Rogue RML-390BT Power Rack

Rogue RML-390BT Power Rack

The Rogue RML-390BT Power Rack is one of Rogue’s smallest full-size Monster Lite racks. This 4-post rack is constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel with 5/8″ holes and Westside spacing. It’s compatible with Rogue’s Monster Lite attachments as well as some attachments from other companies.

The benefit of the RML-390BT over the RML-3 is that this one is bolted together and it offers two depth options (24″ or 30″ vs. only 24″).

The Monster Lite Racks from Rogue are excellent racks and Rogue has shown a commitment to the line. If you want the most future-proof rack in Rogue’s lineup, however, the next level up is the RM-3 Monster Rack.

Read more below.

Features & Highlights

• Steel Size – The RML-390BT rack from Rogue is a part of their Monster Lite lineup. It’s constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel and it’s assembled with a bolt-together design. 3×3 steel is 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. In terms of stability, this rack will need to be bolted into the ground or onto a platform unless you purchase and attach front foot stabilizers.
• 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).
• Hole Spacing – The RML-390BT offers Westside hole spacing, which is a common 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.
• Exterior Rack Dimensions – This rack is the smallest full-size rack in the Monster Lite family with a total length of 34″ or 40″ and a total width of 53″ (includes footplates). In terms of the uprights themselves, the dimensions are 30″ or 36″ 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 390BT can be purchased with an interior depth of 24″ or 30″. Both are enough room to lift in, but I would recommend the 30″ for most users. 24″ depth can feel too cramped for many lifters. The interior width of the rack is 43″.
• Safety Options – This rack includes pin & pipe safeties as standard, which are common for this style of rack. This safety system is a bit cumbersome to set up and it has a powder-coated exterior, which isn’t great for barbell protection. 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 Color Options – Unlike the RML-390C, the Bolt Together version does not offer color options. It comes in the standard Rogue black powder coat.
• Not Slinger Compatible as Standard – Also unlike the RML-390C, this version does not come equipped with slinger-compatible crossmembers. If you want to utilize the Slinger, you will need to purchase the proper Slinger crossmembers.
• Made in America – The RML-390BT is made in Ohio.

What’s Included in the Box

The Rogue RML-390BT Power Rack includes several pieces as standard:

• (2) Monster Lite J-Cups with UHMW Lining
• (2) Pin & Pip Safeties
• (4) Band Pegs
• (1) 43″ Fat/Skinny Pull-Up Bar
• (4) 24″ or 30″ Crossmembers with Side Holes
• (4) 90″ Uprights with Side Holes

Optionally, you can add a concrete anchor kit (bolting highly recommended unless you use the half-rack front foot supports), strap safeties, or safety spotter arms directly on the product page.

Attachment Compatibility

The RML-390BT 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-390BT. 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, the X-43M Multi Grip Crossmember, and the Safety Straps.

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, the X-43 provides additional pull-up variety, and the safety straps are a big improvement over 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-390BT 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’ve had my ML-390 BT 30″ depth in bright green for five years and it’s awesome. There are so many attachments for it (dip stations, multiple J-cups, rollers, pull up bars etc) and it’s definitely the centerpiece of my home gym.”
• “Rock solid construction. Make sure to anchor it properly. I absolutely love the fat bar/skinny bar pull up combo. For me, the 390 is the perfect size. If you WANT bigger and have the space, by all means go right ahead, but I never regret not getting something bigger. I would highly recommend the safety straps they sell separately. Bench press is not a strength of mine and those straps have bailed me out of a couple failed reps already.”
• “I bought this rack in February of 2020. The shipping was really fast and I received my entire order within 48 hours. This included rack, bar, plates, and a few rack attachments. I ordered the 30″ depth and love it. The rack is still compact enough for my basement gym yet the 30″ depth gives plenty or room for movements. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a solid rack.”
  
• “Best purchase ever. Great quality, easy set up, and is multifunctional—Pin press benches, bench, squat and deadlift with bands in any direction. Additional crossmember makes rack super stable.”
• “my first rack and only one I’ll ever need, real heavy and workmanship and fit is second to none, expertly packed.”
• “I was looking for a 3X3 rack that was strong and versatile. This fit the bill. Lots of attachments available as well. Very happy with my purchase”

Critical

• “The rack is slightly wider than normal so unracking squats at first takes practice as the weights can hit the uprights.”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed the RML-390 Bolt Together Rack.

Other Options

The below racks were picked as alternatives to the Rogue RML-390BT Power Rack.