I've gotten a few good recommendations on some systems, just wanted to throw this very specific thread in the mix in case anyone missed it.


I hope to have $300 to spend on some sort of bench combo for my new olympic weight set.

What's the best I can get? A little over is ok, but no more than $350 total...

So there's your challenge for the day :D

Slush Puppy recommended this setup which I'm seriously thinking about:

http://www.fitnessblvd.com/sr55.html
http://www.fitnessrus.com/marab4000brm.html
http://www.fitnessblvd.com/latbar.html

I don't like that the leg attachment isn't removable.

Yeah... I'm used to that though since my Crossbow one wasn't removeable either.

It's the winning candidate so far for under $300, any other suggestions?

I don't like that the leg attachment isn't removable.


why would want the leg attacment to be removable?

I've gotten a few good recommendations on some systems, just wanted to throw this very specific thread in the mix in case anyone missed it.


I hope to have $300 to spend on some sort of bench combo for my new olympic weight set.

What's the best I can get? A little over is ok, but no more than $350 total...

So there's your challenge for the day :D

Slush Puppy recommended this setup which I'm seriously thinking about:

http://www.fitnessblvd.com/sr55.html
http://www.fitnessrus.com/marab4000brm.html
http://www.fitnessblvd.com/latbar.html

shipping plus the cost of the bench is $150.47. I recieved an email from them this morning.

Thanks...

I'm going to try and get some sort of a deal on shipping if I buy it all at once.

To me, it looks like one heck of a home system!

I like the ideas. I could do without the lat bar, myself. Did slush_puppy give you an answer on your bench press question? It seems the me that I might like to have a rack where the height of the safety catches is adjustable.

Did slush_puppy give you an answer on your bench press question?

Yes, he said it works just fine but he had to modify the way he does bench presses to have his elbows tucked a bit.

You can get that bench at any Dick's Sporting Goods. It is a nice bench. Also, you could by the Impex Fitness Power 9 system for $199 - $250. It comes w/ the exact same bench and a high-low pulley system. The downside is the high squat locations aren't good if you are tall (over 6'2").

Impex Fitness Website (http://www.impex-fitness.com/) - look at cages

The Power 8 seems even nicer, and they carry it at Play-It-Again sports (they carry both). It doesn't have the high squat problem.

why would want the leg attacment to be removable?

I just like it off when i'm not using it, otherwise i feel cramped/ constrained... just my preference though.

I called Play it Again and they have the Powerhouse 6 for under $300, what do you think of that one?

http://www.impex-fitness.com/proddetail.asp?ModelNumber=POWER+6

I was looking at the Impex Fitness Power 9 and the Impex Fitness Power 6 I am having problems finding what one will do that the other will not. The cage looks a little different but thats all i can see.

I looked at it tonight, pretty impressive really... It's the '6' model and the bench 'flat' supports 600 pounds including lifter, so I'm ok until I get to a 400 pound bench press.

I called Play it Again and they have the Powerhouse 6 for under $300, what do you think of that one?

http://www.impex-fitness.com/proddetail.asp?ModelNumber=POWER+6
That's a really nice system, I've seen that at Dick's. One thing that you have to remember is that with a rack like that, you're not really going to be able to squat until failure because it would be near impossible to have the control to get the bar back on those bottom catches. Outside of that concern, though, I think that's an awesome system, and even better that you can pick it up locally.

I agree with kmfisher about picking up the bench locally, too. No sense having something shipped that you can pick up for free.

The 'local' thing was the selling point really... At least I know I won't be out for a week or two waiting for it to arrive, plus if there are any problems I have someone local to go.

It's not final yet, but just wanted to get a 'thank you' out there again... it's a big decision, and I hope the right one.

Chris

...plus if there are any problems...
That's another excellent reason to get it locally.

The racks look fairly similar, although I think the 9 would support more weight. It'll take a couple months, but you'll learn how to squat to failure in a half-rack. It takes practice.

They sell the 9 at Dick's if you are still looking. 600 lbs weight is pretty good. The AB4050 bench supports 800 lbs weight, so you are set for a long time. It looks like 6's pulley is adjustable, too. Nice.

It takes practice.
I actually spent some time with the rack and just the bar practicing hitting failure. I would squat down with the bar and pretend that I didn't have the power to get back up, and I'd try to figure out the mechanics of getting it safely back on the bottom catches. It's tricky for sure, but I think it's time well spent. The last thing you want is to hit real failure with weight and not know what to do.

Good points, and I will for sure be spending some time getting aquainted with the new equipment... it's going to be my friend for a long time, lol.

As far as the pulley's being adjustable, you're correct. There's an upper and lower pully mechanism and the 'trolley' goes up and down the full length of the lat tower.

To me it seems like a great deal...

Lat tower with upper/lower pulley
Curl attachment
Leg developer
Bench
Squat rack
Etc...

I have a VKR Power Tower for doing pull-ups, dips, knee raises, etc. so that isn't a concern of mine.

If all goes well it will be at my home tomorrow night...

I wonder how stable or solid this equipment is for $108 ?

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=2400609&cat=49039&type=21&dept=4125&path=0%3A4125%3A4134%3A49039#long_descr

This is all I could find:

Weight capacity:
The bench is designed to support a maximum user weight of 300 pounds and a maximum total weight of 610 lbs. Supports up to 310 lbs, including the barbell, on the weight rests, 130 lbs on the leg lever or weight carriage.

Weight capacity:
The bench is designed to support a maximum user weight of 300 pounds and a maximum total weight of 610 lbs. Supports up to 310 lbs, including the barbell, on the weight rests, 130 lbs on the leg lever or weight carriage.

You may find yourself surpassing those weights fairly quickly.

I agree Kino

The one I'm looking at (AB4050) for example says the bench supports 800 lbs of weight (including lifter).

So unless my bench goes up to 600 pounds, I think I'll be alright :D

Well the people that were going to come look at the Crossbow tonight backed down, so there goes that plan. :mad:

That sucks... was really looking forward to getting my new setup tomorrow.

Oh well, at least I can still workout... I just want to use my new weight set!

tag

so is the power system 8 nicer than both the 9 and the 6?

i'm 6'3'' and would be worrying about the problem with the squat rack apparently...im a bit tall.


also, can you do pull-ups, chin ups or dips with those>? i didnt see, but i also cant see it in person this minute. Any ideas? for that kind of money id like to be able to do those body weight exercises too

Well, for me I already have a power tower so dips, pullups, knee raises are done on that anyway.