Rogue R-3 Power Rack Review

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The Rogue R-3 Power Rack should be considered one of the go-to choices for a squat rack for a home gym. Durability, cost, and functionality all combine to make the Rogue R-3 Power Rack a must for any home gym owner.
A Quick Look at the Rogue R-3 Power Rack
Rogue has made plenty of squat racks that could easily be the best squat rack I’ve tried, but the R-3 Power Rack has a special place in my heart because of how all-around excellent it is, and at that price point, it’s hard to compete against it.
Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack
Combining Rogue certified durability, budget-friendly cost, and versatility, the Rogue Fitness R-3 Power Rack is the gold standard of power racks for home gyms.

Pros
Cons
2Ă—3 Vs. 3Ă—3 Upright
When buying a power rack for a home gym, this question comes up often: Should I buy a 2x3 or 3x3 upright?
Simply put, I’d go with the 2x3” for two reasons - cost and size.
The Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite Rack, which is another favorite of mine and a beast of a power rack, is built using 3×3” 11-gauge steel, compared to the Rogue R-3 Power Rack 2×3” 11-gauge steel, so it’s going to look bulkier and be more stable.
That beefier look adds some aesthetic quality to your home gym, but cost being an important factor in building a budget home gym, it won’t make too much of a difference from a value perspective.
The sturdiness of a 2x3 vs. 3x3 power rack is negligible at best, and you’ll actually save more when you buy accessories for a 2x3 power rack because they cost less.
Rogue R-3 Squat Rack Review
In the beginning, there was… the squat rack. That’s how that quote goes, right?
All joking aside, the first piece of fitness equipment you’re going to want and need for your home gym is a squat rack. Why? The squat rack is the most versatile thing you’ll own in your gym and it provides the foundation for nearly all of your lifts.
Don’t like squatting? That’s fine, you can do pull-ups/chin-ups, rows, deadlifts, overhead press, bench press, and so much more. If that all sounds exciting, then let me tell you about the Rogue R-3 Squat Rack.
Rogue is constantly at the forefront when it comes to the best power racks, and the R-3 is a good example of the quality they achieve. Standing at the Standard height (90.375") or the
Shorty height (84.375"), it can fit into nearly any basement or garage.
Space is the #1 consideration for your home power rack, and the footprint is a modest 53” x 34” so it’s not too obtrusive. It’s a smaller-sized power rack, which gives you an abundance of space for your plates, barbells, dumbbells, and other equipment.
Even though the R-3 is a smaller power rack compared to some of the best Rogue squat racks, it’s hardly a lightweight. At 200lbs, and bolted in, this thing is durable, which is evident by the fact that it is 2x3” 11-gauge steel.
It even features the classic Westside Barbell bulldog with a chain logo which is more aesthetically pleasing than functional but appreciated all the same.
I’ve done my fair share of squatting. I’ve nearly tipped a squat stand or two, and I’ve definitely felt some squat racks move, but the R-3 felt secure as could be during re-racking. It can handle 1000lbs+ but I’d bet it can do even more. It’s more weight than any of us will push, so that’s a comfort.
The Rogue R-3 comes with 2 j-cups, 2 spotter pipes, 4 band pegs, and a skinny/fat bar. All of these are enough accessories for most of the lifting you’ll be doing.
I’d like to add that the skinny/fat bar allows for a good range of motion (ex. kipping), even if you’re over 6ft, and don’t require to be swapped in or out, saving you time.
It might not be the most budget option, but cost and value aren’t the same things, and the Rogue R-3 Power Rack is the epitome of value. Even the price tag isn’t outrageous given the build quality, stability, versatility, and extras.
Simply put, it’s one of the best power racks on the market to date.
Is the Rogue R-3 Power Rack Worth It?
Nearly any Rogue power rack is going to be worth it, but there are some minor caveats to this. Not every power rack is built the same, obviously, which means your needs might not be the same for the next home gym owner.
Let’s look at some of the reasons for and against the Rogue R-3 Power Rack.
Good For
- Most sized home gyms
- Not as expensive as some full-sized racks
- Good accessories and upgrade options
- Durable and quality-built
Not Good For
- On the upper end of the budget
- The unit has to be bolted to the floor
- Some guesswork is required when moving J-hooks and attachments in holes
Rogue R-3 Power Rack - Specifications
Height | Standard - 90.375" Shorty - 84.375" |
Footprint | 53” x 34” |
Weight | 200 lbs. |
Weight Capacity | 1000+ lbs. |
Build | 2x3” 11-gauge steel Black powder coated steel |
Inside Rack Depth | 24” |
Accessories | Fat/Skinny Pullup Bar (2) Infinity J-Cups (2) Pin/Pipe Safeties (4) Band Pegs |
Power Rack vs. Squat Stand
A power rack is the full-sized squat rack option that most people will tend to go for, but it’s not the only choice you have for a home gym.
A squat stand can be a viable option for a few reasons:
They cost significantly less than a power rack.
They are much smaller, which is good for space-saving.
You aren’t lifting a ton of weight.
Personally, you should factor in cost vs. value and you’ll see that a power rack is initially more expensive, but will last a lot longer, but I’ve used squat stands plenty and never had a bad time.
They can’t handle as much weight, but even I’ve used them up to 400lbs on squats, the problem being that they aren’t as stable so I wouldn’t recommend doing that for inexperienced lifters.
Final Verdict - Rogue R-3 Power Rack Review
Rogue R-3 Power Rack Rating
Quality
COST
durability
stability
use
versatility
accessories
Value
overall
Rogue R-3 Power Rack FAQs
Does the Rogue R3 Need To Be Bolted?
All Rogue R-3 Power Rack versions are required to be bolted down.
How Heavy Is the Rogue Rack?
200 pounds
What Gauge Steel Is the Rogue R-3 Rack?
11 Steel Gauge
What’s the Weight Capacity of the Rogue R-3?
1000lbs+