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The CAP Barbell FM-CS7000F Power Rack is the most affordable squat stand in the Cap Barbell ‘FM’ series. Constructed from 12 and 14-gauge steel, it’s strong enough to support a variety of barbell and bodyweight exercises.
But how does this compare to the upgraded FM-CB8008 design?
In our review, we’ll compare the FM-CS7000F to other CAP Barbell power racks, to help you find the best design for your own home gym.
Design Features
If you’re looking for a squat rack that supports a wide range of free weight and bodyweight exercises, it’s important to find the best balance between price and features.
Being the entry-level rack in their range, the CAP Barbell FM-CS7000F doesn’t provide the same level of exercise options as the larger FM-CB8008.
Despite its lower price and more basic design, you still get all the features you need to put together effective upper and lower body workouts.
This includes a set of barbell supports that can adjust through a wide range of preset positions in the two main uprights.
A reinforced crossbar has also add at the top of the uprights to provide an effective way of performing pull ups and chin-ups.
If you’re currently thinking about using resistance training bands, ab straps, or training rings in your workouts, this also acts as a useful anchor point.
The Bar Holder Incorporates an ABS Sleeve to Prevent Scratches
Cap Barbell have also added two weight plate stands to the base of the frame, which also double as storage for your barbells.
This not only helps to save on space when not in use, but also helps to weight down the frame to prevent any risk of tipping when in use.
Constructed from 12 and 14 gauge steel, all tube seams have been welded to provide additional strength and stability when unracking and returning the bar to the stand.
All steel components of this half cage are powder coated and sealed. The bar holder incorporates an ABS sleeve to prevent scratches while storing or removing a bar.
Cap Barbell FM-CS7000F – Features Summary
- Assembled specs (D x W x H) 46-Inch x 50-Inch x 85-Inch
- Steel construction comprised of 12 and 14 steel gauge thickness
- The structure uprights are double gusseted to reinforce stability and durability
- 3 step powder coat finish for exceptional durability
- Bands, bar and plates are not included
Exercise Options
In terms of the exercises that are possible using the Cap Barbell FM-CS7000F, you have a wide range of barbell and bodyweight exercises to choose from.
The height of the bar supports can quickly adjust to almost any height along the length of the uprights, thanks to the close-hole positioning.
While the lower settings are ideal for supporting bicep curls, upright rows, shrugs, and barbell rows, the higher position is suiting for overhead presses and squats.
One word of warning if you’re using a standard power cage is the lack of safety rails.
These are essentially a longer set of bar supports that can catch the bar if you need to take the pressure off your muscles at the lowest point of repetition.
If this is a feature that you think would benefit your workouts, then it might also be worth taking a quick look at one of the later models in the range.
The Cap Barbell Power Rack Range
Although they don’t have catchy names like ‘Blaze‘. The power racks make Cap Barbell designed to cover them. A wide range of training situations simply doesn’t support most other racks.
This includes the various positions for anchoring your resistance bands. A punch bag attachment, a surface for recording your workout plan, and even a storage area.
Although the storage area is only available on the top-end FM-CB8008 fitness cage. As a multi-purpose shelf it does allow you to store kettlebells, weight plates, dumbbells, barbells, and even medicine balls.
Customer Reviews
Pros:
- Impressive strength rating for an entry level rack, at 300 lbs
- Suitable for both 6ft and 7ft barbells
- Racking points are designed to be low enough to support bench presses as well as squats and overhead exercises
- Quick to assemble
- High stability frame, especially when combined with weight plates on the storage pegs
- Can be combined with resistance bands and suspension straps for an even greater range of exercise options
Cons:
- Lack of safety rails
- Additional weight is almost always needed to hold the frame in place during resistance band exercises
- Weight plates can only store in one corner. Which can cause the frame to twist on the ground if using bands to pull horizontally
Review Overview
Overall Review Rating
4 / 5
When looking at any of the cages or squat racks in the Cap Barbell range, it's difficult not to start comparing them to the ones available from Valor Fitness.
The closest match for the Cap Barbell FM-CS7000F in the Valor range is most likely the BD-17, although there are also similarities with the BD-4.
The Cap Barbell design does provide a wider range of racking positions than the ones available from Valor Fitness, including some at lower positions which can provide better support for the bench press.
Overall, this is an entry level rack for those who desire the safety and functionality of a lifting cage, while incorporating additional features that allow the unit to be used as a body weight station or resistance training tool.
USA Home Gym gives in-depth insights into gym equipment, supplements, and fitness training methods. The motivation behind USA Home Gym is to provide you with information that goes beyond what you can find in any user manual, customer review, or other online review sites.
We go to great lengths to ensure that our reviews are completely comprehensive, usually covering everything from the design features to the warranty coverage and exercise options. This is all to help guide you towards the home gym equipment that’s best suited to your goals and budget, whilst also being the highest quality option in your chosen price range.