Power Racks vs Squat Stands: Which is "The One"
Power Rack or Squat Stand- Which One is Best? This question comes up when you are in the process of setting up a home gym. There are a few factors to consider.
Probably the most important of these is deciding on the type of equipment that will best suit your needs.
A good way to go about this is by weighing out the pros and cons of each piece of equipment. You will also need to take a variety of other factors into consideration, such as your price range, the quality of workout that a particular piece of equipment gives you, the amount of space you have and your fitness goals.
For anyone who is looking into weight training, a choice between a power rack and a squat stand is a common consideration. You may be weighing up whether to go for a power rack or a home squat rack to complete your home gym and get the best workout. Both have their individual pros and cons, so it is important to look into these before making your choice. The one that is right for you will depend on a range of factors.
Best Power Racks and Squat Stands Reviewed
Premium Power Rack for Home Gyms
Rogue Monster Lite RML-690-C Rack
The Rogue Monster Lite RML-690-C Rack is a high-quality piece of equipment that’s optimal for functional fitness. It is built solidly with a sturdy cage base that has 3 pairs of legs and measures 80” by 53”. The powder coated finish gives it a premium feel and excellent durability.
The base offers excellent stability for kipping and offers adequate room for pullups or bar work. If your garage gym has low ceilings, the Rogue Monster Lite RML-690-C Rack is an excellent option since it is only 90 3/8" tall. The device comes with safety pins for better stability and it comes with Monster Lite J-Cups. Find more about this premium power rack right here.
Power Rack For Serious Muscle Building
Rogue Monster Lite RML-490c Power Rack
The tried and tested Rogue Monster Lite RML-490c is a proven workhorse that has helped thousands of people craft the bodies they want. Because it’s been around for a long time, it also comes with a bevy of different accessories that allow you to customize your power rack however you want it. It comes with a 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel frame derived from the earlier Rogue R-4 power rack model.
The Rogue Monster Lite RML-490c stands at 90” tall and its tall enough for overhead presses during your pullup routine. It exhibits typical robustness and quality that Rogue Fitness is known for.
Power Rack for Smaller Spaces
RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack
If you’re working with limited space in your home garage, then you need to look at the RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack from Rogue. It gives you almost all the options and flexibility that is expected out of a regular power rack but built with saving space in mind. The RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite model is based on the RML-3 Monster Lite Power Rack but with an important difference – it comes with a stabilizing base. This means that you don’t need to bolt it to the ground.
Coming to dimensions, it measures only 48” by 49” while boasting an inside depth of 30”. For safety, it comes with typical Monster Lite J-Cups along with a pipe safety system. If you already own a Rogue power rack, namely the SML-2 or SML-3 then you’re in luck – Rogue manufactures a RML-390F conversion kit which can help you save a ton of cash.
Power Rack for Lifters on a Budget
Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
The Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack is your go to power rack if you are on a budget as well as if you are strapped for space in your garage gym. It has an innovative space saving foldable design that is useful for people working out with not a lot of space to spare. It has a unique hinge and pin system that lets you quickly put away the power rack once you’re done with it.
As with all Rogue power racks, build quality is exceptional with 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel construction. There are 2 depths you order the power rack in, 21.5” and 41.5”. After you fold the power rack away, it only takes up 5” from the wall. This is invaluable for people who are working with extreme space constraints.
Premium Squat Racks For Your Garage Gym
Rogue SML-2C Squat Stand
If you are looking for a squat rack that can deliver on all fronts, then you’d be hard pressed to find another model as accomplished as a Rogue SML-2C squat stand. Made by Rogue to exacting specifications, it is built solid and can withstand a lot of poundage and abuse. It is about 48” in length, 49” width and is 92” tall.
The SML model takes the good parts of S-2 and SM-2 squat stands and distills it into a package. This squat rack can help you squat, bench, and floor press just to name a few. It also comes in a range of different colors that look attractive and are durable as well. You cannot go wrong with these squat stands.
Squat Rack That Offers Performance At A Price
SML-1 Rogue 70” Monster Lite Squat Stand
This is the older brother of the SML-2 but the SML-1 Rogue 70” Monster Lite Squat Stand still has a lot of things going right for it which make it a popular choice for fitness enthusiasts even today. Its measurements are 48” x 49” and it stands 72” tall. Its reasonable height makes it suitable for regular home use or in a large scale commercial gym.
It is affordable when you consider how good the construction is. Like it’s successor, this also combines attributes of the SM-1, 11-gauge 3x3 steel tubing and the 5/8” hardware along with Westside hole spacing from the S-1.
Squat Rack For The Budget Conscious
Rogue S-1 Squat Stand 2.0
The Rogue S-1 2.0 is the best squat stand for you if you’re on a budget or if you don’t have a lot of space in your home gym. It is built well with the typical 11-gauge uprights, but here it’s a 2x3. It has protective j-cups with UHMW plastic for safety. It also has an updated base that improves the overall stability of the squat stand under load.
It has a wide range of accessories that complement it and increase the functionality of the squat rack. If you are looking for more options, you’d do well to consider our previous options – SML-2C or SML-1.
What is A Squat
Squats are a great form of exercise and provide the foundation for stronger calves, quads, and hamstrings.
What is A Squat Stand
A squat stand is a device that is designed with the squat movement in mind. It supports your weight when you are performing variations of squats.
What is A Power Rack
A power rack is a device designed for maximum safety during lifts as it allows for free weight training without a spotter.Power racks have safety pins to catch the barbell in case it slips.They also have built-in pull-up and dip bars, which make it possible to perform several other exercises.
What Exactly is A Squat Stand?
As the name suggests, a squat stand is a device that is designed with the squat movement in mind. It supports your weight when you are performing variations of squats. Squats are a great form of exercise and provide the foundation for stronger calves, quads, and hamstrings.
A good quality squat stand can make your squat routine more dependable. It consists of a barbell which is supported by two adjustable metal stands. You can get a high-intensity workout by positioning yourself under the bar and lifting it off the stands. Then step back in and perform the exercise. Continue to repeat this a few times before placing the bar back on the stand. Many experienced bodybuilders prefer to use a free weight power squat rack, as it increases balance and works the core muscles more effectively.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of squat stands available, and you can find one that is right for you, no matter what your skill level or budget is. A Squat stand is extremely versatile and durable, and a wide range of exercises can be performed using this piece of equipment. Many of these also come with countless add-on and customization options and can be purchased on their own or ordered as packages with a bar, bench, plates, etc. Compare the various features, photos, and reviews available to purchase a squat stand that can help you get the most out of your day to day workouts.
Pros | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Power Rack in A Precise
A power rack is a device designed for maximum safety during lifts as it allows for free weight training without a spotter. Power racks have safety pins to catch the barbell in case it slips. They also have built-in pull-up and dip bars, which make it possible to perform several other exercises. A power rack has a cage-like structure consisting of four metal posts connected by horizontal framing. The bar can be placed to sit at a variety of heights on the upright posts. Additionally, the two horizontal bars can be set at different heights as safety stoppers.
Power racks can also be customized, and extra features can be added to allow for a wider range of exercises. However, power racks take up a lot of space and are difficult to move. So you will need to take the amount of space you have into consideration, before opting for a power rack.
Pros |
|---|
Cons |
|---|
Squat Rack vs Power Rack: Benefits & Exercises
When you are setting up your home gym, you need to ensure that you pick the right equipment. Doing some research can help you avoid buyers regret and save you tons of money. You also need to ensure safety and stability when working out.
Here, we weigh the pros and cons of squat stands vs. power racks so that you can choose the device that is right for you.
Top Rated Squat Stands in 2021
If you don’t have the room or the budget or simply don’t require the kind of workout a power rack offers, there are several squat stands in the market that you can opt for.
Here are some of the best picks:
- Valor Athletics BD-6 Safety Squat / Bench Combo Rack
- The Rogue 90: Monster Lite Squat Rack
- York Barbell FTS Press and Squat Stand
Valor Athletics BD-6 Safety Squat / Bench Combo Rack
If you are an experienced lifter, this is a heavy duty model from Valor Athletics that can work for you. It offers features such as adjustable spotter catchers, multiple bar rests and a walk in squat rack.
This squat rack stand is perfect for you if you are someone who wants to max out on the bench press. It can also be used in combination with a utility bench to perform different types of presses.
The Rogue 90: Monster Lite Squat Rack
The Rogue 90 is the right choice if you are a serious squatter. It will give you a solid platform to handle the heavy weights you lift on your back. Additionally, it has a very sturdy base and a chin-up bar attachment.
This piece of equipment stands at 92” tall and is built to last. It is a device to invest in that will give you great workouts for a long time.
York Barbell FTS Press and Squat Stand
The York squat rack is an efficient entry-level squat stand for beginners. It offers novice lifters the ability to master their technique in a safe and reliable manner.
This is also a great affordable squat stand option that can be used for shoulder pressing and benching. It consists of 12 different peg settings and also two plate storage pegs.
Top Rated Power Racks in 2021
Powers racks are worth investing in if you have the space and the budget. Here are some of the best options available that are completely worth the extra dollars:
- Titan Short Power Rack
- Infinity Power Racks by Rogue
- Super Power Squat Cage from NYB
Titan Short Power Rack
If you are setting up your home gym in a room with a low ceiling, you needn’t rule out the option of having a squat power rack completely. The Titan power rack is specifically designed for rooms with low ceilings.
This is a versatile piece of equipment that comes with j-hooks, a chin-up bar and offers 21 different setting positions. Additionally, the cage is wider than most other options, which allows for plenty of exercise options.
If you are looking for a no-frills workout and have limited gym space in your home, the Titan Short Power Rack is the one for you.
Infinity Power Racks by Rogue
If you are flexible on budget, the Infinity Power Racks by Rogue are among the best pieces of equipment out there. They are available in various versions such as R3, R4, and R6. The R6 model is the most premium and offers 2” x 3” 11 gauge steel. It also features protective j-cups, spotter bars, and two different pull-up bars.
These are high-end powers racks, and it is best to go for one if you are experienced lifter who is used to lifting heavy, looking to graduate to the next level.
Super Power Squat Cage from NYB
The Super Power Squat Rack Cage is a less expensive and more basic option. The key advantage of this is that it can be customized to meet your needs and has provision for extra equipment. It also has a lat pull-down attachment.
This is a great option if you are just starting off with weights and are looking for a reliable power rack. Unlike most power rack options, this cannot be anchored to the ground. This power cage allows you to work out your whole body, without the need for extra equipment.
Final Words About Power Racks vs Squat Stands
The decision of opting for a squat rack vs. a power rack will have to be made taking into consideration the pros and cons of both.
Investing in a power rack is a better idea if you have the space and the budget. A powers rack does take up a significant amount of space and moving it each time you need the room is not a realistic option.
If cost is not a problem, but you are dealing with the issue of limited space, you can opt for a premium squatting rack that offers more accessories and is sturdier. Constructing your own squat stand in wood is another option if you have the time and skills. Keep the points mentioned above in mind and choose the type of equipment that is right for you to get the most out of every workout.
