Introduction
Below is a look at all survey data around squat/power racks in 2023.
It touches on rack type preference, how they are used, what is owned, ideal size, foldaway rack data, and much more.
The Data
Where to Buy?
- The most significant change over time that I’ve seen is with “where” you are likely to buy a power rack. In 2023, Rogue received just under 54% of the votes, but in 2023 just 39%. Rogue is still the top vote-getter, but REP has nearly doubled their votes from 2021& is now up to 39% of the votes. This question will be asked again in early 2024.
- After the Manticore was released, we replaced “Other” with Bells of Steel. Bells of Steel did not receive very many votes & the proportion of those who voted Rogue or REP went up.
- Folding racks are an option for those who want to save as much space as possible and likely park in the garage. When asked “where you are most likely to buy a folding rack from,” Rogue was the winner again with 37% of the votes. PRx and Bridge Built which specializes in making premium foldaway/space-saving racks, combined for about 36% of the votes.
- Speaking of foldaway racks, wall-mounted options received more than portable (think Bridge Built). Half of responders have zero interest at all in one.
Racks Size & Post Preferences
- About 2/3 answering these survey questions own a 3×3 rack. That is split between those with 1-inch and 5/8-inch holes. About 16% own a 2×2 rack & 17% voted none, other, or IDK.
- However, in a perfect world, 70% say they would own a 3×3 rack with 1-inch holes. Therefore, if many had to do it again, they’d go with 1-inch holes.
- Furthermore, when asked about hole preference, 1-inch was the easy winner, with 55% of the votes. About 16% do not understand why it is important.
- Less than 10% have an interest in owning a rack with just two posts (squat rack). The most popular response was four posts, with 51% of the votes and about 40% desiring a six-post rack.
- About 30″ is the preferred rack depth when up against about 40″, 24″, and 16″. It received nearly 59% of the votes.
Upgrades/Would You Pay More?
- 44% say they would pay more for rack attachments that take up less holes on racks. With more people looking to load up their racks with attachments, I think this will be an important trend to keep an eye on.
- About 19% have a high level of interest in upgraded rack hardware & 36% have a medium interest. This is a minor detail that may allow certain racks to stand out from the crowd.
- Only 11% would pay more for welded nuts on their power rack.
- Nearly 60% are willing to pay a little more for the right power rack color.
- In addition, 47% admit that the color of their power rack matters.
More
- The strength of the steel does not seem to be as important as the universal size of the posts. I think many understand that even many budget racks are strong enough to keep them safe. With that being said, when asked about the importance of 11 gauge steel, the most popular answer was “somewhat important.”
- Pulley systems were easily voted as the rack attachment most appealing to others. It received 57% of the votes when matched up against jammer arms, landmines, and belt squats.
- When asked where people squat, about 58% say inside of a power rack with 26% outside of the power rack (likely because it is more convenient). 16% are using a squat stand/half rack.
- A bit less people are benching inside of a power rack, but it is still the most popular answer.
- There is not much interest in owning two racks within your home gym. Only 13% voted high interest.
- About 9% have a high interest in an “All-In-One Rack”
