AOKNV Squat Rack Power Cage Review: Can It Handle 1200 Pounds in Your Home Gym?
This $215 power cage offers solid basic construction and 1200 lb capacity for budget home gyms. Missing safety arms and Smith bar limit its appeal for serious lifters who need maximum security and exercise variety.
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Key Specifications
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
The 1200 lb capacity, pull-up bar, and weight plate storage provide solid training options at $215. However, the lack of cable system and limited attachments reduce versatility for comprehensive home gym training.
The 1200 lb weight capacity and 1.8mm thickened 2x2 inch steel frame support heavy compound lifts. Missing safety arms is a significant drawback for solo powerlifting sessions.
The 45.6 x 44.3 inch footprint (14 sq ft) is compact at 77.3 inches tall. However, at 82.72 lbs, moving it in tight spaces may be challenging without wheels or disassembly features.
The J-cups and 14 adjustment positions allow progressive training customization. The absence of a Smith bar with guided vertical movement and safety arms significantly limits safe solo training for beginners.
This power cage focuses on free weight exercises with pull-up bar and plate storage. Missing cable crossover, dip station, lat pulldown, and other attachments severely limit exercise variety compared to true all-in-one systems.
The 1200 lb capacity and residential-use design fall short of commercial durability standards. The 2x2 inch frame with 1.8mm thickness lacks the heavy-duty construction commercial gyms require.
Our Verdict
The AOKNV power cage delivers basic strength training at an entry-level price. You get a 1200 lb capacity rack with pull-up bar and plate storage for $215. This covers fundamental barbell exercises without breaking your budget.
The 2x2 inch steel frame with 1.8mm wall thickness handles moderate home gym training. The 14 adjustment gears let you position bars for squats, bench press, and overhead work. Multi-grip pull-up options add bodyweight training variety.
Missing safety arms creates risk during heavy solo lifting sessions. You rely only on the barbell protection stands and J-cups for security. Serious powerlifters need independent safety catches for maximum weight attempts.
The absence of a Smith bar removes guided movement patterns entirely. This is a traditional power rack, not a Smith machine. You perform all lifts with free weight barbells on an unrestricted path.
No cable system, dip station, or additional attachments limit exercise variety. You get barbell movements and pull-ups only. Other machines in this price range sometimes include more training options.
The 14 square foot footprint fits most home gyms easily. The 77.3 inch height requires standard 8-foot ceilings minimum. Weight plate storage keeps your floor space organized and accessible.
At $215, you pay just $0.18 per pound of weight capacity. This exceptional value suits budget-conscious lifters starting their home gym. You sacrifice features but gain affordable access to compound lifting.
What We Like
- Costs only $215, making it very affordable for a power cage with 1200 lb capacity
- The 2x2 inch steel frame with 1.8mm thickness provides solid construction for home use
- Includes 14 adjustment positions for customizing bar height across different exercises
- Features multi-grip pull-up bar for varying grip widths and training angles
- Has weight plate storage pegs and bar storage to keep your workout area organized
What Could Be Better
- No Smith bar included, so you miss guided vertical barbell movements
- Missing safety arms, which are critical for safe solo training during heavy lifts
- No cable crossover system limits functional training and isolation exercise options
- Lacks dip station attachment for bodyweight pressing movements
- Does not include lat pulldown or low row stations that most all-in-one gyms offer
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 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
What is the weight capacity of this power cage?
This cage holds up to 1200 pounds total. That covers most home gym training needs. You can safely perform heavy squats and bench presses within this limit.
Does this include a Smith bar with guided movement?
No, this is a traditional power rack without a Smith bar. You use free weight Olympic barbells for all exercises. The barbell moves on an unrestricted vertical path.
What are the dimensions and how much space do I need?
The cage measures 45.6 inches long by 44.3 inches wide by 77.3 inches tall. You need about 14 square feet of floor space. Make sure you have at least 8-foot ceilings for clearance.
Does it come with safety arms for solo lifting?
No, this cage does not include safety arms. It has J-cups and barbell protection stands only. You should use a spotter for maximum weight attempts.
Can I do cable exercises like lat pulldowns or cable crossovers?
No, this power cage has no cable system included. You can do barbell exercises and pull-ups only. You would need to buy separate cable attachments for those movements.
Best For
How this product scores for different use cases
The 1200 lb capacity, pull-up bar, and weight plate storage provide solid training options at $215. However, the lack of cable system and limited attachments reduce versatility for comprehensive home gym training.
The 1200 lb weight capacity and 1.8mm thickened 2x2 inch steel frame support heavy compound lifts. Missing safety arms is a significant drawback for solo powerlifting sessions.
The 45.6 x 44.3 inch footprint (14 sq ft) is compact at 77.3 inches tall. However, at 82.72 lbs, moving it in tight spaces may be challenging without wheels or disassembly features.
The J-cups and 14 adjustment positions allow progressive training customization. The absence of a Smith bar with guided vertical movement and safety arms significantly limits safe solo training for beginners.
This power cage focuses on free weight exercises with pull-up bar and plate storage. Missing cable crossover, dip station, lat pulldown, and other attachments severely limit exercise variety compared to true all-in-one systems.
The 1200 lb capacity and residential-use design fall short of commercial durability standards. The 2x2 inch frame with 1.8mm thickness lacks the heavy-duty construction commercial gyms require.
Scores
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