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The Rogue RML-90SLIM Rack is the most compact and best-priced squat rack that Rogue Fitness makes. It’s an extremely simple rack that is designed for the budget-conscious and space-restrained, yet offers most of the functionality of a standard squat stand with a pull-up bar while sitting only 16” from the wall. After testing and reviewing the RML-90SLIM, we recommend it highly and actually think it’s one of the best squat racksfrom Rogue to date.
Rogue SLIM Rack
Rogue RML-90SLIM Rack
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
When the pandemic started in the US and gyms started shutting down Sorinex came out with the OFF-GRID Squat Rack which was specifically for people that were starting a home gym. The OFF-GRID Rack which we reviewed was a basic rack with cutouts similar to what’s seen on barbell racks. The idea for the rack was that it was small, compact, and cheap to ship and make, and one of the best squat racks Rogue created. Well, the RML-90SLIM is Rogue’s answer to that rack. There are now two styles that use this similar build and they are the Rogue RML-90SLIM and RML-90SLIM Door Mount Fold Back Racks. This is a review of both of them as they’re essentially the same, sans the foldback componentry.
What is the Rogue RML-90SLIM Rack?
The Rogue RML-90SLIM is Rogue’s most compact, wall-mounted squat rack. Despite having a robust feature set, it’s also one of Rogue’s most budget-friendly squat racks.
The Rack comes in two variations, a fixed version and a foldable, door-mount version.
Rogue RML-90SLIM Specs
Here are the specs: The RML-90SLIM is made in the USA using their standard 3″x3″, 11-gauge steel, 5/8″ hole pattern uprights which are called the Monster Lite uprights. It features Westside Hole Spacing through the bench area making it easy to place your j-cups and safety arms at an ideal height. The depth of the rack from mounting surface is about 13 inches which gives your head enough room to get under the bar during a squat without scraping your nose on the wall (unless you have a really, really long nose.) If you go with the RML-90SLIMDM version, it sits just 5″ inches when folded against the wall. There are stringers that can be bought for the rack that make install easier and the final product look better and the uprights can have laser-cut numbers added for $50.
Video Review
What We Like About the Rogue RML-90SLIM Rack
There’s a lot to like the RML-90SLIM and one of the biggest things is the overall value. This is one of Rogue Fitness’ cheapest racks, yet despite competing with many imported equipment companies like Titan Fitness on price, the rack is made in the USA of US-sourced steel.
The RML-90SLIM and RML-90SLIMDM fit a wide range of people as they can both go in front of a doorway or against any wall without taking up an enormous amount of real estate. One comment we often hear from people building a home gym is they have a worry about bolting any of their equipment to their wall studs.
However, I don’t think this should be a worry for any of the wall-mounted racks we’ve tested as the weight is majorly loaded against the ground due to the uprights making contact with the floor. So there’s going to be very little pull from the stringers/studs. If you really are worried, we dropped 500 LB on the spotter arms of a PRx Profile Rack without issue, for science purposes of course.
The ideal audience for this rack is someone what limited space that wants a garage gym but still wants to park their car inside, or has a doorway they want to put a rack in front of, or is simply limited on space and is simply too limited on space for a stand-alone rack.
The compactness of these racks is tremendous and although you may feel a little claustrophobic using the rack with your face so close to the wall, the functionality works fine. There’s enough room for plates to fit on the bar, and sliding a weight bench underneath for bench press proves no problem (unless you want to use an adjustable bench–more to come on that in a moment).
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Despite the compactness of the rack being a stand-out feature, its maximized by the fact that the uprights are made to use the standard attachments Rogue has for the rest of the Monster Lite line.
This was one of our biggest complaints with the Sorinex OFF-GRID Rack. It was a good rack, but because of its design, it couldn’t accept any of the accessories Sorinex or any other companies make and it doesn’t appear they plan on offering many. This means if you buy the rack, what you get is what you’ll have for the rest of your ownership. So, if you see a cool attachment, you won’t be able to buy it because it won’t fit your rack.
The Rogue RML-90SLIM takes the opposite approach by using the standard 3″x3″ uprights that are compatible with nearly all Monster Lite accessories. I think one of the biggest hazards in owning a home gym is training alone and potentially getting hurt with a barbell in your hand. Being able to add spotter arms to your rack is absolutely essential in my opinion and the RML-90SLIM allows you to add them. This makes the rack great for using alone and future-proofs the rack should any accessories be released that you want to add.
I do suggest getting the laser-cut stringers to make install quick and give the rack a more finished look. They’re not essential, but they’re pretty darn close and you’ll thank yourself for spending the little bit more they cost when you put it up.
Lastly, we do recommend the RML-90SLIM Rack as well as the door mount version. They’re some of the best compact squat racks on the market from a company that’s going to give you a lifetime warranty and be able to service it for your lifetime. The price is a fantastic value and I expect to see many of these in home gyms over the coming years.
What We Don’t Like
There is a lot to like about the RML-90SLIM, however, it’s not perfect.
There are a few issues that are inherent with the design that are simply compromises for having so short of depth from the wall. One, there is no way to do kipping movements on the rack. So, this basically removes anyone who does CrossFit. Kipping pull-ups and kipping muscle-ups are not currently a possibility, although I would like to see them add a pullup bar that sits farther out from the wall to make this possible. However, if you do feel the need to kip, you could get the door mount version and open the door during use.
The other thing the RML-90SLIM rack doesn’t allow is the use of an adjustable bench. Your body is simply too far away from the rack to allow the bar to be pulled back at the higher angles. You can use an adjustable bench in the middle of the doorway if you have the fold-back door mount version, however, the surface on both sides will need to be even (meaning no stairway on the other side.).
Lastly, the RML-90SLIM is currently not available in colors. We hope they add this in the future.
Rogue RML-90SLIM vs. The Competition
Rogue vs Sorinex
Sorinex Off Grid Rack
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Rogue RML-90SLIM vs. Sorinex OFF-GRID Rack:The Sorinex OFF-GRID Rack spurred Rogue on to release its competitor. Regardless of whether you feel they copied them or not, the RML-90SLIM is simply a much better rack at an even better price point. If you want a compact rack, we definitely recommend Rogue’s offering over Sorinex.
Rogue vs. PRx Performance
PRX Profile PRO Squat Rack
Product Highlights
- Wall-mounted
- Folding
- Takes up just 4 in. when folded
- Perfect for garage or small commercial space
- Made in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- When folded it is the best space saving rack on the market with a folded depth of 9".
- It is mounted to the wall and it folds up which means you have space when you are working out or when you need the garage for other things.
- The Profile Pro Rack comes in different sizes depending on your ceiling and your height.
- Almost every reviewer remarks on the ease of installation and assembly.
- If you have a smaller garage or home gym space then the size and accompanying storage features make it the perfect rack.
- The 11-gauge 3×3 steel uprights make it very high quality, and many reviewers made this same remark. For a product known for its compact size, the quality of construction does not suffer.
- Options for either a pullup bar or a kipping bar, both of which are high quality.
- A weight capacity of 1,000 pounds is sufficient for nearly ever lifter.
- Multiple color options to help with the aesthetics of a home gym.
- The installation hardware along with the plastic footplates protects your floor and walls.
- We dropped 500 LB on the rack to see if it would stay in the wall and it did. We were blown away and thankfully the wall wasn't.
- Most reviews echoed what this user had to say, "Great space saver with functionality and ease of use."
Cons
- If the studs in your garage are unevenly set, this rack can be more difficult to install.
- If your ceiling is not high enough, 90" or higher, then the rack will have to be modified.
- While it is high quality, it is expensive and you pay mainly for the space-saving features.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a high-quality space-saving squat rack, then the PRx Profile PRO Squat Rack is the one we would recommend. Just a quick perusal of the reviews will show you that it is high quality, easy to install, and most importantly takes up less space than any other squat rack on the market. If you have space for the Rogue or Titan power rack offerings, they have many more features and accessories for about the same price. However, if the most important thing in your decision-making process is space, then this is the squat rack for you. We prefer the PRO rack over the standard Profile, but either works well.
Rogue RML-90SLIM vs. PRx Performance Profile Rack:We like the PRx Performance series of racks and think they have the best folding functionality. Folding up with the assistance of shocks is definitely than folding to the side as PRx doesn’t require you to remove your pull-up bar which takes time and inevitably will cause the rack to be folded less than ideal. We do think the value propositions are a bit different on these racks. If you want something more budget-friendly, then we suggest the Rogue RML-90SLIM. If you like the fold-up feature and you’re willing to pay for it, then that’s a fine option. However, we don’t think the PRx Racks are that much better.
Full Rating
Rogue Fitness RML-90SLIM Rack
The Rogue RML-90SLIM Rack is the most compact and best-priced squat rack that Rogue Fitness makes. It’s an extremely simple rack that is designed for the budget-conscious and space-restrained, yet offers most of the functionality of a standard squat stand with a pull-up bar while sitting only 16” from the wall. After testing and reviewing the RML-90SLIM, we recommend it highly and actually think it’s one of the best squat racks from Rogue to date.
Product Brand: Rogue Fitness
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 470
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.6
Rogue Fitness RML-90SLIM Rack FAQs
What is one negative thing about theRML-90SLIM Rack?
The RML-90SLIM rack also does not allow for the use of an adjustable bench. The bar cannot be pushed back at greater angles because your body is too far away from the rack. If you have the fold-back door mount version, you can place an adjustable bench in the middle of the doorway; however, the surface on both sides must be level (meaning no stairway on the other side.).
What is theRogue RML 90slim rack?
The Rogue RML-90SLIM Rack is Rogue Fitness’ smallest and most affordable squat rack. It’s a budget-friendly and space-saving rack that provides much of the functionality of a regular squat stand with a pull-up bar while just sitting 16″ from the wall. We strongly suggest the RML-90SLIM after testing and reviewing it, and we believe it is one of Rogue’s greatest squat racks to date.
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