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Top 10 Rogue Power Racks: Are They Worth The Price?

last updated: Feb 11, 2020

Rogue Fitness, the brainchild of a military veteran who took up CrossFit as a hobby, has provided a full line of strength training equipment to commercial gyms and home fitness buffs for over a decade now.

Rogue is special. It allows you to find everything you need for an effective lifting gym in one place. Before Rogue, gym owners had to spend weeks sourcing, ordering, and unpacking their power racks, weights, bars, and functional trainers before they could open for business.

Now, if you live near a few gyms, chances are good that you can walk into one of them and start using a Rogue power rack. It will be massive, solid, stylish, and probably surrounded by those waiting to use it. Whether you want to know more about Rogue, or are considering bringing an unbreakable beast into your home, we've run down the top ten Rogue offerings for you.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 20 hours of research

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Monster RM-8 Banshee
98.6/100 our score
Accessories
99
Advanced Features
99
Capacity
98
Size
98
Versatility
99
Monster RM-8 Banshee
Why is it better?

No additional attachments needed, can use right after assembly

Red accents on nameplate, pegs, bar, and trolley

Comes with black zinc hardware and two Monster wrenches (keep them for your toolbox)

Adjustable J-Cups protect your bar finish, let you customize height easily

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Researched Sources
30
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
9781
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
40
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
10
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Accessories Advanced Features Capacity Size Versatility By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.6
Accessories
99 %
Advanced Features
99 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$1,045.00
See Deal
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.8
Accessories
97 %
Advanced Features
99 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$0.00
See Deal
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97
Accessories
96 %
Advanced Features
97 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
97 %
Versatility
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$2,040.00
See Deal
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.6
Accessories
96 %
Advanced Features
96 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$1,780.00
See Deal
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.2
Accessories
96 %
Advanced Features
94 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
97 %
Versatility
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$1,600.00
See Deal
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
Accessories
98 %
Advanced Features
92 %
Capacity
96 %
Size
95 %
Versatility
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$575.00
See Deal
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.6
Accessories
95 %
Advanced Features
94 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
97 %
Versatility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$990.00
See Deal
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Accessories
91 %
Advanced Features
95 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$780.00
See Deal
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Accessories
89 %
Advanced Features
94 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$870.00
See Deal
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.5
Accessories
90 %
Versatility
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (18.03.24)
Rogue Fitness
$990.00
See Deal

Best 10 Rogue Racks Reviewed

1. Monster RM-8 Banshee

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.6
Accessories
99
Advanced Features
99
Capacity
98
Size
98
Versatility
99
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$1,045.00
See Deal
Pros:

No additional attachments needed, can use right after assembly

Red accents on nameplate, pegs, bar, and trolley

Comes with black zinc hardware and two Monster wrenches (keep them for your toolbox)

Adjustable J-Cups protect your bar finish, let you customize height easily

Cons:

Unit is quite heavy and has a massive footprint--this will have to be the centerpiece of your home gym

We arranged our reviews by price since every Rogue Rack has the potential to be the number one pick. We'll be running down the features and specs, starting with the Banshee which will run you about as much as a reliable used car would.

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And it is worth every penny if you have the budget for a rack that will last you a lifetime and never let you down. Rogue calls it both their Rolls Royce and monster truck and honestly we could not agree more. The finish on the RM-8 is Cerakote, a tough but thin ceramic coating usually used in firearms. It seals the metal, making it durable so it can stand up to your harshest lifting sessions.

This is a squat belt rack. If you aren't familiar, that means it has a built-in lifting belt that lets you attach weight plates to your trunk and perform a squat without a bar on your shoulders. It is an old lifters' secret that adds muscle and power to your legs with less pressure on the spine. Rogue has now made this shortcut available to everyone.

Construction of the frame and uprights is 3x3 inch 11-gauge steel, with assembly and mounting hardware bolted by black zinc bolts and connectors. Numerous attachments and perks include a Diamond Tread foundation for belt squats, a weight trolley with textured loading arms, a knurled grip bar for pull-ups, 10 weight plate storage pins, and more.

2. Monster Rhino Belt Squat Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.8
Accessories
97
Advanced Features
99
Capacity
98
Size
98
Versatility
97
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$0.00
See Deal
Pros:

Belt squats and Olympic lifts in a single unit

Belt squat/rowing handles have grip options

Moderate footprint, smaller than a power rack

Stable diamond deck footing on squat platform

Cons:

Built in squat belt is not compatible with all other Rogue racks

This is another power rack with a squat belt and a number of vital features at a significantly lower price point than the Banshee. It also has a smaller footprint and won't take up as much room.

Read more

The Rhino is designed to give you all the results of a belt squat routine while letting you easily perform standard barbell exercises from a stable and sturdy steel frame base. It is an upgrade to the standard RM-3, which does not have a squat belt. If you are interested in belt squats but don't need the extra Monster features, Rogue sells a standalone rack that only includes the belt and platform.

The Rhino Belt is also compatible with the Fortis series and other Monster racks. It is not compatible with any of the other series in the Rogue rack family.

Crossmembers and arms are of are made of 3x3 steel. The weight trolley hs a cable for raising and lowering under load. The cable is quarter-inch braided steel, strong and flexible. There's no pull-up bar, though you could DIY the square top cross members with a good pair of lifting gloves. Rowing handles are adjustable and let you use over, under, and neutral grips.

3. RML-690C Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97
Accessories
96
Advanced Features
97
Capacity
98
Size
97
Versatility
97
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$2,040.00
See Deal
Pros:

Enhanced safety features prevent dropping accidents

Can sit on floor without being bolted down

Works with Rogue's wall mount kit if extra stability is desired

Compatible with Monster Lite squat stands, for more flexibility

Cons:

Sheer size may make it unsuitable for home gym

If you buy, have a plan for the extra half rack--otherwise will take up space

This commercial gym-ready rack comes in more colors than almost any other Rogue product we looked at. The stylish appearance is just the beginning when it comes to the RML-690C's features and versatility.

Read more

High school gym teachers, college coaches, and even NFL or NBA trainers will get a lot of mileage out of this rack. With a footprint of 80x53 inches, it will fit your home gym if you can contend with transporting it and setting it in place. It is compatible with the Rogue Monster Lite family of squat stands, too. Monster Lite stands are designed to take up less space than other Rogue stands and at cost savings.

The RML-690C has Westside Hole Spacing on the barbell uprights. We'll talk more about this spacing in our FAQ section. In a nutshell, it means the holes for the J-cups (what holds the loaded bar in place for start position) are spaced closer together near the bottom of the post, moving farther apart as they go up. It is a safety feature that helps prevent pinning accidents if an athlete loses control of a barbell. That makes the whole rack ideal for serious athletes as well as beginners who need to challenge themselves for sport conditioning.

The package also ships with band pegs, places to attach heavy-duty looped resistance bands for extra training. There are also eight permanently installed bumper plate storage pegs. Pin and pipe safety hardware makes for increased peace of mind and injury prevention. A 43" skinny pull up bar comes standard, plenty of length for any grip spacing while working the upper body. The entire rack is 90 inches tall, so there won't be any folding of the legs to allow a full range of motion during pull up bar use.

4. R-6 Power Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.6
Accessories
96
Advanced Features
96
Capacity
97
Size
98
Versatility
96
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$1,780.00
See Deal
Pros:

Chain and band storage pegs--chains won't scratch or mar treated finish

Two pull up bars, front and back, each with easy to change grip width

Bar collars come free when you purchase new

Rogue offers a whole array of accessories and add-ons to expand unit's potential

Cons:

Perfect for a bench drop-in, but bench is not included

This is an upgrade to the still mighty R-4 rack, with two extra uprights and six extra pegs for plate storage. In keeping with the other R-Series offerings, this rack features the Westside J-cup hole spacing for increased safety and peace of mind.

Read more

The frame is of the same 11-gauge steel that is standard issue for Rogue racks. It's 2x3 inches and can withstand a natural disaster just as easily as it can take your harshest lifting sessions.

What sets the R-6 apart from the other R racks is the storage capability. You get 6 plate pegs--two hold a pair of plates each, and the other four hold a plate each. In addition to the plates, you get 6 narrower pegs made for heavy-duty bands and a few lifting chains.

Base hardware includes a multi-grip front bar for pull-ups and more. It looks like a mini jungle gym. A fat/skinny bar, designed for ergonomics, runs between the left and right back posts. Pin pipe safety hardware and Rogue's indestructible J-Cups hold loaded bars in place. The rack is 90 inches tall, 80 inches deep, and 53 inches wide. It weighs 300 pounds fully assembled without any weight plates. There's plenty of room for you to add a bench and get a full range of movement for your bench presses.

5. Monster Collegiate Half Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.2
Accessories
96
Advanced Features
94
Capacity
98
Size
97
Versatility
96
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$1,600.00
See Deal
Pros:

Double rack has two pull up bars

Both half and whole racks are 90" tall

Extended front feet add security, can also use to attach bands for band training

Band pegs are zinc plated for a durable finish

Cons:

Add ons, for unit's full potential, can get costly

This rack comes in two options, with about a $500 price difference. For the extra cash, you get the equivalent of two half racks, welded together, with extra plate storage in between. That means a deeper footprint at the same height and front/rear width.

Read more

Both units are compact answers to the standard, full-size Monster rack family. Neither the half nor double rack skimps on features. Those include a pull up bar (2 for the Double), 4 or 8 band posts, 8 bumper plate pegs (the Double still has 8, not 16), and the Rogue nameplate, in bright red, to strike awe and respect into the hearts of any athlete entering your home or training facility.

Pull up bars are optional and cost extra. You can also add on pin and pipe safeties, a two-foot-long safety strap, and/or safety spotter arms for heavy squats. Since the half rack is meant for solo athletes, those safety arms are especially important to prevent injuries or damage to equipment. For other compatible add-ons, check the Rogue website or contact their helpful and efficient customer service department.

The Monster Collegiates are made in the United States, at Rogue's manufacturing facility in Ohio. The finish is black powder coat with the red Rogue nameplate and strong 1" mounting bolts throughout. The Collegiate does not have to be floor bolted, and it has front angled rocker arms to strengthen its foundation. Both racks are 100" tall at their highest point outside the working area.

6. RML 490-C Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
Accessories
98
Advanced Features
92
Capacity
96
Size
95
Versatility
99
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$575.00
See Deal
Pros:

Plenty of options for customization

Can be wall-mounted for extra stability

Small enough for home gyms, light commercial facilities, and athletic training rooms

Comes with 2 Monster Lite J-Cups and 4 band pegs, standard

Cons:

Optional stabilizers only come in matte black finish--won't match other color options

This mammoth power rack comes in a choice of ten different colors, with options for stabilizers, safety arms, or concrete anchors to give you the ultimate in stability and peace of mind.

Read more

The special appeal of the RML-490C is the customization options. You have a choice of configurations that can facilitate squats, bench presses, band and plate storage, and permanently installed lateral safety straps. This rack borrows DNA from the Rogue R-4 rack, so it has the same 3x3" uprights, powder coat finish, Westside holes, 5/8" mounting hardware, J-Cups, and pin/pipe safety hardware.

You get two pull up bars, a regular and thick one, each 43" long with plenty of grip options and height. The entire rack is 90" high, letting even the tallest lifters get their squats on. Though it tops the scales at 340 pounds, the RML-490-C has a petite 53x53 inch footprint with the extra-large metal feet included.

The RML-490-C can be configured for plate and band storage. Though there is no dedicated chain storage, we're sure you can get away with using any of the pegs without worrying that your chains will scratch this workhorse's steel hide.

7. R-4 Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.6
Accessories
95
Advanced Features
94
Capacity
97
Size
97
Versatility
95
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$990.00
See Deal
Pros:

Footprint, working space bigger than the earlier R-3

Front and back pull up bars

Huge choice of upgrades including extra storage and front-facing dip bars

Four band pegs, plus option for plate storage

Cons:

Must be bolted to the floor, which is labor intense but still doable

The R-4 is a beefier, huskier sibling to Rogue's classic R-3 rack, with a bigger footprint and a ton of options including a flat utility bench if you want to keep things simple.

Read more

Before we go any further, we'll note that this rack has to be bolted to your floor. According to Rogue, it won't be safe or stable enough otherwise. Although the R-4 weighs "just" 250 pounds, the four-cornered metal foot foundation won't be sturdy enough on its own. Rogue does offer a concrete anchor kit, for about 20 dollars, on the website. The kit includes 12 anchors, 3 for each footplate, so be prepared for an afternoon of work drilling holes in your basement floor.

Another difference between this and the Monster and other lines we looked at is the total height. Instead of the typical 90 inches, the R-4 tops out at 78 inches for the fat/skinny bar in back. The lone skinny bar up front gives you 86 inches of height. If you prefer the wider surface of the fat bar, and you are over six feet tall, you may run into problems because of this.

There's no plate storage included in the basic package. You can order stabilizers, bars, and plates, in addition to benches, but we could not find an option for storage pegs. Other upgrades include a safety strap system and a cross member with multiple grips. The R-4 gives you a greater working depth than the R-3, and the entire rack has cross-compatibility with the Rogue Infinity line of racks.

8. Monster RM-3W Wall Mount Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Accessories
91
Advanced Features
95
Capacity
97
Size
98
Versatility
95
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$780.00
See Deal
Pros:

Two different user-determined depths/workspaces

Comes with mounting brackets and complete instructions

Folds back nearly flush with wall

Takes up about half as much space as a regular rack

Cons:

Doesn't offer plate or band storage

This (relatively) low priced half rack is the mini-me you need if you are strapped for space and still want access to Rogue durability and safe, effective barbell squats. When Rogue says "wall mount," they mean it--without being mounted, the RM-3W will be ineffective and unsafe.

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Reliable Rogue engineering gives you 90 inch tall, 3x3 inch, 11-gauge steel uprights. Mounting bolts are 1", not 5/8' like some of the other racks we've written up. The extra thick bolts provide stability and guarantee the half-rack won't work loose after you drill it into wall studs or brick.

The design also means you can fold the unit nearly flat against a wall, like a Murphy bed for your gym. The thick steel, combined with Rogue's proprietary folding hinges, keeps the unit immobile whether you perform squats, pull-ups, or bench based lifts using the uprights as spotter assistance.

The rack comes with everything you need for wall mounting. Still, Rogue recommends getting the top and bottom stringers, which cost extra. Like the stringer board on an outdoor deck, these long metal pieces add an extra layer of stability and immobility. Rubber feet on the two uprights prevent floor damage. You can choose between two depths, 21 inches and 41 inches, which would require removal and reinstallation should you ever decide to change them. The 21-inch version will be fine for most users. The wider 41 inch option is for gymnasts and others who need more space for their training.

9. Bolt-Together R-3 Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Accessories
89
Advanced Features
94
Capacity
97
Size
98
Versatility
92
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$870.00
See Deal
Pros:

Designed for unusually tight or small spaces

Smaller depth, footprint, lower height

Steel frame is 2x3 instead of 3x3, for lower overall weight and space-saving

Comes standard with J-Cups, band pegs, and pin/pipe safety interlocks

Cons:

Does not come with a bar, bench, or plates; extra charge for deeper depth

This is another low-cost unit for those of us with limited space. While the R-3 assembles easily and delivers on that premise, your personal goals may require expensive accessories that will chip away at any cost savings.

Read more

We don't say this as a deal-breaker or a warning to steer clear of the Bolt Together. It absolutely delivers on the Rogue promise of durability and dependability. And since it isn't a wall mount, you get a working space similar to most other Rogue racks. According to Rogue, the bolt-together is ideal for military barracks, apartments with tight stairs, or low-ceilinged rooms. The reduced height (7'6") is shorter than the standard 8-foot ceiling one finds in most residential homes.

Construction is of 2x3" steel, still 11 gauge but a bit less thick than the typical 3x3". Mounting hardware is 5/8" including fasteners and bolts. This unit has to be floor mounted for safety and immobility. You get two pull up bars, a 2 inch and a 1.25 inch, both 78 inches from the ground.

Finally, the Bolt Together has no welded joints. It is meant to be dropped in place unassembled, then put together for permanent installation. This also makes it slightly easier to transport, should you ever move or sell the unit secondhand.

10. RE-3 Echo Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.5
Accessories
90
Versatility
91
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$990.00
See Deal
Pros:

90-inch uprights

Total frame weight considerably less than other Rogues

Pull up bar, J-Cups, band pegs included

2x2" steel is more compact but strong enough to do the job

Cons:

Must be bolted to floor--concrete anchors sold separately

This is the least expensive Rogue rack that we analyzed for the buying guide.

Read more

The Echo R-3 is 90 inches tall. It features 2x2" 11 gauge steel framing. A 43" fat/skinny pull up bar comes standard.

The unit uses J-Cups for racking loaded barbells. It has band pegs, but no plate storage. The unit has to bolt to the floor, and you can order the concrete anchors from Rogue for about $20. Pin and pipe safeties cost extra. Instead of the Westside hole spacing, the rack has 2" spacing through the bench area and 6" spacing otherwise.

The rack weighs 160 pounds, making it the lightest on our list. Its larger sibling, the R-3, weighs 200 pounds. Mounting hardware is 1/2". The rack is a full 90" tall, with a light footprint of just 32 by 53 inches (depth and width).

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Accessories

The more you pay for the base rack, the less you will spend on accessories.

It's a trade-off, like so many things in life. You can spend over $2000 on a gargantuan rack with 3x3" steel, 90" uprights, a permanent squat belt, and enough plate storage for the entire cast and crew of "Pumping Iron." On the other side, you may want a half rack, perhaps a wall mount, that will maximize your limited space without putting a dent in your wallet.

But with the smaller unit, you will almost invariably need to spend more on accessories to get started. They include the bar hooks, pull up bars, barbells, weight plates, safety straps, chain storage, and a few other conveniences that may become necessities as you grow your lifting practice.

We wish we could tell you that every rack comes with everything you will ever need. But that would be misleading. Instead, we have provided specs and ratings to help you decide what accessories you can live without, and which ones will be vital to you moving forward.

Advanced Features

There is an inverse relationship between how easy the rack installs and how many advanced features it offers.

In other words, a fold back unit is just plain not going to come with a squat belt. The ones we looked at don't even have slots for installing a belt. But that may be fine with you, if you don't plan on doing belt squats. Stabilizers are another component we can use as an example. No stabilizers, and no ability to install them, probably means no heavy barbell squats until you can save for an upgrade. But you can reap the benefits of squats without ever having to pile on the weight, if you keep expectations realistic and don't plan on entering any competitions.

Capacity

Rogue racks are built to hold serious loads.

You can take that to the bank. In fact, it is such a truism that the user/plate/bar capacities are often hard to locate on Rogue and second party retailer sites. Lifters the world over know they can trust a Rogue rack with their heaviest lifts. In many cases, we'd be more worried about the floor under a rack caving in than we would about any part of the rack shearing. Rogue's J-Cups, as we'll see, are some of the stoutest in the industry.

Which means we had to look at other dimensions, besides sheer poundage, when we decided to evaluate capacity. How many kinds of pull ups can you do? How much extra equipment can you add down the road? What accessories does Rogue offer for the specific rack, and how compatible is it with other racks? These are important questions, because they help you decide if a given rack is the right fit for your home or commercial gym.

Size

The bigger they come, the harder it is to make them fall.

This is why smaller racks, or half racks, often have to be bolted down.

It feels a little weird ranking racks by size. Not all of our readers have the same set of needs. Those of you who have plenty of space, and who center your fitness practice on Olympic lifts, will be fine with a big rack that can't be easily moved once installed. Some of you may wish for a rack like that, one with squat belts, diamond decking, and other features that aren't available in the more compact models. But you don't have the space. For you, we have given you some middle of the road solutions. Just because a rack isn't your dream rack doesn't mean it can't take you where you need to go. And you can always set goals and make plans for a massive rack once you move to a bigger space.

It also makes us happy to know that, armed with the knowledge from our buying guide, you can evaluate and trust Rogue products when you see them at a commercial gym. Joining a gym, and paying every month, is a good way to get access to the equipment you need at a time when you do not have space or funds for it.

Versatility

Versatility is another feature that goes up or down along with purchase price.

With the lowest priced models we found, you may not get plate storage. And some expensive racks have cable crossovers, which won't be available on a half rack or folding rack.

Still, though, Rogue is an ingenious company that wants the best for its customers and users. There isn't a Rogue product out there that can't be used more than one way. The skinny/fat bars we keep talking about are a prime example. Even on a lightweight, floor bolted rack, you get a choice of which pull up bar works best for you. You may need something solid and thick to hold on to. or you may prefer to wrap your fingers around a skinny bar until your fingers touch.

Expert Interviews & Opinions

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expert tips icon
Getting Power Help For Power Racks

While there isn't much danger of a properly assembled power rack falling apart or letting you down, that "properly assembled" requirement can get dicey when you first bring a power rack into your home. We'll be honest--as helpful and effective as the Bolt Together model is, we don't envy you if you need to actually bolt one together. Imagine assembling Ikea furniture, only with seemingly a dozen times more bolts and a drill that can put holes in concrete.

It probably won't come as a surprise that we want you to use hand and eye protection when you use a drill. The best CrossFit gloves will also improve your grip, prevent oils from your fingers getting on the rack finish, and protect you just in case you encounter a sharp edge or just torque too hard on a bolt of frustration. It happens.

In addition to your sweat and tear equity (no blood if you follow safety procedures), keep in mind that you can always ask Rogue for help. They have a toll free number as well as a chat window on the main website. In fact, we had to use the chat feature to learn about J-Cups, pipe/pin safeties, and Westside Hole spacing. The human or robot who helps us (we're not quite sure) was professional, knowledgeable, and fast. It's exactly what you'd expect from a company of Rogue's caliber, with their track record. Your time and safety are every bit as important to Rogue as your fitness dollars are.

And if the powerlifting squad at your gym uses lifting straps for help, you can use your phone, laptop, or tablet. We know you have a powerlifting squad because every gym does. They come with the building.

Rogue's Other Products

Rogue Fitness was established in 2006, when Bill Henniger began fabricating lifting equipment in his garage. Henniger is an Air Force veteran who started doing CrossFit as a way of maintaining fitness. He liked it so much that he became a certified CrossFit trainer. Henniger also had entrepreneurial leanings.

Henniger discovered a need for centralized equipment procuring, when he opened his own CrossFit box in the early 2000s. He found himself looking in multiple places for the racks, weights, and bars that are essential to any CrossFit box and to most gyms. Initially using his own capital, Henniger created Rogue Fitness to make life simpler for CrossFit box owners and their members. Rogue was the first company to centralize both sourcing and distribution for heavy lifting equipment, enabling fitness lovers everywhere to save money and easily find what they needed in a single location.

Today, Rogue Fitness employs over 600 people. Its headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio, and that is where the racks are manufactured. All Rogue's equipment is made in the U.S., and in recent years the company centralized fabrication to its warehouse in Ohio. According to Henniger, the Rogue model lets gym owners outfit their space in 98% less time than the old norm of between 6 and 8 weeks.

Rogue products are endorsed and used every day by the CrossFit Games, the World's Strongest Man tournament, and USA Weightlifting. You may pay more for a Rogue dumbbell, kettlebell, bench, or branded apparel. But you can do so with the confidence that the products you are using suport a local economy, and that these same products are trusted by elite strength athletes the world over.

Other Factors to Consider

Application

Rogue racks are not made to do one job, though if you only ever used them for barbell squats, you would never be disappointed and you'd end up with back and leg muscles like Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (AKA The Mountain from Game of Thrones, and a World's Strongest Man winner).

We looked at everything every rack could do, and tried to distill it into our concise factual reviews. It's a tougher job than you may think. But in the end, we are confident that you can compare features, side by side if you use Amazon, and find the perfect rack for whatever lifting outcomes your muscular heart desires.

Fit

Fit is as important as a lifting rack as it is with a shoe. Can you find a different size rack for every user? No, but Rogue streamlines things with their tall uprights, range of working depths, and overall measurements. You are able to shop around and find the power rack that will fit both you and your space like a glove. The working depth, height, and footprint, too, depending on your personal application. if you primarily want to own the bench press, you'll want something that can take in a bench and leave enough room for you to get a complete expansion and contraction. Fit isn't just about comfort--it's about freedom from injury and getting consistent results over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What are J-Cups?

a:

A J-Cup is a large metal hook with a nonskid backing, shaped like a capital letter J. The J-Cups hold empty or loaded barbells in place on the rack, by plugging into holes on the uprights. While many manufacturers use J-Cups or J-Cup derivatives, Rogue's design is unique to their products. The massive advantage of J-Cups is how quickly you can take them out of the uprights and place them lower or higher in the holes. You can confidently change your start position, working weight, or form of lift. Rogue's J-Cups come in different widths and heights. They all have tough plastic backs to prevent damage to uprights. Although you may have to pay extra for the J-Cups, it is a small investment for something that will last practically forever while letting you maximize the benefits of your Rogue rack.

q: How does Westside hole spacing help?

a:

Spaces between the holes that secure J-Cups in place are of vital importance.

Many racks use standard hole spacing, typically with 50 millimeters between hole centers. This measurement will be consistent from the bottom to the top of each upright. Westside spacing means that the holes from lowest to mid-upright are 25 mm apart. Moving past the bench press sweet spot, the holes will be 50mm apart all the way to the top of the post.

It may sound like a minor difference, but it is the kind of detail that distinguishes Rogue Fitness from its field of competitors. The modified spacing prevents safety bars from being too low or too high to effectively do their job. This also maximizes range of motion and ensures the correct starting point for any lifter who uses the rack.

The name, Westside, comes from a gym called Westside Barbell. Trainers and coaches there developed the spacing, and it helped their athletes win awards and earn a reputation for excellence and strength. Westside Barbell has helped create some of the top elite lifters and powerlifters in the world,. and the tiny difference in hole space helped make that legacy possible.

q: What are pin and pipe safeties?

a:

Like firearms, power and squat racks are tightly engineered tools that can extend human capability. Hunters have been using rifles for centuries to help them procure food faster, with less suffering for their game animals. Power racks hold heavy weight in place until the user is ready to move it, and also provide extra storage for other equipment.

Also, like a firearm, a power rack can cause serious injury when used incorrectly or by someone who doesn't have the proper training. Gun safeties prevent tragic outcomes, and safeties on racks can do the same thing.

A pin and pipe safety consists of a pin that looks like a lever. It locks into a steel pipe. With a pin lock on each end, the steel bar sits between the uprights. If a lifter loses control of a barbell, the pin and pipe safety catches it before it reaches the floor or causes trauma to the athlete's body. Similar to safety arms or stabilizers, pin and pipe safeties extend the limits of human strength and can let you lift with confidence and peace of mind. And since they are compact, you can easily move a pin and pipe safety to any level you want it at on the uprights.

q: So what's the deal with belt squats?

a:

We're so glad you asked. With their unmatched ability to put your leg strength into overdrive, while relieving pressure on the spine, belt squats are one of the best kept secrets in the competitive lifting community.

A typical squat belt wraps around your waist area, then connects to a secondary belt or heavy fabric strap using a carabiner. The weight plate or plates hang from the other end of the secondary belt. Once you're in position, you can simply squat as you normally would, keeping a vertical spine and letting the large muscle groups in your legs do the work of lifting.

Many racks use a loaded plate system, similar to a leg extension machine, to move the weight plate while you stand level with the plate lever. But you can also do belt squats by standing between two raised platforms, with a foot on each one. That puts you higher than the weight plate, so that you lift it off the ground every time you stand up.

Besides targeting the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves, the belt squat lets you continue to train, with heavy weight, despite a back injury or lumbar spine pain. Although you don't need an expensive power rack, you definitely need a weight belt that is made just for this kind of squat. Otherwise, the exercise will not be 100% safe and effective.

q: Can I do belt squats without investing in a lot of equipment?

a:

Yes, you can. We found videos of lifters using giant CrossFit style tires as the dual platforms. If you are lifting the lighter weight, nothing too crazy, you can use chairs, stools, or CrossFit plyo boxes. This is a great DIY home gym solution.

The one thing you absolutely need for belt squats, aside from the weight, is a belt made for squats. You may be able to rig a standard lifting belt or even a back brace, but we don't recommend it. Squat belts are designed to stay together under heavy loads without cutting into your hips, pelvis, or stomach. As always, start with low weight and work your way up slowly. When you do your first set of belt squats, you will be amazed at how light and stress-free your spine feels with all the load taken off of it.

Sources

  1. Nick English, Why the Belt Squat Could be Your Secret to Strength Gains, Barbend.com
  2. Rogue Fitness Staff, About Us, Rogue Fitness Public Page
  3. Inc. Staff, How This Air Force Veteran Tapped Into The Lucrative Business..., Inc.com
  4. Rogue Fitness Staff, Monster J-Cup Pairs, Rogue Fitness
  5. Verve Fitness Staff, What is Westside Hole Spacing and is it Important?, Verve Fitness