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Powerlifting is built around three lifts – the squat, bench press, and deadlift. Therefore, a home gym designed for Powerlifting will require equipment that allows these three lifts to be performed, while also aiding in strengthening these lifts. These are the pieces of equipment we suggest to build the ultimate Powerlifting Home Gym.
Powerlifting has its roots in dimly lit garages where mythical tales of triumph and defeat were on display under the veil of heavy metal, chalk, and blood. Men mightier than mountains (in their own mind) have been built through home gyms since the beginning of the sport of Powerlifting, and whether you plan to compete or not, Powerlifting as a training regimenis highly effective. Although there are many who travel to gyms to train, these people will never experience the joy of stepping out your back door into a training facility enviable by even the best outfitted commercial gym.
So you’ve got a basement, garage, or spare room that you want to convert into a home gym for Powerlifting? Congratulations, but now you have to figure out what to fill that space up with.
In order to have a Powerlifting home gym, you’re going to need some solid basics, and if you’d like to add variety and help for assistance work, you’re going to need a lot more equipment. Although there’s a seemingly endless amount of equipment available for purchase, you could get away with a barbell, plates, squat rack, and flat bench. That said, the more equipment you get, the more variety you can add to your training.
Whatever you choose, here is the best home gym equipment for powerlifting based upon what we’ve used and liked, what others we’ve polled use, and what we often suggest to readers.
If you want to start a home gym and have the ability to train the big three (squat, deadlift, and bench) as well as assistance work for the competition lifts, then you’re going to need some heavy-duty equipment. Here are our suggestions for the best Powerlifting equipment for a home gym based on various budgets and needs.
Video Review
Strength Equipment for Powerlifting
If you’re going to have a Powerlifting home gym, the most important part is basic strength training equipment. There’s a never-ending amount of different pieces of equipment that will build strength through Powerlifting programming, but if you’re lifting heavy poundage you’re going to want equipment that can take the beating and poundage you’re going to put on it.
We chose to include items that are most often used in Powerlifting programming as well as suggested by some of the top lifters and coaches in the world.
Squat Rack
Our Favorite Home Gym Squat Rack
Rogue R-3 Power Rack
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue R-3 is one of the most well-liked squat racks in the world. Featuring 100+ reviews with a 4.9 star rating, there are few that can match it.
- The 2"x3" upright is compatible with a wide range of standard accessories from a myriad of companies.
- The R-3 utilizes 11-gauge steel that is strong enough for just about anything you can throw at it.
- The rack is listed as having a 1,000+ LB rating, but it can likely handle 3-4x that amount.
- The side panels of the rack are welded rather than bolted which is often considered to be stronger.
- The R-3 comes standard with a double pull-up bar that is skinny on one side and fat on the other to really tax your grip.
- The R-3 is designed to be bolted down to concrete or a wooden platform. Bolting the rack down will allow it to be secure during heavy squats or even allow kipping pull-ups if you compete in CrossFit.
- Pin Pipe Safeties allow you to bench alone without worrying about being visited by an ambulance.
- The R-3 was the first power rack to feature Westside Hole Spacing which is 1" spacing through the bench and clean pull zone that makes it easier to get the safeties dialed in.
- The R-3 is made in the USA of US-sourced steel.
- It comes in multiple heights including 90" standard or a shorty version that is 84"
Cons
- If you don't plan to bolt the rack to the floor, then you'll want to avoid the R-3 as it's too unstable if not bolted down.
- Due to the rack being made in the USA, it's more expensive than imported competitors like the Titan Fitness T-3, although it is a superior product.
- The R-3 utilizes stickers instead of laser-cut logos like on some of it's other racks.
- There's only 24" of open space between uprights that makes some people feel claustrophobic.
Bottom Line
The Rogue R-3 is one of the most popular power racks in the world, and for good reason. We're big fans of the rack, so much so in fact, that Coop owns three of them (they're in his personal training gym.) If you want a power rack that doesn't take up a ton of space, has the ability to bolt to the ground, and has an endless amount of available accessories, then the Rogue R-3 is what we suggest.
The Squat Rack will be the most used piece of equipment in any Powerlifting gym. The amount of different types of work that can be performed in the rack is what’s caused it to be so iconic and a staple not only in Powerlifting gyms, but any gym that’s serious about increasing strength. For a Powerlifting home gym, you want a squat rack that can take the the weight you currently lift as well as what you want to in the future and keep on performing.
A rack designed for powerlifting should also have strong spotter pins or arms, band peg holes for dynamic work, and the ability to be used for both the squat and bench.
The Rogue R-3 Power Rack combines 2×3 steel tubing in a compact rack that will be stable (when bolted to the ground) for any movement or weight you can throw at it. Many people view the 3×3 steel tubing racks like the Rogue Monster Series as necessary for powerlifting, however, the Rogue R-3 Rack was designed based off of the racks Louie Simmons uses with his athletes at Westside Barbell. If the Rogue R-3 is stable and durable enough for one of the strongest gyms in the world, it’s strong enough for you.
Rogue is known for outstanding attention to detail, and the R-3 Power Rack is a shining example of that. Everything from the welds to the powder-coat to even the spacing of the holes is well thought out. Going from squatting on the 1,000 lb plus rated J-Hooks to benching with the original Westside Hole Spacing that allows for dialing in the bench, there is not a better value squat rack available.After putting the Rogue R-3 Power Rack through thousands of workouts, there’s no better choice for most people. You can upgrade to a thicker steel tubing, but it’s not needed.
After putting the Rogue R-3 Power Rack through thousands of workouts, there’s no better choice for most people. You can upgrade to a thicker steel tubing if you like the look, but it’s not needed. What makes a stronger rack is not just the width of the tubing, although that helps, but also the gauge of the steel. The Infinity, Monster-Lite, and Monster lines of racks by Rogue Fitness all feature the same 11-gauge steel.
The R-3 Power Rack is also compatible with many of the accessories Rogue releases and due to the thinner steel tubing, they’re also often cheaper than the Monster-Lite and Monster accessories. We reviewed the R-3 in-depth here if you’re interested in more information.
Rogue Copy for Less
Titan T-3 Series Power Rack
Product Highlights
- 2×3″ 11-gauge steel tubing
- Weight capacity of 1,000 lbs
- Westside spacing
- Bolt-together construction
- Includes J-hooks and weight holders
Pros & Cons
Pros
- More affordable than competitors
- Stable when bolted down
- Bolted panels easier to adjust on uneven surface
- V2 of the T-3 comes in a variety of colors
- V2 of the T-3 has laser-cut holes on the side and front of uprights
- Westside spacing
- Pin/pipe safeties
- 2×3" tubing allows for Titan and other competitors' attachments and add-ons
Cons
- Known for delays and mixing up orders
- Imported materials
- Not the best welds
- J-cups are average at best
- Bolted panels makes for a weaker joint
- Cheaper bolts used
Bottom Line
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.
If you want a less-expensive power rack, but would like pretty much the same functionality as our top pick, the Rogue R-3, we suggest the Titan T-3 Power Rack as the best budget power rack. Titan Fitness has taken all of the great features Rogue is known for and packages them in a less glamorous (worse powder-coating, fewer holes, fewer welds) and less expensive package.
Despite the lower price (especially when shipping is factored in) the Titan T-3 is an outstanding power rack capable of whatever weight you want to throw at it. We reviewed the Titan T-3 in depth, comparing it to the Rogue R-3 and although we preferred the R-3, the T-3 is a worthy contender for the budget conscious. The J-cups on the Titan T-3 have the same weight rating (1,000 lbs.) as the Rogue R-3 and also features the same spotter pins (although the tubing is a higher gauge on the T-3.)
One of the cool things about Titan is that they’re constantly adding new accessories that mimic what Rogue is releasing. These include matador horns (dip handles) and plate storage (4 posts come standard with the rack.) It’s also worth noting that their accessories are similar to their racks regarding pricing compared to Rogue Fitness.
If you’re on a strict budget, the Titan T-3 will more than handle whatever squat, bench, rack deads, and any other heavyweight movements you want to throw at it.
The All Out Option
Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
If money is no issue and you want one of the best racks around, the Rogue RM-6 is hard to beat. Featuring 3×3, 11 gauge uprights along with 1″ hardware, the Monster Series of racks makes the already massive Infinity Series Racks from Rogue look like toys.
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The big benefits of the Monster Series versus the Infinity Series is the laser cut pin position numbers, upright size, hardware size, and customization options. The J-Cups of both the Infinity and Monster series are rated for the same 1,000 lbs static weight, and the gauge of the steel is the same (although the Monster Series used to feature 9 gauge.) But, the Rogue Monster Series can have just about everything from the color to the height customized.
The Monster Series is also the future of Rogue’s focus and as such, they offer many more attachments for the Monster Series than they do the Infinity Series. If you want a stout rack that looks as good as it performs, check out the Rogue RM-6.
Bench Press
Our Favorite Dedicated Bench Press
Rogue Westside Bench 2.0
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
The Rogue Westside Bench 2.0 is the premier training bench currently on the market. I say training bench, because although some federations will allow it to be used in competition, the IPF will not.
The Westside Bench takes many of the same features of our favorite squat rack, the Rogue R3 and makes it into a bench. For instance, the uprights are made of the same 2×3, 11 gauge tubing and features the same Westside Hole Spacing. The feet can be bolted to the floor (although it’s definitely not needed) and the same j-cups and spotter pins that the R3 uses are employed by the Westside Bench. We’ve reviewed the bench in great detail on our YouTube channel here:
If you want a bench that can take anything you can throw at it, including accommodating resistance like bands and chains as well as all sorts of specialty bars, the Rogue Westside Bench 2.0 is the one to get. It’s also compatible with the Rogue Thompson Fat Pad (your back will thank you.)
Best Flat Bench
REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
Product Highlights
- Great price on a high-quality bench
- Compatible with REP Wide Pad or Thompson Fat Pad
- 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel provides solid construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great price for a good value bench
- 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel
- Sturdy 3-post bench
- Nothing in the way of your feet when you bench
- Rated to 1,000 pounds
- Meets the IPF specs for length, height, and width
- Comes with a 4” thick pad on a plywood base with durable vinyl upholstery and the option to purchase an extra wide pad
- Comes with a handle and wheels
- Compatibility with 2 other bench pads including the extra wide and the Thompson Fat Pad
- Easily assembled in less than 20 minutes.
- Available in multiple colors and designs.
Cons
- Shipping not included in price
- Short manufacturer’s warranty
- Some assembly required
- 30-day return period and restocking fee applied to returns
Bottom Line
The Rep FB-5000 Flat Bench is the best value flat bench we've tested and reviewed. It offers an incredible combination of price and quality that many companies have overlooked for some time. With over 250 customer reviews, there is not 1 under 4 stars and most of those are for less than minor complaints. If you need a flat bench, this is the one we suggest. You could pay more, but it would still probably not be as good. Seriously.
The REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench is by far the best value flat bench for most people. Not only is it cheap, but it’s also insanely solid for how little space it takes up.
Featuring a standard bench height of 17″ and thick 3×3 legs and spine, the REP FB-5000 Flat Bench has taken everything we’ve thrown at it without any issues. Although the Thompson Fat Pad is our favorite bench pad, the pad on the REP Flat Utility Bench provides a firm foundation with a grippy covering.
The REP FB-5000 is one of the few benches to and was one of the first to employ a tri-pod leg style that allows the trainees front two legs to tuck under the pad for proper arch in the press. The frame of the bench is bolted to save on cost and since it’s made overseas, it’s priced very affordably.
Deadlift Platform
Our Favorite Deadlift Platform
Rogue Deadlift Platform
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Although most people could get by just fine making their own deadlift platform, if you’d like to buy a pre-made version that includes band pegs, the Rogue Deadlift Platform is not only your best option, it’s one of your only options.
We’ve had the Rogue Deadlift Platform for about 6 months now and although we enjoyed our DIY Platform, the Rogue Deadlift Platform along with the band pegs is hard to beat. It not only has a professional look that matches the rest of our equipment, but it’s also very functional. If you do any sort of band work, this platform makes it easy and it looks just as good as it performs.
As with anything made by Rogue, the Deadlift Platform is customizable, although we would suggest purchasing plywood and stall mats to cut down the cost of buying rubber mats.
It’s a great addition to any garage gym, but I would say if you aren’t worried about noise and don’t plan to use band pegs, then I would just do deadlifts on stall mats. Many people are worried about cracking their foundation without a platform, but the amount of weight that would have to be dropped from overhead to affect most foundations is much more than you think.
That said, the deadlift platform not only performs well, it looks cool in your gym.
FID Bench
Our Favorite FID Bench
Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench
Product Highlights
The Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench introduces a new decline setting to go along with the 50 seat and back-rest position combinations from the popular AB-2. Ideally suited for dynamic training or for gyms serving multiple athletes, this compact, 11-gauge steel weight bench offers a rare combination of sturdiness and maneuverability, with boundless customization options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench is the premiere bench Rogue sells that is well-loved by practically all who can afford it.
- Weighing in at 117 LB, the AB-3 is incredibly stout and stable at practically all bar loads.
- Includes 9 back adjustment angles and 6 seat adjustment angles which makes it easy to hit various parts of your chest during bench pressing.
- There’s an optional leg roller that turns the bench into a decline bench making it an FID Bench.
- There are wheels and a handle that makes the bench easily maneuverable.
- The height of the bench when flat is 18″ which is pretty close to the 17″ IPF Powerlifting Standard.
- Fully made in the USA of US-sourced steel.
- The frame of the bench is fully welded, making it practically bomb-proof.
- The vinyl on the benchtop is thick, long-lasting, and has a decent grip.
Cons
- The AB-3 is over $1,000 for most people when shipped which is very expensive.
- The gap between the seat and back pad is quite large.
Bottom Line
The Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench is an incredible FID Bench if you can stomach the cost. In our review, we’ve noticed that those who have the bench love it, but there are many other options now available that can compete with the AB-3 on features at a much lower price. If you want the best bench Rogue offers, this is it, although we’re hoping for some upgraded features soon.
The Rep Fitness FID Adjustable Bench is the best value FID Bench available. We reviewed it in detail in the past and are still as impressed as we were when we initially wrote our review. The Rep FID Bench is constructed through both welded and bolt-together methods. It ships mostly assembled and is very easy to put together.
The top is some sort of synthetic leather which I’m not a huge fan of, but for the price, it’s to be expected. The bench padding is comfortable, yet firm and grippy enough to allow for a proper drive in the bench press.The steel used is strong and the adjustable bar has no flex which is an important feature for those who do a lot of incline pressing to improve their flat bench.
If you want an FID Bench, but don’t want to spend a lot, this is your best option.
The AB-3 is the only decline bench Rogue offers and among the companies producing equipment for home gyms, it’s by far the best available. The AB-3 features the same pad and covering as the Flat Utility Bench, but has the ability to incline as well as detatchable foot rollers for decline work as well as crunches.
The AB-3 Adjustable Bench is the FID Bench to get if money is no object, however, for most people, we would suggest spending this kind of money on other equipment.
The Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench is our pick for the best FID Bench if money is no object. The reason is pretty simple, Rogue bought out Nebula who were previously creating the best FID Bench and slapped a Rogue logo on it. This bench is expensive, no question about it, but if money wasn’t an issue, this is the bench you could have for the rest of your life and then pass down to your kids.
Lat Pulldown
The XMark Lat Pulldown isn’t the best lat pulldown available, but most home gyms don’t need a $3,000 behemoth like the one Rogue sells (although I have heard there’s a possibility of them coming out with a plate-loaded economical lat pulldown.)
The X-Mark Lat Pulldown has taken many of the same things that other cheaper lat pulldowns have, beefed up some of the components, and added a low row handle. Although it will certainly not be as solid as some of the more expensive pulldowns, it will hold up to just about any weight you’ll be able to lift (400 pounds weight limit) and do so pretty smoothly.
The frame of the X-Mark Lat Pulldown is made of 11 gauge steel, the same gauge that the majority of power racks are made of as well. Because of this, it’s also pretty heavy, which is something you want as it will lead to less rocking when you decide to perform your pulldowns like Branch Warren.
Reverse Hyper
We’ve had the RH-2 Reverse Hyper in our gym for over a year and it still looks and performs like it did on day one. Not only will the reverse hyper strengthen your posterior chain, it will also traction your spine; something every powerlifter who’s constantly compressing their spine could benefit from.
The Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper features 2×3 steel tubing with a partially bolt together construction and a heavy-duty vinyl and foam top. If you want a Reverse Hyper that can take whatever you can throw at it at the best price available, the Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper is your best bet.
Our Favorite Reverse Hyper
Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper, simply put, is one of the best value reverse hypers on the market
- The RH-2, like all Rogue equipment, is a solid and well-made piece of equipment. Like one reviewer states, “As with most (all?) Rogue equipment, the RH-2 is a well-made beast.”
- The powder coat finish is traditional matte black that blends well with the rest of Rogue’s equipment.
- Compatible with all increments of bumper and steel plates.
- It’s the perfect rehab machine for lifters who have injured their back, hamstrings, or other muscles in their core as it both stretches and strengthens those muscles.
- Rogue is one of the very few companies to have direct permission from Louie Simmons, creator of the reverse hyper, to manufacture this machine and the RH-2 is the best of the Rogue offerings.
- A 3-inch thick pad wide enough for even the largest of lifters make the RH-2 both comfortable and user-friendly.
- The RH-2 is shipped quickly, arrives quickly, and comes fully assembled to your home or commercial gym.
- Doubles as an excellent stand-up desk when not being used. We’re kind of joking, but not really.
Cons
- It’s expensive for a machine that is used primarily for rehab and stretching.
- At over 200 pounds, it’s difficult to move.
- One reviewer commented that the powder coating was rough making it difficult to clean and keep looking nice.
Bottom Line
The Rogue RH-2 is one of the best value reverse hypers on the market and one of the only ones endorsed by the creator of the reverse hyper, Louie Simmons. The quality of construction, ease of use, maneuverability, and price all make the RH-2 worth it if you plan to use it. However, if you’re in a garage gym setting, understand that a reverse hyper takes up a lot of space and should only be bought if its use is justified.
The Reverse Hyper is one of the best pieces of strength training equipment in any gym. Sure, it won’t have the same strength impact that a squat rack will have, however, the Reverse Hyper can allow to bein the squat rack more and for a longer period of time.
The best Reverse Hyper currently on the market is the Rogue Fitness RH-2 Reverse Hyper. Yes, there are Reverse Hypers with more features like a tilt top, pendulum, and rollers. But for the price, the RH-2 Reverse Hyper is the best value currently available.
Further reading
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