Surplus Strength UPS Review | Elevate Your Home Gym with the Outstanding Rack-Mounted Pulley System!

[@GavinBrown]

Solid review. Agree it looks like a good bit of kit. The swing on my Spud Inc. is manageable, but like re-racking, sometimes you get caught out... For space saving, you really can't beat either of these 2 options. Cost vs Performance.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I used a DIY spud version for YEARS but don’t regret the purchase of the UPS at all.

[@keithhoneycutt2324]

I don’t trust anyone that agrees with what ggr has been saying the last few years lol glad we are on the same page lol Also nice to see someone to do a review of one of Jason’s products and actually get their damn name correct

[@TheKurtlocker]

Ahhh! I see you read that part of the video. Forgot to mention that coop seems to not understand kinesiology…thanks for watching brother!

[@dangilormo4376]

Thanks for the review. I just ordered the UPS based on your feedback and comments.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Awesome! Glad I could help! Hopefully you saved 10% with code KL10

[@carps_gym]

Love my UPS! Great to see a review of it from someone that actually uses it regularly

[@TheKurtlocker]

I know you do! What’s your favorite movement besides lat pulldowns?

[@carps_gym]

Probably face pulls and low row. I had a preacher curl set up too that was pretty good

[@TheKurtlocker]

@carps_gym this is the whey

[@Aquefaque]

I built my own system before this came out, but its very cool! Takes a lot less space than what I've built! However, mine is also used for belt squat and accomodate huge bands. Love the ingenuity. Thanks for the review!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thanks for watching. If you’re on Instagram, tag me in a photo or post of your version!

[@Invictus13666]

I swear I watched this but yt says I didn’t...so I’m watching it now. Again. Or for the first time...whichever. This is a brilliant system. Great review. 👍🏽

[@Invictus13666]

What the hell was that thing you were doing the pull over pull downs with?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’m guessing you’re referencing the MB Power Center 4-Way

[@scooobyj8714]

That’s a great addition to the home gym with such a small foot print.

[@TheKurtlocker]

It really is. A lot of equipment I review gets put int storage after the review but the UPS is going nowhere

[@AmmarAlrudaini]

Omg!!! I literally messaged Jason about an idea I had to have a T shaped pin. Basically securing the weight with collars. 😂😂

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’ve pitched him that idea before. Mine was an t shape though

[@bigk2080]

This was a fantastic review! Honestly if I didn't have a lat attachment already I would get this. Thanks for the hard work producing these videos.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thanks for your kind words. A lot goes into them. The UPS is absolutely awesome but as you experienced, not the only option. What system do you have?

[@bigk2080]

@@TheKurtlocker I was able to take the lat attachment from my old bodysolid rack that I had since 2007 and I modified it to fit an X3 that I got from a friend for a 150 bucks. The X3 is 90 inches the other rack was 82 inches tall, and the X3 has a 42 inside width the other is 43. I was able to use the pullup bar and rear crossmember from the old rack, and a buddy of mine welded me some spacers for the bottom.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@bigk2080 that sounds awesome. Nice work

[@bigk2080]

Sorry I forgot the system uses a tub guide to move the weights. It's not commercial quality but it works.

[@loadiam]

Single best upgrade I have bought for my home gym. With shipping and customs charges to Europe it was not a cheap, but it is amazing addition to my gym and I would recommend it to anyone who had a 3x3 rack at home, I have zero regrets. I also use the Abmat sled spacers making loading and unloading plates quick and easy. A great company with amazing customer support and Jason is a legend. I just hope they offer the spotter arms for 5/8 in the future.

[@TheKurtlocker]

That’s a testimonial and a half

[@pob1845]

I spoke with Jason about the spotters...they wont offer it for 5/8 because of the inside hole pattern...I have mine customized to have the same pattern as a 1" rack...thats a bummer

[@TheKurtlocker]

@pob1845 unfortunately 1” hardware just needs to be the industry standard IMO. Or does not have to do with the load rating of the cups or pins but it can definitely effect the strength and interoperability of 5/8” attachments.

[@pob1845]

@TheKurtlocker yes totally agree 5/8 should never have been invented! I just bought a new 5/8 rack because all my attachments are 5/8. I couldnt justify to purchase a new UPS, rogue monolift...etc...that didnt pass with the wife!

[@loadiam]

​@@TheKurtlocker I agree, but then I would have to get a new rack with 1" holes which is quite an investment. The cheapest option in Scandinavia for me which offered imperial measurements was Rogue Europe and the RM was almost $1000 more than the RML with matching configuration when I placed my order. Maybe some point in the future I can afford to get a new rack with 1" holes/spacing until then I will make do with my RML and just be glad that the SS UPS works with what I have. I would love to throw more business Jasons way, but there is nothing more I need at this point given my racks sizing limitations.

[@markhalstead2386]

Space is why I have a Rep Fitness Ares. Just no room for a dedicated functional trainer. I did have the Surplus Strength UPS prior, but wanted the functional trainer aspect.

[@TheKurtlocker]

The Ares makes a ton of sense in that regard. Can’t knock that at all.

[@JoshR324]

Thanks for the review. Definitely something I want to add. Somewhat unrelated, but I notice you have the stray dog rollers along with the surplus strength rollers. Which ones do you prefer? I’m in the market for a pair and want to make sure I get ones I won’t regret.

[@TheKurtlocker]

If color matching the pad matters, stray dog. KL10 saves 10%. If color doesn’t matter, whichever is less expensive.

[@ernestjaramillo3]

Great video, would you mind telling me where you got the triple bar cable attachment (9:28)? Thank you.

[@TheKurtlocker]

That is an old Havak product. No longer sold at this time (26Sep2024)

[@jeanbiroute]

Thank you!

[@torchmartin]

Definitely on my list!

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’ve got one for you to try out!

[@LukesGarageGym]

Solid piece and saving space: a huge win!!!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Space and time are two things that are supremely valuable.

[@danielpicerni24]

I like it. Great review. I have a bare steel weight pin for my functional trainer. It works great for low rows. I don’t have a good place for lat pull downs. Ive just been doing a lot of pull-ups in the place of a lat pull down. The lat pull down option makes a lot of sense for me.

[@TheKurtlocker]

That functional trainer makes a lot of sense to have so maybe just a UPS high to get the lat tower without the footprint

[@danielpicerni24]

@@TheKurtlocker yes. I think the UPS is a better option for me vs a Rep lat low rack attachment. Much less space occupied. Basically no space since it’s on the crossmember. It will have to wait I have my eyes on a few other things. I recently ordered the isolator and some bumper plates. The wife will get crazy when she starts seeing all the boxes coming in. Worst part is just waiting for my stuff to get shipped.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@danielpicerni24 I can relate to this message in so many ways. Tubing this channel definitely isn’t cheap! Lol

[@LL-tz8lo]

surplus strength makes amazing things! MIUSA!!!

[@TheKurtlocker]

They definitely make some of the nicest equipment around.

[@GavinBrown]

[11:31] Forgot to say. Have you tried attaching a shackle (or Rogue attachment post) to one of your uprights? I do this to hold the carabiner while I change weights. Makes life a lot easier. Probably cheaper DIY ways to do it too.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I tend to use a spare Henny attachment point which is essentially the same thing. Awesome tip. Thank you!

[@MrApaHotel]

why don't they make it symmetrical on front and back to balance the forces and to come further from the weight plates?

[@TheKurtlocker]

There’s no chance of hitting the plates at all so getting further away isn’t necessary. The amount it peeks over allows you to get directly underneath the upper anchor point which allows for a straight down line of pull. I don’t know why he didn’t do symmetrical, but I don’t think he doesn’t need it to be.

[@carps_gym]

Does your UPS low touch the ground? Or is it floating ? Do you have a shim or something underneath it ?

[@TheKurtlocker]

Mine floats about an inch off the ground. I don’t shim it. I just send it and it’s been resilient

[@blk_fist3057]

What if the crossmember is flushed to the floor?

[@TheKurtlocker]

That will cause some issues. You will need the top of the lower crossmember to be about 5-6” above the floor

[@progrocker84]

Where is that Darko Lifting product at 12:15 available? That's a very elegant solution but doesn't seem to be on the website.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Based on what I know about manufacturing and selling something like that, the margin is incredibly narrow to get it sold at an affordable price tag. Not sure he will ever sell it but if he does, I hope he sells a million of them

[@massagegun5659]

Can this be mounted directly on top of a cross member, like a slinger, instead of having to go across it? Can you recommend any such options?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I don’t believe that would work, but what you describe sounds like the ATR units from Straydog

[@Greengoat58]

Welcome back.

[@TheKurtlocker]

It's good to be back!

[@pob1845]

I have the UPS and I love it, shipping to Canada wasnt cheap because of the custom fees. I had it mounted in the center like you but he didnt like to have the middle crossmember, it was blocking my bench. Now, I have it on the side...but new problem, I don't have any option to secure my legs for the lat pulldown. Having a 5/8 rack, the stealth spotters arent available...i really need to resolve this issue. Any ideas Kurt?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’ve idea I’ve seen is to use a heavy resistance band as a seatbelt to the bench. You could also mount spotter arms off the side and do what I do with some rep 5/8” leg rollers.

[@aba192]

Did they hit you with costum fees on delivery or is it included at checkout?

[@TheKurtlocker]

@aba192 not sure which fees you’re talking about.

[@pob1845]

@TheKurtlocker hes probably in canada like me. We need to pay import fees. When you order from Rogue they are already in the price but when you order from smaller companies,its on the buyer responsibility to pay the fees

[@TheKurtlocker]

@pob1845 ahh. That makes more sense. I honestly have no idea there. You’d have to contact Jason through the surplus contact link.

[@richardtorres9814]

Would you know if it fits a eleiko outdoor rack ?

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s really difficult to tell. Elieko seems to hold their dimensions pretty tightly

[@richardtorres9814]

@@TheKurtlocker yes it's killing me lol I have the outdoor rack in my backyard I love it but hard to know if I get attachments would it work out

[@TheKurtlocker]

@richardtorres9814 if you’re on Instagram, DM me please.

[@greentube461]

Is this an ad ? feels like one

[@TheKurtlocker]

I paid full price for my uni and this is my honest review. I disagree with a lot of the other opinions because of the size of my space. Why do you ask?

[@TheKurtlocker]

@Pler1978 I guess what I’m asking is what I need to change to change the feel. Your feedback is important to me

[@Aquefaque]

It's the overall way of description, especially all the options... it's not in an unbiased manner and "if you want to revolutionize"... It's a good review though, but it felt a bit like an ad.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@Aquefaque that’s definitely a fair assessment of a statement I made

[@greentube461]

I mean no disrespect, @TheKurtlocker , I appreciate what you do - but the framing of "are you tired of cramped workspaces ? Are you tired of limited floorspace and using it up with superfluous gym equipment ?"

[@Redmaile25]

Damn, $700? Is it made out of kryptonite? 😅

[@TheKurtlocker]

I still think it’s worth it but totally get that it’s an expensive piece.

[@Exercise-vt6je]

I'm guessing it's because they are targeting people with premium racks. Anyone who went Rep could just get the plate loaded lat pulldown/low row for around half that price.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@@Exercise-vt6jeI’m unaware of any Rep product that does what the UPS does for 1/2 the price. Part of the cost has to do with American manufacturing paired with high quality parts and pieces.

[@Exercise-vt6je]

@@TheKurtlocker The "PLATE-LOADED LAT PULLDOWN & LOW ROW (4000/5000 SERIES)" is $449.99 with free shipping. The UPS Bundle at the same 80” height with speed pins and a loading pins is $760. Once you include shipping it’s over $850 and that's within the continental US. It's not quite twice as much, but it's damn close.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@Exercise-vt6je my apologies on that. I legitimately went to one of the cable systems built into a rack. As I say in the video, the biggest value here is the space savings. You are correct that a crappy standalone unit is less expensive, covered in the review if memory serves, but takes up a significant footprint.