ATX® Combo Rack IPF Approved

Lets start from the top. As you can see the face savers are custom ATX rubber sections. The j-hooks for the squats can be adjusted from 110 to 170cm. The bench press from 74  to 134cm.

Both j-hooks featured grooved nylon rollers. This means that you can centre the bar laterally even with the heaviest load. Without worrying about damaging your barbell or burning precious energy. The groove in the rollers mean that the barbell is always centred the other way.

The lip on the j-hooks is extra low. Enough to secure the bar in position safely. But it is designed for the easiest possible lift off.

The height can be adjusted in increments of 25mm. A small but important detail is that the laser cut numbers face the rear. This makes life so much easier in the heat of competition.

To make the adjustments you use these magnetic solid steel locking pins. Inside the uprights there are timber inserts which have been drilled out. This makes sliding the locking pins through easier. The holes are so closely spaced that without them you might have trouble lining up the pin. Once again, this little detail makes it so much easier in competitions when the heat is on

At the back is the lever adjustment arm. It is long and solid – just what you need to generate the leverage required to lift the uprights while they are supporting heavy weight. Plus, there is a storage spot for the locking pin. Another small detail that just adds to the experience is the rubber stopper for the adjustment arm when not in use.

The uprights are secured in the housing with the ATX sleeve system. This makes the movement up and down smooth and stable. Without having to worry about cheap capped-style sleeves popping off during competition.

The base of the uprights is impressive. Its solid structure is designed for the heaviest loads in competition. Yet it features a simple tilting system. For squatters who like a wide grip, the uprights can be tilted in 7.5 degrees. There is an adjustable red lever pin and push button spring pin at the back.

Both can be easily adjusted with one hand. Once again this makes it easy in competitions.

While we are admiring the base, check out the welds. The machine welds these days are smooth and continuous. A great demonstration of the technology that is being used at the ATX factory.

Spotters on a combo rack might not seem like much of a big deal. But they can be deadly if not properly designed. You will notice that they wrap around the uprights. They are that close that there are inserts to prevent rubbing on the uprights.

If there is a gap between the spotters and uprights the barbell can slip between the gap.

The spotters are 53cm long. They have thick rubber barbell protection. Angled lips either end prevent the barbell from rolling off at the front. And protect your face when under the barbell.

Height is adjustable from 59 to 91.5 cms in 25mm increments. Just like the uprights they have laser numbering and timber inserts.

When it comes time to remove the spotter arms, you just need to unscrew the chrome bolts at the bottom. No tools are required.

One of the standout features on the ATX Combo Rack is the bench. It is decked out with an extra grippy polyurethane pad. It is designed for lifting big numbers and durability. If you are delicate don’t buy this bench. But I don’t think delicate is a trait found in competitive powerlifters so that should not be an issue.

At the back there are sizable spotter platforms. They are 18cm off the ground which is great for spotting but not for tea bagging.

What makes this bench really handy is that it can be removed easily. There are just two chromed knobs which can be unscrewed by hand. The bench can then be wheeled out of the way. It even has a handle.

The bench can be used apart from the combo rack. If you are using it in your gym it is just another bench option if you have the combo set up for squats.

The base of the rack and bench feature non slip rubber feet all round.

One the biggest differences between the combo racks is the weight. The Rogue combo weighs in at 505lbs. The Hansu weighs in at 240kg but that includes packing. The Eleiko is 115kg while the ATX weighs in at 130kg.

Now it is worth noting that the previous ATX combo rack was the heaviest at 238kgs. It was built like a tank, but it was hard to move. There is a good reason why ATX went in the same direction as Eleiko.

IPF Approved combo racks are naturally built for competitions. Competitions are generally held all over the place. So making a combo rack easy to move is a bonus.

Now you are probably thinking does it make it less stable or even unsafe? You can see for yourself as the ATX combos is seen in many competitions and gyms. Besides weight does not seem to have been a factor for Eleiko which is regarded as the gold standard.

If you do have concerns you can chuck a pair of 30kg rubber hex dumbbells on the base. In a gym environment the base has pre-drilled holes so you can anchor it into the floor.