30 Second Summary

The Rep Omni Rack has to be in the conversation as one of the best options for many home gym owners looking for a premium and versatile rack option. It can be used as a half-rack, 4 post power rack, or 6 post power rack. A number of configurations are possible. Plus, the HR-5000 base makes arguably the most stable rack option available, eliminating any need to bolt it down. Lastly, it has many accessory options and should last a lifetime.

Let’s talk about why.

Post Versatility

• The Omni Series has the functionality to be used as a half-rack with 30″ or 41″ depth options or a 6 post power rack. You also have the ability to alternate these over time if your space or needs change.

• It is 66.5″ so that is the minimum amount of depth that would be used. If you decide to go with a half rack option, while floor space isn’t used up, it is easier to maneauver the barbell around the rack. Plus, with spotter arms, it’s still very safe to use as long as common sense is involved.

• A dual-sided add-on is also available so that it can be used on both ends, which benefits multiple people working out at the same time. You may not need this now, but it’s nice to know it’s something that could be added in the future.

The Base

• The base makes this rack very stable for any of the rack style options chosen. Then, you add the 3×3 11-Gauge steel, and you have a nearly bombproof frame. It has a weight rating of 1,500 pounds, and there is no need to bolt to the ground.

• Easy access to band begs with holes throughout the side of the base are included. They are also easy to take out.

Accessory Compatibility

• While it is not compatible with the Rep Belt Squat Attachment, it does align with most other 5000 Series attachments, including J-Cups, Monolift, Dip Attachment ISO Arms, Lat/Low Row, safeties, pull-up bars, landmine, storage options, and band pegs. Without question, Rep will continue to innovate and add to these options.

• Upon purchase, the rack includes a Multi-grip pull-up bar, 6 band pegs, and the hardware needed to connect up to six uprights to the base. You may receive extra hardware depending on what setup you choose.

• The Lat/Low Row capability is probably the attachment most would interested in. This feature will need more space to be added on and costs an additional $350 but adds so much versatility. With this add-on, you can replicate many of the movements you may have loved doing at a commercial gym within your power rack. The cables from both the top and bottom move smoothly, and it was relatively easy to set up.

• With the 6 post setup, the Lat/Low Row addition only adds 6 inches of depth if added to the middle posts (below). It can also be added to the very back as well, which would add about 2 feet.

Other Important Details

• Uprights are only available in 93,” so measure those ceilings! This height does include the base as well. You do have the ability to flip the multi-grip pull-up bar as well to not go above that height. Therefore, it will fit within a ceiling height of 8 feet.

• When all posts are in stock, there are 8 color options – white, orange, green, red, blue, matte black, metallic black, and clear coat. Crossmembers and uprights can be different colors.

• 47″ from post to post to make racking and unracking convenient.

• This rack features 3×3″ 11 gauge steel with 1″ hardware and 2″ hole spacing. As previously mentioned, it’s rock solid and would handle all gym settings. It is definitely overbuilt for a home gym. With this framework, it’s also compatible with many accessories other companies are producing. Therefore, you potentially have the ability to buy attachments such as landmines, dip handles, etc., from other companies with the same post features.

• The quality and finish are extremely high quality. Sure it will get nicked up over time, but arrived in nearly flawless condition.

• The pricing is extremely competitive. To start, you can have the base rack for under $1,000 with free shipping included and then you have the ability to go as crazy as you’d like with all of the other bells and whistles.

Conclusion

With so many building out their own gym one step at a time, this is an excellent option for home gym owners. This will serve as the foundation of their home gym as they continue to “experiment” going forward. It’s beefy, customizable, and from a company motivated to make this the best rack for the home gym in the future.

Introduction

A good bench is going to be a staple item in building out your home gym. To give you the most versatility, most will want to first invest in an adjustable bench over a flat bench. In fact, 87% believe that an adjustable bench covers their “home gym needs,” while only 39% say that a flat bench does. In addition, you definitely don’t want to choose a cheap random bench that you’ll ultimately be laying on and potentially lifting hundreds of pounds on. The term “Buy Once Cry Once” is often used when talking about home gym equipment but may apply to benches more than any other item.

The REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench is a premium option that is about as impressive as it gets. This full incline bench is built like a tank and includes several little details that all add up to create a very nice bench for home gym owners or even those in a commercial gym setting. It’s beefy, versatile, simple to operate, easy on the eyes, and while the bench is an investment, it is priced competitively.

The Beef

Sometimes you look at a bench, and you may ask yourself, “Where’s the beef? I don’t want want to lift on that.”

That’s not the case with the AB-5200. This thing is rock solid, and when in use, there is absolutely no wiggle like you’ll find with cheaper adjustable bench options. It’s made with 11 to 7 gauge steel throughout and weighs about 125 pounds. It has a weight capacity of 1,000 lbs and the capability to handle people of all different sizes. This thing is built to last a while… Below is a breakout of dimensions:

The “gap” you’ll see above is 1.8.” However, it really isn’t that noticeable. There are 42″ between the edge of the “gap” and the top of the bench, so you do have the ability to slide up and completely avoid it for the flat bench unless you are taller than 6.5 feet (estimate). This also means that your head will always have support for any of the incline positions.

While many would like to have a dedicated flat bench, this will be enough for most people.

The pad is firm, grippy, and very comfortable. Overall, you’ll feel extremely secure when using this bench.

Versatility

This bench includes many angle adjustments, is easy to transport, and can be stored vertically, making it very versatile.

Angle Adjustments: This bench can be adjusted into seven different settings (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 85.) There are also 3 seat choices, so you’re comfortable in each position. It’s unlikely that you’d ever find yourself wanting more angle options.

It’s effortless to switch with the ladder design. It takes just a few seconds to raise or lower, unlike other benches that use a pop-pin to adjust.

Portable: While it’s not the smallest bench globally, it’s still straightforward to move around with a stainless steel handle in the back and wheels on the front.

Stores Vertically: This bench will also help you save on space. The unique design allows for it to be flipped up and stored away. When standing on its own, the bench feels pretty secure and would take a decent amount of force to bring it down. The bench below has been left in the position for days with no issue.

If your home gym is getting crowded, this is an excellent feature.

Wide Pad Add On

Here’s an additional reason to consider this bench it’s the same pad but wider (not thicker). The wide pad adds 2 inches to and some comfort to your heavy lifts. Outside of custom solutions, this seems to be the widest option available for adjustable benches available today. For the majority, this seems like an upgrade that is not absolutely necessary. The regular pad that is included is stout enough.

Nevertheless, this will eliminate some of that shoulder hang-off and increase support for certain lifts for many. It was also an easy replacement, and the old bench can be used for floor presses. Lastly, it costs $39.99 for the wide back or $75 with the seat pad, which is also a nice addition.

Other Details

• In general, it’s a beautiful bench. The red looks sharp, and there were no issues with the paint found. The stainless steel nameplate is another great feature. While there are a few scuffs, the red has held up well for several years.

• You can also get it in blue or black.

• Assembly was straightforward, taking only about 20 minutes.

• Just wanted to point out in here somewhere that it does not decline. REP has several premium FID benches, those are going to be at least $100 more expensive after adding the leg attachment. Therefore, if you don’t think the decline feature is going to be used often, it may not be worth it. They also do not include the easy to adjust ladder or wide pad option.

• The optional spotter platform is a nice addition, but not sure how much home gym owners would use it? It’s probably not worth the additional $89.99. It’s also not the easiest process to take on and off.

• This bench currently costs $499 (with free shipping). While it’s worth it for many, most may not be ready to make that type of investment. For those, we’d recommend the AB-3000, which is truthfully the #1 bench we’d recommend to most home gym owners. It will get the job done and is several hundred dollars less.

FIDAB-2 vs. REP AB-5200

This bench is very similar to the REP AB-5200, which has gained a reputation as one of the best benches someone can get for their home gym. The primary differences in these two benches are with the attachments. This FIDAB-2 adds the ability to add a decline option and dumbbell holders, while the Rep AB-5200 has a wide pad option (14 inches wide). Also, the back base on the FIDAB-2 is a bit wider, which makes it a tad more stable than the AB-5200 when standing up. Other than that, they are nearly identical without the logos.

If your bench selection is down to these options, which one should you get?

• Both are similarly priced, but the REP AB-5200 is probably going to be at least $100 cheaper after shipping and $200 with other attachments added. Get RXd only ships this via freight. Therefore, if no attachments are going to be considered, the AB-5200 will be the better option.

• If decline bench and other ab movements are important, go with the Get RXd option.

• The wide pad on the AB-5200 will eliminate some of that shoulder hang-off and increase support for certain lifts. Most will appreciate this while doing flat bench. This is an option that Get RXd does not currently offer. Therefore, if this attachment is more important than the decline feature, the AB-5200 would be the recommendation.

• The dumbbell rack is a nice feature and could probably be used as a second tiebreaker (after price) if you can’t decide which one of the attachment options above is more important.

The Rep AB-5200 is a Better Option For Most Than the Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0

Without question, the Rep AB-5200 and 2.0 from Rogue are two of the best options out there. However, the AB-5200 is a better option for most. Why?

• Neither are small, but the AB-5200 is several inches longer than the Rogue 2.0. This is especially helpful if you are over 6 feet tall.

• The AB-5200 is more comfortable. The pad is just a tad softer (and grippier) but still extremely firm. It’s also .75″ WIDER.

• The AB-5200 can be stored vertically, saving quite a bit of space when not in use. The 2.0 does not have this ability. For home gym owners, this is HUGE.

• 7 pad adjustments (5200) vs. 6 (2.0). The Rep includes a cage with the ladder design and also feels a bit smoother when adjusting.

• The 2.0 may be a litttttttle bit more stable, but the 5200 still has very little budge.

• The 5200 is $100 cheaper. It is not made in the USA while the Rogue one is though

• Both are phenomenal benches.

Conclusion

Rep Fitness is known for its high-value/quality benches, and this is just another example of that. It’s tough to find much to complain about here. The AB-5200 would be a nice addition to just about anyone’s gym with its versatility, ease of use, durability, and overall stoutness.

Intro

This Rackable Curl Bar from Rep Fitness is a beautiful piece of equipment, and it can be used more than just curls. The overall experience is much smoother with the ability to rack. With a rackable curl bar, loading weights is much easier, and it makes certain lifts like skull crushers, overhead press, and a close grip bench more comfortable. It’s unlikely that you’ll have a preacher curl laying around, and racking weight from the floor is not ideal, so it’s helpful to be able to have the ability to do this.

This Rackable Curl Bar is one of the premium curl bars available on the market today.

Let’s talk about it.

Key Specs include:

• The diameter of the bar is 30mm, which is 1mm larger than most power bars. It also includes a lighter knurl that feels similar to a standard multi-purpose barbell. The knurl is in the primary spots necessary, grippy, and feels solid in the hands. It may be beneficial to have some knurl added just on the outside for wider grip movements.

• It weighs 35 pounds, the length is 74″ and loadable sleeve lengths are 10″, which is enough room for quite a bit of weight. The distance between sleeves is 53.”

• The finish on this curl bar comes in either stainless steel or hard chrome. Why Hard Chrome? Because some of us are on a budget. There is a $100 difference between this option and the Stainless Steel one. The barbell shown in these pictures is the hard chrome option. In about 2 years, only a few spots of rust have formed.

• One needle bearing and bushing are included on each sleeve, which allows the bar to rotate easily. The overall rotation on the bar is smooth, and it does reduce some strain on your wrists.

• The angles are easy on the joints for multiple exercises.

Vs. Titan Rackable Curl Bar

Titan Fitness offers a more budget-friendly rackable curl bar ($40 cheaper + Free Shipping). It is a nice option, but the Titan version is not quite in the same class as this version from REP. The grip diameter, the distance between sleeves, and overall length are a bit smaller. There is also some “rattle” around the sleeves, which you don’t find on the REP option. The price variation between these two curl bars is valid, and the “overall value” seems about the same.

Conclusion

For home gym owners, it’s okay to curl in the squat rack because you are not taking up one of the precious spaces for others to actually squat. With so many benefits, this is an ideal upgrade for many, and is worth saving up rather than purchasing a traditional EZ curl bar that cannot be racked. This Rackable Curl Bar checks just about all of the boxes. It includes premium finish options, has a solid knurl, angles that are easy on the joints, has a smooth spin, and can be racked.

The Soft 3-in-1 Plyo Box from Rep Fitness is the best plyo box option for most home gym owners. This box is stable, has a grippy texture, is much easier on the joints than wooden boxes, will add a ton of versatility to your home gym, and is priced appropriately.

Let’s talk about it.

Versatility

There’s so much that can be done with a plyo box. It’s routinely used in CrossFit, HIIT, or other high-intensity workouts. It can also be an effective way to warm up. Typical movements include box jumps, box squats, step-ups, lateral stepovers, elevated push-ups, and Bulgarian split squats. These can be done with additional weight or just body weight. Therefore, a plyo box like this will add a ton of versatility to your gym.

There are three box size options. The one you’ll see in the pictures is your standard (30x24x20). This is what you’ll typically find in CrossFit gyms. Two other sizes are available too – Medium (24x20x16) and small (20x18x16).

Stable and Comfortable

Have you ever fallen when doing a box jump on a hard plyo box? It hurts. Have you ever scraped your shin when doing the same? It also hurts 🤬! This can happen when you are dead tired and trying to jump onto a box or just learning how to. Situations like these are why many choose soft plyo boxes as opposed to wooden ones. However, this is not your typical “soft” plyo box.

This Rep Plyo Box is a combination of wood and a dense foam pad outside for comfort. There may be a slight rock if you land on edge, but you really do not need to fear this box tipping over. It feels just about as steady as a wooden plyo box. The large box weighs 58 pounds and is extremely stable. With a 400 lb capacity, this box can handle most sized people as well.

With the wood inside the foam, it’s much more stable than some other soft options (for example, Titan and Bells of Steel).

Not only does the soft pad helps protect from scrapes when falling, but it’s a much more comfortable surface to land on. Shin splints and foot pain are much less likely to happen after using this than a wooden option.

Texture & Durability

The box is layered in a “non-slip textured vinyl cover.” It’s grippy and helps to ensure that your feet do not slide. Unlike wooden boxes, it’s relatively sweat-resistant as well, so it doesn’t get slippery as easily, which can be dangerous.

Price

There are three different sizes, but the standard one is the “large.” The 30x24x20 inch box costs $199.99. This is about the “average” price of a soft plyo box. There are more expensive and cheaper ones, but this would probably take the title of “best overall value.”

Conclusion

In the end, this is an excellent plyo box for the price. Whether you are a CrossFitter or not, this would make a strong addition to just about anyone’s home gym. It’s an excellent cardio option, built solidly, safer than most wood options, and the price isn’t bad. The Rep 3 in 1 Soft Plyo Box is an easy recommendation for anyone considering one.

The PR-1100 from Rep Fitness is an excellent option for anyone needing a power rack without wanting to spend their yearly gym allowance on a single item. It’s built with high quality, and many features make it nearly impossible to beat for the price. The PR-1100 may be the best power rack that you can get for under $300.

This review will discuss the 1000 Series from Rep, specs of the PR-1100, assembly process, attachment options, and where it may fall short. 

1000-Series Rack

REP’s budget line of power racks is their 1000 series, and they feature 3 options. The options are very similar, with a few differences. If the height is an issue, check out the REP 1050, labeled the “Short Home Gym Rack.” It is 72” tall and perfect if you are limited in height in your gym space. If you have the height in your space, check out the PR 1100 and the PR 1000. Both are priced under $300, have a similar footprint, and use 2”x2” uprights with 1” holes and 14 gauge steel. The difference is the hole spacing and the multi-grip pull-up bar. The PR 1000 uses 2” hole spacing and comes with the straight pull up bar. The PR 1100 has a multi-grip pull-up bar but has 3” hole spacing. For the 2” hole spacing, it will cost you an extra $20. Whatever you decide, these are arguably the best power racks you can get for the price. For this review, we will focus on the PR 1100, but keep in mind the subtle difference between these three.

Specs

The overall footprint of this power rack is 84″ tall (top of pull-up bar) x 48″ wide x 47.5″ deep. You can also save a few inches of height if you mount the pull-up bar upside down. The interior area is just a tad smaller (79″ x 44″ x 45.5″).  It is plenty of room for most to squat in. Overall, it doesn’t take up too much space, making it an excellent option for those working with limited areas. Plus, you can get a colored option (red, blue, silver, metallic black) to add some flair!

Included Features

Multi-Grip Pull-Up “Arch:“ The pull-up bar includes a standard size bar in front, a thicker one in the back (or vice-versa if depending on installation), and then a neutral grip option for even more variability. You might experience some wobble when using the pull-up bar, depending on your size, but you can limit this by adding a bar with some plates to it on the back. In general, it feels sturdy, and a multi-grip pull-up option adds even more versatility to the power rack, especially if you have a pair of rings or bands to attach to it. The pull-up bar is rated with a capacity of 400 pounds.

Numbered Uprights: Numbered uprights are always a perk. It takes out the guessing you might have to do when setting up your j-cups or safety bars. The REP PR 1100 uses laser-cut numbered uprights for holes 1, 5, 10, and 15. There are 20 total holes, and it is easy enough to count from the numbered holes to make sure everything is in line. The laser-cut numbers give you a quality, clean look and won’t peel off or scuff as stickers would. The 1” holes are all spaced 3” apart (or 2” on the PR 1000); this rack does not use the now-popular ‘Westside spacing.’

J-Cups: The j-cups are lined with 3 pieces of UHMW plastic to protect the barbell knurl and eliminate noise when racking and re-racking. The UHMW is screwed into the j-cup with a single screw. This means the plastic will turn in the j-cup. Not a big deal, but a slight annoyance. The j-cup weight capacity is stated at 1,000 pounds.

Safety Arms: Also, the safety bars are chrome plated and easy to move in and out. They use a ‘twist-in safety setting instead of a linchpin, which makes adjustments quick and easy.

Assembly

Assembly was quick and easy. It can be put together in under an hour by just one person. It’s easily manageable with a single person, but with most things, you could cut the time nearly in half with a second set of hands. REP includes two wrenches which are pretty standard to any self-assembly item. Using just those wrenches would be less than ideal. Having a socket wrench makes the process easier, and a power drill would shed some time off assembly. All parts are bolted together with washers, nuts, and bolts. The rack weighs 130 pounds and can be moved from one spot in the gym to another relatively easily.

Large Rack Attachments

REP 1000 Series Weight Storage:

The 1000 series weight storage upgrade/attachment turns any of the 4-post 1000 series racks into 6-post racks. The added 2 posts are about 5 inches shorter than your original 4 posts (at least for the 1100 and 1000). Two short feet bolt into the bottom of the rack, and two longer arms clamp onto the top of the rack. Down each arm holds 4-2” Olympic plate holders18” apart; plenty of room to hold bumper plates on each arm (bumper plates are 17.5” diameter; standard). You can access the plate holders from the outside of the rack, while 2 barbell holders (one on each side) sit inside the rack attachment. The empty rack attachment adds some extra stability, but the rack’s stability is significant when it is filled with plates. This attachment does take up an additional 5.5 sq/ft of floor space, but in that floor space, you now can store 2 barbells and a full set of plates. This is a great option if storage is an issue you face. The attachment is currently priced at $149, which is a great price for what you get.

REP 1000 Series Lat and Row Attachment

This versatile attachment is only an option for the 1000 and 1100 series racks. It is connected with a single post at the bottom (which wraps under the rack and bolts in) and a single post that connects to the top of the rack. The top and bottom posts are made from the same 14 gauge 2”x2” steel that makes up the rack. Running between the top and bottom post is a chrome 2”x2” post that the plate loader fits over and slides up and down on. The instructions are a bit difficult to follow (a small labeled picture that is difficult to see), but it did not take much effort or time to make sense of the instructions and complete the installation. This attachment requires an extra 21” behind the original footprint of the rack (that includes the space needed for an Olympic sized plate), and from the floor stands 85 ⅛” from the ground; that’s about an inch taller than the multi-grip pull up bar installed at its tallest. The attachment comes with a wide grip lat-pulldown bar, which has a rubber grip on the outside grip and a knurl on the inside steel. It also comes with a short straight bar. The straight bar does not have a bearing. It also comes with 2 spring clips.

The ‘single-post design for a cable system (meaning the plate loader moving up and down a 2”x2” post) is not as smooth as a cable system that uses 2 thin rods like the REP PR 4000 and 5000 Lat and Low Row attachment; or Titan Seated Lat Pull-Down. Those are also $350 attachments for racks that are more than double the cost of the 1000 series racks. That being said, the Lat/Low Row Attachment for the 1000 series racks is a great addition. The plate-loaded option for the ‘single post needs to be loaded evenly on each side. If you don’t, you will feel friction when you pull. When you factor in the price ($179 at the time of this article), you can’t beat it.

Other Add Ons

The PR 1100 squat rack comes with a pair of j-cups*, a pair of chrome plated safety bars*, and the multi-grip pull-up bar*. REP does offer additional add-ons, like:

• Lat-pulldown/Low-row cable attachment (see above)
• 2-post weight storage (see above)
  • It comes with 8 weight horns are 2 bar holders
• Weight horns for plate storage
• Dip attachment
• Landmine attachment

REP’s Budget Rack; Where it might fall short:

REP knows what they are offering. This is a full rack with great attachments, and the price is almost unbelievable. As worded by REP: ‘Max your lifts – not your credit card.’ They offer other power rack options that are beefier and give you more attachment options, but you have to pay them. Below are some things to consider when wondering if this rack is for you.

• Re-racking Heavy Weight: If you are someone who lifts heavy and you drive the bar back into the j-cups when re-racking a bench, or you lean hard into the j-cups when re-racking a heavy squat, the rack may give a slight tip. The PR 1100 does not give you a bolt-down option to secure the rack to the floor. A back-of-the-rack attachment (like the extra storage attachment or pulley system) does provide additional support, especially if you have the weight storage system and it is loaded with plates.

• No bolt-down option: This is referenced above. This rack does not allow you to bolt it into the floor, giving you less stability than a rack that would bolt down into the floor. You may have less stability, but the rack can be easily moved or repositioned on the flip side.

• Limited Attachments: You are only given 1 j-cup option and 1 safety bar option for this rack. Other REP racks give you multiple j-cup options, safety options like safety straps, spotter arms for the outside of the rack, and different safety bar options. That being said, both Titan Fitness and Valor offer rack add-ons for 2”x2” uprights and 1” holes.

Upgrade Option from REP

All of the areas where the PR-1100 comes up short, can be solved by upgrading to one of REP’s more premium options such as the OMNI Rack, which does include more attachments and a more stable base that does not need to be bolted down. Read the review here. With that being said, this PR-1100 will cost about a third of the most basic OMNI setup.

Conclusion

To conclude, this is probably the best power rack that you’ll find in this price range. Shipping is not the cheapest, but it’s still priced incredibly well. While there are others out there with more features (for more $$$), it’s an excellent option for most home gym owners. It is not too good to be true, like many may believe when first looking at the price. Whether you are looking to upgrade from a squat rack or want your first for the home gym, you should feel confident about ordering the PR-1100 from Rep Fitness. 

Slam balls are an underrated tool and something that more home gym owners should ABSOLUTELY consider. You can slam them, carry them, toss them, hold them, etc. They are extremely versatile and would be a dynamic addition to many home gyms where they can be fully taken advantage of. They’re an exceptional option for those looking to improve their coordination, overall athleticism, explosiveness, and endurance. It’s also nice to have another tool in the arsenal to keep workouts fresh.

What are they? Slam balls are made with a thick outer shell and filled with sand. An air valve helps prevent them from bursting by relieving pressure. Therefore, they can take a beating. This separates them from “most” medicine balls, which are not meant to be slammed to the ground over and over. In addition, with a dead bounce, the weight is not going to roll away if tossed.

Compared to sandbags, other than the outside texture, the primary difference is that you do not have to fill them yourself with sand. This is much more convenient. Sandbags can reach a much heavier weight, though.

What can you do with slam balls?

• Many typical movements you’d do with a medicine ball like Russian Twists, rolling (1 arm on top of the ball), push-ups, lunges, thrusters, goblet squats, etc. They are not great for something like wall balls because of the dead bounce.

• Slam balls can hit the ground hard, so you have the ability to do many other options like “slams,” where you lift above the shoulders and slam as hard as you can to the ground. Plus, you can throw it in several different ways without fear of doing any damage to the ground or ball itself.

The slam balls highlighted here from REP are an easy recommendation. There isn’t much more info you need other than they are durable, easy to grip, and overall high quality. The shifting sand within forces you to keep a tight core and makes movements a tad more challenging. REP also backs this with a 1-year warranty.

The price ranges from $15 for a 5 lb. ball to $85 for a 70 lb. ball. This is much cheaper than the Rogue Echo Slam Ball, which starts at $35 for the 10 lb. $109 for a 50 pounder. Neither the Rogue nor REP option is made in the USA. What would be nice is a “set option,” like you see with dumbbells or kettlebells. However, right now, you have to individuals.

What else is good to know?

• With a wide range of sizes, these are tools that just about anyone can benefit from. In addition, it can help many train for their specific sport. Whether a powerlifter, CrossFitter, or training for a specific sport like football, many can benefit from the movements that can be accomplished with a slam ball.

• With shipping charges, it’s not ideal to buy just one. For it to be worth it, you may need to add it on to an additional order or purchase multiple. Just a heads up.

• 70 lbs is the max weight offered. This feels MUCH HEAVIER than lifting a 70 lb dumbbell or barbell, which is easier to grab. However, it would be nice for many to have heavier options. A portion of the population would definitely benefit from doing heavier carries, throws, and deadlifts 💪💪💪.

• Chalk does help your grip during the high intense where your hands lose grip.

• Slamming a med ball to the ground is not silent. It does have a “pop” to it, but it’s not as loud as iron clanging to the ground.

• They are an excellent option to take outside.

In the end, slam balls are one of the most underrated tools someone can have in their home gym. They are a nice change of pace from barbells and have the ability to really get your heart rate pumping. This option from REP Fitness is as good as it gets in terms of value.

Every home gym needs at least one kettlebell! There is so much that you can do with them and they can easily be stored on a shelf or corner of the gym, not taking much space. Kettlebells are also one of a few different types of equipment you can take inside if conditions are not ideal in the garage or easily thrown in the car if traveling. Rep Fitness makes an excellent kettlebell and their price is one of the lowest you’ll find. Without question, they are one of the best value kettlebells available today.

Let’s start with the basics. The Rep Kettlebell sits flat on the floor and the weight is distributed evenly. Since it is well-balanced, the bell moves fluidly with all exercises. The matte black textured finish is a solid option in the home gym. It is not slick and will help to keep rust away. For the most part, you won’t need to use chalk, but it does pair well with it during those humid days. Overall, it’s easy to grip and not going to rip up your hands.

In addition, the price is very favorable. Most of the bells are going to cost a little more than a dollar a pound. This is definitely on the lower end of pricing. At this time, Rep offers kettlebells from 1 kg ($9.99) to 48 kg’s ($119). You can save even more if you purchase a package. For example, a set that includes an 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 kg is $209. That’s a really good deal!

A few other features to note:

• Color coded handles, which follow international kettlebell standards
• Kilogram and pound markings
• Single cast gravity design which helps ensure that each kettlebell is well-made, even, and durable. There is only one type of iron being used.

In conclusion, these are some of the best “bang for your buck” kettlebells out there. It’s not the fanciest kettlebell in the world, but they are solidly constructed and durable. They will get the job done. In addition, the price is very tough to beat. Rep Fitness Kettlebells would be a great addition to any home gym.

Most dumbbells include an ergonomic, somewhat knurled handle, but there are also a few dumbbell options (like Rep Fitness) where the shaft includes a fixed diameter and is fully knurled. On an Instagram post, it was asked what your handle preference was? The overwhelming majority was for the fully knurled option, which is what you’d find in most commercial settings. We’d have to agree.

• Overall, they are easier to keep a firm grip, which is especially important during heavier sets. There is less slippage, which means you won’t need to set down as much when that happens.
• Even when doing movements like DB cleans or snatches, it’s easier to grip and rip, with less concern of losing control.
• While the knurl may be different, it may take some getting used to those used to the other option.