Question

What's the best power rack for the price?

Answer

Before I bought my 7 degree smith machine from a local dealer (couldn't pass on the price on closeout) I was shopping for a power rack (also called a squat cage or squat rack) and here's what I found out.

There are a million different models of squat racks and cages on the market at a muiad of price points. The bottom line is that there's no best power rack, only one that will work for your budget and needs. With that in mind, here are the racks that made my top 3…

1. Body Solid Power Rack

2. Powertec Power Rack

3. Body Craft Power Rack

Without boring you to death with tedious details about my power rack shopping experience, here's why the Body Solid, Powertec and Body Craft racks made the cut for me (and should be on your short list too.

Reason #1 - All three racks are a good deal and can be had for under $700 bucks + weights. If you're serious about training and lifting hard and don't have a huge bankroll get a power rack or cage, a bench and some olympic weights. With a set up like that, you can do countless muscle building exercises in relative safety.

Reason #2 - Unlike the cheap racks from other manufacturers, the "short list" racks are built to last with heavy duty frames, good warranties and companies that will be around next year to back up their products.

Reason #3 - One of the most overlooked features of a power rack is the number of stops the rack has. Since most people train alone at home with a rack, you need to have a rack that has as many stops and adjustments as possible so you get spotting and lift-off points where you need them.

You can't go wrong with the Body Solid Power Rack (but avoid the cheaper Powerline model) and I liked the Body Craft rack too,  but for my money the Powertec Power Rack was the winner with the best mix of features, build quality and price.

I also like the fact that the Powertec rack has an angled chin up bar, dip handles and a good weight bench with leg attachment, it's a package that's tough to beat for the money.