Top 10 Free Standing Pull Up Bar Reviews
Richard Haberkost
garagegymbuilder.comYour home gym will never be complete unless you have a reliable piece of equipment to hand from while doing pull-ups and chin-ups. In decades past, home pull-up bars were cheap and unreliable, depriving the serious trainer of the benefit of two of the best upper body movements out there. Fortunately, times have changed. The home trainer is now spoilt for choice when it comes to his pull up equipment.
In this article, we will point you toward the best free standing pull up bars on the market. The area that has truly come into its own in recent years is that of the free-standing pull-up bar. These units have evolved to become a virtual stand-alone gym tower, providing the user with the ability to not only perform pull-ups and chin-ups but also dips, elevated push-ups, hanging leg raises and crunches.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
250lb weight capacity
Basic well made design
Small and easy to pack down
Best 10 Freestanding Pull-Up Bar Systems
1. Ainfox Free Standing Pull Up Bar
550 weight capacity
4 adjustable heights
Durable steel construction
Affordably priced
Easy assembly
None found
The Ainfox Power Tower is an affordable and basic freestanding pull-up bar system that doesn't compromise any quality. With the highest weight load on this list and reinforced construction, this unit is going to outlast the rest. So it's no wonder Ainfox easily claimed our number one spot.
Read moreThe Ainfox Power Tower has a weight capacity of 550lbs, making it a great home gym addition for even the biggest bodybuilders. It is easily assembled, and also easy to collapse if it needs to be stored. It's a little too big for super easy traveling.
It adjusts to four different heights and supports many other basic exercises and workout movements such as dips and leg raise.
It is constructed out of strong and reliable 4mm thick reinforced steel, giving it lasting durability, with even the most hardcore use. And considering it is also one of the most affordable, it's definitely the best bang for your buck.
2. K KingKang
330lb weight capacity
U Base design
Wide range of other exercises
6 height adjustments
Suction cups on feet sometimes slip
The K KingKANG Power Tower is an impressively solid freestanding unit that features a u-shaped base design. The feet have been extended to 1.3 meters with suction caps and non-slip foot sets. Two crossbars on the base provide unparalleled rigidity.
Read moreThe ergonomic design of this Power Tower puts you in an ideal position for your core exercises, in addition to all the pullups you can handle. Fully cushioned elbow pads provide enhanced comfort for your elbows when doing hip flexion exercises of the expected exercises including pull-ups, chin-ups, dips, hanging leg raises and more.
3. Fitness Reality X Class High Capacity Free Standing Pull Up Bar
400lb weight capacity
Ergonomic Sleek design
High level of adjustability
Powder-coated steel
Higher price tag
The Fitness Reality High Capacity Power Tower is constructed out of durable steel that has been powder coated for added protection against elements. It carries a high weight capacity, with a higher price tag to match.
Read moreThis system has 2 bars for adjustability on seven different heights and mounting positions. It also comes with foam rollers for added comfort of elbows and forearms during other movements.
It features a three-part adjustable beam to increase the stability of the system. The high capacity name lives up to its claim with an impressive 400lb weight capacity. The ergonomic design is sleek and more attractive than other models as well.
4. Body Champ
Full-body gym
300lb weight capacity
Easy Assembly
Small Size
Not a big weight capacity
The Body Champ PT620 Power Tower provides a robust, padded, and all in one upper body gym that is built to stand the test of time.
Read moreThe sewn vinyl cushioning for the arms to rest on while doing leg raises, along with the back pad, are made from comfortable durable material. Anatomically angled VKR forearms pads allow for ideal positioning and comfort when doing hanging leg raises and other core exercises. The ergonomic design of the back-rest also provides extra lumbar support.
The footprint of the Body Champ PT620 Power Tower is 41.5 inches wide by 84.6 inches deep. The actual pull up bar is padded along its length to allow you to do chin-ups as well as pull-ups.
This comes with complete, clear assembly instructions, making it a no-hassle assembly job. The maximum capacity of the Body Champ PT620 Power Tower is 300 pounds. The sturdy construction of this unit features a handy step-up design.
5. Stamina Free Standing Pull Up Bar
250lb weight capacity
Basic well made design
Small and easy to pack down
Weight capacity might be limiting
Here’s a no-frills pull-up bar stand that offers ergonomically designed stability over a range of exercise options and at an unbeatable price. It is basic but durable and lightweight.
Read moreThe unit features comfortable secure foam hand grips for chin-ups and pullups. It also features options for triceps dips, vertical knee raises and crunches. But other than that it doesn't offer much for versatility. But we don't mind, as it is incredibly rigid, giving you the peace of mind that it can withstand some serious punishment.
Stamina 1690 Power Tower has a 250-pound weight capacity, which could be limiting for some people.
6. Relief Rebuild Your Life
330lb weight capacity
Simple assembly
Ease of use
Stable base and overall unit
Suction cups do not always work well
The Relief Rebuild Power Tower is a straightforward and simple to use the system. It features sturdy construction with square steel tubing.
Read moreThis is another unit that features those suction cups on the bottom of the base legs. Sometimes they work well, but sometimes they don't hold, especially with elevated levels of humidity are present.
This freestanding pullup bar unit also supports a wide variety of other exercises making it a good choice for anyone looking to keep their upper body workout interesting. It has a super simple installation, with assembly tools and hardware included. Not to mention a DVD for video instructions for those who need a visual to help with set up.
The Relief Rebuild Power Tower has a mid-range weight capacity at 330lbs.
7. Bowflex Free Standing Pull Up Bar
Over 20 different exercise options
Stable heavy-duty construction
300lb weight capacity
Bulky size
The Bowflex Power Tower is a classic freestanding pullup bar system that delivers on every point. The frame is made out of commercially graded steel for durability and stability.
Read moreBowflex has been a name in the home fitness game for decades. This unit delivers its quality in a user-friendly design. It has seven different adjustment levels that makeup over 20 different movements and exercises. This makes it a highly versatile unit. The adjustability also gives it the potential to increase the intensity of workouts.
The weight capacity is 300lbs. The overall size of the unit is a little on the bulky side, and not the easiest to move around. It comes with non-absorbent and odor-fighting foam pads on the back and hands for comfort and grip.
8. Solo Strength
Small footprint
450 weight capacity
Flat Base for ease of moving around the unit
High level of adjustability
The highest price on the list
The Solo Strength Power Tower is the most comprehensive and adjustable unit on the list but is priced significantly higher than all others.
Read moreThis unit only takes up four square feet of space and is easy to put up and takedown. The fact that the base is a flat surface, without any leg bars to battle with as you move in and around the unit makes it much more user-friendly.
It can be adjusted for over 150 exercise movements and it's ideal for all levels of fitness, making it the most versatile on our list.
It features complete height adjustability and comes with workout guides. But the price point was tough to swallow, at almost $800 after shipping costs. We love the adjustability and versatility but didn't think the price point was justifiable. It's a great unit but made it towards the bottom of the list because of the price.
9. ProGear Free Standing Pull Up Bar
Open design for more range of movement
Easy assembly and breakdown
Great entry level unity
Low weight capacity
The ProGear Power Tower is a great entry-level pullup bar system unit that is easy to use, offers all the basics, and cis simple to assemble and break down.
Read moreThis system has a step-up design, reinforced steel framing, and more open design that doesn't restrict movement as much as some of the other full-framed units.
It can be adjusted for a variety of exercises, including those that require swinging from side to side, such as side oblique leg raises.
The extended legs add extra stability but can be easy to trip over. This system has another really low weight capacity at just 275lbs. This makes it only useful for those under that weight limit.
10. Pull Up Dip Station
Portable and packable for traveling
Lightweight and no screws
Easy assembly
Basic pullup needs
A little flimsy
Weigh limit is low
Pull Up / Dip Station.
Really is an all-in-one gym. It’s designed to support eight basic movements, but it comes with suspended rings that can accommodate a variety of extra movements for the upper body, lower body, and the core.
Read moreA major advantage of the pull up / dip station is that the unit is adjustable so that it can be used by people of different heights and it can be taken on the go.
This is a rigid, secure unit that will allow you to perform on a solid base. It carries a maximum capacity of 300 pounds. The station comes in a massive box so you might want to plan to be home when it arrives. The machine is easy and relatively fast to put together. The station Up / Dip Station is a stylish piece with a solid design that looks great while doing a whole more than you’d expect from a free-standing pull-up bar.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Adjustability
Adjustability provides the user with customization
You’ll want a free-standing pull-up bar that will allow you to customize the height of the tower to the user. This is to ensure the system meets the need of everyone who will be using it. Adjustability also pairs nicely with the versatility to give more options for use and for difficulty levels. But it's important that the adjustability function does not compromise the overall strength of the unit. We carefully considered each system based on how many adjustments it offered, how easily it adjusted, and the durability of the system in relation to the adjustability.
Stability
Stability increases user safety
This is the biggest concern with a freestanding unit. We dialed in on this aspect to ensure the units with the highest levels of safety made it onto the list. Some units will look great and offer a ton of exercise options, but if they are going to wobble around, they’ll be one big training headache! We scoured the market high and low for the most durable and stable systems around.
Versatility
Versatility gives an at-home gym more options
If you are going to buy a tower, you will want to get the most out of the investment. These pieces of equipment are not necessarily cheap, so it increases the overall value of a unit if it can provide the user with multiple functions and uses. During our market research, we looked for freestanding pullup bars that offered a minimum of pull-ups, chin-ups, triceps dips, hanging leg raises, push-ups and crunches. Anything beyond that increased its score.
Durability
Durability creates longer-lasting products
The durability of equipment for at-home gyms is important to consider. These units aren't something that consumers are looking forward to replacing after a year of consistent use. They need to be made well in order to have the stability to ensure safety, but they also need to durable enough to last for many years to come. We analyzed the strength of different product materials along with finishes and coatings to deter rust and other less than favorable signs of early wear.
The height and weight capacity of a freestanding pull-up bar determine the maximum stress load for the product. To stay safe when using one of these pieces of equipment, it is extremely important not to exceed the maximum weight load. The unit could collapse or break causing damage to both the person and the unit. So make sure you do some research to find a freestanding pullup bar system that supports your personal body weight, as the general weight range can be as low as 250lbs to as high as 600lbs.
For at-home gyms and other ideal spaces for a freestanding pull-up bar, it's nice to be able to easily put your system together to get started fast. But it's also just as nice to be able to break it down without a hassle. Especially if you will need to move it around often, put it away after use, or collapse it for traveling. Depending on your specific needs for using an at-home pull-up bar system, check the assembly and portability details for your item.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What are advantages to freestanding pull up bar system?
For at-home gyms and other ideal spaces for a freestanding pull-up bar, it's nice to be able to easily put your system together to get started fast. But it's also just as nice to be able to break it down without a hassle. Especially if you will need to move it around often, put it away after use, or collapse it for traveling. Depending on your specific needs for using an at-home pull-up bar system, check the assembly and portability details for your item.
q: What are drawbacks of a freestanding pull up bar system
For at-home gyms and other ideal spaces for a freestanding pull-up bar, it's nice to be able to easily put your system together to get started fast. But it's also just as nice to be able to break it down without a hassle. Especially if you will need to move it around often, put it away after use, or collapse it for traveling. Depending on your specific needs for using an at-home pull-up bar system, check the assembly and portability details for your item.
q: What part of the body do pullups target?
Pullups are one of the most basic, foundational, and widely used exercises in the fitness world. And for good reason. Because the full body is suspended from the air, it is a full-body workout. They target several muscle groups all at once. The main major muscle groups are the lats, abdominals, biceps, pectorals, and triceps. But there are also many smaller muscle groups, like the intercostals, scalenes, and rhomboids that are engaged and active as well. Generally, pullups are more of an upper-body workout.
q: Is there a difference between pull ups and chin ups?
Yes. Chin-ups are executed with an overhand grip, defined by turning the palms away from the face, grasping the bar with the fingers facing away from the user, with the thumbs on the inside of the grip. Pullups are executed with an underhand grip, defined by turning the palms toward the face and grasping the bar with fingers pointed towards the face, and thumbs on the outside of the grip. Both are equally difficult, each has different major muscle groups targeted, but some people find one to be easier than the other.
Sources
- , 4 Awesome Benefits of Pull-Ups, Article
- , What Type of Pull-Up Bar to Choose?, Guide
