Side by Side Comparison of: Valor vs Valor Fitness vs Champion Barbell vs CAP Barbell

Absolutely love this machine!!!!!!Not quite commercial grade but the build is outstanding. The pulleys and sliding weight holder are smooth. My workouts have improved greatly. I feel much safer benching and being able to transition from bench, to shoulder press, to standing exercises is so much better than my old bench offered.I was using the Gold's Gym XRS 20 bench and rack and this Valor is a much better and safer solution. I set bench press on the rear of the cage and set spotters on the inside front. They do not limit range of motion and I've used the spotters several times trying to eeke out one more rep.I still use the XRS 20 bench and the fit inside is tight but manageable on incline bench press. Regular bench press is perfect.

I really like this cage. For the money, you cannot beat it. It's solid, doesn't move, and offers some safety when you're working out alone. The pulleys are linear and smooth. The pull up bar is solid and the cage is a rock when you put it under stress. I'll add a few accessories for the pulleys to improve my workouts, but for a 44 year old guy who hasn't lifted in a long time, this is a great way to get back into it. One note on building it. They don't tell you to have the exposed threads of the bolts pointing to the outside until the second page for some reason. The diagram shows all bolts with threads pointing inwards. I think this is because it lets you see the order and needed washers, but it's opposite of what they want you to do. You'll wind up building the base before you see that. That was annoying. Yes, I should have read all of the instructions first, but who does that? You will need some help putting it together for some steps. Overall, I am extremely satisfied after about a month of workouts.

I haven't had this much testosterone pumping through my system since riding on back of my girlfriend's Harley. In fact, there is nothing more manly I have done than put together this power rack. Manliness was oozing from my pores. Building a shrine dedicated toward making my body a bastion of sexiness. Roar.But for real this was an enjoyable experience because it was the first addition to my man cave. I took my time building it and had a good time. It is well made as everyone mentions and they did not cut corners. I'm very happy with this purchase.There are a few bullet points I would recommend taking note of before starting the build:You may think all the large bolts are the same size, they're not, some of them are like 1/8 shorter than the other ones. Keep that in mind.Before you build everything make sure you position this in the right place. Just put together the base and account for the rear foot that protrudes from the back. You need space for the pulley AND the weights you will put on it. For me it was like an additional 5" to accommodate 45lb plates. The pulley system slides the weight assembly up and down the pole, not "out". I also give 32 inches clearance on each side of the cage. This gave me plenty of room for the bar when doing squats, and I don't "worry" whether there's enough room either.All you need is two wrenches to build the entire thing. No screwdrivers, mallets, drills, allen wrenches, etc. One wrench is to hold the bolt still while the other wrench is to tighten the nut. They should be 17mm. I actually used a ratchet for one and a crescent wrench for the other.I would not tighten anything down until the very end. There's no need to and there are a couple places to get caught up.The buffer washers are black plastic and are in the bag with the pulleys.I ended up with one additional bolt, nut, and like 4 washers. At least I hope they are additional :)Yes, it is easy to build. That is all. Enjoy.

This rack is perfect, I've been killin it 6 days a week on this thing going as heavy as 350 and she holds strong. Defiantly a great buy, can't beat the price!

My home gym is now complete!- Treadmill - Olympic weight set - Dumbbells - Suspension Trainer - Power Rack -> CHECK!I did a lot of research on the different brands of power racks, from Powerline, to Rogue, to PowerTec and more. Then I came across the Valor BD-7, which is a complete system, combining a power rack system and lat pull, all for one low price. Hands down...the Valor BD-7 is the best bang for your buck. This will work for basements with low ceiling heights (91 inches for my ceiling). A couple of years ago I got rid of my gym membership. Now that I have this piece added to my home gym, there is no reason for me to go back. I can perform every exercise that I need all within this space, from power clean/ squats/ bench press/ deadlift/ shoulder press. The rack is sturdy when doing pull ups, no swaying, even when weight plates are not attached on the rack. No need to bolt into the floor like some other systems. No other rack system comes with the Lat Pull, all of them are purchased separately. My main concern was the ceiling height and if I would have enough head clearance when performing pull ups.... needless to say...it is NOT an issue at all, with plenty of head room to spare.Pros:* No more monthly GYM MEMBERSHIP fee* Work every part of the body in one station* Stable enough to do suspension training, hooked up to pull up bar (i.e, TRX or Rip60)* Suitable for low ceiling heights.* Enough depth to bench press/ power clean, deadlift, etc inside the cage* Package arrived two days earlier than estimatedCon:* I'm 5'10, however, when standing doing a clean and press, the olympic bar just scrapes the bottom of the cross member bar. However, it is still manageable.* Parts packaging for bolts/nuts/wings could be labeled better in separate compartments* Instruction manual could be written better, however, it's not rocket science* Hi/Low pulley bar attachments (straight bar and lat pull bar) are cheap, but will do the job for nowI would HIGHLY recommend this set to anyone looking for a power rack system.Additions to set:* Separately purchased chinning triangle bar attachment (which can also be used for pull ups if placed over the pull up bar)* Lowered Chin Up bar, no longer horizontal, placed ends vertical, gives additional clearance. Plus fully helps reinforce rack load at ALL four corners versus just three corners* Will eventually drill holes in on side cross bars (top and bottom center) to add capability of using resistance bands with workouts

My wife and I purchased the Valor BD-7 because we wanted to do a 3x5 or 5x5 program to lose weight and build muscle. You can't do those programs safely without a power rack or squat rack. I spent over a month debating whether I should get this rack or the PowerLine PPR200X Power Rack. I ultimately went with this rack because of the lat and low row cables thrown in for less price than if I had purchased the Power Line Rack plus the Lat add-on.I have to applaud the reviews existing on this rack. They helped me to get all of the accessories I needed to make this rack useful from the moment I finished putting it together. A careful read of other reviews also allowed me to prevent problems before they might occur.Valor must be reading these reviews, because as of September 2013 when I received this model, the instructions started with several pages of diagrams, but also included 4-5 pages of step by step suggestions to make the installation easier. The printed instructions helped make this a pretty simple experience. Just pay attention to where the various holes should face on the main beams and almost anyone can out this thing together. I am not exactly gifted in the common sense department, and I was able to put this together with my wife over about an hour and a half. It might help you to pull everything out, slap a small piece of tape on each piece, and label it. My wife did this and it made the job easier.In addition to the above, here are some hints gathered from other reviews here and put to use by me on how to make installation and use a pleasant experience:1. This rack has six plate holders, two on the lat pulldown and four total along the sides. However, they are STANDARD size plates holders. I would recommend getting 6 Body-Solid 8 Inch Olympic Adapter Sleeve w Hex Nut Locks. These are inserted over the plate holders and convert them to Olympic plate holders. I am impressed with the quality.2. There are small balls with tiny metal cups on either side on the cables just before you attach bar attachments like tricep ropes or a lat pulldown bar. These exist both on the top cable and the bottom cable. Take some duct tape or electric tape and tape the cups to the balls on both sides so they don't accidentally strip your cable. Do this BEFORE attempting to use the cables.3. You might want to purchase some kind of teflon spray or graphite to coat the pulley system with. Some reviews complained about the lack of smooth operation on the cables, but I did not seem to have this problem, even before I sprayed some lubricant on the pulleys and cables.4. Use duct tape on the lat pulldown foam pad. It apparently flakes off. I purchased some black duct tape and wrapped it immediately upon installation.5. Depending on your needs, you will probably want to purchase some more attachments for the lat pulldown and row. A really good one on Amazon is the Champion Cable Attachment Package Pack. You get a better quality straight bar, a triceps rope, and a v-bar. If you go heavier on the lat pulldown, I'd pick out a new lat pulldown bar too.6. You will need to purchase weights and a barbell to go with this power rack. I'd suggest shopping locally, because the cost of shipping a 300 lb Olympic Weight set usually drives the price up online.7. If you are planning on deadlifting off the floor, make sure you make yourself a solid platform to cushion the weight as it hits the ground. I used some 7/8 inch thick matting and I also hope to make a platform out of several pieces of 4 x 8 plywood in the near future.8. Purchase shoes with flat soles or lift barefoot. You DO NOT want to try to squat or deadlift heavy with cushioned soles, the type found in running shoes and cross trainers. If you don't want to buy expensive weightlifting shoes, get some Chuck Taylor's. They'll do the trick on the cheap.That's about it. I have myself an extremely solid power rack which should allow my wife and I to do heavy olympic lifts as safely as possible. Compared to doing heavy squats, this installation was a piece of cake!

The pulley system moves very smooth and fluid. It took me two hours to put the whole thing together but that is probably because I was doing it by myself. My only complaint is the bar hooks allow the bar to roll forward.....which keeps scaring me each time I get under it to bench. =) Because it allows the bar to roll and sit forward on the hooks I am wondering what impact that may have on the life of the bar hooks (bending over time under the weight stress)

I think you get exactly what you pay for. This is not quite a "gym quality" rack -- it's definitely a little narrower than the squat racks at the gym, the steel is not as burly/heavy-duty, and the pulley system could be a little smoother (I'm going to try some lithium grease to see if I can sort that out). But, for my home gym, it performs exactly as advertised, and I am 100% satisfied. The installation instructions were thorough and easy to follow, and I put the whole thing together by myself in about 2 hours. One installation tip: Be a little cautious with the bolts holding the frame together -- you should screw them together tightly enough to hold firmly, but if you screw too tightly (I used a power impact wrench), they will start to bend the frame a little. I saw this was happening, and compensated using some blue Loc-Tite; hopefully that will provide a nice compromise.

I had spent several weeks trying to find a good rack without spending a lot of money. I feel that you won't find a better rack unless you're willing to spend a lot more. This rack feels solid and should last a long time.As some of the other reviews state, the rack is a little smaller/tighter than what you would find in a gym. I got used to the size after a couple of weeks, but keep in mind that I'm 5'8/185 pounds, so some of you bigger lifters might feel crowded in this rack. I would recommend getting the bar hooks to replace the pegs that come with it, and get the dip attachments for it also. The only complaints that I have would be that the top weight rack or rod, seems to be a little high so I just don't use it. Second, would be that the cable system seems to not move as free as it should. I'm thinking that the sleeve that slides up and down the bar is defective. After I set it up, I placed two twenty five pound plates on it to make sure everything was functioning properly, and it felt as though I had well over 100 pounds on it. Other then the two minor complaints, I'm really glad I got this rack. Definitely worth the money.

Be careful not to over tighten bolts as frame will compress. Its 2/14/17 and the plastic coating on the cable is pretty much gone from the upper cable. Bottom cable still has coating so far but expect this to rub off at some point. Other than that, this rack is doing its job. I attached some photos for reference-not great but something. Update 2/17/17...so i noticed i routed the top cable wrong on top. Corrected this issue and no rubbing. Hence i now give 4 stars.

I just received this today starting with the boxes unopened it took me 2 hours 30 minutes to assemble (this also includes stopping a couple times to deal with my 7 year old daughter who did try to help by holding directions upside down :))This comes in two boxes with parts intermingled but is not hard to figure out if you study the diagrams and pictures.You will need a 17mm socket and 17mm wrench. I used a 3" extension for my 3/8" drive ratchet to save my knuckles.I put the washers and nuts in solo cups and separated the bolts. They came shrink wrapped on cardboard and separated.I am 5' 10" and did not need a stool but did have to get on my toes a couple times so if you are shorter a stool will help.With the Lat Pull attachment it measures a height of 7' with out, it is 82". The base is 46" in depth add an extra 17" for the Lat attachment that comes out the back side. I gave my self 2' from my back wall and this is perfect. The width from the out side of the support beams is 47.5".This fits a 7' Olympic bar good, the weight rack that are on the back side will hold Olympic sized plates. I did not account for those in my total width measurements. I did not realize a pull up bar was incorporated into the frame, the knurling is also pretty good.I was shorted washers and I will probably change out some of the bolts for the pulleys because what they provided were completely threaded which makes no sense. I would say metal pulleys would be a good upgrade. This is not designed to do serious weight but enough to get a good work out. It was painted a gray/silver not all the welds seemed to be complete either.With the bolts on the front of the base and in other key areas I reversed the way they are inserted. I did this one for safety reasons, I didn't want the threads facing inwards where shoe laces or pant legs might snag on, or where knuckles or hands could get caught on. I also think it is more appealing from an aesthetic view point. I did notice that it appeared that there were some small bubbles in the paint. Not a big deal to me and this is made in China so I didn't have high expectations. If it turns into something I can sand it down and paint it. For the price I think this is a good rack. I am using a Rogue Bar and bumper plates. If I get real serious I will upgrade and pass this onto a beginner such as myself.

I did not purchase this from amazon because I was able to find it cheaper on another site, that being said I do find that this is a great rack, sturdy and well built. It did take me about 2 hours and 45 minutes to get it all together after I received all the parts that's why I only gave 4 stars. It was missing the plate carriage for the lat station. I recommend that you call valor if you are missing parts as they will not return emails, no matter how many times you email.I have been using this since September and workout 5 times a week doing a full body workout through out the week. The lat station is used in one way or another every day. About a month of using the lat station I noticed the rubber coating around cable for the pull down section had begun to come apart. I put some electrical tape on it as a quick fix until I have time to get to the hardware store to get different cables.The pull down bar and straight bar attachment that come with it work well. I would recommend some double sided tape to put around the grips so they will not move. I also purchased the dip station that goes with it and they were a great addition.I'm 5'8 so the pull up bar is perfect for me, but I find it to be small inside the cage. For example if you are doing bench press and you want to work tri's you have to pull the bench out to have enough room to do rope pull downs. I guess it's still better than having to deal with the baboons at the gym.The only suggestions I would have for valor is maybe making the dimensions inside the cage a little bigger and making the weight bar supports shorter. An extra set of plate holders would be nice too.

So far, -1 star because the instructions are missing. After an hour of scouring the web (and not finding it anywhere on the stores123 website OR the Valor Fitness website, found the pdf on a different retailer's store page. Check the "Customer Questions & Answers" for the link.Will update review after actually putting together this thing.Update:Missing parts! another -1 star.

Ok Value. The wiring it weak & the quality is sub-par. Other than that its an ok product

Pros: Easy to put together. Sturdy. Easy to change height of barbell supports.Cons: Barbell supports have large round "stops" (to prevent the barbell from rolling off) which, when using my standard barbell, interfere with the weight plates making it almost unusable. These "stops" add an additional 1" to 1-1/2" to the width of the rack that isn't accounted for in the description. So I either need to modify the stops (cutting?), add something to push the weight plates out an inch or so, or buy a new barbell and plates.

I have to admit that for the money this is a great package, but you should consider if you want the package. I am talking about the lat attachmentWhen working chest, shoulders, and squat at home I like to work in the cage and the lat attachment just gets in the way. Also, I find the pulley mechanism to feel clunky. I have tried lubricating the pulley and the lat attachment to even out the feel but it only offers a slight improvement.As a consideration you should know that the arms that the weights rest on are not Olympic size.For casual usage and weight not exceeding 300 lbs this is probable all you need. Anything heavier consider a true squat rack, bench set, or a rack rated up to 1000 lbs.

Good cage, terrible lat pull/low row.Pro's:1. Cage is sturdy2. Easy to assemble3. Good hole spacing4. Paint is durable5. Gives good secure feelingCon's:1. The square guide rod on the lat pull makes all motions rough, especially triceps exercises2. Made for standard weights3. Bar hooks are too long almost 4in which interferes while doing bench presses, they also allow the bar to roll forward (which can be scary)Suggestions to make better:1. The lat attachment should include two circular guide rods2. Should include olympic sleeves and be given the option to go standard not the other way around3. Real J hooks would be awesomeIn the end I sold the product and bought a much higher quality piece. Two circular rods made all the difference and worth every penny more.

The footprint is compact. I am used to working out in a commercial cage at your gym, so for certain exercises I feel very tentative that I am going to hit something within the cage since it is so shallow. I'm okay with the width and height of the cage and the lat pull and low row work great. The cage is sturdy and I like the fact that so many additional things are included with the product, such as an addtiional set of stops, lat bar and low row attachment. If the cage was deeper, I would give it a full 5.

Coating on the cables wore off after about two months of use. Got replacement cables and the coating wore off on the second set and with only twenty five pounds of weight on it. No more help after that.

The squat rack itself is great, but the additional pulley system is horrible. It moves way too stiff as well the spindle that attaches to the pulley is cheap. I've actually had better results just buying a bunch of resistance bands attaching them together on some clips to various latches. I have a warranty, but to go out of my way to send it back, wait on a new one, reassemble it just isn't with the headache. Lesson learned: you get what you pay for.

Pulley system gets in way of squats.

It's ok. but the posts are too close together. I can't fit my bench in to do incline or military press while I have the lat pull attachment on the back. I was very disappointed. I also had many parts of the tubing just collapse as i tightened the bolts. The instructions were horrible. I would not buy it again or recommend it to anyone i like.

I couldn't fully assemble the product because one of the posts is defective. For that reason, I can't connect the Lat pull or connect the lower attachments , but I was able to assemble the basics which was the squat rack, weight holders and the pull up bar. Also, the weight holders are not Olympic Size so it's only good for standard weights. I gave them a call to find out what my options were, but it appears they were busy, so I'll keep calling them or contacting them via internet to either refund or partially receive credit back since the rack isn't fully compatible with the attachments. I haven't used it so it's basically brand new, but if I had known that their product was defective or if it was going to be complicated to get ahold of them than I would've gone with something else. This is flimsy material at best and doesn't look like it will hold much. Bottom line, best to look elsewhere...

It's not as sturdy as most industrial grade racks you find at nice gyms. The lat pulldown is useless because the pulley is too large and causes cable to grind into the rack shredding it. It is definitely a cheaply made rack. I will find a smaller pulley for it or use a cutting torch. For a home gym when you don't have time to go, it works. Do NOT buy this for a gym where people pay money to come.

Dont get this one

Only about 1/4 of the necessary hardware, and two major components totally missing

I was really excited to get the rack and pulley system. But the instructions sent did not include "page 11" which was suppose to show me how to set up the pulley system. Then one of the cables was peeling right out of the box. After finally being able to set it up the top part of the rack scrapes the cable making it really hard to pull on the cable which led it it peeling even further. It seems that the pulley is to big and makes the cable and inner rack tube scrape. Additionally one of the bottom tubes was bent making it really hard for it to fit. I am really disappointed since now the top part of the pulley system is useless. There goes one of the top reasons I purchased this product. I reached out to the vendor and said they can not do anything about it. Way to stand by the product.