Quick Overview
The REP 9-Bar Vertical Storage Unit is a great way to organize your barbells. It works especially well for specialty bars and includes UHMW inner linings to protect your sleeves. For an affordable price, you can tidy up your space and make your training more efficient.
Who It’s Right For
Things to Consider
We all want our gyms to look nice and organized, right?
I know I do.
One of the easiest ways to add some organization to your life is through barbell storage. There are two ways to go about it: vertical or horizontal.
While I prefer horizontal wall-mounted systems for straight bars, I like vertical systems the best for specialty bars. This is because specialty bars come in all shapes and sizes, which can create inefficiencies with a horizontal setup. Some bars also may not even fit at all.
Insert vertical floor storage.
When researching options for vertical storage, I narrowed it down to three options:
- Rep Fitness 9-barbell storage system
- Rogue 9-barbell storage system
- Titan Fitness 9-barbell storage system
The common denominator here is I wanted a large enough piece to fit nine barbells. I fully intend to fill it to the brim with awesome bars.
Ultimately I decided on the Rep Fitness piece for the reasons I outline in the review below.
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Rep Fitness 9-Bar Vertical Storage
The rep fitness 9-bar holder is built using 7-gauge steel and it measures 18” x 18” x 8.5” (to top of tube). While the website states it weighs 40 lbs, I’ve weighed it several times and I consistently get 44.3 lbs on the scale. While the 44.3 lb weight is less than both the Rogue Fitness (46 lbs) and Titan Fitness (55 lbs) options, I haven’t noticed any concern with its ability to handle the load. Considering the bars collectively weigh hundreds of pounds, representing multiples on the holder itself, I’d say it does a pretty darn good job.
The biggest benefit by far of the Rep Fitness holder is that the tubes have a protective plastic lining, which greatly helps in preventing your barbell sleeves from any damage. Neither the Titan Fitness nor the Rogue Fitness options offer this lining. At least the Rogue version offers tubing that is drawn over mandrel, which eliminates any vertical seams, weld spatter, etc… that could increase the chances of damage. The Titan; however, based on the vertical seam in the pictures, looks like it has tubing that is not drawn over mandrel. This could potentially lead to cosmetic issues if you’re not careful loading and unloading your bars.
The gapping between the tubes themselves and the top frame is negligible on the Rep model. It appears this tolerance is very comparable to the Rogue, but more so than in the Titan version, which has clear gapping in their photos. I don’t think this will really impact performance unless the bottom welds were to come loose, but it’s a consideration nonetheless… especially if you have OCD like me. Lastly as it relates to the tubing, the actual tubes themselves are 7.5″ tall. This helps maintain a vertical barbell positioning so that they aren’t leaning out to the sides.
The overall look of this piece is similar to that of the Rogue and Titan in that it has two vertical fronts with laser cut logos. Aesthetically I think laser cutting looks really cool, so I’m a fan of it on the holder. Also related to the overall look of the piece is that the finish level on mine is nearly flawless. I haven’t noticed any scratches, dents, gashes, etc… I’ve seen pictures of another Rep holder that had a few dings, but it looked as though it had slipped through QA/QC. I don’t expect that to be a pandemic issue at all. If this were to be an issue for you, Rep has great customer service and I have no doubt they would replace it without objection.
As far as price is concerned, the Rep Fitness model is going to be really hard to beat in my opinion. Priced at $84, it represents a steep discount to the Rogue model, which is priced at $129.50. Considering it’s essentially the exact same specs but with the added benefit of the plastic lining, it seems like Rep is the better option between the two. Compared to the Titan Fitness model, which is priced just under Rep at $79.99, it seems to me that Rep is still the best option. For less than $5 more you get a product that has better fit, finish, and protection.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Final Thoughts
Generally speaking, simple designs, as long they’re well made, don’t have many cons. This is a very simple design that Rep Fitness cleverly improved upon compared to the other options. To be fair, I think the Rogue model is also a great unit. I just don’t think the additional $45 is worth it when you can get a product in Rep that is better.
If protection isn’t a particular concern of yours or if you don’t care as much about fit and finish, save yourself the few bucks and go with Titan. It will definitely get the job done. It’s not like it’s going to shred your sleeves or anything, but it may scratch them if you’re not careful.
When it comes down to it, we’re talking about storage here. The brain damage isn’t quite as extensive as it may be when buying a barbell, for instance.
The ultimate point is either option is going to get your space more organized than just having barbells thrown about or leaning up against a wall.
REP 9-Bar Vertical Bar Storage Rating
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for vertical barbell floor storage, I think the Rep Fitness 9-Bar holder is the best one available. It has a fantastic price, it’s well made, and it offers excellent sleeve protection.