I've been posting up some product reviews as I've been piecing together my home gym, and now that I'm pretty much there I thought this would be a good time to put everything together in one thread. Hopefully this can be the start of an equipment guide for anyone else who's in the (fortunate) position of being able to put together their own training dungeon like myself.
When you get called fat enough times by your mother in law, your wife doesn't get to complain about equipment purchases. I also plan on keeping this gear around for a long time, at least until my boys have moved out of the house.
Those with gear, please add to the list. Questions/comments welcome from everyone except TurboD/TimeAttack, because you're just an idiot.
Powertec PPR Power Rack
Purchased new from GoMango Fitness with a standard 300lbs barbell and plate set.
This is a solid power rack, includes pull up bar and dip handles. Hooks are easily adjustable and the skewer design allows for any configuration. Too short to allow for pressing inside, but if it was any bigger it wouldn't fit in my basement. A staple for any home gym. Optional lat tower.
Olympic lifting platform
plywood from Totem, stall mats from UFA
I built this myself out of 3 sheets of 4'x8'x3/4" plywood and one 5'x7'x3/4" horse stall mat cut in half. Standard plans call for a 4' middle section with 2' rubber sides. Using the 5x7 gave me 2.5" of rubber on each side giving more room for error when dropping. I had the center piece ripped to 3' and used the left overs to fill in the platform surface at the back. I only went with 2 ply vs 3 ply as I have low ceilings in my basement and need all the overhead space I can get.
Northern Lights FID Bench
found on kijiji
Simple, sturdy, I like the molded padding as there's less chance of tearing. It's a bit of a pain to move when flat since it doesn't lock in that position. Otherwise it is what it is.
Rogue Bar
bought new from Rogue and imported
Snap ring construction, bad-ass black oxide coating, 28.5mm diameter, no center knurl and marks for both olympic and power lifting. No comparison to your run of the mill cheapy "olympic" bar, the collars actually spin! Fantastic for the quick lifts (cleans, snatches) with some flex/whip, and guaranteed for life against bending.
Standard Cheap Olympic Bar
meh. Currently mine lays on top of my power rack so I can use my chinning triangle.
Tuff Stuff Plate Tree
found on kijiji
Picked this up used, not crazy about the design. I don't like the 6th peg on the floor in the back. I'd go with a 3 pegs/side one instead.
Iron Plates
some new, some on kijijji
Not much to say about these. Find them used if you can.
Rogue (Hi-Temp) Bumper Plates
bought new from Rogue and imported
I think these are the most durable bumpers on the market. Made from recycled rubber by a guy named Chuck, these have stainless steel inserts that can take a beating. Bounce is probably medium, I wouldn't mind a deader bounce as the bar tends to walk a bit with lighter loads. Only real con is the thickness. The 45# plates are FAT. Still need to make a plate rack for these. As it stands, they just occupy the deadspace at the rear on either side of my power rack.
Iron Woody Fractional Plates
bought new from Rogue and imported
These things are retardedly pricey, but they're pretty. 2x0.25lb, 2x0.5lb, 2x0.75lb and 2x1lb for a total of 5lbs for microloading in increments of 0.5lbs. If I were to do it again, I'd go to Fastenal and find some 2" ID washers that are around 0.25lbs and save myself some money.
Iron Woody Bands
bought new from Iron Woody, shipped to my BIL in WA and brought back from vacation
Great for assistance on pull/chin ups. I haven't used them for much else yet, but will be adding them for resistance on GHRs next.
Rogue Rings
bought new from Rogue, shipped to my BIL in WA and brought back from vacation
Bomb proof, portable, metal rings. Just to add some variety to training and to really blast the core and stabilizers. Nothing quite as humbling as trying ring dips for the first time.
Sorinex FNGHD
bought new from Rogue Canada, shipped down from Edmonton
http://forums.beyond.ca/st/291598/sorinex-fnghd/
Ironmaster Quick Lock Dumbbells + Kettlebell Handle
bought new from Exercise Direct, shipped to Calgary from Winnipeg
http://forums.beyond.ca/st/283106/ir...ock-dumbbells/
Concept II Model B Rower
found on kijiji, upgrades purchased from C2, shipped to my BIL in WA and brought back from vacation
Picked this up for a steal, replaced the batteries in the monitor, ordered upgrades from C2 (ergo handle, flex foot, wheels). I'm not huge on cardio so this fits the bill and budget nicely. The only reason I would have to upgrade is that with the Model C and up, the unit can be folded up for storage.
Captains of Crush Grippers
bought new from Iron Mind, shipped to Calgary
Grip is not a strength of mine, so I picked up the Trainer, 1 and 1.5. Well reviewed for consistency in grippers and will make anything from sport mart or sport check child's play. Solid steel construction, knurling is a little harsh though and can tear up the fingers a bit. Need to work these into the program better. Oh, and they're all shiny and pretty too.
Do Win Weighlifting Shoes
bought new from Power Firm, shipped from Winnipeg
http://forums.beyond.ca/st/274654/do...oes-in-canada/
I think that's all the major stuff, I'll update as I think of it or buy it. Will add pics later as well and if there's demand I'll update with where to purchase too.