REP fitness PR-1100 rack vs Rogue SM1 squat stand

This is a comparison between the Rep Fitness PR-1100 rack and the Rogue SM1 squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

Rogue SM1 Squat Stand

The Rogue SM1 squat stand comes in at $595 and is one of the low-range options for under $1000 from Rogue. Learn more in this review which was originally published in the Article "Which Rack to buy from Rogue for under $1000".

Overview of the SM1

The SM1 is the smallest of the Monster series Squat stands and does not include a pull-up bar. It comes in black and is manufactured in Columbus, Ohio. This stand bridges the gap between power racks and squat stands and can be built into a full rack over time if you have the funds available. It has the flat foot design, which enables you to use it without bolting it to the floor.

The SM1 is 73'' high and has a footprint of 50''x54''. The steel notes are 3x3'' 11 gauge steel. Based on this the SM1 is fully compatible with Rogues' Monster series and accessories. The delivery includes J Cups and has a weight capacity up to 1000LB.

If you want a simple squat stand which is built like a tank, this is the option for you.

Pros of the SM1

The SM1 is made from the most sturdy design you can get in the market. This stand won't break on you and is built like a rack. If you want the best from the lowest price range of Rogue, this is the one to go for.

Cons of the SM1

Squat stands are great for weightlifting. When it comes to powerlifting buying one might be false economy thinking. For the bench press, you will need spotter arms to train by yourself. Adding these to the price tag brings the squat stand price including the arms in the range of a rack. Then you might as well get a rack and save yourself the hassle.

Alternatives to the SM1

Alternatives to the SM1 are:

The SM2 and SM3 are variations of the Monster squat stand which come with a pull-up bar. The SM2 has a height of 103'' while the SM3 is around 108''. Depending on your needs these might be a better option to cover all the exercises you want to do.

The RML3WC is a foldable rack at roughly the same price as the SM1 which can be bolted to the wall. As a nice extra, it also can be folded in. This way you have more options to transform small spaces based on your needs.

Overview and review of the REP fitness PR-1100 rack

This is an overview of the REP fitness PR-1100 rack including the pros, cons, and alternatives. This article was originally posted in which rack to buy from REP Fitness. Follow the links for more information.

Overview of the REP PR 1100 Rack $269

The REP PR-1100 gives you a choice of color for your low budget rack and a multi grip pull up bar. Unfortunately it strips the 1000er series of the plate storage at the back which makes it my least favorite rack out of the 1000er line. Some of the specifications are:

Height Adjustable Multi-Grip Pullup Arch
Laser Engraved Numbered Uprights
Plastic-Lined J-cups
Extended Safeties

A solid rack if you want a multi-grip bar and a rack for $300. Otherwise I personally would go for the PR-1000.

Pros of the REP PR 1100 Rack

The pros of the REP PR-1100 are:

Choice of color
Multi Grip bar

The main distinguishing parts to the other 1000er racks are the choice of color and the multi grip bar. If that is what you want, go for the 1100. Otherwise i think that the PR-1000 is the better package because of the plate storage at the back.

Cons of the REP PR 1100 Rack

Cons of the REP PR-1100 are:

No included plate storage
700lbs capacity
Imported

The PR-1100 has no included plate storage in the base configuration, which in my opinion makes it inferior to the 1000 and 1050 for the low budget market it is addressing.

With 700 lbs capacity this is not a rack for big guys who move a lot of weight regularly on awkward bar paths. If you are a seasoned strength athlete this rack is too small and flimsy and you are better off with the PR-4000 or PR-5000.

The last con is that this rack is imported from China. If you don’t care, you don’t, but if local production is important to you then REP fitness needs to be ruled out and you need to go with Rogue Fitness or Sorinex.

Alternatives to the REP PR 1100 Rack

I personally think that the PR-1000 is the better option for the same price as you will need plate storage more than a multi-grip pull up bar. That is just based on my personal experiences where flooring and storage is usually being underrated when building a home gym.

The Rogue HR2 is a solid option for a half rack from Rogue under $1000. If you want a locally produced US alternative to the REP 1000er series which is beefier than the HR2 is a great choice.

The TITAN T2 Series is one of the lowest cost racks Form the lowest cost vendor in the market. If you want to go as cheap as possible for your rack TITAN is a good address. TITAN comes with a higher risk of quality issues than the other vendors mentioned in this article.

Conclusion for the REP PR 1100 Rack

The REP 1100 rack is great if you are looking for a rack with a multi-grip bar out of the box. Otherwise, I think the other 1000 racks are a better choice for your hard-earned cash.