The Best Power Rack For a Home Gym?

[@joecowan3719]

It is like driving a full paid off commuter car today. Why trade it in for a hybrid that gets slightly better gas mileage when this one gets the job done and the bumps and scratches have all the memories. Happy Lifting Joe!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Solid analogy. I drove a 2011 Nissan Pick Up with crank windows and manual doors... So I feel that lol

[@liftsalty]

Totally agree - R3 is my favorite rack, but hard to recommend for people looking to buy their first or upgrade since 3x3 is industry standard.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

It has definitely been a fantastic rack. And I think for some person it's definitely still a solid choice. But for most home gym peeps, I think you are going to be tempted by an attachment or two and be saddened that the 3x3 is a requirement.

[@mcfatty007]

Awesome break down, this really helped me make a decision on my rack, thanks Joe!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Glad I could help!

[@djbakasan]

Very similar journey as you, but after 11 years with the R3, I finally swapped it over to a PR-5000. The 3x3 with 1” hole spacing was just too appealing and opened so many options, especially in the REP space with their many cable stack configuration options.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

REP definitely upped the standard

[@carps_gym]

If I was out fitting a strength training gym, I need to do multiple stations and new and want to know it was solid. The R3 would be the best choice probably because people don’t bang the rack every time like they do with a 3 x 3 rack

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Not a bad recommendation. Probably why Strength CO does it that way.

[@aptn22]

The R3 has and always been a damn good looking rack. While I don't think it would be most people's first choice rack nowadays, its still badass, still made in the USA, still will get you strong. 💪 💪 💪

[@GrayMatterLifting]

100%... Still has a place for those that want a badass rack without all the extras

[@chriscarle5837]

Stick with Rogue R3. 2x3 is better for squats. Don't bump plates into rack walking out. Screw attachments.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Valid. Right now I'm not going anywhere

[@Rocket4ce]

Buy the rep 5000 that's only 16 inches on the cross members. Use that for accessories. SorinEx has a 6 foot upright that attaches to a wall for accessories too.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Solid advice!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Bro...keep the RM3...BUT GET A Surplus ARC!

[@GrayMatterLifting]

I've debated the Surplus ARC. Maybe some day...

[@fwiffo42]

It’s hard to argue against 11-gauge steel and made in the USA

[@lucasrezabek-laird719]

I love my RM-6, no need to bolt it down.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Do you have it loaded with plates too? Or just the rack on its own?

[@carps_gym]

Definitely one of the best racks ever made the OG rack. So good that Titan and everyone else copied them.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Yeah to be fair I think EliteFTS had a rack like the R3 and probably a few others had one very similar. But Rogue made it more affordable and easier obtain (no shipping quotes and wonkiness)... Then the import guys like you said came in and did the same thing on a tighter budget.

[@carps_gym]

@@GrayMatterLifting yeah, I remember when all those were welded one piece and then they later made a bolt together option easier to ship

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@carps_gym mine is welded. So the two sides connect via the pull-up bar. That's the only bolts on my entire rack

[@jamestonbellajo]

@@GrayMatterLiftingmore of a reason to keep it then man. They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@jamestonbellajo yeah 100% I'd have to snag something pretty legendary to make the move.

[@MickeyEyez]

can you add a weight stack to the Rogue R3? If you had a chance to buy a new one or start over which one would you buy now?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@MickeyEyez kind of. I've got the Beyond Power VOLTRA I, and there are other cable style machines coming out soon. Im not positive that I can add one from Rogue, so if you absolutely need a cable stack in your rack, this probably isn't the way to go. I'm honestly not positive, and I think a rack has a lot to do with your space and training. If you don't do a lot of heavy compound lifts, I'd 100% be looking at the Prime Prodigy Rack, that thing does everything. But I like a clean space for Squats, Bench, and Deadlift inside a rack.

[@carps_gym]

Surplus is your custom guy. Did you see the ones he did for Mike from Micro Gainz and primal armour ?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

I saw Jeff's for sure. I'm not sure if I saw Mike's.

[@weightsnwaves]

I have a 3x3 with 5/8" holes and I have some regret about not going with 1". I liked the Westside spacing in theory, but the 1" has better (and sometimes cheaper) attachments. I doubt I would really miss Westside spacing if my rack had 1" holes. Unless someone had a very specific need for westside I also think 3x3 1" is the way to go.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Yeah same. I'd always prefer Westside Spacing, but I don't think it is as crucial as a lot of people make it out to be

[@chriselias7739]

Hey Joe, what depth is your R3?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@chriselias7739 basic 24in. If I was doing it again and attaching to a platform, I'd go for the larger size. Take up the entire platform space.

[@chriselias7739]

Thanks brother! Yeah I’m debating whether to get the 24” or 30”. I’ve had the 43” depth in the past which is too big. Want to leave room for other goodies in the gym as well

[@twrea1118]

Where can i buy safety straps for my r3? Rogue doesn't offer them anymore.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

@@twrea1118 I believe Spud Inc used to make some. Otherwise I'd contact someone like Dean at Black Widow Training Gear

[@jamesvittitoe1312]

What brand dip bar and spotter arms are those? Looking for compatible attachments for my R3.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

The Dip is an Ultimate Dip Attachment from Mutant Metals. I believe you have to order it through Rogue now : graymatterlifting.com/RogueMMUDA

[@GrayMatterLifting]

The spotter arms are just the basic Rogue Spotter Arms that I custom painted. Same with the jcups. www.roguefitness.com/set-of-safety-spotter-arms?a_aid=620c8119ae0fa The Monos are the Mutant Metals Snap Back Rollers. mutantmetals.com/products/p/mutant-metals-snap-roller-monos

[@timk8258]

I’m in a similar spot with my Titan X2 rack - 2x2, 9 gauge steel with 5/8” westside hole spacing. I’ve adapted some attachments to work with it via UHMW shims (like roller j cups) but at I’ve added so many other things to my gym that most of the newer rack attachments for 3x3 don’t appeal to me enough to upgrade the rack. I would rather have separate dedicated equipment vs a million rack attachments that take a long time to set up and get in the way. At this point my rack is more of a dedicated squatting and benching station and I like it that way. But it comes down to space, if you’re really limited there then something like an Ares setup and going crazy with attachments is much more appealing.

[@GrayMatterLifting]

Totally agree. I'm not likely to go hog-wild on the rack attachments, even if I get a 3x3 rack. I find dedicated spaces to work better.

[@DrewPeabawls]

How much did an R3 cost 10 years ago?

[@GrayMatterLifting]

I tried to find my order receipt from back then, but couldn't find it. I want to say it was under $600. So it is around $800 now.

[@jefffredenburg7231]

I bought mine in 2014-15 $600 plus with the Black Friday discount came out to $600 shipped to my house. Still have it and still use it. I think all those attachments are great but not many of them are under $600.

[@rodolfomedini9931]

I feel the same way I lost my virginity on my waterbed in the late 90s and have not replaced it for the same reason you're keeping your rack... Too many memories... JK you can always make new memories on a new 3x3 or 2.97x2.97 rack, rep's clear coat is a thing of beauty...

[@GrayMatterLifting]

lmao! Touche

[@sloppyjonuts9162]

I’m buying 1 today for 375$ Facebook market place

[@GrayMatterLifting]

That's a solid price!