The Top 10 Best Weight Loss Pills - Garage Gym Builder
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The Top 10 Best Weight Loss Pills

last updated: Feb 12, 2020

Achieving your fat loss goals in 2019 means that you’re going to have to nail your exercise, nutrition and supplementation plan. Taking the best weight loss pills can boost the effectiveness of those other two elements, so you can strip off fat fast. Fat burners are designed to speed up the metabolism, boost energy levels and suppress appetite. In this article, we identify the best weight loss pills of 2019.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 10 hours of research

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VINTAGE BURN Fat Burner
97.4/100 our score
Use
97
Effectiveness
98
Materials
98
Side Effects
96
Durability
98
VINTAGE BURN Fat Burner
Why is it better?

Burns Fat While Preserving Muscle

Boosts Mental Focus

No Additives

Gluten-Free

Our #1 rated proteinDon't miss this...
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Our #1 rated protein
Researched Sources
15
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
13k
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
10
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
12
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Use Effectiveness Materials Side Effects Durability By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.4
Use
97 %
Effectiveness
98 %
Materials
98 %
Side Effects
96 %
Durability
98 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$49.99
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
Use
96 %
Effectiveness
94 %
Materials
94 %
Side Effects
95 %
Durability
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$69.99
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.2
Use
92 %
Effectiveness
92 %
Materials
92 %
Side Effects
92 %
Durability
93 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$28.54
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.2
Use
91 %
Effectiveness
92 %
Materials
92 %
Side Effects
90 %
Durability
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$24.70
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.6
Use
88 %
Effectiveness
89 %
Materials
89 %
Side Effects
89 %
Durability
88 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$38.07
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
Use
87 %
Effectiveness
87 %
Materials
86 %
Side Effects
85 %
Durability
86 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$29.99
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.4
Use
86 %
Effectiveness
86 %
Materials
86 %
Side Effects
84 %
Durability
85 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$29.95
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.4
Use
84 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Materials
85 %
Side Effects
85 %
Durability
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81.4
Use
81 %
Effectiveness
82 %
Materials
82 %
Side Effects
80 %
Durability
82 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link
$28.54
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
78.4
Use
79 %
Effectiveness
78 %
Materials
79 %
Side Effects
77 %
Durability
79 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Amazon Link

Best 10 Weight Loss Supplements

1. VINTAGE BURN Fat Burner

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.4
VINTAGE BURN Fat Burner
Amazon Link
Use
97
Effectiveness
98
Materials
98
Side Effects
96
Durability
98
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$49.99
Pros:

Burns Fat While Preserving Muscle

Boosts Mental Focus

No Additives

Gluten-Free

Cons:

Some Digestive Issues

Old School Labs Vintage Burn Fat Burner addresses the challenge of preserving muscle tissue while promoting fat loss. Its original thermogenic formulation speeds up your metabolism to burn more calories while maintaining an anabolic environment to preserve muscle mass.Read more

It also sharpens your mental outlook to allow you to exercise and follow a clean eating lifestyle with more clarity. The potency and purity of the ingredients in this product are second to none. Old School Labs Vintage Fat Burner was inspired by such vintage era old school bodybuilders as Mike Mentzer. It is completely natural, with no GMO or gluten ingredients. By increasing metabolism and preventing the formation of new fat cells, while curbing appetite, it offers everything you need in a fat burner.

2. alli Orlistat

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95
alli Orlistat
Amazon Link
Use
96
Effectiveness
94
Materials
94
Side Effects
95
Durability
96
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$69.99
Pros:

FDA Approved

Blocks Fat Absorption

Accelerates Loss Of Pounds

3 Pills A Day

Cons:

Formula Changes Sometimes

The Alli Orlistat is different from most weight loss products we're used to seeing on the market. It works differently - instead of suppressing your appetite or making you more energetic, these pills actually block about 25% of the fat you ingest from being absorbed! Alli claims that for every 5 pounds you lose naturally, it will help you lose up to 3 pounds more!Read more

Alli has been around for over 20 years, and it's one of the rare FDA approved weight loss pills out there. These pills were made for adults that have a BMI of over 25 in mind. The formula has been tested in over 100 studies, and it has been proven that it's completely safe. You only have to take one pill with a meal that doesn't have more than 15 g of fat, and you will see the pounds simply melt away. Remember to take no more than 3 pills a day, and up your intake of water!

3. Burn-XT

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
92.2
Burn-XT
Amazon Link
Use
92
Effectiveness
92
Materials
92
Side Effects
92
Durability
93
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$28.54
Pros:

Appetite Suppressant

Boosts Energy

Clinically Dosed

Contains L-Carnitine

Cons:

Stimulant Based Side Effects

Burn XT is one of the best weight loss pills and is packed with proven fat loss stimulating ingredients. The ingredients include Acetyl-L Carnitine, an amino acid with proven fat burning ability, green tea leaf extract, which contains caffeine to provide a stimulant effect, and cayenne pepper extract which is a powerful thermogenic agent. This is a completely natural formulation that will give you a real energy boost while promoting fat burn.Read more

Burn XT is designed to stop food cravings by releasing the hormones that control the appetite. Unlike many other under dosed formulations, you can be assured that you are getting the right ingredients in the right dosages to bring about real, lasting fat loss results.

If you’re after the best supplements across all categories, don’t miss our review here – it’s what you need to get on track in 2019.

4. Evlution Lean Mode

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
91.2
Evlution Lean Mode
Amazon Link
Use
91
Effectiveness
92
Materials
92
Side Effects
90
Durability
91
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$24.70
Pros:

All Natural

Stimulant Free

Supports Appetite

Only One Serving Needed

Cons:

Can Cause Nausea

Lean Mode is one of the more popular fat loss supplements out there, simply because it works. It has no stimulants whatsoever, so both the casual gym goer and the professional athlete can try this supplement out.Read more

The Lean Mode works by picking at the fat you have stored, even the stored fat around your belly, and putting it to good use. This fat then energizes you throughout the day and makes you more efficient at the gym. This supplement has 100% natural ingredients that are non-GMO and gluten-free! All you have to do is take a single serving in the morning and watch the number on the scale go down.

5. C4 Ripped Pre-Workout

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.6
C4 Ripped Pre-Workout
Amazon Link
Use
88
Effectiveness
89
Materials
89
Side Effects
89
Durability
88
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$38.07
Pros:

Great Energy Booster

Power Metabolic Booster

Great Tasting

Money-Back Guarantee

Cons:

Doesn't Taste Very Well

C4 Ripped Pre-Workout is a product that boosts energy for training while also putting a huge emphasis on fat loss. The creatine free formulation combines strong ingredients, backed by scientific research, such as Green Coffee Bean Extract, which works wonders for fat loss around the stomach, L-Carnitine, the fruit extract of Capsimax Cayenne, plus Root Extract from Coleus Forskohlii to supercharge the body’s natural fat burn process.Read more

Their Ripped blend combines L-Carnitine, Green Coffee Bean Extract, Cayenne and Forskohlii along with an energy blend for training endurance. C4 Ripped Pre-Workout is available in a range of cool flavors, including Cherry Lemonade, Fruit Punch and Raspberry Lemonade. You get 30 six gram servings per container. This product is manufactured in a GMP compliant facility and comes with a money-back guarantee.

6. Nutratech Atrafen

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
86.2
Nutratech Atrafen
Amazon Link
Use
87
Effectiveness
87
Materials
86
Side Effects
85
Durability
86
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.99
Pros:

Powerful Appetite Suppression

Scientifically Proven Ingredients

Boosts Energy

Enhances Focus

Money-back Guarantee

Cons:

Weird Aftertaste

Nutratech created a supplement that has a complete formula which utilizes a very effective approach to weight loss. It induces thermogenesis that is safe for both males and females. Atrafen helps better both your body and mind by improving your energy levels and giving you motivation.Read more

Atrafen aggressively attacks your fat and forces it to be burned as fuel. It has raspberry ketones, which is a proven ingredient that breaks down fat cells and helps the body get rid of fat faster. The green coffee bean extract is a powerful natural antioxidant that lowers the number of calories absorbed by your body. Green tea extract is the one that induces thermogenesis and helps burn the fat away. If you do not like the way this supplement works, a 30-day money-back guarantee has your back!

7. Genius Diet Pills

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
85.4
Genius Diet Pills
Amazon Link
Use
86
Effectiveness
86
Materials
86
Side Effects
84
Durability
85
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$29.95
Pros:

Contains Satiereal

Backed By Research

Lessens Anxiety

Boosts Energy

Curbs Sugar Cravings

Cons:

Causes Nausea

The Genius Diet Pills contain satiereal, an ingredient we have not yet met in our guide. There are plenty of studies that show just how well this ingredient suppresses appetite - it decreases it by 32%, much more than most of the pills, while effectively curbing sugar cravings!Read more

There were studies done on these pills, and many of them concluded that over 87.5% of people report that the pills reduced their hunger by 87%. Just in case, a second study, published by Nutrition Research, was conducted, showing the effectiveness of satiereal on 60 women. It also helps by lessening your anxiety, thus lowering the incidences of stress eating, and it also gives you more energy that makes working out much easier!

8. UNLEASHED 60 CT

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
84.4
UNLEASHED 60 CT
Amazon Link
Use
84
Effectiveness
84
Materials
85
Side Effects
85
Durability
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

3 Fat Loss Mechanisms

Stimulant Properties

Money-back Guarantee

Controls Insulin Levels

Cons:

A bit pricey

Unleashed is one of the best weight loss pills and uses three synergistic mechanisms to promote fat loss; energy and focus, thermogenesis and a lipogenic blend. The energy and focus blend is made up of caffeine, phenylethylamine, glucomannan fursultiamine, and L-Tyrosine.Read more

The Lipogenic mix is composed of synephrine, kola nut, and L-Carnitine and the Thermogenic blend is made up of raspberry ketones, green tea, and yohimbe bark extract. Unleashed includes such inactive ingredients as gelatin, rice flour, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide, and titanium dioxide. Caffeine is also included for its stimulant properties. There are no reported side effects with any of the ingredients in this product. It comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.

9. LEAN PM

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81.4
LEAN PM
Amazon Link
Use
81
Effectiveness
82
Materials
82
Side Effects
80
Durability
82
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$28.54
Pros:

No Fillers Or Dyes

Helps Promote Sleep

Contains Melatonin

Transparent Label

Cons:

Causes Nausea

Every supplement we talked about up until now was meant to be used during the day and had most of the ingredients activated while you were awake. Lean PM is meant to be taken before you sleep, because, alongside everything else, it will help you have a much better rest!Read more

These pills combine green tea extract, a powerful anti-oxidant, L-theanine, a natural amino acid that promotes good mood and restfulness, melatonin, which is known to boost sleep by telling it's time to rest, Bioperine, that promotes the nitric oxide production, vitamin B6, and magnesium, which both support your metabolism and help your body work like a well-oiled machine. Every ingredient is transparent on the label, and you will always know what you're ingesting. There are no fillers or dyes present in these capsules.

10. Fat Burner by dub Nutrition

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
78.4
Fat Burner by dub Nutrition
Amazon Link
Use
79
Effectiveness
78
Materials
79
Side Effects
77
Durability
79
best offer for today
Amazon Link
Pros:

Vegan-Friendly

Third-Party Tested

Made In The USA

Improves Mental Alertness

Cons:

May Cause Slight Nausea

This fat burner gets rid of all of that pesky fat while keeping your muscles intact, which is what all of us want when losing weight. its thermogenic formula will also sharpen your mind while boosting your energy levels.Read more

This supplement is gentle towards your stomach and intestines, not causing any nausea or bloating. The ingredients found in the pills were tested by a third-party, showing you how safe they are. There are absolutely no artificial ingredients here, so don't expect to receive a pill full of fillers. The supplement is non-GMO, vegan-friendly and gluten-free!

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Use

Weight loss pills are seen as a magical supplement that will simply shed away the pounds while you do absolutely nothing. Sadly, this is not the reality, and they will not quickly fix the problem you've been building for years. Some pills can even cause a lot of side effects that make them simply not worth all the hassle. Using diet pills is quite straightforward - all you have to do is pop the pill 2-3 a day and that's it. But there are steps you need to take before you actually drink the pills, and it's vital that you follow them!

First, make sure that you can differentiate between the two different types of diet pills available on the market today. You can find OTC drugs and prescription pills, and the second obviously comes from doctors. Prescription pills either suppress your appetite, inhibit the absorption of fat, or speed up the metabolism. These pills are the ones that have been evaluated by the FDA, but although they have this attribute, there's still no guarantee that they will work, and they can still cause some naughty side effects. Some can even be addictive! OTC drugs are made out of natural materials, and they do the same things as prescription pills do. The difference lies in the FDA evaluations, and some negative side effects might not even be recorded. If you want to be absolutely certain about a certain pill, look if there were any clinical studies conducted about it. If the results show promise, then give the pill a go, but if the findings are inconclusive, skip the pill! If there aren't any studies at all, you can try risking it, or just skip the pill altogether. But, even if the pill is safe, it could still have some side effects, which we will talk about in detail in our Side Effects section. Of course, figure out whether the pills are actually effective or not. You should know that all the weight the pills cause to melt off will come back as soon as you stop taking the pills unless you go on a diet and start working out! Know that there is no scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of the pills.

Remember to talk with your doctor before you decide to take any pill, especially if you have any health problems. Once they give you the go, look carefully at how you're supposed to take the pills. It's vital that you do not take too much! Remember to drink water, and try to avoid caffeine, since most pills have it in the first place. Caffeine can also make some of the side effects worse! And if you feel way too many side effects, stop taking the pills altogether - it's not worth it.

Effectiveness

Weight loss pills have been the center of controversy ever since they were brought into existence, and it's for a good reason. Many of the pills had ingredients that were extremely harmful, and are now banned. But how effective are these pills in the first place, and how do they exactly work?

A lot of people do not believe that these pills work at all, and they're right to do so. There's a reason why these pills are classified as dietary supplements, not actual drugs. Truth be told, if you do not use them in combination with exercising and working out, it's likely that you won't feel any of the benefits. Let's see what some of the ingredients found in the pills do, and how they might help you shed some pounds off. Most of the pills we mentioned here are fat-trappers. These pills usually contain chitosan. Chitosan binds the fat you eat to it, and then you don't get to absorb it at all. Although there are some studies that suggest that this does work, the amount of fat that binds to them might not be enough for you to see some actual results. Then there are fat burners. Fat burners do just what the name suggests. They come from green tea extract, caffeine, and even ephedrine. A lot of these extracts are often piled together for an even more potent effect. These ingredients apparently raise your energy levels while making your body use the fat you have stored as fuel. Ephedra is effective, but it causes a lot of serious side effects, including strokes! Caffeine does the same thing, and if you drink coffee you already know this. It's not as potent as ephedra is, but it can make some health issues worse.

All in all, although most of the ingredients do work, you must exercise a lot of caution when using them, and you must make sure to get ingredients that are safe for you to consume. Be aware that these pills can be quite pricey on a monthly basis, sometimes even exceeding 50 to 100 dollars! Combine the pills with a good diet and exercises program, and you will definitely see results.

Materials

You must know what ingredients go into your pills so that you can avoid potential side effects, and it will also help if you know which ingredient does what. We will describe some of the most common ingredients found in diet pills and tell you what they're supposed to be doing.

Alli, or orlistat, is one of the most popular brands of weight loss pills, and you can find it on our list. You can get it both as an OTC pill and as a prescription drug. Orlistat works by stopping the body from breaking down and absorbing some of the fat that you eat, and you can see this in action when you look into your toilet. A lot of people report having oily poops when they drink these pills! Although it is a side effect, it's not so serious, and it can't cause any issues by itself. But you can also feel a change in your toilet habits, like an increase in the number of times you go. People do tend to lose weight with this pill though!

We all know what caffeine is. You can find it in energy drinks, coffee, and even tea. And, it can also be found in diet pills. Truth be told, caffeine does work. It boosts your energy levels and raises up your metabolism, so as a result, you're more motivated to move. Just be careful of the side effects again!

Glucomannan is a type of fiber. This ingredient suppresses your appetite by absorbing all the water in your guts, then it expands and causes you to feel full. This will curb your hunger, and you won't want to eat as much as you did. Although this sounds promising, there aren't a lot of studies that support the effectiveness of this ingredient, or they say that it is not so effective.

Garcinia cambogia does sound like an ingredient found in witches potions, but it's actually just a simple fruit that contains hydroxy citric acid that is believed to aid in weight loss. The extract contains the juice of this fruit, which is available as an OTC pill. The acid found in this fruit can actually inhibit the creation of an enzyme that creates fat, called citric acid lyase. Although it might not be too effective, it does have little to no side effects, so you can always give this extract a try without worrying too much about it.

Pyruvate is a byproduct that is created when our body breaks down sugar. This byproduct is sold as an aid to weight loss because it breaks down fat and boosts the metabolism. This ingredient does work to some degree though, but be careful of bloating and gas.

We all heard the advice of drinking green tea because it will boost the metabolism and burn fat. This is especially true for the fat around your belly. Although you can't target fat burn traditionally, you can do it with green tea! There is evidence that suggests this actually works, and it doesn't have that many side effects, so it's one of the best ingredients found in weight loss pills.

Conjugated linoleic acid is surely a mouthful, and it's just a fatty acid found in beef and dairy. This ingredient is one of the most effective ones found on the market today, as it boosts the metabolism and burns away stubborn fat. But this evidence has been collected from studies carried out on animals! There's not a lot of evidence that supports this theory when humans drink it. Just be careful if you have diabetes or insulin resistance!

You've probably heard of Hydroxycut, as it's one of the more popular weight loss supplements out there. The Hydroxycut products vary, as they contain a different blend of ingredients. It usually boils down to caffeine and other plant extracts. But it's because the ingredients vary that we cannot say with certainty what the side effects may be!

Side Effects

This is undoubtedly what was on your mind the whole time you were reading this article. We've all heard how much side effects diet pills can cause, but are they really that serious and should you stop considering the pills just because of them?

Don't worry though, we did mention side effects a lot in our article, but a lot of these pills have almost no side effects at all, or they are so minor that they won't even bother you that much, to begin with. But some ingredients, that were even banned, can cause a myriad of side effects that can potentially be very serious. Let's look at ephedra first. It was sold as the miracle cure for a while, and it did work wonders. But this Chinese herb was banned in 2004 because it was concluded that it can cause a heart attack or stroke! When 2005 rolled around though, trace amounts of ephedra were allowed, but it was completely banned in 2006, again. Hydroxycut is one more popular ingredient that can cause plenty of side effects. It can actually cause damage to your liver and kidneys, especially if you already suffer from some health problems related to these organs. It was banned in 2009 and then recalled, but Hydroxycut can cause jaundice and hepatitis - one person needed a new liver, while a different one actually died! Fenfluramine was an ingredient active in the popular drug called Fen-phen, was recalled way back in the 1990s because of reports of heart and lung damage. It still prescribed today though, but use it only if a doctor recommended it! Meridia, or sibutramine, was recently withdrawn, in 2010. It can cause a heart attack and stroke, just like many ingredients we mentioned here.

These are the most serious health offenders that you can't really find on the market today, but the black market still has them, and do your best to avoid them. Ingredients that are not banned usually cause issues related to the digestive system, or the jitters, just like coffee does, so it's nothing you should worry about, although these side effects can still be distracting and boring.

Durability

Weight loss pills are expensive. You need to buy them every month or so, and you must spend over 50 or even 100 dollars every month! This is why it's important that those pills can last that prescribed month, or that they can last a bit longer, just in case, if you fail to take them a few times.

Look at the expiry date when buying your pills. They all usually last for quite a long time, but some do expire faster, especially if they have no preservatives in them. But the expiry date is not the final date to drink the pills though! The expiry date just tells you when the pills will stop being so potent. So you still can drink the pills after they expire, even for as long as 6 months, but they will not be so effective, and you might have to up the dose, which can be very dangerous. If you want to keep the pills from expiring before the time comes, make sure to store them in a good place. The location should be cool and dry, so abstain from keeping them in the bathroom! Keep them in the fridge, or in the kitchen counter, and they will definitely last the supposed period!

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Brief History

Humans have been obsessed with looking good ever since they started existing. After all, good looks attract partners, and it's in our genes to want to attract as much as we can. Looking good was easy when we had to hunt and constantly move from place to place, but today we lead sedentary lives, and to no one's surprise, most of the first world population is overweight. We all want a quick fix to our problems, and this is where diet pills come in. The first attempts at prescribing a weight loss pill can be seen in Greece, way back in the second century! The weight loss pills then were nothing more than laxatives though. Then diet pills saw a great pause, and it wasn't until the 1930s that their popularity started to rise again. But back then, we didn't quite think about side effects, and a lot of the things we took then are banned today because they caused adverse side effects! None of the pills that were prescribed than are legal today and ephedra was the last one to go, in 2004.

Release date

The new medicine is released every day, and thus new ingredient combinations are always present on the market. The release date of diet pills is especially important because some ingredients were banned, while others are just being approved. Make sure to buy pills that have been around for some time, but not for a decade or so because then they may contain ingredients that are harmful.

Other Factors to Consider

Bottom Line

The best weight loss pills to take in 2019 are the Old School Labs Vintage Burn Fat Burner, with its muscle preserving ability as it strips body fat from your body. Alli Orlistat is our second must have supplement for weight loss, simply because it has the most effective ingredient found on the market today. Our bronze medal winner is Burn-XT, with its potent stimulant properties to induce a thermogenic effect as it promotes energy release. We hope you understand diet pills better now, and that our article helped you find what you were looking for!

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Are diet pills dangerous?

a:

That depends on which pills you end up choosing. Some pills are much more dangerous than others, especially if they have ingredients that are banned! Although you won't be able to find these pills regularly, you can still buy them illegally, and you should avoid these pills at all costs, as they can cause serious side effects, like heart damage, strokes, and even death! The pills we mentioned here do cause some minor side effects, but it's nothing you should worry about. They can cause stomach distress, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, and everything associated with taking too much caffeine. Just be careful when taking the pills, and do not take more than what you're supposed to, and you won't have any problems.

q: Do diet pills really work?

a:

Well, yes they do, but they are not super effective. Some pills work better than others, but none of them will cause any serious weight loss. Of course, some ingredients are much more potent than others, and there were pills which really did work very well, but they are banned because those ingredients have proven to be too harmful to our health. All in all, you can always give diet pills a try, and see if they work for you or not.

q: Do I need to go on a diet along with taking the pills?

a:

Diet pills won't cause any significant weight loss, and that is something you need to remember every time you consider buying them. If you want to see some real progress, you must combine the pills with a proper diet and exercise. When taken alone, these pills cause little to no weight loss, but if you combine them with a healthy lifestyle they will be much more effective, and you will feel the effe4cts much faster than by just drinking the pills!

q: How do diet pills work?

a:

There are three things diet pills can do to cause you to lose weight. First, they can absorb the fat you eat and bind it, so you won't actually get to absorb the fat and use it yourself, you will expel it alongside the pills. Some pills boost your metabolism and give you more energy, making you more motivated to move and exercise, and thus causing fat burn as a result. And some pills cause the appetite to diminish, so you lose the desire to eat so much. All of the pills we mentioned here are effective, but they don't work so much unless you combine them with a healthy lifestyle.

q: Are there any medically proven diet pills?

a:

There's a lot of pills floating around the market, and it keeps being flooded with more and more and them. So how can you know which ones are safe and which ones really work? For starters, look for pills that have been approved by the FDA. This doesn't guarantee that they will work, but at least the side effects will be minor. Green tea extract, as an example, has been proven to work, especially when it comes to burning off the fat around the belly. Glucomannan is also one ingredient that is clinically proven, and so is psyllium husk and linoleic acid! That doesn't mean that others won't work, it's just that these will; be much more effective.

Sources

  1. www.wikihow.life, How to Use Diet Pills,
  2. futuresrecoveryhealthcare.com, Harmful Effects of Diet Pills and Supplements,
  3. Alison Palkhivala, www.webmd.com, Alison Palkhivala,
to top 10 table

Top 10 Rogue Power Racks: Are They Worth The Price?

last updated: Feb 11, 2020

Rogue Fitness, the brainchild of a military veteran who took up CrossFit as a hobby, has provided a full line of strength training equipment to commercial gyms and home fitness buffs for over a decade now.

Rogue is special. It allows you to find everything you need for an effective lifting gym in one place. Before Rogue, gym owners had to spend weeks sourcing, ordering, and unpacking their power racks, weights, bars, and functional trainers before they could open for business.

Now, if you live near a few gyms, chances are good that you can walk into one of them and start using a Rogue power rack. It will be massive, solid, stylish, and probably surrounded by those waiting to use it. Whether you want to know more about Rogue, or are considering bringing an unbreakable beast into your home, we've run down the top ten Rogue offerings for you.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 20 hours of research

icon
Monster RM-8 Banshee
98.6/100 our score
Accessories
99
Advanced Features
99
Capacity
98
Size
98
Versatility
99
Monster RM-8 Banshee
Why is it better?

No additional attachments needed, can use right after assembly

Red accents on nameplate, pegs, bar, and trolley

Comes with black zinc hardware and two Monster wrenches (keep them for your toolbox)

Adjustable J-Cups protect your bar finish, let you customize height easily

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Researched Sources
30
Researched Sources
Reviews Considered
9781
Reviews Considered
Hours Researching
40
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
10
Products Evaluated
Sorting Options
Accessories Advanced Features Capacity Size Versatility By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.6
Accessories
99 %
Advanced Features
99 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$3,685.00
See Deal
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.8
Accessories
97 %
Advanced Features
99 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97
Accessories
96 %
Advanced Features
97 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
97 %
Versatility
97 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$2,072.00
See Deal
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.6
Accessories
96 %
Advanced Features
96 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$1,780.00
See Deal
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.2
Accessories
96 %
Advanced Features
94 %
Capacity
98 %
Size
97 %
Versatility
96 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$1,600.00
See Deal
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
Accessories
98 %
Advanced Features
92 %
Capacity
96 %
Size
95 %
Versatility
99 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$575.00
See Deal
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.6
Accessories
95 %
Advanced Features
94 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
97 %
Versatility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$990.00
See Deal
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Accessories
91 %
Advanced Features
95 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
95 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$780.00
See Deal
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Accessories
89 %
Advanced Features
94 %
Capacity
97 %
Size
98 %
Versatility
92 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$870.00
See Deal
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.5
Accessories
90 %
Versatility
91 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.08.25)
Rogue Fitness
$9,995.00
See Deal

Best 10 Rogue Racks Reviewed

1. Monster RM-8 Banshee

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
98.6
Accessories
99
Advanced Features
99
Capacity
98
Size
98
Versatility
99
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$3,685.00
See Deal
Pros:

No additional attachments needed, can use right after assembly

Red accents on nameplate, pegs, bar, and trolley

Comes with black zinc hardware and two Monster wrenches (keep them for your toolbox)

Adjustable J-Cups protect your bar finish, let you customize height easily

Cons:

Unit is quite heavy and has a massive footprint--this will have to be the centerpiece of your home gym

We arranged our reviews by price since every Rogue Rack has the potential to be the number one pick. We'll be running down the features and specs, starting with the Banshee which will run you about as much as a reliable used car would.Read more

And it is worth every penny if you have the budget for a rack that will last you a lifetime and never let you down. Rogue calls it both their Rolls Royce and monster truck and honestly we could not agree more. The finish on the RM-8 is Cerakote, a tough but thin ceramic coating usually used in firearms. It seals the metal, making it durable so it can stand up to your harshest lifting sessions.

This is a squat belt rack. If you aren't familiar, that means it has a built-in lifting belt that lets you attach weight plates to your trunk and perform a squat without a bar on your shoulders. It is an old lifters' secret that adds muscle and power to your legs with less pressure on the spine. Rogue has now made this shortcut available to everyone.

Construction of the frame and uprights is 3x3 inch 11-gauge steel, with assembly and mounting hardware bolted by black zinc bolts and connectors. Numerous attachments and perks include a Diamond Tread foundation for belt squats, a weight trolley with textured loading arms, a knurled grip bar for pull-ups, 10 weight plate storage pins, and more.

2. Monster Rhino Belt Squat Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97.8
Accessories
97
Advanced Features
99
Capacity
98
Size
98
Versatility
97
best offer for today
Pros:

Belt squats and Olympic lifts in a single unit

Belt squat/rowing handles have grip options

Moderate footprint, smaller than a power rack

Stable diamond deck footing on squat platform

Cons:

Built in squat belt is not compatible with all other Rogue racks

This is another power rack with a squat belt and a number of vital features at a significantly lower price point than the Banshee. It also has a smaller footprint and won't take up as much room.Read more

The Rhino is designed to give you all the results of a belt squat routine while letting you easily perform standard barbell exercises from a stable and sturdy steel frame base. It is an upgrade to the standard RM-3, which does not have a squat belt. If you are interested in belt squats but don't need the extra Monster features, Rogue sells a standalone rack that only includes the belt and platform.

The Rhino Belt is also compatible with the Fortis series and other Monster racks. It is not compatible with any of the other series in the Rogue rack family.

Crossmembers and arms are of are made of 3x3 steel. The weight trolley hs a cable for raising and lowering under load. The cable is quarter-inch braided steel, strong and flexible. There's no pull-up bar, though you could DIY the square top cross members with a good pair of lifting gloves. Rowing handles are adjustable and let you use over, under, and neutral grips.

3. RML-690C Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
97
Accessories
96
Advanced Features
97
Capacity
98
Size
97
Versatility
97
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$2,072.00
See Deal
Pros:

Enhanced safety features prevent dropping accidents

Can sit on floor without being bolted down

Works with Rogue's wall mount kit if extra stability is desired

Compatible with Monster Lite squat stands, for more flexibility

Cons:

Sheer size may make it unsuitable for home gym

If you buy, have a plan for the extra half rack--otherwise will take up space

This commercial gym-ready rack comes in more colors than almost any other Rogue product we looked at. The stylish appearance is just the beginning when it comes to the RML-690C's features and versatility.Read more

High school gym teachers, college coaches, and even NFL or NBA trainers will get a lot of mileage out of this rack. With a footprint of 80x53 inches, it will fit your home gym if you can contend with transporting it and setting it in place. It is compatible with the Rogue Monster Lite family of squat stands, too. Monster Lite stands are designed to take up less space than other Rogue stands and at cost savings.

The RML-690C has Westside Hole Spacing on the barbell uprights. We'll talk more about this spacing in our FAQ section. In a nutshell, it means the holes for the J-cups (what holds the loaded bar in place for start position) are spaced closer together near the bottom of the post, moving farther apart as they go up. It is a safety feature that helps prevent pinning accidents if an athlete loses control of a barbell. That makes the whole rack ideal for serious athletes as well as beginners who need to challenge themselves for sport conditioning.

The package also ships with band pegs, places to attach heavy-duty looped resistance bands for extra training. There are also eight permanently installed bumper plate storage pegs. Pin and pipe safety hardware makes for increased peace of mind and injury prevention. A 43" skinny pull up bar comes standard, plenty of length for any grip spacing while working the upper body. The entire rack is 90 inches tall, so there won't be any folding of the legs to allow a full range of motion during pull up bar use.

4. R-6 Power Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.6
Accessories
96
Advanced Features
96
Capacity
97
Size
98
Versatility
96
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$1,780.00
See Deal
Pros:

Chain and band storage pegs--chains won't scratch or mar treated finish

Two pull up bars, front and back, each with easy to change grip width

Bar collars come free when you purchase new

Rogue offers a whole array of accessories and add-ons to expand unit's potential

Cons:

Perfect for a bench drop-in, but bench is not included

This is an upgrade to the still mighty R-4 rack, with two extra uprights and six extra pegs for plate storage. In keeping with the other R-Series offerings, this rack features the Westside J-cup hole spacing for increased safety and peace of mind.Read more

The frame is of the same 11-gauge steel that is standard issue for Rogue racks. It's 2x3 inches and can withstand a natural disaster just as easily as it can take your harshest lifting sessions.

What sets the R-6 apart from the other R racks is the storage capability. You get 6 plate pegs--two hold a pair of plates each, and the other four hold a plate each. In addition to the plates, you get 6 narrower pegs made for heavy-duty bands and a few lifting chains.

Base hardware includes a multi-grip front bar for pull-ups and more. It looks like a mini jungle gym. A fat/skinny bar, designed for ergonomics, runs between the left and right back posts. Pin pipe safety hardware and Rogue's indestructible J-Cups hold loaded bars in place. The rack is 90 inches tall, 80 inches deep, and 53 inches wide. It weighs 300 pounds fully assembled without any weight plates. There's plenty of room for you to add a bench and get a full range of movement for your bench presses.

5. Monster Collegiate Half Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96.2
Accessories
96
Advanced Features
94
Capacity
98
Size
97
Versatility
96
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$1,600.00
See Deal
Pros:

Double rack has two pull up bars

Both half and whole racks are 90" tall

Extended front feet add security, can also use to attach bands for band training

Band pegs are zinc plated for a durable finish

Cons:

Add ons, for unit's full potential, can get costly

This rack comes in two options, with about a $500 price difference. For the extra cash, you get the equivalent of two half racks, welded together, with extra plate storage in between. That means a deeper footprint at the same height and front/rear width.Read more

Both units are compact answers to the standard, full-size Monster rack family. Neither the half nor double rack skimps on features. Those include a pull up bar (2 for the Double), 4 or 8 band posts, 8 bumper plate pegs (the Double still has 8, not 16), and the Rogue nameplate, in bright red, to strike awe and respect into the hearts of any athlete entering your home or training facility.

Pull up bars are optional and cost extra. You can also add on pin and pipe safeties, a two-foot-long safety strap, and/or safety spotter arms for heavy squats. Since the half rack is meant for solo athletes, those safety arms are especially important to prevent injuries or damage to equipment. For other compatible add-ons, check the Rogue website or contact their helpful and efficient customer service department.

The Monster Collegiates are made in the United States, at Rogue's manufacturing facility in Ohio. The finish is black powder coat with the red Rogue nameplate and strong 1" mounting bolts throughout. The Collegiate does not have to be floor bolted, and it has front angled rocker arms to strengthen its foundation. Both racks are 100" tall at their highest point outside the working area.

6. RML 490-C Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
96
Accessories
98
Advanced Features
92
Capacity
96
Size
95
Versatility
99
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$575.00
See Deal
Pros:

Plenty of options for customization

Can be wall-mounted for extra stability

Small enough for home gyms, light commercial facilities, and athletic training rooms

Comes with 2 Monster Lite J-Cups and 4 band pegs, standard

Cons:

Optional stabilizers only come in matte black finish--won't match other color options

This mammoth power rack comes in a choice of ten different colors, with options for stabilizers, safety arms, or concrete anchors to give you the ultimate in stability and peace of mind.Read more

The special appeal of the RML-490C is the customization options. You have a choice of configurations that can facilitate squats, bench presses, band and plate storage, and permanently installed lateral safety straps. This rack borrows DNA from the Rogue R-4 rack, so it has the same 3x3" uprights, powder coat finish, Westside holes, 5/8" mounting hardware, J-Cups, and pin/pipe safety hardware.

You get two pull up bars, a regular and thick one, each 43" long with plenty of grip options and height. The entire rack is 90" high, letting even the tallest lifters get their squats on. Though it tops the scales at 340 pounds, the RML-490-C has a petite 53x53 inch footprint with the extra-large metal feet included.

The RML-490-C can be configured for plate and band storage. Though there is no dedicated chain storage, we're sure you can get away with using any of the pegs without worrying that your chains will scratch this workhorse's steel hide.

7. R-4 Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.6
Accessories
95
Advanced Features
94
Capacity
97
Size
97
Versatility
95
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$990.00
See Deal
Pros:

Footprint, working space bigger than the earlier R-3

Front and back pull up bars

Huge choice of upgrades including extra storage and front-facing dip bars

Four band pegs, plus option for plate storage

Cons:

Must be bolted to the floor, which is labor intense but still doable

The R-4 is a beefier, huskier sibling to Rogue's classic R-3 rack, with a bigger footprint and a ton of options including a flat utility bench if you want to keep things simple.Read more

Before we go any further, we'll note that this rack has to be bolted to your floor. According to Rogue, it won't be safe or stable enough otherwise. Although the R-4 weighs "just" 250 pounds, the four-cornered metal foot foundation won't be sturdy enough on its own. Rogue does offer a concrete anchor kit, for about 20 dollars, on the website. The kit includes 12 anchors, 3 for each footplate, so be prepared for an afternoon of work drilling holes in your basement floor.

Another difference between this and the Monster and other lines we looked at is the total height. Instead of the typical 90 inches, the R-4 tops out at 78 inches for the fat/skinny bar in back. The lone skinny bar up front gives you 86 inches of height. If you prefer the wider surface of the fat bar, and you are over six feet tall, you may run into problems because of this.

There's no plate storage included in the basic package. You can order stabilizers, bars, and plates, in addition to benches, but we could not find an option for storage pegs. Other upgrades include a safety strap system and a cross member with multiple grips. The R-4 gives you a greater working depth than the R-3, and the entire rack has cross-compatibility with the Rogue Infinity line of racks.

8. Monster RM-3W Wall Mount Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
95.2
Accessories
91
Advanced Features
95
Capacity
97
Size
98
Versatility
95
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$780.00
See Deal
Pros:

Two different user-determined depths/workspaces

Comes with mounting brackets and complete instructions

Folds back nearly flush with wall

Takes up about half as much space as a regular rack

Cons:

Doesn't offer plate or band storage

This (relatively) low priced half rack is the mini-me you need if you are strapped for space and still want access to Rogue durability and safe, effective barbell squats. When Rogue says "wall mount," they mean it--without being mounted, the RM-3W will be ineffective and unsafe.Read more

Reliable Rogue engineering gives you 90 inch tall, 3x3 inch, 11-gauge steel uprights. Mounting bolts are 1", not 5/8' like some of the other racks we've written up. The extra thick bolts provide stability and guarantee the half-rack won't work loose after you drill it into wall studs or brick.

The design also means you can fold the unit nearly flat against a wall, like a Murphy bed for your gym. The thick steel, combined with Rogue's proprietary folding hinges, keeps the unit immobile whether you perform squats, pull-ups, or bench based lifts using the uprights as spotter assistance.

The rack comes with everything you need for wall mounting. Still, Rogue recommends getting the top and bottom stringers, which cost extra. Like the stringer board on an outdoor deck, these long metal pieces add an extra layer of stability and immobility. Rubber feet on the two uprights prevent floor damage. You can choose between two depths, 21 inches and 41 inches, which would require removal and reinstallation should you ever decide to change them. The 21-inch version will be fine for most users. The wider 41 inch option is for gymnasts and others who need more space for their training.

9. Bolt-Together R-3 Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
94
Accessories
89
Advanced Features
94
Capacity
97
Size
98
Versatility
92
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$870.00
See Deal
Pros:

Designed for unusually tight or small spaces

Smaller depth, footprint, lower height

Steel frame is 2x3 instead of 3x3, for lower overall weight and space-saving

Comes standard with J-Cups, band pegs, and pin/pipe safety interlocks

Cons:

Does not come with a bar, bench, or plates; extra charge for deeper depth

This is another low-cost unit for those of us with limited space. While the R-3 assembles easily and delivers on that premise, your personal goals may require expensive accessories that will chip away at any cost savings.Read more

We don't say this as a deal-breaker or a warning to steer clear of the Bolt Together. It absolutely delivers on the Rogue promise of durability and dependability. And since it isn't a wall mount, you get a working space similar to most other Rogue racks. According to Rogue, the bolt-together is ideal for military barracks, apartments with tight stairs, or low-ceilinged rooms. The reduced height (7'6") is shorter than the standard 8-foot ceiling one finds in most residential homes.

Construction is of 2x3" steel, still 11 gauge but a bit less thick than the typical 3x3". Mounting hardware is 5/8" including fasteners and bolts. This unit has to be floor mounted for safety and immobility. You get two pull up bars, a 2 inch and a 1.25 inch, both 78 inches from the ground.

Finally, the Bolt Together has no welded joints. It is meant to be dropped in place unassembled, then put together for permanent installation. This also makes it slightly easier to transport, should you ever move or sell the unit secondhand.

10. RE-3 Echo Rack

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
90.5
Accessories
90
Versatility
91
best offer for today
Rogue Fitness
$9,995.00
See Deal
Pros:

90-inch uprights

Total frame weight considerably less than other Rogues

Pull up bar, J-Cups, band pegs included

2x2" steel is more compact but strong enough to do the job

Cons:

Must be bolted to floor--concrete anchors sold separately

This is the least expensive Rogue rack that we analyzed for the buying guide.Read more

The Echo R-3 is 90 inches tall. It features 2x2" 11 gauge steel framing. A 43" fat/skinny pull up bar comes standard.

The unit uses J-Cups for racking loaded barbells. It has band pegs, but no plate storage. The unit has to bolt to the floor, and you can order the concrete anchors from Rogue for about $20. Pin and pipe safeties cost extra. Instead of the Westside hole spacing, the rack has 2" spacing through the bench area and 6" spacing otherwise.

The rack weighs 160 pounds, making it the lightest on our list. Its larger sibling, the R-3, weighs 200 pounds. Mounting hardware is 1/2". The rack is a full 90" tall, with a light footprint of just 32 by 53 inches (depth and width).

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Accessories

The more you pay for the base rack, the less you will spend on accessories.

It's a trade-off, like so many things in life. You can spend over $2000 on a gargantuan rack with 3x3" steel, 90" uprights, a permanent squat belt, and enough plate storage for the entire cast and crew of "Pumping Iron." On the other side, you may want a half rack, perhaps a wall mount, that will maximize your limited space without putting a dent in your wallet.

But with the smaller unit, you will almost invariably need to spend more on accessories to get started. They include the bar hooks, pull up bars, barbells, weight plates, safety straps, chain storage, and a few other conveniences that may become necessities as you grow your lifting practice.

We wish we could tell you that every rack comes with everything you will ever need. But that would be misleading. Instead, we have provided specs and ratings to help you decide what accessories you can live without, and which ones will be vital to you moving forward.

Advanced Features

There is an inverse relationship between how easy the rack installs and how many advanced features it offers.

In other words, a fold back unit is just plain not going to come with a squat belt. The ones we looked at don't even have slots for installing a belt. But that may be fine with you, if you don't plan on doing belt squats. Stabilizers are another component we can use as an example. No stabilizers, and no ability to install them, probably means no heavy barbell squats until you can save for an upgrade. But you can reap the benefits of squats without ever having to pile on the weight, if you keep expectations realistic and don't plan on entering any competitions.

Capacity

Rogue racks are built to hold serious loads.

You can take that to the bank. In fact, it is such a truism that the user/plate/bar capacities are often hard to locate on Rogue and second party retailer sites. Lifters the world over know they can trust a Rogue rack with their heaviest lifts. In many cases, we'd be more worried about the floor under a rack caving in than we would about any part of the rack shearing. Rogue's J-Cups, as we'll see, are some of the stoutest in the industry.

Which means we had to look at other dimensions, besides sheer poundage, when we decided to evaluate capacity. How many kinds of pull ups can you do? How much extra equipment can you add down the road? What accessories does Rogue offer for the specific rack, and how compatible is it with other racks? These are important questions, because they help you decide if a given rack is the right fit for your home or commercial gym.

Size

The bigger they come, the harder it is to make them fall.

This is why smaller racks, or half racks, often have to be bolted down.

It feels a little weird ranking racks by size. Not all of our readers have the same set of needs. Those of you who have plenty of space, and who center your fitness practice on Olympic lifts, will be fine with a big rack that can't be easily moved once installed. Some of you may wish for a rack like that, one with squat belts, diamond decking, and other features that aren't available in the more compact models. But you don't have the space. For you, we have given you some middle of the road solutions. Just because a rack isn't your dream rack doesn't mean it can't take you where you need to go. And you can always set goals and make plans for a massive rack once you move to a bigger space.

It also makes us happy to know that, armed with the knowledge from our buying guide, you can evaluate and trust Rogue products when you see them at a commercial gym. Joining a gym, and paying every month, is a good way to get access to the equipment you need at a time when you do not have space or funds for it.

Versatility

Versatility is another feature that goes up or down along with purchase price.

With the lowest priced models we found, you may not get plate storage. And some expensive racks have cable crossovers, which won't be available on a half rack or folding rack.

Still, though, Rogue is an ingenious company that wants the best for its customers and users. There isn't a Rogue product out there that can't be used more than one way. The skinny/fat bars we keep talking about are a prime example. Even on a lightweight, floor bolted rack, you get a choice of which pull up bar works best for you. You may need something solid and thick to hold on to. or you may prefer to wrap your fingers around a skinny bar until your fingers touch.

Expert Interviews & Opinions

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expert tips icon
Getting Power Help For Power Racks

While there isn't much danger of a properly assembled power rack falling apart or letting you down, that "properly assembled" requirement can get dicey when you first bring a power rack into your home. We'll be honest--as helpful and effective as the Bolt Together model is, we don't envy you if you need to actually bolt one together. Imagine assembling Ikea furniture, only with seemingly a dozen times more bolts and a drill that can put holes in concrete.

It probably won't come as a surprise that we want you to use hand and eye protection when you use a drill. The best CrossFit gloves will also improve your grip, prevent oils from your fingers getting on the rack finish, and protect you just in case you encounter a sharp edge or just torque too hard on a bolt of frustration. It happens.

In addition to your sweat and tear equity (no blood if you follow safety procedures), keep in mind that you can always ask Rogue for help. They have a toll free number as well as a chat window on the main website. In fact, we had to use the chat feature to learn about J-Cups, pipe/pin safeties, and Westside Hole spacing. The human or robot who helps us (we're not quite sure) was professional, knowledgeable, and fast. It's exactly what you'd expect from a company of Rogue's caliber, with their track record. Your time and safety are every bit as important to Rogue as your fitness dollars are.

And if the powerlifting squad at your gym uses lifting straps for help, you can use your phone, laptop, or tablet. We know you have a powerlifting squad because every gym does. They come with the building.

Rogue's Other Products

Rogue Fitness was established in 2006, when Bill Henniger began fabricating lifting equipment in his garage. Henniger is an Air Force veteran who started doing CrossFit as a way of maintaining fitness. He liked it so much that he became a certified CrossFit trainer. Henniger also had entrepreneurial leanings.

Henniger discovered a need for centralized equipment procuring, when he opened his own CrossFit box in the early 2000s. He found himself looking in multiple places for the racks, weights, and bars that are essential to any CrossFit box and to most gyms. Initially using his own capital, Henniger created Rogue Fitness to make life simpler for CrossFit box owners and their members. Rogue was the first company to centralize both sourcing and distribution for heavy lifting equipment, enabling fitness lovers everywhere to save money and easily find what they needed in a single location.

Today, Rogue Fitness employs over 600 people. Its headquarters are in Columbus, Ohio, and that is where the racks are manufactured. All Rogue's equipment is made in the U.S., and in recent years the company centralized fabrication to its warehouse in Ohio. According to Henniger, the Rogue model lets gym owners outfit their space in 98% less time than the old norm of between 6 and 8 weeks.

Rogue products are endorsed and used every day by the CrossFit Games, the World's Strongest Man tournament, and USA Weightlifting. You may pay more for a Rogue dumbbell, kettlebell, bench, or branded apparel. But you can do so with the confidence that the products you are using suport a local economy, and that these same products are trusted by elite strength athletes the world over.

Other Factors to Consider

Application

Rogue racks are not made to do one job, though if you only ever used them for barbell squats, you would never be disappointed and you'd end up with back and leg muscles like Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson (AKA The Mountain from Game of Thrones, and a World's Strongest Man winner).

We looked at everything every rack could do, and tried to distill it into our concise factual reviews. It's a tougher job than you may think. But in the end, we are confident that you can compare features, side by side if you use Amazon, and find the perfect rack for whatever lifting outcomes your muscular heart desires.

Fit

Fit is as important as a lifting rack as it is with a shoe. Can you find a different size rack for every user? No, but Rogue streamlines things with their tall uprights, range of working depths, and overall measurements. You are able to shop around and find the power rack that will fit both you and your space like a glove. The working depth, height, and footprint, too, depending on your personal application. if you primarily want to own the bench press, you'll want something that can take in a bench and leave enough room for you to get a complete expansion and contraction. Fit isn't just about comfort--it's about freedom from injury and getting consistent results over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: What are J-Cups?

a:

A J-Cup is a large metal hook with a nonskid backing, shaped like a capital letter J. The J-Cups hold empty or loaded barbells in place on the rack, by plugging into holes on the uprights. While many manufacturers use J-Cups or J-Cup derivatives, Rogue's design is unique to their products. The massive advantage of J-Cups is how quickly you can take them out of the uprights and place them lower or higher in the holes. You can confidently change your start position, working weight, or form of lift. Rogue's J-Cups come in different widths and heights. They all have tough plastic backs to prevent damage to uprights. Although you may have to pay extra for the J-Cups, it is a small investment for something that will last practically forever while letting you maximize the benefits of your Rogue rack.

q: How does Westside hole spacing help?

a:

Spaces between the holes that secure J-Cups in place are of vital importance.

Many racks use standard hole spacing, typically with 50 millimeters between hole centers. This measurement will be consistent from the bottom to the top of each upright. Westside spacing means that the holes from lowest to mid-upright are 25 mm apart. Moving past the bench press sweet spot, the holes will be 50mm apart all the way to the top of the post.

It may sound like a minor difference, but it is the kind of detail that distinguishes Rogue Fitness from its field of competitors. The modified spacing prevents safety bars from being too low or too high to effectively do their job. This also maximizes range of motion and ensures the correct starting point for any lifter who uses the rack.

The name, Westside, comes from a gym called Westside Barbell. Trainers and coaches there developed the spacing, and it helped their athletes win awards and earn a reputation for excellence and strength. Westside Barbell has helped create some of the top elite lifters and powerlifters in the world,. and the tiny difference in hole space helped make that legacy possible.

q: What are pin and pipe safeties?

a:

Like firearms, power and squat racks are tightly engineered tools that can extend human capability. Hunters have been using rifles for centuries to help them procure food faster, with less suffering for their game animals. Power racks hold heavy weight in place until the user is ready to move it, and also provide extra storage for other equipment.

Also, like a firearm, a power rack can cause serious injury when used incorrectly or by someone who doesn't have the proper training. Gun safeties prevent tragic outcomes, and safeties on racks can do the same thing.

A pin and pipe safety consists of a pin that looks like a lever. It locks into a steel pipe. With a pin lock on each end, the steel bar sits between the uprights. If a lifter loses control of a barbell, the pin and pipe safety catches it before it reaches the floor or causes trauma to the athlete's body. Similar to safety arms or stabilizers, pin and pipe safeties extend the limits of human strength and can let you lift with confidence and peace of mind. And since they are compact, you can easily move a pin and pipe safety to any level you want it at on the uprights.

q: So what's the deal with belt squats?

a:

We're so glad you asked. With their unmatched ability to put your leg strength into overdrive, while relieving pressure on the spine, belt squats are one of the best kept secrets in the competitive lifting community.

A typical squat belt wraps around your waist area, then connects to a secondary belt or heavy fabric strap using a carabiner. The weight plate or plates hang from the other end of the secondary belt. Once you're in position, you can simply squat as you normally would, keeping a vertical spine and letting the large muscle groups in your legs do the work of lifting.

Many racks use a loaded plate system, similar to a leg extension machine, to move the weight plate while you stand level with the plate lever. But you can also do belt squats by standing between two raised platforms, with a foot on each one. That puts you higher than the weight plate, so that you lift it off the ground every time you stand up.

Besides targeting the quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, and calves, the belt squat lets you continue to train, with heavy weight, despite a back injury or lumbar spine pain. Although you don't need an expensive power rack, you definitely need a weight belt that is made just for this kind of squat. Otherwise, the exercise will not be 100% safe and effective.

q: Can I do belt squats without investing in a lot of equipment?

a:

Yes, you can. We found videos of lifters using giant CrossFit style tires as the dual platforms. If you are lifting the lighter weight, nothing too crazy, you can use chairs, stools, or CrossFit plyo boxes. This is a great DIY home gym solution.

The one thing you absolutely need for belt squats, aside from the weight, is a belt made for squats. You may be able to rig a standard lifting belt or even a back brace, but we don't recommend it. Squat belts are designed to stay together under heavy loads without cutting into your hips, pelvis, or stomach. As always, start with low weight and work your way up slowly. When you do your first set of belt squats, you will be amazed at how light and stress-free your spine feels with all the load taken off of it.

Sources

  1. Nick English, Why the Belt Squat Could be Your Secret to Strength Gains, Barbend.com
  2. Rogue Fitness Staff, About Us, Rogue Fitness Public Page
  3. Inc. Staff, How This Air Force Veteran Tapped Into The Lucrative Business..., Inc.com
  4. Rogue Fitness Staff, Monster J-Cup Pairs, Rogue Fitness
  5. Verve Fitness Staff, What is Westside Hole Spacing and is it Important?, Verve Fitness