REP PR 5000 Belt Squat Review: The Best Budget Belt Squat?

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The Rep Fitness PR-5000 and PR-4000 series of Power Racks are some of the best and most versatile squat racks on the market. In order to continue expanding the versatility of their line, they keep coming out with new attachments and the Rep Belt Squat is their latest release.
After using the Rep Belt Squat for a couple months, seeing it's strengths and it's weaknesses, I do recommend it for those with the lat pulldown and rack already. I don't like the workarounds to achieve depth and to start at the top of the rep, but I don't think they're absolute deal-breakers.
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[@KindaHotNTheseRhinos]

I have no idea why companies don't send prototypes to you for testing (with compensation, of course). It seems like a lot of these issues can be avoided rather than having to wait for V2, V3, etc.

[@blackblaze1996]

... I have no idea why companies dont test their own products xD Some issues are the kind of thing that you can figure out by using it once. I literally saw how he put the belt on and thought... so you have to start from the bottom? Dont they test or use their own products? xD

[@TheJollyMisanthrope]

@@blackblaze1996 If they are trying to hit a certain price point then you have to set certain limits. If they wanted to sell a product that was three or four times as much then they'd have the leeway to add more functionality. I don't think this product is supposed to be for people who are back squatting a lot of weight already. A lot of people use belt squats to get around previous injuries or current setbacks, so they can continue to workout. Bells of Steel has a dedicated belts squat machine but it's like $750+ shipping. Which will get you upwards of 700lbs, while the Rep version is probably going to be more like 300-350lbs max. This isn't a squat attachment for powerlifters.

[@BasementBrandon]

IMO part of it is when they import from overseas it's hard to get a test model by itself. In order to start production at a decent price point they have to order in bulk. That's why you often see companies like Titan come out with a V2 after the initial release and all teh complaints come lol. It's also easy to miss some stuff unless you get multiple people to use it. For example I like to watch Coops videos b/c sometimes he catches things I don't.

[@rjm8373]

It actually was tested and revised. The main issue is communication with review sites that get advance copies of product. The issue with depth is solely related to the belt. You can see Sam the Engineer hitting depth and not standing anywhere near as far away as coop, and that's just because of the belt. As for starting at the top--we show a solution for this too, however in testing we found that most of us didn't really care about starting in the hole since it's only the first rep, and at the end of the day not many of us are concerned about our belt squat PR's, it's a supplemental movement and it can now be done for a fraction of what it normally costs with a dedicated machine.

[@GarageGymReviews]

@@rjm8373 I will try with a different belt. Can you tell me the size of the belt you're using in the video? I don't have one that short, but I can probably DIY something to get the effect.

[@energyrecoveryinc.1157]

I'm surprised with some of the negative reviews. I was so impressed with the kzbin.infoUgkxMwYg0MOXR4M-oGeyBsNSYe1aPOUoRH6D cage that I got the lat pulldown attachment that goes with it. It is equally outstanding. I don't have one complaint other than putting it together is a job. The instructions and packaging of the parts are very well designed and organized. Also, I stripped and damaged the pull down cable the first day, admitting it was my stupid fault, and they quickly replaced it at no charge. I'm 6'5, 280lbs and fit in the cage just fine. Glenn B

[@tonyallen3138]

That stache transition from Coop to the Rep fitness guy was hilarious.

[@GarageGymReviews]

Pretty pissed his is bigger than mine

[@joel5956]

2001: A Mustache Odyssey

[@bmstylee]

@@joel5956 I'm sorry Coop but I can't let you do that.

[@REPfitness]

@@GarageGymReviews Sorry Coop! OUT-STACHED!

[@GarageGymReviews]

@@REPfitness Hahahahahaha sad day forreal.

[@PangitBear]

I’ve never busted more quickly in my life tapping on the notifications Oh hey, I just realized your audio is more clean!! Big props!!!

[@GarageGymReviews]

Always improving!

[@chancecarter5503]

Not related to the video but.. after Rona hit I started my home gym journey. This channel was integral. Thank you so much for all the hard work 🤘🏼 lookin forward to all the new uploads

[@scottb4767]

Coop, I think the Rep guy has ya in the stache department. You're going to have to up your stache game! Thanks for the video, honest and informative as always!

[@GarageGymReviews]

Yeah, his is very impressive.

[@360above2]

I did a DIY of this at the beginning of March, by July I adjusted the pulleys to do an Assisted pull ups for my kids since they can't hit one pull up yet. Also, assisted pull-ups are pretty insane when you hit 20 reps as it gets you past sticking points and hits your tricep with a hard pump. Also, put in some side step-up platforms that go into the rack to go deeper (or make some like I did)

[@timsmith3710]

Love the high end and budget reviews 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

Somebody get this man a sitcom.

[@jacobbarnhart3992]

When Rep released the first video of the belt squat with the teasers of the new 5000 rack, I was ready to dump my Rogue rack for it. Unfortunately though, after the time it's taken to get to market and what it ended up being after all that time since teasers, It's just convinced me to keep my Rogue rack.

[@shayallday5935]

Thanks for the review but I can do this with just my normal lat pulldown but standing over the low pulley on a secure box and going to town without any forward pull, getting tremendous depth

[@Real28]

"I'm a dad. It still slaps" 💀💀💀💀💀 Slayed me. Think I sent the video to 2 group chats just for that moment alone.

[@GarageGymReviews]

You never know what's coming next...and neither do I.

[@Real28]

@@GarageGymReviews us dad's, we get that ability to mix and match the sayings and our excuse is being a dad. If we smash out nads, who knows, may end up being fire on KZbin.

[@0369Marine1]

Along this line it would be great to figure out a way to use the lay pull down attachment for a cable pull/dip assist. I could even see it useful for older folks as an assisted squat.

[@Just_Me]

Great review.

[@geinstein8407]

Great. We are actually busy making a attachment for jammer arms for belt squats.

[@alessandro519]

You have a lot of “free cable” at the bottom of the squat. If you attach the cable of the belt squat at the pulley without the chain you can do a deeper squat

[@18721550]

700lb weighted pullups...for 3 reps😂!!! Coop, you can probably do a D.I.Y. version of this for under $20 (...as an add-on to your D.I.Y lat pulley)

[@sickboygriffin]

If they added a platform that connects to the rack the you can stand on it and have full range belt squat.

[@SimonLi]

Thanks for the review coop. I Th ink it was a good idea by rep but I think I’ll have to pass. It’s gonna be a lot of work to move it in and out of the rack. 😅

[@davidbuche]

My advice if you have the space is to buy used commercial gear. Used Pit Sharks can be had for around $800 plus gas. Used Hammer Strength 800lb HD racks are available now (July, 2020) on eBay for I under $2k (Chicago area). Division 1 programs buy the best and refresh gear a lot to keep recruits happy.

[@Chedda3000music]

Too much “other stuff” you gotta do to it to make it a good belt squat like chain and hook for height, and adding blocks for actual good range of motion.

[@xjr1618x]

You can hang rings from the rack to use them for dips with the belt squat attachment

[@Narada65]

Plyo boxes could give you the added depth you need and some type of block you could swing in and out from under the lever arm from the standing position would make it possible to start from the fully standing position. I built a system in my gym that uses two Titan Fitness adjustable ply boxes, a 2" loading pin for the weights, a Spud Inc. belt squat belt and a milk carton with a broom handle attached that allows me to start from a fully standing position. I simply click in, stand up, remove the mild carton using the handle I can easily reach from the standing position and viole' I am able to do full, free range of motion squats with no restriction what so ever. When I finish a set I simply grab the broom handle, swing the carton back into place, set the weight stack down and unclick. Better than any machine out there at a fraction of the cost. And most importantly, unlike all of the machine options out there, my system does not force one into any particular travel line or range of motion. It's as free moving as having a bar on your back except the weight is hanging from your waste. Perfect for the old ex-power lifter who has had back surgery but still wants to squat heavy, maintain big legs and never have to load the spine again. And I have squatted well in excess of 400lbs with this system with room to spare for more plates if needed.

[@erisd8452]

Would you mind making a short video showing this setup? Sounds sweet.

[@michaelpietrzak2067]

The cut away to the rep demo was fricking hilarious. Looks like some serious nut smashin going on

[@jouwenlee7829]

Has been using Super Squat Hip Belt from Ironmind on & off for leg workouts for years now. Safe on knee & spine, cheaper, versatile & easy set up imho.

[@kyleclarke2091]

I would rather see a belt squat attachment with a lever arm from rep.....Whenever the release the lever arm I would hope some type of belt squat attachment would be available. Love rep and excited to see where they go

[@GarageGymReviews]

Why would you prefer a lever arm belt squat versus cable? I feel like most people are the opposite.

[@davidbuche]

@@GarageGymReviews Any type of cable or belt-driven machine is going to cause some friction and drag that takes away from the natural feel of pure resistance you experience with free weight training. It all depends on the quality of the machine (initial quality and durability). I think if you experienced cheap 2 or 3 station machines you could relate. Leverage machines don't have this problem.

[@JoeyAme]

kyle Clarke I’m 100% with you on this. I think sorinex’s belt squat is much simpler and a better “garage gym” solution to having a belt squat. Too bad it’s priced too high for want you get. I also don’t buy into the versatility of Reps BS. Doing dips or pull-ups with plates isn’t that terrible.

[@amfitness5598]

Garage Gym Reviews no. People want cable bc it’s easier to do. Lever you feel every bit of that weight.

[@richardmather1906]

@@GarageGymReviews How much is the cable trolley meant to hold, though? I have a rack mounted high low pulley station from New York Barbells, but I cant see putting more than a couple hundred pounds on it. No problem for lat pulls, of course, but for belt squats, isn't the whole point to squat heavy without having it all resting up on your back? Presumably a lever arm set up could be beefier.

[@f3n1xplat3ad0]

I would buy a Rep Fitness 5000 rack... if they had in stock. Definitely adding the belt squat attachment to my order...

[@flabio7074]

That whole Rep setup is pretty good. I have a Rep Olympic lifting barbell and it’s a legit product.

[@RichieRich21]

I wonder about the Rep spotter platform for benches if it’ll fit on there so you can be higher and get that full depth? Still won’t solve the issue about starting from the top though. Seems like those 2 issues are a major drawback even for the $300 price tag. It’s great that it’s an attachment and can be moved out the way.

[@johnnylira3312]

Wow....Quality control for depth out the window!

[@skyline6248]

Coop, do you know if this would fit to a Titan x-3 rack? I kinda don't want to buy multiple racks haha

[@salvatoredeblasi1179]

Good review. I noticed the Rogue dip attachment in the background. Does that work well with the PR 5000 v2?

[@RAGINGGIRAFF3]

That price is crazy considering you have to have the lat pull down attachment.

[@dangerkc87]

Coop, do you think you could use this with your DIY cable pulley system made for lat pulls, using a loading pin?

[@FreeStockPromotions]

How much weight can you put on the manual loading pin for the weights? I'm not sure what it is called.

[@michaelislas007]

I have ran into the issue he brings up at 6:50, i have added some cement blocks to increase my high.

[@Carlitos-on2]

You can design or build a platform/ blocks to allow one to stand higher for the belt squats. Can be done cheaply.

[@jamespaul3064]

I saw on another thread that you had this item. What are your thoughts after extended use? I can get this added to palate for $249.

[@Effsee35]

Im planning on buying a power rack, however the only place that i have enough space to efficiently use it at home is outdoors. Recommend any power racks that can survive the longest being outside in heat, rain, winds?

[@aamsergie]

Add some panels directly to the left and right of the pulley system. I can't get depth on a belt squat machine. There is no difference.

[@RogaBigCalves]

Deficit blocks would fix the only issue with this version. Anyone who has done a wood project recently likely has enough scrap wood to make a couple. I built blocks to go above my low row system (on an older stand alone lat/low row machine) and it works well. Still have issues stripping the cable coating though.

[@The_strength_Chiro]

Also place 2 bars in the rack and you would be able to center over the cable pulley for dips

[@shaundonovan2193]

Coop, have you used the Pit Shark and the APT belt squat? Which one you like best?

[@dangerkc87]

What’s the total depth of that rack, I have a 4000 with a 41inch cross member but it takes up too much room for anything else and would like to get the rack pull system so I’m considering swapping out for shorter cross members and get more of that set up you have. Curious what the total depth of that system is

[@frankyavocados5794]

Could you do a review on a budget lat pulldown?

[@enrikoalfaro6724]

Honest question, what is the purpose of belt squats? Benefits as opposed to a regular squat? Putting aside the other uses, just simply for a belt squat..Thanks!

[@jakewilkinson3612]

it needs a foot plate wide enough for the likes of sumo as well as some blocks for stepping onto in order to keep it down on the ground as well as providing you with adequate depth, i do like their solution of a chain etc, could easily go out and buy a tow strap for like £10, honestly though this whole thing could be made so much better with just a few cheap changes

[@jlambo9757]

Coop’s grandpa socks are missing a good ol pair of loafers...

[@GarageGymReviews]

Slipped out of my Birkenstocks into my training shoes. Ahh, seamless...

[@otr-mtbandfitness]

All you need to hit dealt his stable blocks or pedestals of some kind that fit lateral to the pulley

[@Chris-ni2pc]

it looks like it needs another support bar on each side where you can see the pulley raising from the floor. It looks like its not very strongly built. i'd also imagine it working better if your on a raised platform

[@jwaddle12844]

Give us a review on the Inspire FT2 next.

[@futbol1972]

how is it a lot of work to move it? doesnt attach with just 2 or 4 pins? Also to not start on your knees you can just add a chain to hook belt squat attachment so you can start from standing position and to get depth just add 2 45 bumper plates under or something. I dont have it but trying to convince my self on buying it. lol

[@gregorypitts5449]

What are the shoes you’re wearing? Great review BTW. Just got my PR 4000... loving it right now.

[@fitu_jack5901]

Depth issue could be fixed very easily by standing on bumpers correct?

[@ItzNong]

You can use this attachment to do Biceps, Shoulders, and Row.

[@phipsdeus2]

Isn't it possible to use dip handles to provide arms like a regular belt squat?

[@dbsasuke]

Would to see an in depth review of their lat pulldown as well. For the belt squat, what is the weight load? Is it 1:1?

[@GarageGymReviews]

Yep 1:1

[@alextheballer20]

Stupid question but could this be fitted to any other racks or pulley systems?

[@AimeeHeckelwriter]

You can use the Cable Catch Attachment to start from the top of the squat: repfitness.com/products/cable-catch

[@Molaleni]

When are you going to review that ft2 functional trainer that’s on camera right?

[@christopherthompson7604]

Coop where did you get those metal pulleys for the cable system ?

[@TVmuki]

Coop please review the Stray Dog Strength Landmine Belt Squat. It looks like a pretty ingenious product.

[@MattThatMatters]

have there been any updates to this? especially for use with the ares weight stacks?

[@32srt32]

Their belt squat should come with their dip belt. It's about 15 to 6" shorter than the spud incs depending on what size spud belt you get.

[@themeaningoflife38]

looks pretty weak, it's coming off the floor a few inches. I'd pay more for something better

[@bmstylee]

The problem is the Titan version is a POS. And the cheapest one that is well built is the Rogue Rhino which is $1500 plus tax, shipping, and a wait till God knows when.

[@REPfitness]

Those are (4) 11 gauge 1" pins - not going anywhere. It's just due to the variance in the cross members and pins.

[@matthewklugh6119]

@@REPfitness ever consider having tighter tolerances on your equipment?

[@REPfitness]

@@matthewklugh6119 Already tight tolerances on this. It is simply the way the unit functions over 4 pins an the distance of the front piece, and doesn't affect anything to rise up 1 inch when a proper belt is used.

[@GarageGymReviews]

@@REPfitness What is a proper belt? This is a Spud Inc Belt Squat Belt considered by most to be the best there is. Confused by that comment.

[@russellcyr4867]

With your pulley system, you only feel 1/2 the weighted load. How heavy can you load the machine?

[@tedrigby]

It seems that you could have less of an angle, or no angle, if you moved the attachment more toward the front of the rack. Also, I think if you had two chains, vs. one in the middle, hanging from the each side of the rack they would swing out away from your face when they released concurrently.

[@teamlbs3241]

Coop does the belt squat and pully system will fit on the monster lite rogue?

[@julioalvarado7308]

Anyone knows if this will work on a Titan T3? Or if I'll need to make some adjustments?

[@pauloalmeida3728]

The best exercise for quads ever.

[@CPowell133]

How tall are you though? I wonder if you are taller would you be able to hit depth. I am 6'5" so not your typical guy and have been kicking around the idea of this or just saving up long for a rhino drop in.

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

Why are we not talking about why it moves so much? Do you think it could hold up to heavy belt squats?

[@HarryRoyale]

Coop, any chance you can review the eliteFTS core blaster belt squat attachment?

[@GarageGymReviews]

I'd like to, it's at a good price point for Elite

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

Or use a Dip bar for weight dips like for ex.) Ultimate Body Press.

[@futbol1972]

How would this works with a selectorized lat pull down?

[@petervalverde1809]

Hey coop, I bought a titan regular bar (20kg barbell). It was in stock and cheap and I’m just starting my gym. When I preform Olympic lifts (not heavy ones) it seems shaky (the plate sleeves and shaft seems to wiggle). Is this normal for all barbells or is this because I have a cheap imported bar

[@GarageGymReviews]

This is because you have a cheap bar. Most bars will have some play, but it shouldn't be noticeable during use.

[@petervalverde1809]

Thank you

[@petervalverde1809]

Thank you

[@williamturner9107]

Would this attachment be usable with say a Spud Inc. Pulley System?

[@AngusLogan]

Yes. I’ve made something similar and I use a pulley with it

[@brandonlaielli878]

Went hard on the outro music

[@yt_hatescrime_data4301]

There is a belt squat attachment on Amazon for 69.99 that works great.

[@neancortez]

Maybe with 2 step up attachments facing each other you can hit dept

[@jasonalexander2942]

I suggest to increase your height using 2 pumper plates, if depth is the issue.

[@kylen6430]

Yeah, if you have to stand back to hit depth, you might as well a regular low pulley

[@chrisg828]

Cool mustaches in this vid 😆

[@EliasSmeeus]

6:30 If you're spending that much money on equipment and accessories, you could/should have some deadlift blocks you can stand on as well or if you're in the DIY mood roughly $30 bucks for 3-4" blocks.

[@EliasSmeeus]

I will say I love the setup and it's pretty awesome :)

[@julioalvarado7308]

Anyone know if the PR-4000 version work on a Titan T3?

[@78shibum]

Did it bother you at all that the bar that the cable is coming out of kept coming off the ground when you were doing belt squats?

[@GarageGymReviews]

It's a bit annoying, but mainly because it shortened the travel of the cable. Kind of got used to it though.

[@78shibum]

@@GarageGymReviews Thanks for the feedback. I watched the Rep video about depth and they suggested putting plates under your feet, but not sure how stable that is. I was thinking stacking a couple smaller stall mats?

[@Real28]

@@78shibum if you had bumpers, sure. I have your raw iron plates and hell no, they move way too easily, sliding around.

[@gregorykalinin9789]

Andrew Park I guess you could use 12 inch plyo boxes...

[@troydefond2307]

Still waiting for a hip belt squat attachment for a stand alone lat pulldown low row machine.

[@bokononisti2820]

You could use small plyo boxes on either side of the low pulley to stand on. If you can reach the lat pull's vertical post, you can use that for balance, otherwise, you'll want something nearby (wall, rack post) for balance.

[@NoBuddyz]

Wanna see this combine with their iso arms 💪🦵🦵👍

[@geinstein8407]

Please could you help Do you know if titan can free ship to South Africa

[@acho3356]

you should review the Squatmax MD, have you think about that?

[@hankyou85]

Squat max video review!! Squat max! Squat max! 👀

[@GarageGymReviews]

www.garagegymreviews.com/squatmax-md-belt-squat-in-depth-review Need to do a video though.

[@godwinbssdd]

All you would have to do is hook the cable up higher while using the ingenious hang it from a chain method and voila

[@riptide10x60]

I've got an even cheaper alternative, my boat's trailer hitch. Start's off at around 200 lbs, and add concrete blocks as needed

[@Doc8404]

Cant you use the low row for the belt squat?

[@futbol1972]

How come u don't use two stwp up blocks or something?

[@AnthonyTran]

Is it better to get this attachment to train calves or just save the money and pay for synthol injections? Asking for a friend....

[@bmstylee]

Get the synthol with a tren chaser.

[@mansplain3626]

Thanks for the review coop! IMO it's a pointless buy, belt squat function doesnt seem great and a dip belt with some plates or KBs solves for pull ups and dips. Also it's really not just 279 considering you need a rep rack and lat pull

[@bmstylee]

I'm curious if you can use it with other 3x3 racks with 1" spacing like the Rogue Monster Rack or Sorinex.

[@thejhambi]

@@bmstylee Sorinex racks are the same width, but the rogue monster racks are 2 inches wider than them (49in vs 47in) so definitely not on it. You might run into height issues with the Sorinex racks though, as they (and the rogue ones) are different heights (90in, 95in, etc) and this belt squat uses the lat attachment that would go over the 93in rear crossmember of the REP rack.

[@jonp694]

I don’t see the big benefit of using it for weighted dips or pull ups. You can buy a dip belt for super cheap that is actually much easier to setup than this.

[@jakewilkinson3612]

no wobble, its the stability within the force applied that it has a massive advantage, you should try it

[@nunofernandes686]

whats the brand of the shoes he is using?

[@cristian7599]

3:51 creo que ahí también debieron de ponerle un amarre más a la jaula para que no se levante. da una sensación de que algo podría andar mal si se usa mucho peso al practicar fuerza y potencia :$

[@samwroblewski748]

Not sure if this moves the needle any further for Rep. In a perfect world with all companies with inventory in stock, I'm not sure if this unit tips the decision scale

[@bmstylee]

It is more of a setback in my opinion. It looks like a half assed design which when you are competing with the likes of Rogue, Sorinex, Elite FTS and others you need to be on point. Especially if you are looking to move out of the budget brand area. Their FB5000 is a great bench. With a fat pad for $200 or so shipped is a steal.