Reviewing The 6 Best Power Racks For Your Home Gym

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A power rack is a piece of exercise equipment that is used for weight lifting. You can do any of the major compound lifts with a power cage.  To be specific, this means squat, bench, deadlift, and OHP. They are also the backbone of the equipment that most weightlifters use.  

You can get them in different configurations that are designed to help a weightlifter perform all the major lifts but maintain safety.  They are what holds the barbell and lets the weightlifters lift the bar from different positions.  

 

Using this piece of equipment gives the weight lifter a safe free-weight workout.  A rack works by eliminating any dangers such as accident or failure if the weight is too heavy.  They generally give the weight lifter the ability to handle more weight than they would normally be able to do. A power rack is not to be confused with a power tower, which is a machine designed for ab work, dips, and pull-ups.

Basic Features

  • Safety bars that are easy to adjust

  • Two adjustable barbell holders

  • A two-point locking system on both safety bars and holders.

  • A pull-up bar with multiple grips

You will usually find these in any commercial gym, especially those with an emphasis on powerlifting. Some common exercises to do on a power rack include:

  •  Bench press

  • OHP or military press

  • Barbell back squat

  • Incline bench press

  • Barbell front squat

  • Power cleans

 

They generally come in heights of 2.44 to 2.74 meters or eight to nine feet.  If you are considering a power rack with pull up handles, you should add about one to two feet.

How They Work

They work by incorporating pneumatic strength columns to hold your weight before lifting.  The adjustable bar holders will allow you to place the bar in a position that’s suitable for the exercise. For example, if you’re doing squats, you want to be able to un-rack the bar without being tip-toed. 

Nearly every power rack should have safety bars, and if they don’t, look for a different brand. Safety bars allow you to spill the weight when you cannot complete a rep. You want to adjust the safety bars just below your normal squat depth. 

These racks usually are not stand-alone racks but come with many different attachments designed to enhance a weightlifter’s workout.  Some of the standard attachments include:

 

  • Rotating pull-up handles that are adjustable for the lower abs

  • Lever action bench (also called a removable locking bench)

  • Reverse bar catches

  • Dip bar attachment

  • Training and tech trays

  • Safety bars, which prevent injury when training alone.

Fitness Reality 810XIT Super Max

The Fitness Reality 810xit power cage has an 800-pound weight capacity and is made with 2×2 heavy-duty steel. The large walk-in space makes moving side to side easy.  It has two dual-mounted chrome safety bars and for safety, both of which can lock into the rack. Each of the two bars is adjustable to 19 height levels for a range of different work out positions.  

 

It measures 50.5” L x 46.5” W x 83.5” H and weighs 133.5 pounds, while also having two rear stability bars. This cage has chin-up/pull-up bars with multiple positions for building your shoulders, back, and arm muscle groups.

CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand

This rack is designed for heavy use.  It utilizes 12 and 11 gauge steel that can withstand the most grueling workout possible.  With the j-cup catchers, it eliminates the need to have a spotter.  The catches have a weight capacity of 500 pounds, while the pull-up bar has a weight capacity of 750 pounds. 

It has a weight storage feature and a built-in barbell holder.  To provide great security and stability when you lift heavy, there are double gusseted uprights.  You can do overhead presses, shrugs, pull-ups, squats, and bench presses with this power cage. However, keep in mind that you will need to buy a weight bench to do bench presses.  

All of the CAP strength products undergo a strenuous product test.  Assembled, it is 46” W x 50” deep x 85” H. This power rack includes rubber end caps to make sure you do not damage the floor.  For additional stability, there are floor anchors.  

 

It comes with the option to add a utility bench that adjusts in four different positions, perfect for upper body, and lower body exercises.  When doing core exercises there is foam roller for extra comfort. The padding of the utility bench is firm but comfortable and includes rubber end caps so it stays grounded.  This bench has dimensions of 55.12” L x 25.39” W x 47.24” H with a weight capacity of 500 pounds.

Hulkfit 1000 Pound Capacity Multi-Function Adjustable Power Cage

The Hulkfit power cage is adjustable and comes with dip bars to give you more exercise options.  The weight capacity is 1,000 pounds and is constructed of a heavy-duty steel frame. For maximum safety and stability, it has an H-shape base.  Other features include:

 

  • Two safety bars made of solid steel, designed with J-hooks 

  • Dip bars that have a safety locker that is adjustable.

  • There are pull up bars on top with multi-grip foam handles

  • It has a big walk-in space and for more stability, there are rubber feet.

  • Measures 81” x 44” x 47” and the power cage weighs 165 pounds

  • The cage is easy to assemble

  • Multiple holes for any bar height you need.

Rep Fitness PR-1100

This rack was designed with garage and home gym owners in mind as a full-featured product that will not break the bank.  It gives you all the professional features you need in a versatile, compact package. The number of exercises you can achieve are endless.  Some of the features include:

 

  • Pullup Arch with multi-grips that are perfect for close, neutral, traditional or wide-grip pullups.  

  • There are several numbered uprights that allow faster, more accurate adjustments.

  • The J-cups are UHMW plastic lined to help protect your barbell’s knurl to avoid rusting and to reduce the noise.

  • The safety bars are chrome plated and extend outward. They can be used to rack a barbell

  • The total footprint measure 80.5” H x 47.5” deep x 44” W.  It will be 84” tall if you mount the pullup arch.

  • Pull up bars are rated for 400 pounds

Valor Fitness BD-7 w/ Lat Pull Attachment

This power cage is constructed of 12-gauge steel that measures two by two inches.  On each foot is a rubber base cap to protect your floor while adding and safety.  

Other features:

  • Pull-up station at the top of the rack with a knurled grip along with a lat pulldown station. It also has a plate loading carriage.

  • For bar support, there are twenty-seven variable positions that range in height from 17.5” to 68”.  They make it easy to identify the positions with a vibrant numbering system

  • The storage pegs measure 8” each, so there is storage for both standard and Olympic plates to give you an organized home gym.

  • Regarding safety bars, if the bar catches outside of the cage there is a 500 lb max load. If using the bar catchers on the inside of the cage, there is a 650 lb max load. 

  • The LAT pulldown has a 250 lb. max load

This is one of the best power racks due to the lat pulldown attachment. All Valor Fitness machines are well-built and great for home gyms. You’re saving a lot of money if you choose this option because of the pulldown attachment. This feature allows you to use the 38” LAT pull bar at the top to do exercises like cable rows and cable curls.  It also adds more versatility to your workout regimen.  

 

Valor Fitness manufactures over four hundred different products to help you meet your fitness goals. There are plenty of attachments you can purchase to add to this power rack.

Titan Fitness Short Power Rack T-2 Series

This would be a great investment for beginners or serious athletes.  The Titan Fitness Power Rack is made of sturdy heavy-duty steel construction for durability and damage prevention.  It is strong enough to hold up to 700 pounds. This rack is built so it can fit into small basements where a standard power rack would not work.  With this power rack, you can perform exercises such as:

  • Dips

  • Deadlifts

  • Curls

  • Squats

  • Chin-ups

You can also add a bench underneath if you want to do bench presses.  The dimensions of this power rack are 71.5” H x 44” opening x 24” depth and a weight of about 123 pounds.  The pull-up bar is 68.5” off the ground. It is easy and quick to assemble so you can get started on your workout routine as soon as it is put together.

Comparison Table

My Pick

Valor Fitness BD-7

valor fitness bd-7

Advice Before Purchasing

The most important thing to consider is that you have enough space for a power rack.  Make sure that you measure the area where you want to place one and write the dimensions down before purchasing. 

The average dimensions for most power racks are 7 feet x 4 feet x 5 feet. If you plan to add accessories you need to also take into account the added space they will take up.  For example, if you want to add a chin-up bar you are going to need to more vertical height.

 

You also need to consider your strength because all power racks have different weight capacities.  Furthermore, check the stability of the power rack because it will be handling large loads. If it is not stable, that can be a serious safety issue.  You need one that is solid.

Types Of Racks

There are several types of power racks and the best power rack for you should not be based on price but on which one is right for you.

  • Squat rack/squat stands—this one takes up the smallest amount of support and are the ones that are the most portable.  They use a lightweight method of keeping the bar off the ground to put it at shoulder height.  

  • Half rack—these are the racks that are traditionally recognized. They offer adjustability, support, safety bars and generally an overhead bar for band attachments and pull-ups.  It will not form the enclosed cage and has only one set of uprights.

  • Power rack/cage—this design is similar to a half-rack but gives you more safety and stability because of the cage design.  It has dual columns in the back and front that are supported by horizontal bars bottom and top. Cages generally have a higher weight capacity.  These are what you typically see in football weight rooms.

Conclusion

Any of the options listed in this article are great choices for a home power rack. Remember to consider the dimensions of your living space as well as the rack itself before purchasing. 

 

Safety is the number one priority whenever you choose to buy or use a new piece of equipment. Ensure that the rack you buy has a weight capacity that’s suitable for your needs. Also, make sure that you know how to adjust your safety pins correctly, you can watch the video below for tips on this. Lastly, consult your physician before spontaneously starting a new workout plan.

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