Nike Squat Racks Reviewed: Are They Worth the Money?

A squat rack provides the centerpiece for most serious commercial and home gyms around the world. It needs to be durable, versatile, safe, and easy to use.

As part of Nike’s new strength range, we’ve done three Nike squat rack reviews below to help you decide their new gear is worth purchasing. Specifically, we’ve looked at their squat rack, squat stand, and squat cage. 

Nike Squat Rack Reviews Quick Summary

Nike is a global leader in the sports equipment and apparel market. They are well-known for providing affordable, durable, and well-designed products. They recently released their new ‘strength range’ which the squat racks below are part of.

The Nike Squat stand is constructed from 11-gauge 3×3″ steel tubing with bright zinc hardware and rubber feet at the bottom. The uprights feature 2″ spaced holes with laser-engraved numbers. The frame measures 93.0″ L x 50.8″ W x 58.3″ D and has a weight capacity of 1100 lbs. It comes with a pull-up bar, J-cups, and rear-weight storage. 

The Nike squat stand is made from 11-gauge 3x3" tubular steel with bright zinc hardware and rubber feet. It has a max capacity of 1100 lbs and measures 73.0" L x 49.2" W x 51.2" D. On the uprights, the 2" spaced holes feature laser-engraved numbers. The squat stand is compatible with the Nike spotter arms.

Nike’s squat cage is constructed from heavy-duty 11-gauge tubular steel with bright zinc hardware and protective rubber feet. It weighs 300.5 lbs and has a max weight capacity of 1100 lbs. The uprights feature 2" hole spacing with laser-engraved numbers. Each package comes with a range of Nike squat cage attachments with a pull-up bar, safety spotter pins, j-cups, and anchor sleeves.

Nike Squat Racks Reviews: The Main Characteristics and Features 

We’ve reviewed three different Nike squat racks below and compared them to some popular competitors.

Nike Squat Rack

1. Stability

The Nike squat rack uses the pull-up bar and rear weight storage to link the two uprights together, which gives the rack added stability. With weight plates on the rear pins, the rack stands strong without moving even toward the maximum weight capacity.

2. Versatility

The Nike squat rack offers excellent versatility with a built-in pull-up bar and rear weight storage. Two rack height options are available, with several rack attachment options at extra cost.

3. Footprint

With a footprint of 93.0" L x 50.8" W x 58.3" D, the Nike squat rack should fit nicely into most home gym spaces. The two height options give users the freedom to customize their purchase according to their ceiling height.

4. Construction Quality 

The rack is constructed using high-quality 11-gauge tubular steel with bright zinc hardware. It has a large 1100-pound weight capacity, which should be plenty for normal use.

5. Hole Spacing 

The 2" hole spacing is the standard used on most uprights. Something to improve on would be the addition of 1" hole spacing around the bench area. The laser-engraved numbering allows easy recognition when placing the J-cups.

6. Value for Money 

Overall, the construction quality and versatility offered by the Nike squat rack make it well worth the initial investment. 

Nike Squat Stand 

1. Stability

Although squat stands tend to be less stable than squat racks and cages, the 2x3" base tubing in this one is well-connected and has protective rubber feet to stop them from moving around.

2. Versatility

The Nike squat stand is great for Olympic lifting and can be used as a bench press with the addition of the safety spotter arms. 

3. Footprint

The squat stand has a footprint of 73.0" L x 49.2" W x 51.2" D, which is the smallest out of our three choices. It should easily fit into most smaller gym spaces with little trouble and offers the best space-saving option.

4. Construction Quality 

The stand is crafted from premium 11-gauge 3x3" tubular steel held together by bright zinc hardware. This gives it a great weight capacity of 1100 pounds and means it can certainly stand up to heavy use with no issues.

5. Hole Spacing 

The uprights use the standard 2" hole spacing seen on most uprights and feature laser-engraved hole numbers which is a great added touch. There is no 1" hole spacing around the bench area, which would be a good addition for future models. 

6. Value for Money 

The squat stand is well-priced for the overall build quality and amount of uses offered. Different attachments can be bought at extra cost.

Nike Squat Cage 

1. Stability

The Nike squat cage offers the best stability out of the three models we’ve reviewed. It has four uprights with bottom plates that need to be screwed into the ground and a pull-up bar in the middle. 

2. Versatility

The Nike squat cage also offers excellent versatility for a range of powerlifting movements. The J-cups can be moved to the outside for Olympic lifting if needed and the safety pics can be used for bench press. The cage is compatible with a dip station and safety spotter arms.

3. Footprint

With a footprint of 93.0" L x 53.5" x 40.7" D, the squat cage is one of the bigger options of the three we’ve reviewed but still fairly normal sized as far as squat cages go. 

4. Construction Quality 

The whole unit is well-built using 11-gauge 3x3" tubular steel with zinc hardware that keeps it held together. The max weight capacity of 1100 pounds is plenty for most ability levels. 

5. Hole Spacing 

Standard 2" hole spacing is used on the four uprights with all of them also featuring laser-engraved numbering for easy recognition. 

6. Value for Money 

Whilst the squat cage has the highest price out of the three squat racks we’ve reviewed, the added versatility is worth the extra cost. It’s well worth the investment in our opinion.

Who Are Nike Squat Racks For?

The Nike squat rack range is designed for a wide range of powerlifting, Olympic lifting, and strength-training movements depending on their design. They have multiple benefits when added to a home gym setup. 

Nike Squat Rack:

• Back squats 
• Front squats 
• Barbell rows 
• Pull-ups 
• Some Olympic lifts (under control) 
• Bench press (not most suitable)

Nike Squat Stand:

• Dynamic Olympic lifting (Cleans, clean and jerks, squat jerks)
• Back squats 
• Front squats 
• Bench press (not most suitable)

Nike Squat Cage:

• Heavy squatting 
• Deadlifting 
• Rack pulls
• Barbell shrugs 
• Pull-ups
• Dips, T-bar rows (with attachments)

All three racks have a small learning curve meaning they are suitable for beginners - elite level gym goers and athletes. The best rack to choose depends on the main exercises you’ll be performing.

The Nike squat rack is better suited for general use and functional training which includes weightlifters, general gym goers, and some Olympic lifters (mainly front and back squats).

The squat stand would be the much better option for Olympic lifters performing dynamic lifts such as the ones stated above.

The squat cage is mainly designed for powerlifters and weightlifters looking to perform multiple compound movements in and out of the cage such as the ones listed above.

Nike Squat Rack Alternatives

We’ve compared the three types of Nike squat racks to some common competitors below.

1. Nike Squat Rack vs REP Fitness SR-4000 Squat Rack

Both the Nike Squat Rack and REP Fitness SR-4000 Squat Rack have two height options and feature removable J-cups and rear plate storage pins. They are also both made from 11-gauge steel.

The REP Fitness rack features 1" hole spacing around the bench area and has a slightly smaller max weight capacity of 1000 lbs. 

2. Nike Squat Stand vs Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand

Both squat stands are built from 11-gauge tubular steel and feature 2" hole spacing with laser-engraved numbers on the uprights. 

The Rogue SML-2 Monster Lite Squat Stand also has 1" spacing through the bench area and is slightly taller at 92". While it has a slightly lower weight capacity at 1000 lbs, Rogue allows you to add attachments and a bench at an extra cost. 

3. Nike Squat Cage vs Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack 

Both the Titan and Nike power racks are made from 11-gauge tubular steel with a built-in pull-up bar and removable J-cups. 

The Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack offers more customization options, with two rack heights and depths to choose from when purchasing. You can also choose from three different rack colors and add weight pins if you need them. However, it doesn’t come with safety pins which need to be purchased separately.

FAQ

How Do I Choose a Squat Rack? 

Choose a squat rack based on the main movements you are regularly performing and available space in your home gym. Use a power rack for powerlifting style movements, a squat stand for Olympic lifting, and a squat rack for general lifting. 

What’s the Difference Between a Power Rack and a Squat Stand?

A power rack is better suited for powerlifting-style training and provides more safety. A squat stand is mainly used for Olympic-type movements, where you may need to move in front or behind the bar. 

Conclusion

The new range of Nike squat racks stand up nicely to the already established competitors. They each offer excellent build quality and max weight capacity being constructed from 11-gauge tubular steel. They all use 2" hole spacing throughout the uprights and have several attachment options available.

What do you think of the new Nike squat rack range? Will you be adding them to your home gym? Let me know in the comments below!

Also read:

• Nike Kettlebell Reviews
• Best Nike Barbell Reviews
• Nike Dumbbell Reviews

References 

1. Olivier Poirier-Leroy, “6 Reasons You Should Get a Squat Rack for Your Home Gym,” YourWorkoutBook, https://www.yourworkoutbook.com/benefits-of-squat-racks/amp/ (Accessed November 21, 2023).
2. “Squat Stand vs Power Rack,” FringeSport, https://www.fringesport.com/blogs/news/squat-stand-vs-power-rack (Accessed November 21, 2023).