The Complete Power Rack Guide

From compact squat stands to modular six-post monsters — this is how you choose the perfect Bells of Steel rack that will fit your space, goals, and budget.

Ready to choose your rack? Nah, I'm still confused

Three Series. Zero Guesswork.

Every Bells of Steel rack falls into one of three series. Here's what makes each one unique.

Hydra Series
True 3x3 5/8

Pros

  • Compatible with most major brands
  • Fully modular start small, expand later
  • Fine-tune J-cup height with 1" hole spacing
  • Mid-tier pricing, premium performance

Cons

    • 5/8" holes require thinner pins (can be fiddly)
    • Not every hole is numbered
    • Manticore attachments will not fit (but Hydra attachments work on Manticore)

Best For:

Most home gym owners. Serious lifters who want flexibility without premium pricing.

Compatibility

Manticore Attachments Don't Fit Hydra - but Hydra attachments Fit Manticore

60x60 Series
60x60mm Pre-Configured

Pros

  • Lowest price point
  • Pre-configured for fast checkout
  • Strong enough for serious lifting

Cons

    • Limited attachment compatibility (60mm is uncommon)
    • More vibration under heavy loads
    • No step-by-step builder

Best For:

Beginners or lifters on a tight budget who want reliable equipment without customization.

Compatibility

The 60x60 tubing is uncommon, but locks to all BOS gear.

Manticore Series
True 3x3 1”

Pros

  • Every hole is numbered for easy setup
  • Mag pins and UHMW attachments included
  • Keyhole design = drop-in attachment placement
  • Premium look and feel

Cons

    • Higher cost (rack and attachments)
    • 1" hardware is less common and pricier
    • 2" hole spacing (less granular J-cup adjustment)

Best For:

Lifters who want the best, prioritize ease of use, and plan to invest in attachments over time.

Compatibility

Manticore Attachments Don’t Fit Hydra - but Hydra attachments Fit Manticore

READY TO CHOOSE YOUR RACK?

Squat Stands

Best For: Experienced lifters who know how to bail safely

Footprint: Smallest


Safety: External spotter arms only (60x60 version has no safety)

Pros:

  • Minimal Space Required
  • Easy to move
  • Lowest cost

Cons:

  • No built-in safety (beginners should avoid 60x60 version)
  • Less stable
  • Tippy under heavy loads

Half Racks

Best For: Small garages with some wall space

Footprint: Compact

Safety: Moderate—typically squat/bench outside the rack

Pros:

  • More stable than squat stands
  • Plate storage included
  • Room for rack pulls

Cons:

  • No full enclosure
  • Less safe than 4-post

4-Post Power Racks

Best For: Most home gym owners

Footprint: Medium-Large

Safety: Full cage—train inside with confidence

Pros:

  • Full safety cage
  • Maximum attachment support
  • Can add spotter arms for dip station
  • Available in flat-foot (no bolting) or standard (bolt-down)

Cons:

  • Larger footprint
  • Flat-foot models add height
  • Standard models must be bolted

Note: Flat-foot models are more stable without bolting but reduce ceiling clearance.


6-Post Racks

Best For: Families, training partners, or dedicated gym rooms

Footprint: Large

Safety: Full cage + storage zone

Pros:

  • Built-in plate and bar storage
  • Three lifting zones (front, middle, back)
  • Commercial-quality feel

Cons:

  • Requires significant space
  • Higher cost
  • Longer assembly

Folding Racks

Best For: Garages where you park, or multi-use spaces

Footprint: Folds flush to wall

Safety: Train outside the rack

Pros:

  • Space-saving magic
  • Available in 2-post or 4-post
  • Wall-mounted stability

Cons:

  • Must mount to studs (intensive install)
  • Setup/teardown friction
  • No inside squatting (2-post model)

SEE YOUR SETUP

Skip the guesswork and see your rack setup before you buy.

Our 3D Home Gym Planner lets you map your exact room, drop in racks, benches, and machines, and visualize your layout from every angle.

Play, tweak, and perfect your design until it fits your space—and your training—flawlessly.

Watch The How-To Guide START USING THE PLANNER

5 Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Choosing a power rack isn't just about specs. These five questions will help you cut through the options and zero in on the rack that works for your space, budget, and goals. We ask every customer these same questions in our showroom, and they make all the difference.

1. What's Your Budget?

Be realistic. A basic rack starts around $400. A fully loaded 6-post system can hit $3,000+. Remember: you can start small with Hydra/Manticore and expand over time. Think long-term—a quality rack is an investment that pays dividends in consistency and convenience.

2. What's Your Ceiling Height?

Height is the #1 constraint in home gyms. Most popular: 84" and 90" racks. Measure twice, order once. Don't forget: flat-foot models add 3-4" of height. Pro tip: Account for the pull-up bar and any overhead movements you plan to do.

3. What's Your Depth?

Most popular: 30" and 43" depth. Consider:

  • Will you squat inside or outside?
  • Do you want storage behind the rack?
  • Is this going against a wall?
  • Do you need room for benching with a full range of motion?

4. Who's Using It?

Solo lifter? A squat stand might work. Training with a partner or family? Consider a 6-post or two separate stations. If multiple people will use the rack, think about different height requirements and whether you need multiple J-cup positions set up simultaneously.

5. What's Your Training Style?

  • Powerlifting: Full cage, numbered holes, stability—you need confidence under max loads
  • Olympic lifting: Shorter depth for easy walkouts, open front for dropping bars
  • Bodybuilding/General Fitness: Attachments matter—cable systems, dip bars, landmine posts, etc.
  • Family Training: Versatility is key—multiple stations or easily adjustable heights

Builder Racks

We've done the work—popular configurations ready to ship.

SHOP Manticore Racks

Expert-selected componentes

Still have questions?

Don't let unanswered questions stop you from building the gym you deserve. Here's what you need to know.

We're here to help. No question is too small, no gym is too weird.

Can I expand my rack later?

Yes—Hydra and Manticore series are fully modular. Start with a squat stand, upgrade to a 4-post, then add a 6-post extension.

Do I need to bolt my rack down?

Flat-foot models don't require bolting (but are more stable if bolted). Standard 4-post racks should be bolted for safety.

What attachments work with my rack?

  • 60x60: Bells of Steel attachments only
  • Hydra: Universal 3x3" with 5/8" holes
  • Manticore: Universal 3x3"—accepts both 5/8" and 1" attachments

What if I don't know what to choose?

Book a virtual showroom tour. Our team will walk you through options via video call. Or call/email us—we're home gym nerds and happy to help.

Do you have Mag Pins?

Mag pins come standard with Manticore. Available as upgrades for Hydra and 60x60 series. Highly recommended—they're a game-changer.

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