Bells of Steel Brute 2.1

  • Manufacturer: Bells of Steel
  • Rack Type: 4 or 6-Post Power Rack
  • Tube Size: 2.3×2.3
  • Hole Size: 5/8″
  • Hole Spacing: Westside (1″ ) through bench zone. 2″ above and below.
  • Height: 88.5″
  • Footprint: 54″ or 77.9″ Deep/51″ Wide (47.2″ on uprights)
  • Interior Depth/Width: 43″/42.5″
  • Weight: Varies
  • Numbered Uprights: Yes
  • Color: Black
  • Made In: Import

Read below to get a detailed look at the Bells of Steel Brute 2.1 including product details, features, real user feedback, and more.

$849.99

The Brute 2.1 Squat Rack

The Bells of Steel Brute 2.1 is a multi-configurable squat rack with 4 and 6 post options. The rack is built with 2.3×2.3 inch 11-gauge tubing and it includes several attachments as standard.

This is Bells of Steel’s highest-end power rack. It offers solid specs such as Westside hole spacing and laser-cut numbers, and it also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Read more below.


Features & Highlights

  • Steel Size – The Brute 2.1 from Bells of Steel is constructed with 2.3×2.3 11-gauge steel and it’s assembled with a bolt-together design. This size tubing is unique to Bells of Steel. While they offer numerous attachments for the rack, compatibility with outside companies is very limited.
  • 4 or 6 Post Design – This rack can be purchased with 6 posts or with 4 posts. As a 6-post rack, you will get an extension that offers on-rack plate storage. This helps with organizing your plates and eliminates the need to bolt the rack to the ground. The 4-post version is less expensive and it takes up less space, but bolting to the ground or a platform is recommended. Both options come with the same standard attachments except for the plate storage pins, which only come with the 6-post version. Each comes with a Bells of Steel branded logo arch.
  • Hole/Hardware Sizing – This rack uses 5/8″ hardware, which is a very common hardware size on power racks. The rack will accommodate all of Bells of Steel’s Attachments, but outside compatibility is limited due to the tube sizing (read more in the compatibility section below).
  • Hole Spacing – The Brute 2.1 offers Westside hole spacing, which is a popular feature on 5/8″ racks. The holes are spaced 1″ apart through the bench zone, allowing for more adjustments on your J-cups and safeties. This can be useful for people who are “in-between” sizes. Above and below the Westside section are holes with standard 2″ spacing between them.
  • Exterior Rack Dimensions – Depending on which rack version you purchase (4 or 6 posts), dimensions will differ. The height is the same between them at 89″ as is the width at 47.2″. This width is generally considered to be beneficial over wider racks (49″) because it gives you more room to cleanly un-rack and re-rack your bar without concern of clipping the uprights with the plates on the bar. The following breaks down the dimensions for each rack option:
    • 4-Post Option: Total length of 54″ and a total width of 51.2″. The uprights themselves measure 50″ deep and 47.2″ wide.
    • 6-Post Option: Total length of 77.9″ and a total width of 51.2″. The uprights themselves measure 73.9″ deep and 47.2″ wide.
  • Interior Rack Dimensions – The interior lifting area measures 43″ deep, which is more than enough room to comfortably lift.
  • Safety Options – This Brute 2.1 comes equipped with safety straps and pin & pipe safeties. Most users will find themselves using the safety straps since they’re easier to set up and they protect barbells much better. I recommend them over the pin & pipes, and it’s nice that Bells of Steel includes them as standard since most companies charge additional for them. They do sell spotter arms separately if you like to lift off the front of your rack.
  • No Color Options – This rack is currently only sold with a black powder coat.

What’s Included in the Box

The Bells of Steel Brute 2.1 includes several pieces as standard:

  • (2) Sandwich J-Cups
  • (2) Roller J-Cups
  • (4) Band Pegs
  • (2) Spotter Straps
  • (2) Pine & Pipe Safeties
  • (8) Plate Pegs (6-Post Version)
  • (1) Multi-Grip Pull-Up Bar
  • (1) Bells of Steel Logo Arch
  • (4 or 6) 89″ Uprights
  • (4) 43″ Crossmembers
  • (4) 24″ Crossmembers for Plate Storage (6-Post Version Only)
  • Concrete Anchors*

* Concrete anchors are provided, but not required for the 6-post option. They are, however, recommended for the 4-post version. If you’re bolting into a platform, I recommend using lag screws that you can find at your local home improvement store.


Attachment Compatibility

The Bells of Steel Brute 2.1 is constructed with 2.3×2.3 steel and 5/8″ hardware, which is compatible with Bells of Steel Attachments.

Some attachments that I think are worthy of consideration include the Lat/Low Row Attachment, the Lever Arms, the Y-Dip Attachment, and the Adjustable Monolift.

The Lat/Low row allows you to perform cable movements off the back of the rack, the lever arms open up a variety of movement possibilities, the Y-Dip gives the option to perform rack-mounted dips, and the adjustable monolift eliminates the walk-out on squats and makes bench press much more efficient.

As for attachment compatibility outside of Bells of Steel, because they use an odd tube size, options are very limited. They do use a standard 5/8″ hole, so any attachment that only uses the hole will work. An example would be a landmine attachment. Any attachment that wraps around an upright, however, will not work without modification. An example would be a J-Cup. Three notable places to look for 5/8″ attachments are Rogue Fitness, Titan Fitness, and Fringe Sport.


What They’re Saying at Bells of Steel

The Bells of Steel Brute 2.1 receives excellent feedback from users. With an average rating of 4.9/5, here are some of the things people have said at bellsofsteel.us.

Positive

  • “This rack will handle more than you will ever be able to bench or squat, etc. I definitely recommend bolting it to the ground. I chose this rack over the 5.1 light commercial and I’m so glad I did, I’m very happy with the brute 2.1, this is the thicker gauge material which is better. I wish they had an option to order the nameplate since my rack came with the cross member. I did get the suspension spotter straps and it’s way overkill for what I’m lifting, but eventually I’m going to set them up as well. You can pay 800 bucks for this rack that you will never max out or get a name brand one with all the features this has for 2000 or more. I would say for the value this is the best rack they have.”
  • “The rack is pretty much perfect, I guess maybe include two more weight pegs to hold collars and fractional plates. What I really like is the amount of space you have and how stable it is. Note that if your floor is not perfectly level the rack is so rigid that some posts may not touch the ground, I recommend bolting it to a 12’x8′ or 16×8′ platform to avoid that and also for the best possible lifting experience. The lat/row attachment is smooth and does not make any noticeable noise. The dips attachment works well and the V shape allow to find a comfortable grip.”
  • “It is a great rack. Pretty easy to assemble with two people. Looks great and extremely sturdy.”
  • “I am very pleased with the whole experience (outside of COVID-caused inconvenience) and recommend this rack very highly. I like the solid functional design. I like the quality of the construction. I still think it offers a ton of value for the money. I can’t imagine needing anything beefier than this (although I like overbuilt equipment as much as the next guy). I think this is probably the last rack I will ever buy. Thanks, Bells of Steel.
  • “I ordered the Brute 2.1 and didn’t know what to expect as the price isn’t very high compared to other racks of its size. I have used it daily for over a month now and I couldn’t be happier. The overall look of it is great, it stands out and makes my garage gym look amazing. It is very sturdy and is built to last. For the price you can’t go wrong.”

Critical

  • “Solid rack but all 4 posts came pretty scratched. It will absolutely serve its purpose and would eventually get scratched over time so I don’t mind but when you purchase a new product at this price you expect brand new condition.”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed the Bells of Steel Brute 2.1.


Other Options

The below racks were picked as alternatives to the Bells of Steel Brute 2.1.