Best Squat Racks for 2022
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After the barbell, the power rack is probably the single most important purchase you will make for your gym. Finding the right one is crucial to the enjoyment and success of your training.
A squat rack opens up a world of possibility for your training that no other piece of equipment can match, which is why it's the centerpiece to any home gym.
Allowing you to bench press, squat, deadlift, perform pull-ups/chin-ups, dips, and so much more makes it a must-have addition for your gym.
Why You Should Trust My Reviews
I don't play around when it comes to reviewing products for you here at Barbell Pursuits. Aside from the barbell, squat racks are where I put much of my focus for reviews.
I've tested and tried out many of the squat racks you'll see today, and of the ones I haven't had the chance to, I've done my due diligence and scoured reviews from people who have, along with in-depth research about them.
Top 13 Squat Racks for 2022
- Best Power Rack - REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack
- Best Upgrade Squat Rack - Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0
- Best Premium Power Rack - Rogue Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0
- Best Budget Power Rack - Titan Fitness T-2 Power Rack
- Best Alternative Budget Power Rack - REP PR-1100 Power Rack
- Best Half Rack - Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
- Best Wall Mounted Squat Rack - Rogue R-3W Power Rack
- Best Budget Folding Squat Rack - Titan T-3 Folding Power Rack
- Best Alternative Folding Squat Rack - PRx Profile One Folding Squat Rack
- Best Squat Stand - Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand
- Best Beginner Squat Rack - Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack
- Best All-in-One Trainer - ForceUSA G6 All-in-One Trainer
- Best Yoke - Titan Fitness T-3 Yoke
Best Power Rack - REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack
REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack
Aside from the amazing REP quality, the PR-4000 Power Rack comes with an outstanding amount of customization to make it fit your home gym needs, whether big or small.
Pros
Cons
REP Fitness is almost a no-brainer choice when it comes to any of their home gym equipment and the REP PR-4000 Power Rack continues to make this decision making process easy.
Providing high-quality build using 3x3" 11-Gauge steel, a very sturdy bolt-down design, and more customization options than you can shake a stick at, I picked this as my best power rack overall.
The PR-4000 Power Rack has Westside hole spacing, a 1000 Lb. weight capacity, free weight storage, J-cups, safety pins and all the typical attachments you'd get for a rack of it's price range.
What makes the PR-4000 such a great power rack is in the customization options. Using REP Fitness' Rack Builder, you can choose from tons of color options for the uprights and cross members, height, depth, type of pull-up bars, weight storage, and safety features.
Of course these come at a cost, and things like improved weight storage, pull-up bars, and things like safety straps will be extra, but the amount of customization is excellent and the price is justified.
Whether you want a 4-post, 6-post, multi-grip bar, added weight storage, or additional height and depth, the REP PR-4000 Power Rack has it.
All of this is to say that this rack can get up there in price, as high as $2400, and it can begin to get very large by footprint because it is a traditional power rack. Needless to say, it's versatile.
Dimensions:
Best Upgrade Squat Rack - Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0
Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0
Rogue is known for quality, and the Rogue RML-490C can guarantee that along with a collection of fun color options to add more personality to your home gym - for a higher price.
Pros
Cons
The Rogue R-4 power rack has been a popular power rack for home gyms and with good reason: it provides everything you need for training, superb quality and a great price point.
However, I believe the newer Rogue RML-490C (and RML-490) is a better choice due to the added sturdiness while still being very similar in price.
The one thing that lets many racks down is the stability and, thanks to the 3x3” 11-Gauge steel used in the RML-490C, you will be hard-pressed to find a sturdier rack at this price-point.
It must be bolted down, but you can add a stabilizer attachment to the back if you can't. The unit is 340 Lbs. however, so it's unlikely you'd find it wobbling.
It wouldn’t be out of place in most commercial gyms so is an excellent rack for your home gym that is rugged enough to last a lifetime of grueling workouts.
As are many of the power racks in this price range, it comes with tons of accessories. You can add safety straps, safety spotter arms, numbered holes to the uprights, and it comes in 11 different color options.
It even comes with band pegs which is handy for CrossFit workouts and recovery work.
All of this isn't cheap, the Rogue RML-490C Power Rack starts at $1240, but it's one of the highest quality racks to date. The RML-490, which does not have color options, is slightly cheaper at $1125.
There's even the Rogue RML-490F which is a flat-footed design that does not need to be bolted down - it retails for $910.
It's not small power rack, having a footprint of 53" x 53", and a height of 90.375", but it's one of the best power racks hands down.
Dimensions:
Best Premium Power Rack - Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0
Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0
Want to go further for your home gym? The Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 is a premium power rack that adds the ultimate in versatility to your home gym with plate storage, space, and attachment potential.
Pros
Cons
If you just want the very best rack with all the bells and whistles without worrying too much about a budget, this is the one.
It features pretty much everything you would need from a squat rack and it looks pretty badass too... at a price.
Not only does it start at $2645, it is gargantuan in size, but it's part of Rogue's Monster Rack Series so it's no shocker that it's monster-sized.
Sitting at an 80" x 53" footprint, you're going to need plenty of space. It has height options of 90.375", 100.375", or 108.375", which mean it's equally tall.
If this doesn't phase you, then you're in for a treat. The Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 comes in 13 colors, including black cerakote and stainless steel for added oxidation protection.
It even comes with built in weight storage pegs on the 6-post design.
Along with those customization options, this power rack can be tricked out with safety straps, flip-down safety bars, 2" sandwich J-cups, Rogue name plate with/without gusset, skinny/fat pull-up bar, and plenty more.
The price is warranted when you consider it's laser-cut manufactured at Rogue's Columbus, Ohio factory and it uses 3x3" 11-Gauge steel.
This is all to say that the Monster in the Rogue Monster RM-6 Power Rack makes plenty of sense.
Dimensions:
Best Budget Power Rack - Titan Fitness T-2 Power Rack
Titan T-2 Power Rack
Budget doesn't have to mean compromise. The Titan T-2 Power Rack is an excellent, classic designed rack that utilizes 2x2 12-Gauge steel for a 2200 Lb. total weight capacity.
Pros
Cons
The fact that this power rack has been compared to Rogue’s popular R-3 offering, despite the lower price, is a great compliment.
It features a 1.25" pull-up bar, comes with 2 J-cups, along with safety pins and pipes, 2 weight plate horns.
The only real downside, when compared to Rogue’s racks is the overall build quality. However, this is mainly aesthetic and does not draw away from the rack’s usability.
It is a sturdy rack, but unfortunately it ueses 2x2" 11-Gauge steel, rather than the usual 3x3" or even 2x3".
It is still compatible with plenty accessories to add versatility to this rack. Unfortunately, and it's one of my main gripes with Titan Fitness, it only has a 1-year warranty.
Most other brands like REP or Rogue offer lifetime warranty. This shouldn't be a problem, because even though it's slightly lower quality in construction than their power racks, this one will last you quite a while even with constant use.
If you aren’t too worried about some welding imperfections or a few scratches due to the black powder-coating, this is a great power rack.
You can also opt for the Titan T-3 Power Rack which is just the slightly upgraded big brother to the T-2. It looks similar, except that it is bolt-down only.
For the additional stability, you'll pay slightly more, as well as getting more room to operate inside the rack, but the T-2 edges it out for budget rack based on price.
If you are on a tighter budget, the Titan T-2 Power Rack is a solid option as it retails for $399 for the 71" model and $419 for the 83" model.
Dimensions:
Best Alternative Budget Power Rack - REP PR-1100 Power Rack
REP PR-1100 Power Rack
The REP PR-1100 Power Rack is a budget power rack in name only. Providing excellent level of customization options, multiple color choices, and REP's famous quality build, the PR-1100 is as good a choice for a home gym as any.
Pros
Cons
My second of the two budget options is actually quite formidable for a few key reasons.
First, the sub-$400 price tag is definitely a relief for budget lifters. Secondly, it has a very small footprint of only 58.1" x 48.5" so it'll fit plenty of home gyms with ease.
From there, you get an included multi-grip pull-up bar which usually costs extra from even the more expensive squat racks on this list.
Aside from those additions, the PR-1100 Power Rack is pretty barebones. It comes with the standard J-cups and safety pins/rods, but it does allow for lat-pulldown attachments, increased 6-post weight storage, and landmine attachments, among others.
What is concerning is that the frame is constructed of 2x2" 14-Gauge steel. Rarely do you see power racks use less than 12-Gauge, so this is a bit concerning to the overall longevity and durability, but odds are, you won't be stressing this rack out.
You do however get to choose from 4 color options to help further customize this rack and your home gym.
Lastly, the large, open interior working space at 44" W x 24" D x 79" H is unexpected but impressive for a budget squat rack.
Dimensions:
Best Half Rack - Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
The Rogue HR-2 Half Rack is the perfect high-quality, premium half rack option for lifters that need a squat rack that allows plenty of versatility without taking up too much room.
Pros
Cons
A half rack is merely a power rack that has been what looks like, cut in half.
It features a similar hole pattern and design but uses a much smaller footprint. In fact, the Rogue HR-2 Half Rack has a modest 48" x 49" footprint which is perfect for smaller home and garage gyms.
This comes at a cost of slightly less stability, although I've used the HR-2 and it's fine, even when swinging from the built-in pull up bar.
Even though it's a half rack, the Rogue HR-2 uses the same 3x3" 11-Gauge steel as the full-sized racks so it maintains durability.
You can choose from 70" or 90" height depending on your preference, or your home gym limitations. The back uprights have the same hole pattern as the front uprights.
This is useful for lifting needs when placing J-cups or safety pins, as well as any additional attachments you want to add. Those holes use the same Westside hole spacing and hardware size as most Rogue attachments too.
It's an incredibly well-designed half rack, but the only thing holding it back is the price tag. Retailing at $810 is a bit steep for some, but the size advantage and additional accessories, plus the quality make it a worthy investment.
Dimensions:
Best Wall Mounted Squat Rack - Rogue R-3W Wall Mount Rack
Rogue R-3W Wall Mount Rack
The Rogue R-3W Wall Mount Rack is a folding, wall-mounted squat rack that provides even the smallest of home gyms the ability to hit every workout they need.
Pros
Cons
Sometimes, particularly in a garage gym, space is at a premium. Unfortunately, there just may be no way you could fit a full power cage in the space you have.
Luckily, there are now some excellent options and the Rogue R-3W is one of the best wall racks for small spaces due to its foldable design.
I was super-impressed with the fold-away technology when I first saw this rack, making it nearly flush to the wall at only 5" out.
It's one of the best squat racks around, not just for a wall-mounted rack either. Even though the quality is top notch, it does come with a lifetime warranty.
On top of that, I was even more impressed that the rack retained a high level of quality and durability along with it. It uses a standard 2x3" 11-Gauge steel, which makes it well-built (Made in USA) and compatible with plenty of attachments.
It folds away so neatly, it really is perfect for those who don’t have much space but still want to train at home.
Featuring a pull-up bar, and 2 J-cups, it doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of a traditional power rack, but that's the trade-off for having this level of space saving that a wall-mounted rack gives you.
It comes in 20.5” or 40.5” depth versions. I would only suggest the deeper one if you are planning on performing kipping pullups, muscle ups etc. inside the rack and need more working space.
I would recommend purchasing the stringers (pictured below) to help with mounting it to your wall more securely.
Dimensions:
Best Budget Folding Squat Rack - Titan T-3 Folding Power Rack
Titan T-3 Folding Power Rack
The Titan T-3 Folding Power Rack is a perfect combination of quality and functionality. Why it makes this list includes the additional benefit of being very budget friendly for space-conscious home gym owners.
Pros
Cons
If you still want a folding wall rack to save space but also want to save money, the Titan T-3 Folding Power Rack is easily one of the best available.
The Titan T-3 Folding Rack is the wall-mounted equivalent to their standing T-3 Squat Rack, so it helps improve space in your gym. It has a miniscule footprint thanks to the wall mount.
You can fold this power rack up and it will only stick out 5" from the wall, which allows for plenty more room to do as you please in your gym, or if you use your garage as a gym and car storage, you can fold it up and forget about it.
The Titan T-3 Folding Power Rack is very budget friendly, coming in at $379 for the cheapest option. What makes the budget price so surprising is that it uses 2x3" 11-Gauge steel which is good quality steel.
It comes with a 1.25" pull-up bar that sits 20.5" in depth from the wall giving you adequate space to do bodyweight work.
Another pleasant surprise about Titan's T-3 Wall Mount Rack is the fact that it has an 1100 Lb. weight capacity which is more than I would have guessed.
It also comes with 2 J-cups in the box, 2 UHMW plastic covers for the bottom of the uprights to protect your floor or platform, 4 side braces for extra safety support, and uses Westside hole spacing.
Dimensions:
Best Alternative Folding Squat Rack - PRx Profile One Folding Squat Rack
PRx Profile One Folding Squat Rack
The PRx Profile One Folding Squat Rack is a highly secure and durable folding squat rack that provides the quality of a standing power rack but the compact space-saving needed for tighter workout areas.
Pros
Cons
Another wall-mounted squat rack to consider is the PRx Profile One Folding Squat Rack.
This one isn't as well known as Rogue or Titan, but it's very high quality using 2x3" 11-Gauge steel and plenty of safety pins and UHWM plastic caps for protection on the included J-cups and bottom upright covers.
One of the downsides to this bar is the price, starting at $699 for the base model, which doesn't include a pull-up bar.
Even though it's a bit pricier, it stores a mere 4" off of the wall when folded which makes it quite the space saver indeed.
They recommend a 7'7" ceiling or higher when it's folded up. I'm no carpenter, so I couldn't tell you how tall the average room is, so do your measurements people!
The PRx Profile One Folding Squat Rack uses Westside hole spacing as is standard for nearly every rack I've talked about thus far.
It's a bit unfortunate that this model only has a max weight capacity of 500 Lbs. but costs $100 more than Rogue's R-3W, and $200 more than the Titan T-3 Folding Rack, both which hold double the weight.
You can upgrade models, which include pull-up bars and have higher 1000 Lb. weight capacities.
Dimensions:
Best Squat Stand - Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand
Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand
The Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand is the smaller, more portable squat rack offering that comes from the Monster Rack series. Offering high quality build and durability, it's perfect for the home gym owner that needs to readjust their gym space on the fly.
Pros
Cons
One of the best Rogue squat rack families, the Monster/Monster Lite series, breeds the Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand which provides unparalleled mobility for your home gym.
Need to move your squat stand out of the way to do some Olympic lifting, CrossFit, or simply need it out of the way? Easy, pick up the SML-2 and move it as you please.
The SML-2 Squat Stand has a footprint of only 49" x 48", and a height of 92". This also includes a pull-up bar.
Some people don't like squat stands because they feel less secure due to a lack of safety bars/straps, which is true, but if you also value the ability to maneuver in your gym or rearrange as you please - a squat stand is unbeatable for flexibility.
Luckily for you, those concerns can be alleviated by bolting down the unit if you aren't planning on moving it much. Similarly, you can use any Rogue Monster Lite attachments on this squat stand.
That includes improved sandwich J-cups or spotter arms for improved safety needs.
The squat stand itself is 157 Lbs. which isn't too heavy, but might be for some smaller lifters, but I can assure you I've never had a problem moving it.
Something I actually prefer about squat stands is the freedom of mobility they provide me. Call me crazy, but I prefer to use a squat stand for squats for this exact reason.
You can get this squat stand for $535, which can be a bit steep for some, but you get the choice of fat/skinny pull-up bar or a regular 1.25" pull-up bar for free.
Likewise, you can also opt for the Rogue SML-2C which is the same squat stand, only with 12 color options and it's only $10 more.
Dimensions:
Best Beginner Squat Rack - Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack
Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack
The Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack is an excellent, no-frills squat rack for beginners looking to get a squat rack experience without the need for plenty of space or a high budget.
Pros
Cons
Fringe Sport are quickly creeping into my circle of favorite strength equipment manufacturers and the Fringe Sport Garage Series Squat Rack certainly helps their case.
Why would this budget, no-frills squat rack make my ears perk up? Glad you asked. How about the fact that this unit only weighs 80 Lbs.? A child could pick this thing up and move it, granted, it means a slightly less stable unit, but I've yet to tip a rack over.
Another benefit is that the Garage Series Squat Rack has a footprint of only 4' x 4' so it really, truly was designed for garage gyms and home gyms in mind.
Unfortunately, it only uses 2x3" 12-Gauge steel, which is tiny step down from the quality of 3x3" 11-Gauge seen in most racks on this best-of list, but it's hardly a cause for concern.
It is also a tad unfortunate that it only holds 450 Lbs. max weight capacity, but it makes for a perfect beginner squat rack. It has a very, very modest price of $299 (ON SALE for $269), so even if you need to upgrade eventually, it's not a big hit to your wallet.
Making up for that, this squat rack has a great open design for mobility, includes a pull-up bar, weight horns for weight storage, and even a battle rope attachment if you want to add more versatility to your workouts.
Dimensions:
Best All-in-One Trainer - ForceUSA G6 All-in-One Trainer
ForceUSA G6 All-In-One Trainer
If you need something that is truly all-in-one, the ForceUSA G6 All-In-One Trainer is your go-to for cramming as much weight training equipment into a singular behemoth of a rig.
Pros
Cons
Absolute behemoth.
That is how I would describe the ForceUSA G6 All-In-One Trainer - for a variety of reasons.
Let's just discuss the fact that this unit has 17 attachments included:
- Smith Machine
- Leg Press
- Cable Pulley System
- Lat-Pulldown
- Abdominal Belt
- Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar
- Multi-Grip Dip Handles
- Landmine
- Suspension Training Ring
- 6 Weight Plate Holders
- Barbell Storage
- And many more...
It'd be easier for me to tell you what the ForceUSA G6 doesn't have than what it does. It's called an all-in-one for a reason, but it's also all-in on your wallet and gym space.
The ForceUSA G6 All-In-One Trainer is the cheapest of its class, and it's price is set at $3995, so not cheap. Nor is it small.
With a footprint and height of 72" W x 63" D x 91" H it needs plenty of space. Not to mention it weighs 992 Lbs. when fully configured.
Another unfortunate thing is the 2:1 pulley-ratio for the cable systems. This means that if the weight is set to 100 Lbs. your resistance is only 50 Lbs. The bigger models have a 1:1 pulley-ratio.
Regardless, if you can justify the money and space, having an entire ecosystem of gym equipment in one machine would definitely make your home gym the envy of your friend group.
Dimensions:
Best Yoke - Titan Fitness T-3 Yoke
Titan Fitness T-3 Yoke
The Titan Fitness T-3 Yoke is an unconventional squat rack, but it allows for additional workout potential for strongman-style workouts and plenty of weight plate storage.
Pros
Cons
Probably didn't expect to see a yoke on here, did you? What most people don't realize is that a yoke can easily be converted to a squat rack, you just need J-cups or spotter arms.
It really is that simple to get one of the most versatile power racks on this list. The Titan Fitness T-3 Yoke comes in a short (72" H) or tall (92") version.
You don't even need to buy it for strongman workouts like yoke carries or sled pull/push, it works fine as a squat rack just by itself, but you get the added versatility to your workouts that a squat rack can't offer.
It's also an ingenious way to get 4 weight plate horns to help store your weights integrated right into your rack without having to buy additional storage.
The crossbar used for the yoke function is 2.95" in diameter which can be swapped out with compatible pull-up bars.
The Titan T-3 Yoke has a weight capacity of 750 Lbs. so it's by most standards, a pretty sturdy squat rack if you choose to use it as such.
As for footprint, it's only 51" x 52", so it still fits nicely in small spaces.
Possibly unexpected to see a yoke in a list of best power racks, but it's a sneaky good choice.
Dimensions:
How We Rate Squat Racks
Quality
Quality is the name of the game when it comes to squat racks. Only the best will satisfy my need to help you build your home gym. Durability, strong build construction, and resistance to chipping or cosmetic damage equal quality.
Space
There's no way around it, a squat rack is going to take up some space. Being able to move around comfortability in your gym, and still have space for equipment is a must.
Stability
Could the squat rack remain stable in use, and when heavy amounts of weight were placed on it? If not, it was a no-go in our book (for obvious reasons).
Versatility
Attachments make a squat rack more versatile for any lifter. Things like pull-up bars, and the amount of routines you can do with those attachments (powerlifting, CrossFit, weightlifting, bodyweight etc.).
Price
Offering a good mix of budget to high-end racks allows you to find the right one for your budget that will perform well.
Advantages of Using a Power Rack
The fact that you have found your way to this article tells me you probably already have a pretty good idea of the reasons to buy a power rack. However, it never hurts to re-emphasize the benefits of a product before making a purchase.
Some of these points may even impact your final decision.
Safety
When it comes to building a home gym, this is possibly the biggest concern since you are likely to be training completely alone on some, if not all, occasions. Even inside a commercial gym, the safety provided by a power rack is much higher and more convenient than asking for a spot.
There are going to be times in your training where you will want to push a little harder and test your limits, which increases the risk that things will not go as planned.
If you have a decent quality power rack with all the necessary safety bars or pins, failing a lift can be very safe. Whether it is a squat or a bench press, all you need to do is lower the bar carefully on to the bars or pins to avoid getting pinned or crushed by the weight.
When squatting, the pins should be set just below the level of the bar at the lowest point of your squat. If you fail a squat, all you will need to do is sit yourself down or let the bar slide off your back and on to the safety rails.
In the case of a bench press, the bars should be just below the level of the bar when it touches your chest. If you fail a rep, simply removing your arch will drop your chest enough to let the bar rest on the safety pins.
Simple!
Versatility
Of course, if you want to squat as safely as possible, a power rack, squat rack or squat stands are pretty much a necessity.
However, power racks are built for much more than just squatting.
Between a barbell, some plates, a bench and a power rack, you really have enough equipment to train every muscle in your body extremely effectively.
Especially, if you look for a power rack with a pull-up bar.
Many racks can also be fitted with several accessories like lat-pulldowns, dip bars and pegs for resistance bands.
You don’t really need any equipment other than those four pieces mentioned above. The power rack should be the centre-piece of any home gym or commercial gym for that matter.
Longevity
With all gym equipment, you should aim to buy the highest quality gear that your budget allows. I would argue that the power rack is the one place where you should certainly stretch your budget to allow for better build-quality.
After all, your power rack is responsible for your safety and is going to be one of the most used pieces of equipment in your gym.
The good news is that a better-quality power rack will last for a long time. You may not ever even need to replace it if you choose the right one from the start.
A bonus, most gym equipment holds its’ value relatively well, if the condition is kept good. So, you shouldn’t have too much trouble selling a decent power rack if/when you are done with it.
What to Look for in a Power Rack
Style
When deciding which type of rack to buy for your training, you need to take into account exactly what you wish to use the rack for. As an example, if you solely want to use it for squatting then a simpler squat rack or stands may be sufficient.
On the other hand, if you want a rack that can be used to give you as many different options as possible, you would be better off with a full power rack that allows for more attachments.
Power Rack
The largest, most stable, and most versatile rack is the power rack. It's also the rack that I'd recommend for most people.
Otherwise known as squat rack or a power cage, you're enclosed by 4 posts which provides more stability and offers the most attachments for added versatility.
Half Rack
Take a power rack and cut it in half - you have the half rack. It's less stable than a power rack and doesn't quite offer the same level of versatility for attachments, it's still a great choice.
It has an open design for more room, they cost less, and they take up less space, and are still very safe.
Squat Stand
Squat stands are a free-standing type of squat rack that are much smaller, lighter, and portable. They allow for tons of flexibility in your home gym, but at the cost of less stability.
You can bolt down some squat stands and they've become a popular because many squat stands are becoming more stable and including pull-up bars. Squat stands are generally lower quality, but there are still some great options available.
Folding Rack/Wall Mounted Rack
Folding racks and wall-mounted racks are becoming much more popular because of the growth of home gym owners. These racks are bolted into the wall, and some can be folded into the wall to free up even more space.
Although they only use two posts, they are very sturdy, very durable, and often allow for a generous amount of additional attachments.
Weight Capacity
Most of us are hardly going to sniff the weight capacity of a squat rack, and besides, most of these racks can handle 500+ Lbs. with ease.
I'd also bet that a select few people out there are going to be pushing those limits and want a power rack over 1000+ Lbs. Luckily, most quality power racks can handle that, which is important if you want stability and to keep your rack from wobbling.
Footprint and Size
This one should go without saying - make sure the power rack is going to fit in the space you have available.
A power rack is the biggest style of squat rack, in terms of footprint and floor-to-ceiling space requirements. Assuming it's the average power rack, you're looking at 4ft x 4ft, or 16 sq. ft. of real estate in your home gym.
Half racks are smaller, squat stands even less, and a wall-mount or folding rack will take up the least amount of space. Consider which one makes the most sense in your home gym.
You should also consider some of these questions:
- Will you have enough height to perform pullups?
- Does the cage height allow you to press a barbell overhead while standing inside it?
- Is their plenty of space either side of the rack to comfortably load the barbell with plates?
These kinds of questions all must be considered when you're looking for the power rack that fits nicely in your home gym.
Portability
As an addition to footprint and size, the portability of a squat rack can help with size and home gym needs.
Using an Olympic platform with a squat stand will allow you to move your stand as you please. Bolt-down power racks can't be moved as easily. This is something to consider when you're building your gym setup.
Safety Features
Safety, safety, safety. It's not sexy, but safety is a key feature for ANY squat rack you should consider. If there are no safety straps, bars, pins, or other safety attachments, don't bother.
Working out at home should be as safe as it is fun, and even though it'll cost a little bit more to pay for the safety features, you'll lift sound of mind staying healthy and protected.
Build Quality
Build quality, or construction, is one factor that's crucial for your squat rack as you want a durable and well-built power rack to last you a lifetime.
Squat racks generally use 11-Gauge or 12-Gauge steel for their frame. It's strong as heck, and it's needed so your rack can be put to use for some time through the wear and tear. 11-Gauge is stronger than 12, but it's still durable.
Other specifics of the build quality that matter are hole spacing. Westside hole spacing is the standard, where holes at the bottom are spaced 25mm apart, and holes towards the top are spaced 50mm apart.
This provides uniformity for squat rack accessories, and makes it easier for adjustments.
Likewise, hole numbering or marking is a good feature that allows you to adjust your J-hooks or J-cups, and safety pins, with better accuracy.
Accessories
Are you hoping to perform a wide variety of exercises on your power rack? Maybe even employ the use of bands for accommodating resistance? How about a lat-pulldown attachment?
If so, you should look out for whether your chosen rack comes with any accessories or if they can be bought separately.
Accessories such as:
- Dip bars
- Band pegs
- Cable attachments
- Landmines
- Lat pulldowns
- Pull-up/chin-up bars (most come standard now)
- Utility seats
- Gymnastic rings
- Flywheels
Even if you won’t be buying these right away, it is always nice to now you have the option for squat rack attachments to improve your training in the future.
Just be sure to check exactly what is compatible with each power rack if you are looking to add some of these accessories.
Price
The power rack you buy must be well-priced to fit in with your total home gym budget... well, duh! I know it seems obvious and a stupid thing to say but it can be easy to forget about the other equipment needed for your home gym.
It’s no good buying an awesome power rack if you have no money left to buy a barbell to put on it.
On the flip-side, it is an equally bad idea to spend so much of your budget on bars, weight plates and accessories that you can only afford a cheap, flimsy rack.
You have to prioritize.
In my opinion, most of your budget should be spent on your power rack and barbell. Of course, you then just need to leave yourself enough money to purchase enough plates to train with.
You can always add more equipment over time, but an excellent quality power rack and bar are crucial from day one.
Here is a quick break down using percentages of my total budget if I was building a home gym from scratch:
Again, this is just how I generally breakdown my budget for home gym purchasing from scratch.
If you're looking to start a home or garage gym, your power/squat rack is going to cost the most, and then you focus on buying a good barbell and enough weights to start out.
After that, you can focus on getting a good weight bench, which can be found for cheap, and whatever other accessories or weights you'd like.
Storage
With great barbells, come great weights.
Many squat racks come with some form of weight storage, like pegs or holders. If not, most offer the ability to add an attachment to help store your weights and clear up space.
Power Rack FAQs
Is a Power Rack Worth It?
Any home gym should have a power rack, regardless if you're powerlifting, weightlifting, bodybuilding, or any kind of lifting.
A good power rack offers unparalleled safety, versatility, flexibility, and strength training potential.
What's the Best Squat Rack for a Home Gym?
It's hard to say that there's a best squat rack, but the best squat rack for a home gym is the one you use. Rogue and REP both offer some of the best squat racks around, while Titan's are a little less quality, but still excellent for budget consideration.
How Much Should I Spend on a Squat Rack?
The squat rack is going to be the most budget costly piece of your gym, and it comes down to your preference. Some cost as little as $300, some cost over $1000. Just remember that you're likely going to keep this rack for most of your life.
Buying the best squat rack you can afford will prevent you from needing to upgrade, and as I suggested, should take up more of your home gym budget. Ultimately, buy what you can afford, but don't cheap out.
Is a Cheap Squat Rack Bad?
Not always. Money can usually mean quality for strength equipment, but squat racks are getting cheaper because of their ready availability, and more home gym owners.
A cheaper squat rack isn't always bad, but the more expensive options are generally safer or of better quality.
Final Thoughts
The range of squat racks available to suit all different needs is vast, meaning there really is no reason to settle for an inferior option.
I strongly feel that the will be suitable for the vast majority; it strikes an unbelievable balance between price and quality.
However, you cannot go wrong with any rack featured in this write-up so, just select one based on your own needs and situation. The power rack is one of the premier pieces of strength equipment and the bedrock for your home gym, so choose wisely!