First, squat stand = squat rack. Different terms, same thing. A power rack is sometimes called a squat rack, but it’s a much larger “cage” design. The pictures below do a better job of explaining than words. A squat stand usually is more basic, cheaper, and takes up less space than a power rack. If you have limited space, a squat stand is probably going to work best for you. If you have the space and the cash, a power rack provides more safety and more options for what you can do with it.
Squat Stand – Which One For You?
When looking for a squat rack, you’ll have to figure out which squat stand is right for you, and realize the importance of owning one in your training. First, we recommend the second or third option as the best option for CrossFit training. The reason we recommend these is because you will likely be improving fast in one or two years as most people do. At this point you’ll have to grab a new squat stand, and this isn’t what you want to do.
PowerLine Squat Stand
- 37 x 48 x 30 inches (W x H x D) ; 35 pounds
- Adjusts from 30 to 60 inches
- 10 yr frame warranty, 1 yr on other parts
- Approx $150
Our most basic option, but not cheaply constructed. While it is your basic squat stand, it can hold 400 lbs easily, so even if you doing reps with 300+lbs, it will hold. Extremely well priced, and free shipping… this is our go-to option for those of you on a strict budget, or for people who won’t be moving 350-400+lbs on a regular basis.
For more details and reviews, click HERE
Pendlay Elite Squat Rack with Pull Up Bar
- 48″ wide, 46″ deep, 95″ high; 105 lbs
- 2″x3″ 11 gauge steel; 1,000+ lbs capacity
- 1-1/4″ pull up bar 95″ from ground
- Approx $380
A lot of Crossfitters have been waiting for this option. A squat stand with a pull up bar and optional weight tree, dip bar, and safety arms. Newly released by Muscle Driver USA / Pendlay, the Pendlay Elite Squat Rack with Pull Up Bar is American made and built like a tank. This is a big improvement over the PowerLine, especially if you need a good pull up bar. If you notice the placement of the crossbar at the base in comparison to the Powerline, it also has a lot more room to get under the bar, and/or add a box or bench. Also, the option to do weighted dips is a nice bonus.
Shipping out from the Muscle Driver USA facility in South Carolina, they kept to their high standards of sending you one heavy duty piece of solid steel that is completely welded together. Of course the J hooks can be adjusted, but no other moving parts to worry about being cheaply made.
Unlike other competitor’s brands, the pull up bar isn’t a cheese/hand grater and you won’t have to worry about having your hands bleed unnecessarily. Powder coated and a fine texture makes so you also want be falling off when your hands become sweaty either.
All in all, we recommend this as out go-to squat rack and really like the availability of all the add-on features.
Body Solid Multi-Press Rack GPR370
- 74″H x 45″L x 64″W; 151 lbs
- 14-Position Gunrack; Max 1,000 lbs.
- Lifetime warranty for every part
- 2″ x 3″ 11 gauge steel
- Approx $495
We like this rack for those of you who already have a pull up bar, but need a squat rack that has the spotter bars and the weight tree. Since those add-ons are already included in the price, this saves a good deal of money over the Pendlay, yet offering a similar high quality.
For more details and reviews, click HERE
Power Racks
HD Lift Cage Power Rack
- 83″ x 48″ x 48″ (H x W x D); 191 lbs
- 26″ of workspace from front to rear
- 12 gauge steel – 700 lb max
- Approx $300 including shipping
This power rack is by far the least expensive one we’ve seen that also has enough information available to determine that it’s good quality. This is a great option for those that would like a power rack but don’t need all the bells and whistles. Since the pins that hold the bar are steel without any type of rubber coating, it’s recommended to put some athletic tape around them to prevent your bar from scratching. This rack also comes with 2 plate holders in the back which is a nice bonus. If you need a solid power rack for CrossFit and don’t want to spend a lot of cash, it’s hard to do much better than this.
For more details and reviews, click HERE
Pendlay Elite Half Rack System
- 67″ wide, 64″ deep, 96″ tall
- 1″ pull up bar; accessory storage hooks; weight storage
- 3″x3″ carbon steel
- Upper and lower band posts
- 1,000+ lbs capacity
- Approx $1200-1300 shipped
This is a beastly half rack for those who want the ultimate in performance and quality. Every part that could come in contact with metal (barbell or weights) has been covered in Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW) to protect from scratching. Tons of standard features, plate storage, band pegs, and more. Just about everything has been thought of with this rack. If you’ve got the cash, this is about as nice as you can get.