About to pull the trigger on a power rack...

[beerdrinker]

I've finally 99% convinced the wife that yes, we can fit one more thing in our house. I've almost decided on the $299 rack from New York Barbell. http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/92563.html

I'm hoping that someone here has seen/used this rack and can testify to it's strength and stability. I'm nowhere close to a 500lb or 600lb squat right now, but in three to four years, who knows. I just want to make sure it's reasonably secure for going heavy. I'm not very tall, so I think the dimensions will be adequate.

 

[dshiznit00]

I have a cage system like that made by nautilus and Im happy with it. Mine looks to be a little more stable and built better but that one will do the trick. I still go to the gym but have this at my store for when I have to cut workouts short or just get the urge to lift more.

 

[Cynical Simian]

I've heard only good things about New York Barbell's quality.

 

[beerdrinker]

This is a lot harder than I thought it would be. I can't find how much weight it's rated for (sent them an email), but I was reading on another forum where someone had to dump a 400lb squat load in a rack that was rated for "1000 lbs" and the rack bent all to hell. 1000lbs rating is just sitting weight, and 400lbs in motion overwhelmed it. That's my biggest worry. Not that I'd be dropping weights very far under normal use, but anything can happen I guess.

Choice 2 is the Powertec Rack. http://www.powertecfitness.com/gallery/powertec-fitness_p_pr.htm

I know some here have that rack, and seem to be OK with it. Pros: I can pick it up locally, Comes with dip handles which make it come out to almost the same price as the NYBB rack with added dip handles, AND it's rated for 1500lbs. Cons: I don't like the chinnup/pullup handles. They look weird. I prefer a straight bar. For those that may have used this rack, what do you think about the pullup handles?

 

[perp69]

Next to buying stock in Toyota I would say that is a good investment.

Perp

 

[Powerbuilder333]

A power cage is essential IMO.
Your second choice looks better on paper. If money is no object you might consider a Westside Barbell power rack
http://www.westside-barbell.com/louies_equipment_line.htm
To expensive for me to own, but I wish my Gym had a few.

 

[Andalite]

it looks good. it can defenitely take on 800 lbs rack deads without a doubt brother....so i have heard..

 

[blut wump]

Coo, another home gym thread. I have the Powertec power-rack. The dipping bars are rated to 400 lbs and the spotter bars to 1500 lbs. It's very sturdy although lighter than I realised. When I'm squatting with bands, I have to weigh the rack down with a few 20Kg plates on the corners.

Here's my setup:
http://www.elitefitness.com/forum/showthread.php?t=501947

 

[beerdrinker]

Thanks all. Looks like The Powertec is the one.

It will be going into a carpeted area. Is a platform recommended? I can put one together with plywood.

 

[Cynical Simian]

It will be going into a carpeted area. Is a platform recommended? I can put one together with plywood.

Fuck yes. I made the mistake of only putting rubber mats over a carpeted area (and my rack, bench, etc. on top of that) for my first ~4 months of training. And I thought that core strength was the reason for my lack of stability. I still made progress, since I was completely new to weight training and could have gotten stronger on a routine from Men's Health that had me doing every exercise on a Swiss ball, but solid flooring is a must.