Rogue RML-490 Power Rack

Rogue RML-490 Power Rack

The Rogue RML-490 Power Rack is a 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. It’s built similar to the RML-490C 3.0, but it doesn’t offer color options, it doesn’t offer the option to add numbered holes, it doesn’t offer Slinger crossmembers as standard, nor does it offer the Rogue nameplate. Aside from that, it’s the same rack at a cheaper price point.

In general, the Monster Lite racks from Rogue are very popular and they continue to evolve/improve as more accessories are introduced.

Read more below.

Features & Highlights

• Steel Size – The RML-490 rack from Rogue is a part of their Monster Lite lineup. It’s constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel and it’s easily assembled with a bolt-together design. 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 onto a platform unless you buy the optional stabilizer. The stabilizer attaches to the bottom of the back crossmembers. Even still, if you’re lifting heavy on the outside of the front uprights or if you’re doing heavy pull-ups, bolting down is recommended (not required).
• 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). This version of the 490 does not offer Slinger crossmembers as standard. If you want to use the Slinger, you will need to buy them separately here. If you plan on buying the Slinger now or in the future, the 490C is likely the better buy since it already includes the compatible crossmembers.
• Hole Spacing – The RML-490 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 second-to-largest in the Monster Lite family with a total length of 53″ and a total width of 53″ (includes footplates). In terms of the uprights themselves, the dimensions are 49″ 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 43″ deep, which is more than enough room to lift comfortably. This is the same depth as the 6-post RML-690 from Rogue. The main difference between the two is the missing storage section.
• 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-490C, the RML-490 does not come with the option to add laser-cut numbers. I prefer the numbers myself, but they aren’t a necessary feature. If you like the idea of numbers, which makes lining up j-cups, safeties, and attachments easier, the 490C is the way to go.
• No Color Options – Also unlike the RML-490C, the RML-490 only comes in a black powder coat. If you want a rack with color options to match your gym’s scheme, the 490C is your answer.
• Made in America – The Rogue RML-490 Power Rack is made in Ohio.

What’s Included in the Box

The Rogue RML-490 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″ Single Skinny Pull-Up Bar
• (1) 43″ Fat (2″ diameter)/Skinny (1.25″ diameter) Pull-Up Bar
• (4) 43″ Crossmembers with Side Holes (Not Slinger Compatible)
• (4) 90″ Uprights with Side Holes

Optionally, you can add a rear stabilizer, a concrete anchor kit (bolting not required if using the stabilizer), 43″ strap safeties, or safety spotter arms directly on the product page. You can also purchase from a selection of bars (includes HG collars for free), benches, and plates on the product page and save on shipping while building out a complete set-up.

In general, the RML-490 offers better pull-up options as standard compared to the 490C, but the RML-490C offers a better standard package overall.

Attachment Compatibility

The RML-490 Power Rack 3.0 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-490. 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. If you want to use the Slinger, again, you’ll need to purchase the Slinger crossmembers, which come as standard on the 690C.

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-490 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 purchased my RML – 490 5 months ago. Being new to building a home gym, I was apprehensive about making such a significant investment on a rack. I researched many of the competitors and quickly realized that I would be better off spending the money upfront versus being frustrated by poor quality and craftsmanship. I’ve been happy with my purchase and I like the fact that with the bottom crossmember it can be a freestanding rack. If you are looking for a durable, reliable, well built power rack. Look no further. I spent hours researching and finally decided to pull the trigger.”
• “No doubt I bought the right rack. With the stabilizer bar, it doesn’t budge. Which was something I worried about until it was built. Looks great too. No joke, the day I built it, a total stranger parked at the end of my driveway to shout a compliment about the gym.”
• “I ordered two racks (probably overkill) so my girlfriend and I could have our own space since we workout together since we were moving out to the country away from any decent gyms. I wanted to wait a few months before giving my review. I am glad I went with the RML-490 because it is STURDY even while doing some crossfit movements such as kipping pull ups or T2B. There is more than enough to squat inside the rack and not feel claustrophobic. If room and $$$ are not an issue then just buy this.”
  
• “I’ve had this rack for about 9 months now and it’s held up great. The monster-lite line isn’t engineered to accommodate as many bells and whistles/niceties as the monster line, but this is a tremendous rack for what you’re paying for. I put two weight posts on each end to weigh the rack down and store some weights. Seems to be very stable while only preventing me from doing floor press with safeties (not the end of the world). Overall great rack.”
• “I am really glad I went with Rogue. My RML-490 is super solid, versatile, and it looks great. I could have saved some money on a rack from another manufacturer, but I’m glad it didn’t. Aside from the high quality of this power rack, Rogue’s customer service was phenomenal. I had some issues with some lost parts in shipping, and contacted Rogue. Rogue promptly responded to me and resolved the issues quickly – they didn’t make it my problem. I am excited about the accessory options available for the rack, too. I highly recommend the RML-490 and Rogue in general.”
• “Bought this rack a couple months ago. It is a tank!! What a great investment!! As usual, great quality and customer service from Rogue.”

Critical

• “pin-pipe safeties are just terrible. I had never used them before at my commercial gyms so I don’t know what I was expecting, but man they are hard to to use, and I’m scared to drop my barbell on them for fear of damaging the knurling. Apparently, if you ask, you can get them to send strap safeties at a discount, but I didn’t know this going in and wish I did because I would have totally gone for the straps.”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed the RML-490 Power Rack.

Other Options

The below racks were picked as alternatives to the Rogue RML-490 Power Rack.