounts encouraging feedback reviews.

As for the OP's product recommendations, it's not that their unknown, it's that the equipment, like the Powerline rack is time tested and proven.

The reason why the sales have slipped is because the price of the Powerline rack increased. It used to be $299 shipped. Heck, the Powertech rack was $350.

[Seatard]

That's the better rack design. If the lower rear cross member is in line with the rear uprights, you can't easily get underneath the bar when it's on j-hooks on the rear uprights because you will want to place your feet where that lower rear cross member is.

I could have been more clear. I was more wondering why the bit with the little plastic feet stick out to the sides rather than towards the back. I don't know why a rack would need tiny outriggers.

[dukenukem7777]

I am interested in your rack but have a few questions:

Why does your power rack have the lower rear cross member extending past the sides by a couple of inches? What problem does this design solve?

What was your thinking with the atypical design of the weight storage pins? How is it better than just stacking plates on the floor?

What drove your decision to not include any type of gussets in the design of the connections? Is your rack as rigid as rack that includes gussets such as the Powerline rack you referenced?

You mention knurl damaging chrome pegs in an earlier post. Do the chrome pins on your rack not cause damage to knurling?

Thanks in advance. It is not often a purchaser has a chance to converse directly with the designer and manufacturer of a product before purchase.

1) It affects the way the rear bottom brace is attached. Also adds a bit of stability.
2) Adds stability and function while also not impeding working area of the rack. It's a very cheap add-on to the design of a basic rack, so usefulness of these pegs versus stacking on the floor is minimal, but it's there. Lots of plates aren't easy to lift from flat off the floor, but add a few inches to get underneath and it's useful. Doesn't increase the cost of the rack much versus racks without them.
3) Gussets weren't needed in order to have a functional rack capable of handling weight than 99.99% of users would be moving. Rigidity is good, but essentially not a feature that most consider at this level.
4) Yes, the chrome pegs are not ideal because it's a very small contact point on a bar's knurling, which is why we have UHMW-lined jcups. We will be adding the chrome pegs onto the front of the safeties as a simple design change that adds function for basically zero extra cost to the consumer. It would be better to use the jcups as your primary (it's a power rack after all) and the front chrome pegs for the few movements you might prefer to do outside of the rack.

Glad to share info! To be clear, I am not an engineer, I just tell our engineer what I want whenever I think of improvements for any of our products, then we make the changes and we'll produce it a few months later.

If we all here went by what Amazon says, we would be using puzzle mats, a marcy flat bench and a weslo cadence treadmill...all of which are #1 in their categories currently.

I have been an Amazon Prime member for 10 years and these past few years have gotten pretty sketchy with reviews. I see sellers offer promo codes and discounts encouraging feedback reviews.

As for the OP's product recommendations, it's not that their unknown, it's that the equipment, like the Powerline rack is time tested and proven.

The reason why the sales have slipped is because the price of the Powerline rack increased. It used to be $299 shipped. Heck, the Powertech rack was $350.

You can see reviews and judge for yourself whether someone knows what they're talking about. Sure, many products are popular because they're cheap, such as the puzzle mats and marcy bench you mentioned, but it's very obvious that the people buying them and reviewing them do not understand equipment very well, and the specs of those products are clear who they're targeted towards.

I completely agree that "sponsored" reviews have started to become a strategy that many companies use to artificially boost their reviews and their rankings, but we have not used that for our products. It's pretty damn expensive to give out free racks and benches compared to a bar of soap or whatever else is usually given away by the companies that do this regularly.

As far as time-tested, etc... in my opinion, steel is steel. It's not electronics where the insides are an unknown. What's visible is what's there, and in my opinion our design is superior on many levels. The price of the powerline is what it is and what it used to sell for is irrelevant unless it goes back to that. Camelcamel shows it's been at that $330-350 or so for the past 2+ years, so I doubt it will ever go back down, but if it does, then it might be a decent option if the extras on ours isn't worth it to someone.

[Ramcharger310]

Just give it some time and we will see if it's a good design.

This is the equipment forum, steel is not just steel, welds are not just welds and weights are not just weights.

[Seatard]

1) It affects the way the rear bottom brace is attached. Also adds a bit of stability.
2) Adds stability and function while also not impeding working area of the rack. It's a very cheap add-on to the design of a basic rack, so usefulness of these pegs versus stacking on the floor is minimal, but it's there. Lots of plates aren't easy to lift from flat off the floor, but add a few inches to get underneath and it's useful. Doesn't increase the cost of the rack much versus racks without them.
3) Gussets weren't needed in order to have a functional rack capable of handling weight than 99.99% of users would be moving. Rigidity is good, but essentially not a feature that most consider at this level.
4) Yes, the chrome pegs are not ideal because it's a very small contact point on a bar's knurling, which is why we have UHMW-lined jcups. We will be adding the chrome pegs onto the front of the safeties as a simple design change that adds function for basically zero extra cost to the consumer. It would be better to use the jcups as your primary (it's a power rack after all) and the front chrome pegs for the few movements you might prefer to do outside of the rack.

I have to admit, you are doing an admirable of job of presenting the image of a gym equipment manufacturer rather than just someone sourcing and importing. It's interesting to me to watch the various ways people have of entering and/or staying alive in a market and the evolution of the product. I don't think the Powerline rack has been changed once except for the paint 8 or 10 years ago. Others are pretty much forced to change something when you have a chance, good or bad, just so your marketing strategy can differentiate on something besides price. Hopefully you will continue to develop relationships with suppliers for them to make you something truly your own that sells like crazy.

I'll also add that, based on your style of forum presence, I'd be more apt to purchase from Rep Fitness than a company that does a lame pre-Christmas internet forum marketing blitz and then disappears until next year.

[urbanlifter]

Another 'Cheapo' flat bench to consider, feature wise this has almost everything I would look for an a flat bench. But like the EquipmentRAW rolling flat bench there could be potential weld issues because appears to have a questionable one up front. Front handle, rear wheels, three foot design, 17" from top of pad, 12" wide pad, for roughly $125 shipped.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S8U7WV4?psc=1

[BYOBB]

Another 'Cheapo' flat bench to consider, feature wise this has almost everything I would look for an a flat bench. But like the EquipmentRAW rolling flat bench there could be potential weld issues because appears to have a questionable one up front. Front handle, rear wheels, three foot design, 17" from top of pad, 12" wide pad, for roughly $125 shipped.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S8U7WV4?psc=1

Came in to post that and the Deltech flat bench. Both of these are sold under different brand names but they are solid. Biggest advantage is the 12 inch pad width where many cheaper benches skimp.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GJMFO4/

Is the Powerline rack superior to a Rogue half rack for a cheapo option? It looks like the cost of spotter arms adds significantly to the cost of the Rogue stands. Are there other half rack options for the <$500 price range that are worth looking at?

[Domicron]

Came in to post that and the Deltech flat bench. Both of these are sold under different brand names but they are solid. Biggest advantage is the 12 inch pad width where many cheaper benches skimp.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GJMFO4/

Is the Powerline rack superior to a Rogue half rack for a cheapo option? It looks like the cost of spotter arms adds significantly to the cost of the Rogue stands. Are there other half rack options for the <$500 price range that are worth looking at?

good additions to the thread, thanks.

the ppr200x is going to be superior to every half rack, in my opinion, when you're looking at price as the determining factor.

stability and safety cannot be compared, and they take up a similar footprint.

if you get a half rack with weight storage and long enough arms, that can definitely be as sturdy, but look at how much that will cost you vs the ppr200x.

[RedHazerz]

Just FYI for anyone looking for a cheap Olympic weight set. Sears has a 300lb Weider Olympic weight set on sale for 185$ after using code SEARS5OFF50.

Ive never seen these weights in person but I cant imagine they are much different/worse than the Dicks Sporting Goods/Sports Authority Sets

bradsdeals.com/search?query=weider

[PriorMike]

http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...ower-rack-1046

Huh.

http://www.titan.fitness/cages-and-r...ower-rack.html

[Ramcharger310]

Another 'Cheapo' flat bench to consider, feature wise this has almost everything I would look for an a flat bench. But like the EquipmentRAW rolling flat bench there could be potential weld issues because appears to have a questionable one up front. Front handle, rear wheels, three foot design, 17" from top of pad, 12" wide pad, for roughly $125 shipped.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00S8U7WV4?psc=1

This is a Nantong BodyX product. The biggest issue is quality control. If you get a good one, I think this is a great deal with a bench that has great specs and a good price point for a Chinese made flat bench ~$120.

This is the bench Rep Fitness should look into. I don't like the flat bench they chose as it does not meet IPF specs and the front feet are too wide.

I do have to give Rep Fitness credit where credit is due.

[Ramcharger310]

http://www.repfitness.com/strength-e...ower-rack-1046

Huh.

http://www.titan.fitness/cages-and-r...ower-rack.html

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...hp?t=169959263
Titan Fitness and BodyX are the same company. Rep is supplied by Nantong BodyX.

With that said, reps to Rep (lol) for spending the time and listening to their customers and adjusting their products to meet their customer's needs.

[Domicron]

so a few months ago the Troy Premium Wide Flanged Plates started getting more love. these are their model HO and PO plates. dumbbell buddy has a 255# set for $416 shipped and i'm thinking these would be moving into tier 2 on the buying-new hierarchy.