The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
The GGR Expert Panel is a network of specialized health and fitness professionals who help ensure we present the most accurate information to our readers. This includes physicians, certified trainers, elite-level coaches, and more. Learn more about our experts.
We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
The centerpiece of any garage gym is often the power rack: a squat rack for your barbell workout, and a home for any attachments you’d like to use. Some of the most common attachments are a lat pull-down and low row add-on. Adding these two elements together can take your home gym to the next level, adding versatility to your gym and variety to your full-body workout program.
If you are looking for your next power rack with access to cable attachments, look no further. We’ve assembled our favorites for the best power racks with lat pulldowns, ranging from solid budget options to the sturdiest power racks and pulley systems money can buy. Read on to find the rack and lat pull-down combo that’s right for you.
We have had vast experience with the best squat racks over the years, as well as providing you, the consumer, with quality information. Through testing the equipment we review, our testers provide you with firsthand knowledge of the products to help inform your choice in gym equipment.
Our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 trainers, weightlifting coaches, and athletes know what to look for in home gym equipment, because fitness and gym equipment is already part of our lives. We use our fitness equipment testing methodology to rate each product from 1 to 5 based on a variety of factors, including durability, versatility, stability, and accessory compatibility.
Multiple height and depth options to accommodate different spaces and users
Hole Size
5’8″
Weight Capacity
1,000 lbs for rack, 450 lbs for cables
Highly Customizable
You can build your Ares 2.0 based on your preferences for rack depth and height
Versatility at Home
Having a power rack with a cable pulley system gives you ample options for training your entire body at home
Pros of the REP Ares 2.0
Customizable rack options
Compatible with PR-4000 and PR-5000
Swiveling pulleys
Built-in micro-adjustment plates
Adds versatility to a power rack
Cons of the REP Ares 2.0
Expensive
Likely only works with REP racks
Product Dimensions
57.6″ W x 80″ or 93″ H x 16″, 24″, 30″, or 41″ D
Hole Size
5/8″
Weight Capacity
1,000 lbs for rack, 450 lbs for cables
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty
The REP Ares 2.0 is an upgrade of the original REP Fitness Ares Cable Attachment. This functional trainer integration features improvements such as a raised low row attachment point, as well as a deeper set weight stack, to allow for more space within the power rack. The Ares 2.0 comes with dual 260-pound weight stacks, with an option to make them 310 pounds.
What our tester says:
“Because REP is using a 2:1 ratio on all the pulleys and stacks, you can get enough cable travel length to do just about any movement you want to. It also makes for a super smooth pull.”
REP Fitness constructed the Ares Cable Attachment to be a complete pulley system and functional trainer compatible with the REP PR-4000 and PR-5000. There are 36 pulleys on this attachment—that’s a lot of pulleys—and six attachment points, allowing for lat pull-downs, low rows, cable crossovers, and adjustable heights for the pulleys on the front of the rack.
“There is a lot going on here, but that’s the magic of this system,” says Coop. For versatility, the Ares 2.0 earns a 4.5 out of 5.
The aluminum pulleys are rated for 450 pounds, but the weight stacks don’t go that high. That means you can add band tension or a weight plate for more resistance. However, using the pulleys closer to the max weight range may wear the cables a little faster.
In Coop’s testing of the REP Ares System, the pulleys and cables moved smoothly through every exercise he tested. “Because REP is using a 2:1 ratio on all the pulleys and stacks, you can get enough cable travel length to do just about any movement you want to. It also makes for a super smooth pull,” says Coop, who gave the cable system 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Because this is set on a power rack, the cables are not as wide as those on the best functional trainers, so some exercises like chest flyes felt a little awkward because of the narrower width. Also, the low row seemed a little lower than it could have been.
The weight stacks will take up a lot of space in the center of the rack. In his testing, the rack could still support most exercises except for adjustable bench work, like an incline bench. The rack can be customizable on the REP website, creating a 4- or 6-post power rack with a multitude of height and depth options. The rack also has colorway options, which is always a nice touch.
Although you can build an entire rack out of the website, either a PR-4000 or 5000, you can also buy the cable attachment by itself, for a starting price of about $2900. Obviously, adding the power rack is only going to ramp the price up, so buying the cable attachment for your rack is a great option, BUT make sure that your squat rack is compatible first. If you don’t have a PR-4000 or 5000, I’d recommend talking to a REP Fitness representative to see if your rack is compatible with the Ares.
The price is a lot, and it has quite a footprint, but if the price is of no concern, this is a great power rack that doubles as a functional trainer.
If you’re looking to cut down on costs, the REP Athena is a similar modular power rack, but features a plate-loaded pulley system, which reduces materials and shipping weight.
Adding attachments, safeties, and other parts will rack up the cost
Customizable Options
Customize your power rack to look exactly how you want and have the attachments you need
Home Trainers
With a 2,000-pound weight capacity and Westside hole spacing, this rack can withstand every PR
Pros of the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Modular and extremely versatile
Performs well after years of use
Westside hole spacing
Bar storage built in
Cons of the Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack
Thinner uprights with 12-gauge steel
Attachments use inferior materials
Powder coat leaves much to be desired
Product Dimensions
55″ D x 47″ W x 87″ H
Hole Size
5/8″
Materials
12-gauge steel
Finish
Not Listed
The Force USA MyRack is a modular power rack that features every attachment you can think of in a compact rack designed for a home gym. After using and reviewing the rack over the past two years, we stand behind our initial assessment that it’s a good option for those that want a rack with a lot of attachments for not a lot of money. It’s not the best rack on the market by any means, but it is a novel solution at an affordable price.
What our tester says:
“From my standpoint, the goal of the MyRack was to make it easy and affordable for people to purchase a good, not great rack, with a great selection of accessories. Seriously, there aren’t many racks on the planet that can compete with the number of accessories the MyRack has.”
When building out a home gym from a power rack, it’s good to have some options as far as attachments go. The Force USA MyRack provides just that; in addition to a lat pull-down and low row, the modular MyRack has a whopping 19 other attachments to choose from. Also, you start with the rack and add the attachments and equipment you want—only paying for exactly what you need.
Made with a slightly thinner 12-gauge steel, the Force USA MyRack is a budget-friendly power rack. The rack is bolted instead of welded, but it is reinforced with backer plates, to strengthen its joints. In our experience, the rack was very sturdy. The uprights are not industry standard at 2.4 inches squared, so you will have to purchase Force USA attachments specifically for this piece of equipment.
While it may not have the same quality as higher-end options, it has so many attachments that we think it’s worth it, and this rack earns 4.75 out of 5 for versatility.
Cooper “Coop” Mitchell, GGR’s founder, tested this rack himself. He said, “From my standpoint, the goal of the MyRack was to make it easy and affordable for people to purchase a good, not great rack, with a great selection of accessories. Seriously, there aren’t many racks on the planet that can compete with the number of accessories the MyRack has.”
While there are a multitude of attachments, in our review of the MyRack, a few of the attachments were a little subpar, particularly with the variety of pull-up bars. The multi-grip pull-up bar had a nice knurling, but the other pull-up bar attachments had a surprisingly slick powder coat that wasn’t great for grip.
While there is a lat pull-down and low row attachment available for the MyRack, there is also the option of a cable crossover. Additionally, you can purchase a seat attachment for the cable crossover.
Coop highly recommends both the lat pulldown and cable crossover attachments, saying, “The Lat Pulldown and Cable Crossover attachments are one of the most standout features of the MyRack. There are very few other racks that offer this sort of versatility at this price. You could literally build an entire gym using just the MyRack and its attachments.”
Despite the budget-friendly cost, it’s still durable enough for most home gym users and earns a 4.25 out of 5 for construction and durability.
This Force USA modular rack will come with a bit of decision-making as you pick and choose your add-on items. If you want your purchase made easy, we suggest the Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22.
The RML-3 has a smaller footprint than similar racks, making it ideal for home gym owners with limited space
Durable Materials
The 11-gauge steel used makes for a stable, durable rack that’ll last over time
Pros of the Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3
11-gauge steel
Westside spacing
Compact rack design
Compatible with other Rogue Monster Lite attachments
Durable
Cons of the Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3
Some reviews claim the product was damaged during shipping
Holes are not numbered
Must be bolted to floor
Product Dimensions
90″ H x 30″ D x 49″ W
Material
3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel
Weight Capacity
1,000 lbs
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty on frames and structural welds
The Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3 is a compact and sturdy rack from Rogue Fitness. Compatible with the entire Rogue Monster Lite series, this durable power rack can offer a good amount of versatility.
What our tester says:
“Although it doesn’t have a big footprint, the width gives the R-3 a super sturdy base.”
Rogue is one of our favorite manufacturers when it comes to squat racks. The brand always makes a quality product, and the Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3 Rack is no different. Providing a strong frame made from 11-gauge steel, the RML-3 also has a smaller footprint than most competitors, with a total depth of 30 inches.
I use this rack at the gym I train out of, and with it rated for a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, it can handle almost any barbell workout, although the rack needs to be bolted down. For durability, it earns 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Cooper “Coop” Mitchell says the R-3 is an incredibly stable rack.
“Although it doesn’t have a big footprint, it’s wide with the crossmembers measuring 49 inches hole to hole,” says Coop. “The width gives the R-3 a super sturdy base.”
For the lat pull-down, Rogue offers a cable attachment for the Monster Lite series called the Monster Lite Slinger. Starting at $360, it can be customized for a plate-loaded machine, a weight stack, or even resistance bands. Additionally, a lat pull-down seat and low row can be added, too, if you do not already have a weight bench with leg rollers.
All pieces attach onto one of the uprights, maintaining the compact power rack’s small size. Overall, the rack earns 4 out of 5 stars for footprint and versatility.
The Monster Lite Rack has a thick and thin pull-up bar along the top of the rack, as well as four band pegs that can be used for banded squats or bench press. Although the rack has a small footprint, the height is 90 inches, which may be high for some garage gyms. If you can not bolt down the rack or it is too tall, it might be wise to consider a half rack or short rack to save space.
If the Rogue RML-3 dimensions don’t cut it for your home gym, consider the Rogue R-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack which can completely fold out of the way when not in use.
Rack price
$875
Rack height
90”
Rack depth
30”
Rack width
49”
Rack weight
Not disclosed
Material
3” x 3” 11-gauge steel
Weight capacity
1,000 lbs
Hole spacing
1” within bench zone, 2” elsewhere
Hole size
5/8″
Warranty
Limited lifetime warranty on frames and structural welds
At around $700, we scored this rack a perfect 5 out of 5 for value
Pulley Ratio
The 1:1 ratio means you can really load up when using the 450-pound plate-loaded cable attachment
Pros of the Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack 2.0
Durable steel tubing
Lat pulldown/low row attachment with a 1:1 ratio
Extended pipe safeties and padded J-cups
Laser-cut numbers
Cons of the Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack 2.0
Long shipping times
700-pound weight capacity might not be enough for some users
May wobble with heavy squats
Product Dimensions
85″ H x 54″ D x 47″ W
Material
2” x 2” 14-gauge steel
Weight Capacity
700 lbs
Warranty
Lifetime warranty on frame
The Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack with Lat/Low Row is a durable, high-value rack that comes with a lat pulldown/low row attachment with a 1:1 ratio. It’s one of the best-value rigs for home gym owners.
What our tester says:
“It may not be worthwhile for competitive strength athletes because it’s constructed from 14-gauge steel and has a weight rating under 1,000 pounds, but for many folks, this is a solid option that won’t break the bank.”
At GGR, we realize that some home gym owners craft their set-ups in an outdoor shed or their backyards, so they need equipment that can stand up to the elements. We chose the Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack 2.0 because it presents quality construction, durability, and stability, all at a lower price than many competitors—and reviewers with outdoor gyms approve. The plate-loaded cable attachment has a 450-pound weight capacity, so you can really load it up, and operates at a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 10 pounds will feel like 10 pounds.
Plus, you get a multi-grip pull-up bar, padded J-cups, and free shipping with your order. For under $700, that’s a 5 out of 5 value.
As for the squat rack, the build of this rack is solid. The rack is constructed with 2-inch-by-2-inch 14-gauge steel tubing, which gives the rack a weight capacity of 700 pounds. While that’s not the heaviest, it’s certainly enough for most home gym athletes and quite impressive, given the price point. I score this rack 4 out of 5 stars for durability.
It’s nothing fancy, but it should hold up for most home gym owners with a 700-pound weight capacity. But from my experience, don’t expect a perfect locked-to-the-ground feel. There was a bit of wobbling when I had 315 pounds on the bar for squats. However, with weight plates on the horns, the wobbling was significantly reduced. I give it 4 out of 5 stars for stability.
Another GGR expert product tester loaded the barbell for 135-pound squats and noticed less wobbling on the GIANT Lifting rack.
“It may not be worthwhile for competitive strength athletes because it’s constructed from 14-gauge steel and has a weight rating under 1,000 pounds, but for many folks, this is a solid option that won’t break the bank,” says our tester.
The numbers are laser cut throughout the uprights, a smooth powder coat finish ensures a tight grip on the pull-up bar, and the 1-inch holes are compatible with multiple power rack attachments. Giant uses extended pipe safeties and gussets on each upright to add stability, so you shouldn’t have to bolt this rack with a lat pull-down to the ground.
Adjusting the J-cups is easy with this rack, according to our tester. He said, “The J-cups matched the holes perfectly, and there seemed to be no resistance or friction from one hole to the next. You could quickly adjust your bar height, which I appreciated since I normally have to move the settings up higher before a squat.”
This rack is rated for 700 pounds. If you’re looking for a heavier weight capacity without spending more money, we suggest the Titan T-3 Series Power Rack.
At just over $500, you get excellent bang for your buck with the T-3 Series Power Rack
Customizable
Choose from multiple height, depth, and color options to make this rack exactly how you like it
Pros of the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack
More affordable than competitors
Stable when bolted down
Available in multiple colors, depths, and heights
Westside spacing
Pin/pipe safeties
2×3″ tubing allows for Titan and other competitors’ attachments and add-ons
Cons of the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack
Imported materials
Not the best welds
Cheaper bolts used
J-cups are average at best
Product Dimensions
82″ or 91″ H x 24″ or 36″ D x 46″ W
Material
2” x 3” 11-gauge steel
Weight Capacity
1,100 lbs
Warranty
1 year
The Titan T-3 is a good, budget-friendly power rack. It’s very similar to one of our favorite racks, the Rogue R-3, but at a much cheaper price thanks to it’s imported nature. If you have the ability to bolt down your rack to a platform or concrete foundation and want a rack that won’t break the bank, this is a good option.
What our tester says:
“When the T-3 originally came on the market it was essentially an imported version of the Rogue R-3 Power Rack that was cheaper and not nearly as good. However, it’s gone through some iterations and now has laser-cut holes and better quality welding.”
There are very few power racks we recommend around the $500 price point, simply because the quality tends to drop along with the price, but the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack is an exception. Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder and home gym equipment expert, says this is the rack that made Titan a household name among home gym fanatics because it looks and feels like a rack you’d find at a commercial gym for a fraction of the cost.
“When the T-3 originally came on the market it was essentially an imported version of the Rogue R-3 Power Rack that was cheaper and not nearly as good,” says Coop. “However, it’s gone through some iterations and now has laser-cut holes and better quality welding.”
For durability, the T-3 power rack earns 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The rack has two pull-up bars at the top with two different widths, for the option of working the grip more or less. The rack has an abundance of holes along the uprights’ front, back, and sides, allowing for numerous attachments to be on the rack at once; and also customization on where they can be. The Westside spacing allows for accurate placement of the J-cups and safety bars during bench press and similar exercises. Plus, it has an 1,100-pound weight capacity and customizable height and depth options.
TItan Fitness has been able to address many construction and quality issues that we first noticed in our comparison between the T-3 and Rogue R-3 Power Rack a few years back. Since then, Titan has brought consistency and a cleaner look to its power racks, and the new rack earns 4.5 out of 5 stars for materials and construction.
For an additional $350 ($390 for the tall rack), you can get a lat tower and low row attachment to the back of the rack. The 70-pound attachment is plate-loaded, and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. With the squat cage already starting at $519, this rack and lat pull-down combo presents some great value.
Although many of the quality issues have been addressed since Titan started using robotic welders, some reviewers still claim inconsistency when it comes to the quality of the rack. Additionally, the power rack probably should be bolted down since it lacks a real base; Titan recommends it to ensure stability.
If you are able to bolt down the Titan T-3 in your garage gym, it’s a great choice for the cost, earning 4.3 out of 5 stars for value.
Made from 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel, this rack earned a perfect durability score from our team
Customizable
In addition to two height choices, you have nine color options so you can match your rack to fit the aesthetic of your home gym
Pros of the PRx Build Limitless Full Cage
9 color options
Multi-grip pull-up bar
1,000-pound weight capacity
Two height options
11-gauge steel
Cons of the PRx Build Limitless Full Cage
Expensive
Pulley system sold separately
Product Dimensions
81″ or 95″ H x 51.25″ D x 48″ W
Material
3″x3″ 11-gauge steel
Weight Capacity
1,000 lbs
Warranty
10 years
The PRx Build Limitless Full Cage is a durable and customizable power rack that comes in 9 colors, has an impressive 1,000-pound weight capacity, and a multi-grip pull-up bar. However, it is expensive, so it isn’t a great choice for budget-conscious home gym owners.
So technically, these are all power racks we are recommending for your garage gym, but PRx was built on providing garage-friendly home gym equipment to people who want to make the most of their space. With the PRx Build Limitless Full Cage, you can customize the height (81 or 95 inches), design it in one of 9 colors, and attach a cable machine to increase its versatility.
Let’s talk about the pulley system for a quick second. Yes, it’s an extra cost but by attaching it to your power rack’s pull-up bar you’re taking up less space and still spending less money than buying a standalone cable machine. The plate-loaded pulley attachment has a 600-pound weight capacity with a 1:1 pulley ratio (so 20 pounds really feels like 20) and a 75-inch cable travel length. You can also pick between a high or low pulley, or both. Overall, this rack earns a rock-solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for versatility.
While we haven’t used the full cage, we have tested and reviewed other racks that are part of PRx’s Build Limitless line. They all have a gritty powder coat, Westside hole spacing through the bench area, great stability, and 5/8-inch holes that should fit other companies’ attachments.
The 3-inch-by-3-inch 11-gauge steel and 1,000-pound weight capacity is enough for it to earn a 5 out of 5 on durability. If you’re a taller person and have the ceiling space, we recommend going with the 95-inch tall uprights so you can get a full range of motion on pull-ups and chin-ups.
If you’re thinking about foregoing the lat pulldown feature, we like the PRx Build Limitless Squat Stand for nearly half the price.
For less than $1,000 you get a power rack with an independent cable pulley system, band pegs, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and landmine attachment
Customizable
Major Fitness offers this 4-in-1 rack in both Standard and Pro versions, and you can choose from four color options
Pros of the Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym
4-in-1 power rack
1,000-pound weight rating
Spotter arms and J-cups included
35-day money back policy
Multiple color options
Cons of the Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym
Holes are not numbered
14-gauge steel isn’t as strong as 11-gauge
2:1 pulley ratio may not be ideal for users
Product Dimensions
82.5″ H x 55.5″ D x 68.9″ W
Material
2” x 3” 14-gauge steel
Weight Capacity
1,000 lbs
Warranty
1 year
The Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym combines four pieces of equipment in one, giving you a power rack, dual pulley system, multi-grip pull-up bar, and landmine attachment all at a reasonable price.
The Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym is our pick for providing the best bang for your buck. It is not the strongest power rack, nor is it constructed with the strongest steel, as it is built with 14-gauge steel. But for under $1,000 with free shipping, you’re getting a power rack with a 1,000-pound weight capacity, plate-loaded independent cable pulley system, band pegs, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and a landmine attachment.
As GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Coop Mitchell would say, that’s a steal. Plus, it comes in three colorway options (black, red, and white). Overall, this easily earns a 5 out of 5 for value.
The cable system consists of two independent pulleys, meaning two people can use both sides at the same time and still have enough space for someone to squat in the rack. It’s loaded with Olympic weight plates, either iron or bumper, and has a 2:1 ratio, meaning 50 pounds will actually feel like 25. Each side also has 17 adjustable positions, so you can hit just about every angle and muscle group you can think of.
The only major downside is that it only comes with a 1-year warranty, though you do get a 35-day money back guarantee. In addition, we had to knock off some points for construction and durability due to the use of 14-gauge steel, giving the All-In-One Home Gym 3.5 out of 5 stars in both categories.
This all-in-one home gym might be everything you need in one package. However, if you have a bigger budget, we really like the Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 rack with a seamless counter balanced Smith machine bar and a super smooth 2:1 pulley ratio.
Yes, choice of straight pull-up bar, adjustable pull-up bar, double bar, multi-grip bar, or globe bar
Weight Capacity
1,000 lbs.
Customizable Options
Customize your power rack to look exactly how you want it, down to the color of the uprights
Home Trainers
With a 1,000-pound weight capacity and Westside hole spacing, this rack can withstand every PR.
Those on No Budget
Adding attachments, safeties, and other parts will rack up the cost.
Pros of the Bells Of Steel Hydra 4-Post Power Rack
Fully customizable
Choose your own height and depth
Free Shipping
30-day money back guarantee
Cons of the Bells Of Steel Hydra 4-Post Power Rack
Only attachments made precisely for 76.2mm x 76.2mm uprights will fit
Assembly may be challenging to do alone
Add-ons quickly increase price
Product Dimensions
“35””, 41″”, or 54″” D x 47″” or 49″” W x
72″”, 84″”, 90″”, or 108″” H”
Hole Size
5/8″
Materials
3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel
Finish
Powder coat
You can customize just about every aspect of the Hydra, including height, depth, types of pull-up bar, types of J-hooks and safeties. Choose from designs that include four-post, flat-foot, six-post, wall-mounted, and even folding.
What our tester says:
“The customization is great, unless you aren’t sure what you want exactly.”
While we have not had our hands on the Bells of Steel Hydra Rack yet, we are a big fan of the company and in our experience, they have made quality products, like the brand’s 2-in-1 machine we tested and loved: the Reverse Hammer. In terms of squat racks, the Hydra Series provides some of the best customization options on the market.
When I go on the website to customize a power rack, there are 10 steps—ten. With multiple options for rack height and depth, pull-up bars (including a multi-grip pull-up bar or globe grips), and tons of storage and attachment options, this is a rack that is fully adjustable to your needs. With some premade options, you can also build your rack, literally piece by piece.
As Cooper “Coop” Mitchell says, “This is an extremely customizable, accessories-out-the-wazoo rack that’s designed to be modular and budget-friendly.”
The rack is high-quality, made of heavy-duty steel, and the uprights are 3 inches by 3 inches with 5/8-inch holes and westside spacing. Rated for 1,000 pounds, the rack is sturdy and durable, although a more shallow rack should probably be bolted down to add stability.
We give this rack 4.5 out of 5 stars for construction and durability.
The lat pull-down attachment for the Hydra Rack is $349 and can support both 1-inch standard plates and 2-inch Olympic plates for a max weight of 285 pounds. The Hydra Rack supports tons of other attachments, including a cable crossover and dip station, earning 4.5 out of 5 for attachments available and 5 out of 5 for customization.
However, the customization and attachments can make the price tag creep up on you, and we give this rack 3 out of 5 stars for the overall value. Coop said, “This was made in a similar place as REP and Titan, so I was expecting the price to be similar, but this is actually more expensive if you buy all the accessories.”
Other Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs We Researched
There are a lot of great power racks with lat pull-down attachments on the market, which made narrowing down our list pretty difficult to say the least. Here are a few others contenders for best power racks with lat pull-downs that didn’t quite make the cut:
Prime Fitness Prodigy Power Rack: In our review of the Prime Fitness Prodigy Power Rack, one of the things that stood out was the immense versatility of the power rack in a compact space. The pulley system and attachments were constructed well, which are typically a second thought when it comes to power racks. However, the J-hooks did not have plastic lining that are typical, and would damage the bar and hooks while using them. It appears Prime FItness has re-designed these hooks to include UHMW lining.
Sorinex XL Series Single Rack: Sorinex makes quality products and their XL Series are no different. The rack is durable and customizable, and in our in-depth review of the XL Rack, Coop says it is one of the best available. However, the rack is more pricey than its competitors; if price is a concern, there are some more affordable options that still provide a quality product.
Rogue RM-3 Monster Rack 2.0: When it comes to racks, Rogue Fitness provides a quality product. The RM-3 is a fantastic rack, but we chose a Rogue rack from their Monster Lite series, as it is less expensive; the main difference between them is the hole and attachment sizing.
How We Picked and Tested
We have looked at and tested many different squat racks, power racks, and cages from a diverse set of brands. So from our experience, we looked at and researched power racks and their attachments, noting the quality and construction of both the power racks and the cable attachments. From there, we tested several machines, both in their ability as a power rack, as well as being a functional full trainer with a lat pull-down.
We did barbell squats (obviously), and also swung around on the pull-up bars for a bit to note the stability of the racks, and their weight capacity. For lat pull-downs we tested, we ran them through a full-body workout, tested out the low row attachment if it had one, and noted the quality and durability of it and other attachments.
FInally, power racks can be expensive. They can be more expensive when you add a lat pull-down attachment. With this in mind, we made sure that each product we recommended provided value for the user, in that it provided a quality product at a reasonable price.
Benefits of Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs
There are many reasons for power racks, both as a squat cage, and as a home gym. The main thing is that the power rack can fit attachments and add versatility to your garage gym. Here are a couple other benefits for investing in a power rack with a lat pull-down:
Full-Body Workout
Power racks are already a piece of fitness equipment where you can workout your entire body with barbell squats, deadlifts, and presses. Recent research1 suggests you can perform split-body or full-body workouts and still see results in muscle size and power, so don’t worry about how you split things up.
However, adding a lat pull-down to your rack can add some versatility to your workout, giving you a different stimulus. Going from squats with free weights to a triceps push-down with cable resistance adds variety to your exercise routine.
Adding multifunctional elements to your power rack will help you workout the entire body in your home gym, which helps you in your training by being efficient in your workout, and saving time in your workout.
A Home Gym Starter
Power racks are considered the centerpiece of home and garage gyms because they are a great way to begin a home gym. Power racks often have a load of attachments that can be added, and due to their connected four uprights, they often have the weight capacity and stability for these attachments. Most attachments are sold separately as well, so you can start with a power rack, and add the lat pull-down and other attachments down the road.
Space-Saver
Because the attachments are all on one piece of equipment, power racks are a great space saver as well. Keeping a majority of your attachments and workout stations in about a 4-foot-by-4-foot square is helpful in saving room in your home gym. Additionally, some attachments are made for additional storage, such as weight horns or storage pegs.
What to Look for in Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs
There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a power rack, especially if you’re wanting to add a lat pull-down or other attachments. Here are a few main points.
Materials
Looking at a power rack, the main thing we want to consider is the gauge of the steel; remember a lower number is stronger in this case. Most of the strongest power racks and squat stands are built with 11-gauge steel, and have a high weight capacity. Budget-friendly racks are usually constructed with 12- or 14-gauge steel instead. This thinner steel will make the rack less stable at heavier loads, but it will also be less expensive.
What to get will depend on your needs. If you are going to be using a rack for heavy loads, it’d be good to consider a stronger steel frame. If you’re looking to save, 14-gauge steel will work and still be strong enough for most people. These thinner steel frames are typically bolted and have backer plates at the joints to help strengthen the frame.
Pulleys are made of nylon or aluminum; aluminum will wear out cables faster, while nylon will wear out the pulleys more. If there are a lot of pulleys, you may want them to last longer, so aluminum might be a good option. The cables should also be covered in a nylon coating, and generally thicker is better.
Weight Capacity
This is a follow-up on materials. Most budget racks will have a weight capacity of 700 to 800 pounds, give or take. This should be more than enough for most people; generally you want a capacity of twice your max weight to account for dumping or bailing on a lift. If you’re strong enough, however, a budget power rack just may not work. A stronger gauge will get you a better weight capacity, but it will also increase the price more.
Footprint
With power racks, it’s important to not only consider the width and depth of the rack, but also the height. Some racks will simply not fit in a garage with a low ceiling; in this case, it may be wise to look into short racks or half racks, to save on the footprint of the rack.
Adding a lat pull-down to a power rack will take up some space as well. Most attach to the center of the rack, or off of an upright, which will only add a few square inches of floor space here and there. However, some lat pull-downs come as a side extension, such as Force USA’s MyRack cable crossover attachment. This can be nice to have a second workout station for a gym partner, but it will take up a lot more floor space.
FAQs About Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs
What is the difference between a power rack and a power tower?
Power racks are typically large squat cages where the user stands inside the cage to perform weighted barbell squats, presses, or other exercises. A power tower is more compact, and tends to feature stations for bodyweight movements: pull-ups, push-ups, leg raises, and dips.
What is the best power rack with a lat pull-down?
Ultimately, the best power rack with a lat pull-down will be the one you use and that fits your needs best. Here is a list of some of our favorites:
What are some of the benefits of using a power rack with a lat pull-down?
Having a lat pull-down attachment on your power rack allows you to get a versatile, full-body workout all in one spot. It combines the use of free weights with barbell exercises with more fixed resistance exercises through the use of a cable machine. Additionally, having a lat pull-down machine on your power rack is a great way to save space in your home gym.
Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.
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