Re-Thinking The Rack Choice

[Michiganian]

Eventually (hopefully sooner, rather than later) I'll be acquiring either a power rack or squat rack. Planned use is squats, RDLs, and chest presses.

Basement ceiling height is only seven feet (84 in.), so a chin-up/pull-up bar is inconsequential, as I wouldn't be able to use it, anyway. Mainly only need enough height to comfortably start squats with my 6' 4" frame

I'd been thinking the Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Rack ($235 on Amazon). But, upon reflection, that rack doesn't seem particularly substantial. If I have to set down/drop the bar quickly, I don't want anything moving anywhere.

In the interest of safety, now I'm leaning towards either the Rep Fitness PR-1000 Power Rack, Rep Fitness PR-1100 Power Rack, or Titan Fitness T-2 Series Power Rack. Probably the PR-1000 or T-2 Series, for their 2-in. hole spacing.

Westside spacing through the chest-height area with a bench would be great, but, I think I'm going to have to forgo that to stay within my ±$400 budget, unless anybody has any suggestions?

[sera310]

I answered this question where you posted it in another forum. To add to that answer, of the choices you have listed, I'd get a Rep one if they have them in a low enough height for you.

[Michiganian]

... of the choices you have listed, I'd get a Rep one if they have them in a low enough height for you.

Just re-measured the available height. Looks to be running around 83.5 in. The PR-1000 is 83.6 in. tall. So that's out. The taller Titan T-2 is 83 in. Pretty close.

If I want to play it safe, the shorter T-2 is 71 in. Height to the top of my shoulders is around 62 in. So the question is: What's the max height of the J-hooks on that 71 in. T-2?

ETA: Whoops! I think not that one, either. I didn't think about this (from an Amazon review): "I have not tried squatting inside the rack yet, but I'd imagine the back upper horizontal frame would hit my head..."

Yeah, that'd be a problem. Even were it not a problem during squats inside the frame, sure as the day is long I will repeatedly fail to duck low enough getting in and out, and smack the top of my noggin on the thing.

Need something taller than 76 in., but, shorter than 83 in. Or back to looking at squat racks.

[urbanlifter]

Handful of options come to mind, the first being what kind of ceilings do you have? It's not uncommon for people to cut holes between joists to allow for a slightly taller rack. Second, have you considered getting a squat stand, one with long enough spotter arms to make things safe (Rogue, REP, Titan, ect). The next option would be checking with some companies to see if they would chop the rack down to a custom size, which is what I did with my Legend half rack. Lastly would be just customizing yourself, chopping a little off the uprights isn't terribly hard if you are handy with the power tools, same goes with drilling your own holes if needed. My Legend didn't have the side holes needed for the new Rogue monolift attachments, so I just drilled them myself.

[Michiganian]

Thanks for the suggestions, urbanlifter.

Plasterboard ceilings. Not inclined to blow holes in it for a rack

Right now I"m thinking maybe the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Short Squat Stand and T-3 Series Spotter Arms

Meets the budget, will fit, and will certainly suffice for my modest needs.

The Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0 and Infinity Spotter Arms would also work, but, would be $125 more. Four inch longer spotter arms, though. I like that. Hmmm...

[CW47]

I had a similar height limitation when I first started looking into getting a rack. I ended up getting a half rack, which I was pretty happy with. There are some out there that are well within your price range.

I had also found that Body Solid has some racks that fit the specifications. The are at a higher price point than some of the other options you're looking at, but the Body Solid GPR378 and GPR400 are worth checking out.

[urbanlifter]

[QUOTE=Michiganian;1679074743]
The Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0 and Infinity Spotter Arms would also work, but, would be $125 more./QUOTE]

Blah, ceilings are fixable haha

But you are talking to the crazy dude who bought two pair of Arnold Edition plates, and will probably buy a couple more the minute they come back in stock. So there's my answer on the small price difference

[William929]

Hi Everyone

[Michiganian]

Right now I"m thinking maybe the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Short Squat Stand and T-3 Series Spotter Arms

Bah! I'm ready to order, but, they're out-of-stock on the T-3 Series Spotter Arms and have been since I posted the above.

So I added these ...

The Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0 and Infinity Spotter Arms would also work, but, would be $125 more. Four inch longer spotter arms, though. I like that. Hmmm...

... to my cart at Rogue. A lot more expensive, but, a nicer stand. Then they wanted to charge me over $80 in shipping.

Screw that

So now I don't know what I'm gonna do.

[BiGx5MurF]

Have you checked your local classifieds yet? I'm seeing a lot of racks for way below MSRP nowadays.

[Michiganian]

Have you checked your local classifieds yet?

Yeah, I've checked FB Marketplace and Craigslist occasionally. Never see anything particularly interesting. (ETA: Just looked again. Nothing interesting.)

Looks like the Titan X-3 Series Short Squat Stand and Spotter Arms would do the trick. Just have to wait for the spotter arms to be back in stock.

[Michiganian]

Trigger pulled.

Slept on it. Did some more double-checking-myself research this morning. Couldn't find anything that would fit my needs, space, and budget any better than the Titan X-3 Series Short Squat Stand.

When I found I had a 5% off coupon from Titan in my email that was all it took to push me over the edge.

[thedickus]

I've got that very setup. I added the added the half rack conversion kit and it's perfect for my needs. I have shorter ceilings also in my garage. I bought this because it fits under my garage door. The only thing I wish they'd do is offer a stabilizer bar for the top of the conversion kit to help secure it. I could probably find a local machinist to make one fairly cheap. Good purchase. It should serve you well.

[Michiganian]

I've got that very setup.

Cool

I added the added the half rack conversion kit and it's perfect for my needs.

I looked at that. I'd love the additional stability, but, unless I miss my guess, it's attachment at the top of the two main uprights would interfere with where I'll want the J-cups for squats?

The tops of my shoulders are ±64 in. off the floor when I'm standing erect.

[thedickus]

Cool


I looked at that. I'd love the additional stability, but, unless I miss my guess, it's attachment at the top of the two main uprights would interfere with where I'll want the J-cups for squats?

The tops of my shoulders are ±64 in. off the floor when I'm standing erect.

That's correct, it takes up the top two holes. The highest I can get the J-Cups would be the third hole down. I just measured and that puts the bottom of the J-Cup at 62" from the floor. It's on its way to you so you'll have to decide if it's secure/stable enough without the conversion kit. I personally wouldn't trust just a squat stand. You'll at least have the opportunity to see if putting the J-Cups in the third hole is even possible for you at your height.

Edit: when I say the bottom of the J-Cup, I mean where the barbell would actually sit, so the barbell would be 62" from the floor.

[Michiganian]

That's correct, it takes up the top two holes. The highest I can get the J-Cups would be the third hole down. I just measured and that puts the bottom of the J-Cup at 62" from the floor.

We measured to the tops of my shoulders, near my neck, while I stood tall with my back against the wall. That came out to ±64 in. So 62 in. might work.

I personally wouldn't trust just a squat stand.

TBH: I won't be lifting all that heavily. The most I ever pressed at the gym was... 95? 105? lbs. Right now I'm doing DB squats with a whoppin' 75 lbs.

I expect to do a lot better, going forward. I used to do two sets of twelve reps and bump the weight only when I could do that with full range of motion in good form. I'm now doing 3x5 sets on most stuff and may even increase weight and drop sets (2x5? 2x3?) on DLs and squats.

But, I highly doubt I'll ever challenge that short squat stand--even w/o the conversion kit