The Cheapo Setup

[lsi1]

Thanks! Still making some adjustments to my selections. I have another month until I move into the new house. Definitely will consider your advice on the weight tree, ez curl, and barbell.

Leaning towards this rack with dip attachment
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...1XY5J2IU&psc=1

and this bench
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

Rep has a good reputation around here for being quality and making sure that things are right. I don't own any of their equipment but guys here who do seem happy with it. So I would assume that might be a pretty decent rack. I own the Titan t3 rack and have been very pleased with it and it has many attachments available for it.

I side with chadsalt on the bench though and for a few dollars more you will have a much better long term adjustable from rep or somewhere else. I don't have an adjustable bench and make due with a flat bench for everything.

[EchoFour]

Dick's has their 300# barbell and plate set on sale for $189.98 today. Individual plates on sale as well. Might go by and pick up some more 45's on the way home.

[jerrycurls]

Titan Fitness has a save $15 on 150, $30 on 250 and $50 on 300 deal going on. It also has the coupon code TITANAFF5 that saves you 5%. Got the X-2 for $282.50.

[urbanlifter]

Nice, that X2 is a sick deal! Get this, the X2 rack + monolifts + flip down safeties + rack extension with plate storage is only $689 shipped. Outside of buying used, name another rack that even comes close to offering all that? To top it all off it's FREAKING 9 gauge steel, PPR200X who? LOL

[irongrandpa]

Dick's has their 300# barbell and plate set on sale for $189.98 today. Individual plates on sale as well. Might go by and pick up some more 45's on the way home.

If it's their grip plates, they are smaller diameter from normal size 45's .

[Silvernb03]

Hi, I am new here. I am looking to buy my first set of weight. Between weider set ($199 at Sears) at the fitness gear set ($169) at DSG, which one is a better choice? I saw in this thread that the finess gear 45 plate does not fit standard oplympic bar. Does the plate on weider fit the standard Olympic bar? Thanks

[Domicron]

Hi, I am new here. I am looking to buy my first set of weight. Between weider set ($199 at Sears) at the fitness gear set ($169) at DSG, which one is a better choice? I saw in this thread that the finess gear 45 plate does not fit standard oplympic bar. Does the plate on weider fit the standard Olympic bar? Thanks

the fitness gear plates should fit most olympic bars; most cheap plates are machined with larger holes to fit cheap bars with sloppy tolerances. Do you think you might have read that OUTER diameter is not standard? that means the overall plate is shorter than others. this matters for the deadlift, and isn't the end of the world. If money matters and you can't find them used, then plates from DSG are the way to go. buy 2 of the sets if you can and sell the cheap bar (if you have a better one)

[Silvernb03]

Thanks. My 24h fitness membership is about to expired in couple month,so I am planning to set up my home gym. My budget around 1k ( I can stretch my budget a little since I don’t buy everything at once).

Cage: I have been looking on Craigslist and ******** market, but I don’t see anything yet. So I guess I will start looking to buy new. There are 4 options that I am looking at: reality fitness 810xlt with bench for 285), reality fitness x ( $599), GPR378( $600) and Titan T3 ($430) I choose these based on the review that I read online. I am still cannot make up my my to see which one I should go with. You guys have more experience than I do, please help out. Maximum for the cage will be $600

Weight: probably DSG weight since it is pretty low price ($169)

Bench: I saw somewhere here that Rep fitness bench is pretty good, so I probably go with it unless you have something else to recommend

Mat: tractor supply 4ft x 6ft for $49

Weights with 2 mats will be appropriately $300, so I will have $700 left for cage and bench. Can you please help me to decide which bench and cage combo that I should go with?

Thank you for your help

[sm1ke]

Thanks. My 24h fitness membership is about to expired in couple month,so I am planning to set up my home gym. My budget around 1k ( I can stretch my budget a little since I don’t buy everything at once).

Cage: I have been looking on Craigslist and ******** market, but I don’t see anything yet. So I guess I will start looking to buy new. There are 4 options that I am looking at: reality fitness 810xlt with bench for 285), reality fitness x ( $599), GPR378( $600) and Titan T3 ($430) I choose these based on the review that I read online. I am still cannot make up my my to see which one I should go with. You guys have more experience than I do, please help out. Maximum for the cage will be $600

Weight: probably DSG weight since it is pretty low price ($169)

Bench: I saw somewhere here that Rep fitness bench is pretty good, so I probably go with it unless you have something else to recommend

Mat: tractor supply 4ft x 6ft for $49

Weights with 2 mats will be appropriately $300, so I will have $700 left for cage and bench. Can you please help me to decide which bench and cage combo that I should go with?

Thank you for your help

Do minor cosmetic imperfections bother you? Do you mind shipping/receiving more than one shipment (in the event you need to replace a part)? If your answers to these are no, then I would suggest the Titan T-3. The GPR378 is the "lower risk, better finished quality" of the two, but the T-3 is definitely beefier and accessories are quite cheap.

I'd also recommend the Rep Fitness flat bench, or one of the adjustable benches if you want that function.

[irongrandpa]

Hi, I am new here. I am looking to buy my first set of weight. Between weider set ($199 at Sears) at the fitness gear set ($169) at DSG, which one is a better choice? I saw in this thread that the finess gear 45 plate does not fit standard oplympic bar. Does the plate on weider fit the standard Olympic bar? Thanks

Fitness gear plates fit olympic bars, they're just a different outside diameter than most plates.

[Silvernb03]

Do minor cosmetic imperfections bother you? Do you mind shipping/receiving more than one shipment (in the event you need to replace a part)? If your answers to these are no, then I would suggest the Titan T-3. The GPR378 is the "lower risk, better finished quality" of the two, but the T-3 is definitely beefier and accessories are quite cheap.

I'd also recommend the Rep Fitness flat bench, or one of the adjustable benches if you want that function.

Cometic imperfection does not bother me at all. I mean it is a tool, so it will get scratch up anyway. I am more concern about the function. I want a stable and heavy duty rack because in case accident happen, i would have more protection. At first I was thinking just buy the cheapest one to save couple hundred bucks,but my life definitely worth more than that,so I bump the price range little more.
I look at Titan website, there are different version of Titan t3 including Titan t3 HD ($465) and regular Titan t3($429). Do you know what different between the 2 models?

[sm1ke]

Cometic imperfection does not bother me at all. I mean it is a tool, so it will get scratch up anyway. I am more concern about the function. I want a stable and heavy duty rack because in case accident happen, i would have more protection. At first I was thinking just buy the cheapest one to save couple hundred bucks,but my life definitely worth more than that,so I bump the price range little more.
I look at Titan website, there are different version of Titan t3 including Titan t3 HD ($465) and regular Titan t3($429). Do you know what different between the 2 models?

From the website, it looks like the HD has smaller diameter chin up bars that are positioned about 5" higher than the standard T-3, and an additional 12" of depth inside the rack.

[urbanlifter]

Just got notification that CAP is doing a sale on these, not sure of the regular price but an 80lb weighted vest for $95 seems pretty legit. I was just thinking about getting a vest and even the 60lb is only $59.99 shipped!

https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-A...est&th=1&psc=1

[TK22686]

I've been looking to piece together my home gym as well....I bought a cheap set of Olympic weights with a bar for about $120 on CL. I also have a set of the 5-52lb Bowflex Selectech dumbbells.

I've been considering a few different options for the rack/bench though.

I've been looking at the Reality Fitness 810XLT like most...but have seen reviews that the bench leaves much to be desired, doesn't go completely flat and is missing the optimal setting for inclined benches. It's $286 w/ bench and $244 on Amazon currently.

I've also been looking at the Rep Fitness Squat Rack (SR-3100, $249) and Power Cage (PR-1000, $275). I do like the SR-3100 as it's 93" tall, holds 1000lbs, and I can eventually do pullups with my feet not touching the ground/bending my legs. You can get spotter arms (which is a must) and has pretty nice lined J-cups. They also have a pretty decent flat bench, but people say it's wobbly as well.

Seeing as Titan and Rogue are out of my budget right now and nothing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul CL page is below $800...I couldn't do more than $300 for a rack...what would you guys recommend with the ones above. I know with Fitness Reality, you can use Titan T-2 accessories on it (jcups, etc.)

Also, this thin about benches being wobbly...is it more of an issue with poor craftsmanship, or is it people floors/workout spaces not being perfectly level? Floors in people's homes can just be wonky.

[lsi1]

I've been looking to piece together my home gym as well....I bought a cheap set of Olympic weights with a bar for about $120 on CL. I also have a set of the 5-52lb Bowflex Selectech dumbbells.

I've been considering a few different options for the rack/bench though.

I've been looking at the Reality Fitness 810XLT like most...but have seen reviews that the bench leaves much to be desired, doesn't go completely flat and is missing the optimal setting for inclined benches. It's $286 w/ bench and $244 on Amazon currently.

I've also been looking at the Rep Fitness Squat Rack (SR-3100, $249) and Power Cage (PR-1000, $275). I do like the SR-3100 as it's 93" tall, holds 1000lbs, and I can eventually do pullups with my feet not touching the ground/bending my legs. You can get spotter arms (which is a must) and has pretty nice lined J-cups. They also have a pretty decent flat bench, but people say it's wobbly as well.

Seeing as Titan and Rogue are out of my budget right now and nothing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul CL page is below $800...I couldn't do more than $300 for a rack...what would you guys recommend with the ones above. I know with Fitness Reality, you can use Titan T-2 accessories on it (jcups, etc.)

Also, this thin about benches being wobbly...is it more of an issue with poor craftsmanship, or is it people floors/workout spaces not being perfectly level? Floors in people's homes can just be wonky.

Rep gets a lot of high marks around here for quality for value. I think wobbly benches are more a factor of people putting them together incorrectly. If I were assembling a rep bench or any flat bench really I would assemble the frame finger tight and then put it in the location I was gong to use it before doing a final tightening of it so even if your floor is a bit wonky it is conformed to that spot whe you lift there.

[Cleveland33]

I've been looking to piece together my home gym as well....I bought a cheap set of Olympic weights with a bar for about $120 on CL. I also have a set of the 5-52lb Bowflex Selectech dumbbells.

I've been considering a few different options for the rack/bench though.

I've been looking at the Reality Fitness 810XLT like most...but have seen reviews that the bench leaves much to be desired, doesn't go completely flat and is missing the optimal setting for inclined benches. It's $286 w/ bench and $244 on Amazon currently.

I've also been looking at the Rep Fitness Squat Rack (SR-3100, $249) and Power Cage (PR-1000, $275). I do like the SR-3100 as it's 93" tall, holds 1000lbs, and I can eventually do pullups with my feet not touching the ground/bending my legs. You can get spotter arms (which is a must) and has pretty nice lined J-cups. They also have a pretty decent flat bench, but people say it's wobbly as well.

Seeing as Titan and Rogue are out of my budget right now and nothing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul CL page is below $800...I couldn't do more than $300 for a rack...what would you guys recommend with the ones above. I know with Fitness Reality, you can use Titan T-2 accessories on it (jcups, etc.)

Also, this thin about benches being wobbly...is it more of an issue with poor craftsmanship, or is it people floors/workout spaces not being perfectly level? Floors in people's homes can just be wonky.

There are a couple racks on CL in your range, but their pics are lacking to be able to see if they are worth it.

CL is all about patience, you can't check in on any given day and expect to find a great deal - if your budget is $300 now, how much can it be in two months?

I'd wait - there are decent barbell only plans out there that will work just fine for you for a few months (actually they'd probably work find forever) I'd run one of those programs while saving money and scouring CL everyday. There are A LOT of great racks on there - admittedly they are expensive but I don't recall seeing that many in other areas at any given time.

[Domicron]

Seeing as Titan and Rogue are out of my budget right now and nothing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul CL page is below $800...I couldn't do more than $300 for a rack...what would you guys recommend with the ones above. I know with Fitness Reality, you can use Titan T-2 accessories on it (jcups, etc.)

Also, this thin about benches being wobbly...is it more of an issue with poor craftsmanship, or is it people floors/workout spaces not being perfectly level? Floors in people's homes can just be wonky.

I would take Cleveland's advice and keep saving for a better rack. I wouldn't want to use Fitness Reality OR Titan gear, much less one of those companies' accessories on the other's rack. keep scouring craigslist, look in the craigslist sticky for advice on what's worth buying and what's not and buy when you stumble across a great deal. it's frustrating for awhile because it seems like there are no deals, then all of a sudden you don't have enough money to buy all the things that pop up.

as for benches, it's a combination of both. a fully welded commercial bench will wobble if the floor isn't level, but most of the time if you get a bolt together and put it together then it should be okay. quality does matter though

[fedewab2]

I've been looking to piece together my home gym as well....I bought a cheap set of Olympic weights with a bar for about $120 on CL. I also have a set of the 5-52lb Bowflex Selectech dumbbells.

I've been considering a few different options for the rack/bench though.

I've been looking at the Reality Fitness 810XLT like most...but have seen reviews that the bench leaves much to be desired, doesn't go completely flat and is missing the optimal setting for inclined benches. It's $286 w/ bench and $244 on Amazon currently.

I've also been looking at the Rep Fitness Squat Rack (SR-3100, $249) and Power Cage (PR-1000, $275). I do like the SR-3100 as it's 93" tall, holds 1000lbs, and I can eventually do pullups with my feet not touching the ground/bending my legs. You can get spotter arms (which is a must) and has pretty nice lined J-cups. They also have a pretty decent flat bench, but people say it's wobbly as well.

Seeing as Titan and Rogue are out of my budget right now and nothing in the Minneapolis/St. Paul CL page is below $800...I couldn't do more than $300 for a rack...what would you guys recommend with the ones above. I know with Fitness Reality, you can use Titan T-2 accessories on it (jcups, etc.)

Also, this thin about benches being wobbly...is it more of an issue with poor craftsmanship, or is it people floors/workout spaces not being perfectly level? Floors in people's homes can just be wonky.

You are apparently near ground zero for Parabody equipment. I suspect you have a good used market for that brand, regardless of your comments. If purchasing used is an option, you may want to search this subforum for info on Parabody 843 racks and 874 FID benches to determine whether they would work for you. They often were sold new together and continue to be resold together.

[bb5150]

Just a heads up anyone that was waiting for the price of the CAP OB-86 to drop, well it's $119 on Amazon now. Now sure if it will go lower like it was a year or 2 ago, but this might be the time if that is what your budget allows.

[TK22686]

You are apparently near ground zero for Parabody equipment. I suspect you have a good used market for that brand, regardless of your comments. If purchasing used is an option, you may want to search this subforum for info on Parabody 843 racks and 874 FID benches to determine whether they would work for you. They often were sold new together and continue to be resold together.

There's tons of Parabody equipment going on our CL pages; however, standard bench press setups you can buy. I'm looking for the cage and a flat bench at the very minimum. I almost snagged a great deal on a T-2, extra weights, and custom horse stall mats...but the guy reneged on our deal and sold it to someone in his town for $30 more than I offered, didn't give me a chance to counter-offer...but that's CL.

I'll keep looking. I've got searches set up to alert me to things that pop up on the pages. Plus, I'm waiting for my back to finish healing (about 90%) there, so I've got at least a few more weeks of not utilizing anything I may purchase before then.

Also, the advice on putting the flat benches together was exactly what I would plan to do when buying one, but I guess some will do it their own way.

[urbanlifter]

Enjoy those red skittles buddy...

[Cleveland33]

guessing someone got deleted?

There have been quite a few the last couple of days

[urbanlifter]

Yeah, some guy was posting in every thread he could find. LOL

[Cleveland33]

was it the guy that was attaching pics that had info on where to order HGH online? I reported him after two posts and they were gone pretty quick

[urbanlifter]

Need something that you can get from an eBay seller, they just sent out promo code PSPRING20 for 20% off!

Put a couple Buddy Capps bars in my cart and it accepted the promo code, nice!!!

[svborewell]

Nice information!Thankyou.

[p0opstlnksal0t]

are the Fitness gear set the cheapest way to get weights? Locally up here in NH and Mass. used weights go for a buck a pound. crazy!

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...300lbstwth7brb


Ive found the weider 300lb set for 180.00 as well...
http://www.sears.com/weider-300lb-we...1&blockType=G1

[cwcmac]

are the Fitness gear set the cheapest way to get weights? Locally up here in NH and Mass. used weights go for a buck a pound. crazy!

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...300lbstwth7brb




Ive found the weider 300lb set for 180.00 as well...
http://www.sears.com/weider-300lb-we...1&blockType=G1

Get him down a bit, may be a few dollars more but a hell of a lot better than Fitness Gear
https://nh.craigslist.org/spo/d/olym...518752039.html

Peeking at CL for NH there are some decent buys. Price may be a bit high but there is some quality stuff which is better than saving a few dollars and getting crappy weights

[p0opstlnksal0t]

Get him down a bit, may be a few dollars more but a hell of a lot better than Fitness Gear
https://nh.craigslist.org/spo/d/olym...518752039.html

Peeking at CL for NH there are some decent buys. Price may be a bit high but there is some quality stuff which is better than saving a few dollars and getting crappy weights

meh, i dont see those being worth double the price for used compared to the cheap weider 300lb sets at sears. intek 45 lb plates are not standard size they're a little smaller so i might as well go cheap weider for now.

ive been looking pretty heavily and havent seen any decent deals. definitely not any worth me driving all over new england to grab when i can get new weider grip plates for .60 cents/lb

[Cleveland33]

meh, i dont see those being worth double the price for used compared to the cheap weider 300lb sets at sears. intek 45 lb plates are not standard size they're a little smaller so i might as well go cheap weider for now.

ive been looking pretty heavily and havent seen any decent deals. definitely not any worth me driving all over new england to grab when i can get new weider grip plates for .60 cents/lb

Uh, they would DEFINITELY be worth it compared to weiders