Despite its simple, inconspicuous design, the Atlas power rack is a sturdy and reliable workhorse ideal for home gyms and commercial gyms alike. With its compact design and easily adjustable pins, it can fit into small spaces, and the safeties can be used for squat or bench.
Because of its value, versatility, reliability, and stellar user reviews, this power rack earns 4.5 out of five stars.
Pros:
- No rocking back and forth when lifting
- Compact design
- Easily adjustable short pins and safeties
- Includes chin-up/pullup bar
- Very good value- quality construction for a low price
- 1000-lb weight capacity
Cons:
- Some may prefer to purchase a power rack that includes a barbell and bench
- Some may prefer traditional J-hooks to the included short pins
- The safeties don’t have rubberized tops, so it may be noisy if you fail a lift
Key Product Features
The Atlas power rack has a strong, minimalist construction of matte black metal with chrome-plated pins. A valuable overall feature of this setup is the fact that this setup can be used for squatting, benching, and deadlifting, although those who want to use it to bench press will need to supply their own flat bench. The rack comes with a 10-year frame warranty, which indicates that it is built to last. The manufacturer state that it can hold 1000 pounds.
The pins and safety bars are fairly small, as they are one inch in diameter. This feature is more lightweight than many safety bars, which is good because it allows for easy adjustment without sacrificing strength. These pins have a lock-on design for ultimate stability, which is helpful especially when benching. Both short pins and safety bars have bar catches at the end. While this is essential for short pins, as they are the point where you will rack the bar for squats, the bar catches at the end of the safety bars are a relatively new addition for extra protection.
One particularly unique feature of the atlas power rack is the inclusion of short pins instead of J-hooks. This feature, which is discussed in more detail below, can be advantageous for those who find unracking or re-racking with J-hooks to be cumbersome. Additionally, the top bar of the rack is rounded, which allows users to grip it and use it for chin-ups and pull-ups.
While this is a relatively no-frills power rack with fairly standard features, much of the benefit of this product comes from the fact that it is sturdily built, comes with a generous warranty, and is an extremely good value. Below, in the review, some of its features are discussed more extensively.
Product Review
This is a product that generally comes highly rated. Below, we’ll review it based on key elements like value, ease of use, and quality of construction.
Frame Construction Quality
This frame is constructed of heavy-duty steel, which resists bending and can hold a significant amount of weight. The manufacturer also notes that the short pins for racking/unracking have been strengthened to hold more weight, although they do not specify how much more weight these pins can hold compared to older models.
Additionally, the manufacturer notes that the base has been made more stable, which is consistent with many customer reviews noting that this power rack is incredibly stable and has no shaking or wobbling during all major lifts.
It’s important to note that those looking for extra features like bar and plate storage or rubberized safeties may prefer something higher budget.
Ease of Use
Because this rack is sturdily but simply constructed, it is fairly easy to use. Short pins and safeties can be locked in and out fairly easily, making adjustment straightforward. However, the holes in the frame for pin and safety adjustment are not numbered, and this can make using the rack somewhat more difficult. The manufacturer suggests using stickers or a permanent marker for numbering.
Another point to consider with ease of use of this rack is the inclusion of straight short pins as opposed to curved j-hooks. The pins may be easier for you to un-rack or re-rack weight since they are less deep than a traditional j-hook. However, some users may prefer the depth of a j-hook, so this issue comes down to personal preference.
Additionally, while the top bar is a pull-up bar, this rack does not include a foothold or step to allow you to reach this bar. Unless you are very tall, you’ll need a step stool or other means of reaching the bar. And lastly, while this is not exactly an ease of use issue, some users may prefer rubberized safeties and pins. These can cut down on noise from dropping or racking the bar. The included pins and safeties can get the job done, but expect some noise when the bar makes contact.
This rack has holes spaced two inches apart. This spacing is close enough together that most users will likely be able to adjust the short pins and safeties exactly as they would like. However, if you plan to bench a fair bit in the rack and want a precise adjustment for the safeties, you might prefer something with closer spacing.
Overall Value
While this rack is undoubtedly a budget power rack, potential buyers should not discount it on account of its low price. While it’s true that the Atlas rack has few to no-frills, what it does have is a safe and sound construction. It also is very space-efficient, so it is an ideal purchase for someone with limited space who is trying to construct a home gym. When you consider its low price and high-quality construction, this is one of the best deals available for those looking for a straightforward, easy-to-use power rack.
How Does It Compare?
We’ll now compare the Atlas power rack to a competitor, the similarly-priced Titan power rack. While both of these racks have a minimalist construction, there are some important differences. One is with short pins. While the Atlas has basic, straight pins with a circular bar catch, the Titan has short pins with a slight lip.
This lip feature makes it easier to unrack the weight without standing up on your toes or otherwise altering form, which becomes more important as you lift heavier and heavier weight. While the Atlas short pins are reliable, the larger bar catch may mean the bar becomes more difficult to unravel and re-rack. As for safeties, both racks have similar designs, although the Titan’s safeties have handles at the end for a slightly more ergonomic adjustment.
A very important comparison point is the rating for each rack. As mentioned earlier, the manufacturer rates the Atlas as being able to hold 1000 pounds, while the Titan is rated to hold 700 pounds. While both of these racks are appropriate for beginners due to their no-frills approaches and basic yet solid construction, the Titan may be better for those who prefer being able to unpack the bar and adjust safeties more easily. The Atlas may be better suited to those who care more about the overall load rating than they do about extra features.