Thank you for the in-depth comparison video! 👍Got some really valuable insights from your video, especially the point of the foot plate. I've taken diligent notes of your sincere opinions and will definitely share them with our dedicated product team. Your review means a lot to us, and we're committed to continuously enhancing our home gym equipment to provide an even better fitness experience for our customers.💪 Once again, thank you for this fantastic review!❤
Hey John - that was a great comprehensive review and comparison on these budget racks! The examples for the pros/cons for each were great and offered insight most could not have predicted by shopping online. Thank you and take care!
Owned the Mikolo 4 months now almost everyday use. Cables are solid and smooth. Able to squat 400lbs+ and bench heavy with no issues! Solid rack especially if you don't have a large space!
I'm glad it's working out for you. I think it's a solid beginner rack which doesn't mean that someone stronger CAN'T use it, but it does mean that I'm not going to be comfortable recommending it to anyone who lifts heavier than the numbers I listed. Appreciate you sharing your experiences with it!
@ That makes sense, and I get it. I was skeptical at first because of the materials and the 2x2 construction. The additional spotter arms definitely helped a lot too. I was initially planning to swap this one for a higher-quality rack, but I was pleasantly surprised by how solid it felt, especially when racking and re-racking heavier weights. I’m still on the fence about replacing it since I haven’t had any issues, but we’ll see.
@AaronRobinProductions you might have it for twenty years with zero issues! Hopefully that’s what happens because you can then spend that money on something else!
@GarageGymLifeMedia my brother ended up getting a Raptor. I like the full rack I can use the cables while benching and doing squats. I think the pull-up bar is better as well. The Raptor is way more compact.
@Bearjew2995 yeah that’s true it is. I had the choice of training inside or outside with the Mikolo but not so with the Raptor. I have to adjust and plan my exercise order a bit more to allow for that so I understand your decision completely!
Now that was a great honest review. I remember when you first got the Mikola and I was surprised to see you actually using this type rack for your training. These budget companies make decent stuff and it's okay for 75% of people. You, IMO, for your training and being a top tier influencer need a legit 3x3 , 11 or 12 gauge steel rack. IMO, You can use the cables on one of these as your functional trainer but these are never gonna give you the support and freedom you need to train the way you train. IMO, You are too advanced to have one of these as your main rack. Signature Fitness has a 3x3, 11 gauge steel rack with j cups, safety straps, and multi grip pull up bar for $700. Major Lutie even has a 3x3 rack and I believe it's 11 gauge steel with the j cups and safeties. I enjoyed your video sorry for giving my opinion but you just dont look right with all that weight you lift working off these racks. Take Care
Hey Bobby, I had a 3x3 11 gauge steel rack before the Mikolo but I just decided that it wasn’t fair for me to tell people who are starting their home gyms that what looked like a good inexpensive option wouldn’t work because they would always ask me if I had actually tried any less expensive racks. So I bit the bullet and got rid of the 3x3 rack and agreed to review the Mikolo. Then Major Lutie reached out and I agreed to do theirs because I felt that it was a slight upgrade. Now I’m getting ready to switch racks and it’s going to be an 11 gauge steel rack.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia I remember your big rack, it was yellow I think. I see your point but man most people don't lift the weight you do. I'm familiar with Elevtab, ER Kang, Mikola, and Major Lutie and even lower quality than those you have the Rit Fit, Marcy, etc. equipment and I know you know all of them. There stuff is alright for most but when it comes to squatting over 300 or 400 lbs or benching over 300 or 400 lbs.. I'm just not sure what that rack would do if you or me tore a muscle in mid rep or pushed past failure and had to fail a lift. I sure don't want to ever see either. Just my opinion, I like you and don't want to hear about you bring decapitated. You are honest, not many left like you just Gluck's Gym and Home Hacks and Reviews that I've seen, maybe some honest guys I haven't seen. Just be careful on the budget racks Take Care Take Care
High praise coming from you! Thank you for taking the time to watch Curtis! Greatly appreciate the encouragement! Please share this video if you get a chance today!
Thanks Joey! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Now that I’ve reviewed what I consider to be the best of the lowest tier Amazon rack, I have my eye on what I think is the absolute best budget option with the best warranty. Stay tuned!
I use grippy weight gloves on my mikolo pull up bars but I don't like the rubber grip handles on the outer bar. Kinda spins around on me with the gloves on and I might just pull those off or super glue them on.
Ok just found a gripe with the f4 cage. When doing squats in the cage that cable gets in the way of your face when unracking. I guess that's why the bottom cable uses a caribeaner attachment so you can get that out if the way. So that's an inconvenience. I don't remember if you addressed that on any of the videos. I think I may have read about it in an Amazon review.
I don't know if I did but I think I covered it in this video: ua-cam.com/video/quKGOL9C7Fk/v-deo.html Feel free to laugh at my pain when you're watching it 😂
Nice comparison video. I agree the footplate is an issue. Is it removable? If so, how time-consuming is it to remove and reinstall when needed? As for the weight horns it's disappointing to see it only has 4 of them, my half rack has 6 of them and it's a 3×3 with 1" hole spacing and giant spotter arms (18") for less money. However, as a trade-off because no single machine is ever perfect, my half rack has no pulley system whatsoever.
How good is the leg holder for lat pull downs of the major lutie rack?... or you did not buy it?. Another cuestion, what brand of olympic bar's holder do you have?. GREETINGS 👍🍀🍀💯
I don’t have that attachment sorry. It sounds like a good product! The vertical bar storage is from Strength Shop. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Great review! I have a question on the weight limit and safety of the Mikolo F4 power cage. How have things held up? Would it hold 300-400lbs on a barbell or should there be some worry with that kind of weight loaded on?
Hey thanks! I’ve had a little over 400lbs on it no problem for squats but I’m not confident enough to go any higher than 425lbs on it in case I dropped the weight by mistake. I feel that the safety bars wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’m really not even confident that if I were benching over 300lbs and I dropped the weight accidentally that the safety bars would hold up.
@@iNoFears probably not! As I said, in the review, the entire thing feels too flimsy for me to feel secure, lifting on it. My advice is to grab something like the Body Solid GPR400 and if you need a cable system get the GPRFTS or GPRFT attachment. That rack is a lot more solid and has a lifetime warranty which means a lot considering how long Body-Solid has been around (30 years )compared to this company that just started so you don’t even know if they will be around to honor the warranty.
Considering the Mikolo HR05 or the Major Fitness F22. There appears to be a roughly $200+ (give or take) difference in price. Just from what I gather through research the F22 might be a bit more sturdy than the HR05. With that being said I am currently not squatting any more than 315’ish and am not benching more than 225-240’ish. I am a budget buyer so even $200-300 could sway me one way or another. Is there any benefit to the F22 vs the HR05?
I have never used the HR05 but I wouldn’t buy a rack based on your current strength levels. After all you’re going to be using it to improve so unless you sabotage yourself on purpose, you’re going to get stronger and need to upgrade.
@ good point there. I appreciate the feedback. Any thoughts on Mikolo 2x2 rack (doesn’t have to be HR05) vs the F22 3x2? Should I just spend the extra $200-300 for the F22? Hell that is my plate money right there…
@importraceramimportraceam1756 have you checked Facebook marketplace for an 11 gauge steel power rack? A used 11 gauge steel rack is a better bargain than either of these.
Because I had already seen plenty of reviews of the PLM03 online so I didn’t think that another one was necessary. So when Major Lutie reached out to me, the product I chose was this one. I don’t see any point in doing reviews on just what is popular trying to chase clout. Instead for me it’s about giving you guys information that you would not already have access to.
@xjbiirrdd man there are so many! I like the PRx folding racks, I like the Bells of Steel Hydra Rack, I like the REP PR 5000, for a budget option I like the Body Solid GPR-400.
I guess but I don’t think much of it from a safety standpoint so 2x0 still = 0. You might think you’re saving money but what you save on a power rack, you might spend on copays at the emergency room.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia Yea, that's true for safety. My point is these two racks are obviously different levels on everything. It feels like you put a REP rack compared with Fitness Reality(just an example). As I know, Major Lutie has a rack that is around 400-500 bucks. I think this is what should be compared:)
@@calvinc5718 The Mikolo F4 Power Cage is between $659 -799 depending on if you get the red one that I had or the new black one which is essentially the same rack except for color. The Major Lutie Raptor F22 is $929.99 without the barbell. (I got the barbell with the Raptor F22 but since the Mikolo didn’t come with a bar I didn’t include it in the comparison. In any case there’s only a $200 difference between the racks so I think it’s fair to compare them.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia The Mikolo Power Rack is $420 now (red or black), on their website, with free shipping. Because of the price and functionality, I purchased this one and assembled it about a month ago. Totally satisfactory for my own needs as an older athlete, but I will never bench or squat more than 200 lbs. For anyone with really heavy lifting as a goal or a reality, by all means, pay more to get more. And big thanks to you for the reviews. Very helpful.
Maybe if you weren't such an ox you wouldn't need so many plate trees ! LOL jk keep lifting man, Great video. I'm just getting back into lifting after 5 years since my son is now 14 he will be my new lift partner on this next journey. This video was great and helped me decide on the f22. Godspeed.
@@corylyons1107 Ha! Thanks for the kind words Cory! I lifted with my sons for several years until they graduated from high school and moved away. Irreplaceable memories!
Actually it’s closer than you think. The Major Fitness rack doesn’t have long term durability which is what I was checking and why I waited a few months to do the review.
Thank you for the in-depth comparison video! 👍Got some really valuable insights from your video, especially the point of the foot plate. I've taken diligent notes of your sincere opinions and will definitely share them with our dedicated product team. Your review means a lot to us, and we're committed to continuously enhancing our home gym equipment to provide an even better fitness experience for our customers.💪 Once again, thank you for this fantastic review!❤
My pleasure! I’m impressed that you guys watched it and took the time to comment!
Mikolo does have a leg hold down attachment that goes on the pin pipe safeties. I have it on my f4 and it's awesome
When did it come out? As you can see the video is one of my older ones.
Hey John - that was a great comprehensive review and comparison on these budget racks!
The examples for the pros/cons for each were great and offered insight most could not have predicted by shopping online.
Thank you and take care!
Glad you enjoyed it Cody! I tried to cover as many points as possible so I’m glad you found it helpful!
Owned the Mikolo 4 months now almost everyday use. Cables are solid and smooth. Able to squat 400lbs+ and bench heavy with no issues! Solid rack especially if you don't have a large space!
I'm glad it's working out for you. I think it's a solid beginner rack which doesn't mean that someone stronger CAN'T use it, but it does mean that I'm not going to be comfortable recommending it to anyone who lifts heavier than the numbers I listed. Appreciate you sharing your experiences with it!
@ That makes sense, and I get it. I was skeptical at first because of the materials and the 2x2 construction. The additional spotter arms definitely helped a lot too. I was initially planning to swap this one for a higher-quality rack, but I was pleasantly surprised by how solid it felt, especially when racking and re-racking heavier weights. I’m still on the fence about replacing it since I haven’t had any issues, but we’ll see.
@AaronRobinProductions you might have it for twenty years with zero issues! Hopefully that’s what happens because you can then spend that money on something else!
Anything on the k6 yet?
I don’t know what that is
Mikolo K6 rack review?
@JasonOryan-u9f sorry I’m not reviewing Mikolo products at this time. You can check Luke’s Garage Gym here on UA-cam, he might have one.
🙌🏽Awesome review, John!!!
Thank you Mommie!
Great video. Because of some of your other comments on your shorts, I ended up going with the PLM 03 over the F-22 Raptor, and it is an awesome rack.
Oh nice! I’m glad I could help! What do you like most about the PLM-03?
@GarageGymLifeMedia my brother ended up getting a Raptor. I like the full rack I can use the cables while benching and doing squats. I think the pull-up bar is better as well. The Raptor is way more compact.
@Bearjew2995 yeah that’s true it is. I had the choice of training inside or outside with the Mikolo but not so with the Raptor. I have to adjust and plan my exercise order a bit more to allow for that so I understand your decision completely!
Now that was a great honest review. I remember when you first got the Mikola and I was surprised to see you actually using this type rack for your training. These budget companies make decent stuff and it's okay for 75% of people.
You, IMO, for your training and being a top tier influencer need a legit 3x3 , 11 or 12 gauge steel rack.
IMO, You can use the cables on one of these as your functional trainer but these are never gonna give you the support and freedom you need to train the way you train. IMO, You are too advanced to have one of these as your main rack.
Signature Fitness has a 3x3, 11 gauge steel rack with j cups, safety straps, and multi grip pull up bar for $700.
Major Lutie even has a 3x3 rack and I believe it's 11 gauge steel with the j cups and safeties.
I enjoyed your video sorry for giving my opinion but you just dont look right with all that weight you lift working off these racks. Take Care
Hey Bobby, I had a 3x3 11 gauge steel rack before the Mikolo but I just decided that it wasn’t fair for me to tell people who are starting their home gyms that what looked like a good inexpensive option wouldn’t work because they would always ask me if I had actually tried any less expensive racks. So I bit the bullet and got rid of the 3x3 rack and agreed to review the Mikolo. Then Major Lutie reached out and I agreed to do theirs because I felt that it was a slight upgrade. Now I’m getting ready to switch racks and it’s going to be an 11 gauge steel rack.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia
I remember your big rack, it was yellow I think. I see your point but man most people don't lift the weight you do. I'm familiar with Elevtab, ER Kang, Mikola, and Major Lutie and even lower quality than those you have the Rit Fit, Marcy, etc. equipment and I know you know all of them. There stuff is alright for most but when it comes to squatting over 300 or 400 lbs or benching over 300 or 400 lbs.. I'm just not sure what that rack would do if you or me tore a muscle in mid rep or pushed past failure and had to fail a lift. I sure don't want to ever see either. Just my opinion, I like you and don't want to hear about you bring decapitated.
You are honest, not many left like you just
Gluck's Gym and Home Hacks and Reviews that I've seen, maybe some honest guys I haven't seen.
Just be careful on the budget racks
Take Care
Take Care
@bobbyhunt3009 you too!
That is an IN DEPTH comparison. Nice work!
High praise coming from you! Thank you for taking the time to watch Curtis! Greatly appreciate the encouragement! Please share this video if you get a chance today!
A lot of honest and in depth information in this comparison, thank you! What’s next for you in terms of a rack?
Thanks Joey! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Now that I’ve reviewed what I consider to be the best of the lowest tier Amazon rack, I have my eye on what I think is the absolute best budget option with the best warranty. Stay tuned!
Can you do an update on how the Major fitness rack has holden up?
Sorry I upgraded to a better rack in the summer.
I use grippy weight gloves on my mikolo pull up bars but I don't like the rubber grip handles on the outer bar. Kinda spins around on me with the gloves on and I might just pull those off or super glue them on.
Yeah they’re not the best. Lifting chalk works fine but it’s something that I wish they would improve.
Ok just found a gripe with the f4 cage. When doing squats in the cage that cable gets in the way of your face when unracking. I guess that's why the bottom cable uses a caribeaner attachment so you can get that out if the way. So that's an inconvenience. I don't remember if you addressed that on any of the videos. I think I may have read about it in an Amazon review.
I don't know if I did but I think I covered it in this video: ua-cam.com/video/quKGOL9C7Fk/v-deo.html Feel free to laugh at my pain when you're watching it 😂
Nice comparison video. I agree the footplate is an issue. Is it removable? If so, how time-consuming is it to remove and reinstall when needed? As for the weight horns it's disappointing to see it only has 4 of them, my half rack has 6 of them and it's a 3×3 with 1" hole spacing and giant spotter arms (18") for less money. However, as a trade-off because no single machine is ever perfect, my half rack has no pulley system whatsoever.
It’s not removable no. It sounds like you have a better rack than this one pulley not withstanding.
How good is the leg holder for lat pull downs of the major lutie rack?... or you did not buy it?. Another cuestion, what brand of olympic bar's holder do you have?. GREETINGS 👍🍀🍀💯
I don’t have that attachment sorry. It sounds like a good product! The vertical bar storage is from Strength Shop. Let me know if you have any other questions!
Great review! I have a question on the weight limit and safety of the Mikolo F4 power cage. How have things held up? Would it hold 300-400lbs on a barbell or should there be some worry with that kind of weight loaded on?
Hey thanks! I’ve had a little over 400lbs on it no problem for squats but I’m not confident enough to go any higher than 425lbs on it in case I dropped the weight by mistake. I feel that the safety bars wouldn’t be able to handle it. I’m really not even confident that if I were benching over 300lbs and I dropped the weight accidentally that the safety bars would hold up.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia Appreciate the response! If you were to replace the safety bars - would your confidence in dropping the weights change?
@@iNoFears probably not! As I said, in the review, the entire thing feels too flimsy for me to feel secure, lifting on it. My advice is to grab something like the Body Solid GPR400 and if you need a cable system get the GPRFTS or GPRFT attachment. That rack is a lot more solid and has a lifetime warranty which means a lot considering how long Body-Solid has been around (30 years )compared to this company that just started so you don’t even know if they will be around to honor the warranty.
Considering the Mikolo HR05 or the Major Fitness F22. There appears to be a roughly $200+ (give or take) difference in price. Just from what I gather through research the F22 might be a bit more sturdy than the HR05. With that being said I am currently not squatting any more than 315’ish and am not benching more than 225-240’ish. I am a budget buyer so even $200-300 could sway me one way or another. Is there any benefit to the F22 vs the HR05?
I have never used the HR05 but I wouldn’t buy a rack based on your current strength levels. After all you’re going to be using it to improve so unless you sabotage yourself on purpose, you’re going to get stronger and need to upgrade.
@ good point there. I appreciate the feedback. Any thoughts on Mikolo 2x2 rack (doesn’t have to be HR05) vs the F22 3x2? Should I just spend the extra $200-300 for the F22? Hell that is my plate money right there…
@importraceramimportraceam1756 have you checked Facebook marketplace for an 11 gauge steel power rack? A used 11 gauge steel rack is a better bargain than either of these.
Just a quick question .. why didn’t you get the major LUTIE PLM03 system that doesn’t have the bars and stuff on the sides for the cable system
Because I had already seen plenty of reviews of the PLM03 online so I didn’t think that another one was necessary. So when Major Lutie reached out to me, the product I chose was this one. I don’t see any point in doing reviews on just what is popular trying to chase clout. Instead for me it’s about giving you guys information that you would not already have access to.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia you the man
@xjbiirrdd thanks for watching!
@@GarageGymLifeMedia what other racks would you recommend for home gyms???
@xjbiirrdd man there are so many! I like the PRx folding racks, I like the Bells of Steel Hydra Rack, I like the REP PR 5000, for a budget option I like the Body Solid GPR-400.
huh, feels you could buy 2 F4s with the price of F-22 Raptor
I guess but I don’t think much of it from a safety standpoint so 2x0 still = 0. You might think you’re saving money but what you save on a power rack, you might spend on copays at the emergency room.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia Yea, that's true for safety. My point is these two racks are obviously different levels on everything. It feels like you put a REP rack compared with Fitness Reality(just an example). As I know, Major Lutie has a rack that is around 400-500 bucks. I think this is what should be compared:)
@@calvinc5718 The Mikolo F4 Power Cage is between $659 -799 depending on if you get the red one that I had or the new black one which is essentially the same rack except for color. The Major Lutie Raptor F22 is $929.99 without the barbell. (I got the barbell with the Raptor F22 but since the Mikolo didn’t come with a bar I didn’t include it in the comparison. In any case there’s only a $200 difference between the racks so I think it’s fair to compare them.
@@GarageGymLifeMedia The Mikolo Power Rack is $420 now (red or black), on their website, with free shipping. Because of the price and functionality, I purchased this one and assembled it about a month ago. Totally satisfactory for my own needs as an older athlete, but I will never bench or squat more than 200 lbs. For anyone with really heavy lifting as a goal or a reality, by all means, pay more to get more. And big thanks to you for the reviews. Very helpful.
I liked the scripture Psalms 144:1
Hey! Yeah that’s one of my favorites. Psalm 18:34 is another good one!
Maybe if you weren't such an ox you wouldn't need so many plate trees ! LOL jk keep lifting man, Great video. I'm just getting back into lifting after 5 years since my son is now 14 he will be my new lift partner on this next journey. This video was great and helped me decide on the f22.
Godspeed.
@@corylyons1107 Ha! Thanks for the kind words Cory! I lifted with my sons for several years until they graduated from high school and moved away. Irreplaceable memories!
Why would you compare a 1000 dollar rack to a 400 dollar rack. Of course the major fitness one is better it's over twice the price
Actually it’s closer than you think. The Major Fitness rack doesn’t have long term durability which is what I was checking and why I waited a few months to do the review.
I would just drill 1inch holes in the side of the power rack problem solved
Which problem specifically are you solving?