Squat Rack or Cage(Power Rack?)?

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calibriintx
calibriintx Posts: 1,741 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
First, I'm looking at this setup and wondering if it's a good deal: http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/spo/3767788101.html

....but wondering about the benefits of a cage over just a squat rack? I REALLY want this (http://dallas.craigslist.org/ndf/spo/3767630253.html), which is being sold for $285 but it doesn't come with the bench or anything else. I know you can do lat pulldowns, dips and chin ups with the cage, but as far as the functions they share, is there a reason that the cage would be better? Spot pins, I guess? I really want to get a weight room set up asap, so that's why I was leaning toward the squat rack...but I also don't want to outgrow it or feel restricted due to safety concerns. Advice on what to buy?

Replies

  • calibriintx
    calibriintx Posts: 1,741 Member
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    Bump
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
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    Bump for later.

    But in my opinion, power cage because you can use it for bench press as well.
  • jamk1446
    jamk1446 Posts: 5,577 Member
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    The first one with all the weights,bar, bench, and rack seems like a pretty good deal. The rack I have is like that one but it has a cable attachment. It's done pretty good for me up to now (I'm between intermediate and advanced in my lifting). But I know I have to be careful; I really don't feel like I can go to failure on squat without a proper cage. I want to keep it and buy a cage sometime soon so I'll have 2 stations.
  • matt2442
    matt2442 Posts: 1,259 Member
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    I just bought a power cage the other day. I love it. Spot pins are probably the biggest advantage. chin ups, pull ups, and other attachments make it worth while. I say power cage 100%
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
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    On phone so haven't seen the photos, but as a general rule, cage >>>>squat rack. You can put a bench inside the cage and do virtually any exercise safely without a spotter
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
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    I vote cage.

    Here is the one I bought 10+ years ago (and still love it): http://newyorkbarbells.com/92563.html

    (And no, I didn't buy the lat attachment.)
  • whierd
    whierd Posts: 14,026 Member
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    Yeah, another for the cage.
  • KelliW_runner
    KelliW_runner Posts: 150 Member
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    My home gym in the basement and I don't have high enough ceilings for a cage. I have this one

    http://www.bodysolid.com/Home/BFPR10/Best_Fitness_Olympic_Press_Stand

    Which I can set up for squats, presses, etc. I have a separate bench setup but could also configure to use with this. Not the most ideal and I would be a bit hesitant to max on squats in this setup but you do have some built in safety.
  • Shawshankcan
    Shawshankcan Posts: 900 Member
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    Cage is better. What the guy is selling is a half cage. It has adjustable pins. He has his safety pins and bar pins backwards. Switch them up so the longer one is at the bottom, that way if you need to bail you can. Furthermore, buy what he sells and keep the weight, then sell the half cage if you want.
  • jackaroo21
    jackaroo21 Posts: 127 Member
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    Powet rack all day long. Safer and wont need a spotter.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
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    I've seen the pics now and I would NOT pay $250 for that bench and with rack. Looks like the rails would adjust low enough for a safe place to fail on squats.


    wait.....okay, it includes weights and barbell. Okay, it might be worth $250 altogether. It's not the best but it's a hell of a lot better than nothing, and $250 to get off the ground isn't bad at all.
  • calibriintx
    calibriintx Posts: 1,741 Member
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    Thanks, everyone! I think I'm going to buy the set, sell the rack, and get a cage. I appreciate all of the great advice!:flowerforyou:

    ETA: Assuming it's in good shape up close and the bar is straight.

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