7 Best Half Racks for Home Gym in 2024
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Half racks can make an important tool for your home gym. In order to find the best half rack for home gym, take into consideration several things. First, how stable the product is because you’ll be lifting heavy weights.
Second, how versatile it can be, along with the quality because you want something durable and lasts a long time. Third, you’ll be working with limited space, so you need something that will fit your needs and is budget friendly.
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Rogue HR-2 Half Rack.
Starting our list of the best half racks for home gym is rogue HR-2 Half Rack. It stands out from its competitors because of the high quality steel they use, along with the customizable option as the half rack comes in various heights and you can even convert their squat racks to a half rack.
Top 7 Best Half Rack For Home Gym Reviewed
- Rogue HR-2 Half Rack – Top pick
- X-3 Series Tall Squat Stand with Half Rack Conversion Kit – Runner up
- Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Half Rack
- Apollo Rack Builder
- GRIND Fitness Chaos 4000 Power Rack
- WF Athletic Supply Squat Stand
- Cap Barbell FM-8000F Deluxe Power Rack
| Product | Total | Stability | Versatility | Quality | Space | Value for Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue HR-2 | 49.5 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 9.5 | 10.0 |
| Titan FitnessX-3 Series | 48.0 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 10.0 | 9.5 |
| Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone | 46.5 | 9.5 | 10.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 |
| Apollo Rack Builder | 46.0 | 9.0 | 10.0 | 9.0 | 9.5 | 8.5 |
| GRIND Fitness Chaos 4000 | 44.0 | 9.0 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| WF Athletic Supply Squat Stand | 43.5 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Cap Barbell FM-8000F | 43.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 8.0 |
1. Top Pick: Rogue HR-2 Half Rack
We start the half rack reviews with Rogue. Their HR-2 Half Rack stands out from its competitors because of the high quality steel they use, along with the customizable option as the half rack comes in various heights and you can even convert their squat racks to a half rack. Which is why it’s one of the best half racks you can buy.
- Height: 92.375″ or 110.375″
- Width: 48”
- Depth: 17″
- Footprint: 48″ x 49″
- Product Weight: 225 pounds
- Material: 3×3″ 11-gauge uprights, 2×3″ 11-gauge base
- Hole Spacing: 1″ through bench zone. 2″ above and below
Stability
The best way to stabilize a half rack is through a bolt down option. However, few people want to potentially damage their home floors by doing so. That’s why the Rouge product comes with a unique flat-foot base that creates the stability you need to workout properly.
Also, you can add plate holders to the back of the product to create further stability.
Versatility
Not only is the size of the Rogue half rack versatile, you also have the option of further attachments. Some of these include a dip station, landmine attachment, a monolift, and safety options such as storage pins and j-cups.
Meanwhile, the base model does come with a single pull-up bar, so you can target your back muscles.
Quality
The 3×3″ 11-gauge uprights, 2×3″ 11-gauge base is the best quality stuff you can hope to get for racks. You’ll find the product to be sturdy and durable, while lasting you a long time.
Space
The unique thing about the Rouge HR-2 half rack is that it’s customizable. Depending on the space you have at home or in your garage, you can select between the different height options available, which is the breaking point for many consumers as it’s more difficult to have vertical space at home.
This is besides the pull-up bar, which would require a few extra inches of space above to perform the exercise safely.
Value for money
As far as half racks go, the Rouge model is a bit towards the pricer end, as many of their equipment is because of the high quality material used, along with the perks they offer.
With that being said, it still gives you lots for your money because it’ll likely last you a lifetime, along with attachment possibilities to keep you progressing towards your goals.
HR-2 Half Rack stands out from its competitors because of the high quality steel they use.
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2. Runner Up: Titan Fitness X-3 Series Tall Squat Stand with Half Rack Conversion Kit
Titan fitness aims to help you build your home gym. For convenience sake, they offer their X-3 Series Tall Squat Stand on its own and when you want to upgrade it, you can use their Half Rack Conversion Kit to create a whole new piece of equipment. This is a more convenient and cheaper option compared to the regular half racks out there. The conversion allows for a half rack with weight storage, too.
- Height: 93"
- Width: 48"
- Depth: 48"
- Rackable Capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Product Weight: 149 pounds
- Material: 3" x 3" 11-Gauge Steel
- Finish: Powder-Coated Black
- Hole Spacing: 6"
Stability
The squat rack on its own doesn’t come with a bolt down option, so there are a few stability concerns, especially when you use the pull bar attachment. However, through the conversation kit, you get a more stable product along with weight holders to create further stability.
Versatility
The product isn’t as versatile compared to its competitors. You can, of course, do the typical squat and pressing exercises along with pull up variations. However, there are fewer attachment opportunities, which limit the different workouts you can get from your half rack.
Quality
3" x 3" 11-gauge steel will give you a very high-quality product. This can be seen by the fact that the half rack can handle upward of 1,000 pounds.
The half rack comes with a powder coated black finish to give it a sleek look.
Space
Perhaps the biggest advantage of the X-3 series product is that it’s very space friendly. It fits most home gym requirements, as its depth and width is on the smaller side. So, as long as you have the vertical space, you should be able to place the X-3 series product neatly in your gym.
Plus, it’s light so you can move it around and adjust it afterward, as well.
Value for money
The product gives great return for your money. Partially because you can do a trial run with just the squat stand and see how you like it before adding the half rack conversion kit to it. Even together, you’re likely spending less on it compared to other half racks.
Titan fitness aims to help you build your home gym.
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3. Sunny Health & Fitness Power Zone Half Rack
The Sunny Health product is best fitted for someone trying to take their training to the next level as the power zone half rack is not just your traditional home gym half rack. It comes with several versatile options that make it one of the more sought after half racks on the market, despite the higher price tag.
- Height: 86.97"
- Width: 50.4"
- Depth: 38"
- Rackable Capacity: 1000 Pounds
- Product Weight: 167 pounds
- Material: Nylon and alloy steel
- Number of Racks: 18 variations
Stability
The power zone half rack doesn’t have a bolt down option. But the half weight rack makes up for it with several weight holders on the back of the equipment. You can load these up plenty and make a really stable and safe environment for yourself to work in. Plus, the wide nature of the base provides more stability as well.
Versatility
It’s in the versatility category that the Sunny Health & Fitness product sets itself apart. Not only does it come with different heights of pull-up bar, but the rack itself has 18 variations.
You can also upgrade your half rack to include things like a lat pulldown and cable row attachment. So, you can really get a full workout with just one product.
Quality
Typically, half racks are made of gauge steel, which are thicker and studier. However, the power zone half rack is made up of alloy steel, which is on the lighter side. So, be careful with dropping any heavy weights on the frame. It might not be as sturdy as other half rack options.
Space
It isn’t the best space saving option out there. The wide base, along with the extra dimensions to the pull-up bar, really commands a lot of real estate. However, through its attachment capabilities, you can cluster several exercises in just one product and save space that way.
Value for money
Even though the metal quality isn’t the highest, and there are possible stability issues, the price tag doesn’t reflect this. You will pay a lot for this product, mainly because of its versatile use. So, if you’re willing to make a onetime purchase, the power zone half rack is worth the investment.
The Sunny Health product is best fitted for someone trying to take their training to the next level as the power zone half rack.
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4. Apollo Rack Builder
RepFitness has many power rack products, one of them being the Apollo Rack Builder. What sets this apart from its competitors is the unique, customizable nature of the equipment, while not giving up any quality or versatility. However, you might need to go over your budget to get it.
- Height: 80 or 93"
- Width: 52.4”
- Depth: 16" crossmember depth option
- Rackable Capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Product Weight: Varies
- Material: 3x3" 11-gauge Steel
- Finish: Powder Coated
- Hole Spacing: 1" Within Bench Zone, 2" Elsewhere
Stability
The Apollo Rack Builder doesn’t come with a bolt down option. However, it has a flat foot base, which should provide plenty of stability for your workouts. There are several weight holder options that run up the spine of the equipment to offset any stability concerns you may have.
Versatility
The product is very versatile. Apart from the traditional workouts, you can pick between different color options, various pull-up bar sizes, weight storage horns, and j-cups.
The product also comes with attachment options that allow you to do dips, Bulgarian split squats, and other exercises.
Quality
The Apollo Rack Builder is made of high quality material. The 3x3" 11-gauge steel framing should eliminate any concerns you have about the quality of the product. It’s as good as any you’ll find on the market, and it comes with a powder coated finish.
Space
The product is customizable. So, you can pick between two different height options and see what suits your home gym dimensions better. But keep in mind that you’ll need extra space overhead if you’re planning on using the pull-up bar. But because the pull-up bar is optional, you don’t need it if your home space doesn’t allow for it.
Value for money
Usually, customizable options mean the product will be more expensive than the simpler base models. That holds true with the Apollo Rack Builder. Although you’ll be spending more on it, compared to its competitors, you are getting a more versatile and high-quality product. So, the price is worth it.
RepFitness has many power rack products, one of them being the Apollo Rack Builder.
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5. GRIND Fitness Chaos 4000 Power Rack
Grind fitness is a company that aims to bring sturdy and high-quality exercise equipment straight to your home. The Fitness Chaos 4000 Power Rack can testify to this aim as it is the beefiest half squat rack on the market, which can handle upward of 1,000 pounds. While coming with a safety spotter arm to make sure you have an injury free session.
- Height: 85"
- Width: 69.5”
- Depth: 53”
- Footprint: 53 x 51 x 85"
- Rackable Capacity: 1,000 pounds
- Item Weight: 182 Pounds
- Material: Steel
Stability
The Chaos 4000 Power Rack might not come with a bolt down option, but it has a very wide base to create stability. This width isn’t space friendly, but does the job in the stability department.
Plus, you have multiple weight holders on the back of the rack to add an extra layer of stability when using the rack.
Versatility
It doesn’t seem like the rack comes with a ton of attachment options, like its competitors. However, there is a multidimensional pull-up bar attached to the rack where you can do different variations of the pull-up.
Other than that, you can’t attach any pulley system or dip station.
Quality
As mentioned above, the Chaos 4000 Power Rack’s best feature is its high quality steel. Not only is the frame of the rack heavy duty, but so are the weight pegs. So, you don’t have to be cautious while working out. You also get rubber protected j-cups to ensure longevity of the equipment.
Space
The product isn’t the most space friendly because it has a wide base. The width is nearly 70 inches, so you’ll not only need lots of space to accommodate the equipment, but have to add a few more inches on either side for the exercises you are planning on doing and the weight changing process.
Value for money
When you’re purchasing something this high quality, it’s likely going to last a lifetime. So there is plenty of value for your money. However, you can also get other high quality half racks, with more versatility. But if you just want the basics and good quality, this product fits the bill.
The Fitness Chaos 4000 Power Rack can testify to this aim as it is the beefiest half squat rack on the market.
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6. WF Athletic Supply Squat Stand
WF Athletics offer several home gym equipment, including the Supply Squat Stand, which can be converted to a half rack. But, what differentiates it from its competitors is that not only can it handle lots of weight, but it's space friendly as the design of it is thin and sleek. So, the half cage squat rack is very user friendly.
- Height: 85.4”
- Width: 50.8”
- Depth: 45.7”
- Rackable Capacity: 900 pounds
- Material: 11- & 12-gauge steel 2” x 2” tubing
Stability
The Supple Squat Stand doesn’t come with a blot down option and neither does it have a large base, so there could be some stability concerns. However, plate holders are accompanied with the product to help offset this issue.
Versatility
Unlike other racks, this one isn’t the most versatile. All you have is a standard pull-up bar with no real space to add more attachments. So, it’ll do the basics, but if you’re looking for more, you might need to purchase additional machines.
Quality
The rack is of high quality. The steel they use is 11 and 12 gauge, which makes the frame very sturdy. That’s part of their promise, as they want to deliver a space saving rack that doesn’t take any shortcuts with its quality.
Space
Speaking of space saving, the Supply Squat Stand is one of the better options if you’re working with limited space. The thin arms, and smaller real estate the equipment demands should be good enough to fit in most homes or garages.
Value for money
For the basics, the Supply Squat Stand does the job. Especially if you’re working with limited space. But if you’re looking for more than just a simple squat stand, then there are plenty of other options out there.
WF Athletics offer several home gym equipment, including the Supply Squat Stand.
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7. Cap Barbell FM-8000F Deluxe Power Rack
The Cap Barbell product is aimed more at beginners as it has a higher rackable capacity compared to its competitors. However, they make up for their deficiencies by providing a high-quality product, which comes with a 3-step powder coat finish for more durability and support.
- Height: 85"
- Width: 61.4"
- Depth: 45.6"
- Working Area: 45.67 x 61.42 x 85.04"
- Rackable Capacity: 500 pounds
- Product Weight: 97 pounds
- Material: 12- and 14-gauge steel thickness
- Finish: Powder coating
Stability
There are some stability concerns, especially when you have a low cap on how much weight a product can handle. Plus, there aren’t too many plate holders in the back of the equipment to properly offset the stability concerns.
Versatility
Apart from the basics, you can do pull ups, and the equipment comes with band holders on either side to do resistance training. But there aren’t too many other attachment opportunities.
Quality
The quality of the product is high as it’s made up of 12- and 14-gauge steel thickness. Along with the powder coating, the FM-8000F Deluxe Power Rack is as durable as any other on the market.
Space
It is space friendly as there aren’t too many pieces of equipment that go into building the rack. So, you can move it around as you like and should fit in your home gym or garage safely.
Value for money
The product is worth the money for a beginner because it comes with a lighter weight limit. But, if you’re planning on using this product for years to come, you might not find it as useful as you could easily max out its limit and also require other attachments to round out your physique, which this product doesn’t provide.
The Cap Barbell product is aimed more at beginners as it has a higher rackable capacity compared to its competitors.
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Half Rack vs Full Rack
1. Half Rack Is Space Friendly
The main difference is with width. Typically, a full rack will be 4 feet wide and also comes with 4 metal pillars. This alone means that you’ll need more floor space to accommodate a full rack, and that’s with no added attachments.
A half rack is less than four feet wide and, as the name suggests, has half as many pillars as a full rack.
2. Half Rack Is Budget Friendly
Just because it’s called a half rack, it’s not half the price of a full rack. But, you are likely to purchase a half rack for about 60 to 70% of what you would spend on a full rack.
So, if you’re shopping on a budget, you could fill out your home gym better with a half rack.
3. Half Rack Is More Adjustable
By adjustable, we mean you can move the half rack easier than a full rack because it’s much smaller and lighter. A full rack is going to weigh around 200 to 350 pounds. So, it’s likely that once it’s set in place, you’ll have trouble adjusting it to a different spot in your home gym.
4. Full Rack Is More Versatile
A big difference between a full rack and a half rack is versatility. In a full rack, you can perform more exercises. You will also have more attachment possibilities with a full rack, which will allow you to add more dimensions to your workout.
5. Full Rack Is More Durable
Although both rack options come with sturdy metal framing and high-quality steel, that a full rack has four pillars, and more steel in its construction makes it more durable than a half rack.
Also, there are easier bolt down options with a full rack compared to a half rack.
How To Pick The Best Half Racks For Home Gym?
1. Available Space
A typical one will probably be 49" long and 48" wide, so keep that in mind when you’re measuring out space in your home or garage.
Tips From the Champ
But remember that you’ll be performing most of the exercises outside of the rack. So, there should be enough space for you to exercise safely in the vicinity of the half rack, and this includes loading and unloading plates.
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
2. Metal Quality
Almost all the half racks you’ll find on the market are going to be made of high quality steel, but still, there are differences in metal. For one, you can pick between gauge steel or alloy. Alloy is lighter, so half racks made of it will be cheaper compared to gauge. But even with gauge, there are different levels of heavy and light you can choose from.
3. Attachments
At the base level, a half rack is good enough to provide you with a solid full-body workout. But if you want to take your workout to the next level, you can purchase a half rack that comes with more attachment options. This can include things like a lat pulldown machine, a dip station, low cable rows, and a multifaceted pull-up bar.
4. Weight Holder
Typically, a drawback with a half rack is that it can be less stable than a full rack because it has fewer posts. One way to offset this is by having a half rack with weight storage capabilities. This way, you can load up the rack with heavy weights and create a more stable environment.
However, not all half racks come with weight holders. For some, this is an additional attachment you have to purchase.
FAQ
What Is Better Power Rack Or Half Rack?
It mostly depends on your needs and space. If you’re just looking to get a good full-body workout in, you can do that in a half rack as well as a power rack. While the half rack being cheaper.
If you’re working with limited space, then a half rack will fit the bill better than a power rack.
Do Half Racks Need To Be Bolted Down?
It’s not a necessity, but if you want to air on the side of caution, you can bolt down your half rack. Stability is one drawback to a half rack, so bolting it down will provide you plenty of stability and safety while working out.
Do You Need A Rack For Home Gym?
It totally depends on the type of workouts you like to do. But, if your goal is to make strength and muscle gains, you can’t go wrong with purchasing a home gym half rack because of all the various exercises and workouts you can perform with just one piece of equipment.
Conclusion
A half rack is a great equipment to have at home. You can get a versatile workout completed in a space friendly manner. If the stability and quality issues are taken care of, then you’re going to have a product that’ll last you a lifetime, so it’s worth the value of your money, as well.
Also read:
- Best Dumbbell Rack
- Best Outdoor Squat Rack
- Best Rogue Squat Rack
- Squat Rack in Apartment
- Power Rack vs Squat Rack
- Best Squat Rack Accessories
- How Much Is A Squat Rack
- Best Squat Rack
References:
- Half Rack Vs Full Rack – Differences Compared For Lifting // Garage Gym Pro: https://garagegympro.com/half-rack-vs-full-rack-whats-the-difference/.
- SQUAT STAND VS. SQUAT RACK VS. POWER RACK: WHICH IS BEST FOR YOU? // Ironbull Strength: https://ironbullstrength.com/blogs/learn/squat-stand-vs-squat-rack-vs-power-rack-which-is-best-for-you.
Why Trust Us?
With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.
All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.
The product testing process is described in more detail here
Author: Ihor Shymechko
Pro Olympic Weightlifter, Coach
Best Results: Snatch – 208 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Ihor has been a professional weightlifter since 1996, boasting over two decades of competition experience. His notable achievements include clinching the European Championship in 2009 and securing a silver medal in the 105kg division at the Senior World Championships in 2011. Ihor represented his country in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Summer Olympics. After retiring from competitive weightlifting, he transitioned to coaching, leveraging his vast experience to guide athletes who now compete on both national and international stages.
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J – 240 kg
Oleksiy Torokhtiy is a professional athlete boasting 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. With multiple European and World titles under his belt, he has showcased his prowess in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008 and London 2012). Upon concluding his illustrious career, Oleksiy dedicated himself to coaching. By 2022, he had conducted over 200 weightlifting seminars worldwide. He is the visionary behind an international sportswear and accessories brand known for its motto, “Warm Body Cold Mind.” Additionally, he is an esteemed author and the creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
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