Max Racks

[campersand]

Rip, I'm interested in your (and other knowledgeable board members') opinion on these things: http://www.startracusa.com/pc-14-2-max-rack.aspx

They're basically power racks with smith-like rails that move forward and backward. I know you don't approve 'cause I remember reading a video critique you did of someone squatting on one of these. But if you could elaborate on what exactly you don't like about them, I'd appreciate it.

The reason I ask is that my college just got a new rec center and this is the only rack it has. I was really disappointed but tried it today and, to my surprise, it felt pretty damn similar to doing real squats.

[Mark Rippetoe]

Aside from the obvious bar control issues, I object to a $3500.00 item when a $500.00 item replaces it and works better.

[AHolts]

If the "MaxRack" at your school is like the picture on your link, it seems that there is an open set of pins on the vertical posts opposite the locked in bar. So just use a regular olympic bar and you have a perfectly useful power rack, or at least a better alternative.

[elVarouza]

Like a normal smith machine it stabilizes the bar for you. It sucks for the exact same reason.

[campersand]

If the "MaxRack" at your school is like the picture on your link, it seems that there is an open set of pins on the vertical posts opposite the locked in bar. So just use a regular olympic bar and you have a perfectly useful power rack, or at least a better alternative.

Yeah, I tried that but the the posts are too wide to hold a regular bar. So STUPID! The good news is I found out today that they're getting a real squat rack soon.