I would add that if you aren't certain about what style of rack you want, try to prioritize a system that has options for upgrading later. Just one example is Rogue's SML-2 squat stand which can later be converted to a half rack or a 4 post rack
I’ve been watching a lot of equipment reviews. I want to applaud you on being so thorough and well spoken. Your entire delivery was perfect and inclusive to all level of fitness experience. Definitely helpful and in my opinion the best review I have come across.
Fitness Gear from Dicks is by far and away the best half rack bang for buck $$$$ their half rack is a true 3x3 with 1 inch holes made of super high quality steel which comes with weight plate holders for like $399.00 !!! I’ve owned mine for a couple years and the J hooks are stout and spotter arms are amazing !! All of which comes with it at that price ! But no one ever talks about fitness gear brand :/ not sure why
@@GuitarsAndSynths True, I think only Hammer Strength may still be 7-gauge, or at least they were prior to being bought by Life Fitness. The rest you mentioned are good 11-gauge (0.120 steel) brands as opposed to 7-gauge (0.180 steel), meaning 50% stronger. You can really feel the weight difference between 11-gauge and 7-gauge equipment.
I’ve been more than happy with my Rep Fitness PR 4000 rack. I’ve had it for over two years now, 30 inch depth 4 post rack with the high/low pulley attachment upgrade this year. Kinda wish I’d gone with the PR 5000 but this rack will last me the rest of my life. Lol Thanks for the in depth review, you didn’t leave anything out!💪
Why do you wish you had gone PR5000 instead? I just ordered my PR4000 last night (lat pulldown included), and I saw 1" holes as a disadvantage due to bench area hole spacing. Seems like most attachments come in either 5/8" or 1" holes.
I got the 4000 because smaller holes means more metal in the uprights (at least that was my thinking then). I also didn't see much advantage of a 5000 other than that cool cross beam of the 5000 that probably would have just gotten in the way (looks cool, though). I went with a 6-post 4000, with 41" depth on the cage and 16" depth on the extended plate storage portion. My only regret is sticking with the short upright posts. Doing toes-to-bar with 80" uprights is fine (I'm 5'8"), but a little more clearance would be nice. Otherwise, I love my 4000 and am super happy with my choices every day.
How about safety? Is a full rack safer than a half when squatting? If you tip backwards or forwards you will be stopped before going all the way over, no?
PRX Performance has a great (hinge-able, up & down style) variety of 3x3 racks similar to Rogue’s (left to right) folding racks for those who are limited on space like myself who has a single car garage (I also park in it too) that still want to have a “garage gym”. Great reviews on all products. Keep up the amazing work!
My brother, I'm looking at purchasing one of these setups and your video helped me out a great deal. Would it be possible for you to share the exact configuration of the setup right behind you? From the accessories to the weights, to the roller J cups? Thank you!!
Great content in my opinion I put rogue ahead of rep. Not to say rep is bad but I’ve used both, American made beats China made, better welds better attatchments more option’s especially with monster series. I would put sorinex maybe a little ahead of Rogue and williams ahead of them from personal experience.
10 post rack FTW, if you have the space. Keep all plates on the center posts, and have a fully functional, no interference, fully enclosed rack on each side. Also, for safety if there are multiple people using the space at the same time without good coordination and/or gym organization/layout, make the racks tall enough to press overhead in. Big, tall, strong guys momentarily getting dizzy while maxing out on overhead lifts, are not safe to be around unless they are enclosed on all sides..... Most newer racks allow pullup bars to a bit down on uprights, instead of right at the top. If so, no need for the old headroom above the rack advice for pull-ups.
I tried a 8 post rack for 3 months and just found it didn't work for our gym. Trust me I wanted it to work. 10 post just won't work in our space but It's not to say I don't agree with you. It offers some great training stations.
Hi: I’m looking to upgrade my RogueSM-2. I contacted Rogue to get a quote on a Rogue RM-3. I was asked if I intended to bolt the rack to the floor. I told the sales person that was not possible. Rogue said they would not sell me that rack 5:44. That it was dangerous. I was looking for a rack with 30” depth. All my accessories are 1” compatible with 3x3. Do you have any suggestions?
There's thousands of racks not bolted down and doing fine. The liability for Rogue to tell you not to do it is the problem. If you load up on the outside cups it could fall over in theory. If you did all your lifts inside the rack it would be stable. If Rogue is out of the question the answer is look at REP FITNESS rack. Both are made with robotic welding and processes so there's little difference between them in quality.
What are your thoughts about Rogue RM-390F. Depth is 24”. Like you I will bench outside rack and squat inside rack. I am not loyal to Rogue, but am concerned that some of the multi holed accessories will not line up with the hole. I think Rogue is inches and Rep is millimeters.
I 100% agree with the buy once cry once method. I went straight to the PR 5000 V2 and have not regretted it at all. A cheaper rack MIGHT hold the weight you can lift, but is it going to inspire much confidence in your safety if it is wobbling with that weight? I would rather have a rack that does not flinch holding that weight. Great video man.
I haven’t tried either one. The thing to watch is if there’s 2 bolt up locations the hole spacing is different so the space between can be different but I’ve rarely found anything with that. The lever arms should be fine.
Great vid! I bought a half rack about 6 years ago due to limited space and very low basement ceiling at only 83". There was pretty much nothing out there at that time that could fit except Titans short squat stands which I converted to a half rack. Its been fine. Ive learned to do everything outside the rack and Im cool with that. But Im considering an upgrade. I think my only choice might be Reps 80" half rack. I have a few other Reps products and they are a solid company. Thanks again for the great info.
Bells of steel made their racks and other amazon cheap racks in 2.5" widths that didn't work with any of the modern attachments was a big complaint. Hole spacing was terrible and wobbly racks. Personally if your a weekend warrior it will do you just fine but anyone looking to replace a commercial gym membership like we did might want to look at REP or better in terms of quality.
@@MacStrengthCo Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. This wasn't made obvious to me at all through GarageGym's (Cooper) review of the amazon basic rack.
@@MacStrengthCo Hammer Strength and Legend Fitness would be my top picks of high end American made squat racks followed by Straydog and Surplus Strength maybe add in Sorinex but Sorinex charges a lot for shipping!
I'm buying my first rack soon. I have a 120 inch ceiling indoors. I'd prefer a half rack. My main concern is most racks being too short. 96-100 inch height would be perfect for me but that's pretty hard to find. I'm 6'3 and enjoy doing pullups, but would rather not have to bend my knees. I like the look of the Rep Apollo, but it only goes to 93 inches. Another option is the Rogue HR2 108 inch version. Have you had any issues doing pullups on your 93 inch rack at your height?
I started with a Craigslist Tuff Stuff bench press that was able to do squats and fold up with wheels. Then a Craigslist body solid 4 post rack which I sold to get a Titan x3 squat stand which was nice. Then during covid I upgraded to my Rep PR-5000, super happy with the choice I have low ceilings so I went short rack otherwise I would have paid an arm and leg for Rogue Monster rack.
Great content, brother. Keep it up. Squat/power rack decisions are huge. Space, $$$, accessories, training style …so many factors. I started my garage gym 1.0 with a Yoke and now GG 4.0 has a RM6 and a squat stand.
If rogues 3x3 are 1mm thicker than reps 76mm then I would choose rogue for strength lol jk. 3 years ago I went with a rogue hr2 monsterlite rack in my 2 car garage where I still park both cars in the gym. I didn't have any room for a 4 or 6 post power rack. This year I stabilized my halfrack with 3x3 cross members from top to bottom with extended rear uprights to match the front upright height. Now my half rack doesn't shake at all. I also modified and installed monster lite slinger with 300lb weight stack to save space. My half rack is a beast that can now do multiple things even hold my punching bag. I stacked 1000lbs of weight on it and it doesn't budge. I'm glad I didn't upgrade to a full rack because tons of people don't know the full compatibilities of a half rack are almost the same as a 4 post power rack. I have seen people bench, squat around 500lbs on rogue hr2 and no issues. 90% of the people online don't give monsterlite half-racks enough credit for it's strength in a compact size to be honest. Thank you for your thorough review. 👍
You did well on that build out. Your right about overkill home gym racks! Westside was using 2” racks with 1000 lb plus on them for years.😂 monster lite is great and my buddy has a entire gym 3-4 racks in monster lite. 🤘🏼🤘🏼
Great review! I bought my 4-post rack so I can do squat, bench and pull-ups. My rack is 2.5"x2.5" and 12 gauge steel which I think is more than sufficient compared to 3x3 11 gauge which is definitely overkill and way more expensive. You forgot to mention for height if training in a basement, 80-85" works best for most people
Great point. I agree that most gear is way over built for what we need. I briefly touch on ceiling height and mention the limited heights you might want to look into a 80" rack like REP sells. Thanks again for watching and the awesome feedback! cheers
Love your vibe, brother. Good stuff… …unfortunately, we don’t have many options in the country I live in. (Hungary) Powertec has a reseller (not fully convinced) Rogue will ship from Belgium, but not the same items as stateside. Really want a good rack…😊
Excellent guide for first squat rack!! What high end USA made brands and models do you recommend and why? I am looking at Sorinex, Legend Fitness, Straydog, and Hammer Strength.
Mac....by far THE best video I've seen as I'm currently collecting information before purchasing my first Rack. I'm going with REP just uncertain, 4000 or 5000. Thank you. Bravo Zulu LHD-1 Plankowner Go Navy!
This was very thorough and as an owner of 3*3 5/8 Rogue ML Squat stand, appreciate the love for squat stands earlier in your video! Also, your insight into 3*3ish import racks being able to accept 3*3 domestic attachments, but not the reverse was great. I've never considered the limitations. Thanks!
As some in the early stages of a garage gym this was the BEST and most informative video I’ve seen. I wanted to know if a PR-4000 30inch depth rack would be okay without being bolted down? I’ll never go beyond 350lbs.
Sick garage/home gym you have there💪👍 Looking to put a power rack in the barn and doing research on which would be the best option that also has attachments/cable hookups. Thanks for the video
Thank you so much for all great details. You covered everything that needs to be considered when buying a squat rack. I am looking for a rack which also have functional trainer and came across Bodycraft RFT rack functional trainer. Can you please let me know if I should buy this. How safe this is and how good it is for long run use
Looks like a all in one machine but you will have some limitations on expanding it in the future. If that's not an issue by all means try it. Most if not all of these all in one machines are drop shipped from China and very similar. I think Costco might even sell one. All the best on your home gym journey!
Excellent video. I'm looking hard at the Rep PR-5000 80 inch. I'm in a basement and need more clearance for the low ceiling and lat row attachment that runs over top. I'm just hoping I can get a full extension for lat pull downs being 6'3".
I’m 6.2” and haven’t had any issue with my Titan lat tower which is built off an 80” height five or take. You might have to lean back a bit to get full extension or set your seat lower but I think it’s possible for sure.
I baught the 14 post rack from Williams , and pro series from legend for my facility. Jus curious if money wasn’t an issue what brand would u recommend to anyone ?
14 post rack! That's gotta be awesome. I would stick to the companies I suggested for high end custom racks. Sorinex, Oak, Irwin, Ghost, Williams etc. Comes down to shipping and what's near you really.
This was awesome. I have some brand half rack in my apartment. Some staff refer to my apartment as "the control center", partially due to this. Lately things have gotten questionable and spicy so I think it's time for a up grade.
Quesysir I’m I the market for an overbuilt rack. If money isn’t an issue which is better to get between rogue monster 6 or sorinex base camp. Both r 3x3 11 gauge steel American made. The rogue one is cheaper n seem very similar plus I am making a huge order with rogue. What are your thoughts ?
I would go all Sorinex gear if money is not an issue. American made and professional grade quality that pro sports teams use. If your in Canada Irwin Fitness is similar to Sorinex in quality.
@@MacStrengthCo oh absolutely jus wanted a rogue one too since I have lots of rogue it goes w the gym brand theme My gym is mainly rogue, Williams and legend
Outstanding video touching on all of the important considerations when buying a power rack….very well done!!! I’m currently building out the REP PR5000 along with the soon-to-be released Ares 2.0. I was a little torn on whether or not to go with the 16/41 build vs. the 16/30 build. My gym can accommodate both configurations but keeping the footprint smaller would allow me more room for my other equipment as well as body weight exercises and yoga. Your video has me leaning to the 16/30 build…..so thank you for that!
Awesome video! I’ve got the exact same rack as you and love it. The only thing I’m curious to see is how it is adjusting an attachment up and down, like the Ares, if I ever would get it. If it was in stock I would’ve got a white/black rack or the clear grind
Except they charge a fortune for shipping costs! I was quoted over a thousand bucks just for shipping cost by Sorinex and when I offered to find a lower cost shipping option they gave me a hard time.
@@GuitarsAndSynthsbecause they have exclusive shipping partners in place due to their need for no hassle high volume commercial shipping, don't care for the home market, their clients don't care about shipping, and they are backlogged with huge government and big facility contracts. If you want the best you have little to no room with negotiations. A tip is to avoid contacting them direct and find the contact for one of their sales reps.
1st thing: Where can we can we get that shirt? Link to order form. Great vid, covered everything and worth the listen. Tomorrow makes 20 days waiting on the PR5000 to be delivered. I know REP is in the middle of a move but man waiting 3 weeks is a buzzkill.
Shirts are coming soon. Man I feel you on the waiting game! I've waited so long for equipment I literally forgot I had it on order and it showed up. lol My longest was the Titan Pulldown machine took 4 months to finally deliver. Hang in there because it's worth the wait. cheers, Rylan
Great content, I hope you keep it coming. Just put together my PR5000 (as sturdy as any rack I have ever used) and am eagerly awaiting the Ares attachment.
The PR5000 impressed me the first time I opened up the box to see the uprights. The fit and finish is nicer than some of my Rogue uprights honestly! I've been very happy with it.
Great in depth video, I'm looking at buying the same rack you have in the video. I love the color scheme of the PR-5000. Can you tell me how you got the strap handles red and the REP sign red and the ends of the spotter arms? One other thing, where did you purchase the wall glass from in your gym? Thanks
hell ya brother!! I'm all about getting what you can to start training. I've seen some killer deals on Rogue racks lately on marketplace cheaper than Titan. Keep an eye out.
Great video and super thorough! I’ve been hesitant to pull the trigger on my rack purchase and your video really helped me decide on some things! Am a new subscriber now! Thanks!
Just do it. Got mine in a month ago. I've used it daily several times a day. Let's just say I shower more often because after I shower. An hour later I want to do more exercises.
I swear i got the worst amazon rack for versatility its 2x2 uprights with 4/5” holes, 2” spacing, and absolutely no one sells attachments for this rack
@@SmileyFaceTony yea i actually drilled a few holes into the rack but it took so long, I decided it wasn't worth the trouble and sold the rack now im in the process of getting a rep or rogue rack
Great info. I'm upgrading from SML2. Looking at 4 post w/ strap safety. Bench inside on back uprights. Squat opposite side still inside rack. Would you recommend 43" over 30" depth (RM4/3)? Or is 30" still fine. I have rogue trolley arms waiting that will go on front as well. Thoughts are if take a step back on squats that there's no chance to interfere with bench j-cups. I plan on having two sets always mounted. Other thoughts are Irwin Fitness P41.
30" has been more than enough depth for most people. You will notice it's the most common power rack depth in a home gym. I've tried both and like the 30" better.
Agree lost about 35lbs, got my strength back, sleep better, drinking a lot less. I got dual athenas, kabukki transformer bar and squat max md from titan also. i do wish Rep racks were 2 inches wider I hit my elbows on spotter arms a lot.@@MacStrengthCo
