Power rack?

3RMomma
3RMomma Posts: 55 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
In March of this year I started bodyweight resistance training moved up to working with light dumbbells and then joined a gym to start doing new rules of lifting for women. I am getting ready to go into stage four of the program and would like to ditch the gym membership (really I just hate the smith machine and not being able to adjust the barbell weights) and create an at-home gym… I am looking at purchasing a power rack or cage because I will be lifting alone and want to do it safely. Any recommendations? I've seen a few posts that say stay away from brands like Marcy or weider and I wonder if that is a general recommendation or if those brands are okay given that I am looking to get more defined and stronger but not devoting my life to training.
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Replies

  • LazSommer
    LazSommer Posts: 1,851 Member
    Check out D*cks Sporting goods. The one's there are fine unless you have a Prime membership for Amazon and don't have to pay out the *ss for shipping.
  • natecooper75
    natecooper75 Posts: 72 Member
    Check out D*cks Sporting goods. The one's there are fine unless you have a Prime membership for Amazon and don't have to pay out the *ss for shipping.

    The Best Fitness BFPR100 that they sell is pretty solid for you average person. If you don't anticipate needing to squat over 500 lbs, I would suggest that one.

    If you want something that is a little more sturdy, look at the Titan Fitness Power Rack. I have seen some pretty good reviews on this one and will be purchasing it for myself soon. It is cheaper than the above model, but being able to check out the BFPR100 in person may be worth the extra money to ensure that you are happy with this investment.
  • gracielynn1011
    gracielynn1011 Posts: 726 Member
    Check out D*cks Sporting goods. The one's there are fine unless you have a Prime membership for Amazon and don't have to pay out the *ss for shipping.

    The Best Fitness BFPR100 that they sell is pretty solid for you average person. If you don't anticipate needing to squat over 500 lbs, I would suggest that one.

    If you want something that is a little more sturdy, look at the Titan Fitness Power Rack. I have seen some pretty good reviews on this one and will be purchasing it for myself soon. It is cheaper than the above model, but being able to check out the BFPR100 in person may be worth the extra money to ensure that you are happy with this investment.

    I have this model. I really like it. Its simple, easy to assemble, and pretty straight forward to use. I ordered mine from adamantbarbell.com. Shipping was faster than expected.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    go to rogue.com, if you buy a rack then the entire order will ship for free, which will easily save you 1000 bucks if your buying plates and dumbells
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    Rogue.
  • 3RMomma
    3RMomma Posts: 55 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...
  • tomcornhole
    tomcornhole Posts: 1,084 Member
    Craigslist is your friend for power racks and weights. I got a power rack, 310 lbs of plates, nice barbell and bench for $450. Still using it and can't find a reason to replace it. I have ogled the Rogue racks (they are just up the road from me) but can't find a good reason to replace what I have. It's just iron.

    As for goofy add ons like lat pull downs and cable cross overs, you won't miss them. The big 4 lifts plus pull ups, dips and rows will serve you well for many years. KISS.

    Tom
  • justmytype
    justmytype Posts: 117 Member
    I bought a power rack off Craigslist just a few weeks ago for $100 and the guy even threw in a free weight bench (yay!). Mine is an older model sold at D*ck's (I think Fitness Gear brand), and so far it's working out great for me. I had bought some free weights and an Olympic bar from another guy off Craigslist a while before that, so total spent for my "starter" workout set with power rack was only $225. I think it should last me for a while!

    PS: Check out Google Chrome's app Popup Notifications for Craigslist where you can get real-time alerts when something you're looking for is posted.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    If you have a handy guy or two in your family have them build you one.

    There are a lot of plans online.

    My current one is wooden built by husband with help from son...

    Next one will be metal as my son is a welder...costs 1/4 the price of one in a store or even on craigs list most of the time.

    I think we priced it out for the metal for it to be about 150$...the rest is labour and since he's my kid he's doing it for free since I feed him n all...give him a place to sleep etc.
  • Lofteren
    Lofteren Posts: 960 Member
    Craigslist.org
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...

    I've never seen those on a power rack.

    Are you looking more for something like a bowflex?
  • Holly_Roman_Empire
    Holly_Roman_Empire Posts: 4,440 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...

    I'm getting a half power rack from D*cks Sporting Goods that doubles as a weight rack. It's sturdy, and it's only about $350.

    To be honest, you could probably get by with a squat rack unless you plan on doing pullups eventually. And you can find those pretty easily on craigslist.

    ETA: I have seen some power rack models with cable attachments, but I don't think it'll be in your budget. Those are easily thousands of dollars.
  • _benjammin
    _benjammin Posts: 1,224 Member
    craigslist, search "squat rack"
    example: https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/search/sss?query=squat+rack&sort=rel
    Result nearby: http://reading.craigslist.org/spo/4640507989.html
    Check every day.
    Maybe be on the lookout for adjustable dumbbells too.
    You don't need a lat pull or cables. There's plenty of other accessory excercise you can do with a barbell, plates, bodyweight, or bands.
  • docc30
    docc30 Posts: 33 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...

    I've never seen those on a power rack.

    Are you looking more for something like a bowflex?

    The body solid rack that I got off Craigslist used for $100 has a lat attachment as an option. http://www.bodysolid.com/Home/PPR200X/Powerline_Power_Rack

    I talked to my trainer about it, and he didn't recommend it. He said that he had one, and he said it was always in the way of the bench.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    I'd start with craigslist to see what you can find in your area. I didn't have much luck finding a rack locally but you can almost always find a good deal on used plates. That said, there are plenty of good options in the $300-350 range. If you go into the Rogue range, there are other brands like Sorinex that are worth considering as well, but honestly I wouldn't bother spending that much right now. That $800-1200 could be better spent on a nicer barbell, adjustable dumbbells, bands, an adjustable bench and so on.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...

    I've never seen those on a power rack.

    Are you looking more for something like a bowflex?

    if its got those kind of attachements, its not really a power rack.

    Or its some crazy hybrid thing thats ultra expensive and gym quatlity.

    or its at home crap that was trying to do too much.

    if you want that kind of stuff you will probably be better off buying it seperately. many will come with a pull up bar. a high and low pulley would honestly be something nice to have. a cable crossover set up would be over kill IMO since thats about all you will use it for. Theres other exercises you might do that way, but most of those you could probably do one arm at a time. come to think of it, you could do 'crossovers' one arm at a time if you really wanted to
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...

    I've never seen those on a power rack.

    Are you looking more for something like a bowflex?

    if its got those kind of attachements, its not really a power rack.

    Or its some crazy hybrid thing thats ultra expensive and gym quatlity.

    or its at home crap that was trying to do too much.

    if you want that kind of stuff you will probably be better off buying it seperately. many will come with a pull up bar. a high and low pulley would honestly be something nice to have. a cable crossover set up would be over kill IMO since thats about all you will use it for. Theres other exercises you might do that way, but most of those you could probably do one arm at a time. come to think of it, you could do 'crossovers' one arm at a time if you really wanted to

    Valor makes one that looks okay for its price and size and offers a high/low pulley in addition to the rack and would probably suit the OP just fine. Not saying it's the way the OP should go, but only that such racks do exist and aren't necessarily super expensive (quite a bit less than an entry level Rogue rack, actually).
  • Docmahi
    Docmahi Posts: 1,603 Member
    honestly buy quality - i would get one of the rogue racks, make sure it has a high weight limit as well - alot of the shoddier racks have a much much lower max load - you may pay a little more initially but its well worth it in the long run
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    I noticed Rogue doesn't offer a lat pull down attachment/option - I'm wondering if I will miss out not having that? or cross over cables? I know I don't need something super heavy duty b/c this chick isn't likely to ever lift super heavy (I'm lifting heavy for me though). Just trying to figure out what will allow me the most options w/o going broke or overboard...

    I've never seen those on a power rack.

    Are you looking more for something like a bowflex?

    if its got those kind of attachements, its not really a power rack.

    Or its some crazy hybrid thing thats ultra expensive and gym quatlity.

    or its at home crap that was trying to do too much.

    if you want that kind of stuff you will probably be better off buying it seperately. many will come with a pull up bar. a high and low pulley would honestly be something nice to have. a cable crossover set up would be over kill IMO since thats about all you will use it for. Theres other exercises you might do that way, but most of those you could probably do one arm at a time. come to think of it, you could do 'crossovers' one arm at a time if you really wanted to

    Valor makes one that looks okay for its price and size and offers a high/low pulley in addition to the rack and would probably suit the OP just fine. Not saying it's the way the OP should go, but only that such racks do exist and aren't necessarily super expensive (quite a bit less than an entry level Rogue rack, actually).

    have you used it? i've yet to buy a home bench that doesn't feel like a piece of crap. thats why i'm willing to pay a little more next time.

    don't doubt that they exist, just would be skeptical of the quality at any price i would personally consider 'afforable'
  • _benjammin
    _benjammin Posts: 1,224 Member
    Alright, I'll be the dissenting voice. Don't buy the Rogue rack.
    As you mentioned, you're never going to need a rack that heavy duty and rated for that much weight. A new $200 rack rated for 300lbs will suit your needs.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    depending on what you buy and if you ship, you might get rogue equipment at a competitive price with the rouge shipping offer.

    would just recommend that you compare them to whatever alternatives you explore.
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    honestly buy quality - i would get one of the rogue racks, make sure it has a high weight limit as well - alot of the shoddier racks have a much much lower max load - you may pay a little more initially but its well worth it in the long run

    I have plenty of male friends using $300 racks (one friend bought http://www.amazon.com/New-York-Barbells-C-92563-B-Rack-Black/dp/B009L772A4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410369428&sr=8-1&keywords=ny+barbell+rack and is happy with it) and honestly I haven't really heard much in the way of complaints.

    I'm largely with benjammin on this. I just think it's unlikely that every recreational lifter needs a rack rated for over 1000 pounds and built to withstand rigorous use. Don't get me wrong, Rogue definitely makes nice equipment, but that doesn't mean it's worth the investment for every person. For the cost of an entry level Rogue rack and plate set, the OP can get a less expensive rack, craigslist plates, a barbell, a bench and probably a set of adjustable dumbbells as well.
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    I bought the one listed in this link last year:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005PNJHTW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    Basically a well built $300 rack. No bells or whistles, which saved me money. Excellent quality. I know it's not available at Amazon now, but you can contact the company directly to see what they have.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    what attracted me the most to the rogue racks, other then the shipping, was the 1 inch spacing on the safety bar. not all of them have that though.

    i'm sure there are 300 racks that will do such a good job that you will never know the difference. but the more extras that come with anything at a lower price the more i would suspect the quality.

    i just think about how long i expect to use it and the larger price tag doesn't seem as bad. but still, if you would be perfectly happy with a less expensive item, thats the way to go, assuming it lasts
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    1" spacing is definitely nice. I have 2" spacing on mine and haven't had a problem yet, but more precision is always a nice perk.
  • No_Finish_Line
    No_Finish_Line Posts: 3,661 Member
    looking at the cheapest on with 1'' spacing ;)

    but the more i think about it the less necessairy i think it is. and for certain bodies, it may be of no consequence at all.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,950 Member
    looking at the cheapest on with 1'' spacing ;)

    but the more i think about it the less necessairy i think it is. and for certain bodies, it may be of no consequence at all.

    Yeah, that's a fair point. Personally, I wouldn't trust a 300# rack, because I wouldn't be able to do a rack pull workout with it, etc. etc, but OP ain't buying for me. ;)

    The 1" spacing is a must unless you are lucky and your squat size works with a 2".
  • ew_david
    ew_david Posts: 3,473 Member
    I lift alone. I have for the last year and a half. I have a basic squat rack that I got from Amazon for $100. It has worked fine for me, but I'm not putting up giant numbers.
  • slacker80
    slacker80 Posts: 235 Member
    Personally I picked up a Weider from crags list. It is in fact a piece of junk, and I wouldn't recommend this praticular one to anyone else, but for now it's still my piece of junk, and I do make the best use out of it.

    Might be able to see a little bit of it in my profile pics. it lacks in sturdiness, the cable pulley is a joke and I don't use it. the pull-up bar is about 5 inches too low. I can't do a shoulder press inside of it without banging the inside of the top. and for the worst part the areas where I need the saftey bars the most can't not be placed there to lack of hole settings.

    But I did get it for under $100 bucks on crags list which is what i'm getting at. occasionally a really great power rack will get listed up. just have to be a little patient if you're willing to go that route. and if you live within a good metropolitan area than you might have decent listings.

    Much luck
  • parkscs
    parkscs Posts: 1,639 Member
    Honestly I think people are underestimating how much weight a properly bolted down rack can support, even those that cost about $300. When you see George Leeman doing his work in a $330 rack and people recommending that a 37 year old woman who's pretty new to weight lifting go with a Rogue rack at a minimum, it leaves me scratching my head a bit. Odds are the vast majority of people will never outgrow a $300 rack rated at 700 pounds capacity.

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