Hardcastle Bodybuilding Adjustable Squat Rack with Spotters

I should start by saying I've been using this for a few months now and it's holding up really well. The build quality is very good, though I feel like some extra welds here and there would make it rock solid. Regardless it is sturdy and strong, with a quality powder coated finish.Delivery was excellent. I ordered on Sunday night with standard delivery and it arrived early Tuesday morning via UKMail. The packaging was intact and the contents were in excellent condition. There were a few minor paint chips on a couple of the welds but it's not a problem.Assembly is simple, with only 6 bolts to secure the centre bar. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the uprights are secured with index plungers with large plastic knobs. To adjust the height, simply unscrew a couple of turns (no need to unscrew all the way every time), pull the knob outwards, slide to the desired height and the spring loaded plunger will lock into the hole. Hand tighten to secure.The width and height adjustment is flexible enough to accomodate practically anyone, within reason. I am 6'4" but the uprights extend high enough. The maximum height of the uprights is 151cm to the bar, while the minimum is around 91cm high.The absolute maximum width between the uprights is around 111cm but that would only allow for 1 bolt to secure the centre section, see the product images to see what I mean. The maximum width between the uprights when secured with 2 bolts is around 106.5cm. The minimum width between the uprights is around 67.5cm. For anybody concerned that the rack doesn't extend wide enough, as I was, don't be. With proper form you should be able to bench press with plenty of room for your elbows. I don't have it on the widest setting and I have very long arms.The spotter bars are certainly a necessity for anybody working out alone. They have saved me once so far on a failed bench press and I was able to slide out without being crushed. Just make sure you adjust them correctly. The maximum height of the spotters is around 92cm, while the minimum height is around 60cm. What really sets this rack apart from others on Amazon is the length of the spotters; at 50cm you can always be confident that they will catch the bar if you fail a rep.As for the overall strength, it's rated upto 250kg however I've only loaded it up to 70kg so far as I'm just starting out. It feels strong enough to cope with much heavier weight. I have a minor concern about the rack tipping over when I have a lot of weight and the uprights at their max height but it hasn't been an issue yet. Once I go a lot heavier I'll probably put some weights on the base just to be safe.All in all an excellent product that I'd highly recommend to anybody who doesn't have the room or the budget for a full power rack. Combined with the Hardcastle Flat Weight Lifting/Press Bench, you'll have the perfect setup (except for the bar and weights of course) to safely perform all the compound lifts for a little over a hundred quid.

My review is based on ~ 2 weeks use of the item. The rack arrived within 2 days which was ahead of schedule. Although a large bulky item it was well packaged and free of any damage or scuffing on arrival.Easy to assemble for two, took my son and I less than 10 minutes. You will however need 2 x 17mm spanners. The lock nuts allow for a sturdy stable end product. Point for improvement: Include spanners in future as they are essential to the assembly.The rack is pretty stable however , I've only loaded to 60kg though.The safety bars are a real plus and the main reason for this purchase., loads of adjustment positions too. Point for Improvement: provide rubber covers for the top surface. These scuff quickly with contact to barbell. I have used some off cut foam flooring to remedy this.Works well with a 7ft bar although I imagine it would be fine with a 6 ft bar too.Great product. heard the price jumped during lock down? I've not verified though.

I have found this a reasonable alternative to a full size power rack for my garage as it takes much less space. Of course it's a budget item so it has its limitations. The item was delivered in good time and was easy to assemble. It is light enough for me to move around my garage fully assembled yet seems able to take the max recommended weight (not tested to max). Adjustments to rack height, spotter bars and width are by screw-in studs. They hold the rack parts in place OK but take time to use. Sprung studs would be quicker and probably just as efficient. Because they are screwthread adjusters care is needed to ensure they don't get cross threaded. This could be a problem if you aren't concentrating during a hard workout. I have applied a little grease to the threads which has improved the screw-in action. Having screw-in studs to adjust the width is a fiddle and not something I'd want to undertake while trying to maintain a series of exercises. It breaks up the routine. I'd only adjust the width to use the dip handles and, as others have said, even at the narrowist width setting these are still too wide to dip correctly (I'm 5'11") so I'm not using that feature at the moment. If the maker could fit a narrower type of dip station it would be ideal. Mirafit have done it with their power rack dip bars so I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for this. So for the price this is a pretty good product and does the job for me. One star off for reasons given above

Fantastic squat rack. Well worth the money even at the price of £200. Decided to get this instead of a full power rack as it takes up less space but still does the job!Delivery was fast and it was so easy to set up and assemble - There’s a video on YouTube that shows you how to build the mirafit squat rack which is the same thing as this but just in different colour.Very solid I’m so happy I can bench press and squat safely! I’ve paired it up with the hardcastle bench and I think it looks great!!

For a home gym setup this is a study well made bargain. Great for squats and bench press, easy to adjust and very strong. Plenty of settings for height and width - also has some study handles for dips. I’ve never used it for that however, I just use mine for squats/press. It’s very sturdy, I have no worries with it at all for that. A worthwhile and bargain addition to a home gym and perfect for anyone that is working hard/progressive loading (it takes a load of weight). Definitely recommended. The finish on it is also very good too. I’ve had well over 140kgs on mine with no issues - and the spotter bars are a nice little extra. I’d recommend getting the Hardcastle bench with this too.