I BOUGHT the CHEAPEST Squat Rack on AMAZON I Could Find… 

I bought the same rack from walmart (Fuel Pureformance branding) for $109 a few months back. They had a bunch of different color options so of course I got white. Got this for a buddy who said he wanted to start training at home so gave him this rack, a bar, bench and about 250lbs of weights. I wouldn't use this rack myself but it's a great low cost option for someone who isn't sure if the home gym life is for them.

finally something that the average joe may decide to buy, unlike that eleiko stuff that costs a fortune lol

I’ve had it for three years and its been stored outside all 3 years. 0 complaints. Does the job 🤙🏽

I've squatted 435lbs for a set of 5 on this thing. Walmart offers rack extensions for $115 and a pull bar upgrade, $35 as well as spotter arms. $30 You can upgrade this thing over time, as long as you aren't consistently squatting over 500lbs I think you are fine.

I used that as my starter squat stand. I was on a major budget at the time. Lasted several months and did its job. It did get to a point where I lost confidence in its stability. When you get over 200lbs squatting and it starts wobbling badly, you don't want to push your luck. It was likely fine, but I felt uneasy. Went up to a Rogue Monster Lite squat stand which I've been using for years now. If you're just starting out and on a budget, it does the job. Just be aware if you're consistent, you'll outgrow it in less than a year.

I've had this rack outside in the rain in Miami for 7 years. Still going strong. Rusted to high hell, but I only squat about 225 and it is just fine.

This was my first squat rack! I grew out of it around a year. Good beginner item. Like Cooper said, get this and if you stay consistent you can upgrade but great first starter rack.

Thanks for the review, Coop! I've been using this rack for about a month now. A few reasons for purchasing this model. * Price (obviously) * Size. Needed to fit in a spare bedroom, as we like to park our cars in the garage. * High SAF rating (Spousal Acceptance Factor) due to the first 2 bullets. 😁 * Starter rack. Just getting into the strength training game. Didn't want to go all out initially. As you pointed out, several shortcomings exist in order to get the $108 price point. * Nonstandard 1/2" holes and 2X2 uprights makes it difficult if not impossible to get attachments that aren't sold by Cap. The only accessories that Cap offers are spotter arms, Olympic plate holders (would be scary to add even more weight to the uprights 😱), pull up attachment, and dip station. * Lightweight aluminum uprights. Good enough for me but seems lighter than 11-gauge. * Missing spotter arms. I know they're trying to make a low budget rack, but at the risk of some beginners not realizing this is a must have and could prevent serious injury or worse. I added these to my purchase. * The J-Cups that came with my rack were identical. Not a left and a right J-cup. And only 1 set. * J-Cups not protected by UHMW. I purchased UHMW tape to project my relatively expensive barbell (more than double the cost of the rack). For my needs, as I'm beginner and not using anything over 150 lbs. at the moment, the rack suits me well. My plan is to upgrade at some point within the next 6 months to a year.

I haven't reached squatting 400 pounds yet, but in a little less than two years I've went from around 187 on a one-inch barbell (with a less-than-safe setup) to having a 1RM of just over 300. Coop's reviews have definitely helped me pick a majority of my equipment.

I got this rack to specifically use as a barbell stand for a sun-room gym ( 3 out of 4 walls were all windows, so I didn’t have the option to mount hanging barbell racks onto traditional wall studs ). Worked out great both aesthetically and structurally. So depending on your Jcup choices, it’s makes a great display/stand for about 8-10 standard Olympic barbells, or less if you’re including specialty bars.

Ive had this for about 7 years and moved it twice, taken it a part and put it back together. Would regularly load it heavy. Most of squatted on it was 350. Felt a little sketchy doing that but it has held up. Definitely a good budget option for people as a beginner rack. I purchased their spotter arms as an add on for benching.

*Bought this in 2019 and returned it. The j-cups not having UHMW and the lack of attachments were a deal breaker. I bought the TDS 'New York' squat stand for $200 delivered and that thing was awesome, once I added Titan j-cups and Titan safety spotter arms. Worked well for me for 2 years before upgrading to 3x3 full cage.*

Thanks for reviewing these cheap racks! I know when trying to save money just getting into a home gym safety is a BIG concern. I bought the progear another cheap rack you reviewed because going to a gym is out of the way from where I live and with my work hours, it's a lot more convenient. So I'm glad to see you review the cheaper options for us casual lifters who want to start a home gym.

Excellent video Coop. I would’ve definitely used this rack back in the day.

Not gonna lie, when I was in highschool and wanted a home gym, I would have been able to pretty much only afford this, a second hand bench, and a crappy bar and plates. I would have loved it. Only thing I would want to add are stronger safeties and jhooks

Not sure I agree that the uprights are all aluminum. I literally have this rack, FM-905Q, and have hook magnets on the uprights to hang spring clamps/collars. They also have spotter arms, a dip attachment, a landmine attachment, and side plate holders for this rack. I also got a second weight post to replace the barbell holder. With those attachments, in total, it was $230-ish. As long as you're not a powerlifter, lifting 500lbs for reps, this rack is by far the best value for the average person who's just looking to casually lift at home. Not everyone can drop $500 or $1k+ on a rack.

I've had this rack for like 6 years. Mainly got it for pull ups and only use it with light weight. In a apartment and it does the job.

I owned this last year…had to put sand bags and weight plates on rear when doing pull-ups and I weigh 160

I have this rack. I bought it in late 2020. It was a pandemic purchase. I don’t squat much more than two plates so I didn’t really need a very heavy duty rack. I’ve been using it anywhere from two to the five times a week and I have to say, it’s done a great job fir me.

This was my first rack. The paint from the j cups will chip onto your barbell, and the uprights will bend over time with even less weight. You should only buy this if you plan on upgrading in a year

I have this rack since April 2021 and keep it outside where it rains and whatnot sometimes in a tent. It works fine squatting 450 or less but it is wobbly. I added some spotter arms. I also added plate holders on each side to add more stability. Don't plan on upgrading for a bit since I'm not a 500+ squatter at the moment

I had a very similar design to the deluxe version of this from a random company. I had ordered it off Walmart years ago. It was a 3x3 design with 1 inch holes though, plate storage on the sides which helped balance everything. It had extra steel/aluminum on the front “legs” to kinda weigh things down too. It was sturdy enough for 400 lbs on diff movements. The pull-up bar held up but did rock a tiny bit on anything more explosive. The only real complaint I had was the safety arms and j cups. Since they were cheaper thinner material they did start to warp a bit. One of the safety arms anchor points bent after a failed squat. For anyone working from 100-300 lbs I think something like this is fine as long as you respect the squat stand, barbell and the exercise you’re doing.

Got one of these myself for $40 off FB marketplace. Has done everything thing I’ve needed! Squatted 400+lbs from it. Pressed 300+lbs from it. Done pull-ups at 220lbs bodyweight no problem. Put a couple 45’s on the weight post, and it’s as sturdy as most will need👍🏼💪🏼

That was a cool transition from pushing the box off the table to having it completely built 🎉

These budget racks absolutely get the job done, especially if your name isn't Basement Brandon or Justin Medeiros. For the average Joe trying to get it done and get on with their day, it''ll hold up

I got the rack from Walmart last year. They had it on clearance for $20 bucks. The1/2 inch holes were a pain initially, mainly because I have standard weights. However, I soon fixed most of my problems after going to the local hardware store. The one thing I wish this had is bottom pegs for resistance bands. I have been using eyebolts as a replacement, and even with the spotter's arm, I don't squat over 250. However, as a person of 6'5 and 240, I can comfortably and safely perform pull-ups and ring dips, as long as all my weights are placed in both back plate racks. It has been a great starter and I do plan on switching it out probably next year. Once I get a solid 2 years of training back under my belt.

I bought the fitness reality power rack after watching your video. Couldn’t be happier with it. Managed to get it for $199 when it was discounted. Bought a $100 barbell from Dick’s sporting goods, and the weights are the essential brand that you can sometimes find at walmart. I bought a set of 25’s and 10’s from walmart for like $180. Then I bought the 45’s from Amazon. They seemed used, but for the price, I couldn’t beat them. The 25’s are starting to crack a little, but they still hold up. Since then, I bought a bunch of attachments. Jcups, belts, rubber bands, and a pulldown cable machine for $199 as well. It was cheaper than the attachment for the power rack. I kept them outside under a tent, but I managed to clean the garage, and put it in there. Now I just have to fix the ceiling and the walls. A few leaks, but I can fix those. The wind blew my tent away, so I understood the message that it sent me. It was also bolted with 10 inch nails that I bought from Lowe’s.

I would be extremely interested in a stress test on a hulkfit pro rack. Seeing as it does have lat pull down / low row along with jammer arm attachments as long as it's well built I don't think much more is needed.

I bought this rack not too long ago and it has lasted well through a few good squat sessions with up to 325lbs. I assembled my rack with an impact wrench and put about ten extra ugga duggas on every fastener, so I've haven't yet seen it bend at the upright. I'd recommend this to any beginner or some one who's looking to supplement their training at home when they get snowed in this winter 😉

I have the same rack for the past three years and I haven’t had any issues yet. I do agree that they need something in the middle for better stability. For the price is not a bad rack. I bought he spotter arms as well and they seem to hold up weight. If you want a cheap rack to start your home gym I recommend it.

I was hoping Coop would cover how is it as a chinup bar compared to a power tower, and stability (with suspension trainers, and as a anchor while using resistance bands).

Videos like this always reminds of how Eric Bugenhagen spent years lifting with the cheapest wobbliest squat rack, all while being a signed professional wrestler and sometimes lifting over 500lbs With it. It’s a MINDSET 🫡

Assembly Sammy didn't add the extra perpendicular bolt at each mid point. It would've made it more stable.

I had this same rack from Amazon as my first homegym rack. I liked it well enough. Didn’t do much crazy on it. My squat was at 385 so that was the most I used and it held up well.

Me and my husband met you at the gathering place in Tulsa Oklahoma and I just wanted to say thank you my husband still talks about to today how much meeting you meant it was awesome

I have this rack. Gets the job done. Good for pull ups and squats and I hang a pulley from it. Most people aren’t squatting 600 lbs

My budget rack is a Body-Solid GPR378. i got it on sale from a local fitness store for about $500. 3x3, 11 gauge steel. The safety rails that came with it I didn’t like, they scraped the paint real bad every time I adjusted the height. The holes are oddly spaced about 3” apart. The saving grace: the holes are about 1 3/8” diameter which makes them the perfect size to accept 1” black iron plumbing pipes from my hardware store. (1” internal diameter plumbing pipes exactly fit the 1 3/8” holes.) So I made several j-cups with the plumbing, and my main safeties I hammered 1” cold rolled steel bars down the 1” plumbing pipes to make them super-strong. Threaded caps on the pipe ends keep them from accidentally slipping off. It doesn’t have plate storage, so back to the hardware store for 4x4s which I bolted to the rack uprights, and bought several storage pins from Rogue that are bolted to the 4x4s for the 45s and 25s. Change plate storage is, once again, plumbing nipples. The weight of the stored plates makes it very secure. Probably about $900 total for 3x3, 11 gauge with storage, customized to fit my limited basement space.

Love this cheap reviews series! Would love to see a review of Walmart's FitRX Smartbell, a sort of Powerblock 552 knockoff. Keep up the good work!

I have this exact rack and mine is definitely not aluminum as I have magnets stuck to it. Also I've ever had the bowing and bending where the uprights bolt together even at 300+lbs. The paint is practically gone in the spots where I set the j-cups and safeties and the j-cups don't sit flush like you mentioned which has me worried about the pegs snapping but otherwise it's lasted my first year and a half of lifting at home and I've more than gotten my money's worth out of it. My theory is if I ever get too strong for it that will be a good problem to have.

I actually own this rack. For someone who is working out for health and longevity it works well. As I get stronger definitely will need to upgrade. IT has held up pretty good for 3 years using between 225-315lbs on the squat. The weight changes based on the reps. Ultimately it comes down to goals and what you are working out for. This is not for power lifters.

Love ya Coop!

Got one right before Covid for cheap along with weights. It’s still running. I love it

PRX on amazon now sells a cheaper version of their Profile One folding up rack called the Murphy Fold Up rack that has its uprights split into two regions as well. Would be very curious to see how that holds up or compares against the profile series.

Got the squat rack and barbell in my garage right now. No issues in for roughly 9 months with it. Interested in a review for the barbell. I really like it

Great little rack. I used one for a few years and squatted my first 405 on that set up. Only problem was the bolts in the middle made for a less than ideal bench set up.

I bought this rack, or one identical to it March 2020 off amazing for $119. I even purchased the addon safeties! It worked fine and I did pullups and heavy squats on it. I then sold it in 2021 for about $150 (with the safeties) and bought a Rep 4000 squat rack.

The uprights are not aluminum, I mashed two used ones off fb marketplace together to make a “full” rack and welded a few extra mounting plates to get what I wanted. Is it the best option? No, but for the price and being able to pick up used ones for 40-60, it does what most people need at a budget until they outgrow it and need better gear.

I have that squat rack. Had it for about 3 years now. Still going strong.

I got the synergy full squat rack was thinking about getting one of those first but I decided not to so I got my synergy full squat rack and I’m happy with it and love it 👍🏻

I had that squat rack for years built my bench past 300 loved that rack

Just posted my 70 sq ft garage gym tour. Maybe I should have gone with this rack to save space!

Hey Coop,I've been watching a lot of your videos and really appreciate your reviews. Just have one question for you: if I'm going to buy a treadmill, for walking only, will a manual treadmill work or will it make walking harder? I'm 67 years old and can't do much running but I would like to walk as a means to get leaner. Just trying to decide between a manual or a motorized treadmill. Thanks for your time. Best of life... Dan

Waiting for the drop test 😄

Bought this during covid for like 60 bucks on sale. Solid af for the price, i only did about 315 squats and 225 benching. Holds up well for those numbers. I got a titan shirt squat rack now as my main rack, left this one outside in mt backyard. Perfect for pull ups (not kipping) and outdoor workouts.

Coop! You gents looking good. Stronger, fitter, leaner. Well played!

I just bought a squat stand just like this for $55 (¥8800) reused. The company is called MENCIRO they call it the “Power Rack Red 2x2 with 1/2” holes and the up rights in two parts.

I have the "upgraded" version of this rack and I want it out ASAP. I trust it for up to 200lb or so but it is super shaky. I'm getting a Rogue or Rep 4 post soon.

I was considering this. But also thinking about putting a steel sleeve over the connecting points. But i also won't be squatting over 350.

I actually found the same model on clearance at WM for $65. Has held up well for me so far (12 months). The difference I guess is my rack is all steel (no aluminum)

I have used this rack the past 6 years now. It was the first track I bought shortly after high school when I started lifting weights and working out for the first time. Mine at the time was 90 dollars but the j cups were a little different it had a weight limit of only "310" pounds. This is the perfect rack for the average lifter that doesn't want to take up a lot of space and is doing basic training with weight under 300. I've loaded up 315 on this rack multiple times and it seems to hold it fine. If you want to get into lifting this is the way. Not spending $5k at rouge lol

I used one for years just messing around. Probably only put 250-300 on it at any given time but it held up great and that sort of range probably covers a good amount of recreational weightlifters

Gonna be honest, I squatted over 600 pounds on this rack. It always swayed side to side whenever you unracked anything more than 315 and having never used a squat stand before (just high school and college power racks) I assumed they all swayed in a similar manner. My dad came and used it once then immediately bought a rogue monster lite squat stand for my birthday bc he was so scared of the swaying when he loaded up 150 pounds. All in all, I used it virtually every day in some capacity for a year and a half and it held up fine. The J cups obviously scratched immediately and I had to rig safety straps using ratchet straps (bailing with this was always interesting but they did the job). Overall, I’d recommend this as a first squat rack to anyone looking to buy their first rack on a budget.

Hi Coop, Could you review the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack?

I have this rack. Does fine for the average joe. Would like to upgrade eventually but was cool to start garage gym a couple months worth or gym membership fees.

I have this rack disassembled in my garage. I have not used it in five years. I purchased it 6 years ago. The only notable difference is that my rack is not aluminum. They were steel when I purchased it. I only used the rack as a pull up bar, and to hang my rings.

Unless you're a really top powerlifter you can defo get away with a basic squat rack. I never see the point of buying crazy big racks that eat up space in a home gym. Just put some weight on the weight horns or on the back and it will be super sturdy. Also, you can bolt it down so it will be even more heavy duty. Most of these can hold well over 200kg and not many of us ever touch them weights. There is some stuff I wouldn't cheap on like bars and benches, but racks are defo one thing id advise going a bit cheaper on. Also I have a cheap argos squat stand and have got attachments custom made for it for me. Many people make custom equipment now. I have got converging jammer arms, spotter arms and more heavy duty J hooks made for my squat stand.

Just before COVID lockdown hit, I got one of these racks from someone off of FaceBook marketplace to have outside (really more for pull ups, Toes to bar, low ring muscle ups etc more than anything else). I got the rack, 12 puzzle piece floor tiles, a battle rope and a couple 10 lb bumper plates for $75. I bolted the rack to a pair of 8 foot treated 2x4's and I have a tractor tire that I leave on the closed end of the "C" that helps keep it from rocking. It was a cheap way to be able to workout outside and have the option of pull ups etc. It has also been good to be able to do heavier squats at home since i Have the rack, I do not have the safety bars so if I were to have to bail its to the grass the barbell goes.

You should review the Titan plate loadable functional trainer

I've had one for about a year, it works really good for an intermediate lifter. Go get 2 cans of rustoleum from walmart and it will last outside for a long time. (not sure how long it would last in snow I live in florida)

Got this 3 years ago and once I started getting into bigger weight on my squat 315+ I started reinforcing my rack with 2x4 and then screwing it into the wall now it’s like a power rack that doesn’t even budge XD

I've been using this rack consistently for almost 2years now and it has held up beautifully. I admit, that at first i was nervous when squatting and doing pullups, because of the "wiggle" that is there. Let me just say that if you stay woth this rack, buy the plate holders that CAP offers... The stability that these add is tremendous!! Personally, i wish CAP offered more attachments for this... I do find myself every so often longing for the jammer arms or cable crossover pulley systems that others have lol... But bottom line, I'm 47 250lbs and use this 5-6 days a week and its held up without any signs of failure (4 days a week the weight is above the connection point on the upright... 2 days pull-up/Chin-up, 1 day squats, 1 day overhead press)

You can put a landmine attachment in the barbell side. Highly recommend the safety arms

Coop, the gauge for aluminum and mild steel dimensions are different. For example, 12 gauge in Aluminum is equal to 0.08 inches in thickness. On the other hand, for mild steel 12 gaugue is equal to 0.1046 inches in thickness. They might be saying the truth. Just FYI, there are different types of steel 304, 316, etc.

The guy holding the level up to the top part of the rack is killing me. moving it up and down like its going to change, then putting it on the backside thinking he'll be flabbergasted by different results... too funny...

If I was anyone purchasing this it some decent especially if your strength increase you stay around loading it to 350lbs maybe 400lbs max & just do more reps if your tryna get stronger on this rack other than that if you need to load more than that then just choose a power rack instead of a squat rack

You should check out this $300 Amazon rack Signature Fitness SF-SS1 1,000 Pound Capacity 3” x 3” Power Rack Squat Stand

I’ve been using this for about a year now and have no complaints. It’s a bit shaky but I rarely squat over 250. Pretty sure my back will give out first.

Coop - Will you review the Pepin Fast Dumbbells?!

You might could add a few extra pieces of metal plates and weld the seams for added security

Hey Coop, some of the companies are advertising early Black Friday sales on their offerings. Should I jump a squat rack now or should I wait for an even better deal on the actual day? Thanks!

Ex D3 college football player here. I don’t max anymore but I have a lot of residual strength from college lifting. I bought this rack about a year ago and had all the same concerns that you had. I bench and squat on it once or twice a week. I never go over 225lbs. Has held up good. I know it’s not durable so I don’t do powerlifting parameters, and I don’t go heavy. Basically just use it for a pump. When I bought this rack, I also had an old rusty powerlifting bar I bought off of a high school years ago, and about 300lbs of weight from my dads old bench set. You just have to know what you’re getting. If your a professional who doesn’t have a lot of time to lift (so you want to in the comfort of your garage), and doesn’t have really defined strength or bodybuilding goals, this works perfect to get in the movements at some lighter weights and to get a chest/leg pump going. I have no desire to lift heavy anymore, just trying to move. To Make sure I can still squat to depth, burn some calories, etc. Would not recommend for people trying to push it or go heavy, but great in a pinch and for a pump. I have to fight my ego to not lift heavy at times, but I just know what this squat stand is for: High rep, pump type workouts.

Could you review an Amazon power cage? Like the major lutie plm03

i got this for 75$ on market place with the spotter arms. Great for home gym if your not really barbell squatting more then 315.

After watching this video, I feel like royalty with my $230 Fitness Reality Squat Rack 💪🏽

I bought this when it was on sale for $85 and I just wanted it for the pull-up bar, and so far does the trick, but I would want to squat/out weight on it besides my bodyweight for pull-ups

I have this rack and it doesn’t have the same problem with leaning. I think the one in this video needed to be tightened up. That or it wasn’t cut right, which is very possible. Otherwise I agree with everything that’s said in this video. It was cheap, I was on a budget, had a specific height limit and was surprised by how well it works. I’m clearly not lifting any ridiculous weight but it’s stronger than it may appear.

I bought the steel version second hand. It does what I meed it to do but I wouldn't want it as my only rack. You still get some wobble on heavy squats but that doesn't really bother me. My biggest issue is the bolts in the middle of the uprights are right where I want the j-cups to be for bench.

I think you’ll be fine long term with no more than 225 on that rack. However considering how cheaply made the rack is one of the main bars could probably eventually snap which could be dangerous too.

I had the TDS squat stand and then bought the TDS squat rack. It is more money than this, but beefier, and still pretty good on the budget.

I’ve had that rack for 4 years, routinely sqat 350 with it

I love all the talk of how it’s bending from the sides but we only get the front angle whole time gahhhh😂

Do you have a review of the Fringe Sport Squat Rack? Also looking at a Hulk Fit Squat Stand with Pull up bar. Any thoughts on those. Budget and space is a factor.

If you are wondering about the thickness claims, I would recommend getting a pair of digital calipers and actually measuring to know the actual thickness.

I have a cap squat rack in my backyard for the money I gotta tell you it def does the job. I Do my weighted pull ups And bench press with 45s. I also put a tarp on it when im not using it because I live in New York ......so if it does get messed up no big deal for the money. Worth the money if you are inteested.

i have this rack and have been trying to convince my mom to get me another (i’m 14 so i’m not exactly stacked in cash) but i’m squatting 315-325 on a bar with barley hanging on j hooks

Can you do a reveiw on the Jacked Up Pro power rack

I got a synergee squat stand for 150CAD a few weeks ago on Amazon

I use CAP plates on my Ez bar. Got 100lbs for $50. It was a steal.

REVIEW MORE BUDGET EQUIPMENT LIKE THIS

I'm not sure if Mirafit deliver to you but they are a big brand in the UK that do really budget racks. I'd love to see a review for them