Power Rack vs Squat Stand and Pull up Bar

[Mark Cheney]

Originally Posted by Mark Cheney

I agree that the safety of the cage is great for max squats. Another option is to use sawhorses along with the squat stand. There are four threads that discuss this - http://board.crossfit.com/search.php?searchid=3761289 (WFS) This is definitely a money saver, too. That is, if you're buying new. You'll find all kinds of deals on Craigslist if you're patient.

Originally Posted by Evan Anderson

Your link doesnt work.

Here are direct links to the four threads (all WFS):

http://board.crossfit.com/showthread...ight=sawhorses

http://board.crossfit.com/showthread...ight=sawhorses

http://board.crossfit.com/showthread...ight=sawhorses

http://board.crossfit.com/showthread...ight=sawhorses

[David Sailor]

This is the rack I use. I got it from a local fitness dealer but the link to the manufacturer's site for the specs is (wfs): http://www.keysfitness.com/index.php...s&model=KPS-PC

I'm 5'8" so the height works for me. If you are taller, the height of the bar is probably too low. I anchored the tops of the rack to the joists above with "L" brackets from HD, it's rock solid now and will not budge, no matter how violently I kip on it.

Since I lift primarily by myself, the cage is invaluable. All back and front squats are done inside the cage as well as any bench presses. All presses taken from a rack position are done on the outside. The knurling is pretty near perfect for me, just enough to give grip but not too much to tear my hands up. The rack adjusts very easy and the multiple rack options are great.

[Ron Hoover]

Originally Posted by David Sailor

This is the rack I use. I got it from a local fitness dealer but the link to the manufacturer's site for the specs is (wfs): http://www.keysfitness.com/index.php...s&model=KPS-PC

I'm 5'8" so the height works for me. If you are taller, the height of the bar is probably too low. I anchored the tops of the rack to the joists above with "L" brackets from HD, it's rock solid now and will not budge, no matter how violently I kip on it.

Since I lift primarily by myself, the cage is invaluable. All back and front squats are done inside the cage as well as any bench presses. All presses taken from a rack position are done on the outside. The knurling is pretty near perfect for me, just enough to give grip but not too much to tear my hands up. The rack adjusts very easy and the multiple rack options are great.

One day, I might upgrade to a rack like this, or even a Samson.
I've got a Body Solid power rack, tough as can be, but the disadvantage is that it doesn't have the holes on the outside of the front of the rack and doesn't have the movable supports on the front either - only on the back. And it doesn't have anything that would allow you to bolt it to a platform or the floor. I find it's somewhat limiting; not enough to make me replace it at this stage of the game, but when I do, improvements on these faults will be some of the things I look for.

[Seth Cohen]

Originally Posted by Kevin Quinn

Thanks for all of the input. Im leaning towards the Sorinex Half Rack. gonna have to wait till i get back to the states to get it. cant wait!

Kevin,

That's a nice rack. It seems to combine features of a power rack and squat stands. I also like the Sorinex mini power rack which still gives the open area above but with more assertive spotter bar protection.

I have the BW Products rack (see WFS attached thumbnail) and am very pleased. This compact arrangement allows me to safely do maximum effort powerlifts, pullups, dips and, when combined with a platform, Olympic lifts. I wanted a rack that did not have built-in weight plate holders as they increase the footprint and I preferred building my own bumper plate holders to place close to the loading ends of the bar. This rack is very heavy and stable, and while I do not do kipping pullups, I suspect that I could.

Originally Posted by David Sailor

I'm 5'8" so the height works for me. If you are taller, the height of the bar is probably too low. I anchored the tops of the rack to the joists above with "L" brackets from HD, it's rock solid now and will not budge, no matter how violently I kip on it.

Also, my apologies in advance for a question tangentially related to this thread ...

David,

I like the look of your basement gym.

I was wondering how you attached the “L” brackets to your rack. Did you use existing holes in your rack or did you have to add holes to the frame members?

Also, how high is your ceiling and did you need to devise work-arounds for your pullups and overhead weight workouts? I ask because I have a gym in my second home with a 7-1/2 ft ceiling that is a real thorn in my side for rings, pullups and Olympic lifts.

Cheers,
Seth

[David Sailor]

Hi Seth,

I used the existing bolt pattern on the rack. By undoing the bolts holding the top crossmember, I added the "L" bracket in. The bracket goes vertically to the rafters and they are bolted in there, also.

For overhead work:
Pullups have my head ending inside of the rafters. I centered the rack so that the middle was exactly in the center. Grabbing the knurls in the same spot ensures consistency. I have done probably more than 20,000 pullups on that rack over the past 3 plus years with out ever hitting the rafters. I even do CTB pullups, which can be slightly scary but still are doable.
For presses, jerks, ohs, etc: the bumpers end a few inches below the rafters and I just have never had any contact with the ceiling.
For muscle ups, again, I end with my head in the rafters and no hits yet. I have to start with bent legs but even full extension mu's are possible, both in the bottom and in the top positions.

Please let me know if you have any other questions, David.