The power rack I’d buy for an Australian home gym

Why I’d start with the HR3260

For a first barbell gym, I want a rack that covers squats, bench presses and pull-ups. The HR3260 includes the essential fittings in one package. Southside Fitness listed it at A$799 on 17 October 2026. The barbell, plates, collars and bench are separate.

I’d put the rest of the budget into a comfortable bench and enough plates. Those change what you can do from the first session. Paying more for a future rack attachment makes sense once you know which one you want and where it will fit.

The HR3260 stands 215 cm tall, with a published frame footprint of 120 × 130 cm. Ask the seller for the usable space inside the cage: the outside measurements don’t tell you whether your bench position and squat walkout will work. I’ve compared published packages for this guide; I haven’t tested these racks side by side.

The shorter rack I’d choose

The ATX PRX-510 stands 195 cm tall and was A$830 at the same check. It includes J-hooks, flip-down safeties and a multi-grip pull-up bar. I’d choose it when the HR3260 would crowd the ceiling or a garage-door track. Spending A$31 more for a rack that fits is an easy decision.

Its listed inside area is 108 × 60 cm, so it is a compact cage. Mark that space out and check your bench position and walkout. The low height is only useful if you can also move comfortably between the posts.

It also needs room above the frame for pull-ups. I’d check where my head would finish, as well as where a loaded bar would travel during an overhead press. Measure from the finished floor, including the mats. The PRX-510 uses ATX’s 500-series frame, so any later fittings need to match that series and model.

When I’d pay for a REP build

I’d choose PR-4000 with the whole rack layout drawn and the extras picked. Rear storage posts, different J-cups and matching attachments can be useful. Without that plan, I’d keep the HR3260 and the money.

PR-4000 also has 2.54 cm hole spacing through the bench zone. That matters when one hook position leaves you reaching to unrack and the next leaves the bar too low. Closer adjustment can make every bench session easier to set up.

My starting configuration would be the Australian four-post build with four black 80-inch uprights and four 24-inch crossmembers. I’d order the required rear logo crossmember, a 1.25-inch pull-up bar, Standard J-Cups 2.0 and matching 24-inch pin-and-pipe safeties. These components were orderable from Gym and Fitness at the 17 October check. The base listing alone does not cover that complete order.

Anchor this configuration as REP instructs. For rear plate storage or cables, ask the seller to quote the matching parts, the floor space they need and the delivered total together. You should know what the finished rack will cost before buying the frame.

The 24-inch cage is still only about 61 cm deep inside. Adding rear storage would make the overall rack larger without enlarging that lifting area. I’m choosing this build for adjustment and compatible additions; anyone who wants a longer squat walkout needs a different depth quoted and checked before paying.

The room check I’d do before paying

Put tape on the floor for the frame, then add the bar and bench. A 220 cm bar centred in a 300 cm-wide room leaves 40 cm at each end. That space has to work for loading plates, fitting a collar and getting around whatever else lives in the garage.

Place the bench where you intend to press. Its rear foot must clear the rack base, the pad needs to sit under the bar, and you need a clear way in and out. A rack and bench can each fit the room and still be awkward together.

Check the garage door open and closed. The motor or track can be the lowest obstacle, even when the ceiling looks generous. Leave the way out clear with the bar loaded.

What I’d order

I’d order the HR3260 base cage, then put the remaining budget towards the bench, bar, plates and collars the gym still needs. Plate storage belongs in that budget too.

Before paying, I’d ask Southside for the delivered price to my postcode, any assembly charge and the rack’s installation instructions. Freight and setup are the remaining costs that could change this choice.