I have trained many athletes in my fitness career and used various racks for squats, bench presses, and overhead presses. Speaking from personal experience, I have never seen a better rack for athletes than the Rogue Combo rack.
I checked other user reviews and personally tested this rack with a group of my clients over a period of six months. We also evaluated its material, price, shipping, installation, and more.
Here's everything you need to learn about the Rogue Combo rack and why I think it is the best rack for athletes.
Rogue Combo Rack
Durability
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Recreational and professional athletes looking for a stable and versatile rack for heavy lifts.
- Individuals seeking a high-quality hybrid rack for both bench presses and squats.
Who is it not for?
- Beginners or those who plan to use the rack infrequently.
Final Verdict
The Rogue Combo Rack is an exceptional piece of equipment designed for serious athletes and powerlifters. Its unique hybrid build, stability, and ease of adjustment make it a top choice for those looking to enhance their strength training routine.
What Is Rogue Combo Rack?
Rogue Combo rack is a specialized hybrid rack developed by the Rogue team and the International Powerlifting Federation.
It's manufactured to make a unique 2-in-1 bench/squat rack with easier custom adjustments and overall greater stability.
The thing I like the most about this rack is its adjustability.
This combo rack features J-cups that can be adjusted without removing the plates from the barbell, which requires less effort and allows for faster change between the smaller and larger athletes.
In addition, the rack can be positioned angled inward 5 degrees or straight, allowing bigger athletes to put their hands outside of the J-cups.
"Squats — be it a back squat, front squat, or Zercher squat — also burn many calories, increase your quad mass and glute mass, and boost the production of muscle-building hormones."
- Mike Dewar, Certified Personal Trainer
Our Rating
Rogue Combo Rack
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
How Does Rogue Combo Rack Work?
Rogue Combo rack works by allowing you to perform both bench presses and squats at the same time.
A study published in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research says that resistance exercise is improved by the presence of spotters [1]. Rogue Combo rack has drop-in safety spotter arms to decrease the chance of getting injured while doing heavy squats.
Also, it comes with a removable Rogue bench, equipped with diamond-tread spotter decks and a fat pad.
These things come with tightening knobs to ensure maximum stability and a lesser chance of injury.
Related: Full Rack vs Half Rack
Key Features of the Rogue Combo Rack
Many things make Rogue Combo rack unique, and the hybrid build is only one of them. Below, you can find all the factors that separate this rack from the rest.
Exercise Versatility
The unique Rogue Combo rack build allowed me to seamlessly transition from heavy squats to bench pressing.
The rack is stable for performing heavy weight lifts, doesn’t move when you take the barbell off, and is built for athletes of different sizes.
It comes with a high-quality removable Rogue bench equipped with diamond-tread spotter decks, complementing bench pressing.
Also, it is wide enough to hold your scapulas from tipping off it.
7-Gauge Steel
Rogue Combo half rack is built from high-quality steel, featuring two adjustable 3x3" 7-gauge steel uprights, stainless steel machined pins, and a set of spotter arms built from the same material.
According to a study published in the Journal of Physics Conference Series, this material is extremely stable and durable [2].
In addition, the combo rack features stainless steel telescoping tubes to ensure durability and stability. It weighs a total of 505 lb and has a highest point of 78" with combo rack's uprights fully extended.
All the pieces combined created a rock-solid rack that never moved when I placed or took off the barbell loaded with heavy weight.
Based on my experience with numerous power racks, I can say that the Rogue Combo Rack is in the top 3 stability-wise.
Fast Shipping
Rogue's unique delivery system lets you track your order from when it is shipped to when it arrives.
They ship Monday to Friday, and all orders placed during the weekend will be shipped on Monday before 3 PM EST.
In addition, they have awesome customer support. I found them easy to contact, and they eagerly solved any problems I was experiencing with the shipment or their product.
Competitive Price
Rogue Combo rack may be a little pricier than the rest of the racks, but that is if you only look at the regular squat racks.
If you compare this rack to the ones with the same hybrid build, it is apparent Rogue Combo rack comes at an affordable price.
Easy Installation Process
The installation process for the Rogue Squat rack is straightforward and will take just a couple of hours.
It took me 3 hours to assemble it alone, but with a friend's help, you can do it in less than two hours.
However, the pieces are a little heavier, so I suggest you ask somebody for help.
Safe to Use
This rack is among the safest due to the steel safety spotter arms, which can protect you from getting injured when failing to complete heavy squats, bench presses, or deadlifts.
Also, the rack has a unique adjustable system that lets you change the height of the J-cups without removing the plates.
This means you will lose less energy on always removing the plates and have more energy to focus on a particular exercise.
Lastly, the combo rack’s bench with diamond-tread spotter decks has a wide enough surface to keep your scapula from tipping off, leaving less room for injury.
- Built for athletes of different sizes
- You can change the height of the j-cups without removing the plates
- Bigger athletes can stay in the power rack without touching the j-cups
- Highly stable and never moves when placing or taking off a loaded barbell
- Pricey since it is mainly built for professional athletes and powerlifters
How to Use Rogue Combo Rack?
To use the Rogue Combo rack, you just need to place the appropriate j-cups height and put an empty barbell on it.
To set the appropriate height of the j-cups, you must adjust the lever arm jack system.
After that, you need to load the barbell with weight plates. However, you may also load the barbell at the original height before adjusting it since the unique lever arm jack system allows you to change the height without removing the plates.
"Power racks can vary in form with different steel thickness, upright sizing, and weight capacity."
- Tim Hill, Certified Personal Trainer
Maintenance Tips
To maintain the longevity and functionality of your Rogue Combo Rack, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some practical tips:
- Regular cleaning: Wipe down the rack regularly to remove sweat, dust, and grime. This not only keeps it looking good but also prevents corrosion over time. Use a mild cleaner and avoid harsh chemicals that might damage the finish.
- Bolt tightening: Periodically check and tighten any bolts or screws. Loose hardware can lead to instability and wear over time. A routine check every few months is a good practice.
- Inspect for wear and tear: Regularly inspect the rack for any signs of wear, such as cracks in the welds or fraying on safety straps. Early detection of these issues can prevent more significant problems down the line.
- Lubrication: If your rack has any moving parts, such as adjustable J-cups, ensure they are lubricated periodically. This maintains smooth operation and prevents rusting.
- Environment considerations: If the rack is in a garage or basement, consider the environment's impact. Humidity can lead to rust, so a dehumidifier might be necessary in damp areas.
Who Should Buy a Rogue Combo Rack?
Everybody who is looking to stay in top shape at home should buy a Rogue Combo rack.
Rogue combo power rack offers excellent exercise versatility, stability, and safety when performing heavy lifts such as squats, overhead presses, shrugs, and bench presses.
You should buy this fitness equipment if you plan to use it regularly, at least a couple of times a week.
This rack is the best option for recreational athletes and powerlifters seeking to stay in top physical shape at home.
Also, the Rogue Combo Rack offers long-term durability with simple maintenance, which results in the perfect purchase for those looking to use this rack for a long time.
Related posts:
- Best Rogue Power Rack for Home Gym
- Rogue SML 2 Monster Lite Squat Stand: Unbiased Review
- 10 Best Power & Squat Racks
Our Rating
Rogue Combo Rack
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
Who Shouldn’t Buy It?
Everybody who is a beginner and plans to use it a couple of times a week shouldn't buy a Rogue Combo rack.
Combo racks are primarily made for professional or recreational athletes looking to stay in top physical shape at home.
Beginners may not benefit from the use of combo racks since they are meant for more advanced users planning to lift heavy.
Furthermore, this comes at the cost of a higher price tag, another factor unsuitable for beginners, and may be an unnecessary waste of money.
Also, if you plan to use this rack a couple of times a month and leave it to collect dust, don't buy it.
Related: Best Home Gym Equipment to Invest In
Where to Buy Rogue Combo Rack?
You can buy a Rogue Combo rack on Rogue’s official website.
However, you may also find a Rogue Combo rack on some other online marketplaces, but very likely with a higher price tag.
Shipping and Delivery
Rogue has a unique shipping system that lets you track your order from the moment it is shipped.
It usually takes up to 5 business days to ship the rack, but in my case, it was just three days. I received the rack undamaged and ready to be assembled.
Here is how the Rogue shipping and delivery system works:
- Rogue receives the order
- Then they process the order
- After that, the product gets picked, packed and checked for quality
- Finally, it gets shipped and delivered to your doorstep
Rogue ships their products Monday through Friday before 3 PM EST. All orders processed on weekends will be shipped on Monday.
Testimonials
"It's actually quite reasonable if you look at the competition. The construction is much heavier duty than most home garage gym applications"
- Eyetron2020, Reddit
"You can adjust the height without unracking the weight, which is nice if you train with manlets."
- Lift_heavy64, Reddit
"After my comparison of the various companies (Rep, Titan, Rogue, etc.) I went with Rogue for a couple reasons. All the reviews I saw talked about how sturdy this product is and safety is super critical for me since I lift by myself almost always."
- Lifesuckspie, Reddit
Rogue Combo Rack Alternatives
There are a couple of Rogue Combo rack alternatives if you are unsure whether this rack is for you.
Ghost Combo Comp PR
Ghost Combo Comp PR can hold up to 520 kg, remaining stable and ensuring you never get injured.
It has high-quality safety spotter arms and is built from high-quality steel to ensure durability.
However, it takes up a significant amount of space and costs more than $3500, which may be too much money for most people.
When comparing Ghost Combo Comp PR to the Rogue Combo Rack, I noticed the Combo Rack is built from higher quality steel and offers all the other features as the Ghost Rack for a lower price.
Ritfit Garage & Home Gym
RitFit Garage & Home Gym is a fully equipped rack with an adjustable bench, lat pull-down, and a pull-up bar. In addition, it has a capacity of 1000 pounds and has a basic warranty for 36 months.
The RitFit rack isn't built from a high-quality material like the Rogue Combo rack and takes up too much space for an average home gym.
Also, the bench surface wears off quickly, which isn't the case with the Rogue Combo Rack.
Marcy Pro Smith Machine Home Gym System
Marcy Pro Smith machine home gym system is a fully equipped rack. It has an adjustable bench, squat rack, pull-up bar, and a cable machine.
I don't like this home gym model since the weight holder isn't of the highest quality and can injure you when performing heavy lifts, which isn’t the case with the Rogue Combo Rack.
Also, I found the cables from the cable machine tend to wear off after just a couple of months.
Related: Best Budget Power Racks
FAQs
What Gauge Steel Are Rogue Racks?
Rogue racks are built from an 11 steel gauge. This gauge type ensures the rack remains solid under heavy weight and dynamic calisthenics exercises.
Can Rogue Squat Racks Be Left Outside?
Yes, most of the Rogue squat racks can be left outside. However, some customers who left their rack outside noticed minimal issues on their gym equipment, meaning it is a lot better to keep it inside.
What Size Socket for Rogue Monster Bolts?
The size socket for Rogue Monster bolts is 15/16". This size is widely used on the Rogue Monster Lite series and is also used on the Rogue Combo rack.
Our Verdict on Rogue Combo Rack
If you are a recreational or professional athlete or powerlifter, you should buy a Rogue Combo rack.
During the months I used the Rogue Combo rack, I found it offers a unique hybrid model, allowing you to train for the big lifts, including a bench press and squat.
In addition, my clients said the rack offers enough stability due to the stainless steel telescoping tubes and combo rack’s uprights and accessories like steel safety spotter arms that prevent injuries.
One of the things I like the most about this rack is its unique adjustable lever arm jack system, which allows you to adjust the height without removing the plates.
Our Rating
Rogue Combo Rack
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Built for athletes of different sizes
- You can change the height of the j-cups without removing the plates
- Bigger athletes can stay in the power rack without touching the j-cups
- Highly stable and never moves when placing or taking off a loaded barbell
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of July
- Pricey since it is mainly built for professional athletes and powerlifters
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