Are you into serious powerlifting with heavy weights? Then you might need a Monolift.
For a safe execution of maximum-effort squats, a Monolift is needed. It is a rare style of rack that eliminates the walk-out phase of the squat and can build supreme rigidity and tightness. This makes the lift safer and more secure, and you save more energy for other productive training.
Here are some of the monolift options we are going to look at:
Monolifts – Overview
How does the Monolifts work? The hooks that hold the bar pull back when you un-rack a loaded barbell in a Monolift, so you can squat where you’re standing; no need to move away from the rack. When you finish the set, the hooks are turned back into their original position under the bar enabling you to effortlessly re-rack it; again without taking any step. The exclusion of the walk-out and security spotters make the Monolift the most secure way to overload the squat.
But squatting in a monolift is not as simple as un-racking then squatting. It takes practice, correct technique, and training. Having attachment gives added advantage as you can also use them for other kinds of lifts. Rogue has Monolift Attachments that fit almost any rack and deliver precisely what they are meant to do. Here are some of them.
Rogue Adjustable Monolift – Monster Lite
The Rogue Adjustable Monolift attachment is a cost-efficient, full-scale monolift unit that gives you a way to execute heavy-weight squats and other lifts without having to walk the bar out from the rack. This version of the Monolift system is created for use with 3×3″ Monster Lite racks and rigs but can also be retro-fitted for the 2×3″ Infinity Series. The overall size of the brackets is reduced while adding new UHMW plastic liners to preserve the bar’s knurl and finish effectively.
When you lift a barbell off the Monolift, the hooks will swing some inches back toward the rack and stay there. Thanks to its hooks that are made with unique counterweight handles at the top. This allows secure re-racking, as the diagonal angle of the vacated hooks makes it easy to guide the bar in, turning the Monolift back into its initial position. Rogue has a unique design highlighting a “backstop” bolt above each main hook bolt so the Monolift cannot move further away from the rack while the user is setting up. This innovation is not found on similar attachments on the market.
Rogue Monster Lite/Infinity Monolift Attachment
The Rogue Monster Lite/Infinity Monolift Attachment has most of the features and characteristics of the Rogue Adjustable Monolift – Monster Lite. This attachment, though, is heavier and taller than Monster Lite. These hooks are sold in pairs and are constructed with unique counterweight handles at the top. It can be attached to any Infinity or Monster Lite upright using the added 0.625″ hardware. Mounting holes on the unit itself are 0.625″ diameter and 1″ on center.
The hooks are sandwiched between two pieces of 0.5625″ Thick UHMW Protective Plastic making it easier for you to slide the bar left or right into the proper position before a lift. The Rogue Monolift Attachment is made in America with US steel and tough enough to manage a large amount of weight. It is meant to be safe for single-use, but it’s always advised to have spotters available for heavier lifts. Rogue also highly suggests installing the Monolift to a rack or rig firmly attached to the floor and/or wall.
Rogue Monster Monolift Attachment
The Rogue Monolift Attachment is built in America with US steel and big enough to handle massive weight. Each Monolift hook, or jaw, has a 1.25″ high lip and a front-to-back depth of 2.75″, making it harmonious with practically all typical barbells as well as some specialty bars like the Camber Bar and Safety Squat Bar. The Monolift Attachments can be mounted to any Monster upright using the included 1″ hardware. Mounting holes on the unit itself are 1″ in diameter. The hooks have two adjustment points that enable height differences as small as 1” increments.
The Rogue Monolift Attachment is created to be safe for solo use, but it’s always recommended to have spotters available for heavier lifts. The thick metal hooks have particular counterweight handles at the top. The hooks will swing several inches back toward the rack and stay there when you lift a barbell off the Monolift. This also clears up more space to go right into your squats or other lifts without having to walk the bar out from the rack.
Rogue Adjustable Monolift Monster
With the Rogue Adjustable Monolift Monster, you no longer have to walk the bar out from the rack. It is a cost-efficient alternative to expensive, full-scale monolift units compatible solely with Rogue Monster Series rigs and racks. It involves a simpler, J-Cup-style pin system for more manageable height adjustments and faster transfers from one athlete to the next. Rogue compressed the overall size of the brackets and attached new UHMW plastic liners along the hooks, clasps, and back of the unit to protect both the barbell and your uprights fully.
The height can be adjusted in increments as small as 1”. With Rogue’s unique design emphasizing a “backstop” bolt above each primary hook bolt, the Monolift cannot move further away from the rack while you are setting up. This trait is not seen on comparable attachments on the market. A pair of 1” hitch pins is also incorporated in every order to secure the unit into place and avoid any unwanted swinging out. The set includes a pair of rack-mounted brackets with 0.75″ thick steel Jaw hooks designed with distinctive counterweight handles at the top.
Westside Mammoth Monolift
The Mammoth Monolift is manufactured to endure the repeated abuse of 1000 LB to 1200 LB squats, performed by world-class powerlifters. It is designed by Louie Simmons and put to the test at the Westside Barbell Gym, the home of record-breakers. It highlights a heavy-gauge steel frame with a built-in quick-release knob and a lock-in-place jack handle.
The Westside Mammoth Monolift is built like a tank, functionally efficient, and can handle regular wear-and-tear from height adjustments and the loading/unloading huge weight loads. It has a bolt-together design that enables more natural disassembly in moving the unit from one area to another. It has a Black powder coat finish and weighs 825LB.
Monolifts Review – In Summary
That’s our review of Monolifts.
A Monolift is what you need for a safe and secure execution if you do maximum-effort squats. It removes the walk-out stage of the squat and builds excellent rigidity and tightness. All Rogue Monolift Attachments are made in America with US steel and sturdy enough to handle a massive amount of weight. They are safe for solo use, but it’s always advised to have spotters for heavier lifts.
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