Originally Posted by
Logan1
Eleitefts, Rogue, Sorinex and Texas Strength Systems, all of which use 11-gauge steel and at least 2x3” uprights, do not add a floor level brace to their racks. Of the companies I considered when purchasing a rack, I believe only Titan sells a rack with 12-gauge steel. Although I knew there are some companies that used 14-gauge steel, I was surprised that Fringe Fitness sells one with 16-gauge steel.
Different manufacturers may rate capacity differently. For example, Titan states that the total capacity of the X-3 flat foot is 6170 pounds and the rackable capacity is 1650 pounds. For consistency, I am using Titan’s rackable numbers.
Titan’s X-3 flat foot with 11-gauge 3x3” uprights is rated at 1650 pounds. The T-3 with 11-gauge 2x3” uprights is rated at 1100 pounds. The T-2 with 12-gauge 2x2” uprights and an additional floor brace is rated at 850 pounds. Using the same methodology, what would the rackable capacity be for a 16-gauge 2x2” Fringe Fitness rack?
It’s a bit unusual for someone who bought a rack with 16-gauge 2x2” steel to argue that a 11-gauge 3x3” rack is unsafe without an additional support. Does anyone seriously believe that a rack whose main difference between it and the T-2 (with a rackable capacity of 850 pounds) is the use of much thinner steel is a safer option than the X-3 (which has a rackable capacity of 1650 pounds) or the 390F?
When gyms were closed and equipment was hard to get, I understand why someone might have purchased a rack with 12-gauge or 14-gauge steel. Now that here is ample availability, isn’t it time for serious lifters to avoid racks made from thinner steel and to only consider those racks which are not only safe when one is starting out but suitable for intermediate and advance lifters?