Squat Racks (Pt. 1/2) – Half Racks Focus

For this week and next week we will talk about the two main types of squat racks, being half racks and full racks. We have talked previously about some specific racks, and will highlight more specific ones in the future, but wanted to have a couple posts that talk about these racks from a general perspective.

So, what makes it a half rack? Half rack means that you squat off the front of the rack instead of inside of the rack (which would be a full rack). Technically, a half rack should have a set of supporting posts behind it (as shown in the first 1st picture). If it does not (the 2nd picture), then technically it is a squat stand. For the purposes of this post we will talk about these interchangeably.

From the standpoint of my customers it seems very mixed on whether half racks or full racks are the go to options. Ive seen short people to tall people and strongman competitors to junior lifters choose both options. Because there are so many different styles, color combos, etc. out there for both racks, you really can find something that fits your desires, no matter what those desires are.

That being said, there are a four key decision points that tend to sway someone towards the half rack. They are:

1) Footprint. Generally speaking, the half racks half a smaller footprint than the full racks

2) Cost. Most half racks are cheaper than full racks (especially when you are comparing the same brand). Makes sense when you consider they generally have less material in them

3) Use case. What I mean by this is what is the setting/purpose of having this rack. If someone is looking to get only one piece of equipment that has everything (pulley system, dip attachment, etc.) they generally do NOT choose a half rack as it is easier to get more functionality with a full rack. If this is going to be one of a few pieces in the gym, then it is less of a factor

4) “Safety”. I put this in quotes because this one can be quite a debate. Here’s the facts of the matter. The half racks have safety catches, but, since you’re squatting in front of the rack, technically speaking you could fall too far away from the rack and miss the safety catches. With a full rack that is not possible. That being said, the likelihood of that is low, but it is still a possibility.

So, with all of that being said, what does JEV use? Both! I personally love the half racks and will always have one in my gym. I like having the open setup with longer safety arms better than the full rack personally. I got a full rack because I wanted two squat cages and I wanted the second unit to be one that had everything (cable systems, dips, etc.). This way I can have a buddy over to lift and not have to worry about spotting them, they can have their own cables, etc.

Tune in next week for the full rack feature!