Rogue RML-690 Power Rack

  • Manufacturer: Rogue Fitness
  • Rack Type: 6-Post Power Rack
  • Tube Size: 3×3 11-Gauge Steel
  • Hole Size: 5/8″
  • Hole Spacing: Westside (1″ ) through bench zone. 2″ above and below.
  • Height: 90 3/8″
  • Footprint: 80″ Deep/53″ Wide (76″/49″ on uprights)
  • Interior Depth/Width: 43″/43″
  • Weight: 530lb
  • Numbered Uprights: No
  • Color: Black
  • Made In: USA

Read below to get a detailed look at the Rogue RML-690 Power Rack including product details, features, real user feedback, and more.

$1,690.00

Rogue RML-690 Power Rack

The Rogue RML-690 Power Rack is a 6-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-690C 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-690 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.
  • 6-Post Design – The primary benefits of a 6-post rack are the on-rack plate storage and the fact you don’t have to bolt it down (although you still can).
  • 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 690 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 690C is likely the better buy since it already includes the compatible crossmembers.
  • Hole Spacing – The RML-690 Power Rack offers Westside hole spacing, which is common on 5/8″ racks. Through the bench zone, the holes will be spaced 1″ apart. This allows for finer adjustments on your J-cups and safeties, which 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 largest in the Monster Lite family with a total length of 80″ and a total width of 53″ (includes footplates). In terms of the uprights themselves, the dimensions are 76″ 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. It’s also 43″ wide inside-to-inside. The RML-690 does include the storage section, which has an interior depth of 24″. This creates enough space to store plates without them getting in the way when lifting from the middle uprights.
  • 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-690C, the RML-690 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 690C is the way to go.
  • No Color Options – Also unlike the RML-690C, the RML-690 only comes in a black powder coat. If you want a rack with color options to match your gym’s scheme, the 690C is your answer.
  • Made in America – The Rogue RML-690 Power Rack is made in Ohio.

What’s Included in the Box

The Rogue RML-690 Power Rack includes several notable attachments as standard:

  • (2) Monster Lite J-Cups with UHMW Lining
  • (2) Pin & Pip Safeties
  • (8) Plate Storage Pins
  • (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) 24″ Crossmembers with Side Holes (Not Slinger Compatible)
  • (6) 90″ Uprights with Side Holes

Optionally, you can add a concrete anchor kit (bolting not required), 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-690 offers better pull-up options as standard compared to the 690C, but the RML-690C offers a better standard package overall.


Attachment Compatibility

The RML-690 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-690. 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-690 Power Rack receives very positive 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 this rack for about a month now. And it’s an excellent choice for a home gym. Very well built, extremely sturdy and versatile. It took me about 2 hours to put it together by myself.For use, it’s simply phenomenal. For benching, squatting and pressing, it’d be hard to find one better.”
  • “This rack is rock solid and the components are very well designed. It’s a giant step up from my previous one in terms of quality. Don’t be deterred by the “lite” label. This thing can take serious abuse.”
  • “I received this about a month ago and based on its heavy duty construction there is not much to if anything to complain about. This product will probably out live me. Highly recommend purchasing it again to anyone interested!!!”
  • “Assembly took over an hour with three people . Instructions pretty easy to read. The rack is very stable and sturdy. Will not be anchoring it to the ground. Looking forward to getting some accessories over time. Perfect for a home gym.”
  • “This was a Christmas Gift for my wife, however, it is turning out to be one of my favorite purchases! There is not much you can’t do with this rack. I was most impressed by how easily it went together and the quality of the construction right down to the welds. We have had it set up now for 10 days and we love it. There are plenty of nifty add on’s that make it an even better purchase.”
  • “Exactly what the Dr ordered. Squat, Bench, Pull-up, repeat. Weight storage is perfect and holds all the plates you could want. Quality is awesome very sturdy once the bolts are tight. I’d say anyone with the room who wants to save some time and get in your work at home. Your not gonna find a better rack. UPS lost one of the components in shipping and I emailed the customer service and they had a new replacement part in the mail a day later. Thanks Rogue, I won’t buy anywhere else after this.”

Critical

  • “I have been using the RML-690 for a month. I am worried that the pipes might rust over time and break since I do Above Knee Rack Pulls for my Upper Trapezius. Also, it ruined the knurling for my Barbell when I slid the bar by accident instead of rolling the bar. I had to result to using 2 towels to cover them. If Rogue can make a Monster Lite Version of the Flip Down Safeties without compromising the durability, that would be great. I am more worried about the Pine Pipe Safeties and hope that you would at least make them more durable by coating the outside of the pipes with strong plastic or rubber. Overall the rack itself is mighty strong.”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed the RML-690 Power Rack.


Other Options

The below racks were picked as alternatives to the Rogue RML-690 Power Rack.