You probably remember it from commercials as an incredibly effective solution to your weight loss problems. The power rack is a staple in many of the best gyms in the USA.
When it comes to building muscle, paying close attention to form is crucial. Bench-pressing by yourself is one of the most dangerous and inefficient exercises you can possibly do. Here are a few more questions you need to ask yourself before you decide to get a power rack.
For those serious about squats and deadlifts, the idea of owning a power rack is ideal.
Like any other piece of equipment, power racks come in many different varieties. Power racks can be adjusted to a range of heights, feature straight uprights or adjustable, and may or may not include j hooks for safety.
These can all have a huge impact on price, size, and materials. Power racks can be used with all kinds of exercises, but are ideal for squats and deadlifts.
Here we take a look at the 13 best cheap power racks, the reason being, many of the best power racks come in moderate to high price ranges. If you are on a budget, there are still some great power racks out there worth considering.
1. Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage
Pros:
- Easy to assemble
- Durable, sturdy construction
- Fits all standard plates
- Back squat capacity is 1,600 pounds
The Fitness Reality 810XLT Power Cage is well-built and easy to assemble. It is rated for users of up to 500 pounds. The bar support is a very basic rectangular shape, similar to what you find at most commercial gyms.
Wen you order the lat pulldown attachment, the lat bar is supported with a metal bar, and the lat bar has a small 8-inch steel loop that allows you to set the bar in place when you aren’t using it.
The leg platform has support bars running across it, so you can face sit and do leg curls with this power rack.
2. Merax Athletics Fitness Power Rack Olympic Squat Cage Home Gym
Pros:
- One of the best squat racks for home use
- Easy to assemble
- The rack is very durable
- Affordable price
The weight capacity of the rack is not for a serious lifter. If you lift more than 120 pounds, you should look for a rack that has a higher 250-pound capacity.
This is one of the best power lifting racks with a capacity of only 250 pounds. It is so affordable that you can acquire a full set of weight plates along with it.
This metal squat rack is designed to serve the purpose of a squat rack, a deadlift rack and a bench stand.
3. REP FITNESS Power Rack
Pros:
- Heavy-duty steel construction.
- 2 Utility bar catches.
- 90 degrees angled side pulls.
- Braided steel bar catches.
- Comes with upgrade pins.
- 17 spacing adjustments.
- Can do dips.
- Hole spacing at 4— apart.
- Will take any size weight plate.
- Supports up to 500 pounds.
Cons:
- Utility bars may bend over time.
- Front rack height may not be adjustable.
This is the best power rack for Powerlifters, and one of the most popular racks on the market today. This is one of the best power racks for home use.
This squat rack has everything you need to start your CrossFit training. The J-hooks are extra wide and can accommodate large Olympic sized bars. This power rack is extremely stable and can fit in small spaces. It features an all-in-one design where all of the uprights and chin-up bars are attached for easier assembly and a cleaner look.
4. TDS Mega 1000 lb Rated White Power Squat Rack
Pros:
- Great for multiple exercises
- Heavy duty construction
- Made of solid steel
- Covered by lifetime warranty
- Good customer support
This squat rack from TDS is one of the best power racks and this rack is sure to be a lot more than you think you want. Yes, it is mid height, but it has a 1000-pound weight rating. The rack is being made using the best possible materials, just like a power rack, known to be made, and the uprights come with four 2.5-inch holes spaced out on the base of the squat rack and 12.5-inch holes spaced out around its uprights.
The main reason why this unit is rated as one of the best power racks is because it provides a lot of attachments. Yes, you get a 24-inch pull-up bar, a set of dip bars, as well as a safety spotter arms that can be used to perform squats safely.
You can also make use of the lat attachment that is supported by a 6-inch pipe. The angles it provides will allow you to work on the bench press, already making this rack really great.
5. Body-Solid Best Fitness BFPR100 Adjustable Power Rack
Pros:
- Cost Effective
- Space Saving
- Multiple Position Options
- Optional Smith Machine Attachment
Here is one of the most popular power racks on the market. The Body Solid BFPR100 is an adjustable power rack that can be used for both strength and cardio training. The frame of this rack is made of 12-gauge steel, which is more than adequate to handle whatever you can throw at it. The bumper plates attach to the bar and have a diameter of 50mm.
The unit also comes with two 25-pound weight stacks. With a maximum capacity of 350 pounds, the unit can accommodate a wide range of users. However, missing from this unit is a Smith machine attachment, which is available for purchase separately.
The unit features a standard up and down lever design, and the bar catches are considered to be of a medium quality, as some users have reported that they do have a tendency to become slightly loose over time.
6. Body-Solid Powerline PPR200X Adjustable Power Rack
Pros:
- Modular design that allows you to use the attachments you want
- Plenty of exercises that you can do with the power rack
- Durable powder-coated finish
- Solid, stable foundation
Cons:
- The instructions weren’t the best
- Its modular design requires you to put it together in the end
The Body-Solid PPR200X power rack is an excellent addition to CrossFit gyms. The rack is designed to fit on an 18×72” platform. It includes an adjustable safety spotter bar, but you can use the Powerline bench to adjust your workout.
The resistance band pegs allow you to get in cardio and glute and kill workouts. It comes with a chin-up bar and a band peg, so you can start doing chin-ups and other calisthenics.
The base of the rack uses roller wheels for transportation free of resistance. The rack is capable of supporting loads up to 1,000 pounds, and it has 12 weight plates.
7. Titan T-3 Series Tall Folding Power Rack
Pros:
- Sturdy, well-constructed
- Easy to set up
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to adjust
- Versatile design
- Perfect for squatting, bench press, chin ups, dips and many other exercises
- Folding design for easy storage when not in use
Cons:
- May be too heavy for mobile use
- Not good for tall users
The Titan T-3 Series is a sturdy power rack that can hold a lot of weight. That is perfect for any