The Cheapo Setup

[BiGx5MurF]

Has anyone done any modifications to the 810 XLT or other cheapo racks to address some of the shortcomings?

It looks like it could benefit if were bolted down to the floor. It wouldn't be too hard to drill some holes straight down on the floor tubes, or weld on some brackets.

It also looks it could use some lateral support. Maybe fab up a cross support for rear top and add some gussets, or just add some diagonals the bar that is already there?

Any other mod ideas?

I've seen people fit titan t2 stuff to it, like the weight storage posts.

[urbanlifter]

Has anyone done any modifications to the 810 XLT or other cheapo racks to address some of the shortcomings?

If money were an issue and I wanted a rack, I wouldn't hesitate to try the 810XLT as an entry-level rack. In fact, I bought one on an online auction for $80 and was REALLY impressed for the price. Lot's of things could be done to make it better, during the pandemic I've seen people lifting serious weight on these so the overall stability isn't an issue. Took him long enough, but even GarageGymReview caught on and did a drop test on the rack, thing performed admirably! I'd just swap out the j-hooks with nicer ones, get some weight horns, then maybe look to add stability like you mentioned.

Here's another one just like it on Woot again, $189 then maybe factor in another $60 for upgrades (Yes4All j-hooks and plate holders). For a little more you could get on Titan and added roller j-cups, sandwhich style j-hooks, weight horns and spotter arms for the front if you bolt it down.

https://sellout.woot.com/offers/circ..._cat_sprt_6_22

[67Vert]

I ended up getting a Titan T-2 rack for $200 (new in box, scratch & dent). It's got a pretty solid feel for a 2X2 rack and I think it will be even better once bolted down to the floor. It came with some decent J-cups but the the Pin/Pipe safeties are kind of cumbersome. I might set the pipes aside and just use the pins for now.

[so0ty]

I got a setup from NC Fitness Gear in Australia - it wasn't expensive but the quality is great.

[BiGx5MurF]

I ended up getting a Titan T-2 rack for $200 (new in box, scratch & dent). It's got a pretty solid feel for a 2X2 rack and I think it will be even better once bolted down to the floor. It came with some decent J-cups but the the Pin/Pipe safeties are kind of cumbersome. I might set the pipes aside and just use the pins for now.

Awesome deal. The pins alone are probably fine for most. But should probably use the pipes for like heavy rack pulls.

[urbanlifter]

Cheapo belt squat is on sale, solid machine from Titan. $689

https://www.titan.fitness/strength/s...ne/400666.html

[67Vert]

I'm just starting out and I need a cheap set to buy. For now I just need the basic equipment, if I get into it, then I think I'll upgrade my equipment.

What did you use starting out?

Starting out lifting? Or starting out building your gym?

If you're new to lifting, you can probably get away with a set of dumbbells and an adjustable bench for a short while. If you have already been lifting you're probably going to want to add a Barbell and a rack (or half rack).

[urbanlifter]

If you are in the market for a leverage style belt squat, now is the time! Titan is $647 right now...

https://www.titan.fitness/strength/s...iABEgI_SPD_BwE

[petervirdee11]

Thank you for sharing the knowledge through this thread

[urbanlifter]

It was nice price

For sure! Can't believe the regular price has creeped up to over $1k now (launching at $450), even though I'd say it's probably worth that much given how it performs. I'm happy with my Edge Fitness Deluxe, but I do miss the platform setup with the Titan. Even with the beefier Deluxe unit from Edge it still moves around a good bit.

[urbanlifter]

So good to see things returning to normal for the most part. CAP OB-86B (The Beast) Barbell is now $120, down from $250 at the height of the pandemic. This bar was highly praised as the best entry level Barbell and at times has been as low as $89-$99 on sale.

Also, not sure how bad this could possibly be for the money, but $239 for a Rogue clone GHD seems pretty solid!

https://sport.woot.com/offers/papaba...mwj_sh_sp_1_bs

[BiGx5MurF]

So good to see things returning to normal for the most part. CAP OB-86B (The Beast) Barbell is now $120, down from $250 at the height of the pandemic. This bar was highly praised as the best entry level Barbell and at times has been as low as $89-$99 on sale.

Also, not sure how bad this could possibly be for the money, but $239 for a Rogue clone GHD seems pretty solid!

https://sport.woot.com/offers/papaba...mwj_sh_sp_1_bs

That sold out fast. I wasn't in the market, but probably would've tried to find a place for a 2nd GHD at that price.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

So good to see things returning to normal for the most part. CAP OB-86B (The Beast) Barbell is now $120, down from $250 at the height of the pandemic. This bar was highly praised as the best entry level Barbell and at times has been as low as $89-$99 on sale.

Also, not sure how bad this could possibly be for the money, but $239 for a Rogue clone GHD seems pretty solid!

https://sport.woot.com/offers/papaba...mwj_sh_sp_1_bs

I've noticed a few price changes as well, while definitely not the lowest it ever was, Body-Solid's pec deck machine for a while was all the way up to around $800...now it went down to $675. Still quite expensive for what it does, but good to see some prices on equipment going down, also FF sometimes has a quoted discount through contacting them.

[urbanlifter]

Speaking of Body Solid! The other thing I noticed was pricing on the BS GHYP345 on Amazon is really low, $255 is about the cheapest I've ever seen on that hyperextension. Not too long ago it was $360+ and you'd be lucky to get one for $280ish when Fitness Factory has a sale. If anyone is in the market that's a great deal! Rock solid unit, I've held DB's up to 75lbs while using that hyper and never had an issue.

[Michiganian]

It is a great back hyper bench. Only thing is: At some point they made a design change. Used to be the column lock was on the side and had a combined loaded pin and screw-tightening knob. Now it has only a screw-tightening knob on the top.

They don't show this on the BS site, but, you can see it in the photos on Amazon.

That was one reason I spent 5½ hours driving round-trip to buy a used one a few months back

[urbanlifter]

Functionality wise how does that impact you? Just curious, because when I had my last machine I never changed the height adjustment so once it's locked down that's all she wrote. The only other potential issue I'd say about the machine is it's made for taller people, but on the lowest setting @ 5'9" it was perfect for me. Of course that's having the pads set low on my quads so the focus shifts to more of a hamstring movement, I've never really used on for lower back work.

[Michiganian]

Functionality wise how does that impact you? Just curious, because when I had my last machine I never changed the height adjustment ...

If you've more than one user in the home it might make a difference. I wouldn't call it a show-stopper, though. In the greater scheme of things it's a small thing, but, still a thing.

In my case I changed the height every-other-use. I set it one notch higher for oblique dip/crunches than I did for back hyperextensions.

As an aside: I won't be doing oblique dip/crunches anymore, though. I've now read two entirely separate articles that emphatically cautioned against those, with or without a bench, due to the opportunity for spinal injury. One of the trainers at my old gym didn't like them, either. Ironically, one reason I wanted the BS back hyper bench, specifically, was because, unlike many other back hyper benches, it facilitates those.

The only other potential issue I'd say about the machine is it's made for taller people ...

I'd say that's true. I was surprised to find that, even for me, at 6'4" tall, with a 34-36 in. inseam, I had to run it nearly all the way down for back hypers.

[Delvinester]

I'm just starting out and I need a cheap set to buy. For now I just need the basic equipment, if I get into it, then I think I'll upgrade my equipment.

What did you use starting out?

Dumbells,Barbell & Bench

[CW47]

The term "Cheapo Setup" refers to a method of creating a functional system using only the bare essentials. Open-source software, affordable or used equipment, and do-it-yourself solutions are typically used in this setup. While it may not offer first in class execution, it can in any case be a feasible choice for those on a limited spending plan or with basic registering needs. However, when selecting a Cheapo Setup, it is essential to take into account the potential trade-offs in terms of security and dependability. In the end, each person's needs and priorities will determine whether or not this arrangement is appropriate.

Are you a bot, and/or using AI generated language?

I've been seeing a rash of posts like this recently that I strongly suspect are not being made by real human beings... The structuring of the posts and the language being used are 'correct' but not 'normal'. The posts I've been seeing lately often recap or summarize the subject at hand, but do nothing to address the subject directly. They're presented as if they're part of a wiki rather than a discussion.

[urbanlifter]

Right!? It will be the new age spam, to the point where you can't even have conversations online. Because people will just resort to using AI to sound intelligent on subjects they know nothing about. Haha

[urbanlifter]

Titan Fitness is now $1100, here is the latest "cheapo" belt squat I could find. Looks like someone ripped off the ripoff artists @ $649.. Hahaha

[urbanlifter]

Great deal on Powerblock's, NOT expandable past 50lbs but for $199 these would be perfect for light shoulder & arm work.

[sophiaWindsor02]

I like this recommendation Dom. Mostly because if you're in the Continental 48, this should be easily obtainable by anybody.