( 5 reviews )
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Posted: Jul 4 2009
After researching online and in person for a decent bench press for the house, somewhere between amateur and professional, I decided on this rack and the accompanying bench, the Best Fitness BFFID10 FID Bench (see my review for the bench on its page). First off, this was really easy to assemble. Two different sizes of bolts for two different holes. That was the most difficult part. I live alone and had it assembled by myself in less than 20 min. Everything you need is in the box, including two wrenches for attaching and tightening the bolts; no additional tools are required. The rack feels extremely solid and sturdy. (Unfortunately, I can't find the weight limit anywhere, so I emailed the company and am awaiting a reply.) The adjustable lift-offs are easily removed and adjusted, as are the safeties. If you exercise alone, you definitely need a safety system like this one. If I rest the barbell on the safeties, it snugly touches my chest, which is perfect as that allows for full range and depth of motion. I can now max out without worrying about getting trapped or injuring myself. For some reason, the measurements listed for this rack are incorrect. You need AT LEAST 46" of clearance between the collars of any barbell you are using. When I purchased my weights at a local store, I had to get an Olympic bar, because it was the only one that would fit. Some of the smaller 5' and 6' bars will not work with this rack, as the space between collars is too small. That will be a deal breaker for some folks, but for me it's cool because it means it's capable of handling the larger bars and weights. If you are planning on using this rack with a bench other than the accompanying Best Fitness bench, be sure to take measurements first. The bar across the bottom of this rack could prevent other benches from working successfully. Be sure to consider that when looking for a bench. All in all, five stars. Very simple, sturdy, efficient design, which is all you really seed with a press rack. One thing I like to have seen is a storage system for weight plates, perhaps across the back legs. It would be nice to have somewhere to store the bigger plates when not using them. Certainly not a deal breaker though.
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Posted: May 28 2009
I bought this with the bench combo. Shipped with Prime overnight, arrived with packaging in very good condition. Comes almost assembled. Just install the remaining bolts and tighten the rest. Feels very solid. Yes, you need an olympic or 7ft standard bar. I just used some pvc piping on my bar while I'm waiting for my 7ft bar. Great if you don't always have a spotter while doing bench press and I like this more than the large squat cages which I use to have.
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Posted: Sep 16 2008
The rack itself isn't too bad. It is difficult to do squats in, but you can step out of it. My biggest problem with it is the fact that it is bolted together. No matter how tight you get the bolts, it still has some movement. Overall it's a good starting rack, but my next purchase will be either a power cage or something solid and welded.
