This year is the year of powerful health! Those who decided to make this the year they do more workouts at home will discover that solid equipment makes a real difference in long-term results.

There are three that top the list for different reasons. The Rep PR-1100 Power Rack is a highly recommended top-of-the-line system that is heavy duty and has everything you will ever need.

The Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage is another recommended system. It has an optional LAT pull-down attachment as well as an adjustable Leg hold down so you can get variety in your workout.

A third power rack that is Amazon’s choice is the Body-Solid Powerline Power Rack (PPR200X). While it is the least expensive of the three, it is solidly built and has a 10-year-warranty.

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The Rep PR-1100 Power Rack is so durable it can be used in commercial facilities as well as at home. It has some major safety features and is completely customizable. There are options for height and depth as well as colors. There is a list of accessories and attachments available to provide unlimited expandability. You can choose accessories and attachments as needed because this rack has a top rear logo cross-member that is an anchor.

The downside to this power rack is that the assembly instructions are confusing and insufficient. The print is really small and the two diagrams are of two different machines.

Some users have reported chipped or broken attachments arriving in the shipment. The third con to using this equipment is that customer service tends to be slow to respond to requests and in replacing broken pieces. Finally, the price is higher than most other brands, making this a long-term investment piece.

The Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage is the Men’s Health Editor’s Choice for Power Racks. It is also the number one bestseller. At a median price range, this system packs a lot in for workouts.

There is a large walk-in space for side-to-side movements and two chrome dual mounted safety bars with two chrome lock-ons provide much safety. Each of the bar pairs can be adjusted to 19 heights, adding to the range of work out positions. Each pair has a capacity hold of 800 pounds. This system is easily paired with the Fitness Reality 1000 Super Max Weight Bench, which will expand your workouts to 20 exercises.

The cons to this system are that users said some pieces, like the mainbrace, were missing when the system was delivered. They also said it has taken considerable time to get the parts to finish putting the rack together. Others said if there are no weights on the bar, the rack can easily move even when it sits on foam puzzle plants. Another complaint was it could tip if there is horizontal pulling, so rope drills can only be done hanging from the top pull-up bar.

The Body-Solid Powerline Power Rack (PPR200X) is designed to accommodate a variety of exercises from squats to military presses, shrugs and calf raises. This rack has a design that includes a wide walk-in that easily works for side-to-side movement. It has 18 positions as well as two saber style safety rods and two hot-tempered lift-offs. It is at its best when you add a PFID125X Folding Bench or a PFID130X Adjustable Bench. One of the best attributes of this product is the price, as it is lower than many other models.

The cons of ordering this product is the assembly. Users said the parts didn’t all fit together when it was delivered and customer service had to work with them to get the correct parts orders to complete assembly. Also, this system doesn’t work well for tall people such as 6-foot-tall and above. The holes are set further apart than on other racks and that can make it difficult to perform squats. Finally, this is a simple rack system meaning there are no frills about it. There is no bar or plate storage and there aren’t any cable attachment stations. This may lead some who want to increase their workout routine to buy an upgraded system later.

You should start your workouts now and there is no better way to do it than to order a squat rack/power system for your home. With a variety of options and prices, there is no reason to put off getting in shape with a great power rack today!

Best Overall: Rep PR-1100 Power Rack

The Rep PR-1100 Power Rack gives you the most value for the money. It is built and meant to last from construction to painting. The painting process in this commercial-grade power station includes sandblasting and powder coating, so it will show less wear over the years than its competitors.

It also has plenty of room of 47-inches of outside-to-outside width to rack the bar without the plates hitting uprights’ sides.

Another plus is there is a front foot extension where you don’t need to bolt down before working outside the rack. You don’t need to change the j-cup or safety height because you can add spotter arms off the rack’s front to allow for dedicated setups for benching and squatting.

There is a base stabilizer that is shaped so you do not need to bolt down a 48-inch depth rack. The stabilizer also acts as an anchor point for the low row footplate and pulley system.

Product Highlights

• The Rep PR-1100 Power Rack is rated commercial grade. It is a 1,000-pound rated piece of heavy-duty equipment. It features a 3×3-inch 11-gauge steel power rack with 1-inch hole spacing in the bend zone with ⅝-inch pinholes.
• This machine comes with two pull up bars that includes one standard bar and one fat bar. You can also buy accessories like the dip bar, which is sturdy and has solid and comfortable handles.
• This power system is fully customizable from the color to the adjustments and accessories. It also has multiple height and depth options and comes with a pull-up bar and laser cut numbers.

What I like

This squat rack is made for anyone to use. It can accommodate both tall and short people because of its depth and adjustable height.

The list of attachments makes this user-friendly for a family interested in making working out a part of the daily life. The customer service is also helpful and reliable and is quick to respond to questions and concerns.

One of the best features is how they crafted the j-hooks. The company uses a solid piece of steel to make the j-hook rather than welding pieces together. This makes it a lot stronger. Barbells are protections with UHMW.

What I don’t like

This system can be complicated to assemble. The instructions are vague and hard to read. Some of the attachments may be the wrong fit. Some of the weights may not fit correctly, making the lateral pull-down bar less usable. The weights can be too tight and may not always slide off and on easily. The top of the squat rack is short, so some people close to 6-foot tall may not be able to do a full hang or do kipping pullups.

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Best With Add-Ons: Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage

The best features on this 800-pound power rack system are its safety features. It has two chrome lock-on safety bars and two chrome dual mounted safety bars. There are 19 different heights for the safety bars and they are compatible with 7-inch Olympic bars. There are also two rear stability bars.

This system also has ball-bearing pulley systems that make workouts easier. These include a high lateral and a low row system that has a smooth chrome guide rail. It includes a 39-inch lateral bar and a 20-inch low row bar.

This system has an adjustable leg hold-down that can shift with the safety bars making for a comfortable position. Two adjustable foam rollers are included. the length of this system is 50.5 and the width is 46.5. It is 83.5 inches high. The posts are 14-gauge steel and the safety bars are one-inch solid steel.

What I like

This power rack system is great for those who want a smooth workout because it glides smoothly.

The stability is awesome and the adjustable leg hold-down is quite comfortable. The fact it has so many height levels is nice, especially if you want to try different positions. It offers a number of attachments for a power rack in this price range and the delivery came

quickly after ordering. there is plenty of clearance, between three and four inches, from the pins to the real stabilizing bar so decline bench presses are doable.

What I don’t like

This system can be limiting in its use because it can shift when there are no weights. Some of the pieces are hard to put together and the wait time for replacement parts can be long.

There is only one way to do rope exercises and the safety can be improved where it wouldn’t tip. You also can’t effectively use gravity straps to lift up at an angle because it can tip if it isn’t secured to the floor. although there is space to do side-by-side exercises, this cage isn’t as wide as others found at commercial gyms. Finally, there is no plate storage.

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Best Wide Squat Rack: Body-Solid Powerline Power Rack (PPR 200X)

The best features of this squat rack system is that it has a wide walk-in design that has 24 inches between the upright pillars, allowing for a lot of free motion. This system is 44 inches long by 46 inches wide by 82 inches high.. There are 18 adjustment levels with two heat-tempered lift-offs and two saber-style safety rods.

It has an integrated wide knurled chin-up bar and is rated for 700 pounds. It has adjustable side structures which stop the weight if there is a stumble. There are also steel pegs that allow storage for the weight at or above shoulder level until you need it.

You can customize your squat rack with other accessories from Powerline like the lat attachment (PLA200X) and the bend (PFID130X). Other items, like barbells, weights and collars are sold separately.

It has a 10-year-frame warranty with a one-year warranty for all other parts.

What I like

This power rack system is an affordable starter system that has plenty of function.

The wide chin-up bar is easy to use. It is sturdy and well built for its frame. The solid steel safety rails are made well. It is durable for a heavy weight drop and a host of exercises. It is effective for squats up to 400 pounds and can endure heavy use. It is also easy to put together and can be done in an hour with its easy-to-follow instructions although it takes two people to assemble it correctly.

This power rack is highly affordable and offers most of the same accessory options and other more expensive racks. While this is not a commercial gym rack, this power rack makes for a good home gym because of its sturdiness and affordability.

What I don’t like

This power rack is so simple that it will need to be upgraded to a higher performance rack in a few years. It is a no-frills system that isn’t that expandable.

The biggest issue is this squat rack can’t be used by everyone in the family. It is best suited for those of average height, making it somewhat difficult for tall or short family members to get the best use out of it. The pull-up bar is not very comfortable and is, in fact a bit rough, so it will cause calluses on your hands.

It didn’t come with a plate rack, so a pipe and end cap purchase from a hardware store is on order to create your own using the bottom back hole in the steel frame.

The system can wobble when squats are done outside the rack with around 300 pounds of weight. It can lean forward when finishing squats if you re-rack the bar hard.

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Final Verdict

In these comparisons, the Rep PR-1100 Power Rack offers the most versatility in this equipment category as it can be effective for an unlimited number of exercise positions. It also accommodates both tall and short people and had fewer complaints about ease of use than other models. It also can grow with you as you change and redefine your workout as it can be completely customized.

For those on a budget, the Body-Solid Powerline Power Rack is a good way to start a workout. You can still perform numerous exercises and some attachments are available. It is especially good for those just starting a workout routine who just need something simple to get started.

Squat Rack Buyer’s Guide

Finding a good power rack can seem daunting because there are so many on the market. The key things to look for are safety features and versatility. You want to be able to expand your workout routine with accessories and adjustments as you move forward in your program. Also look for high-rated equipment that has been endorsed by health or exercise experts. You also want to find out how easy the power rack is to assemble as they all need assembly.

Key Feature in a Squat Rack

The key feature in a good power rack is proper hole spacing. This includes hole spacing through the bench zone as well as pin holes. Proper spacing means you will be comfortable and have many height and sitting options. Those systems that don’t have proper spacing will mandate that you buy longer poles and other items to make it fit your needs.

For More Information about Squat Racks

There are many knowledgeable sites on the web that can assist in picking out the right squat rack. One of those is . It offers answers to common questions about purchasing gym equipment and offers a checklist for research. Another site is offers advice on how to choose a power rack that suits your individual needs. A third resource, has a list of the top branded power racks on the market.

Squat rack FAQs

What weight capacity should I look for in a squat rack?

That depends on how much you plan to use during your workout. If you plan to do a lot of heavy lifting, you need to look for a rack that can handle heavier weight. Look for solid steel racks that can sustain 1,000 pounds. Other home racks are perfectly fine with under 400 pounds and generally cost less. It is best for you to decide how far you want to take your workouts before you start looking for a power system. That way you can buy a system that can grow with your needs.

Can I keep a rack outside?

For most brands, it isn’t a good idea. However, if the rack is rust-resistant, you could put it outside. Make sure the bars are powder coated to prevent rust and keep it under a covered area if you must have it outside. It probably wouldn’t hurt if you had a plastic cover for your power rack to keep it from the weather when you aren’t using it.

What two accessories are the most important?

The two most used accessories is a bench and a chin bar because they are the most used. Having quality accessories is important to expand your workout. Find out if the system you are looking at purchasing comes with those options. Some bars can be rough on the hands, so make sure any bar you get, whether it is a lateral bar or a chin bar, is comfortable in your hands.

Can I bolt power racks to the floor?

Most power racks allow you to bolt them to the floor, but be sure to ask about that possibility. Securing your rack to a floor increases its safety as it ensures it will not tip with heavy weight. Be sure to make sure the floor can sustain the weight and the bolts.

Will a high priced model mean a better rack?

A higher-priced power rack doesn’t mean you will necessarily get a better squat rack. Look at how it is built compared to those on the lower price end. Also, look at how versatile it is and compare that with the lower end models. Some of the less costly models offer the same versatility and safety that the higher-priced power racks offer. Remember that cheaper racks are generally going to be more lightweight than their heavier and more expensive counterparts. They will likely not have the weight capability of the heavier systems, but could also be less complicated to assemble.