Rep Fitness Thread

[ldentityCrisis]

Any reports of whether Rep will be coming out with monos in the near future? All I've seen on their site is reports of Lever Arms and Belt Squat.

[urbanlifter]

Yeah, that was me. I’ve gotten more use to it for sure, but I still bench with other bars for the most part.

Don't blame you, especially if you have the bars lying around

I will say my taste in knurling has evolved over the years, started out wanting nothing more than a medium depth and now I don't mind sanding down calluses. Decided to barbell deadlift with the EX today, which I haven't done in a LONG time since I got the belt squat. Excellent grip, can understand why it quickly became your favorite barbell for deadlifting.

[MGM711]

The Power Bar EX is my favorite bar I own... the new PowerSpeed isn’t far behind.

What holds back the PowerSpeed from the PBEX? Is it the makeup of the bar not having full knurl? Or is it the slight difference in knurl cut? Curious because if I sell a few more things, I may decide to get one of these bars, and I can make a case for either one right now.

[C123C]

The REP deep knurl Power Bar EX is where it's at, don't think I'll need another barbell after this one. The Texas Power Bar was one of my favorites (fantastic bar), but this takes things to a different level. Even with a permanent 'shadow' on the barbell this is my #1 Power Bar recommendation for the unforeseeable future. REP Stainless, Texas Power Bar, then Rogue OPB in dead last.

Had been looking at this bar a while back when it was coming out. Might have to grab one.

[MGM711]

Don't blame you, especially if you have the bars lying around

I will say my taste in knurling has evolved over the years, started out wanting nothing more than a medium depth and now I don't mind sanding down calluses. Decided to barbell deadlift with the EX today, which I haven't done in a LONG time since I got the belt squat. Excellent grip, can understand why it quickly became your favorite barbell for deadlifting.

Just my opinion, the bare steel ODL is where it's at for DL, and I say that as a life long TPB fan. The way the bar sticks in the hand without being sharp like the TDL is amazing. In general, it's hard to go wrong with the SS OPB, but just not a fan of it for benching...I like feeling a little more grit in my hand personally.

[Murser]

Looks like I missed the HR-5000 again. Someday!

[urbanlifter]

In general, it's hard to go wrong with the SS OPB, but just not a fan of it for benching...I like feeling a little more grit in my hand personally.

The SS OPB and regular OPB in general are a safe bet for most, not overly sharp but nowhere near as mild as American Barbell. I'm guessing that is probably why people like Coop still make it their typical recommendation, even though I didn't like it it's hard to trash talk a bar that solid. It's a workhorse, but I was just never excited about the finish or the feel of the knurling for $440. That and the chrome sleeves with my REP plates were pretty loud with my gym located right under the kids rooms.

My lifts are not strong enough to deserve an ODL bar, but I would go that route if I ever bought another one. Think you recommended it to me before I bought the TDL, but I was going for the Buddy Capps trifecta and got a killer deal on eBay so I gave it a shot.The TDL bar was stupid sharp, never felt anything like that barbell.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

The REP deep knurl Power Bar EX is where it's at, don't think I'll need another barbell after this one. The Texas Power Bar was one of my favorites (fantastic bar), but this takes things to a different level. Even with a permanent 'shadow' on the barbell this is my #1 Power Bar recommendation for the unforeseeable future. REP Stainless, Texas Power Bar, then Rogue OPB in dead last.

Congrats on the REP Power Bar EX in SS, looks slick! Are you using it for all the lifts, or this bar and another power bar for other movements?

How's the bite of the knurl in comparison to the AB Elite Power Bar and the TPB?

I honestly like both of the above even though I sold my TPB in favor of keeping the AB Elite for all my main lifts.

[urbanlifter]

Congrats on the REP Power Bar EX in SS, looks slick! Are you using it for all the lifts, or this bar and another power bar for other movements?

How's the bite of the knurl in comparison to the AB Elite Power Bar and the TPB?

I honestly like both of the above even though I sold my TPB in favor of keeping the AB Elite for all my main lifts.

The AB Elite and REP EX are two different animals, there was virtually no sharpness on either of the AB barbells I owned. The TPB and REP are a little closer in comparison, but the REP is definitely sharper while the TPB felt more like a gritty sandpaper to me. Almost like the Buddy Capps had more points per inch where the peaks on the REP are more spread out.

This bar will be used for all my lifts, I've managed to get a session in with each of the 'Big Three' and has no issues with its performance. Great stick during bench, as stiff as an OPB for squats, and I would have no issue deadlifting with it on a regular basis. Now I train in the 5-6 rep range so I can't speak for high volume sets and the deep knurl. I'm sure with a little use your hands would get used to the sharpness.

[MGM711]

Just started spec'ing out racks for my future new purchase, just priced a REP PR-5000, same exact specs as Rogue RM4, the PR-5000 is only $100 less than the Rogue, $1421 vs $1525. I remember Duke saying they wanted to be considered in the same category as Rogue and Sorinex in terms of quality, but wasn't expecting this close in price. Can't see how they can compete with Rogue here, especially when Rogue has much friendlier shipping prices. Seems to me with prices being virtually the same, one would lean either Rogue or REP strictly based on attachment preference now, ie, maybe the saving comes with REP when you add the Lat pull tower, belt squat, etc. I wasn't expecting to see the pricing this similar.

[radrd]

What holds back the PowerSpeed from the PBEX? Is it the makeup of the bar not having full knurl? Or is it the slight difference in knurl cut? Curious because if I sell a few more things, I may decide to get one of these bars, and I can make a case for either one right now.

My question as well. Not having full knurl makes the PowerSpeed appealing in my case, but not if the knurl isn't as good (or close) as EX for pulling.

Urban, congrats on the EX. Looks awesome!

[Murser]

Just started spec'ing out racks for my future new purchase, just priced a REP PR-5000, same exact specs as Rogue RM4, the PR-5000 is only $100 less than the Rogue, $1421 vs $1525. I remember Duke saying they wanted to be considered in the same category as Rogue and Sorinex in terms of quality, but wasn't expecting this close in price. Can't see how they can compete with Rogue here, especially when Rogue has much friendlier shipping prices. Seems to me with prices being virtually the same, one would lean either Rogue or REP strictly based on attachment preference now, ie, maybe the saving comes with REP when you add the Lat pull tower, belt squat, etc. I wasn't expecting to see the pricing this similar.

Rep will lose most of the time against the domestic manufacturers when the savings are so slim.

[swimmer32]

Just started spec'ing out racks for my future new purchase, just priced a REP PR-5000, same exact specs as Rogue RM4, the PR-5000 is only $100 less than the Rogue, $1421 vs $1525. I remember Duke saying they wanted to be considered in the same category as Rogue and Sorinex in terms of quality, but wasn't expecting this close in price. Can't see how they can compete with Rogue here, especially when Rogue has much friendlier shipping prices. Seems to me with prices being virtually the same, one would lean either Rogue or REP strictly based on attachment preference now, ie, maybe the saving comes with REP when you add the Lat pull tower, belt squat, etc. I wasn't expecting to see the pricing this similar.

Interesting, I purchased the half rack awhile back and it was a better deal than the Rogue half rack (and looked better). I know prices have gone up recently on their barbells, not sure if it did on their racks or not. It would be hard to compete $ for $ with Rogue though.

[dukenukem7777]

Just started spec'ing out racks for my future new purchase, just priced a REP PR-5000, same exact specs as Rogue RM4, the PR-5000 is only $100 less than the Rogue, $1421 vs $1525. I remember Duke saying they wanted to be considered in the same category as Rogue and Sorinex in terms of quality, but wasn't expecting this close in price. Can't see how they can compete with Rogue here, especially when Rogue has much friendlier shipping prices. Seems to me with prices being virtually the same, one would lean either Rogue or REP strictly based on attachment preference now, ie, maybe the saving comes with REP when you add the Lat pull tower, belt squat, etc. I wasn't expecting to see the pricing this similar.

I'd be curious to see your build. A basic configuration and we are at least $400 cheaper. A tricked out config and we get closer to $700-800 cheaper.

Our prices have actually been pretty consistent for around 90% of our equipment. There is the lower margin 10% that we had to raise prices a small amount to cover the ongoing 7.5% tariff.

[ldentityCrisis]

Any reports of whether Rep will be coming out with monos in the near future? All I've seen on their site is reports of Lever Arms and Belt Squat.

Also, does anyone here use monos with their Rep PR 5000 V2?

Trying to get some and not sure if I should wait on Rep or if any other brand are compatible (I know Rogue and Titan are supposed to be, but looking for feedback from someone with experience).

[ldentityCrisis]

I'd be curious to see your build. A basic configuration and we are at least $400 cheaper. A tricked out config and we get closer to $700-800 cheaper.

Our prices have actually been pretty consistent for around 90% of our equipment. There is the lower margin 10% that we had to raise prices a small amount to cover the ongoing 7.5% tariff.

Duke, seems you're the man to ask around here. Do you guys have plans for monolifts in the near future? Have you heard of people using another brand of monos successfully with Rep PR 5000?

[GamecockLifter]

What holds back the PowerSpeed from the PBEX? Is it the makeup of the bar not having full knurl? Or is it the slight difference in knurl cut? Curious because if I sell a few more things, I may decide to get one of these bars, and I can make a case for either one right now.

The difference in the knurl. It’s really hard to pick between the two. I do really like the PowerSpeed’s makeup - been a fan of the shorter knurl since the first version. And the new knurl does feel amazing - I just tend to gravitate to the power bar EX as it’s slightly more aggressive. Both are aggressive though, so if you see the value in the shorter knurl, I’d go PowerSpeed. I’m confident you would like it.

[MGM711]

I'd be curious to see your build. A basic configuration and we are at least $400 cheaper. A tricked out config and we get closer to $700-800 cheaper.

Our prices have actually been pretty consistent for around 90% of our equipment. There is the lower margin 10% that we had to raise prices a small amount to cover the ongoing 7.5% tariff.

Sure, let's compare...

REP PR-5000

*Clear
*93 uprights
*41 crossmembers
*Standard pull-up
*Strap Safeties
*PR Sandwich Jcups

Total: $1421


Rogue RM-4

*Clear
*90 uprights
*43 crossmembers
*Monster Nameplate
*Monster Sandwhich Jcup
*Strap Safeties
*Standard pull-up

Total: $1525 at the time of writing this post, total is now $1550.

Even at $150 less, I bet that difference is almost negated in shipping, but maybe I'm wrong, Rogue seems to have very good shipping rates on these large item orders.

[radrd]

The difference in the knurl. It’s really hard to pick between the two. I do really like the PowerSpeed’s makeup - been a fan of the shorter knurl since the first version. And the new knurl does feel amazing - I just tend to gravitate to the power bar EX as it’s slightly more aggressive. Both are aggressive though, so if you see the value in the shorter knurl, I’d go PowerSpeed. I’m confident you would like it.

Any chance you can say how the PowerSpeed compares to Vulcan Absolute Power Bar?

[Supadude]

Sure, let's compare...

REP PR-5000

*Clear
*93 uprights
*41 crossmembers
*Standard pull-up
*Strap Safeties
*PR Sandwich Jcups

Total: $1421


Rogue RM-4

*Clear
*90 uprights
*43 crossmembers
*Monster Nameplate
*Monster Sandwhich Jcup
*Strap Safeties
*Standard pull-up

Total: $1525 at the time of writing this post, total is now $1550.

Even at $150 less, I bet that difference is almost negated in shipping, but maybe I'm wrong, Rogue seems to have very good shipping rates on these large item orders.

Not sure if prices have gone up recently. When I did my order back in November, the price difference for my order (larger build) was closer to around $1000 more for Rogue. The difference was so much that I ended up upgrading to a PR 5000 V2 blowing all the savings

I think as you go with a larger build the price differences become more obvious. REP's benches are bars are way cheaper than Rogues, and very high quality.

[MGM711]

Not sure if prices have gone up recently. When I did my order back in November, the price difference for my order (larger build) was closer to around $1000 more for Rogue. The difference was so much that I ended up upgrading to a PR 5000 V2 blowing all the savings

I think as you go with a larger build the price differences become more obvious. REP's benches are bars are way cheaper than Rogues, and very high quality.

I guess that was more or less my point, maybe the real savings only comes when you really upgrade the racks, but when they are kept relatively stock, there really isn't a significant price difference.

Here's another comparison

Rogue RM-6, same specs as my last post: $2250

REP PR-5000 6-post, same specs as my last post: $2004

While the savings is a little more this comparison, it's $250 less pre shipping, and again, I have a feeling that Rogue digs into that pre-shipping savings when it's all said and done. Me personally, the savings has to be more substantial to go oversees over US made. I made this decision with my FB-5000 Bench, it was substantially cheaper than Rogue, so I felt great making that oversees choice, and it's a fantastic bench that I keep recommending to others. I guess I was just assuming that there was going to be a greater cost savings going the REP route for racks, but turns out, they're pretty comparable price wise now.

[Supadude]

I guess that was more or less my point, maybe the real savings only comes when you really upgrade the racks, but when they are kept relatively stock, there really isn't a significant price difference.

Here's another comparison

Rogue RM-6, same specs as my last post: $2250

REP PR-5000 6-post, same specs as my last post: $2004

While the savings is a little more this comparison, it's $250 less pre shipping, and again, I have a feeling that Rogue digs into that pre-shipping savings when it's all said and done. Me personally, the savings has to be more substantial to go oversees over US made. I made this decision with my FB-5000 Bench, it was substantially cheaper than Rogue, so I felt great making that oversees choice, and it's a fantastic bench that I keep recommending to others. I guess I was just assuming that there was going to be a greater cost savings going the REP route for racks, but turns out, they're pretty comparable price wise now.

I think part of the problem is the clear coat. REP is charging a huge premium to go with clear coat vs. Rogue there's no upcharge. Redo your build with Matte Black and the difference is much more substantial.

[MGM711]

I think part of the problem is the clear coat. REP is charging a huge premium to go with clear coat vs. Rogue there's no upcharge. Redo your build with Matte Black and the difference is much more substantial.

Now I see the lower prices. It shouldn't be that way though, if anything, there should be a better discount for the better color options.

[urbanlifter]

Even if the difference was only $100-$200, or in the case of the Power Bar EX I think it was about $20 after tax and shipping, I would buy REP over Rogue and save that money for some Charmin Ultra.

[GamecockLifter]

Any chance you can say how the PowerSpeed compares to Vulcan Absolute Power Bar?

If you’re referring to the Vulcan stainless Absolute, the Power Bar EX is virtually identical.

If you’re referring to the black oxide, the original PowerSpeed is virtually identification.

The new PowerSpeed is playing in a unique space, in my opinion. Haven’t really felt a knurl quite like it.

[urbanlifter]

If you’re referring to the Vulcan stainless Absolute, the Power Bar EX is virtually identical.

Almost makes you wonder, are they all made in the same factory? Like the REP Fitness and GetRXD GHD, they looked almost identical aside from some small branding differences. Actually, even more hilarious is that the GHD made by Vulcan shares many similarities as well. Then to go further down the rabbit hole when I was online shopping around last night I found a barbell made by GetRXD that looked similar to the V1 of REP's stainless barbell.....could just be a coincidence I guess.

[piratelifebad]

Even if the difference was only $100-$200, or in the case of the Power Bar EX I think it was about $20 after tax and shipping, I would buy REP over Rogue and save that money for some Charmin Ultra.

If you care at all about things like fit and finish, except for bars, Rogue is the choice. I have a number of Rep products and as an earlier poster said, often times they're close, but not quite there when it comes to the details like production quality, welds, rust on finished products, and paint.

Latest example for me is the AB-5200 bench. Pretty good design but the manufacturing is lacking. Multiple parts were not square, both pads were not level, the ladder arm rubbed against the cage, big swipes of touchup paint all over the bench, chunks of paint flaking off. Unfortunately the second bench had issues too. It's even off while standing it up for storage, like 1/2" from one side to the other.

Being able to stand it up is great, but the cage makes lowering the bench more awkward because you can't lift the arm up higher like you normally would when lowering a bench.

I gave up and ordered the Prime Fitness adjustable bench. Came out to only a couple hundred more shipped. They say I should expect a precision crafted US bench with a very durable powder coat. weight is also nice and should make it easier to move around, especially with the ball bearing wheels they use.

[urbanlifter]

If you care at all about things like fit and finish, except for bars, Rogue is the choice.

It's tough, because I know alot of people who would say the opposite and I've personally owned and used lots of Rogue equipment throughout the years. Sloppy welds on the Matador, messed up powder coating on racks, inconsistent paint on their plates, quality control issues on the Dog Sled, and the bar knurling just tops that off. They all have issues, I'm just not willing to pay more money for the same or less quality.

[vhd16]

Nice
Would like your thoughts on the Primefitness adjustable bench

Did you go with standard colors or do they offer custom colors like Legend fitness for frame and padding ?

Are you going with any upgrades like elbow pad and ankle pad ?

[dukenukem7777]

Any reports of whether Rep will be coming out with monos in the near future? All I've seen on their site is reports of Lever Arms and Belt Squat.

Duke, seems you're the man to ask around here. Do you guys have plans for monolifts in the near future? Have you heard of people using another brand of monos successfully with Rep PR 5000?

Yes, but likely around 4 months out. We're expecting our first two prototypes to arrive in a couple of weeks. Likely tweak them, then add 3 months for product to arrive.

Sure, let's compare...

REP PR-5000

*Clear
*93 uprights
*41 crossmembers
*Standard pull-up
*Strap Safeties
*PR Sandwich Jcups

Total: $1421


Rogue RM-4

*Clear
*90 uprights
*43 crossmembers
*Monster Nameplate
*Monster Sandwhich Jcup
*Strap Safeties
*Standard pull-up

Total: $1525 at the time of writing this post, total is now $1550.

Even at $150 less, I bet that difference is almost negated in shipping, but maybe I'm wrong, Rogue seems to have very good shipping rates on these large item orders.

Now I see the lower prices. It shouldn't be that way though, if anything, there should be a better discount for the better color options.

Our shipping rates are around the same. It mostly depends where you're shipping to compared to our location.

I see we need to do a better job explaining and contrasting how the raw clear coat we do is different than just a standard clear coat. There is a -TON- of extra labor involved to do the raw clear coat. I don't want to publicly list all of the steps because I'm sure tons of other companies want to copy it, but:

1) A grinder is run over the entire surface to give it a "swirl" texture.
2) The surface has a special preparation
3) Clear coat is applied under very specific conditions. Failure at this point can come from a few different things, and each one results in product that just has to be sandblasted and painted another color.

If you're familiar with Sorinex's clear grind, it's much more similar to that. I'll have our team get pictures up on that page asap, since there are plenty on the pr-4000 page but that one appears to be overlooked.

If you care at all about things like fit and finish, except for bars, Rogue is the choice. I have a number of Rep products and as an earlier poster said, often times they're close, but not quite there when it comes to the details like production quality, welds, rust on finished products, and paint.

Sorry to hear about the bad luck with the AB-5200. We haven't had many reports of problems with that bench and I know I put together a couple myself w/o issue.

Regarding overall production quality--Starting a couple of months ago (with the PR-1100s, PR-4000 and 5000's) and continuing to mid-summer, we should be seeing a lot less complaints like this and by mid-summer it should be incredibly rare to have a condition issue reported that isn't caused by shipping damage to the external box. We heard everyone (for a while) and did what we had to do to solve the issue.