Top 9 Best Power Tower Reviews (Top Products, Buying Guide and Videos)
Are you a calisthenics aficionado? Do you prefer working out from the comfort of your home or office? Are you pressed to find an alternative to your doorframe gym?
Well, look no further.
A power tower is a workout hub for bodyweight exercises. It allows you to train the muscles of the upper body and build a strong core.
Despite its usefulness for a range of exercises, it doesn't cost a fortune. It's like you are purchasing a full home gym, but at a scrap price.
And...
Better yet, all of its goodies come wrapped in a little package. A power tower can be installed in your bedroom, office, or patio without taking up much space.
So...
If you have a limited budget, tight room space, and want to get ripped, you'll need a quality power tower that works for you.
Fortunately, I'll reveal nine of the best power towers and a guide to know which one works best for you, the same way how I got to pick the Rogue S-2 Squat Stand as my personal favorite.
Let's go!
Page Contents
- Top Rated Power Towers - Comparison Table
- The 9 Best Power Towers on the Market
- 1. Rogue S-2 Squat Stand with Matador Dip Station
- 2. Body Champ VKR1010 Power Tower
- 3. Stamina 1690 Power Towers
- 4. HYD-Parts Power Tower
- 5. Livebest Heavyduty Multifunction Workout Station
- 6. Diophros Multi-Function Power Tower
- 7. Ainfox Power Tower
- 8. Stamina Outdoor Fitness Power Tower
- 9. Relife Rebuild Your Life Power Tower
- Buying Guide
- Helping You Find The Best Power Tower for Home Use
- FAQs
- Check Out These Workout Routines To Shed Weight, Buff Up, and Get Ripped
- Wrapping Up
Top Rated Power Towers - Comparison Table
Product | Details | ||
---|---|---|---|
1. Rogue S-2 Squat Stand with Matador Dip Station |
Editor's Choice
|
Brilliant Design & Functionality
|
Check Price |
2. Body Champ VKR1010 Power Tower |
Lightweight Option
|
Designed for Comfort
|
Check Price |
3. Stamina 1690 Power Towers |
Best For Beginners
|
Simplistic Design
|
Check Price |
4. HYD-Parts Power Tower |
Affordable Option
|
Good Fix for Short & Tall Users
|
Check Price |
5. Livebest Heavyduty Multifunction Workout Station |
Best Budget Buy
|
Solid Square Tube Steel Frame
|
Check Price |
6. Diophros Multi-Function Power Tower |
Ideal For Tall Users
|
Check Price | |
7. Ainfox Power Tower |
Affordable Option
|
Check Price | |
8. Stamina Outdoor Fitness Power Tower |
Built For Outdoor Use
|
Check Price | |
9. Relife Rebuild Your Life Power Tower |
Good But Armrests Are Too Short
|
Check Price |
The 9 Best Power Towers on the Market
1. Rogue S-2 Squat Stand with Matador Dip Station
Our Verdict: Best Overall
Of all the power towers in this review, the Rogue S-2 stands out best.
Not because it's a squat stand, but the brilliance of craft and functionality put into its construction.
If you are a fitness aficionado, you'll expect nothing less than the best from any product from Rogue Fitness. Their products are endorsed by top athletes and used in sophisticated gyms.
If this interests you, the Rogue S-2 and Infinity Matador (dip stand) would be all you need for the perfect bodyweight power tower - one that could last a lifetime.
Yes, a lifetime! It has uprights made from 2 x 3" 11 gauge steel and weighs over 140 pounds. With such solid construction, you can be sure it would take a lot of abuse. Plus, you can even kip on the tower without the fear of it tipping over.
Besides, if you still feel insecure, you can get accessories to bolt it down or plate storages to boost your confidence.
The Rogue S-2 is functional and versatile. It has an optimal height of 92 inches and a minimalistic 48" x 48" footprint, which makes it suitable for most homes. So, you don't have to worry about room space or ceiling height because it'd fit into most homes.
It comes with the option of a single skinny pull up bar or fat/skinny bar. Although, I'd recommend the single option because it's has a higher vertical reach of about 8 inches more.
The Matador dip station is crafted from 7 gauge steel with angled grips for wide and closed dips. It has been tested to support a weight of 500 pounds, which basically means its universal. Besides, its westside spacing offers the opportunity for a customized range of motion.
One problem with this package is that the grip bars don't have any cushioning. Sort of calling on you to man up or put on gloves.
Overall, this is the best power tower for both home and commercial use as long as you can foot the bill.
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2. Body Champ VKR1010 Power Tower
Our Verdict: Lightweight Option
The Body Champ power tower is quite popular among bodyweight fanatics. Notably, for its affordability and user-centric installation and use.
For one, it's made with comfort in mind while performing your workout. It has a comfortable back cushion and padded grips that allow you to complete pull-ups, push-ups, dips, and vertical knee raises without blisters.
Its H-frame base makes it sturdy during a workout as long you weigh under 250 pounds. Anything larger, then it starts to squeak as if it may break at any minute. Nevertheless, it holds up pretty well for a freestanding pull-up station that isn't bolted down.
The VKR1010 has a compact design that's ideal for women and shorter folks. The spacing in between would be cramped for anyone above 6ft looking to perform leg raises. However, the armrests may be a little wider than most smaller persons would prefer.
A standout feature most users appreciate is its ease of assembly. It comes with a clearly-written instruction manual and a set of tools. For most people, it only took about one hour to install without any help.
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3. Stamina 1690 Power Towers
Our Verdict: Best for Beginners
The Stamina 1690 is the most popular power tower you can find online. You may be wondering why?
Here’s the deal:
It combines a simplistic and functional design that's capped off with an affordable price. This makes it a hot cake for first-time users looking for an affordable option that works better than their doorframe.
It's only 81 inches tall, so you don't have to bother about it taking up headroom. This tower has all you need to do pull up/chin-up, sit-ups, dips, push-ups, and even more exercises.
The only gripe with the workout station is the grip width of the pull-up bar. Your grip may fall uncomfortably on the metal where screws connect unless you use a wide grip.
In general, it's incredibly lightweight, so it would be counterintuitive to get this model if you're a big guy. Even though the manufacturer specifies 250 pounds as its max capacity, I'd recommend going for a more expensive model if you're above 200 pounds.
Surprisingly, it has a quality powder-coated finish rather than paint.
All in all, it's an ideal lightweight option for beginner users. It may support some swinging movement but is likely to tip over while kipping.
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4. HYD-Parts Power Tower
Our Verdict: Affordable Option for Big Guys
The HYD Parts power tower is another quality affordable power tower. If you are looking for a more sturdy alternative to the Stamina 1690, that won't put a hole in your wallet. This tower is your go-to choice.
It has an astonishing 500-pound maximum weight capacity, so you can work out without the fear of the power tower breaking on you.
Although, I wouldn't recommend anyone near that large to use a power tower that isn't bolted or weighted down...
Unlike the Stamina 1690, you can adjust its height anywhere between 65 to 85 inches. A good fix for short and tall users to have a good ROM without compromising the effectiveness of exercises.
Also, it has a cushioned captain's chair, and arm for knee raises. The dip station also has ample padding for comfort. However, if you are going to do any floor workout, like push-ups, you are left to deal with bare steel.
Actually, you are only confined to pull up, chin up, dips, and leg raising exercises. It doesn't have a sit-up or push-up station.
Overall, if you are more concerned with having a sturdy power tower that supports your size than an all-rounder, HYD Parts makes a great affordable option.
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5. Livebest Heavyduty Multifunction Workout Station
Our Verdict: Best Budget Buy
The Livebest Heavyduty workout is yet another durable budget option. This time, even stronger than the last with a 600 pounds max weight capacity. All thanks to its solid square tube steel frame that merely wobbles under pressure.
Surprisingly, the rack only weighs about 55 pounds. Yet, I've seen a few guys weighing almost 300 pounds working out at high intensity without it squeaking or tipping over.
Another thing is, it's highly adjustable. You can adjust the height between 64 to 84 inches through 8 adjustment settings! That's a lot more than you'd see in even some top-rated power towers.
With this, you can work your abs, arms, and leg muscles comfortably in a low ceiling home and with confidence.
Although the back cushion is a bit smaller than expected. And it doesn't have accessories for assisted push-ups and sit-ups, which can be a breaking point for some folks.
Despite this, the biggest gripe with the Livebest power tower is its instruction manual. The direction images are too small for anyone without a magnifying glass to see, and the texts aren't any better. So, you may have to watch a Youtube video for installation, but it would take less than half an hour to complete.
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6. Diophros Multi-Function Power Tower
Our Verdict: Best Power Tower for Tall Users
The Diophros Power Tower is one unique piece of equipment that stands out of the crowd. For some, its aesthetic is terrific, and for others, the same can be said about its functionality.
This power tower goes above and beyond to break into the scene with features that meet every possible need you may desire.
First, it's suitable for all users, including folks over 6ft tall thanks to its unmatched adjustment range. It can go as low as 61 inches and all the way up to 97 inches. That's taller than anything you'd find in most power towers.
Next, it's solid construction supports a massive ton of weight, though you would experience some rocking motions. But nothing different from most freestanding pull up bars. It supports up to 600 pounds, and no small part to its unique H-design base with circular skid pads for stability.
To the main course, this power tower offers many options to enjoy a full-body workout with its push up and sit up station. But they don't have padding, so you may have to fashion one yourself or move on it's a deal-breaker.
Overall, it's an excellent product for the price. And no doubt, it shows some signs of cheap production as many would expect.
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7. Ainfox Power Tower
Our Verdict: Affordable Option
The Ainfox Power Tower is another go-to option to have your home gym up and running.
It has all the necessary features you need in a power tower for arms, chest, abdominal, and leg muscle training. Plus, it's affordable and sturdy.
But I'd be more concerned with its 500-pound weight capacity as a user. The frame doesn't look designed to support anywhere near that sort of weight.
In fact, many users who weighed only 250 pounds complained that it sways. Although most of them were beginners trying to perfect their form and a little sway isn't out of the ordinary. That said, I wouldn't recommend this power tower for folks over 250 pounds, especially if you do more of dips.
The absence of base support at the back plays a part in this feeling of insecurity. Placing some form of weight at the back solves the problem. On the other hand, this lack of support is what gives it a small footprint, so it works if you have limited space.
That said, it offers other useful features like a push-up station and an adjustable height. It goes anywhere between 64.5 to 85 inches to fit most people conveniently.
The manufacturers also sell the customer service to help swiftly with any issues upon delivery. In a way, this can mean a good or bad thing. For one, it feels like they expect issues, which happens with every seller anyway. But it means they have solid customer service you can rely on.
Whichever way, the Ainfox power tower is right for mid-sized folks with little room space.
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8. Stamina Outdoor Fitness Power Tower
Our Verdict: Best Outdoor Power Tower
If you prefer to work out in the open or only have space in your backyard, Stamina Outdoor Fitness power tower is made explicitly for that purpose.
The Stamina Outdoor Fitness tower is built to survive the harsh conditions of an outdoor gym.
It uses its solid steel frame that's coated with chip-resistant paint to weather the effects of elements, like rain, mud, and so on.
However, saltwater would chip away the paint if exposed too often.
Right off the bat, you can tell from the robust look of its steel frame that it would be sturdy and long-lasting. In fact, it weighs over 80 pounds and has the pull-up bar positioned at the back to make it more stable. The weight of the other handles ahead gives it more stability.
On the flip side, it stands at only 81 inches tall, so that may come up a little short for tall folks. Also, it has no padding or cushioning on all handles, leaving you to toughen your butter hands. On a lighter note, it seems reasonable to exclude padding since it's built for outdoor use.
Aside from those few points, it has all you may find in a power tower. You can perform every possible exercise: from pull-ups, vertical raises and dips to sit-ups and push-ups.
Keep in mind that it has no cushioned backrest for vertical knee raises, making it more suited for advanced users.
Overall, it's a sturdy and long-lasting power tower that'd work in any backyard or outdoor gym.
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9. Relife Rebuild Your Life Power Tower
Our Verdict: Most Adjustable Power Tower
This is one of the best freestanding power towers you can find for home use.
Relife Rebuild Your Life Power Tower isn't made from cheap steel like most of its competitors, and it's equipped with helpful features. Not only does it have a wide pull-up bar, dip station, and push-up handle, but they are also well-cushioned.
Also, to support its high-quality frame, the base is shaped to prevent it from tipping over. Although it doesn't stop the inevitable rocking motion from larger users. Even though it's stated to hold up to 330 pounds.
One of its many top-notch features is its wide range of adjustability. The height of this power tower can be adjusted from around 58.5 to 89 inches through nine positions. Even better, the back cushion can be adjusted to your convenience as well.
For this reason, it's suitable for tall users, if you don't consider its short armrests. They run up short for folks with longer limbs.
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Buying Guide
As promised, I'll show you the ropes on how to find the best power tower that meets your needs. But before then, you should have an understanding of what makes a power tower.
What Is A Power Tower?
A power tower is used typically for knee raise exercises that build the upper body and abdominal muscles. As a result, it's also called a knee raise station or Captain's chair.
This refers to the back cushion and forearm rests on a power tower. It puts little stress on the arms, with most of the action taking place in the hips and torso during a leg raise workout.
However, a power tower isn't exactly called one unless it features a pull-up bar, dip station, and push-up and sit-up bars (optional).
It is much different from a power rack which is primarily use for weightlifting allowing you to lift maximum loads without having a spotter or a gym partner around.
Typically, power towers have:
- Pull-up / Chin-up bar – a horizontal bar at the top of the rack, usually with padded grips for close and wide pull-ups.
- Dip station – two horizontal bars with grips in front of the power tower for performing dips.
- Vertical knee raise station – includes a backrest and forearm cushions. Cushioned backrests aren't compulsory, but they do make leg raises more convenient
The power tower is a hub for bodyweight exercises. Advanced users can even take things up a notch by using weighted vests, resistance bands, and dumbells in their workout.
Most importantly, you don't have to break the bank to own a power tower. Plus, its compact size makes it suitable for use in tight spaces.
Helping You Find The Best Power Tower for Home Use
A home gym can be very cost-efficient if you exercise without weights. And it's equally effective for getting a ripped physique.
But is your doorframe strong enough for pull-ups? It's most likely also not giving you enough headroom. Neither can you do leg lifts on your door or throw some rings on it.
A high-quality power tower can unlock you to a plethora of intense bodyweight exercises right in your room, garage, or office.
And finding one isn't an extreme sport opened to a selected few.
Armed with your size and ammo of body goals, you can eliminate power towers that don't toot your horn in a minute. All you need is to have a full understanding of what separates an average power tower from a top-class one.
Try to, actually, do consider these factors in mind whenever you're shopping for your Captain's chair.
Price
As always, price plays a crucial role in the quality of any product, including a power tower.
Fortunately, as I've explained earlier, you don't have to break the bank to get a good one. However, you shouldn't be a miser and end up with a piece of junk.
High-quality power towers for home use usually only cost between 100 to 300 dollars. Although you would find commercial-grade ones would cost twice more than that.
Find what works for you best. You shouldn't expect to find a tower for $100 if you weigh 300 pounds or want every possible feature.
In clear terms, try to find a balance between a tower that works for you and offers the most value for the price.
Frame Quality
A common issue with power towers is that they wobble. It's normal it tips or rocks or little, but it becomes an issue when it's wildly.
Not only does it put your safety at risk, but it also affects the form and result of your workouts. This type of tower leaves you fearing for your limbs rather than focusing on the task at hand.
Look for a tower with dense steel construction and ensure it within your weight limit. Keep in mind that weight limits on most power towers are a tad bit overhyped. So go for one with a max weight capacity of, say, double your size.
For example, a power tower with a 550-pound limit would do better than a 350-pound one, if you weigh 250 pounds. That's not including additional weight for advanced exercises.
Lastly, opt for a product with a wide base. Or anyone that has an evenly distributed load where workout stations are both in the front and back.
Versatility
A standard power tower should have a pull-up/chin-up bar, dip station, and a captain's chair. The best pull up and dip stations would offer even more features.
Some may offer options sit-ups, push-ups, and in rare cases, an ab bench.
Be aware that if you may suffer an unstable power if you want all the extra features for a low price. Again, don't go cheap here. You'll get what you pay for.
Keeping an eye out for these three factors would help you acquire a power that'll serve you well for years to come.
FAQs
What Exercises Can You Do On A Power Tower?
The limit to the exercises you can do on a power tower is literally endless. But I'll go ahead and mention the popular ones for starters.
You can do pull-ups, chin-ups, leg raises, dips, atlas push-ups, sit-ups, wide pull-ups, and reverse grip pull-ups.
If you are talking about elite-level exercises, you can throw in a resistance band, kettle bells, or weighted vest with some of the exercises. Although, you'd need a high-quality tower to support the extra force.
Do check fitness videos and blogs for planned exercise routines on a power tower. A list of a couple of the best ones is shown later on in this review.
We also have a review of the best barbells if in case it interests you to give it a good look. Our favorite pick in this power tower review; the Rogue S-2 Squat Stand with Matador Dip Station would actually provide you the verstatility and customization that you might be looking for.
Can You Build Strong Abs With A Power Tower?
Absolutely.
In fact, the ab muscle is one of the main muscles a power tower targets. You can perform leg raises to strengthen to get rock-hard abs using a power tower. If you are lucky to have a versatile power tower, you can also do sit-ups at the base of the tower.
So, yeah! You can build strong abs using a power tower. Talking about "building", it's the best time to mention what curl bars get you gaining... It actually is used mostly for biceps and triceps gain. Don't miss our review of that!
Can I Find A Strong Power Tower for Someone Over 250lbs?
Yes. There are tons of towers with 500lbs weight capacity available. Although, they will still wobble a little in action, especially if you also don't have a proper form yet.
Nonetheless, I'll recommend the Rogue S-2 if you really need to boost your confidence with a sturdy and heavyset tower. It's typically used for lifting heavy weights, so you can rest assured it'd hold up to your size.
But it comes at a price. And it's worth the investment if you're a hardcore dude who wants to wreak havoc on the tower.
Is a Power Tower Worth The Money?
Frankly, it depends on you.
From a price point of view, it'd be a smart investment considering the number of exercises you can perform on a tower.
Back to the main point. It all depends on you.
You are the only one who can put the work in to get that ripped tone you so desire. And you won't get that after one intense workout but with consistency.
Place your tower in a place that motivates you to get up your feet and grind.
If people cheering you or having a glance your way gets you going, place your tower outdoors and put up a show. No one's going to judge, and it won't matter if you're getting results.
On the other hand, you may prefer working out indoors where you can control the room temperature. Or watch a TV show while you workout. Just make sure you do whatever floats your boat.
Also, have a workout routine to follow. Try to set aside a day for a specific muscle group.
With this tactic, you can fatigue a muscle today, rest the following while you target another muscle group. Plus, having a workout routine helps you keep track of your progress with the exercises.
As you may already know, there are tons of power tower workout routines available to you at a click. This little research would widen your exercise arsenal to a level you wouldn't imagine possible on a power tower.
Check Out These Workout Routines To Shed Weight, Buff Up, and Get Ripped
Adam Raw Workout For Ripped Body
This video is under 10 minutes and demonstrates exercises you can do on the power tower. The instructor walks through his routine for a full-body workout without weights.
The interesting part about this video is that beginners and experienced folks can hop on the workout routine.
Unsurprisingly, it's the most popular power tower workout routine video online.
Full Power Tower Exercise Rundown
This is a short video that shows every possible way you can use a tower as a beginner. The instructor is a beginner too, but he gives a clear picture of what it's like to work with this equipment.
On a final note, I can't help but mention that the video has an astonishingly serene background landscape. :)
Wrapping Up
So, that's it.
You now know the best power towers you can buy and how to choose one that suits your needs.
The next step is to make that big decision and cop you a pull up-dip station.
Remember, don't go cheap if you're a big guy or into hardcore calisthenics or gyming. We'll recommend the Rogue S-2 to have a home gym that's hulking, customizable, and can last you a lifetime.
Always ensure the power tower is installed in an environment that motivates you. If you're the outdoorsy type, the Stamina Outdoor Power Tower is our top choice.
Finally, maximize your time and efforts on this equipment from the get-go. Seeing improvements in your body goals is one of the best feelings in the world, and I'm here to help with that.
Stay safe. Keep grinding.
Last Updated on July 20, 2020