The Body-Solid Pro GPR378 is a great rack designed for those who are looking for a heavy-duty power rack that is still affordable. It is a great alternative to bargain-priced racks, as some of its features are slightly higher-end. With wide, sturdy safeties, secure j-hooks, and a built-in pull-up bar, this spacious, steel-constructed rack is a good choice for those who want something built to last for their home gym. This power rack’s value and solid construction earn it 4 out of 5 stars.
Pros:
- Sturdy, steel construction that is rated to hold 800 pounds
- Built-in pull-up and chin-up bar allows for some versatility
- The company manufactures other attachments, like a dip attachment and lat attachment, that buyers can gradually buy and add on
- Very sturdy safety bars
- Wide walk-in design
- 20 adjustment levels
Cons:
- Three-inch hole spacing means that setting safeties for benching and setting j-hooks for squats may be less precise
- No rubber padding on j-hooks or safeties can mean more noise
- J-hooks are somewhat oddly shaped and may make unracking difficult
Key Features
Like many relatively inexpensive power racks, the GPR378 lacks extra convenience features like a more ergonomic pull-up bar, plate storage, etc., it does have some features that set it apart from many other affordable power racks. One of these is the safeties. Many inexpensive power racks have plain pins as safeties, while this one has broad rectangular prisms. As nearly all safeties do, these have a lock-in design, but the extra width adds a measure of security. While the manufacturer does not list the specific load capacity of the safeties, for many lifters, having a sturdier-looking safety to catch the bar makes them more confident.
Another important feature is the overall construction. If you are purchasing a power rack for a home gym, chances are that you want an investment to last, and the reliable steel construction of the GPR378 is sure to last you for years. The rack is made of 11-gauge steel, and it is welded on all four sides for security. Additionally, its powder-coated finish means it is exceptionally resistant to scratches. If you care about your gym equipment looking new, this feature may be especially important.
One feature that is also worth mentioning is the included j-hooks. These are a somewhat unusual design. They are shaped like the safeties, but they are shorter and have a bar catch at the end. Because the bar catch is at a 90-degree angle, it may be more difficult to unpack from these than it would a j-hook with a gradual lip. These j-hooks also have no rubber padding. Rubber pads can help preserve the knurling on your bar, and they also reduce noise. Some buyers have reported cutting and installing their own rubber pads.
Lastly, one thing that sets this power rack apart from other power racks is the fact that the manufacturer makes a line of attachments, including a cross-rack dip bar and a lat pulldown attachment. This feature may make this power rack especially appealing to those who want to expand their home gym but don’t have the money to buy everything at once. The attachment line allows for a gradual expansion of your personal gym.
Body-Solid power Rack Review
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the GPR378 and see how it measures up in terms of construction quality, ease of use, and overall value:
Construction Quality
This is a power rack that has been built to last. As noted above, it is 11 gauge steel. This is an important thing to consider, as 11 gauge steel is what most commercial gyms use. Gauge refers to the thickness of the metal, and it is important if you want your rack to last, that you choose a thick enough gauge. In contrast, most budget power racks are made of thinner 14 gauge steel. Additionally, the powder coating on the rack is designed to protect the finish from dings and scratches, and it also can protect the power rack’s general aesthetics.
Ease of Use for Squats and Bench Press
This section specifies “squats and bench press,” since you don’t technically need a rack to deadlift. This is one point where the GPR378 may not be ideal for everyone. Its spacing between holes for adjustment is three inches, which is on the wider side. If one of these holes happens to match up to where you exactly want the bar, then it won’t be a problem. But many people, especially if they are using the rack to bench press because they have no spotter, need precise adjustments in order to get the bar to touch their chest.
The included j-hooks may make use a little more difficult, especially when they are considered alongside the wide spacing. If you can’t get these j-hooks in place exactly where you want them (due to the spacing), the bar catch at the end may necessitate going up on your toes to unpack the bar. However, j-hooks are inexpensive and easy to replace, so purchasing a different set is an option for those who love the rest of the setup.
Overall Value
Considering the quality of construction and the features it does have, as well as the fact that this rack is less than $600, the GPR378 has an excellent overall value. If you are extremely strong and/or plan on routinely crashing weights into the safeties, a stronger rack might be for you, but for most lifters, this is a setup that strikes a balance between cost-effectiveness and reliability.
How Does It Compare?
We will now compare the Body-Solid GPR378 to a rack in the same price range, the Marcy Pro power rack. On first glance, potential buyers might think they are getting a better deal with the Marcy Pro, as this is a rack that comes with several attachments, including nylon safety straps, a pull-up bar with handles (to allow for doing pull-ups with a neutral grip), and a landmine attachment.
However, while this rack’s features are a definite bonus, it only well suited to beginners or those who do not lift heavily and do not plan to. The maximum weight that the rack and safeties can hold, according to the manufacturer, is 300 pounds. The manufacturer does not specify the steel gauge used, but given the rating, it is likely a thinner gauge than 11.
Because the rated weight capacity is substantially less than the GPR378. The Marcy Pro is best for those who want the benefits of bonus features, but who don’t need to worry as much about rack stability or longevity. For users who lift heavily or who are working their way up to be able to do so, the GPR378 is the better choice.