PLM03 Power Rack Functional Trainer

I was sent this for review and I took it on with the expectation I would be giving it to a friend. He likes it a lot but he never has owned any gym equipment. I found the build quality to be pretty low and there are some other issues but for a beginner or someone on a budget, it’s worth taking a look at.

First power rack, got it on a great Black Friday deal (it is now discontinued... no wonder it was several hundred $$ off!). It's pretty simple but gets the job done. My favorite part is that there is space inside the rack to squat/bench while using the safety bars. Functional trainer cables work well; I have the plate loaded version. The weight horns are fairly short on the trolley, considering the 1:2 ratio while doing lat pulldowns, I quickly ran out of space for 45lb bumper plates. Nylon pulleys are pretty smooth, although I haven't used aluminum pulleys so I can't compare. Cable trolley at the top hole position is a little too short to get full ROM on lat pulldowns while sitting on a bench, have to sit on the ground instead. Rack overall is pretty sturdy and doesn't shake or move much while doing pull ups; that said I'm not a big guy at 5'8" and 172 lb. Purchased extra weight horns but there isn't a great spot to put them on the outside of the rack where they won't be in the way. The 2x3 uprights are probably more sturdy than a cheap 2x2 rack, but the weird size really limits the attachments. you can get. I will probably try to get the leg holder and an extra set of j-cups ASAP before they disappear.

This was my first rack/trainer. I was just getting into the home gym world and wasn't sure i could make it stick. I spent 2 quality years with this baby. Upgraded to the 170 lb weight stack and bought about ever accessory they had available. It was perfect for my needs but I outgrew it and stacking extra weight and gym pins on the weight stack finally drove me nuts so I upgraded to what I have today. All in all a great starter rack. Now adays there are better options for the money with greater compatability, but at that time, in that place, it was perfect for getting me started. 2x3 uprights, weird holes/spacing, 13?14?ga steel. I wasn't squatting 800lbs so it was fine.