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CrossFit requires constantly varied movements performed at a high intensity. Therefore, a home gym designed for CrossFit will require varied pieces of the best home gym equipment (due to the intensity and work required) or even CrossFit-style workout programs. These are the pieces of equipment and our suggestions for each to build the ultimate CrossFit home gym.
CrossFit is an awesome training program to increase all aspects of fitness. Although it has exploded in popularity and largely been commercialized, CrossFit started out in home gyms. Many choose to go to a CrossFit Box to train, while others decide to train at home (some do both.)
If you want an ultimate home gym guide to start a home gym and have the ability to perform pretty much all of the movements required for CrossFit, this is the equipment you will need along with our suggestions for where to purchase it based upon your budget.
In order to have a CrossFit home gym, you’re going to need quite a bit of equipment IF you want to be able to perform every workout you would at a CrossFit Affiliate. However, if you really wanted to (and who does) you could get away with a barbell, plates, and squat rack. Whatever you choose, here is the best CrossFit equipment for home gyms based upon what we’ve used and liked, what others we’ve polled use (including some unsponsored CrossFit Games competitors,) and what we often suggest.
Best CrossFit Equipment for Home Gyms in 2024
Strength Equipment
- Best Squat Rack: REP PR-4000
- Best Budget Squat Rack: Titan T-3 Series Squat Rack
- Best Squat Stand: REP SR-4000
- Best Barbell: Rogue Bar 2.0
- Best Budget Barbell: Fringe Sport Wonder Bar Olympic Barbell
- Best Luxury Barbell: Rogue Ohio Bar
- Best Dumbbells for CrossFit: DMoose Rubber Hex Dumbbells
- Best Cheap Barbell: Cap Barbell OB-86B
- Best Flat Bench: REP FB-5000
- Best Budget Flat Bench: Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench
- Best Bumper Plates: Fringe Sport Bumper Plates
- Best Budget Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Bumper Plates
- Best Kettlebells: Rogue Fitness Kettlebells
- Best Budget Kettlebells: REP Fitness KG Kettlebells
- Best Medicine Ball: REP V2 Medicine Balls
- Best Budget Medicine Ball: Fringe Sport Medicine Ball
- Best Weighted Vest: TacTec Plate Carrier
- Best Budget Weight Vest: WODmaster Weight Vest
Bodyweight Equipment
- Best Plyo-Box for CrossFit: REP Fitness 3-in-1 Soft Plyo Box
- Best Budget Plyo-Box for CrossFit: REP Fitness Plyo Box
- Best Glute Ham Developer: Rogue Fitness Abram GHD 2.0
- Best Budget Glute Ham Developer: Titan Fitness GHD
- Best Pull-Up Bar: Rogue Fitness P-4 Pull-Up System
- Best Budget Pull-Up Bar: Titan Fitness Pull-Up Bar
- Best Gymnastic Rings: Fringe Sport Competition Gymnastics Rings
- Best Budget Gymnastic Rings: Titan Fitness Gymnastic Rings
Conditioning Equipment
- Best Rower: Concept 2 RowErg Rower
- Best Budget Rower: Xebex Air Rower
- Best Air Bike: Rogue Echo Bike
- Best Budget Air Bike: Assault Air Bike
- Best Sled: Rogue Echo Dog Sled 1.2
- Best Budget Sled: Rogue Side Sled
- Best Jump Rope for CrossFit: Rogue SR-2S 2.0
- Best Budget Jump Rope for CrossFit: Rogue SR-1 Speed Rope
Miscellaneous
- Best Barbell Collars: Rogue Fitness OSO Collars
- Best Budget Barbell Collars: Rogue HG 2.0 Collars
- Best Flooring: Tractor Supply 3/4 Rubber Stall Mats
Strength Equipment
If you’re going to have a CrossFit home gym, one thing that is paramount is the inclusion of strength equipment. There’s a myriad of different pieces of equipment that will build strength through CrossFit programming, but not all of it will last through the hard workouts day after day.
We chose to include items that are most seen in CrossFit-style programming and are essential to have if you’re doing the CrossFit Open.
Best Squat Rack: REP Fitness PR-4000
Good for: CrossFitters looking for a behemoth of a power cage for a reasonable (and customizable) price
Best Squat Rack for CrossFit
REP PR-4000 Power Rack
Product Highlights
- Heavy duty 11-gauge steel
- 3" x 3" uprights
- Rated for 1,000 lbs
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable, high-quality rack
- Several color options available
- Laser-cut holes and logos
- Uprights are numbered every 5 holes
- Westside hole spacing
- Can be built out to include weight storage, pull-up bar, strap safeties, etc.
- 3x3-inch 11-gauge steel
Cons
- Accessories for the PR-4000 and PR-5000 racks aren’t as good as the competition
- Some of the welds and powder coating aren’t up to par
Bottom Line
The Rep Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack is honestly one of the best value power racks on the market. This rack has garnered excellent reviews from us and others and it's largely due to how great it's features are for the price point. This is still a pretty expensive rack for those on a tight budget and trying to build a home gym, but this is the type of rack you never have to upgrade. Is it better than the Rogue Monster Lite? No, but it is cheaper and very similar quality, although it is imported. We are big fans of the PR-4000 and recommend it.
Truth be told, CrossFitters really don’t need a full power cage with all the bells and whistles. A simple squat stand with a pull-up bar will get it done for the average CrossFit enthusiast. But, that doesn’t mean some of ‘em don’t want one! If you happen to be an avid CrossFit participant and also want a fully decked-out, four-upright power cage, the REP PR-4000 is the choice for you.
This fully customizable, modular power rack is designed to grow with you, meaning you don’t have to buy all of the attachments at once. (In fact, there are so many available attachments that you probably won’t ever buy them all.) But as your skillset expands and strength increases, you can purchase accessories a la carte to accommodate your growing needs.
Notably, the PR-4000 is constructed of thick 11-gauge steel, which should be music to any CrossFitter’s ears. In practice, this means that the PR-4000 won’t shake, sway, or wobble even as you re-rack your back squat PR.
Read our full REP Fitness PR-4000 Power Rack review.
Best Budget Squat Rack: Titan Fitness T-3 Power Rack
Good for: Athletes who need a strong, sturdy power rack and who are on a budget.
Best Budget Squat Rack for CrossFit
Titan T-3 Series Power Rack
Product Highlights
- 2x3" 11-gauge steel tubing
- Weight capacity of 1,000 lbs
- Westside spacing
- Bolt-together construction
- Includes J-hooks and weight holders
Pros & Cons
Pros
- More affordable than competitors
- Stable when bolted down
- Bolted panels easier to adjust on uneven surface
- V2 of the T-3 comes in a variety of colors
- V2 of the T-3 has laser-cut holes on the side and front of uprights
- Westside spacing
- Pin/pipe safeties
- 2x3" tubing allows for Titan and other competitors' attachments and add-ons
Cons
- Known for delays and mixing up orders
- Imported materials
- Not the best welds
- J-cups are average at best
- Bolted panels makes for a weaker joint
- Cheaper bolts used
Bottom Line
The Titan T-3 is a good, budget-friendly power rack. It's very similar to one of our favorite racks, the Rogue R-3, but at a much cheaper price thanks to it's imported nature. If you have the ability to bolt down your rack to a platform or concrete foundation and want a rack that won't break the bank, this is a good option.
Okay, let’s say you want a power cage with four uprights but you don’t need (or don’t have the space or money for) something like the REP PR-4000. Well, our next recommendation would be the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Squat Rack, which is a full cage with 11-gauge steel construction, but without all the fancy-schmancy attachments on a higher-end rack.
Still, thanks to the basic 2-inch-by-3-inch frame, most rack attachments (from any brand) will fit on the Titan T-3.
Aside from its simplicity yet sturdiness, we especially love the T-3 for its budget-friendly value proposition. Point blank: You probably won’t find a better product with a starting price of about $520.
Finally, we’d be remiss not to call out the customizability of the T-3. You can choose from two height options (82 or 92 inches), two depth options (24 inches or 36 inches), and three colors (blue, red, or black).
If you’re looking for the best budget home equipment and are on a strict budget, the Titan T-3 is the power rack to get.
Best Squat Stand: REP Fitness SR-4000
Good for: CrossFit athletes who don’t want a full power cage and instead prefer a simple stand
Best Squat Stand for CrossFit
REP SR-4000 Squat Rack
Product Highlights
- 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
- Compatible with most REP 4000 attachments
- No need to bolt down
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1,000-lb weight capacity
- Doesn’t need to be bolted
- J-cups and pull-up bar included
- 1-inch hole spacing through bench area
Cons
- No height option shorter than 96″
- Not the most compact squat stand
- Moves a little bit during kipping pull-ups
Bottom Line
For a little more than $500, this squat stand has a lot to offer: A 1,000-pound weight capacity, one-inch Westside hole spacing through the bench area, and included J-cups and pull-up bar.
A squat stand, as opposed to a squat rack, is an apparatus with two uprights instead of four. Squat stands typically have a lower weight capacity than a full power cage, and they don’t always have a pull-up bar.
For CrossFitters, we love the REP Fitness SR-4000 squat rack because it has a higher weight capacity of 1,000 pounds and it includes a pull-up bar across the top.
Constructed of 11-gauge steel with 3-inch-by-3-inch uprights, this squat stand won’t let you down in terms of durability and stability. Our main complaint with the SR-4000 is its behemoth size—for a squat stand, the 71.4-inch depth is wild—but the bigger size does lend itself to improved stability, which CrossFitters will be thankful for during kipping WODs.
Read our full REP Fitness SR-4000 Squat Rack review.
Best Barbell: Rogue Bar 2.0
Good for: Those who want a versatile barbell
Best Barbell for CrossFit
Rogue Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
- Barbell made in the USA
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Multiple composite bushings
- 28.5 mm shaft diameter
- Dual knurl marks for Olympic lifts or powerlifting
- Lifetime warranty
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Made in the USA
- Multiple composite bushings
- Good value
- 28.5 mm diameter with dual knurl marks for versatility
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Black zinc coating can fade over time
- Passive knurling
Bottom Line
The Rogue 2.0 Bar is a good barbell with great value. With a good tensile strength and versatile use, this is a great multipurpose bar for the home gym.
The Rogue Bar 2.0 is one of the most popular barbells in the world. Combining Rogue Fitness’ attention to detail, outstanding customer service, and large manufacturing power, the Rogue Bar 2.0 can perform for nearly every movement or training style imaginable.
Not too long ago a barbell featuring 190k PSI tensile strength steel, a bushing rotation system, and a high-quality knurl with a lifetime warranty would have cost you nearly $1,000. Thankfully, due to the growth of home gym owners and the popularity of CrossFit, there are now a seemingly endless amount of high-quality CrossFit barbells for under $300.
Best Budget Barbell: Fringe Sport Wonder Bar Olympic Barbell
Runner-Up
Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2 20KG Barbell
Product Highlights
- Ideal as a multi-purpose bar
- Dual knurl marks
- 205,000 PSI
- Fringe Sport has free shipping
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Knurling is somewhat passive
- Ideal as a multi-purpose bar
- Dual knurl marks
- 205,000 PSI
- Bearings or bushing are available
- 28MM in diameter
- Fringe Sport has free shipping
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Black zinc finish will fade over time
- Sleeves prone to scarring rather quickly
- Not made in USA
Bottom Line
The Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2 is one of the best value general training/CrossFit barbells on the market that we've reviewed. For under $200 you get a crazy good spec sheet and a barbell that will perform in any workouts for as long as you keep it. If you're on a budget, but want a great barbell, we suggest this one.
If you’d rather not spend more than $200, although we’d suggest you do, the Fringe Sport Wonder Bar Olympic Barbell is a more than capable quality barbell from a company with an excellent reputation in the CrossFit training space. The Fringe Sport Wonder Bar features 205k PSI tensile strength steel, a 28mm shaft, and a black zinc coating on both the shaft and sleeves.
The Rogue Bar 2.0 ranks above the Wonder Bar and others, the smaller 28mm shaft and black zinc coating on the sleeves are less than optimal for the majority of trainees. The Wonder Bar does feature a lifetime warranty and although we don’t believe Fringe Sport is as capable of servicing warranties as Rogue Fitness, they are a company we trust. Put simply, for $200, the Wonder Bar from Fringe Sport is a good barbell at a great price.
Best Luxury Barbell: Rogue Ohio Bar
Upgrade Pick
Rogue Ohio Bar
Product Highlights
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Multipurpose bar with great versatility
- Lifetime warranty
- Bushing sleeves
- Snap ring design
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made in the USA of US-Sourced Steel
- Somewhat passive knurling
- Grips with chalk
- Great for a variety of training styles
- Dual knurl marks
- 28.5-mm shaft
- Bronze bushings
- Lifetime warranty
- Coatings include stainless steel, Cerakote, black zinc, and more.
- 190K tensile strength
Cons
- Not outstanding for powerlifting or weightlifting in comparison to more specialized bars
- Expensive
- Diameter doesn't meet IWF standards
- No center knurl, which may matter to some
Bottom Line
The Rogue Ohio Bar is one of the most iconic barbells in the world. It's been used at the CrossFit Games by some of the fittest athletes in the world and is just as well suited in your garage gym. The Ohio Bar is priced well despite its features and being made in the USA. Although we prefer the Rogue 2.0 Bar for its price, we don't blame you if you decide to spring for the Ohio Bar, although we'd suggest getting the Stainless Steel or Cerakote version.
The Ohio Bar and Rogue Bar 2.0 from Rogue Fitness are very similar bars. For this reason, we recommend the Rogue Bar 2.0 due to its lower price point for what is essentially the same bar. However, if money is not a worry and you want a bar that will best withstand corrosion, we recommend the stainless steel version of the Ohio Bar from Rogue Fitness as a step above our top pick.
The majority of people do not need to spend $350 on a barbell for CrossFit training and the benefits of stainless steel are not vastly superior to traditional barbell steel. This said the corrosion resistance of stainless steel along with the superior knurling (due to no coating) are great to have if you’re looking for a general-purpose barbell and the increased cost is not an issue for you.
Check out my Rogue Fitness Barbell review for more details.
Best Dumbbells for CrossFit: DMoose Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Good for: People who want to train with high-quality fixed dumbbells
Best Squat Stand for CrossFit
DMoose Rubber Hex Dumbbells
Product Highlights
- 2.5 to 50 lb. pairs
- Free shipping for orders $49 and more
- Hex shape prevents rolling
- Rubber heads protect your floors
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Sold in pairs
- More affordable than other hex dumbbells
- Durable
- Knurled handle
Cons
- Only goes up to 50 lbs
- No obvious warranty
Bottom Line
The DMoose Rubber Hex Dumbbells are an affordable and durable set of free weights that would make a great addition to any home gym.
Dumbbells are one of the most versatile training tools for CrossFitters, or any athlete for that matter and the DMoose Rubber Hex Dumbbells are one of the best-value strength training equipment on the market. Yes, they’re more expensive than an adjustable dumbbell but we recommend fixed dumbbells for CrossFit because they’re more durable and don’t require adjustments in the middle of a set. Plus, these rubber hex dumbbells cost less than similar options.
One thing that separates the DMoose dumbbells from others is the sloped handle that allows for a more comfortable grip. The rubber heads not only protect your weights but will also ensure no cracks show up on your floors after multiple clean and jerks.
Best Cheap Barbell: Cap Barbell OB-86B
Cheap Pick
CAP OB-86B Barbell
Product Highlights
- Priced under $200
- Works well as a multipurpose bar
- Comes in proprietary coatings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Priced under $150
- Ships free with Prime
- Free returns
- Fits Olympic weight plates
Cons
- 30mm grip
- 110KPSI tensile strength
- Black phosphate finish
Bottom Line
The CAP Barbell is not the highest quality bar you can find, but it is one of the most affordable that we would still recommend for those who do not need a specialty bar or anything fancy.
The Cap Barbell OB-86B is generally regarded as one of the best Olympic barbells for under $200. Although the OB-86Blacks many of the features of our other picks such as a high-quality knurl, minimum 190K PSI tensile strength steel, and lifetime warranties, for around $150 (it can often be had for less during sales), it’s a pretty decent bar for CrossFit training.
The Cap Barbell OB-86B features polished steel sleeves with a black oxide finished shaft. The knurling is a bit aggressive and the spin is mediocre, but it’s what you’d expect for the price. Featuring nearly 500 Amazon Reviews with an overall rating of 4.5/5 stars, the OB-86B is a decent bar for personal use. We consider the OB-86B to be more in the beater bar category and if you don’t want to damage your more expensive bars, this may be the perfect dedicated rack and landmine bar to supplement your barbell arsenal.
Best Flat Bench: REP Fitness FB-5000
Good for: CrossFitters who want the best value bench for a CrossFit home gym.
Best Flat Bench for CrossFit
REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
Product Highlights
- Great price on a high-quality bench
- Compatible with REP Wide Pad or Thompson Fat Pad
- 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel provides solid construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great price for a good value bench
- 3” x 3” 11-gauge steel
- Sturdy 3-post bench
- Nothing in the way of your feet when you bench
- Rated to 1,000 pounds
- Meets the IPF specs for length, height, and width
- Comes with a 4” thick pad on a plywood base with durable vinyl upholstery and the option to purchase an extra wide pad
- Comes with a handle and wheels
- Compatibility with 2 other bench pads including the extra wide and the Thompson Fat Pad
- Easily assembled in less than 20 minutes.
- Available in multiple colors and designs.
Cons
- Shipping not included in price
- Short manufacturer’s warranty
- Some assembly required
- 30-day return period and restocking fee applied to returns
Bottom Line
The Rep FB-5000 Flat Bench is the best value flat bench we've tested and reviewed. It offers an incredible combination of price and quality that many companies have overlooked for some time. With over 250 customer reviews, there is not 1 under 4 stars and most of those are for less than minor complaints. If you need a flat bench, this is the one we suggest. You could pay more, but it would still probably not be as good. Seriously.
Not that benching is a CrossFitter’s forte… But we still thought we should include a best weight bench pick for then they have to do suitcase step-ups and such…
All jokes aside, the REP Fitness FB-5000 flat weight bench is a solid pick and it is our top pick for CrossFitters because of its second-to-none value proposition. As implied, CrossFit athletes don’t need to invest in an ultra-high-end weight bench like a powerlifter might. A CrossFitter simply does not need to bench press at the volume and load that a powerlifter does.
We chose the REP Fitness FB-5000 as the best flat bench for CrossFit because it’s more than sturdy enough to support bench pressing CrossFit-style, but also other movements a CrossFit athlete might do with a bench—like barbell hip thrusts, step-ups, and decline push-ups, to name a few.
This bench features a single-post design and is available in both a 12-inch or 14-inch width to accommodate differently sized athletes. The vinyl cover could be grippier, but none of our testers have had issues with slipping around.
Read our full REP Fitness FB-5000 review.
Best Budget Flat Bench: Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench
Good for: CrossFitters who don’t plan on benching very heavy and just need a basic (but good) bench for a solid price.
Best Budget Flat Bench
Titan Flat Bench
Product Highlights
- Very affordably priced
- 17” bench height, which meets IPF standards
- Weight capacity is listed at 1,000 lbs
- Rubber grip pads on feet prevents sliding
- Free shipping
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very affordably priced
- Handle on the front and wheels on the back for easy maneuverability
- 17” bench height, which meets IPF standards
- Weight capacity is listed at 1,000 lbs
- Stitched Titan Fitness logo, which looks cool
- Spine and legs are fully welded
- Rubber grip pads on feet prevents sliding
- Free shipping
Cons
- Titan is known for having shipping issues
- Improved welds still need work
- Light powder coating, which means it may experience corrosion
- Two massive feet instead of a post at the front
Bottom Line
The Flat Weight Bench from Titan Fitness is a good, budget-friendly bench. In our review, we've found that it's a great value, although benches like the REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench should first be considered due to the cost difference being minimal. If you're looking for a flat bench for your home gym that meets IPF standards, has wheels and a handle, and don't want to spend too much, this isn't a bad option, but again, we do think there are better ones available.
This one is for the CrossFitters who fully succumb to the “CrossFitters don’t bench” ideal. This bench will get you through your (maybe) once-a-month bench sessions, plus all of the other CrossFit-y things you might use a bench for.
The Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench features a high weight capacity of 1,000 pounds for a very palatable price point of just $150. As we mention in our guide to the best weight benches, the Titan flat bench could definitely stand a bit of zhuzhing up, but you probably won’t find better for the price, if we’re being frank.
In addition to the great weight capacity, this bench features a thick bench pad, grippy vinyl, and a four-foot design for supreme stability.
Read our full Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench review.
Best Bumper Plater: Fringe Sport Bumper Plates
Best Bumper Plates for CrossFit
Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates
Product Highlights
- Use 100% virgin rubber
- Shore Durometer of 85 sHA for a dead bounce
- Strong 10-lb that withstand dropping plates
- Free shipping
- Weight tolerance is +/- 1% of stated weight
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Use 100% virgin rubber
- Shore Durometer of 85 sHA for a dead bounce
- Have a 55-lb option
- Beveled edge that makes them easier to carry
- Unique hooked insert so more surface area of the insert grabs onto the rubber
- Free shipping
- Claims it’s okay to drop the 10-lb plates
- 3-Year Warranty comes standard
- Weight tolerance is +/- 1% of stated weight
Cons
- Wide plates
- Can’t load more than 500 lbs on most bars
Bottom Line
The Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates are generally the best value bumper plates that we've reviewed. They feature a good warranty, have a wide variety of weight increments, low bounce, and are extremely durable. If you're looking for bumper plates for Olympic Weightlifting or CrossFit and want something that will last without (totally) breaking the bank, then these are a great option.
There are many options available for CrossFit training, but in our experience, the Fringesport Bumper Plates are the best bumper plates for most people. Featuring a unique construction, high-quality virgin rubber, and easy-to-see weight identification, the Bumper Plates from Fringe Sport are the best value available.
Fringe Sport has made it their mission to make the best bumper plates available and they do by creating a center collar that is molded into the rubber rather than added after the molding process (how most companies create bumpers) that leads to fewer broken plates. In fact, you can even drop the ten-pound plates from overhead without much of an issue. For the value, these are the best available and are used by many CrossFit Affiliates around the world.
Best Budget Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Bumper Plates
Budget Pick
Titan Fitness Economy Black Bumper Plates
Product Highlights
- 2" steel-lined center holes
- Fit Olympic size barbells
- Affordably priced
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Narrower than other bumpers, so you can fit more on a bar
- Steel-lined insert helps with durability
- An affordable bumper plate
Cons
- Only available in one color (black)
- Frequently out of stock
- Not made in USA
Bottom Line
If you simply want a cheap pair of bumper plates to either figure out if you're going to stay with working out at home or don't have the money, the Titan Bumper Plates are what we suggest.
If you simply want a cheap pair of bumper plates to either figure out if you’re going to stay with working out at home or don’t have the money, the Titan Bumper Plates are what we suggest. They’re a no-frills plate that will provide decently accurate weight measurements and should hold up to most workouts. This said, due to bumper plates getting so much use in CrossFit workouts, we would suggest spending more money here, on a good barbell, on a good rack, and then sacrificing in other areas.
Although these bumper plates should provide years of use, Titan Fitness suggests that they are not intended to withstand being dropped or thrown to the floor. Also, the warranty for Titan products is limited to one year and is at the discretion of Titan Fitness.
Best Kettlebells: REP Fitness KG Kettlebells
Good for: People who need a reliable set of kettlebells that won’t slip from sweaty hands
Best Kettlebells for CrossFit
REP Fitness KG Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Range from 1 kg (9 lbs) to 48 kg (106 lbs)
- Have a great grip with or without chalk
- Reasonably priced
- Made of cast iron
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good grip with or without chalk
- Gravity die casting
- Matte coating
Cons
- May be susceptible to rust
- No weights above 106 lbs
- Textured handle not for everyone
Bottom Line
REP Fitness kettlebells, in both the kilogram and pound versions, are an excellent choice for people who want a grippy, well-constructed kettlebell.
You might think: A kettlebell is a kettlebell. Well, you’d be wrong (as evidenced by our guide to the best kettlebells). A good kettlebell, like the REP Fitness KG Kettlebells we recommend, will have a strong powder coat to prevent the inner cast iron from corroding, plus have clearly marked weight indicators and a handle with ample room for two fists.
These REP Fitness KG Kettlebells come in 18 different weight options ranging from 4 kilograms (9 pounds) to 48 kilograms (106 pounds), so one set will allow you to do everything from Turkish get-ups to heavy farmer’s carries.
My favorite thing about these kettlebells is the completely flat base: No matter how you set these down mid-WOD, they won’t roll away or topple over onto your toes.
Best Budget Kettlebells: Fringe Sport Premium Kettlebells
Budget Pick
Fringe Sport Premium Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Wide handles fit two hands for KB swings
- Kilogram weights hit the most popular kettlebell sizes
- Durable finish takes abuse
- Color-coded bands on weights to easily differentiate
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Has great grip without being too gritty
- Handle is not too thin, not too thick
- Wide handles fit two hands for KB swings
- Kilogram weights hit the most popular kettlebell sizes
- Durable finish takes abuse
- Color-coded bands on weights to easily differentiate
- Flat bottom
- One-piece casting
- Guaranteed weight
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
Bottom Line
If you want a good kettlebell at a great price, this is the one to pick.
Fringe Sport ranks as one of the cheaper options, however, much of their equipment is top-notch. Their kettlebells are a prime example of this. For instance, the texture on the kettlebell is specially designed and exclusive to Fringe Sport that works great with or without chalk. The weight of their kettlebells is also guaranteed to be within their ranges and nearly all of their equipment includes free shipping, including their kettlebells.
Fringe Sport also has a reputation similar to Rogue for their great customer service and willingness to work with customers during any warranty or return issues. Most people will want at least one 53 lb kettlebell and Fringe Sport sells theirs for $79 shipped. That’s hard to beat no matter where you shop.
Best Medicine Ball: REP V2 Medicine Balls
Good for: Anyone who wants durable, long-lasting medicine balls for CrossFit WODs
REP V2 Medicine Balls
REP Medicine Balls V2
Product Highlights
- Won’t lose their shape
- Vibrant colors
- Soft outer shell
- Available in 4 lbs to 30 lbs
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Double-stitched seams
- Hand-stuffed
- Won’t lose their shape
- Vibrant colors
- Soft outer shell
- Available in 4 lbs to 30 lbs
Cons
- Gets pricey at higher weights
- Using as a slam ball will void your warranty
Bottom Line
Featuring double-reinforced seams and a double-lined shell, these med balls are hand-stuffed and stitched with thick threading.
Similarly to kettlebells, one might think that any medicine ball is a good medicine ball. This is even more egregious than thinking any kettlebell is a good kettlebell! (Look, we know we are equipment snobs, so at least let us help you with our arguably excessive knowledge set).
For realsies, though, a poorly made medicine ball could burst at the seams, sprinkling you with sand, fluff, or plastic beads mid-wall ball set. The REP Fitness Medicine Balls won’t do you like that, though (cue Tom Petty’s “Don’t Do Me Like That”).
Featuring double-reinforced seams and a double-lined shell, these med balls are hand-stuffed and stitched with thick threading. They retain their shape, unlike many other wall balls, after long periods of use. Additionally, they come in vibrant colors so it’s easy to identify the weight you want to use for a given WOD.
Best Budget Medicine Ball: Fringe Sport Medicine Ball
Budget Pick
Fringe Sport Medicine Ball V4
Product Highlights
- Durable shell
- Polyester batting provides balanced weight and firmness
- Inner bladder perfectly distributes weight to prevent “egging” or misshaping
- Endures and absorbs slams even though not designed for them
- 1-year warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can slam the ball and not void the warranty
- Durable shell
- Unique design
- Polyester batting provides balanced weight and firmness
- Inner bladder perfectly distributes weight to prevent “egging” or misshaping
- Inelastic PVC outer shell prohibits stretching
- Endures and absorbs slams even though not designed for them
Cons
- Stitching not the most durable
- Only one-year warranty
- Weight only goes up to 40 lbs
Bottom Line
These medicine balls will not be as durable as our top pick, but for home use, they should have no problem.
Fringe Sport has gone through four different iterations of their medicine balls and their current offering is the best one yet. It has a PVC exterior and double stitch lacing to keep all of the contents inside. The weight is packed solidly and evenly distributed to prevent lumps from forming within the ball. Fringe Sport also offers a one-year warranty on the ball that is pretty standard.
The graphics on the Fringe Sport Med Balls are a digital camo that allows it to stand out from the competition yet still look clean. These medicine balls will not be as durable as our top pick, but for home use, they should have no problem providing years of use, although we would suggest avoiding using them as slam balls as they can get lumpy rather quickly.
Best Weighted Vest: TacTec Plate Carrier
Best Weighted Vest for CrossFit
5.11 TacTec Plate Carrier
Product Highlights
- Made from an ultra-durable, water-resistant 500D nylon
- Uniquely designed to give the wearer an increased range of motion
- Breathable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Designed to give user increased range of motion
- Can hold plates in front and back
- Shoulder pads reduce friction
Cons
- Weight plates can make it expensive
- Vest costs more than $200
- Cut very tight
Bottom Line
The 5.11 Vest does a great job of providing breathability, comfort, and a secure lockdown for the vest we believe is the best available.
The TacTec Plate Carrier from 5.11 Tactical is such a great piece of training equipment that it was one of the few pieces of equipment not made by Rogue Fitness that was used in the 2016 and 2017 CrossFit Games. There are many great weighted vests available, but what separates the 5.11 Tactical Vest from others is the back yoke shoulder pads and secure fit during workouts.
The 5.11 Tactical TacTec Plate Carrier is our pick for the best-weighted vest for CrossFit for many reasons, but to sum it up best, this is the vest that feels the least cumbersome. No matter what, if you’re wearing twenty extra pounds, you’re going to feel it. However, after using multiple weight vests, it becomes pretty apparent that most vests tend to ride up and even can hit you in the face during sprints as well as kipping pull-ups. The 5.11 Vest does a great job of providing breathability, comfort, and a secure lockdown for the vest we believe is the best available.
If it matters to you, the 5.11 Vest can also be doubled as armor for tactical use and it looks pretty cool whether you’re using it for workouts or to protect your life.
Best Budget Weight Vest: WODmaster Weight Vest
Budget Pick
Fringe Sport WODmaster Weight Vest
Product Highlights
- 6 points of adjustment
- Weight is fixed at 20 lbs
- Has reflective stripes on front and back for night workouts
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Reflective stripes for night workouts
- 6 points of adjustment
- Costs under $100 for 20-lb vest
Cons
- Not made in the USA
- Only one color option
- Not the most snug fit
Bottom Line
The advantage of this vest is everything is secure and the vest has a much closer fit. It’s also a lot less expensive than others on the market.
Pretty much all CrossFit workouts involving a vest call for a weight of 2o pounds. Murph, Clovis, you name it, the RX weight is going to be 20 lbs. WODmaster took that into consideration when creating their weight vest because it’s 20 pounds, no less and no more. The advantage of this is everything is secure and the vest has a much closer fit. It’s also a lot less expensive than others on the market, especially during sales periods like Labor Day or Black Friday. For less than $100 shipped, the WODmaster could be on your doorstep ready for pain. Sure, it’s not as glamorous or adjustable as our top pick, but it will get the job done and should be able to do so for many years.
The biggest benefit besides the price of the WODmaster is its ability to hug the body closely. It only takes one workout with a loose-fitting weight vest to realize the importance of fit during training. Your mind should be focused on the workout, not your equipment. For these reasons, the WODmaster Weight Vest is our budget pick.
Bodyweight Equipment
Although weights are used often in CrossFit, there’s no denying that many times there is nothing needed but your body weight. Box jumps, pull-ups, GHD Sit-Ups, and Muscle-Ups all require equipment to be performed despite your body being the only weight that’ used.
Although there are an insane amount of machines that could be used, we went ahead and picked the ones most used and chose our favorites based upon those. Don’t let them fool you though, just because it says a bodyweight workout does not mean it won’t be difficult.
Best Plyo-Box for CrossFit: REP Fitness 3-in-1 Soft Plyo Box
Best Plyo-Box for CrossFit
REP 3-in-1 Soft Plyo Box
Product Highlights
- Avoids potential shin scrapes and bruises with protection from the soft foam cover
- Internal wood box serves as the foundation and can handle weights up to 400-pounds
- Three different box size options
- Foam cover has a grippy vinyl textured to both prevent feet from slipping and box from moving
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Foam cover prevents potential shin injuries
- Grippy texture for stability
- Easy to clean
- Three height option
- Internal wood core
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Reports that the 24-inch height is unstable
- No handles
Bottom Line
The REP 3-in-1 Plyo Boxes are one of the best value plyo boxes on the market that make for a solid addition to any home gym.
The REP Fitness 3-in-1 Soft Plyo Box is the best plyo-box we’ve used yet. It features a wooden frame with a firm foam outer shell that provides both stability and increased safety during failed box jumps.
The Rep 3-in-1 Soft Plyo-Box is by far the best plyo-box on the market. It’s inexpensive in comparison to full foam boxes, easy to move, has a nice grippy outer shell that still performs well with lots of sweat on the surface, and looks great. Whether you plan to do high rep box jumps or stepovers, this box is perfect for CrossFit. The more expensive, all foam boxes are fine, but they’re heavy and end up sagging over time. This box should prove to last much longer and we’ve loved having it in the gym.
If you’d like to see more of our thoughts on this plyo-box, REP Fitness 3-in-1 Soft Plyo Box review here.
Best Budget Plyo Box for CrossFit: REP Fitness 3-in-1 Wood Plyo Box
Budget Pick
REP 3-in-1 Wood Plyo Box
Product Highlights
- Engineered with construction-grade, 3/4-inch plywood and reinforced with internal support
- Easy assembly - predrilled holes and interlocking joints
- Available in four sizes each of which offer three different height options
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Variety of sizes
- Built-in handles
- Easy assembly
- Versatile
Cons
- Larger size is cumbersome to move around
- No shin protection
- No added traction in the form of texture
Bottom Line
The REP Fitness 3-in-1 Wood Plyo Boxes offer quality construction and an affordable price for anyone looking to add a traditional box to their gym space.
If you’re looking for the traditional style wooden plyo-box that is found all across the world in CrossFit Affiliates, we’d suggest you make your own. However, if you’d rather purchase one knowing it will last, we suggest the Plyo Box from REP Fitness.
The REP Fitness Plyo-Box features the standard Games-Style dimensions of 20/24/30 inches and is easy to put together. It’s also a pretty cheap option considering the price includes Prime Shipping from Amazon. Although the box is made of wood, it will be very sturdy, fit precisely during assembly (they’re CNC machined,) and not too difficult to maneuver thanks to the included cutout handles.
The box also features internal bracing that keeps the sides from warping during jumps and the burned-in logos not only look professional but provide easy identification for the height of the box you’re using. All in all, the Rep Fitness Plyo-Box is a great wooden box for the budget-minded.
Best Glute Ham Developer for CrossFit: Rogue Fitness Abram GHD 2.0
The Best GHD for CrossFit
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0
Product Highlights
- Easy to adjust with 10 lock-in positions
- High-quality materials
- Durable black powder coating
- Handles and wheels make it more portable
- Manufactured and sourced in the USA
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to adjust with 10 lock-in positions
- High-quality materials
- Durable black powder coating
- Handles and wheels make it more portable
- Manufactured and sourced in the USA
- Great resale value
Cons
- Pricier than many other GHDs on the market
- Larger footprint
- Footplate could be larger
- Some users experienced vinyl coming off
- Extra adjustments might be unnecessary for most users
Bottom Line
Considering everything, the Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is one of the best GHD's on the market. Even with more companies putting out GHDs than ever before, nobody touches the quality of the Abram 2.0 for the price. If you take into account features, quality, price, and versatility then the value on the Abram 2.0 is hard to beat. It is big, it is bulky, and it is stable, but if you have the room and plan to use it, having a GHD like this in your garage gym is awesome. If you own a CrossFit Affiliate, I don't see many other options to pursue.
The Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is the best GHD on the market today. After using it for all sorts of workouts including the ever-popular CrossFit movement, GHD Situps, we are confident in saying that this is the best value GHD available.
Rogue has taken their usual attention to detail and made the Abram GHD 2.0 an absolute beast. In our testing, we found that there was very little that could shake the Abram, regardless of the user’s weight. One feature of a higher-end GHD that is very important is the padding that’s used on the top as well as the rollers. Cheaper GHD’s padding will deflate and deform easily over time. This creates difficulty during use and will eventually lead to having to find replacement pads.
The roller assembly is not only easy to adjust, but also provides accurate distances and heights. If you’d like to use accommodating resistance, band pegs can be inserted in the legs similar to Rogue Racks. All in all, there is not a better GHD on the market.
See our full Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 review here.
Best Budget Glute Ham Developer for CrossFit: Titan Fitness GHD
Budget Pick
Titan Glute & Hamstring Developer
Product Highlights
- 350-lb weight capacity
- Wide adjustment range
- Extra large pads for comfort
- Wide base to eliminate tipping
- Includes wheels for mobility or storage
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great for people of all sizes
- Has a 350-lb weight capacity
- Wide adjustment range
- Extra large pads for comfort
- Heavy-Duty steel construction
- Wide base to eliminate tipping
- Includes wheels for mobility or storage
Cons
- Only a one-year warranty
Bottom Line
The Titan Fitness GHD has the same functionality as the Rogue Abram 2.0 but comes at a much more affordable price.
The Titan Fitness Glute & Hamstring Developers is our budget pick for those wanting a GHD, but not wanting to spend a lot of money. In typical Titan Fitness fashion, they have taken a Rogue design, removed many of the frills, and created an equally effective GHD.
The Titan Fitness GHD has the same functionality as the Rogue Abram 2.0. This includes the same foot roller adjustment system, pad height, and even the same look. The pads and rollers on the Titan GHD will not be as firm or resistant to warping and the overall unit may be less stable, however, for most home gyms this is all you would ever need.
Titan Fitness has included wheels on the back for easy mobility and although the unit is powder-coated, it could use some improvements. One thing we like about the Titan Fitness GHD over the Rogue Abram 2.0 is the ability to purchase a wider footplate that can be nice for people who like to set up with a wider stance.
The Titan Fitness GHD may be cheap in price in comparison to Rogue, but it’s just as capable of building a strong core and posterior chain.
RELATED: How to Build a Budget Home Gym with Titan Fitness Equipment
Best Pull-Up Bar: Rogue Fitness P-4 Pull-Up System
The Best Pull-Up Bar for CrossFit
Rogue P-4 Pull-up System
Product Highlights
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made of 11-gauge steel
- Has a 30-inch depth to allow for kipping
- Can buy brackets and bars individually
Cons
- Mounting hardware not included
- Powder coat gets slippery when hands are sweaty
Bottom Line
If you want a wall- or ceiling-mounted pull-up bar that you can kip on, go with the Rogue Fitness P-4 Pull-Up System.
If you’re going to be doing CrossFit-type workouts, one thing you’re going to definitely need is a pull-up bar. Whether you’re going to be doing kipping pull-ups, muscle-ups, ring dips, or just want a place to hang for stretch purposes, the pull-up bar you purchase needs to be able to withstand a lot of use.
The Rogue P-4 Pull-Up System is the best pull-up bar on the market today. It’s strong, farther away from the wall than most pull-up bars which allow more space for kipping pull-ups and it’s expandable.
If you choose one of our suggested squat racks, you don’t need a separate pull-up bar. However, if you want a separate bar for other people working out or just more workout versatility, the Rogue P-4 Pull-Up System is our suggestion.
Best Budget Pull-Up Bar: Titan Fitness Pull-up Bar
Budget Pick
Titan Wall Mounted Pull Up Chin Bar
Product Highlights
- Heavyweight steel construction ensures stability
- 500-lb weight capacity
- Matte black powder coating
- Adjustable mounting
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Can be installed vertically or horizontally
- Weight capacity of 500 lbs
- Can be mounted on concrete or wood
- Heavy-duty steel construction
Cons
- Mounting hardware not included
- May not work for kipping movements
- Short 1-year warranty
Bottom Line
This pull-up bar is a great option for home gym owners looking for an affordable way to do suspended work. It has a high weight capacity and can be bolted to a variety of surfaces.
Our budget pick is the Titan Fitness Pull-up Bar. Feature very similar construction and features as our top pick, there’s really not much reason to purchase the Rogue P-4 unless you need the ability to expand the pull-up system or prefer shopping with Rogue.
The Titan Pull-Up bar features a nice powder-coat finish that grips well with chalk and has a 30″ distance from the wall that is perfect for any type of kipping movement you would like to perform. At under $80, this pull-up bar is hard to beat, but don’t let its price fool you. It’s a capable pull-up bar with great reviews that is able to take just about any type of workout you can throw at it.
One thing we would suggest is making sure the pull-up bar is mounted into studs. If not, you could not only damage the wall but could easily hurt yourself, especially during kipping movements.
Best Gymnastics Rings: Fringe Sport Competition Gymnastic Rings
The Best Rings for CrossFit
Fringe Sport Competition Gymnastic Rings
Product Highlights
- Durable
- 15' adjustable strap
- Wooden rings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Durable
- Ring diameter fits most hands
- 15' adjustable strap
- Wooden rings
Cons
- Costs around $100
- Only available in one color (tan)
Bottom Line
The buckle on the Fringe Sport Gymnastics Rings is heavy-duty, while the wood finish is smooth
One reason we recommend the Fringe Sport Competition Gymnastics Rings despite them being some of the least expensive available is due to the strap buckles, wood finish, and diameter options. The last thing you want when using gymnastic rings is for the buckle to fail and send you to the ground.
The buckle on the Fringe Sport Gymnastics Rings is heavy-duty, while the wood finish is smooth, unlike many competitors. Finally, the FID ring standard (the one used in the Olympics) is a 28MM or 32MM Diameter. Most of the cheaper gymnastic rings have a thick diameter which may seem small, but regarding a set of rings, it’s definitely noticeable.
The wider gymnastics rings are available to purchase for a couple of bucks more if that suits your fancy, but we’d suggest for everyone but those with monster mitts to purchase the 28MM diameter variety. There isn’t much separating various types of gymnastics rings, so we’d suggest going with the ones that are priced well, and these are.
Best Budget Gymnastic Rings: Titan Fitness Gymnastic Rings
Budget Pick
Titan Gymnastic Rings
Product Highlights
- Heavy duty rings featuring metal core
- Straps included
- Rated for more than 600 lbs
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Heavy-duty wooden rings
- Straps included
- Install and begin using in minutes
- Rated for more than 600 lbs
Cons
- Clip not the most stable
Bottom Line
If you have no interest in wooden rings or would like something more durable and able to weather the elements, I’d suggest the Titan Fitness Gymnastics Rings.
If you have no interest in wooden rings or would like something more durable and able to weather the elements, I’d suggest the Titan Fitness Gymnastics Rings.
We have tested the Titan Gymnastics Rings in all sorts of workouts and situations including things like leaving outside and taking on trips. I much prefer wood for its ability to take chalk, but we’ve had no qualms with the Titan’s and to make up for the lack of grip, you can easily wrap them in hockey tape.
The straps on the Titan Gymnastics Rings are somewhat short and thin compared to competitors, but for the price, they’re hard to beat. Not to mention they should last forever.
Conditioning Equipment
One part of CrossFit that you can avoid no matter how much you’d like is conditioning. Whether it’s interval training or simply throwing in some conditioning during metcons, you’re going to want conditioning equipment that is not only effective but is going to take the abuse you can throw at it.
Go into any CrossFit Affiliate and the equipment you’ll see will be rower machines, exercise bikes, and sleds. If you want to compete in the CrossFit Open you’ll need to have specific pieces of equipment and those are the ones we recommend here.
Best Rower: Concept 2 RowErg Rower
The Best Rower for CrossFit
Concept2 RowErg
Product Highlights
- Priced around $1,000
- Uses air resistance generated by the fanned flywheel
- Advanced PM5 Performance Monitor
- Low impact full-body workout fitness machine
- Lightweight and easily portable
- Can be broken down into two pieces for storage
- Can also be hung for storage
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Best-selling rowing machine in the world
- Easy assembly
- Accommodates users up to 6.6 feet tall and 500-pound weight
- Ergonomic seat and handlebar
- Seat is 14”
- 10-degree angle on handle for natural grip
- Air-resistance
- Adjustable airflow
- Performance Monitor 5 (PM5) monitor
- Nickel-plated steel chain
- Adjustable footrests
- Easy to store
- Limited 5-year warranty
Cons
- Priced around $1,000
- Few built-in workouts
Bottom Line
The Concept 2 Model D Rower is the best rowing machine we've tested and reviewed, including those that are much more expensive like the WaterRower. There's a reason you can find Concept 2 products in nearly every gym in the world, including CrossFit Boxes, and home gyms. After having the Model D for over two years, we are still as satisfied with it as we were on day one.
Without a doubt, the Concept 2 Rower is the best rowing machine available today. Whether you are wanting to use it for CrossFit or any other training, there is not a better rower at any price.
After using Concept 2 over the course of 5 years, we are confident that not only is the Concept 2 Rower effective, but it’s also extremely durable and reliable. Requiring very little maintenance or care is one reason it’s become the standard for CrossFit Affiliates as well as the CrossFit Games. The simple design of the flywheel with a damper setting, an easy read-out screen, and wheels for easy portability is just a portion of the reasons we recommend the Concept 2 Rower.
One reason the Concept 2 Rower is so effective is that rowing is a total body workout. Whether you want to go long, short, do intervals, or mix it in with metcons, the Concept 2 Rower will provide an effective workout and improve the conditioning of anyone using it.
RELATED: Rowing Machine Workouts
If you want one of the best conditioning equipment pieces available that will not only last but also have incredible resale value, we recommend you purchase the Concept 2 RowErg Rower.
Best Budget Rower for CrossFit: Xebex Air Rower
Budget Pick
Xebex Air Rower
Product Highlights
- Easy to get on and off
- Durable construction
- Costs less than $1,000
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to get on and off
- Durable construction
- Costs less than $1,000
Cons
- Uses a lot of plastic
- Monitor isn't very user friendly
Bottom Line
The Xebex Rower is not as polished or durable as the Concept 2 Rower, but it is an effective piece of conditioning equipment and gets the job done at a lower price than the Concept 2 Rower.
The Xebex Air Rower is our budget pick for those looking for a good rower at a great price. The Xebex Rower is not as polished or durable as the Concept 2 Rower, but it is an effective piece of conditioning equipment and gets the job done at a lower price than the Concept 2 Rower.
We’ve reviewed the Xebex Rower in-depth, over 3,500 words to be exact, and after using it over the past two years, we still stand by our review that the Xebex Rower is a worthy contender to the Concept 2 Rower at the right price. The Xebex Rower sits higher than the Model D which many like and folds up in a different way that we found to be a bit more compact than the Concept 2. The calories are also counted similarly to the Concept 2 so it can be used in different competitions or alongside the Concept 2 rowers.
One thing we would like to see improved on the Xebex Rower is the monitor. The monitor does a good job of tracking things, however, it can be difficult to use and just simply isn’t as user-friendly as the Performance Monitors on the Concept 2 Rowers.
If you’re on a budget and need a rower, we suggest the Xebex Rower.
See my full Xebex Air Rower review here.
Best Air Bike: Rogue Echo Bike
The Best Air Bike for CrossFit
Rogue Echo Bike
Product Highlights
- Heavy duty steel
- Overbuilt for smooth ride
- 350 lb weight limit
- Solid foundation for max outs
- Easily portable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable, beefy construction
- Very little rocking or side-to-side movement
- Black powder-coated metal on almost everything
- Belt-driven fan for much less maintenance.
- Easy-to-read LCD console screen
- Legs feature adjustable leveling feet
- Somewhat compact
- Oversized, heavy-duty front wheels
- Sleek, attractive look
Cons
- Larger than other stationary bikes
- Belt drive is overall harder to push than a chain drive
- Not the cheapest air bike on the market
Bottom Line
We’ve tested just about every air bike on the market, and the Echo combines many of our favorite features into one. The belt drive is much more durable and requires less maintenance than a chain drive. The size and weight make it extremely stable, and the price is much less than we’d expect for such a quality piece of equipment.
If you haven’t heard yet from the thousands who’ve bought one, the Rogue Echo Bike is the best air bike currently available. Featuring a belt-driven system that is prone to fewer problems than chain-driven systems as well as an easy-to-read monitor and premium materials used throughout, there is not a better air bike currently being made.
We’ve reviewed the Rogue Echo Bike in-depth in the past, and after using it over the course of nearly two years, we are just as impressed with it as we were on the day we received it for review. Despite having to do constant maintenance on every air bike we’ve used with a chain-driven system, we have had zero issues with the Echo Bike and believe it’s in large part due to the use of a rubber belt (seen in cars and on higher-end bicycles.)
The monitor on the Echo Bike features every type of metric you’d like to track and does so in an easy-to-read and navigate the menu. The handles of the Echo Bike feature a rubber sleeve for gripping, the footpegs are durable, and the wheels allow the air bike to be easily maneuvered.
The Rogue Echo Bike is not like the Airdyne’s of the past. It’s made for high-intensity work and should be more reliable than any other air bike.
If you’d like to see our full Rogue Echo Bike review click here.
Best Budget Air Bike: Assault Air Bike
Budget Pick
Assault AirBike
Product Highlights
- Heavy-duty exercise bike
- Monitor is easy to use
- Affordably priced
- Uses a chain drive, not a belt drive
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A staple in many CrossFit gyms
- Great, easy-to-use monitor
- Made of mostly metal for great durability
- Matte black finish
- Comfortable seat
- Rubber grips on handles are very durable
- Affordable for an air bike
Cons
- Chain-driven system that requires additional upkeep
- Some rocking side to side
- Screws may come loose often
Bottom Line
The Assault AirBike was once the standard air bike for CrossFit athletes. In our testing and reviews of the bike, we’ve found it to be durable and enjoyable (not in the traditional sense) to use.
Our budget pick for the best air bike for CrossFit is the Assault Air Bike. Although we’ve reviewed a very similar bike in the past and usually recommend it, we believe that due to the Assault Bike being used in CrossFit more often and the bikes being the same price currently that the Assault Air Bike is the best budget option for most reading this.
The Assault Air Bike was the first air bike to take the original Schwinn Airdyne design and make it more durable for the CrossFit market. However, even though Assault updated the looks and materials, they kept the same chain-driven system which is the cause of so much frustration by original Schwinn Airdyne owners.
Despite the Assault Air Bike using a chain drive, we are fans of the monitor that is easy to use and navigate as well as the overall build of the machine. If you plan on competing in the CrossFit Games, this is the bike you should probably train on due to its constant use in the Games.
If you want a good air bike at a lower price than our top pick and plan on using it for CrossFit, we suggest the Assault Air Bike.
Check out my in-depth Xebex Air Bike review and also see my comparison of the Rogue Echo Bike vs. Assault Air Bike.
Best Sled for CrossFit: Rogue Echo Dog Sled 1.2
The Best Sled for CrossFit
Rogue Dog Sled 1.2
Product Highlights
- Compatible with a number of attachments
- CrossFit Games battled-tested
- 2 x 3" 11-gauge steel
- Comes with upright push bars
- Can choose between dragging strap or pulling rope
- Starts at just over $300
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Compatible with a number of attachments
- CrossFit Games battled-tested
- 2 x 3" 11-gauge steel
- Comes with upright push bars
- Can choose between dragging strap or pulling rope
- Starts at just over $300
Cons
- Assembly can be difficult
- Shipping cost not included
Bottom Line
The Rogue Dog Sled is the standard by which all other sleds are measured. It’s compact, heavy-duty, and highly versatile for any sort of workouts you can throw at it.
The Rogue Echo Dog Sled 1.2 is our pick for the best sled for CrossFit. After using the Rogue Dog Sled for various workouts such as sprints, drags, pulls, and pushes over the course of a year, we are confident in recommending the Rogue Dog Sled 1.2 for those wanting a versatile sled for CrossFit Training.
The Rogue Dog Sled is the standard by which all other sleds are measured. It’s compact, heavy-duty, and highly versatile for any sort of workouts you can throw at it. Although we’ve reviewed many different sleds and prefer ones that are on wheels due to how quiet they are, such as the Armored Fitness XPO Trainer Sled, for someone training for CrossFit, when the Rogue Dog Sled 1.2 released it was the most versatile option.
Featuring two removable posts, signature Rogue black powder-coating, many different attachments, and heavy-gauge steel runners, the Rogue Dog Sled is the best available. There are nearly ten different additional attachments available for customizing the Dog Sled for a seemingly endless amount of use, all sure to put you in the hurt locker.
Best Budget Sled for CrossFit: Rogue Slice Sled
Budget Pick
Rogue Slice Sled
Product Highlights
- Push/pull weight sled
- Fold-flat, stackable storage
- 14" bolt-on center post
- Load capacity of well over 300 lbs
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Push/pull weight sled
- Quality steel construction
- Fold-flat, stackable storage
- Comes standard with two 40" upright push handles
- Laser-cut hole, sled strap, and carabiner also included
- Weighs 65 lbs unloaded
- 14" bolt-on center post
- Load capacity of well over 300 lbs
Cons
- Handles might be too short for some
- Shipping cost not included in price
Bottom Line
Whether you want to do sled drags, rope pulls, or traditional prowler sprints, these can all be accomplished with the Slice Sled despite its compact form.
The Rogue Side Sled is a very versatile, highly compact sled at a great price; for these reasons, it’s our budget pick.
Our top pick is a large sled. Although you can drag it, it will be less than optimal as the starting weight is high and it’s fairly large. The Slice Sled was Rogue’s answer to a sled that can be used both for drags and sprints. The Slice Sled features the signature Rogue powder coat with two removable handles (the same ones as our top pick) as well as an included sled strap and carabiner.
Whether you want to do sled drags, rope pulls, or traditional prowler sprints, these can all be accomplished with the Slice Sled despite its compact form. For you home gym owners, storing the Slice Sled is one of its best benefits as it utilizes the same foldable post as seen on the Rogue E Sled.
If you’re looking for a smaller profile sled and are on a budget, the Rogue Slice Sled is our suggestion.
Best Jump Rope for CrossFit: Rogue SR-2S 2.0 Speed Rope
The Best Jump Rope for CrossFit
Rogue SR-2S Speed Rope 2.0
Product Highlights
- Ultra-durable aircraft grade aluminum
- 3/32" red-coated speed cable
- Short, 5.25" tapered handles
- Smooth spin
- Comfortable handles
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Ultra-durable aircraft grade aluminum
- 3/32" red-coated speed cable
- Short, 5.25" tapered handles
- Smooth spin
- Comfortable handles
Cons
- No storage bag included
Bottom Line
The SR-2S 2.0 features knurled, aluminum handles that provide excellent grip in a thin and comfortable form factor.
The Rogue SR-2S 2.0 Speed Rope is the best jump rope/speed rope for CrossFit currently being made. We have reviewed all of the top options for speed ropes and although we love the variety of ropes available, we always go back to the SR-2.
The SR-2S 2.0 features knurled, aluminum handles that provide excellent grip in a thin and comfortable form factor. Although there are many ropes using grips, we prefer the feeling of knurling similar to what you find on barbells and love the small amount of maintenance the SR-2S requires compared to others. They also come in many different colors and with the option for a coated cable or bare steel. If you want increased speed, we suggest choosing the bare cable, although be aware that misses will sting.
If you don’t plan on doing double-unders, then we suggest staying away from a speed rope, however, we haven’t found a better feeling and performing speed rope than the Rogue SR-2S 2.0 Speed Rope.
Best Budget Jump Rope for CrossFit: Rogue SR-1 Speed Rope
Budget Pick
Rogue SR-1 Rogue Bearing Speed Rope
Product Highlights
- 6" rotating handle
- Coated cable adds speed and durability
- Multiple color options
- Durable handles
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 6" rotating handle
- Bearing system allows for top-end revolutions
- Coated cable adds speed and durability
- Multiple color options
- Durable handles
Cons
- Nylon handles not the best for grip
Bottom Line
If you don’t want to drop a lot of change, but want a quality speed rope for double-unders, we suggest the Rogue SR-1 Speed Rope.
If you don’t want to drop a lot of change, but want a quality speed rope for double-unders, we suggest the Rogue SR-1 Speed Rope.
The SR-1 features durable nylon-resin handles that are unlikely to break, four Hi-Precision Cartridge Ball Bearings per rope that spin smooth and consistent, and a red-coated speed cable that whips around as fast as someone would ever want.
The handles on the SR-1 are a bit longer than most available which some have found to help in teaching the wrists to turn the rope rather than the shoulders. The SR-1 is a more than capable speed rope that should last through many workouts and when the cable does end up fraying, they’re easily interchangeable.
Miscellaneous
There’s a never-ending amount of gym equipment that can be purchased for use in training. Although we’ve tried to include as much as possible, there are still things that get left out.
Here are some miscellaneous things you’ll want for your home gym.
Best Barbell Collars: Rogue Fitness OSO Collars
The Best Collars for CrossFit
Rogue USA Aluminum Collars
Product Highlights
- Made from an advanced, aircraft-grade 6061 Billet Aluminum
- Sold in pairs
- Width: 1.5"
- Clear hard anodized silver finish w/ laser etched
- Rubberized interior lining to protect bar
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made from an advanced, aircraft-grade 6061 Billet Aluminum
- Made in the USA
- Sold in pairs Width: 1.5"
- Weight: 0.5 lbs per pair
- Clear hard anodized silver finish w/ laser etched
- Rubberized interior lining to protect bar
Cons
- Only one color option
- Expensive
Bottom Line
We have yet to find a pair of collars that hold weight as well or are as easy to use as these collars from Rogue/OSO.
Rogue has taken the best barbell collars of all time, OSO Collars, bought the company and retooled the design to make these, the Rogue USA Aluminum Collars. We have yet to find a pair of collars that hold weight as well or are as easy to use as these collars from Rogue/OSO.
The USA Aluminum Collars are Rogue’s updated invention and feature a rubberized interior that grips the bar and prevents it from slipping, a longer handle that provides more leverage for tightening while on the barbell, as well as a frame made of 6061 Billet Aluminum that is tougher than any collars we’ve used. These collars also happen to look pretty great with a wide range of colors available, including a new Cerakote option (it seems everything is getting Cerakoted these days.
Barbell collars are not an area that you should skimp on. If you buy a good pair of collars, they should outlast you and keep you from getting hurt from plates flying off the bar. The Rogue USA Aluminum Collars are our pick for the best barbell collars for most people.
Best Budget Barbell Collars: Rogue HG 2.0 Collars
Budget Pick
Rogue HG 2.0 Collars
Product Highlights
- Rubber pads for a firmer grip on the bar sleeve
- Stainless steel hardware
- Fits 2" Olympic bars
- 1-year warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Spring in the tab for a quicker release
- Rubber pads for a firmer grip on the bar sleeve
- Stainless steel hardware
- Sold in pairs
- Solid nylon resin construction
- Width: 1.875"
- Fits 2" Olympic bars
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other collars
- Expensive
- Shipping cost not included
Bottom Line
The updated version features a spring tag for a quicker release and firmer grip, rubber padding for a better stick on the barbell, and stainless steel hardware to prevent any corrosion hurting the appearance and function of the collars.
The Rogue HG 2.0 Collars are our budget pick for the best barbell collars for CrossFit. The Rogue HG 2.0 Collars are made by LockJaw and are an updated version of the original and very popular HG 1.0 Collars.
The updated version features a spring tag for a quicker release and firmer grip, rubber padding for a better stick on the barbell, and stainless steel hardware to prevent any corrosion hurting the appearance and function of the collars.
The HG2.0 Collars are made of a nylon-resin that is very hard-wearing and after using the collars for all sorts of workouts including testing their gripping abilities, we can easily recommend them. Despite their lower price than our top pick, they hold extremely well and should be as durable as any collar currently available.
Best Home Gym Flooring: Tractor Supply 3/4″ Rubber Stall Mats
The Best Flooring for CrossFit
Tractor Supply 3/4" Rubber Stall Mats
Product Highlights
- Multi-use rubber mats with a textured surface
- Shock- and sound-absorbent
- Affordable
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great durability for any exercise
- Anti-skid surface
- Good noise reduction for dropped barbells
- Less than $60/piece (less than $2.50/square foot)
- Five-year warranty from Tractor Supply
Cons
- Heavy, weighing around 100 pounds for each piece
- Some people don’t like the rubber smell
- Surface is not smooth; these have raised bumps
- May be harder to clean than smooth surfaces
Bottom Line
These horse stall mats from Tractor Supply use recycled rubber, are 3/4" thick, 4 'x 6' in size, and weigh upwards of 100 pounds. You can find horse stall mats at other farm supply stores, and they will be similar in dimensions. The thickness makes this flooring sound-absorbent.
There are many different flooring options for a CrossFit Gym, but the best home gym flooring option for most people is horse stall mats. They’re cheap (typically around $40) and thick enough to protect your foundation.
If you don’t have a Tractor Supply near you, look for some other sort of Animal Feed store. Although you can buy matting online, it’s not worth the cost.
FAQs
What equipment do you need for a CrossFit home gym?
To start your home gym you will need to invest in a few pieces of equipment. Above I have listed some of the most important ones, which include, the best squat rack, best barbell, best bumper plates, best kettlebells, medicine ball, weighted vest, flat bench, pull-up bar, and more! However, before you run out and pick up some equipment from a cheap store at random, make sure you read through the above points to ensure that your home gym does not become a safety issue.
What brand of equipment does CrossFit use?
Rogue Fitness. Rogue Fitness is known for creating strength and conditioning equipment for CrossFit boxes, home gyms, military, collegiate, and professional sports teams, including weightlifting barbells, plates and racks, kettlebells, and a variety of fitness-related equipment.
Further reading
If you’re weighing steady-state cardio vs HIIT workouts, here is everything you need to know. Read more
Titan Fitness has released their highly requested Deadlift Platform. Similar to the Rogue Fitness Deadlift Platform at a much lower price point, this platform is sure to be among the most popular available. Read more
You want an effective workout, but your time is also precious. You’re probably thinking, “How long should a workout be?” Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Read more
Revolution Balance Boardsis currently making the best value balance boards on the market. They offer a wide-range of different board styles focused on different audiences. The Revolution FIT Balance Board is one we received for review. After a month of various usage, we can confidently recommend Revolution Balance Boards for anyone looking to improve their balance in a fun way. Read more