Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Whether you’re an elite-level lifter looking to break records or a beginner lifter looking to get into better shape, you've likely used a squat rack before as part of your gym program.
A squat rack can be used to perform a variety of compound, whole-body movements to increase power, strength, muscular endurance, and overall fitness. Whether you're a commercial gym user or looking to set up your home gym, knowing what squat rack to buy is important.
Rogue fitness manufactures a wide variety of squat racks that are suitable for different lifters based on their unique characteristics and features. Deciding which one is most suitable for you can be a tough choice.
Let's take a look at different Rogue squat racks in more detail so you can make the right purchase.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Rogue RML-690 Power Rack .
Starting our list of the Rogue squat racks is Rogue RML-690 Power Rack. It's designed to be fully compatible across the Rogue Monster Lite range, making it one of Rogue's most versatile and customizable power racks.
Top 7 Best Rogue Squat Racks Reviewed
- Rogue RML-690 Power Rack - Top Pick
- Rogue RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack - Great Value
- Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 - Premium Pick
- Rogue SML-2 90” Monster Lite Squat Stand - Best Squat Stand
- Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack
- Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
- Rogue RML-90Slim Rack
1. Top Pick: Rogue RML-690 Power Rack
The RML-690 Power Rack is a hybrid of the Rogue R-6 Power Rack and RM-6 Monster Rack. It's designed to be fully compatible across the Rogue Monster Lite range, making it one of Rogue's most versatile and customizable power racks.
For these reasons, the RML-690 is my top pick best Rogue power rack available to buy now.
- Height: 90.4"
- Width: 49"
- Depth: 76"
- Working Area: 76" D x 49" W
- Footprint: 80" D x 53" W
- Rackable Capacity: N/A
- Product Weight: 530 lbs
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel, 5/8" Bolts and Fasteners
- Finish: Black Powder Coating
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: Westside
The RML-690 Power Rack is constructed from 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel uprights, held together with 5/8" bolts and fasteners, giving it a solid, durable feel. The rack is finished in a black powder coating that helps to protect it against wear and temperature changes.
The unit weighs 530 lbs and has a fairly large footprint of 80" D x 53" W. Whilst this means it might not be suitable for smaller gym spaces, the larger footprint is reflected well in the rack’s overall build quality.
The rack looks and feels like a serious piece of gym kit, that's designed to handle serious amounts of weight. Whilst the Rogue cage doesn't need to be bolted to the ground, the option is available for those who want added security.
The RML-690 rack features Westside hole spacing on the uprights, 1" through the bench and clean pull zone, and 2" above and below. This gives you a good range of racking options so the barbell can be set at the right height.
The standard model includes a pair of Monster Lite J-Cups, pin and pipe safeties, and a four-pack of band pegs. At the back of the rack are eight bumper plate storage posts, allowing you to conveniently store weight plates away. The RML-690 set-up also features a 43" single Pull-up bar and a 43" Fat/Skinny Pull-up bar.
The rack is available in a wide range of custom height, depth, and crossmember options and can be easily customized with a range of different accessories. When purchasing the rack, you can choose to add a barbell, bench, and weight plates. You also have two different safety options that can be purchased at an extra cost.
The RML-690 rack costs $1,760,00 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Positives:
Compatible with Monster Lite range
Weight plate storage
Pin and pipe safeties included
Could be better:
Big footprint
2. Great Value: Rogue RML-390F Flat Floor Monster Lite Rack
The RML-390F Flat Floor Monster Lite Rack features a self-stabilizing flat foot design, meaning it doesn't need to be bolted to the floor like other racks. It has a small footprint of 48" x 49" and weighs just 295 lbs, making the RML-390F an ideal choice for those with smaller gym spaces or those who don't want to bolt the rack to their home gym floor.
The RML-390F rack gets my pick for the best great value Rogue rack choice, costing just $895.00.
- Height: 92.4"
- Width: 49"
- Depth: 30"
- Working Area: 49" W x 30" D
- Footprint: 48" x 49"
- Rackable Capacity: N/A
- Product Weight: 295 lbs
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel Uprights, 2.3" 11-Gauge Steel Bases, 5/8" Bolts and Fasteners
- Finish: Black powder coating
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: Westside
The RML-390F Monster Lite Rack is made with 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel uprights and 2x3" 11-Gauge Steel Flat-footed bases that are held together with 5/8" bolts and fasteners. This gives the rack a compact, durable feel, despite its smaller weight and size.
The rack can be used as a stand-alone unit or converted from the SML-2 And SML-3 Rogue models. Whilst the rack has a small footprint, it still has 30" of inside depth. This gives most lifters enough freedom to move around in the rack as they wish.
The rack has Westside hole spacing throughout the uprights, spaced 1" apart through the bench and pull zone and 2" above and below that. The standard model includes a pair of Monster Lite J-Cups and a pin/pipe safety system. Athletes can choose between a single skinny or a Fat/Skinny 43" pull-up bar which sits at the top of the front uprights.
The RML-390F is compatible with the full range of Monster Lite accessories. The accessories that can be purchased at an extra cost include a barbell, a weight bench, and weight plates. You can also choose to upgrade the safety pins to straps if you need them. This makes the rack easy to customize with a range of Rogue accessories and add-ons.
The RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack costs $895.00, making it a great budget-friendly option. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Positives:
Flat foot design
Small footprint
Compatible with Rogue Monster Lite range
Could be better:
Only one height option (90")
3. Premium Pick: Rogue RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0
The RM-6 Monster Rack 2.0 is my premium pick Rogue squat rack available to purchase online. It has several new features, including a variety of color options, laser-cut pin position numbers, and a keyhole pattern on both uprights. This gives the user a wider variety of attachment options.
The RM-6 rack features the biggest depth and storage options out of the Monster rack range, with eight plate storage posts and four band pegs.
- Height: (3 options) 90.4", 11.4", 108.4"
- Width: 49"
- Depth: 76"
- Working Area:
- Footprint: 80" x 53"
- Rackable Capacity: 1000 lbs
- Product Weight: N/A
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel Uprights
- Finish: Stainless Steel (180 Grit Polished Finish), Cerakote (Ceramic-based Coating)
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: 1" holes spaced 2" at the center
The RM-6 Monster Rack is constructed using 3x3" 11-Gauge steel uprights that are bolted together with 1" hardware. The RM-6 has 3 different height options (90", 100", and 108"), allowing you to choose a model depending on the roof height of your gym and the exercises you want to perform.
The rack is available in 11 different color options that come in a medium glass powder coat or durable, ceramic-based Black Cerakote finish.
Whilst the rack has a bigger footprint of 80" x 53", the different height options make the RM-6 suitable for a wide range of gym spaces. The standard model includes a 43" pull-up bar with a textured black powder coat finish. The standard J-Cups feature UHMW plastic, designed to protect the barbell knurling. The included safety system is a Monster pin and pipe set with a black powder coat finish.
One of the main selling points of the RM-6 rack is the number of custom options available. Athletes can customize the pull-up bar, crossmember, J cups, and safety system to suit their lifting needs.
The standard RM-6 model costs $2.625,00 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Whilst this is a fairly high price point, it's reflected well in the overall build and versatility, which is why it gets my premium pick.
Positives:
Variety of colors
3 Height options
Lots of custom options
Could be better:
No Westside hole spacing
Accessory costs are quite expensive
4. Best Squat Stand: Rogue SML-2 90” Monster Lite Squat Stand
The SML-2 90" Squat Stand has the same durability and versatility as a power rack but with a much smaller footprint. It combines the best features of the 90" S-2 and Monster SM-2 Rogue squat stand at a relatively small price point.
- Height: 92"
- Width: 49"
- Depth: 48"
- Working Area: 49" W x 48" D
- Footprint: 49" x 48"
- Rackable Capacity: 1000 lbs
- Product Weight: 157 lbs
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel Uprights, 2x3" 11-Gauge Steel Base Tubes
- Finish: Black Powder Coating
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: Westside
The SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand is constructed from 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel, held together with SAE grade 5 bolt hardware, and comes in a black powder coat finish.
The SML-2 rack weighs 157 lbs and has a super small footprint of 49" x 48", making it an ideal option if you have limited gym space. Despite the smaller footprint, the rack's solid construction gives it a solid, durable base that can handle up to 1000 lbs of weight. This makes the SML-2 an ideal option for athletes who want a solid, space-saving rack that can be moved around freely.
The rack features laser-cut 5/8" diameter holes in the Westside spacing pattern, providing a good range of racking options for different lifts. The standard model comes with a pair of Monster Lite J-Cups with protective UHMW plastic, and a choice of a single or fat/ skinny pull-up bar.
Despite the smaller size, the SML-2 Squat Stand can be used for a wide range of exercises, including squats, pull-ups, presses, and cleans. When purchasing the standard model, you can choose various add-ons which include safety spotter arms, a wheel bracket set, and floor mounting feet which are all available at an extra cost. This gives the user a wide range of customizable options to choose from.
The SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand costs $525,00, making it an excellent budget-friendly rack. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Positives:
Small footprint
Budget-friendly
Compatible with Monster Lite accessories
Could be better:
No spotter arms included in the standard model
Only one height option
The RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack features a unique hinge-and-pin system that allows the rack to be folded back into the wall whilst still maintaining the build integrity.
When folded away, the rack takes up less than 5" of space from the wall. This makes the RML-3W ideal for those who need the gym space for other uses when they are not exercising.
- Height: 90.4"
- Width: 56.2" (Overall), 49" Outside Uprights, 43" Inside Uprights
- Depth: Two Choices: 24.75", 43.75"
- Working Area: 24.75/43.75 x 56.2"
- Footprint: 24.8" or 44" x 56.2" (On wall)
- Rackable Capacity: 1000 lbs
- Product Weight: 163 lbs-190 lbs
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel, 5/8" SAE Grade 5 Bolt Hardware
- Finish: Black Powder Coat
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: Westside
The RML-3W rack is made from two heavy-duty 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel uprights, held together by SAE grade 5 bolt hardware, which gives it a durable feel even with the folding mechanism. The rack is 90.4" tall and available in two depths, 21.5" and 41.5" giving you a choice depending on what you want to use it for. This also makes the smaller depth option suitable for a smaller gym space.
Both models fold in or out against the wall using a unique hinge-and-pin system. The rack weighs 163-190 lbs depending on the depth choice and can be locked securely into both positions using the detent pins. When unfolded, the rack comes far enough away from the wall to allow you to store your weight plates efficiently and exercise freely.
The steel uprights feature 2" Westside hole spacing above and below the bench/ pull area. Each standard model comes with a set of J-Cups, a quick-attach pull-up bar, and four detent pins. Users can also customize the rack with a pair of stringers which can easily be mounted to the wall to increase the rack support.
The RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack is available to purchase for $600 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Positives:
Unique fold away design
Two depth options
Small footprint
Could be better:
Stringers not included
No spotter arms
The HR-2 Half Rack features the same 2x3" 11-Gauge Steel base and footprint as the SML-2 model but incorporates an extra pair of 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel uprights and 17" crossmembers. This gives the HR-2 model much more storage capacity and inside depth to move around in.
- Height: 2 Options: 92.4", 110.4"
- Width: 48"
- Depth: 49"
- Working Area: 48" x 49"
- Footprint: 92.4/110.4 x 48" x 49"
- Rackable Capacity: N/A
- Product Weight: 225-255 lbs (depending on model)
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel Uprights, 2x3" 11-Gauge Steel Base
- Finish: Black Powder Coating
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: Westside
The HR-2 Rogue Half Rack is constructed from four 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel uprights, a 2x3" 11-Gauge Steel base, and 17" crossmembers. This gives the rack a stable base and means it doesn't need to be bolted to the floor like other models.
The rack is available in two different height options of 92.4" and 110.4", giving the user the option to choose a model based on their gym height and workout preferences.
The rack weighs 225-255 lbs depending on the chosen model and has a fairly small footprint of 92.4/110.4 x 48" x 49", similar to the SML-2 model.
The standard model comes with a 43" skinny pull-up bar and a pair of Monster Lite J-Cups. Athletes can add a pin and pipe safety set and plate storage pins, giving a range of customizable rack options.
The HR-2 is available to buy online for $795,00 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty from Rogue.
Positives:
Good storage options
Big inside depth to move around
Two height options
Could be better:
Safety set not included
The RML-90Slim Rack is a budget-friendly, space-saving rack that offers the functionality of some of the bigger rack options. It uses a simple, efficient design consisting of two wall-mounted Monster Lite uprights, giving it a durable, compact shape.
It's available at a very small price point of $380,00 which makes it a great budget-friendly choice.
- Height: 90.4"
- Width: 49" (Outside Uprights), 43" (Inside Uprights)
- Depth: 14"
- Working Area: 43/49" x 14"
- Footprint: 90.4 H x 43/49" W x 14" D
- Rackable Capacity: N/A
- Product Weight: 165 lbs
- Material: 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel
- Finish: Black Powder Coating
- Number of Racks: 1
- Hole Spacing: Westside
The RML-90Slim Rack is constructed using 3x3" 11-Gauge Steel Monster Lite uprights. The uprights can be mounted to the wall with the bracket or crossmembers mounts, with the latter allowing a range of attachment options but coming at an additional cost.
The RML-90Slim rack weighs 165 lbs and stands at 90.4" tall. It has a very small footprint, extending just 15" from the wall with the crossmember brackets, making it suitable for smaller home gyms.
The rack features Westside hole spacing throughout that's 1" through the bench and clean pull zone and 2" above and below that. The standard model comes with a pair of Monster Lite J-Cups and UHMW plastic feet to protect your home gym floor. A 43" pull-up bar and pair of Rogue stringers can be added to the rack at an extra cost.
The RML-90Slim rack is available to purchase for $380,00 and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. If you were to purchase all the added extra it would cost you an additional $210,00.
Positives:
Small footprint
Budget-friendly choice
UHMW plastic feet included
Could be better:
Stringers cost a lot more
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Why Choose Rogue Racks?
Rogue is the gold standard when it comes to strength and conditioning equipment. They pride themselves in making high-quality equipment that's made to last and available at a reasonable price.
Their equipment has been heavily tested at world-leading sports events and continues to be extremely popular for fitness enthusiasts and world-class athletes.
Rogue produces a wide range of functional and versatile equipment that can be easily customized with a range of top-quality accessories.
How to Pick the Best Rack for Your Home Gym
Available space
A big consideration when choosing a squat rack is the size of your home gym. Make sure you consider the amount of floor space you have available and the height of your gym ceiling. Once you've accurately measured them, check the footprint of the rack and make sure you factor in the space needed to move around or perform the exercises safely.
Consider any attachments you might want to add to the rack and whether or not you need to use the gym floor space when you're not using the rack.
Metal quality
Another important consideration when choosing a squat rack is the metal quality. All Rogue racks are manufactured using heavy-duty 11-Gauge Steel that's made to last. If you purchase a rack with lower-quality metal, it might be cheaper but won’t last as long.
When lifting, you want to make sure you feel safe with a stable rack that doesn't move around. If you're an elite-level lifter, make sure the rack can handle the amount of weight you're putting on the bar. Metal quality is one factor that can have a big influence on this.
Adjustability
Alongside the build quality, make sure to consider how easy the rack is to adjust. How easy is it to adjust the J-Cups to get the barbell at the correct height so you can perform the lift safely? Can the safety bars be easily adjusted and set at the right height so that you can lift heavy without worrying about failing? Most Rogue racks have been designed to make adjusting the necessary safety features easy and quick.
Additional features
Whilst squat racks are primarily made for squatting, they also cater to a range of additional exercises using clever add-ons and accessories. With the right additional features, you can turn your squat rack into a full home gym.
Some of the additional accessories include:
- Pull-up bars
- Dip stations
- Landmine row attachments
- Spotter straps and safety arms
- Weight plate storage
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Price
Last on the list is the rack price. The price of a squat rack ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the rack features, build quality, and added accessories.
There are plenty of excellent budget-friendly options available that are perfect for most lifters and also very expensive options that give other lifters exactly what they are looking for.
If you're on a budget, consider what you need the rack for then think about any extra money you might need to spend for added accessories.
FAQs
Do you need a rack for a home gym?
Compound gym exercises such as squats, presses, and deadlifts are a vital part of any lifter’s gym program. A squat rack is an essential piece of gym equipment that allows you to perform these exercises safely. If you're a weightlifter, powerlifter, or fitness athlet, make sure you design your gym around a squat rack.
How do I choose a Rogue rack?
When choosing the best Rogue rack for home gym set-ups, consider your goals, available gym space, intended use, and budget.
If you're a powerlifter looking to move a lot of weight, consider one of the Rogue Fitness power racks. If you have a smaller gym space, go for a rack with a smaller footprint or one that folds out against the door. If you want to perform pull-ups and other exercises using the rack, consider one with suitable accessories. If you have a limited budget, look for a cheaper rack option to start.
What is the difference between Rogue monster and monster lite?
The difference between the Rogue monster vs monster lite rack is the features, size, dimensions, and price.
The Rogue monster rack is much bigger and heavier and comes with many more features and accessory options compared with the lite rack. This is reflected in the much bigger price point for the Monster rack.
Which Rogue Squat Rack is the best?
Rogue manufactures a wide range of high-quality squat racks that cater to athletes of all abilities looking to achieve their health and fitness goals.
Rogue makes heavy-duty power racks for heavier lifting, space-saving squat racks designed to fit in a smaller gym, and unique fold-away squat racks designed to fold flat against the wall.
The Rogue RML-690 Power rack is my top pick Rogue squat rack available to purchase now. It's well-built and compatible with the full Rogue Monster Lite range, scoring the highest total out of the racks I’ve reviewed above.
What do you think of the different Rogue weight racks I've reviewed? Which one is your favorite and why? Let me know in the comments.
Also read:
References:
- Training At Home: Power Rack Workout Program // BodyBuilding:
https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/training-at-home-power-rack-workout-program.html
Why Trust Us?
- Author
- Reviewer
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.
Torokhtiy Team
Hi @Ella!
Whether a squat rack is worth it depends on your fitness goals, workout routine, and personal preferences. A squat rack can be a great investment if you’re serious about weightlifting and want to perform exercises like squats and bench presses safely and effectively. It can also save you money in the long run by allowing you to skip expensive gym memberships. However, if you’re just starting out with fitness or prefer bodyweight exercises, a squat rack might not be necessary. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if a squat rack fits your needs and budget.
Ella
Is a squat rack worth it?