A Squat Rack

leonheart1 on 10/01/2014 - 21:31

After buying a dodgy one from Gumtree (Leichardt, NSW), I've noticed that the frame is starting to bend. Clearly the quoted 250kg limit was bullshit (since I've only got about 80kg on it so far) but I guess that's what I deserve for buying brandless junk.

I'm looking for a new one instead of waiting for that death trap to spring. I plan to use it for benchpresses as well as squats so the bar holders should be able to go quite low.

These two are around the price range (<~$250) I'm looking at and they seem quite sturdy:

http://www.gymdirect.com.au/item/SST2-Adjustable-Width-Squat…

http://www.southsidefitness.com.au/SQUAT-RACK-POWER-CAGE-POW…

Does anyone have any recommendations, advice or feedback on squat racks?

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Morien on 11/01/2014 - 09:38

    That second one looks a bit nicer because it has longer arms = safer if you can't take another rep out of the hole. Might also see IronEdge's range, though I have a feeling they would be way above your price range.

    • leonheart1 on 11/01/2014 - 22:07

      Thanks for your advice and you're right, just looking at their site makes me feel poor! I didn't bother looking at shipping costs because the cheapest squat rack is $1.4k. I think if I bought from them, I'd have to close my OzB account.

  • whitty on 11/01/2014 - 09:57

    I have one of these (http://www.gymdirect.com.au/item/MMPR-Power-Rack/498.htm) that I've used for a few years and it's great. A bit more expensive but I've dropped the bar from almost standing onto the safeties without any drama. Obviously at $595+shipping it's a more expensive but worth paying the extra if you can.

    I have the safety bars set so when I'm benching if I can't make the rep the bar will sit just above my throat and I can slip out once it's resting on the bars. Only downside is moving the bar out of the rack for military press etc.

    • leonheart1 on 11/01/2014 - 22:11

      Thanks. I've considered power racks and it's not the price of the rack I'm concerned about. I think $600 is quite reasonable considering how much more activities you can do compared to a squat rack. The issue is more the size of the thing and the limited space to put it in.

      I noticed that the brand is similar to the squat rack I had in mind; MuscleMotion. How would you compare the quality of it compared to other equipment of other brands (if you've experienced them, that is)?

  • resubaehtgnolhcs on 11/01/2014 - 14:20

    Sometimes you can get lucky at Grays Online with Gyms that have gone out of business. Sure you get second hand equipment, but at least it is commercial quality, so you won't have to worry about it breaking on top of you!

    There is an upcoming auction on Gray's with pick up from Lidcombe, and there is a squat rack as part of their catalogue.

    • leonheart1 on 11/01/2014 - 22:17

      Thanks for sharing. Do people usually go overboard on bidding at these auctions because they forget the 15% premium? I've only 'bought' three things from Grays; free earphones, a cheap dozen of wine and a phone which was refunded due to a pricing error.

      • resubaehtgnolhcs on 12/01/2014 - 21:42

        Yeah, sometimes the buyer's premium can kill the deal!

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