The Cheapo Setup

[urbanlifter]

Fuel Performance has their dip stand without rings for $64.77, it looks kinda short (3ft I'm guessing) but there are reviews with 6'+ guys saying it's fine. I brought this one up a while back when it was on sale WITH the rings for about $75. Can't remember if anyone made the leap though.

[murphyreedus]

Stasher did. Might be worth a look:

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...post1453596813

My old BFS VKR/dip tower popped up on CL the other day, but based on lack of seller response it's probably gone already. Either way it piqued my curiosity about getting a dedicated stand again.

[murphyreedus]

The Fuel dip stand is down to $57 without rings and $69 with.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016YIKGM8

[Stasher1]

The Fuel dip stand is down to $57 without rings and $69 with.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016YIKGM8v

I bought one of these a little over a year ago and I have no real complaints. The first one that showed up had some major issues, but Amazon made it right and shipped out another one right away. You can read about my issues in the review I posted on Amazon under the same name I use here.

I bought new plastic plugs for the handles and replaced the chitty foam grips with a few wraps of athletic tape. Surprisingly solid, and well worth the money.

[urbanlifter]

Seems like a ridiculous deal, now down to $55.80 as of this morning which is cheaper than my home made solution.

[Cleveland33]

$67 for the version with rings as well

[urbanlifter]

Fitness Reality is back with the X-Class rack, not as cheap as the 810XLT but it includes a lat pulldown for $599.

https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Reali...eywords=810xlt

EDIT: Looks like they listened to their consumers, it comes with the 11.5" hooks AND another regular set of j-hooks now.

[sm1ke]

Fitness Reality is back with the X-Class rack, not as cheap as the 810XLT but it includes a lat pulldown for $599.

https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Reali...eywords=810xlt

EDIT: Looks like they listened to their consumers, it comes with the 11.5" hooks AND another regular set of j-hooks now.

Wow, that looks like a great deal for everything that's included. Plate-loaded lat pull, 2x3" tubing, flip-down safeties, the 11.5" bar catches and regular jhooks, adjustable dip handles, and the two-sided pull/chin bar. Gusset plates for additional stability, and pre-drilled holes in the crossmembers for bolting into the platform/concrete. This is a great "cheapo" option for someone who wants more than just a basic rack.

Edit: It even has a low row..

[davegrabowskijr]

[QUOTE=sm1ke;1510918351]Wow, that looks like a great deal for everything that's included. Plate-loaded lat pull, 2x3" tubing, flip-down safeties, the 11.5" bar catches and regular jhooks, adjustable dip handles, and the two-sided pull/chin bar. Gusset plates for additional stability, and pre-drilled holes in the crossmembers for bolting into the platform/concrete. This is a great "cheapo" option for someone who wants more than just a basic rack.

Edit: It even has a low row..


Wonder how long this rig will be at this price looks like a steal at 300 lbs and with lat pull/ low row cables.......i plan on buying it but am moving into a new house in august so dont wanna buy it put it together and dissemble so quickly. Where can i find the atlas bench a few of you are talking about. Right now the best bang for buck i see is the fitness reality 800 lb capacity adjustable on amazon for 120.

[sm1ke]

Wonder how long this rig will be at this price looks like a steal at 300 lbs and with lat pull/ low row cables.......i plan on buying it but am moving into a new house in august so dont wanna buy it put it together and dissemble so quickly. Where can i find the atlas bench a few of you are talking about. Right now the best bang for buck i see is the fitness reality 800 lb capacity adjustable on amazon for 120.

I was just in another thread and saw that Titan Fitness also has an FI bench for $114 shipped.

[Domicron]

So i was gifted a REP ab-3100 bench from DukeNukem because i mentioned the idea to him awhile back.

for the price it's a really solid starter bench. given that most people don't do decline work, it hits a lot of the right notes in terms of pad width, height, wheels, unobtrusive front leg, etc.

if you're truly on a tight budget, then a good flat bench is still better, but if you want incline this is a good one.

remember that i'm trying not to be biased, but i got mine for free

[dgrabsjr]

Here are some real life pics of the fitness reality cage with lat pull down. Very impressed of the quality of this rack. Very sturdy. Even while not bolted. Thick steel. Good welds. Smooth cables. A ton of quality and quantity for $600.

I can't post the pictures since I don't have enough posts? Says I need 50.

Very solid rack. Has handled 500 on squat and 405 bench easily. Highly recommend the xclass adjustable bench as well.

[urbanlifter]

Congrats to those who picked up REP's SS clearance bar, as of today it appears OUT OF STOCK! Now the CAP OB86B can reclaim the title of best budget barbell

[princess817]

Hi everyone, first timer...feedback appreciated. Been looking for a set up, initially for myself (mom) and possibly teen daughter. The Fitness Reality seems like a great option. But, if I factor in Hubby (6'4, 320 lbs) and/or teen son (6'1, 280 lbs) - not even sure if they would even use - but if they did would it better to purchase Tuff Stuff CPR-265? There's a CL for turnkey for $1700, 4 hrs away r/t. That includes cage, hi/lo, bench, oly bar, plates and accessories. Only problem, I haven't seen CL equipment in person. Thank you for response!

[CliveWarren]

Hi everyone, first timer...feedback appreciated. Been looking for a set up, initially for myself (mom) and possibly teen daughter. The Fitness Reality seems like a great option. But, if I factor in Hubby (6'4, 320 lbs) and/or teen son (6'1, 280 lbs) - not even sure if they would even use - but if they did would it better to purchase Tuff Stuff CPR-265? There's a CL for turnkey for $1700, 4 hrs away r/t. That includes cage, hi/lo, bench, oly bar, plates and accessories. Only problem, I haven't seen CL equipment in person. Thank you for response!

I love Tuff Stuff. I'm thinking $1700 might be a little steep even for all that.

What area are you located? We might be able to find some other alternatives on Craigslist.

[princess817]

I love Tuff Stuff. I'm thinking $1700 might be a little steep even for all that.

What area are you located? We might be able to find some other alternatives on Craigslist.

Hi...thank you for responding. North Texas. Not a lot of stuff listed on CL. I've been looking for several months. Expanded views to Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Waco. - if package is worth while. You mentioned a "bit steep" what would be reasonable w/o being offensive? I can do the fitness reality now, or save a bit more for CL listing. Thank you for the help!

[CliveWarren]

Hi...thank you for responding. North Texas. Not a lot of stuff listed on CL. I've been looking for several months. Expanded views to Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Waco. - if package is worth while. You mentioned a "bit steep" what would be reasonable w/o being offensive? I can do the fitness reality now, or save a bit more for CL listing. Thank you for the help!

You should stop by Wichita Falls Athletic Club and ask Mark if he's got any equipment for sale. Or maybe take a few sessions with him.

Generally, an offer of 50% retail is the starting point. We'd need to see the plates, bar, and accessories to see if it looks like it was $3400 of stuff retail. It very well could be.

[princess817]

You should stop by Wichita Falls Athletic Club and ask Mark if he's got any equipment for sale. Or maybe take a few sessions with him.

Generally, an offer of 50% retail is the starting point. We'd need to see the plates, bar, and accessories to see if it looks like it was $3400 of stuff retail. It very well could be.

Thank you for the tip! At 2 hrs away, may not be able to do sessions, but a call may work. So far, I've priced out the cage & hi/low at $3000, so hey...now that I know the 50% rule of thumb... 😃

In the meantime, 90 degrees at 10 pm cst - in garage on a stationary bike for the last 1.5 hrs - yup I'm regretting those few bites of tiramisu and second glass of wine!!!! I need a rack. - LOL

[Domicron]

you can attach photos. save them to your PC, post reply > go advanced > manage attachments.

one of us can embed them for you.

[princess817]

[QUOTE=princess817;1513076371]Thank you for the tip! At 2 hrs away, may not be able to do sessions, but a call may work. So far, I've priced out the cage & hi/low at $3000, so hey...now that I know the 50% rule of thumb... 😃

Edit: thank you for instructions on pics

[RestoringTally]

[QUOTE=princess817;1513290101]

Thank you for the tip! At 2 hrs away, may not be able to do sessions, but a call may work. So far, I've priced out the cage & hi/low at $3000, so hey...now that I know the 50% rule of thumb... ������

Edit: thank you for instructions on pics

Embedded pics for you:








That rack is not standard. If you want accessories, you will have to buy new from the factory because standard accessories will not fit.

I am not wild about that bench. A rectangular back pad is standard. I am guessing the narrow portion is going to be too narrow and the wide portion is going to interfere with your legs when benching. For $1700 you could buy what you need from Rep Fitness or lower end Rogue or *gasp* Titan Fitness equipment.

[fedewab2]

That cage is the RPR-265, not the CPR-265. That bench is the RDM-400 Deluxe Multi-Purpose Bench. The high/low pulley w/ 200lb stack is the RHL-305WS. I believe MSRP for those three was still ~$3k. This is definitely not a “Cheapo Setup”.

[Stasher1]

Embedded pics for you:








That rack is not standard. If you want accessories, you will have to buy new from the factory because standard accessories will not fit.

I am not wild about that bench. A rectangular back pad is standard. I am guessing the narrow portion is going to be too narrow and the wide portion is going to interfere with your legs when benching. For $1700 you could buy what you need from Rep Fitness or lower end Rogue or *gasp* Titan Fitness equipment.

I understand where RT is coming from here, but I don't see it as a major issue. I don't think most users really need the majority of crap that's adorning some of the current popular racks. Band pegs, indexing chin handles, and monos are great trinkets for experienced users, but completely unnecessary for most folks, imo.

I really like the looks of that rack, especially the latches for the spotter arms. External bar hooks are also a huge plus for me. The bench I'd probably pass on. Most residential grade FI/FID benches are ~20" tall, which doesn't work well for my short legs. Fine for dumbbell work, but less than ideal for barbell work.

[Domicron]

it's funny how this thread has evolved. i agree it's not cheapo threat material, but i don't mind discussing used equipment here because, really, it's the best way for cheapo folks to go.

i'll echo the others on not being too excited about that bench. i'm not sure i'd want to pay $1,700 for the package, but i haven't really thought it out piece by piece

[princess817]

Hi everyone, thank you all for the feedback/insight on the CL TuffStuff listing. Ya'll have given much to consider. Would the rack posted by Urbanlifter on 7/6 (Fitness Reality) be a better option as sm1ke indicated?

[urbanlifter]

Given their size, I wouldn't recommend the Fitness Reality (too short). I would look at the Titan T3 for a better budget alternative, or maybe even something like the ETHOS rack at Dick's if you want something you can check out in person. Those are some big boys, not little fellas like most of us here LOL.

Edit: Also check REP fitness, they have some beefy racks at a decent price...

[princess817]

Thank you, for the info on Fitness Reality. Have you heard of MA 1 Fitness?? Apparentl, there was a fitness expo and now the equip is up for sale. This one is listed @ $1500 (firm). Thoughts?

[urbanlifter]

Who is actually going to be using the rack, and what are your lifting goals? Recommending a decent rack is difficult without knowing more about your experience level and whether your boys would even attempt to use the rack. The Tuff Stuff looked like a great option but overpriced, and that beast MA 1 Fitness looks like it's bomb proof but again for $1500 you could buy an all new setup pretty easily.

[Fivefootkillerz]

Fitness reality rack is 105 bucks on Amazon with no rush shipping

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[saracute]

I really like your idea.