AOKNV Power Cage Review: Can This 1200 lb Squat Rack Transform Your Garage Gym?
The AOKNV Power Cage offers solid basics for $249 with 1200 lb capacity and essential safety features. It lacks Smith bar and cables, making it best for budget-focused lifters doing traditional barbell exercises.
Check Price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Key Specifications
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
The 1200 lb capacity and adjustable height (8.7" to 71.7") support diverse training. However, it lacks a Smith bar and cable system, limiting exercise variety for comprehensive home gym setups.
The 1200 lb weight capacity meets intermediate powerlifting needs with safety arms and J-cups for compound lifts. The 2"x2" frame with 1.8mm thickness is adequate but not heavy-duty for advanced lifters exceeding 1500+ lb requirements.
The 45.6" x 44.3" footprint (14 sq ft) is compact, but the 77.3" height may not fit apartments with standard 96" ceilings when accounting for bar clearance. No plate storage reduces space efficiency.
Safety arms and J-cups provide protection for new lifters, but the absence of a Smith bar eliminates guided bar path assistance critical for rehabilitation and learning proper form. No counterbalanced bar means full Olympic bar weight (45 lbs) as starting resistance.
This is a basic power rack, not an all-in-one gym. It lacks cable crossover, lat pulldown, low row, dip station, leg developer, and Smith bar. Limited to free weight exercises with pull-up bar only.
This residential-grade equipment lacks commercial durability features, has no Smith bar for guided movements, and the 1200 lb capacity is insufficient for heavy commercial use. The 2"x2" frame is undersized for high-traffic environments.
Our Verdict
The AOKNV Power Cage delivers basic squat rack functionality at $249. You get 1200 lb capacity, safety arms, J-cups, and a pull-up bar. This covers the essentials for barbell training.
The 2 inch by 2 inch steel frame with 1.8mm thickness supports intermediate lifters. The adjustable height spans 8.7 to 71.7 inches across 8 gear positions. This range accommodates most body types and exercise variations.
The 45.6 by 44.3 inch footprint saves floor space. However, the 77.3 inch height needs ceilings over 90 inches for safe bar clearance. Measure your space before buying.
This rack lacks a Smith bar for guided movements. No cable system means you miss pulldowns, rows, and crossover exercises. You only get free weight barbell and pull-up training options.
The price of $249 translates to $0.21 per pound of capacity. This beats racks costing $500 to $800 with similar specs. You save money but sacrifice versatility.
You need to buy Olympic barbell, weight plates, and collars separately. The rack includes barbell storage but no plate pegs. Budget extra for these essential items.
This power cage works for home users focused on squats, bench press, and overhead press. Powerlifters exceeding 1200 lbs need heavier equipment. Beginners wanting guided movements should choose Smith machines instead.
The 82.72 lb unit weight allows two people to assemble and move it. Steel construction ensures stability during lifts. The value matches users training 3 to 5 days weekly.
What We Like
- 1200 lb weight capacity handles intermediate to advanced strength training safely
- Adjustable height from 8.7 inches to 71.7 inches accommodates users from 5 feet to over 6 feet tall
- Compact 14 square foot footprint (45.6" x 44.3") fits small home gym spaces
- Includes safety arms, J-cups, barbell protection stands, and pull-up bar for essential lifting exercises
- Price of $249 delivers strong value at $0.21 per pound of capacity
What Could Be Better
- No Smith bar means you cannot do guided barbell exercises for safer solo training
- Missing cable crossover system eliminates over 50 functional training exercises like flyes and rows
- 77.3 inch height requires 90+ inch ceilings, limiting use in basements or low-ceiling spaces
- No weight plate storage pegs force you to store plates separately on the floor
- 2 inch by 2 inch frame tubes are smaller than 3 inch by 3 inch standard for heavy-duty racks
Full Specifications
Dimensions
| Height | 77.3" |
| Length | 45.6" |
| Width | 44.3" |
| Footprint | 14.0 sq ft |
| Weight | 82.72 lbs |
Build Quality
| Commercial Grade | No |
| Linear Bearings | No |
Movement System
| Smith Bar | Not Included |
| Bar Path | Vertical |
| Counterbalanced Bar | No |
Features
Included Features
Not Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Power Cage, 1200 Pounds Multi-Functional Home Gym Squat Rack, 2 "X 2" 1.8mm Thickened Steel Pipe Square Frame with 2 Barbell Protection Stands And 2 Barbell Stands, Adjust Gears 8.7 "to 71.7"
What is the weight capacity of this power cage?
The AOKNV Power Cage supports 1200 pounds total. This capacity covers most home gym lifting including squats, bench press, and overhead press for intermediate to advanced users.
Does this rack include a Smith machine bar?
No, this is a traditional power cage without a Smith bar. You perform free weight barbell exercises only. You need to purchase an Olympic barbell separately.
What are the dimensions and will it fit in my space?
The rack measures 45.6 inches long, 44.3 inches wide, and 77.3 inches tall. You need at least 90 inch ceilings for safe use with an Olympic barbell. The footprint is 14 square feet.
What safety features does this power cage have?
It includes adjustable safety arms and J-cups for catching the barbell during failed lifts. The height adjusts from 8.7 to 71.7 inches across multiple positions. It also has two barbell protection stands.
Can I do cable exercises on this rack?
No, this power cage has no cable system. You cannot do lat pulldowns, cable rows, or crossover exercises. It supports free weight barbell training and pull-ups only.
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
The 1200 lb capacity and adjustable height (8.7" to 71.7") support diverse training. However, it lacks a Smith bar and cable system, limiting exercise variety for comprehensive home gym setups.
The 1200 lb weight capacity meets intermediate powerlifting needs with safety arms and J-cups for compound lifts. The 2"x2" frame with 1.8mm thickness is adequate but not heavy-duty for advanced lifters exceeding 1500+ lb requirements.
The 45.6" x 44.3" footprint (14 sq ft) is compact, but the 77.3" height may not fit apartments with standard 96" ceilings when accounting for bar clearance. No plate storage reduces space efficiency.
Safety arms and J-cups provide protection for new lifters, but the absence of a Smith bar eliminates guided bar path assistance critical for rehabilitation and learning proper form. No counterbalanced bar means full Olympic bar weight (45 lbs) as starting resistance.
This is a basic power rack, not an all-in-one gym. It lacks cable crossover, lat pulldown, low row, dip station, leg developer, and Smith bar. Limited to free weight exercises with pull-up bar only.
This residential-grade equipment lacks commercial durability features, has no Smith bar for guided movements, and the 1200 lb capacity is insufficient for heavy commercial use. The 2"x2" frame is undersized for high-traffic environments.
Scores
Check current price and availability
Check Price on AmazonMore from AOKNV
See All →
2 "X 2" 1.8mm Thickened Steel Pipe Square Power Cage, 1200 Pounds Multi-Functional Home Gym Squat Rack with 2 Barbell Protection Stands and 2 Barbell Stands, 14 Adjustment Gears (red)
Power cage, 1200 pounds Multi-Functional Home Gym Squat Rack, 2 "X 2" 1.8mm Thickened Steel Pipe Square Frame with 2 Barbell Protection Stands and 2 Barbell Stands, 14 Adjustment Gears (red)
2 "X 2" 1.8mm Thickened Steel Pipe Square Power Cage, 1200 Pounds Multi-Functional Home Gym Squat Rack with 2 Barbell Protection Stands and 2 Barbell Stands, Adjust Gears 8.7 "To 71.7" (red)
Power Cage, 1200 Pounds Multi-Functional Home Gym Squat Rack, 2 "X 2" 1.8mm Thickened Steel Pipe Square Frame with 2 Barbell Protection Stands And 2 Barbell Stands, Adjust Gears 8.7 "to 71.7" (red)
Ready to buy the AOKNV AOKNV Squat Rack?
Check the latest price and availability on Amazon. Free shipping available on eligible orders.
Check Price on Amazon