Rogue RE-3 Echo Rack Review
Editor’s Conclusion
A good power rack is the heart and soul of any weight lifting gym. What I love most about the RE-3 Echo Rack from Rogue is that it provides lifters with all of the sturdy and versatile features without the heavy price tag. When compared to other racks in the Rogue lineup, the RE-3 Echo is the most affordable.
It earns its lower price point by omitting some of the advanced quality-of-life features and overall style to keep the price tag low. You can still expect the same quality of steel and ease of use, which makes this the perfect rack for lifters that spend all of their extra funds on plates and dumbbells! It’s designed to be used to help with weighted squats and bench presses, and even hosts a dual pull-up bar along the top for bodyweight exercises as well.
Below, I wanted to dig deep into all of the features that make the Rogue RE-3 Echo Rack the perfect addition to your home gym.
It earns its lower price point by omitting some of the advanced quality-of-life features and overall style to keep the price tag low. You can still expect the same quality of steel and ease of use, which makes this the perfect rack for lifters that spend all of their extra funds on plates and dumbbells! It’s designed to be used to help with weighted squats and bench presses, and even hosts a dual pull-up bar along the top for bodyweight exercises as well.
Below, I wanted to dig deep into all of the features that make the Rogue RE-3 Echo Rack the perfect addition to your home gym.
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
More affordable than other Rogue racks
Fat and skinny pull up bar
Plate racks along the side
Easy to adjust J-pegs
Great for squats and bench presses
Cons
Requires it to be anchors to the floor
Many accessories are not compatible
Wider-spaced j-hook holes
Key Features
FRAME
As with any Rogue rack, this design is built from the same quality steel as any other piece of Rogue equipment. It is composed of 2 by 2-inch 11-gauge steel that is manufactured in the United States, so it is built to stand the test of time. Users found that this frame is able to withstand some pretty epic fails without denting or chipping the paint on this design. If you want something built tough that you don’t have to treat with kid gloves, the frame of this rack is a great choice.
One thing worth mentioning is that this design requires that users bolt it to the floor. If you are working with a concrete floor, this can be a little bit of a big project that may take a good deal of time (as well as a trip to the hardware store).
What I found is that while Rogue states to users that this is a requirement, many users don’t listen (because they don’t want to drill holes into their concrete floors!). When working with lower weight, this may be an option for some. While I don’t recommend skipping bolting your rack to your floor, some users haven’t run into too many issues by skipping this step.
ADJUSTABILITY
One of the biggest changes made between this rack and more expensive racks in the Rogue lineup lies in adjustability. This design boasts J-hooks that are spaced 2 inches apart on the bench press portion and 6 inches everywhere else. This style of spacing will work for most users, but it does have a few disadvantages when you compare it to other Rogue racks.
Many of the standard Rogue racks boast adjustable j-hook holes that are classified as West Side spacing. This spacing is tighter at the top, and further apart at the bottom, and ranges from 25 mm to 50 mm apart. This allows for more fine-tuned adjustments to the bar, which the Rogue RE-3 Echo does not accommodate.
If you are looking for a rack that provides tighter spacing between j-hook holes for a wide variety of users as well as lifts, you may want to spend a little bit more on one of the high-end Rogue racks. This level of detail in the spacing, however, typically only applies to those sharing a gym with a group, or for serious lifters that change up their lifts quite often.
SIZE
Another thing that I really liked about this design is that it is slightly smaller when compared to other racks. It measures to be 53 inches wide and 32 inches deep, which won’t take up all that much room in your home gym. It also stands just over 90 inches tall, so be sure to take accurate measures of the height of your ceiling in your basement or garage!
Another thing worth noting about the design of this rack is that it also weighs 160 pounds. While it is pretty heavy (be prepared for an expensive shipping cost), it’s slightly lighter than many of the other Rogue designs in their online store. The lighter weight means that bolting it to the floor is even more important to avoid tipping and shift when used in heavy barbell sets.
USE
A good rack accommodates a wide variety of lifts, and the RE-3 is no different. This rack is designed to accommodate an Olympic size barbell on the hooks that are provided with purchase. Users can confidently engage in not only squats but can also tuck this rack under their bench as well for a strong and secure rack for bench presses. I personally love the dual pull-up bars along the top to fit in some bodyweight exercises as well.
EASE OF ASSEMBLY
Overall, this design is pretty easy to put together. It ships in a long, flat, box, and includes all of the bolts you need to attach to each side. It’s super important that these bolts are super tight to avoid the frame from shaking or wobbling under the weight. Be sure to take your time and really read the instructions from cover to cover to ensure that it is assembled correctly.
When in doubt, you can always hire an expert to put it together for you! It may cost you a little more, but it will be well worth it if you are not confident in your handyman abilities.
ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY
One of the biggest complaints I discovered when researching this rack is the limited use of accessories. Many lifters like to buy the base rack, and then build upon the simple frame with a wide variety of accessories from the Rogue store, such as dip stations and safety straps. Despite the similarity in name between the Rogue R-3 and the RE-3, the R-3 is compatible with all of the accessories in the Rogue store, while the RE-3 is not compatible.
However, if you are simply looking for a good base rack that comes in at an affordable price point, the compatibility with extra accessories most likely won’t be a deal-breaker. It comes with all of the j-hooks and safety bare needed to engage in secure compound lifts, as well as durable catch bars.
PRICE
If you love Rogue quality, but don’t want to pay the higher price point than some of the higher-end Rogue racks, this is your best choice. It is still pretty expensive, but you will save a good chunk of change when opting for this model. Don’t worry, just because the price tag is low doesn’t mean they skimped on the quality of materials used.
This rack is still made from strong, sturdy, and durable steel. The lower price point is due to its smaller footprint, fewer accessories, and jpegs that offer limited adjustments.
As with any Rogue rack, this design is built from the same quality steel as any other piece of Rogue equipment. It is composed of 2 by 2-inch 11-gauge steel that is manufactured in the United States, so it is built to stand the test of time. Users found that this frame is able to withstand some pretty epic fails without denting or chipping the paint on this design. If you want something built tough that you don’t have to treat with kid gloves, the frame of this rack is a great choice.
One thing worth mentioning is that this design requires that users bolt it to the floor. If you are working with a concrete floor, this can be a little bit of a big project that may take a good deal of time (as well as a trip to the hardware store).
What I found is that while Rogue states to users that this is a requirement, many users don’t listen (because they don’t want to drill holes into their concrete floors!). When working with lower weight, this may be an option for some. While I don’t recommend skipping bolting your rack to your floor, some users haven’t run into too many issues by skipping this step.
ADJUSTABILITY
One of the biggest changes made between this rack and more expensive racks in the Rogue lineup lies in adjustability. This design boasts J-hooks that are spaced 2 inches apart on the bench press portion and 6 inches everywhere else. This style of spacing will work for most users, but it does have a few disadvantages when you compare it to other Rogue racks.
Many of the standard Rogue racks boast adjustable j-hook holes that are classified as West Side spacing. This spacing is tighter at the top, and further apart at the bottom, and ranges from 25 mm to 50 mm apart. This allows for more fine-tuned adjustments to the bar, which the Rogue RE-3 Echo does not accommodate.
If you are looking for a rack that provides tighter spacing between j-hook holes for a wide variety of users as well as lifts, you may want to spend a little bit more on one of the high-end Rogue racks. This level of detail in the spacing, however, typically only applies to those sharing a gym with a group, or for serious lifters that change up their lifts quite often.
SIZE
Another thing that I really liked about this design is that it is slightly smaller when compared to other racks. It measures to be 53 inches wide and 32 inches deep, which won’t take up all that much room in your home gym. It also stands just over 90 inches tall, so be sure to take accurate measures of the height of your ceiling in your basement or garage!
Another thing worth noting about the design of this rack is that it also weighs 160 pounds. While it is pretty heavy (be prepared for an expensive shipping cost), it’s slightly lighter than many of the other Rogue designs in their online store. The lighter weight means that bolting it to the floor is even more important to avoid tipping and shift when used in heavy barbell sets.
USE
A good rack accommodates a wide variety of lifts, and the RE-3 is no different. This rack is designed to accommodate an Olympic size barbell on the hooks that are provided with purchase. Users can confidently engage in not only squats but can also tuck this rack under their bench as well for a strong and secure rack for bench presses. I personally love the dual pull-up bars along the top to fit in some bodyweight exercises as well.
EASE OF ASSEMBLY
Overall, this design is pretty easy to put together. It ships in a long, flat, box, and includes all of the bolts you need to attach to each side. It’s super important that these bolts are super tight to avoid the frame from shaking or wobbling under the weight. Be sure to take your time and really read the instructions from cover to cover to ensure that it is assembled correctly.
When in doubt, you can always hire an expert to put it together for you! It may cost you a little more, but it will be well worth it if you are not confident in your handyman abilities.
ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY
One of the biggest complaints I discovered when researching this rack is the limited use of accessories. Many lifters like to buy the base rack, and then build upon the simple frame with a wide variety of accessories from the Rogue store, such as dip stations and safety straps. Despite the similarity in name between the Rogue R-3 and the RE-3, the R-3 is compatible with all of the accessories in the Rogue store, while the RE-3 is not compatible.
However, if you are simply looking for a good base rack that comes in at an affordable price point, the compatibility with extra accessories most likely won’t be a deal-breaker. It comes with all of the j-hooks and safety bare needed to engage in secure compound lifts, as well as durable catch bars.
PRICE
If you love Rogue quality, but don’t want to pay the higher price point than some of the higher-end Rogue racks, this is your best choice. It is still pretty expensive, but you will save a good chunk of change when opting for this model. Don’t worry, just because the price tag is low doesn’t mean they skimped on the quality of materials used.
This rack is still made from strong, sturdy, and durable steel. The lower price point is due to its smaller footprint, fewer accessories, and jpegs that offer limited adjustments.
Comparisons to Previous Versions
I wanted to take a moment to compare the RE-3 to the R-3. The most noticeable difference between the two racks is the overall price. The RE-3 is about 150 bucks cheaper than the R-3. While both racks are built from the same quality steel that is strong and durable, there are a few reasons why the R-3 costs more than the RE-3.
First of all, the RE-3 isn’t compatible with most Rogue rack accessories. If you are looking for a great base model that you can build upon, you may want to fork over the extra 150 bucks. However, if you want something that is simple and affordable, the RE-3 is your best option.
Another big difference between the two is the position of the j-hook holes. The R-3 is able to accommodate a wider variety of hook placements with its standard West Side spacing, while the RE-3 has holes that are spaced farther apart for a limited range of adjustments.
First of all, the RE-3 isn’t compatible with most Rogue rack accessories. If you are looking for a great base model that you can build upon, you may want to fork over the extra 150 bucks. However, if you want something that is simple and affordable, the RE-3 is your best option.
Another big difference between the two is the position of the j-hook holes. The R-3 is able to accommodate a wider variety of hook placements with its standard West Side spacing, while the RE-3 has holes that are spaced farther apart for a limited range of adjustments.
Verdict
If you are in the market for something simple, strong, and affordable, the RE-3 Echo rack is one of your best options from Rogue. It is composed of an insanely strong and durable steel frame that holds up under some pretty heavyweight, and it is super easy to adjust. The lower price point means that it is slightly more limited in design features, especially when it comes to the spacing of the j-hooks. It’s also a little bit lighter, as well as slightly smaller than some of the other designs from Rogue.
For me, it was the perfect fit. I personally didn’t need a lot of accessories, and the spacing of the j-hooks holes wasn’t a deal-breaker. I needed a rack that was strong and durable that came in at a price point that didn’t drain my bank account, and this rack checked all of my boxes. Some users don’t like that it isn’t compatible with other Rogue rack accessories, but I found that it suited my powerlifting needs quite well, even without extra accessories.
For me, it was the perfect fit. I personally didn’t need a lot of accessories, and the spacing of the j-hooks holes wasn’t a deal-breaker. I needed a rack that was strong and durable that came in at a price point that didn’t drain my bank account, and this rack checked all of my boxes. Some users don’t like that it isn’t compatible with other Rogue rack accessories, but I found that it suited my powerlifting needs quite well, even without extra accessories.
MATERIALS
What I love most about this mat is that it is composed of quality materials that hold up well over time. The entire mat is composed of a single piece of closed-cell polyurethane foam that is insanely durable. If you are worried about germs and bacteria, have no fear! This design is considered to be anti-bacterial, which means that sweat and body odors won’t seep into the fibers of the mat over time. When you are finished with your set, simply wipe it down and pack it away in a cool, dry area.
I personally love that this mat provides a textured surface for excellent grip. Even as I really start to sweat, my back firmly grips the textured surface of this mat. Plus, because it is composed of a closed-cell construction, it means that sweat will simply wick off of the surface so you have a firm grip on the mat for your entire workout. This closed-cell construction also means that it won’t start to smell funky after weeks of continued sweaty sit up
I personally love that this mat provides a textured surface for excellent grip. Even as I really start to sweat, my back firmly grips the textured surface of this mat. Plus, because it is composed of a closed-cell construction, it means that sweat will simply wick off of the surface so you have a firm grip on the mat for your entire workout. This closed-cell construction also means that it won’t start to smell funky after weeks of continued sweaty sit up
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