Shopping for weights- recommendations?

[jlee]

I'm not entirely sure what to look for other than an olympic barbell and 45, 25, 10, 5, and 2.5 lb plates along with a squat/bench rack. Is there anything in particular I should look for (or avoid)?

I'm finding cheap bench press racks all over (Phoenix Craiglist) but squat racks aren't as common. I just want stuff for 5x5, nothing complicated. Looking at prices, having 2-3 people in the house using equipment instead of paying for gym memberships ($30+/ea) will pay for itself fairly quickly, and I have the room for it.

I've found a few power racks for sale, but I think that's overkill (and they're a little spendy).

 

[ViperXX]

I bought this http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...RGltvShDvy5vn!-1448298377&cp=4413986.12598195
and this http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...cs&recid=Product_PageElement_product_rr_1_966

I got sick of paying a monthly $40 membership to a gym, so I decided to buy my own equipment.
The bench is very solid with zero movement like you'd get with a cheap bench. The weight set is 300 lbs and the bar feels just like one you'd use at the gym. I spent a little over $500 for the set. When I add up all the years it cost me to go to the gym it cost well over $1000.

 

[iluvdeal]

Olympics weight set, adjustable bench, and a rack is all the basics you need. I recommend getting something which has catch bars so you won't hurt yourself in case you get stuck in a lift.

Set an alert on Craigslist for anytime your search item appears (squat rack, power rack), if you are patient enough you should be able to score some really good deals. Personally I'd look for a power rack with high/low pulley system on it.

Also when it comes to costs, keep in mind you'll likely use this equipment the rest of your life and it benefits your health, why not invest in it? When it does come time to sell, if you bought used, you'll likely be able to sell it for close to what you paid assuming you got a good deal as weight equipment holds its value pretty well as it does not become obsolete like electronics. I think I'd actually make money on my home equipment if I sold it since I got it a good deal on it.

 

[jlee]

I bought this http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...RGltvShDvy5vn!-1448298377&cp=4413986.12598195
and this http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...cs&recid=Product_PageElement_product_rr_1_966

I got sick of paying a monthly $40 membership to a gym, so I decided to buy my own equipment.
The bench is very solid with zero movement like you'd get with a cheap bench. The weight set is 300 lbs and the bar feels just like one you'd use at the gym. I spent a little over $500 for the set. When I add up all the years it cost me to go to the gym it cost well over $1000.

That's a lot cheaper than I expected (for new stuff). Hmm.

Hey, look at this! http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/spo/4886634387.html Is that tall enough to do squats on?

 

[ViperXX]

That's the same bench I have. Yea it's tall enough for squats.

 

[Hooobi]

Check out Ironmaster. Versatile, and should last you forever.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Get a used Olympic set on Craigslit for $150.

I waited a year to get a squat rack and bench on craigslist. All that comes up is crap (the stuff that Dicks sells is crap, sorry)

I spent about $500 on a rack and $300 on a FID bench (flat, incline, decline). In hindsight the decline is not really needed. As one other stated, you are going to have this a long time so just buy this stuff once. That means, buy something good. And I will add that this stuff that you might want to save an extra $50 on can literally save your life. About once a month, someone dies doing unspotted bench press with collars on. Never collar during bench and do it in a rack.

And start here:
http://bodybuilding.shoutwiki.com/wiki/Power_Racks

I personally like built in chin up bars (get monkey bars if you can) and dip bar attachments.