What to Look for Before Buying a Rack

When it comes to strength training, your rack is the backbone of your gym. But here’s the truth: in India, too many racks are built to look the part, not play the part. Thin steel that buckles under load, holes that don’t line up, hooks that don’t match — it’s the kind of compromise you don’t want to discover mid-squat.

That’s why we put this guide together. Before you click buy on a shiny new rack, here’s how to make sure it’ll still have your back when the weight gets real.

The 6 Specs That Actually Matter

1. Gauge of Steel

Strength starts in the skeleton. Look for at least 11-gauge (≈3 mm) steel — the industry benchmark for racks that can take a hit. Anything thinner (like 14-gauge) may be fine for hanging towels, but under a failed squat? It bends. That’s why our Half Rack and Power Rack are all built from 11-gauge uprights.

2. Hole Spacing & Westside Zones

Precision matters, especially when you’re benching heavy. 25 mm “Westside” spacing around bench height lets you find that just-right hook position, while 50 mm spacing elsewhere keeps setups fast and simple.

3. Numbering

No more uneven hooks. Laser-cut numbering means left matches right, first time — even when you’re training solo and rushing between sets.

4. Hole Diameter & Hook Strength

Bigger isn’t always better. 16 mm holes on 72 mm uprights keep hardware tight and wobble-free. Pair that with nylon-lined, heavy-duty J-hooks tested to 500 kg+ impact loads, and your bar — and your safety — are protected.

5. Portability vs. Permanence

Think about your space:

Freestanding Squat Stand → Quick to stow, perfect for multipurpose studios for squats and presses.

Independent Squat Stand → Quick to roll away, more functionality with westside spacing.

Half Rack → Compact footprint, storage pegs, and stable enough for most gyms.

Power Rack → Four-post fortress. Anchor it once and unleash everything.

6. Details That Add Up

From smooth edges to clean welds, the details aren’t cosmetic — they’re what separates a rack that feels solid under load from one that wobbles every rep. It’s why we sweat the small stuff, so you don’t have to.