Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0

Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0

The Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0 is Rogue’s mid-size Monster Lite rack. 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-490C version compared to the RML-490 version is that this one offers multiple color options, Slinger compatibility, optional laser-cut holes, and a Rogue nameplate. It’s built similar to the RML-690C with the main difference being that this one does not offer a dedicated plate storage section.

In general, the Monster Lite racks from Rogue are extremely popular and they continue to evolve/improve as more accessories are introduced. This is a future-proof rack.

If you want the most future-proof rack in Rogue’s lineup, the next level up is the RM-4 Monster Rack.

Read more below.

Features & Highlights

• Steel Size – The RML-490C 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).
• Hole Spacing – The RML-490C 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-690C 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 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.
• Optional Hole Numbers – For an upcharge of $100, you can elect to have laser-cut numbers added to your uprights. Through the Westside zone, you will have even-numbered cutouts, and above, you will have all holes numbered. Numbers aren’t a necessary feature for some users, but they are convenient, especially in the Westside zone. I personally recommend numbers.
• Multiple Color Options – A great benefit of the RML-490C is that it comes in a variety of colors. There are currently 11 color choices to choose from including Rogue Red, Bright Blue, Bright Green, etc… The rack also comes with black zinc hardware, which looks great.
• Made in America – The RML-490C 3.0 is made in Ohio.

What’s Included in the Box

The Rogue RML-490C 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) Stabilizing Rogue Nameplate
• (4) 43″ Crossmembers with Side Holes and Top/Bottom holes for Slinger Compatibility
• (4) 90″ Uprights with Side Holes

Optionally, you can add a concrete anchor kit (bolting recommended, but not required if using stabilizer), rear stabilizer, 43″ strap safeties, or safety spotter arms directly on the product page.

Attachment Compatibility

The RML-490C 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-490C. 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-490C Power Rack 3.0 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 have been using this rack daily for about two months. Before the RML-490, I was using a rack from Titan. There is such a massive difference between the two it’s crazy. It’s like the rack was crafted by the hands of the workout gods. It’s very well built, super sturdy and a ton of fun to use.”
• “My wife and I use our rack 5 times a week and we absolutely love it! We find it works great for squats, dead-lifts, bench press, vertical press, pull-downs, barbell rows, land mine rotations, stirring the pot, and resistance band exercises. The only down side is that owning a rack like this becomes a complete addiction. I look forward to working out on it every workout day and I miss working out on it every rest day.”
• “Made in the USA, built like a tank. Instead of bolting this to my basement flooring, I purchased the stability bar and this thing is not going anywhere. It doesn’t move at all, and if you add some plates on it, you will make it even more stable. Easy to assemble, you might need a second person to just hold the uprights while putting the crossmembers (for safety purpose). Extremely happy with this purchase.”
  
• “I got my rack last week and assembled it with my two boys. The whole family is using this rack since we assembled it everyday. We just love it so much. We waited a little long to receive it, but man this rack is amazing. If you’re looking to buy a squat rack this is the one you want to buy 100%. Build solid and beautiful in person. This squat rack will last for a long time for sure. We just love it man.”
• “Rack is built like a tank. I’ve added the matador and safety straps. Everything is absolutely top-notch. Yes, it’s more expensive than some other racks out there; however, you have to remember that you’re buying American + the quality of this product is through the roof. Just buy it; this is a lifetime investment which, if used 3x a week, will transform your body and your life.”
• “This is a killer setup. I really mean it when I say “Buy once Cry once.” Yea, this is on the pricy side but you get what you pay for. It’s American steel that you can rely on and pass onto your grandkids. Amazing craftsmanship and very sturdy. If you’re trying to build your home gym, don’t skimp out on buying quality. The new Rogue crossbeam looks amazing and adds great stability, and I love how the red pops. I didn’t have to bolt my power rack to the ground.”

Critical

• “Only downside is the pipe and pin safeties are annoying. So pick up some different ones they sell.”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed the RML-490C Power Rack 3.0.

Other Options

The below racks were picked as alternatives to the Rogue RML-490C Power Rack 3.0.