Apr 29, 2026 - Cameron Brierley
Phase 3 vs Phase 4 Racks
We're often asked what the difference between our Phase 3 and Phase 4 racks are. There's a lot of similarities between these racks, but there are some key distinctions that mark them as two completely different products.
We've outlined all of the information you need to know here so that you can make the most informed decision when purchasing.
We've structured our products into Phases to make it easy to navigate our website at a glance. They exist in a hierarchy, where Phase 1 is entry-level kit and Phase 4 is elite, commercial-grade equipment. As the Phases progress, so too does the quality (and, naturally, the price). With that in mind, Phase 3 sits just below Phase 4 in terms of craftsmanship.
What are they made of?
All of our Phase 3 and Phase 4 racks are made using high-quality, thick steel. The uprights are 75 x 75 x 3mm (excluding the P3 Modular) and each rack is heavy enough that it doesn't need to be bolted to the floor.
No expense spared
Phase 4 exists to be the best-of-the-best, and that isn't achieved by cutting corners. There's no expense spared in the raw materials used, the design, the one-off features.
Take the smith bar latching mechanism on the Phase 4 with Smith as an example. We've used a much larger, professional-looking steel catcher to hold the bar in place when it's not in use. On the other hand, the Phase 3 racks use a more standard smith bar latch that still does the job but without the same impressive silhouette.
Similar design, built for the home market
While we champion Phase 4, there's an unavoidable price tag that comes with obsessing over quality. We knew the Phase 4 machines had a lot to offer in the home market, so we took all of the things they excelled in and tailored it for home users in the Phase 3 series.
This doesn't mean we've cheaped out; it's more that we've switched to regular salt in our cooking rather than Himalayan sea salt. The end product is almost identical but the materials work out much cheaper, which we can then reflect in the final price.
Built for where you train
To some of our customers, a commercial certification is essential. For others, it's an afterthought at most.
Commercially graded
Our Phase 4 racks are commercially-graded. This means they've undergone consistent, rigorous testing across their cables and components — a non-negotiable for our business customers. If a machine is going to be used in a gym or personal training studio anywhere from 8 to 24 hours each day, then it needs to be able to withstand that pressure without crumbling.
Built for home use
Phase 3 isn't commercially-graded because it doesn't need to be. An average home user might only use their rack for ~4 hours per week. It costs a lot of money to put a piece of equipment through commercial testing, which inevitably affects the final price.
How far can you take it?
Modular racks can be customised based on a user's preferences. Some people place a lot of value in this while others are happy with the configuration as it comes.
Fully modular
The Phase 4 series is modular and can be expanded upon with storage shelves, additional training pods or whatever else you can picture for your gym. If you have the space and budget for it, you can make Phase 4 work in exactly the way you've envisioned, down to the last bolt.
All-in-one system
Phase 3 is more of an all-in-one system. Each product in this line functions as a power rack, smith machine and a dual cable setup. For most home customers, that covers everything they need in a gym.
Will it fit your space?
Height is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a rack. It's so easy to fall in love with a product only to realise that it wouldn't fit in your garage or gym room.
Generally speaking, taller racks have more functionality. More height above the weight stack means longer cable travel, and a taller frame is more comfortable to work inside of.
Both of our Phase 4 racks make no concessions when it comes to height, standing high and proud at 2.32m each — the sweet spot if you ask us, but not suitable for every home. That's why we built our Phase 3 range to vary in height, from the Phase 3 150kg 2:1 at 2355mm down to the immensely popular Phase 3 Short at just 2052mm.
What's your preference?
Both of our Phase 4 racks feature fully adjustable pull-up bars: 360-degree handles that move along a wide frame allowing you to perform pull-ups in any configuration.
In the Phase 3 range, the pull-up bars vary based on the height of the rack.
Make your choice
Hopefully you have a clearer idea of what separates Phase 3 from Phase 4 now. Each of the racks in these ranges are solid as a rock and will supply you with quality workouts for years on end. The choice is yours. If you have any questions that we've not answered here or even if you'd like to chat things through with our team, drop us a line at sales@musclesquad.com and we'll help you make the right choice.
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