Power Rack, squat rack or olympic stands?

[Jackamaideshwang]

I've been looking at buying some equipment to enable me to start lifting properly and regularly to keep at home so I can use it whenever. Does anyone have any good suggestions reguarding what style of rack I get, and where I might be able to find one cheaply?

I've been leaning more towards the power rack, as I dont want to have a spotter around whenever I need to squat and would like to squat as safely as possible without compromising gains. I've also been looking at getting an Olympic bar and maybe making a platform out of wood and rubber.
The gyms around my area are fully gay, and I have to drive an hour to get to the nearest weightlifting club.

[chicanerous]

A power rack and platform would be a good combination. Make sure you can set the pins on the outside; then place the rack right in front of the platform and you'll be able to easily do rack work on Olympic lifts and their assistance exercises. Keep in mind you'll need bumper plates too.

[Casper]

yeah a powerrack is awsome for starters

[Jackamaideshwang]

awesome, thanks for the good suggestions guys, power rack and platform it is! only front squats till my arm stops being broken though :(

[Counterfeit Soda]

Cover all your bases, and get this:

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/collrack400.jpg

Really, power rack is the best choice though out of the three.

[Jackamaideshwang]

Wow, I bet that'd cost like a year's wage

[The Laughing Man]

A power rack can be used for fucking everything! get one!

I personally HATE squatting and benching in a power rack though. I'm lucky enough to not need to do this very often, as I have a consistent group of training partners.

EFS has ridiculous priced, I'd check ebay lol!

[Counterfeit Soda]

Their prices are up there, but the equipment is solid. Newyorkbarbells.com has some good prices though.

[Jackamaideshwang]

Hmm, I might try and find some auctions, and i've heard that you can get them welded privately. What makes you hate the squats and benches? Is it the side bars distracting you?