Rogue RML-3 Power Rack

Rogue RML-3 Power Rack

The Rogue RML-3 Power Rack is a welded 4-post rack in the Monster Lite line. It’s constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel and it offers 5/8″ holes and Westside spacing. This is one of the most compact racks available with an interior depth of only 24″.

This rack differs from the RML-3 Bolt Together rack and the RML-390C in that it only comes with one depth option, it’s fully welded, and in the case of the 390C, it doesn’t have color options.

With this being a welded rack, keep in mind that portability is a bigger consideration since you can’t break it down like you can a bolt-together rack. If you train in a basement, for instance, navigating this rack may be more challenging.

Read more below.

Features & Highlights

• Steel Size – The RML-3 rack from Rogue is a part of their Monster Lite lineup. It’s constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel and it’s fully welded. 3×3 steel is becoming increasingly popular for its strength, attachment compatibility, and its overall aesthetic.
• 4-Post Design – As a 4-post rack, you’ll save some space compared to a 6-post rack. There are two other differences worth considering: plate storage and stability. On a 4-post rack, while you can store plates on the back upright, you may find that the plates can interfere with your setup when lifting inside the rack. This is particularly true on the bench press. The workaround is to bench press from the inside of the opposite upright. In terms of stability, this rack will need to be bolted into the ground or a platform.
• Hole/Hardware Sizing – This rack uses 5/8″ hardware, which is one of the most common hardware sizes used on power racks. The rack will accommodate all of Rogue’s Monster Lite Attachments/Accessories as well as some from other companies (read more in the compatibility section below). The RML-3 does not offer Slinger compatibility out of the box. If you plan on buying the Slinger now or in the future, the RML-390C is your only option unless you want to modify the crossmembers with a drill.
• Hole Spacing – The RML-3 Power Rack 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 finer 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. Another consideration is that the Monster Lite series does not offer as many side holes as the front/back of the uprights. This will limit you compared to the Monster series which offers a 1:1 hole ratio.
• Exterior Rack Dimensions – This rack is the smallest in the Monster Lite family with a total length of 34″ and a total width of 53″ (includes footplates). In terms of the uprights themselves, the dimensions are 30″ deep and 49″ wide. A 49″ width is fairly common for 3×3 racks, but one of the downsides is you have less room between the uprights and the plates. This requires a more efficient walk-out/re-rack since there’s a greater risk of hitting the uprights with your plates. Some racks from REP and Sorinex, for example, have 47″ wide racks which provide more space to work with. The uprights stand 90″ tall, but with the footplates, the total height is slightly higher at 90 3/8.”
• Interior Rack Dimensions – The interior lifting area measures 24″ deep, which some users may find to be too tight. This depth is enough to accommodate the main lifts, but if you want some extra space, upgrading to the RML-3 Bolt Together or the RML-390C will allow for 30″ depth options.
• Safety Options – This rack includes pin & pipe safeties as standard, which are common. This safety system is the most cumbersome to set up and it has a powder-coated exterior. I prefer something with more protection (i.e. UHMW lining), but these serve their purpose of providing safety. Rogue does not offer full interior safeties with UHMW lining for their Monster Lite racks, but they do offer safety straps. Safety straps work extremely well and they’re much more protective of your bar. They also offer safety spotter arms with UHMW for the front of your rack, which I also really like since some people (like myself) enjoy lifting outside of their racks.
• No Hole Numbers – Unlike the RML-390C, the RML-3 does not come with the option to add laser-cut numbers. I prefer the numbers myself, but they aren’t a necessary feature.
• No Color Options – Also unlike the RML-390C, the RML-3 only comes in a black powder coat.
• Made in America – The Rogue RML-3 Power Rack is made in Ohio.

What’s Included in the Box

The Rogue RML-3 Power Rack includes several notable attachments as standard:

• (2) Monster Lite J-Cups with UHMW Lining
• (2) Pin & Pip Safeties
• (4) Band Pegs
• (1) 43″ Fat (2″ diameter)/Skinny (1.25″ diameter) Pull-Up Bar
• (2) Welded Side Panels (Not Slinger Compatible)

Optionally, you can add a concrete anchor kit (bolting required). You can also add from a selection of barbells (includes HG collars), benches, and plates right on the product page to save on shipping and build out a complete setup.

Attachment Compatibility

The RML-3 Power Rack is constructed with 3×3 steel and 5/8″ hardware, which is compatible with Rogue’s Monster Lite Attachments.

Here you can add additional accessories to your rack or you can upgrade the ones that come standard with the RML-3. In general, the Monster and Monster Lite accessories are much more comprehensive than the Infinity/R-Series line.

Some attachments that I think are worthy of considering include the Rogue Matador, the Rogue Landmine, the Adjustable Monolift, the Sandwich J-Cups, and the Safety Straps. The RML-3 is not compatible with the Rogue Slinger.

The Matador allows for a portable dip station, the monolift eliminates the squat walk-out and makes bench setup MUCH easier, and the landmines open up a ton of barbell movement versatility. The sandwich cups are a big improvement over the standard J-cups, and the safety straps are much better than the pin & pipes.

As for attachment compatibility outside of Rogue Fitness, notable places to look are REP Fitness and Titan Fitness. Each of these companies offers attachments that will fit 3×3 and 5/8″ hardware (REP PR-4000 and Titan X-3). One thing to keep in mind is that imported racks use the metric system vs. the imperial system on USA-made racks. This means that hole spacing will be slightly shorter. If you find an attachment that has two pins (or a single pin with a second hitch pin) then it may not fit properly. Single-pin attachments tend to work fine.

What They’re Saying at Rogue Fitness

The Rogue RML-3 Power Rack receives great feedback from users. With an average rating of 4.9/5, here are some of the things people have said at roguefitness.com.

Positive

• “I bought this item due to its reputation for quality and that it is made in the USA. It does not disappoint and is the center piece of my home gym.”
• “This might actually be my first review of a product ever. I was blown away by the quality of my RML-3 and all of the accessories. They are well built with high grade steel, quality welds, thick powder coating and heavy duty hardware. This might be the first case where the product exceeded by high expectations I already had based on Rogue’s reputation. I did mount it to my floor using concrete bolts and it is incredibly sturdy. Everyone that has seen my set-up tells me how beautiful it is (hilarious for a “squat rack”).”
• “This rack has really expanded what I can do at home. I was concerned about the depth (24″), but it has not been an issue on any lift. A bit tighter moving a bar in and out – no big deal though. Once bolted to the floor, this thing is a tank. It’s expensive, but I would purchase it again over cheaper options. Buy once, cry once.”
  
• “After looking everywhere for a good rack I finally found this RML-3. I needed a rack small enough to fit in my apartment garage, but sturdy enough to work inside. I saw countless comments about the rack needing to be bolted down (I couldn’t do this however because I live in an apartment). I risked it and made the purchase anyway and it paid off. I simply put a pair of 60 lb dumbbells on the band pegs, one on each side, and this rack doesn’t move at all. I have racked 315 into it and had no issues at all. Great rack and the best customer service you can find anywhere.”
• “Absolutely amazing rack. Super stable and very, I mean very, high quality. I was a bit concerned that the 24” depth would feel cramped, but that quickly went away the first time I squatted/benched inside of it. Unless you’re dancing around with the bar inside of the rack, there’s plenty of room.”
• “This set up was worth buying, strong, versatile, the foot print is not overwhelming, but does give you the size you need to get flexibility in your workouts.”

Critical

• “The only complaint that I have is that I ordered the Monster Light Slinger, Monster Light Lat Pull Down Seat and Plate Load Attachment for my RML-3. Turns out that although the Lat Pull Down Seat and Plate Load Attachment fit fine the Monster Light Slinger doesn’t fit the RML-3. I was planning on returning it but I just couldn’t let it go, so I drilled a couple holes in the Slinger as well as in the cage and it worked out perfectly.”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed the RML-3 Power Rack.

Other Options

The below racks were picked as alternatives to the Rogue RML-3 Power Rack.