7 Best Short Power Racks

If you’re looking to get in shape at home, a power rack is an essential piece of equipment.

But if you have the constraint of low ceilings (between 6.5’ to 7.5’), you’ll have to get a short power rack and be extra precise when choosing one.

To help you out, I did all the research and pooled the results down below. No need to thank me, I’m a nerd about this stuff.

Here are the best short power racks in 2023:

1. Bells of Steel 72” Hydra 3 X 3 Inch Four Post Power Rack – Best Overall
2. REP Fitness PR-4000 80” Four Post – Runner Up
3. Titan T-2 Series Power Rack – Best Budget Pick
4. REP Fitness PR-1050 – Best for Beginners
5. PRx Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack – Best Value Folding Rack
6. PRx Profile® PRO Folding Squat Rack – Best Premium Folding Rack
7. Bells of Steel 3 x 3 Inch Folding Power Rack – Best Short Folding Rack

But, a word of warning — choosing the wrong power rack for your gym with low ceilings can end up being a huge mistake, costing you dozens of hours and thousands of dollars.

To help you avoid this, I’ve provided detailed breakdowns of each product mentioned so you can pick the best short power rack for you and your space.

Let’s dive in!

Featured Short Power Racks

1. Bells of Steel 72” Hydra 3 X 3 Inch Four Post Power Rack – Best Overall
2. REP Fitness PR-4000 80” Four Post – Runner Up
3. Titan T-2 Series Power Rack – Budget Pick

How Tall Should a Short Power Rack Be?

Municipal codes can vary, but 9’ ceilings are the norm nowadays, with the minimum considered to be 8’ (96”) tall. 

But if you’re reading this article, you’re probably working with a ceiling height between 7-8’. For that reason, let’s go over the best short power rack for a regular ceiling vs. a short ceiling.

For a regular 8’ (96”) ceiling, there’s plenty of height to fit a standard power rack with an 80-84” height.

If your home was built in the mid-1900s, or you have the luxury misfortune of having drop ceilings in your basement like yours truly, your ceiling is probably 7-7.5’ tall.

In this case, the best short power rack will be 6’ (72”) tall — trust me on this one.

I have a home gym in my basement, which has a 7.5’ (90”) ceiling height. I bought a 7’ (84”) tall power rack, and it’s too tight of a fit. Thankfully, my basement is unfinished, so I can do chin-ups between the joists without slamming my noggin. If it weren’t for this, I’d be outta luck.

If you’re in a similar height-restricted situation, you can technically get the tallest rack that can fit, but you’ll have to make sure you can mount the pull-up bar lower down on the uprights for it to be usable, or you’ll have to forgo pull-ups altogether.

If you’re limited by floor space more than ceiling height, check out 7 Best Squat Racks for Small Spaces instead.

7 Best Short Power Racks in 2023

Just so you’re on the same page, here are the criteria I used to rate the best short power rack:

• No taller than 80”. Heights closer to 72” get more points.
• Minimum of 2” x 2” tubing. Racks with industry-standard 3” x 3” get a better score.
• No less than a 500-lb weight capacity. More brownie points if it’s closer to a 1,000-lb capacity.

1. Bells of Steel 72” Hydra 3 X 3 Inch Four Post Power Rack – Best Overall

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• 72” height
• 35” L* x 49” W
• True 3” x 3” tubing 
• ⅝” hole size
• 1” and 2” hole spacing
• 11-gauge steel
• 1,000-lb weight capacity

*This length requires the shortest cross-members (24”) to be chosen.

Pros

• 72” uprights
• Customizable height, depth, and width
• Massive 1,000-lb weight capacity
• 17+ attachments to expand your rack’s functionality

Cons

• Made in China
• All attachments come at an extra cost

Bells of Steel has recently become the dark horse in the fitness equipment space with the launch of its true 3” x 3” rack with ⅝” holes power rack (affectionately named the “Hydra”).

Interestingly, the Hydra line is leading the charge in a specific way — offering uprights in a 72” height. To my knowledge, NONE of the big brands in the gym equipment space offer 72” (6’) uprights in the industry-standard 3” x 3” tubing size. 

This means that with Bells of Steel, you can get a short power rack that will fit in your low-ceiling gym…basement dwellers unite!

But even better, you can get those 72” uprights in over nine pre-set configurations, from a classic 4-post to a commanding 6-post rack with weight storage.

And they set the bar even higher by meeting the gold standard of tubing size — using true 3” x 3” tubing with ⅝” holes for their Hydra line.

Why should you care about this? It means you can get innovative American-made attachments from Rogue’s Monster Lite line without having to buy a Rogue power rack, saving you much moola.

Rack attachments aren’t mandatory but are incredibly helpful for adding dozens of exercises to your arsenal, like lat pulldowns, seated rows, dips, lever arm exercises, and more. Think of them as machine-like movements that come at only a fraction of the space and cost of actual machines.

Sure, you can check out the 17+ attachments from Bells of Steel, but almost all of their gear is made overseas, and it’s hard to compete with the quality of equipment made in the USA.

But don’t worry, you won’t develop a thirst to upgrade from this rack any time soon, if ever. The Hydra rack boasts an impressive 1,000-lb weight capacity as long as your rack is bolted down or otherwise secured.

So, you’ll need to be pushing world-record weights to even consider leveling up.

Knowing which type of rack you need is essential. Check out our article 18 Types of Squat Racks Explained: Complete Guide to figure out the right one for you.

2. REP Fitness PR-4000 80” Four Post – Best Runner Up 

Rating: 4/5 

Specifications

• 80” or 93” height
• 24.9” L* x 50.8” W footprint
• 3” x 3” (it’s actually 2.95” x 2.95”)
• ⅝” hole size
• 1” and 2” hole spacing
• 11-gauge steel
• 1,000-lb weight capacity

*This length requires the shortest cross-members (16”) to be chosen.

Pros

• Highly customizable rack builder
• 80” and 93” height options 
• Many color options
• Hefty 1,000-lb weight capacity
• Excellent selection of attachments

Cons

• Customizability adds to price
• Tubing is not industry-standard

The 80” PR-4000 from REP Fitness is the best runner-up option.

For starters, it’s a fully customizable power rack, so you can build your rack exactly how you want using the PR-4000 Rack Builder page.

From half rack to four-post to six-post, the depth is as customizable as the pull-up bar options and J-hooks. And there are even color options! A black powder coat on everything gets old pretty quickly.

One of the best parts about this short power rack is the line-up of attachments REP offers.

Some of its most popular attachments include a dip station, lever arms, a landmine, spotter arms, a lat pulldown/low row — and don’t forget about the Ares attachment.

The tubing is listed as 3” x 3”, but that’s not quite true. Many brands (including REP) say their tubing is 3” x 3”, but technically it’s 2.95” x 2.95”. This small difference matters in a big way.

The slight mismatch in measurements means products from different brands will either fit too loose (like a Rogue attachment on a REP rack) or too tight (like a REP attachment on a Rogue rack).

There are workarounds for this, but it’s worth spending some time upfront to know which ecosystem you’ll enjoy staying in the most.

If it were offered in a 72” size, this short power rack would give Bells of Steel a run for its money for the best short power rack in 2023.

3. Titan T-2 Series Power Rack – Best Budget Pick

Rating: 3.5/5

Specifications

• 71” height
• 50” L x 57” W footprint
• 2” x 2” tubing 
• 1” hole size
• 2” hole spacing
• 12-gauge steel
• 850-lb weight capacity

Pros

• Affordable price
• Two height options: 71” and 83”
• Excellent 850-lb weight capacity
• Weight horns, safeties, J-hooks & pull-up bar included
• Compatible with Titan’s Lat Tower Rack attachment

Cons

• Made overseas
• Tubing is not industry-standard

The 71” Titan T-2 Series Power Rack is my best pick for those on a budget.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more affordable option that doesn’t cut corners to make it happen. Even better, some basic attachments are thrown in at no extra charge, including weight plate horns, pin pipe safeties, J-hooks, and a pull-up bar — making it even harder to beat.

With an 850-lb capacity, you’ll be able to grow into this rack as you get stronger. And for most lifters, this short power rack will fit the bill for their entire training career.

This best-selling rack by Titan comes in two heights: 71” and 83”.

For low ceilings, you’ll obviously want to go with the shorter 71” option, which is just under 6’ tall. The total height of this rack is 71”, but the highest holes appear to be at least 6” below the top of the uprights.

This means you’ll only be able to place the bar at about 66” (5.5’) high. So, the height of your J-hooks might be lower than you’d like, especially if your shoulders are well over six feet tall.

The only other thing I’m less stoked about is the tubing specs. At 2” x 2” with 1” holes, you’ll be stuck buying attachments from Titan unless you can find another brand with these exact same tubing specs.

That said, meeting the industry standard of 3” x 3” with ⅝” holes also takes more steel and thicker steel —  which means more money. So it’s understandable why Titan went with these tubing specs.

Seriously, though, it’s unreasonable to not have to make some sacrifices at this price point.

4. REP Fitness PR-1050 – Best for Beginners

Rating: 3.5/5

Specifications

• 72” height
• 48” L x 58” W footprint
• 2” x 2” tubing 
• 1” hole size
• 2” hole spacing
• 14-gauge steel
• 700-lb weight capacity

Pros

• 72” tall
• Impressive price
• Solid 700-lb weight capacity
• Safeties, weight horns, bar holders, J-hooks, and dual pull-up bars included

Cons

• Made overseas
• Tubing is not industry-standard
• Limited selection of attachments

REP Fitness offers a wide range of power racks to choose from, and its PR-1050 is a solid choice for beginners who have a space with low ceilings.

It’s only 72” (6’) tall, so it can easily fit in your gym if your home rivals Bilbo Baggins’ Bag End.

The steel is great quality for the price, and 2” x 2” tubing with 1” holes is fairly common for this price range.

The weight capacity is a respectable 700 lbs, which is plenty for beginners who don’t aspire to reach huge strength numbers because you won’t have to worry about needing to upgrade to a more heavy-duty power rack. 

Unfortunately, it’s not without faults. 

For example, you can’t bolt it down. Because of this, your only option is to load up the weight horns if you’re lifting serious weights or stop getting stronger — just kidding.

It also doesn’t have much selection for rack attachments, so expanding to machine-like exercises without breaking the bank is more difficult.

That’s why this rack scored lower compared to Titan’s T-2 Series, which you CAN bolt to a platform or into your floor.

Best of all, you won’t have to break into your piggy bank to afford it.

To find out the best squat racks for small spaces, check out this article: Best Squat Racks for Small Spaces.

5. PRx Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack – Best Value Folding Rack

Rating: 4/5

Specifications

• 73” height
• 52” L x 26.75” W* footprint
• 2” x 3” tubing 
• ⅝” hole size
• 2” hole spacing
• 11-gauge steel
• 500 to 1,000-lb weight capacity

*The depth will change if mounted lower than PRx Performance recommends.

Pros

• Affordable price
• Uprights are 73” tall
• 500 to 1,000-lb weight capacity
• Folds up to save space
• Two J-cups are included
• Made in the USA

Cons

• No pull-up bar included
• No Westside (1”) hole spacing
• Mounting to a wall requires some skill

If your gym has low ceilings and you need to set a PR in a minimal footprint, the PRx Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack offers the best value as far as folding short power racks go.

PRx Performance has become the go-to brand for space-saving solutions after its debut on the TV show Shark Tank. Its storage accessories are impressive, but its power racks bring the real appeal.

The power racks are mounted on the wall into your studs and fold down when you’re ready to use them.

In fact, this short power rack only uses nine inches of wall space when stored with the J-cups on but provides an impressive 26.75” of depth when folded down.

This all sounds great, but there’s a catch — the PRx Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack technically has 73” uprights, and it folds UP instead of IN.

This means it needs a higher ceiling to allow the space for it to fold upwards on your wall. In fact, PRx recommends you have a ceiling height of 91” (7.5’) to make it work — yikes.

However, you can actually mount it as low as 80” (6.5’) according to the instruction manual. Although this will reduce the depth to 18”, it’s still a great short squat rack for low ceilings.

6. PRx Profile® PRO Folding Squat Rack – Best Premium Folding Rack

Rating: 4/5

Specifications

• 73” height
• 52” L x 26.75” W* footprint
• 3” x 3” tubing 
• 1” holes and ⅝” hole sizes
• 2” and 6” hole spacing
• 11-gauge steel
• 600 to 1,000-lb weight capacity

*The depth will change if mounted lower than PRx Performance recommends.

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Uprights are 73” tall
• 600 to 1,000-lb weight capacity
• Folds up to save space
• Two heavy-duty J-cups included
• Made in the USA

Cons

• No pull-up bar included
• No Westside (1”) hole spacing
• Mounting to a wall requires some skill

The PRx Profile® PRO Folding Squat Rack is the big brother of the PRx Profile® ONE and the premium folding option that also qualifies as a short rack.

It’s beefier. It’s sturdier. And it’s way more versatile in attachment compatibility.

What I like about this short power rack is that it meets industry-standard tubing size while incorporating TWO hole sizes into its uprights.

On the front, it has 1” holes spaced 2” apart. This means you can fit commercial-grade rack attachments from other brands (like REP Fitness) without being stuck with only using attachments from PRx for the rest of your life.

But even better, the Profile® PRO Folding Squat Rack also has ⅝” holes on the side of the uprights as well. Although they’re spaced 6” apart, you can also use rack attachments from companies that match this tubing and hole size (like Rogue Fitness).

This dual-hole sizing is pretty rare, which makes the rack quite valuable because you can buy attachments from practically any brand with either of those hole sizes.

The downside? A ceiling higher than 73” is needed for it to be stored on your wall, and PRx technically recommends 91” (7.5’) of height.

But just like the PRx Profile® ONE Folding Squat Rack, you can mount it as low as 80” (6.5’), according to the instruction manual.

So, you get a short power rack that meets the industry-standard tubing sizes AND boasts a minimal footprint to boot — booyah!

For the best folding squat racks, check out this article: 10 Best Folding Squat Racks.

7. Bells of Steel 3 x 3 Inch Folding Power Rack – Best Short Folding Rack

Rating: 4.5/5

Specifications

• 72” height
• 47-60.5” L x 49” W footprint
• True 3” x 3” tubing 
• ⅝” holes
• 1” and 2” hole spacing
• 11-gauge steel
• 1,000-lb weight capacity

Pros

• 72” uprights
• Customizable height, depth & width
• Massive 1,000-lb weight capacity
• 17+ attachments to expand your rack’s functionality

Cons

• Made in China
• The base model is expensive

The 3 x 3 Inch Folding Power Rack by Bells of Steel is the real deal when it comes to collapsible contraptions.

First off, this short folding rack meets the industry gold standard with its true 3” x 3” tubing with ⅝” holes.

So, you can get a more affordable rack that fits in your low-ceiling room while being able to buy American-made rack attachments from Rogue’s Monster Lite line.

This cross-brand compatibility frees you from having to swear fealty to Bells of Steel forever.

And compared to the PRx Performance racks mentioned earlier, this Bells of Steel version folds inwards instead of upwards. That’s why it edged out PRx Performance in my rating. 

With the PRx folding racks, you can’t mount them any lower than 80” (6.5’) high, which just doesn’t offer the clearance you need for your noggin with a 7’ ceiling. 

But the Bells of Steel 3 x 3 Inch Folding Power Rack will fit comfortably under a 7’ ceiling, AND you’ll be able to do pull-ups since you’ll have a full 12 inches of overhead clearance — score! This is what makes it the ideal choice when blending a folding option with the best short rack.

It is worth mentioning that the depth of this four-post folding rack is almost four feet, but Bells of Steel also has a more compact folding half rack for those who are seriously tight on space.

Depending on your training style, a squat rack might be good enough. Check out our article Squat Rack vs Power Rack for a quick refresher on the differences between the two!

Why Should You Trust PowerliftingTechnique?

The team here at PowerliftingTechnique has a wealth of experience when it comes to training in the gym and competing on the platform, both personally and in coaching others. Combining all this together results in highly accurate and reliable information about the best workout equipment and gym gear on the market.

You can trust me because I have over 15 years of experience in commercial gyms and over three years of experience as a home gym enthusiast. I know which brands are garbage and which ones are worth the investment because I’ve used hundreds of them at this point.

How We Tested the Short Power Racks

Full disclosure: I’ve personally tested only three of the racks in this article. 

That said, I’ve used a combination of dozens of Youtube reviews, multiple discussions on Reddit, and my own personal experience as a gym equipment nerd and basement dweller to give you the honest truth about what is the best short power rack.

9 Things to Consider When Buying a Short Power Rack

Your Budget

Remember to have some room to spare for shipping fees unless you can pick up your squat rack locally. And don’t forget, Uncle Sam wants his cut of the pie.

When in doubt, I encourage people to buy nice the first time. 

Selling your existing rack on a used marketplace can be a mixed experience, but it’s likely you’ll get less than what you paid for it (unless another pandemic rolls around).

If you really can’t afford a full power rack but still want the opportunity to expand it in the future, consider a squat stand instead — but choose a brand like REP Fitness, Bells of Steel, or Rogue.

Going with one of those brands means you can buy separate uprights, cross-members, and other parts and convert your squat stand into a full power rack when you have the budget for it.

Your Rack’s Width

Although this article is mostly about height, it’d be a serious mistake not to think about the width you need for your short power cage.

Remember that an Olympic barbell is a little over 7 feet long. You’ll need a minimum of nine feet of width to be able to load your barbell without having to contort your body into a pretzel. 

Personally, I find that 11 feet of width is ideal because you can physically stand facing your barbell’s sleeve while you load it.

Your Rack’s Depth

The depth of your rack is something that can be squeezed down to the bare minimum if needed, but it’s key to consider how much space you’re working with.

You can go as slim as a PRx Folding Rack or as commanding as a Six-Post Rack with Weight Storage. Although a deeper rack will eat up more floor space, it can be great for larger lifters or those who want more space for their barbell exercises.

Regardless of which one you choose, I find it helpful to put your short power rack against a wall once it’s assembled. 

If nothing is placed in between the wall and the rack, it basically ends up being a dead zone, and you’ll want as much open floor space for exercises.

Your (Future) Home’s Ceiling

Yes, I’m talking about ceilings. One. More. Time.

But this time, it’s about your residence and whether you’ll still live there after a few years.

I’m not saying you have to sell your house or end your rental contract today, but think about how long you might stay at your current spot.

Most people move at least a couple of times in their lives. And if you’re moving, you may as well insist that your new place needs to have a basement or garage with at least 8’ ceilings.

And in that case, it makes sense to buy the tallest rack you can possibly fit in your space and simply mount the upper rack components lower down on the uprights for the time being.

This allows you to maximize their utility when you move into a home with higher ceilings. 

Plus, you can always have them cut lower if needed, but you can’t grow your uprights taller with tender love and care.

There are three key things to know about doing this, though:

• The uprights HAVE to fit in your current space. There’s no sense buying 90” uprights if your ceiling is only 84”. But you could buy 84” uprights as long as you’re not using a platform. 

• The rack MUST be modular. For this to work, the short power rack you choose HAS to be modular. In non-gym-speak, this means you need to be able to mount the upper crossbeams lower down on the uprights — including the back cross-piece and pull-up bar. This won’t be a problem with most racks, but some are designed to only be able to fit across the tip-tops of the uprights.

• It WON’T be as aesthetically pleasing. If you do this, the uprights of your short power rack will stick up past its upper cross members, which will look a little wonky. Rarely is this an issue in a private home gym, but if you’re a super orderly person, it might drive you a little mad.

Your Current Training Needs

Evaluate your current strength level and use that to figure out the minimum weight capacity you need on your rack.

For most casual exercisers, a 500-lb weight capacity will do.

That said, serious weight trainees should choose a short power cage with a minimum of a 700-lb weight capacity.

Your Future Training Goals

I know you don’t have a crystal ball, but it doesn’t hurt to think 3-5 years down the road and consider what your training might be like.

Maybe you’ll start powerlifting. Or compete in weightlifting. Or develop an unquenchable thirst to squat 1,000 pounds.

The beauty of getting something overbuilt right from the start is that you never have to upgrade to a new short power rack. What you have is strong enough to handle your future (stronger) self.

Steel Tubing Dimensions

The bare minimum you should accept is 2” x 2” steel tubing and no less than 14-gauge steel.

Going any smaller than this will sacrifice the weight capacity of your short power rack to the point where you’ll probably have to upgrade once you can lift more than 200+ pounds.

While 2” x 2” uprights are a common size, 3” x 3” tubing has become the industry standard. If you value cross-brand compatibility for power rack attachments, you should pick the latter. 

Hole Spacing

Two-inch hole spacing is standard on power racks, so that’s the base expectation here. 

Serious brownie points if the short power rack you choose has 1” spacing through the entire upright. Even if it’s just through the bench zone, that’s a big plus.

One-inch hole spacing (also called “Westside” hole spacing) lets you make ultra-precise adjustments to your J-cups. This allows you to find a nearly perfect height for your barbell to make unracking and reracking easier and safer.

Foot Style

No, we’re not talking about footwear here.

By “foot style,” I mean, what type of base do the uprights of your short power rack have?

For example, it can have plain-Jane feet, flat feet, or front stabilizer feet.

Your choice here comes down to whether you’ll be bolting it down to a platform and how you like to use your power rack in your training.

If you’ll be bolting your short power cage into a platform or floor, you can choose any foot configuration you want. Stability won’t be a concern at all, so you have complete freedom of choice.

If you don’t want to have to bolt your short power rack down, your choice is easy — just get a short power rack with flat feet. This adds a wayyyyy bigger contact point for your rack with the floor, eliminating the need to bolt it down.

If you’ll be using the front uprights with a barbell any heavier than 200 lbs, I’d highly recommend getting front stabilizer feet. This will extend the base of your short power cage and make it nearly impossible for it to tip over while you’re using the front uprights — safety first!

Frequently Asked Questions

How High Should a Ceiling Be for a Power Rack?

Your ceiling should be one foot higher than your power rack to allow you enough overhead clearance for pull-ups. So, you’ll want a 6’ power rack for a 7’ ceiling and a 6.5’ power rack for a 7.5’ ceiling.

Is Buying a Short Power Rack Worth It?

Yes, buying a short power rack is worth it. It allows you to perform barbell exercises despite having a low ceiling. Just make sure to pick the correct short power rack for your budget, ceiling height, and training style.

Are Short Power Racks Safe?

Yes, short power racks are safe. Many of them have the same weight capacity as their taller versions, but they’ll inherently be more stable because of their shorter height. Remember to use safeties just like you would with a tall power rack.

Can a Short Power Rack Be Used by Tall People?

Yes, a short power rack can be used by tall people as long as the height of your shoulders is below 6’ for a 6’ power rack and 7’ for a 7’ power rack. If your shoulders are any higher than this, you won’t be able to use the rack for squats or overhead presses without getting extra low.

Final Verdict: What is the Best Short Power Rack?

The best short power rack in 2023 for low ceilings is the Bells of Steel 72” Hydra 3 X 3 Inch Four Post Power Rack. 

It has 72” uprights with tubing and hole sizing that match the industry standard while allowing for customizability and offering a great line-up of rack attachments.

That said, another option might work better for you based on your budget, ceiling height, and preferred training style. For example, the Titan T-2 Series Power Rack is still a fantastic option for those tight on money.

At the end of the day, make sure to consider all the factors discussed above to pick the best short power rack for you!

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About The Author

Kent Nilson is an online strength coach and copywriter, residing in Calgary. When he’s not training, coaching, or volunteering on the platform at powerlifting meets, you’ll likely find Kent drinking coffee or enjoying his next Eggs Benedict.