ER KANG Power Cage / Rack and Functional Trainer Review: Is this Cheap Rack Worth it on Amazon?

[@SkylerKingTW]

I have seen so many people buy a less versatile rack and spend way more money on it, because they are convinced that the rack has to be 3x3 square tubing with 11g walls, 1" hardware, etc, or else it will be too flimsy and potentially unsafe. An idea that is a direct result of the popularity of those 3x3 racks thanks to companies like Rogue, REP, Sorinex, EliteFTS, etc. The reality is, using smaller diameter, thinner square tubing (such as with this rack) means that A LOT of money is saved on materials, manufacturing, finishing, hardware, shipping, etc, which directly results in a dramatically more affordable product for the consumer. With the money saved on the basics, they can then justify (and afford) adding all of the additional accessories while still keeping the final price down. And, while it is *technically* not as strong as a 3x3 11g rack, it is stronger than any human on the planet - it can literally support more weight than even the strongest men in the world can. It might have a safety rating of "only" 900lbs/1000lbs/etc (which is already more than most people will ever lift) but the actually maximum capacity will be much higher than that. If you have the space for it, something like this would be a great option for a lot of people.

[@hybridresistance]

Excellent points, again especially from you who has way more knowledge on the integrity / build of these racks. For me, it's always can I do what I need to do on it, so I'm happy to hear from you this will likely do that. Definitely though, something to be said about those expensive solid built racks (like you own) is how nice it is to have that stability and build quality. Maybe one day an upgrade will be in order for me as well.

[@zach6383]

Good points, pretty much nobody in these comments is squatting 900+😂 I'm gonna grab one, don't need 3x3

[@preston9039]

💯 300lbs or so is all imma be trying to bench or squat so it works for me.

[@eddietinajero]

I've had this for a week now, and while it's fantastic for the price, there are a few tweaks needed to make it truly exceptional. Firstly, I recommend using higher-quality tools, such as an impact driver, to ensure the bolts are securely tightened and eliminate any wobbling. Secondly, lubricating the post where the weight stack glides up and down will improve its performance. Additionally, the only thing I recommend replacing right away are the handles because the stock ones are awkward to use. As an extra tip, if you notice the cables feeling rough, ensure they're running smoothly through the pulleys without any scraping. The cables CAN run smoothly so if they’re not then something is not right.

[@hybridresistance]

These are all excellent tips!

[@DeeplyConcerned68]

use loctite for the nuts and bolts my guy..

[@dennisharry8408]

I own it, I like it so far, they have a video which walks through assembly, helped with making sure the cabling was fed through correctly.

[@bobl9949]

Now this looks very nice and solid with some really cool features at an affordable price.

[@ironray123]

So $600 is insanely cheap for what is essentially an entire gym. That's like a year's worth of dues at a big box health club. The only downside is the space needed. Most power racks require 6'x4'x7' (length, width, height), and that's just the foot print you still need room to work around it. But I would definitely get one if I had somewhere to put it.

[@hybridresistance]

This thing definitely found the sweet spot on square footage in this category. I was surprised how much space this actually took up when I turned assembled it.

[@pchuck1439]

I wish I had room in my apartment for this rack. Oh nice picture of Mary on your wall!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks brother. That picture is from Legacy Icons

[@steverapos3904]

This is a cool style. Some local retailers in my area have been selling them and more so in the last year or two - some even have a weight stack and remain cheap. Nice option if you are willing to make some small sacrifices for how it functions, and of course great for space savings

[@matthewschenker3170]

Thanks for doing a careful review of this power rack. I am a personal trainer, and always looking for good recommendations for my clients to build out a home gym. I really need recommendations for power racks in the

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks for sharing that, always helpful to know that people find these reviews useful.

[@danielkon8047]

I have one on the way. I think it is definitely worth the cost. Especially with all of the attachments. Those can add up quick if you buy them separately.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

You did a very nice review, you seemed honest to me, so what I was told about there are no honest reviews on free equipment might not be true. Honestly I don't care either way, I just like seeing the new equipment that has come out and hearing about the specs. Nice job,

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you. I’m sure that happens but I personally only do non sponsored videos and only consider a company if they let me be honest with the review.

[@theangrycanuck8331]

I'd like it a little deeper, but that's asking for more and being greedy, all in all it looks like a great beginner system that you can grow with until you have the space, or need for a larger capacity and larger ecosystem. On the flip, seems like the perfect one stop shop for alot of people who just need something to stay fit and goes good with a foldable treadmill.

[@threeboysandonegirl9870]

All these racks on Amazon and direct from sellers look so much like Major Lutie and Repfit units. I’m actually getting one for my garage gym but it’s a rack and smith in one. I wouldn’t be surprised if all of these are made in the same factory with a few different specs required for the businesses selling in the U.S.

[@JQMusic5]

By any chance have you seen the ones branded "Vesta" or "Llero?" They all look like they come from the same factory, like you described. I'm in the market for a rack and smith in one and it's tough to choose

[@threeboysandonegirl9870]

Actually I went with Major Fitness SML07. Not the heaviest gauge steel but it is a decent smith and rack system in one. The B52 is little heavier and can handle more weight on the smith bar but it’s not bad for a rack that price point.

[@cmd_reboot_sim]

Just purchased this. Was really stuck on the mikolo k3, major lutie plm05 and this one. Ended up going with this one because of the height and cheaper cost. This one is about 3 inches taller than the rest and I’m hoping it makes it easier to do hanging leg raises without my feet dragging on the floor. I’m 5’9 so i think it should do the job. Also like that this option has the weight storage on the rack itself and not to the side like the other brands. I feel that will make the rack itself more stable. Should be here in about 10 days. I got the red one with an 80$ off coupon but I also see that the grey one has a 120$ off coupon for anyone that’s interested. Hope I made the right choice. I was back and forth for a week until I made the purchase. The 21” space where you squat is what made me hesitant to purchase. Hope it doesn’t feel too crammed. That is my main concern but I am not a big guy so I think it should do fine

[@jedstuhr]

I was torn between the same ones you mentioned, but I went with this one and I fricken love it.... group it with its chest support pad that they recently released and also some U-Clips and adjustable dumbbells for the plate-loaded pulley system, and you've got a pretty sweet home gym setup... and the footprint is pretty small, all this considered (this is speaking from a person whose garage is essentially the storage unit). My only gripe so far is that the cable system doesn't go ALL the way to the top hole (design flaw on their part), and also, the cables have a tendency to twist.... maybe I just need to rethread the cables after being unraveled rather than from it being directly coiled... but love this purchase!

[@stacycostello3421]

I have been going back and forth for a month between this and Major Lutie. Same reason as you! Wondering how you are feeling about the 21" depth inside the rack?

[@cmd_reboot_sim]

I actually cancelled my order and went with the major lutie. It just arrived today a few hours ago and I have yet to set it up. I couldn’t get over the 21” space and ultimately that and the 2x3 uprights is what made me go with major lutie. I ended up getting it right before the sale ended and they marked it up 50$ more. I can’t tell you how I feel about it yet but I plan to set it up this weekend and if you want an update I can circle back here once I have it set up and I’ve used it.

[@stacycostello3421]

@@cmd_reboot_sim yes, I would absolutely like to hear if you are happy with making the change and if the specs in the Major Lutie are better inside the cage. That's definitely my biggest concern. I heard the Majoe Lutie was same inside - not sure if that's accurate or not.

[@DaviWalt]

Great Video Mike!! And it matches your Lever Gym!🔥🔥

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks brother.

[@Dannyfr33sh]

You convince me to go with this one

[@hybridresistance]

Happy it was helpful

[@andywilliamson1515]

Do you remember if it possible to attach the pull up bar upside down? With the pullup bar its too tall for my basement.

[@hybridresistance]

I honestly can't remember on that one.

[@JayB-JayB]

That's a great deal!

[@stacycostello3421]

Hey! Having SUCH a hard time deciding between this and the Major Lutie PLM03. Major is 2x3 and orientation is different...so that is the biggest con for me. Other than that they seem so very similar.

[@fishinman539]

Thanks for the review im new to lifting and have been looking at this cage for awhile now . One question I know everyone has a preference would this be comfortable for somebody like me 6’6 300 pounds

[@lionace1625]

Thank you for this very informational review. I'm just starting to build our garage gym, so im taking a chance on this product. I'm not sure if you make videos for budget combination dumbells, but if you have any recommendations, it would be appreciated.

[@hybridresistance]

Thank you. I've got some other adjustable DB videos coming, but nothing super budget. I personally purchased (and reviewed the Snodes) which I still really like for overall feel / function. Here's that video kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3TOdX-VadF_ntU

[@lionace1625]

Is this power cage bumper weight friendly? I still need to purchase weights and am weigh on cast iron vs bumper weights.​@hybridresistance

[@greatasticguy]

I love mines, I do have any issue with the cables, keep twisting. Anyone else having this issue?

[@Nathan00at78Uuiu]

Sorry for the long list of exercises, but I am new to strength training and got a workout plan with these exercises: Bench Press Incline Dumbbell Press Chest Flyes Tricep Dips Tricep Pushdowns Pull-Ups Bent Over Rows Lat Pulldowns Bicep Curls Hammer Curls Squats Leg Press Leg Curls Leg Extensions Calf Raises Overhead Press Lateral Raises Front Raises Plank Russian Twists Deadlifts Would I be able to do all these exercises with this machine?

[@hybridresistance]

Minus the leg press, leg curls, leg extensions. Otherwise yes on everything. You may need a pad to hold your knees down for lat pull downs.

[@williamsullivan1126]

The problem I have with these types of equipment is that the ceiling in my basement, where I have my gym equipment, is only 80” high, while most of these are 84”-86”. So if there’s a smaller piece I’d be interested, as it otherwise looks good.

[@hybridresistance]

Definitely a great point.

[@mr.c6674]

I ran into the same thing with the height in my basement not high enough. Because of that, I ended up building my own rack system out of 2x4 lumber. It worked well for 8 years when I moved.

[@YesMan_Lucky38]

I'm looking at buying one. I'm 6'3 and looking for something that offers a full range of movement on exercises like the lat pull down. Would you say this was suitable for taller people?

[@hybridresistance]

Not exactly the same machine, but I reviewed a similar machine (which I think is smaller than this one) with my friend who is 6'6 and had no problems with it for what it's worth. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3TJZYJno9GWkKM

[@larryschnurr6407]

Hey Mike, Great video. Question not about the rack,but do you think smart gyms (Tonal,Speediance) are on the way out or on the way up? Thank you

[@hybridresistance]

I think the speediance type machines are the future to be honest.

[@tinesysoutdoorsmore2437]

Just bought this and had a question about the pulley ratios. I was wondering if say I had one 45 on each side if the trolley(90lbs total) and was doing say lat pull downs with one cable. Is that true 90 lbs since I’m just using one cable and if was to switch to a cable crossover with the same 90lbs would that be 45 per each cable? I would appreciate the help. Thank you.

[@hybridresistance]

I'm honestly not sure about that. Personally, I'd just log it based on the machine/exercise and not worry too much about the exact weight. Even if you're going to the gym, it's hard to know exactly what weight you're using.

[@chriskim457]

From what I read about these types of machines. It's 2:1 so 90 would be 45 on one side but if you attach both cables together and pull them at the same time it would be 90.

[@patrondeltrading]

would work well on the outdoor patio, exposed to sun and water????

[@hybridresistance]

With this paint job and metal I don't think it would look too good over time exposed to the elements.

[@patrondeltrading]

@@hybridresistance You are right, thank you very much for responding.

[@matthewjbauer1990]

Something that looks awfully close to this is on Amazon right now for $400. I gotta know why its so cheap. There is a reason why other manufacturers/brands charge more. I've always said to avoid something that's way below average price, and although its tempting to get one of these for my home gym, I won't.

[@hybridresistance]

Let me know what brand you're talking about.

[@IQwerty007]

@@hybridresistance What is your thoughts on the “AOTORJAY” power cage on Amazon? It’s currently discounted to $650, but absolutely no reviews out there. Looks like a copy of Force USA G3

[@sharpmarbles4491]

Graveelife Power Cage, Multi-Functional Power Racks

[@austingougeon8566]

you might've said it but does this come with a barbell?

[@hybridresistance]

No it does not.

[@austingougeon8566]

@@hybridresistance okay thank you!

[@tonydavis9472]

I seen on Amazon that it wobbles alot. Is that true?

[@hybridresistance]

I've since given this away, but I don't recall it wobbling.

[@lorenzoarteaga91]

If it wobbles they are not tightening the bolts enough

[@bobbyhunt3009]

I am told that there is No such thing as an honest review if equipment was given free to the reviewer. Paperwork was signed for the reviewer to give a positive recommendation before the equipment is sent. It's what I was told, I don't have an opinion because I just like looking at new equipment that is coming out.

[@hybridresistance]

Maybe for some people, but I’d never agree to that.