I started building a home gym during lockdown and went through about a half dozen racks over the course of three years. I was continually searching for the rack that could do the most things without sacrificing the quality of each individual thing that it could do. I was intimidated by Prime’s price tag but chose to go all in once I saw all the versatility it could provide in one single unit.
Other brands offered an integrated cable system but Prime was different in that they had a real seat for lat pulldowns and a real footplate for cable rows just like the machines I used at commercial gyms. Coach Kass from N1 also turned me on to the fact that Prime’s plate loaded option offered the ability to switch the cable ratio from 2:1 to 4:1 which is very useful for doing some exercises where you need more cable length or a lighter load than what is typically found on a pin loaded weight stack. That and the fact that a plate loaded model was much easier to move around a home gym is what sold me on the HLP.
I’ve had the Prodigy rack for over two years now and it’s the only piece I’m confident that I’ll probably have forever. It’s also been awesome how Prime continues to build off the platform, coming out with new rack attachments on the regular. The latest attachments, to include the stability pad and the smart arm, have launched Prime way ahead of their competitors. The HLP rack now has the highest end eco system on the market.
Do your own research and see how much this system has to offer. You get what you pay for!
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I spent the last 11.5 months meticulously planning how to optimize my garage for a home gym in our new house. After countless hours of research and comparison, I ultimately decided on the Prime Prodigy HLP rack and I couldn’t be happier with my choice. I considered options from Rogue, Sorinex, and Rep Fitness, but Prime Fitness truly stands out as the cream of the crop. This half rack is sturdier than any full rack I’ve ever used from competing brands.
The rack comes partially preassembled and is packaged thoughtfully with clear and easy-to-follow instructions. I assembled it myself (though I wouldn’t recommend it due to the sheer weight) in about 12.5 hours. The weight stacks, which go up to 350 pounds per side, feature a 2:1 ratio on the adjustable trolley arms and a 1:1 ratio on the high pull—absolutely phenomenal. What’s even better is that Prime doesn’t charge extra for the heavier weight stacks.
In terms of aesthetics, the color options are outstanding and the finishes are top-notch. The attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this rack. The attachments are equally impressive with zero play in the uprights. I opted for the lat pulldown seat, bench centering device, leg roller,
back storage bar, shorty bench, RO-T8 4n1 handles, KAZ handles, RO-T8 adjustable pull-up bar, height extension kit and support pad—all of which are premium in both quality and feel. The leather and craftsmanship on these components scream luxury.
As someone with an eclectic training style that blends powerlifting with a variety of creative accessory movements, I feel like I’m sacrificing nothing by transitioning from a professional bodybuilding gym to this setup. In fact, I feel like my training arsenal has expanded.
If you’re in the market for a rack/functional trainer combo, stop wasting time and go for the Prime Prodigy HLP rack. It’s an investment you won’t regret.
I’ve owned just about every rack out there. Williams/EliteFTS, Multiple Rogue racks dating back to their 7ga, and most recently, the Rep Ares. The Prime HLP combines the strength and durability of American steel and workmanship with no-details spared engineering. Truly a phenomenal product that will last for decades- I know this because I have strive machines which use the same exact bearings and trolley design for the weight stack and they are still as good as new nearly twenty years after manufacture. Beyond the engineering and design, the fit and finish is also incredible- the powdercoat is a hammer tone type and is some of the best paint work I’ve seen. I needed an all-in-one cable + rack setup and after selling my Rogue and Williams racks I fell for the Chinese trap and got Rep. The old adage couldn’t be more true with gym equipment- you get what you pay for. Eventually I got tired of the cheap materials; the final straw was when a Rep safety bent on me 😳. I went ahead and sold that piece of junk at half price and placed the order for the Prime HLP the same weekend. Worth the cost, it’s a forever rack with endless versatility. Save yourself the time and order it the first time, you won’t regret it.
The Prodigy HLP gives incredible functionality in a small footprint. With the equipment it replaced I have more floorspace and much more versatility. I am seven feet tall and can get full stretch on the lat pulldown (just not with the RO-T8 handles). Also I like the idea that if I move and have more headroom, I can add the height extension kit. The quality is mind blowing as was the packing. Arrived across the country in pristine condition. Couldn’t be happier with the purchase!
Overall I couldn’t be happier w my prime fitness gym. Customer service was great w ordering. Had some delays w shipping which were not Prime’s fault. However, there were a number of nuts and bolts missing from delivery which Prime quickly took care of. My only complaint is I thought I was buying equipment 100% made in USA… which was not the case. Cables, wheels and bearings have China written all over it which was disappointing since Prime claims made in USA all over website. Overall, my Prodigy 2:1 rack, half rack, bench and numerous accessories are phenomenal, commercially made equipment that I will continue to buy. There equipment is beyond versatile and has helped change my life forever. They continue to push development and I can’t wait to see what they have to offer in the future.
