This superb space-saving squat rack can transform even the smallest garage spaces into a squatting and pressing sanctuary.
- Super compact
- Lightweight
- Easy to Use
- Heavy-duty 11-gauge steel
- Value for Money
- Lacks Safety Potential
- Sub-par J-Hooks
The Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack is a great space-saving rack. It offers excellent training options that can completely revolutionize a home gym in any space. Keep reading to find out if the Rogue RML-90 Rack is right for you.
Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack Overview
The Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack is what happens when you break a squat rack down to its most basic components.
The Rogue RML-90 is a wall-mounted rack that collapses into almost no space when you’re not using it. The idea is that you only really need the uprights, and that’s what this provides you.
This superb space-saving product can transform even the smallest garage spaces into a squatting and pressing sanctuary. The double fixation plates are a great way to reduce risks to surfaces while ensuring proper stability.
It lacks some of the sturdiness we’ve looked at with other racks, like the Rogue RML-390F or the Rogue RML-490 but it’s a great way to train no matter your space.
Who Should Buy the Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack
Anyone short on space who owns bumpers or is willing to squat a little lighter to save money and space should consider the Rogue RML-90.
This is perfect for the garage gym or a space-squeezed home gym with a platform.
If you’re a competitive powerlifter or weightlifter, this might not cut it for you, but it does offer an amazing training tool for just about anyone else.
If you’re looking to add home training without a whole 5×5’ power cage, the Rogue RML-90 could be a perfect choice.
Why You Should Buy the Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack
Super Compact
The slimline nature of the Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack means you can fit it into almost any space.
In addition, it has a tiny footprint, extending only 15” out from the wall, making the practical space required to squat roughly 8.5 ft (barbell clearance) of width and perhaps 2.5-3 feet of clearance from the wall.
This is amazing for opening up training options in previously unusable spaces.
This is the kind of rack you can park in front of when not in use, making it a great choice for those with a premium on space.
If you are even more limited for space, then check out our guide to the Best Folding Wall Mounted Racks.
Lightweight and Easy to Use
This product contrasts the weight and sheer bulk of other Rogue racks like the Rogue RML-390F or the Rogue RML-490.
The construction is lightweight while still being made of great steel tubing, and it is very easy to use.
With effective securing fixtures (especially the cross-brace version), this is actually one of the most comfortable racks from Rogue.
The Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack is clean, effective, and singular in its purpose. The uprights offer simple and intuitive functions identical to the standard Rogue squat stands, with even more space-saving and almost no footprint.
Affordable
The Rogue RML-90 is a cheaper option than most Rogue racks.
It’s a sub-$500 offering and comes in below half the RML-490 standard power cage price, and about half the price of the RML-390F. This makes it a great budget option if you’re willing to put in some smart graft and fit it yourself.
It’s only marginally more expensive than the standard Rogue squat stands (the SML-1) and is far cheaper than the SML-2 and SML-3 ranges.
This also makes it more competitive with non-Rogue products on the market, which are typically also in this price range.
Why You Shouldn’t Buy the Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack
Lacks Safety Potential
With this product, you’re not getting safety bars, so you better have matting or deadlift platform and bumper plates.
There’s no way this product supports safety arms, which can limit your training options.
Not only does it mean not being able to perform great exercises like pin presses or pin squats, but it means you can’t lift too heavy.
So if you’re worried about smashing your floor, you’re going to have to squat light.
This can limit the scope of training, but only for some people, making it a middling issue. If you’re training for fitness, muscle growth, or fat loss, it’s fine.
However, if you’re training to be a great weightlifter or powerlifter – or a heavy-1RM CrossFitter – you’ll feel this limitation when you’re training.
Fitment is Crucially Important
This product depends entirely on the fixture to the wall – and the actual wall.
So, first, you need to have appropriate walls to support the lever of the rack – which is admittedly not too much.
The Rogue RML-90 also has to be able to support any errant loading, like rolling a bar into and out of the j-hook, and the weight that involves.
Then, you need to fit the plates effectively at a good height, avoiding studs, pipes, and weak spots. Again, this can be quite specific and may not fit with the layout of your ideal squat rack space – so triple-check before buying.
Finally, you’re going to need to secure it well. The actual human error in this final concern is huge, so make sure to be extra diligent or – like Rogue says – have a contractor fit the drywall screws.
Sub-Par J-Hooks
The materials are good and sturdy but allow a lot of movement, which is exactly the opposite of what we want in a J-hook.
As a result, it reduces the sturdiness while increasing the risk of damage to the rubberized surface of the hook and the knurling of your barbell when in the rack.
This is needlessly dumb when so many – even cheaper – products get it right. Rogue KS-1 Kid’s squat stands already offer a better J-cup than this.
Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack Options & Accessories
The Rogue RML-90 has much cooler standard accessories than the larger Rogue racks.
The additional pull-up bar can massively expand the value of the product but does lean heavily on your fixture quality.
The cross-brace configuration is definitely better than the bracket fixture.
Moreover, it comes at only a small price mark-up for incredibly stability improvements.
The optional stringer is another excellent way to build on the stability of the product and offers much better peace of mind that you’re stable against the wall.
This is another worthwhile expenditure and is available as an upgrade after the initial purchase.
This rack is also compatible with Rogue’s enormous range of Monster Lite accessories. These are non-standard and quite expensive but offer access to everything from a leg roller to mobility rollers, punch bags, and even a pulley system.
These accessories are wide-ranging but typically not well-suited to the slim rack.
Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack Specifications
Brand | Rogue Fitness |
Color | Black |
Made In USA | Yes |
Product Weight | 165LB (Including Stringers & pull-up bar) |
Length | 14″ (depth from mounting surface) |
Width | 49″ Outside Uprights 43″ Inside Uprights |
Height | 90.375″ |
Steel Notes | 3×3″ 11 gauge steel |
Monster Lite Compatible | Yes |
Why Buy a Wall-Mounted Squat Rack
The main benefit of a wall-mounted rack is maximizing stability while minimizing the amount of space required.
The wall-mounting means that it takes up very little space – perfect for a small or multi-purpose home gym.
This also expands on the stability and often the weight rating seen in squat stands. The wall-mounting provides stability by expanding the “footprint” into a large square, including the wall itself.
A well-designed wall-mounted squat rack will also provide stability with high-quality bracing and supports. These are a big deal for a rack’s quality and longevity since they’ll be doing a lot of the “heavy lifting” in stabilizing your uprights.
Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack FAQs
What is the Rogue Monster Lite Rack range?
The Rogue Monster Lite Power Racks are a hybrid of their R Series Racks and Monster Series.
Basically, the Monster Lite Racks include 3×3″ 11-gauge steel uprights with 5/8″ hardware and Westside hole spacing.
The Monster Lite range is super popular in the home gym community due to their versatility. Rogue offer dozens of compatible add-ons and attachments, such as the Monolift or Landmine attachments.
The Monster Lite series is also super customizable, with a wide range of configurations to choose from. The range includes stand-alone units of varying depth and height, fold back wall-mount racks, and different color options.
Is Rogue Fitness Worth the Money?
When choosing quality fitness equipment, you will never get it wrong if you opt for Rogue Fitness.
Our motto at Home Gym Boss is “Buy Once, Cry Once”. Rogue are certainly not the cheapest, but anything Rogue produces is top of the line and will last you a long time.
Rogue Fitness prides itself to be a local, Columbus, Ohio, run business. They always look to source locally, and quality is their #1 priority.
If you decide to choose any Rogue rack (or any other piece of fitness equipment they make), be sure you have made the right choice; there’s no mistake about it.
How Much Weight can a Wall-mounted Rack Hold?
That depends on the rack. Most squat racks are rated for 500-1,000lbs, offering a good amount of weight safely.
You’ll often find that racks may be able to carry more than this, but the rating tells you how much you should use.
If you’re squatting over 1,000lbs, you probably don’t need our opinion on a rack!
Look for the weight rating of an individual folding rack when you’re buying – and don’t be afraid to contact customer services to check.
This is a significant purchase, and you don’t want to buy a rack that won’t support your growth over the next few years, at least.
What’s better a Wall-Mounted Rack or a Portable Squat Stand?
Wall-mounted racks are great because they don’t take up a lot of space.
The wall mounting also provides the additional stability that squat stands simply can’t. For that reason, a wall-mounted rack is a good choice if you know you’re staying in the same home for longer.
Portable squat stands don’t require attachment to drywall, so they’re going to be easier to move around. They lack some of the stability of a wall-mounted rack, and they’re also harder to store effectively.
The choice comes down to what your home gym space is like, how long you plan on living in the same house, and just how much stability you need.
Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack Key Takeaway
The Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack is a great product for anyone lacking space but with walls that can offer extra support to their rack. It’s a great way of maximizing space if you’re able to get a professional to fit them – or if you have the know-how and home to make it work.
The space-saving is fantastic for the average training enthusiast, and – while it’s not for everyone – it offers excellent mid-level training options. In addition, it can completely revolutionize a home gym in any space.
Wall-Mounted Squat Rack Buying Guide
When you’re making a purchase of this size, it’s important to put your money into the right product and features.
Every dollar counts, and it’s crucial to buy right when a squat rack should really be lasting you for years or decades to come.
If you are deciding between a half or a full-rack, make sure to check out our Half Rack Vs. Full Rack article.
Here are the key considerations before buying a wall-mounted squat rack.
Steel Gauge
Better steel means a better product.
The gauge of steel helps boost the weight rating and contributes to things like stability through added weight and reduced flexibility. This means a better rack in both durability and performance.
Good steel does closely correlate with a rack’s price, however, since more material often means a higher cost. You also want to get a coated finish, if possible, to maintain the condition of the steel.
Column Size
Good uprights allow for more j-hook options and accommodate people of greater height. It can be challenging with wall-mounted racks since they are designed to minimize space, and some are taller than others.
Column or upright size matters for taller lifters. It also matters if the width between them is too narrow, so make sure to double-check each rack’s design to compare the internal space before you.
Stringer
The stringer is the wall-mounted bracket that supports the squat rack. It allows it to pivot out and provide much-needed stability. It also ensures that the load is healthily distributed across the wall, preventing the risk of damage to your walls during use.
A stringer is a crucial part of the wall-mounted squat rack design. Removing it reduces both the longevity and functional value of the rack. Most wall-mounted racks have at least one stringer, sometimes two, and occasionally none.
We recommend getting more – and heavier-duty – stringers where possible. They help maintain the rack’s stability and keep your walls safe – two of the most important considerations for a wall-mounted squat rack.
Distance from the Wall
The distance from the wall will affect your choice.
Make sure to double-check this against the size of your home gym. The last thing you want to do is order a whole rack only to realize it doesn’t fit into the space you’re looking for.
Pull-Up Bar
Some wall-mounted squat racks have a pull-up bar as standard – for pull-ups and to add extra stability to their frame for squatting.
Pull-up bars are a good addition, and a product with a high-quality build with appropriate knurling is a good choice. This isn’t going to make or break a product for most people.
Still, it’s an excellent bonus to get if you’re looking to develop upper and lower body strength with your rack.
J Hooks
Better J-hooks make for better durability and function.
J-hooks that are rubberized and rounded are superior to those with a flat or unprotected surface. These can cause friction on the bar, which damages it and is less stable, and introduces more instability to lifting.
Better j-hooks tend to be a luxury purchase. But they can be bought aftermarket, so it could always be a secondary purchase if you’re on a tight budget right now.
Other Accessories
Wall-mounted squat racks are more like squat stands – they’re designed to be used in the same ways. Often, that involves using a platform for squatting.
However, some wall-mounted squat racks do offer a range of accessories. The nature of the build limits them slightly compared to a power rack or half-rack.
Spotter arms or safeties are not usually standard but can often be attached to the rack. They are less effective due to the leverage they put on the wall itself, so you need to be careful on the length of your safety arms.
Dip stations also have this problem, and plate storage is usually not recommended due to the lighter construction of a wall-mounted rack.
Folding benches can be a great choice, but this depends on the model and brand since they’re quite niche accessories.
How to Choose the Best Wall-Mounted Rack
How Much and What Space Do You Have?
This is the central question when it comes to all squat racks. You need to ensure you have the appropriate space to use your rack – this will determine your options.
If you are really strapped for space, check our guide to the Best Wall-Mounted Folding Racks – the products on this list are all great space-savers.
You need to take measurements of the size of your space and then the internal space you get from a rack, as well as the overhead clearance you can afford. Bigger racks are – generally – better, but they come at a price and eat up more space.
How Strong are Your Walls?
Heavier racks and longer levers require stronger walls – as they place more stress on them.
Weaker walls – especially drywall with softwoods underneath – will limit how much load you can put on the rack. Safety pins/spotter arms are also a concern here, as they place the load far away from the wall.
Stronger walls mean more choice when it comes to the rack you’re using. Make sure you check in on the specifics of your building online to make sure your walls can handle the required fixtures.
What is Your Budget?
Budget always mattered – it’s your hard-earned money, and you want to get the most for it.
It’s an important piece of equipment to spend money on – and it’s better to invest for the long-term if you have the budget. Better quality matters: you could be squatting with this rack for decades.
What Accessories Do You Need?
This another personal one to consider: what do you need from your squat rack other than squatting?
We’re all at different places on this spectrum. For example, the costs and benefits of a dip station depend on what you want from your investment!
How Heavy Do You Lift?
This is simple: heavier lifting requires a better weight rating from the rack.
Some racks aren’t prepared for lifting over 600lbs, which can be a real limitation. It’s not only that this is the weight it tops out at, but also the extra “headroom” it has for dealing with momentum and other forces – such as when dropping a barbell.
You don’t ever want to miss a lift – obviously – but better weight ratings save you the worry.
Other Rack Reviews & Guides
- Rogue RML-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack Review
- Rogue RML-390F Flat Foot Monster Lite Rack Review
- Rogue RML-490 Power Rack Review
- Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack Review
- Rogue SML-2 Squat Stand Review
- Best Wall-Mounted Folding Squat Racks
- Best Half Racks for Your Home Gym
Conclusion
A great squat rack is all about maximizing what you get out of the space. It’s about a high return on your cash in the form of durability, function, and longevity – features add up, but fundamentals are always king.
If you’re looking for a space-saving rack for your home gym, then the Rogue RML-90 Slim Rack is a great option.