5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing price for a beginner to intermediate lifter

M. · November 8, 2024

This rack has been a game-changer for me, allowing me so much versatility in my home gym.Assembly was easy, and it took 3-4 hours to get the rack, and the lat pulldown dialed with a socket wrench. It's a two-person job, but in a pinch and with some extra time, you could do it by yourself.Once assembled, it has a compact size perfect for a garage, but it's still big enough to get the job done.Despite the 2x2-inch construction and the relatively high-gauge steel, the rack manages to be very sturdy. The only time I've seen it even slightly wobble was when I roughly dropped a loaded barbell heavily into the j-hooks. Although I have not bolted the rack to the floor (a possibility), even on weighted pullups, the rack doesn't really shake or shift. The lat pulldown works perfectly and it comes with all sorts of useful attachments.Some people have complained about the J-hooks, but I haven't really had a problem with them. They look more like miniature spotter arms that allow you to place a bar away from the back uprights and, thus, away from the lat pulldown wires. Without the J-hooks extending out into the rack, the back of the rack and wires would prevent you from setting a bench in a position where you could be almost directly under the bar. Yes, the J-hooks are a little loose on the rack, have a weight limit of 220 lbs, and the rubber pads that protect the hooks are cheaply made, but it is absolutely not a deal breaker. I did eventually get some more traditional J-hooks that don't stick out into the rack space, though I still use the original blue J-hooks when doing incline bench. After testing four bargain, aftermarket J-hooks, these were the best: https://www.Bolo.com/dp/B0C1G53YZ4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1The only problem that I really have with this rack is that it's so good that I've been doing a lot more lifting and have now begun to daydream about upgrading to something wildly more expensive. If I were to improve upon this rack, I would place the holes closer together. At times, I'm setting up the bar, and it's either a little too near or too far from the floor/bench to be optimal. The landmine attachment is great if you're lifting it straight up and down, but its attachment point to the rack doesn't allow it to move quite as nicely laterally. Lastly, my dip bars were very slightly bent (almost imperceptible except to me, but I can't not see it!).You can't expect commercial-grade equipment at this price, however, this rack is solid, versatile, and still a steal for the money.

5.0 out of 5 stars Used by a powerlifter(very impressed)

J.m. · March 24, 2024

For the record, I bench over 400lbs and squat well over 600.I am writing this review so people can determine if this is safe enough for them.This is not a high end rack but it definitely is a great value for beginners and intermediate lifters.I recommend finding proper sized j-hooks that are higher quality(that is only downside of this rack)I am writing this after assembly and testing.I loaded up a 495lb barbell on the rack while using aftermarket j hooks I purchased separately. And did a set. On the final rep I purposely failed and let the bar fall on the safety pins. Everything held up impressively well.As for the pulley system, I loaded up 185 on the pins(4 plates). And repped it out with the different attachments just to mess around.If you buy the power rack + the pulley system(which I recommend you do) the boxes for the rack and the box for the pulley system will ship with different tracking numbers. They will arrive at different times. This freaked me out at first because I thought I got screwed out of my money. Misunderstanding.....Anyway, assembly was straightforward and instructions were clear. Hardware was strong. You might not have such an easy time if you are not inclined with a wrench so get help from someone who is. The only tools of your own that you will need are a 5/8ths Socket or wrench. I used a Socket on an impact gun and that helped me get the rack together in an hour. Pulley system will take another hour. Will take longer if a ratchet or a spanner wrench is used.Things to take note of when assembling:-make sure you do not over Tighten bolts(They are good strength but it's always possible)-MAKE SURE YOU PROPERLY TENSION PULLEYS ON FLOATING ASSEMBALLY(You will immediately break your pulley)^^Not a quality issue, just negligence of buyer-the longer pulley cable goes on top, shorter on bottom.-verify that standing supports are in correct orientation, it is easy to mix them up and you will have a horrible time fixing it when it's too late. Ask me how I know.-put all pulleys in before cord then when it is time to put the cord in you can take bolts out one at a time(do not fully Tighten until finished)-bolt into the ground if you can-when finished assembling apply wd-40 to all moving parts, pulleys and along both pulley wires.Conclusion:Rack is very strong, good quality and good for Lifters that are not in the 1000lb club yet.Great deal for the money. I am honestly impressed. I was so anxious reading the reviews. If anything changes and I have anything break I will be updating this review.But for now, it is a 5 star for sure from me.