With so much focus on home gyms, multi-gyms, and the like, the humble power rack is often overlooked as a home gym purchase.
But investing in a power rack could be one of the best decisions you ever make.
Sure, they may not have many bells and whistles, but you can work every single muscle if you have a power rack, bench, and fully stocked barbell set.
This can save you a fortune compared to a multi-gym, and all of the best training programs are based around power racks.
In this article we are going to take a look at five of the best power racks that are currently available to buy.
Hopefully, this helps you to choose the perfect power rack for your needs, the space you have available, and your budget.
Power Rack #1: CAP Barbell Power Rack
The first power rack on our list is by far the cheapest. CAP Barbell is a great fitness equipment supplier, always looking to provide high quality products for those on a more modest budget.
The CAP Barbell power rack is a great example of this, it does everything that it needs to do, is well made, and takes up very little space (compared to a regular power rack or multi-gym).
The power rack can also be used as a pull up bar (though shorter people may have to utilise a stool to reach it), and you are able to attach resistance bands (such as a TRX) to the bar as well.
While the CAP Barbell power rack looks quite light in weight, it has been cleverly designed to combat this.
For example, the weights are stacked on the bottom of the rack, which not only offers good storage, but can also act as a stabilizing force while you perform pull ups etc.
The one downside is that the rack can only handle weights of up to 300lbs (136kg), meaning that you won’t be able to squat any more than 300lbs safely.
If you are able to lift heavy (or you weigh more than 300lbs and want to perform some pull ups) then you will need to invest in a more expensive power rack (see below).
Power Rack #2: Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage
With a max weight capacity of 800lbs, there are no issues for the Fitness Reality 810XLT Super Max Power Cage.
This is a truly excellent power rack, that provides a multi-grip pull up bar as well. The only downside to this power cage is a lack of storage options for your weighted plates.
For this price, the Fitness Reality power cage is very durable, sturdy, and it can hold a lot of weight.
While you may be very happy with the product at this low price, there is the option to spend some more money and get a lot more.
You can get a lat pulldown attachment that is situated at the top of the cage, a seated row that is set up on the bottom, and a bar that can be placed to hold your knees down while using the lat pulldown.
You can also purchase an exercise bench to go with the power rack. The only downside of the exercise bench is that it is not adjustable, just flat.
Of course, you could always purchase a bench separately, there’s more than enough space in this power rack for any variation of exercise bike.
Power Rack #3: CAP Barbell Multi Use Power Rack
Another power rack from CAP Barbell, this time though we’ve gone with a more expensive model.
This rack has a maximum capacity of 500lbs (226kg) which let’s be honest here, is a lot more than 90% of people are going to be able to lift.
While the first CAP Barbell power rack was fairly one-dimensional, this power rack is more of a cage.
The larger base and additional uprights make this a stronger and more durable power rack, and a safer one too.
The power rack also comes with pull up handles with three grips possible, and an adjustable dip station.
You can easily squat, rack pull, bench press (provided you have purchased a bench), or whatever barbell related exercise you want to perform on this.
A great price, excellent value for money, and a solid overall product.
Power Rack #4: Steelbody Strength Training Monster Cage Squat Rack
The Strength Training Monster Cage Squat Rack by Steelbody is a thing of beauty, a well-constructed power rack that can handle 1,000lbs of stored weights.
There is even a shelf at the back where you can store dumbbells or kettlebells, which is pretty cool.
The squat rack also provides two pull up bars allowing for at least three types of pull up or chin up.
There is also a decent adjustable dip bar, there are pegs that can be used for resistance bands, and you can also attach a TRX to the sturdy pull up bar at the front of the power rack.
The whole product comes in a really nice bronze and black color scheme.
Power Rack #5: Marcy Home Gym Cage
The final power rack on this list is from Marcy, a fitness equipment company that offers good quality products at excellent prices.
This power rack is very similar to the Fitness Reality power cage we looked at earlier.
A good, solid power rack with some really fun attachments. A lat pulldown, a seated cable row, adjustable dip bars, a multi-grip pull up bar, and decent storage for your weighted plates when not using them.
There is quite a lot of space within this cage, and you can easily fit a bench in if you want to bench press or shoulder press.
The amount of storage available is impressive, you’ll have the tidiest home gym around (provided you can be bothered to tidy the weights away after use).
The power cage comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s limited warranty, which is always a good sign of the manufacturer being confident in their work. An excellent power rack to finish this list with!
Also check out: