Viewer feedback... Irwin Fitness, Black Widow Strength and Surplus Strength are all great options for premium, top of the line racks. Looks like I was wrong about BridgeBuilt being compatible with other brands as they us 3/4" holes? I saw on their site that it says 3/4" hardware, but they didn't specify hole size. Hopefully someone can confirm? I'd still buy one of their racks, though! Best powder coat in the game! Buying used always needs to be an option when buying a rack, especially since good ones don't really wear out!
@@JoeyLisano I see people using 5/8" attachments too. But still an interesting choice for them to use an almost completely unique size. I'd love to talk to them to see why they chose that sizing.
@@GymCrafterSince a 5/8” hole size is smaller than 3/4”, the pin would technically fit, there’d just be some (or a lot) of play or movement in the attachment, which isn’t ideal. You can kinda “hack” it by adding some like UMHW tape to fill the gap, but I personally don’t want to have to do all that. Companies do this sometimes to basically lock you into their attachments and their ecosystem. For example, Bells of Steel has pretty uniquely sized uprights (2.3x2.3”) for some of their products like their cable towers and 2.3x2.3” racks. I personally don’t think them doing that is a cardinal sin or anything, especially if they have plenty of good quality attachments and options in their ecosystem, but I CERTAINLY prefer those that allow for the maximum versatility in what attachment you can use, especially when you consider that MOST home gym users (their target audience) are not brainless brand slaves - we’re gonna mix and match - so they might as well allow us to do that.
@@T_T-T_T I think for me the industry should just stick with 5/8 or 1" and call it a day. Not sure why some people need to try to be different, especially a company that makes products that are that good.
Great amount of information. I do not want a cheap rack but looking at mid level. Do not want to spend stupid money on a rack. You really helped me with your specific details. Thanks
FYI, Bells of Steel Hydra & Manticore racks (their 3x3” 11 gauge racks) use imperial measurements, not the metric system. So Rogue attachments will work on their rack and vice versa. You can watch Gluck’s Gym’s reviews on them for reference
I’d actually recommend the REP PR-1000 over the PR-1100 bc it’s overall a little more stable. The attachments and price are comparable (1000 is +$20), and while the 1100 has the multigrip pull up bar and I think the whole spacing is a bit different, PR-1000 is just a better option with the 2 vertical plate pegs on the back for more storage and stability.
Good points. The more I dig into this, though, the more I think people should just start with a 4 post 3x3 if they are on a budget. I don't know anyone that stayed with a 2x2 if they kept lifting for more than a year or two. Might as well just get the right thing the first time.
I passed on Bridge Built because they use 3/4" holes, which is not compatible with anyone else. An integrated cable system can be a deciding factor. It's why I chose REP over Rogue, back when it was centered plate load pulldown/row vs. offset Slinger. 5/8" hole racks often have 6" on center spacing on the upright's side - adequate for weight storage, but limiting for attachments. Many budget racks do not have UHMW plastic lining on the attachments so the uprights and barbell will get scratches over time and potentially rust.
@@JoeyLisano I didn't realize that! I just assumed they were 1" holes, I just added this to the pinned comment, thank you. Other points are valuable as well! And yeah, I'm looking at a new rack right now and a Rep rack with integrated Ares or Athena is in the top 3 finalists for sure (and prob what I'll end up with). I just can't decide if the Ares is better or just the Athena for the functional trainer and a stand alone lat/low row. Decisions, decisions!
@GymCrafter I think Ares is great for a small footprint. For push/pull super-sets, a standalone Adonis in addition to the rack makes transitioning less tedious. Since the Adonis has a single 2:1 pulley, adding Athena to the rack is low value unless you have to have a chest/reverse fly.
@@JoeyLisano man, you are reading my mind. With the 2-1 and 1-1 on the Adonis along with the Pegasus seat, I've been tempted to get that and then just go with a classic rack with nothing integrated. Do my barbell work there and everything else on the Adonis. I never use the dual cable set up for flys and can do them single arm on the Adonis anyway. I have the space and price ends up pretty close either way.
They make great racks, but I did find out after making this video that they use 3/4" holes, which limits attachments by quite a bit. For a rack, Rogue, Rep, Fringe Sport are all good choices. As far as "best", that's hard to say with a rack since one you get good welds, 11 gauge steel, and the hole size and spacing you want, you have covered most of your bases.
Ive got my eye on the Rogue drop-in Rhino they are releasing in August that has a lat pull down built into it finally. Thinking I would just go with a RM3 30 inch rack to put it in.
My budget to the wind picks, would be custom racks from Surplus Strength, Irwin Fitness, or back widow. Pretty much whatever you want custom colors, custom nameplate, sizes etc..
@@HughLeFitness that why I said budget to the wind picks. Which means unlimited budget so the cost is not a factor. You just get the rack you want without out cost being an issue
In my opinion 5/8 holes is clearly the superior option. Nothing actually requires the extra strength of 1 inch hardware. The only real advantage of 1 inch is that it is common. But by now 5/8 has become equal common. You are not missing out on anything by going 5/8, but it is cheaper and you get superior west side hole spacing. As to the future, I have the opposite observation of the video. I think everyone had 1 inch and now they are going 5/8. I don't think either is going away anytime soon.
@@BaldurNorddahl I'd love it if this was the case down the road! I prefer the Westside hole spacing so much it is a huge deciding factor for me on which rack to go with.
I prefer 5/8” as well, but there is definitely more innovation/faster innovation for 1” holes unfortunately. It’s not a huge difference by any means, but companies definitely push out 1” stuff more/before 5/8” stuff a lot. For example you have things like the Darko Thresher pad (which is very popular and very innovative) that only has options for 1”. There are alternatives to this item of course, but it’s just 1 example. Sometimes you’ll get companies that make something for their 1” racks but not make the 5/8” version for several months to a year or longer. I still prefer 5/8” bc the savings on all the attachments and stuff I (and most ppl) would be getting is crazy, and it way outways the slight hit to attachment options, especially when there will probably be an alternative or I’ll just need to wait a bit.
Biggest advice I can tell people is to buy used. For the price of a new Amazon/Major/RipFit special with all the bells and whistles you can buy a used quality rack that will last you a lifetime. Buy the one you really want, if you can’t afford it new, buy used. If you compromise on the rack you will regret it, believe me.
I am in the market for a 6 post cage. I thought I was 100% on Rogues Monster RM-6 over Reps PR5000. I’ve measured my 1 car garage more times than I catch red lights on my way to work, and honestly feel that Reps power rack will fit better. So now that has been decided sort of, I’m looking for a shrimp troller arm style attachment to hang an aqua punching bag off the side. Next decision is choosing between Rogue Echo Bike, Concept2 rowErg, or a motorless treadmill. I would have room for 1 more piece of equipment. What am I’m missing? GHD? Leg press/curl machine? Cold plunge 🥶? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
I can tell you Bud that if I was you, I'd pass on the Rogue Echo bike. It's really not for cardio as one can only go for 5-10 minutes usually due to the resistance. You don't want to have resistance while doing cardio. Separate resistance and cardio. Cardio is to burn calories and enhance the heart while resistance is for building muscle. Just my opinion. Regular bike, rower, ski erg, choose what you like the best. By your logo, it seems you work for UPS and if you do you dont need any cardio equipment, you are getting enough cardio at work, just build your muscles. I know this as my brother works for them and he works from 8 AM-9PM 5 days a week. 60 hours min. every week. Bless his heart, he has no time to work out. UPS guys here in NC work longer and harder than anybody I've ever seen. Take Care
@@619_ER You'll love the Rep rack. Rogue is nice, but overpriced, especially their attachments and accessories. For cardio, pick the one you'll actually use, not the one you think will punish you the most. I prefer rowing, but everyone is different. If you go with the Concept 2, check out the Ergatta upgrade for it. It will make it much more engaging and fun to use. And skip the cold plunge, it's a fad. Lots of studies coming out now that show zero actual benefit other than posting pics on Instagram.
@@nolimits8744 They do. It took them off my short list of racks to buy. No reason to do anything other than 5/8" or 1" at this point. You pretty much kill any accessories by not using one of those.
![I Tried the Speedience Gym Monster 2 - Was it Worth it!? [Smart Home Gym]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3A2p989GGao/mqdefault.jpg)
Viewer feedback...
Irwin Fitness, Black Widow Strength and Surplus Strength are all great options for premium, top of the line racks.
Looks like I was wrong about BridgeBuilt being compatible with other brands as they us 3/4" holes? I saw on their site that it says 3/4" hardware, but they didn't specify hole size. Hopefully someone can confirm? I'd still buy one of their racks, though! Best powder coat in the game!
Buying used always needs to be an option when buying a rack, especially since good ones don't really wear out!
Bridge Built has spotter arms with 3/4" pins, 3/4" hitch pins, band pegs and J cups with 3/4" option, etc. 3/4" holes
@@JoeyLisano I see people using 5/8" attachments too. But still an interesting choice for them to use an almost completely unique size. I'd love to talk to them to see why they chose that sizing.
@@GymCrafterSince a 5/8” hole size is smaller than 3/4”, the pin would technically fit, there’d just be some (or a lot) of play or movement in the attachment, which isn’t ideal. You can kinda “hack” it by adding some like UMHW tape to fill the gap, but I personally don’t want to have to do all that.
Companies do this sometimes to basically lock you into their attachments and their ecosystem. For example, Bells of Steel has pretty uniquely sized uprights (2.3x2.3”) for some of their products like their cable towers and 2.3x2.3” racks. I personally don’t think them doing that is a cardinal sin or anything, especially if they have plenty of good quality attachments and options in their ecosystem, but I CERTAINLY prefer those that allow for the maximum versatility in what attachment you can use, especially when you consider that MOST home gym users (their target audience) are not brainless brand slaves - we’re gonna mix and match - so they might as well allow us to do that.
@@T_T-T_T I think for me the industry should just stick with 5/8 or 1" and call it a day. Not sure why some people need to try to be different, especially a company that makes products that are that good.
Great amount of information. I do not want a cheap rack but looking at mid level. Do not want to spend stupid money on a rack. You really helped me with your specific details. Thanks
Glad it helped!
FYI, Bells of Steel Hydra & Manticore racks (their 3x3” 11 gauge racks) use imperial measurements, not the metric system. So Rogue attachments will work on their rack and vice versa. You can watch Gluck’s Gym’s reviews on them for reference
I think a lot of people, me too, just assume that made overseas = metric. Thanks for the correction.
I’d actually recommend the REP PR-1000 over the PR-1100 bc it’s overall a little more stable. The attachments and price are comparable (1000 is +$20), and while the 1100 has the multigrip pull up bar and I think the whole spacing is a bit different, PR-1000 is just a better option with the 2 vertical plate pegs on the back for more storage and stability.
Good points. The more I dig into this, though, the more I think people should just start with a 4 post 3x3 if they are on a budget. I don't know anyone that stayed with a 2x2 if they kept lifting for more than a year or two. Might as well just get the right thing the first time.
I passed on Bridge Built because they use 3/4" holes, which is not compatible with anyone else.
An integrated cable system can be a deciding factor. It's why I chose REP over Rogue, back when it was centered plate load pulldown/row vs. offset Slinger.
5/8" hole racks often have 6" on center spacing on the upright's side - adequate for weight storage, but limiting for attachments.
Many budget racks do not have UHMW plastic lining on the attachments so the uprights and barbell will get scratches over time and potentially rust.
Another point for Rep! Thanks for pointing that out…cable attachments!
@@JoeyLisano I didn't realize that! I just assumed they were 1" holes, I just added this to the pinned comment, thank you. Other points are valuable as well! And yeah, I'm looking at a new rack right now and a Rep rack with integrated Ares or Athena is in the top 3 finalists for sure (and prob what I'll end up with). I just can't decide if the Ares is better or just the Athena for the functional trainer and a stand alone lat/low row. Decisions, decisions!
@GymCrafter I think Ares is great for a small footprint. For push/pull super-sets, a standalone Adonis in addition to the rack makes transitioning less tedious. Since the Adonis has a single 2:1 pulley, adding Athena to the rack is low value unless you have to have a chest/reverse fly.
@@JoeyLisano man, you are reading my mind. With the 2-1 and 1-1 on the Adonis along with the Pegasus seat, I've been tempted to get that and then just go with a classic rack with nothing integrated. Do my barbell work there and everything else on the Adonis. I never use the dual cable set up for flys and can do them single arm on the Adonis anyway. I have the space and price ends up pretty close either way.
Are u saying bridge built is the best Iam to looking at the Phoenix??? Help me out? Looking at half racks or squat stands
They make great racks, but I did find out after making this video that they use 3/4" holes, which limits attachments by quite a bit. For a rack, Rogue, Rep, Fringe Sport are all good choices. As far as "best", that's hard to say with a rack since one you get good welds, 11 gauge steel, and the hole size and spacing you want, you have covered most of your bases.
Ive got my eye on the Rogue drop-in Rhino they are releasing in August that has a lat pull down built into it finally. Thinking I would just go with a RM3 30 inch rack to put it in.
@@Jordan-th8ps That's probably the number one thing I've seen people wanting Rogue for lately. Seems like a great piece.
My budget to the wind picks, would be custom racks from Surplus Strength, Irwin Fitness, or back widow. Pretty much whatever you want custom colors, custom nameplate, sizes etc..
Irwin Fitness is not budget.
@@HughLeFitness that why I said budget to the wind picks. Which means unlimited budget so the cost is not a factor. You just get the rack you want without out cost being an issue
@@carps_gym oh ok, I don't know what budget to the wind picks mean so thanks for clarifying.
@@carps_gym THe Black Widow setup at HGC was awesome.
In my opinion 5/8 holes is clearly the superior option. Nothing actually requires the extra strength of 1 inch hardware. The only real advantage of 1 inch is that it is common. But by now 5/8 has become equal common. You are not missing out on anything by going 5/8, but it is cheaper and you get superior west side hole spacing.
As to the future, I have the opposite observation of the video. I think everyone had 1 inch and now they are going 5/8. I don't think either is going away anytime soon.
@@BaldurNorddahl I'd love it if this was the case down the road! I prefer the Westside hole spacing so much it is a huge deciding factor for me on which rack to go with.
I prefer 5/8” as well, but there is definitely more innovation/faster innovation for 1” holes unfortunately. It’s not a huge difference by any means, but companies definitely push out 1” stuff more/before 5/8” stuff a lot. For example you have things like the Darko Thresher pad (which is very popular and very innovative) that only has options for 1”. There are alternatives to this item of course, but it’s just 1 example. Sometimes you’ll get companies that make something for their 1” racks but not make the 5/8” version for several months to a year or longer.
I still prefer 5/8” bc the savings on all the attachments and stuff I (and most ppl) would be getting is crazy, and it way outways the slight hit to attachment options, especially when there will probably be an alternative or I’ll just need to wait a bit.
Biggest advice I can tell people is to buy used. For the price of a new Amazon/Major/RipFit special with all the bells and whistles you can buy a used quality rack that will last you a lifetime. Buy the one you really want, if you can’t afford it new, buy used. If you compromise on the rack you will regret it, believe me.
@@Mrwatson185 Great advice!
I am in the market for a 6 post cage. I thought I was 100% on Rogues Monster RM-6 over Reps PR5000. I’ve measured my 1 car garage more times than I catch red lights on my way to work, and honestly feel that Reps power rack will fit better. So now that has been decided sort of, I’m looking for a shrimp troller arm style attachment to hang an aqua punching bag off the side.
Next decision is choosing between Rogue Echo Bike, Concept2 rowErg, or a motorless treadmill.
I would have room for 1 more piece of equipment. What am I’m missing? GHD? Leg press/curl machine? Cold plunge 🥶?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!
I can tell you Bud that if I was you, I'd pass on the Rogue Echo bike. It's really not for cardio as one can only go for 5-10 minutes usually due to the resistance. You don't want to have resistance while doing cardio. Separate resistance and cardio. Cardio is to burn calories and enhance the heart while resistance is for building muscle. Just my opinion.
Regular bike, rower, ski erg, choose what you like the best.
By your logo, it seems you work for UPS and if you do you dont need any cardio equipment, you are getting enough cardio at work, just build your muscles. I know this as my brother works for them and he works from 8 AM-9PM 5 days a week. 60 hours min. every week. Bless his heart, he has no time to work out.
UPS guys here in NC work longer and harder than anybody I've ever seen.
Take Care
@@bobbyhunt3009
Thanks man-yeah I’m leaning towards a C2 machine.
@@619_ER You'll love the Rep rack. Rogue is nice, but overpriced, especially their attachments and accessories. For cardio, pick the one you'll actually use, not the one you think will punish you the most. I prefer rowing, but everyone is different. If you go with the Concept 2, check out the Ergatta upgrade for it. It will make it much more engaging and fun to use. And skip the cold plunge, it's a fad. Lots of studies coming out now that show zero actual benefit other than posting pics on Instagram.
@@GymCrafter
Much appreciated!
some type of cable system really makes your home gym feel more enjoyable
I'm pretty sure bridge built uses 3/4" holes.
@@nolimits8744 They do. It took them off my short list of racks to buy. No reason to do anything other than 5/8" or 1" at this point. You pretty much kill any accessories by not using one of those.