Yes, that UFS looks pretty solid, good size safeties and extra long base to compensate. Reasonable price aswell (now I'm conditioned to the price of half-racks/squat stands!). By the way Drifter, thanks for introducing new brands - even more for me to look into
Although I value your opinion because, unlike me, you seem to actually check the equipment out in person. However...
I've done a proper measure of the room I intend to use today and it's actually 244cm x 330cm. So I'm thinking the full rack could be back on (I'm just going to assume the laminate floor, once 'rubbered up', will hold the weight without damaging it). My biggest concern was not having enough room either side of the rack to load the bar if i put the rack along the shorter wall, or not having enough room for pulling the bench or the safeties out if I put the rack along the longer wall. I actually think I could fit any of the racks either way now. It won't be ideal but most of us have to make compromises somewhere when picking our gear...
I am assuming a 7ft barbell is actually 7ft long (approx 213.5cm), although I think I read they are actually 220cm long. Can anyone confirm? (I realise the brand might make a difference, but I don't know which brand I'm buying yet).
So, having read pretty much every thread on here regarding the MMPR, ForceUSA, Powertec and Cyberfit racks, it seems to me most people would recommend any of them (but have their own preference), with there being a few minor differences between them all, mostly centered around the chin bar, dip attachment, hole spacing and presence/quantity of band pegs.
I am hoping to buy a package deal, which is why I am leaning towards the powertec at the moment, as I really like the look of the Ironmaster super bench (I know many would suggest I buy a commercial flat bench, but I will def be doing incline work, so want an adjustable bench).
I do like the reputation of the MMPR, and it's chin bar, but the ASFID super FID bench doesn't look that great. I know I could upgrade to the Body Solid FID71 but the gap between the pads looks quite large and can be a nuisance for some.
The Force USA (as long as it's the new narrower one), has some nice little touches, like the band pegs, and the plastic covering the numbers etc. Chin bar looks pretty useful aswell.
The Powertec lacks the best chin but has, by all accounts, a pretty good dip attachment. Obviously the IM super bench also makes it stand out for me, but perhaps I'm over-estimating the bench - initially I loved it for the fact I could add dip and chin attachments when I was thinking I couldn't go with a rack.
The LC2 seems to be great value, but only appears to have one or two diehard fans on here, with it possibly being more about the customer service of cyberfit? White isn't the best colour either, but I may be being a bit like my wife choosing a car here ('it may well have a 0-100 of 5s, but it's the wrong colour!').
I think the facts are this: Yes, I probably need to buy a commercial rack and commercial gear if I want the best stuff that will last me a lifetime, but given my budget, my space limitations and the fact I don't intend to become a monster powerlifter, I reckon any of these intermediate racks and a solid, comfortable bench, upgraded oly bar, some dumbells and enough weight to keep me busy, will not only help me achieve my goals in the comfort of my own home, but also keep me motivated and enjoying working out.
I realise I'm actually thinking out aloud here rather than asking any direct questions (although feel free to answer any I have asked), but I would appreciate your thoughts and opinions on the racks mentioned (I know you've already commented on these in previous posts, but it's always good to keep things fresh, and some people may have changed equipment or opinions since they last commented).