Thread: calibrated weights and power cages

Just a quick opinion check/survey:

I'm looking to replace my home gym with a power cage and free weight set. Pricing out different "models" you quickly see a calibrated set is easy 2x the price.

Background: I used to work out at the High Performance Gym in the Olympic Oval in Calgary (many Olympic athletes trained there (I wasn't one of them)), I suspect they had calibrated set, but at the time, didn't know they weren't all calibrated so never actually paid attention.

Does anyone's gym carry calibrated weights? (anyone have an estimate of how common they are??)
Does anyone have a calibrated home set?
How many of the serious body builders (verse the "toning" crowd) use calibrated sets? Do you care?
Would power lifter care more as they are more interested in "absolute" measures (for competitions)?

While I'm at it, anyone have any feedback on the power cages they are using? I'm temped to go for a commercial unit, but I'm not sure I can justify the additional $$.

Here's the one I'm thinking of Powertec P-FR Model

The commerical unit is C-FR
(Sorry can't post links yet)

Originally Posted by T_man

The power rack is much cheaper than I thought

I know what you mean, but maybe it makes sence. It's a pretty simple piece of equipment, just a steel frame with a few welds and holes.

There are a few (ok, quite a few) that get more expensive, but generally they get into multi-function or multi-user (more then one thing begin done). Not always, but most.

The main difference between the home and commerical unit that I can see is some height (82 to 92 inces), attached wieght storage and a rating difference (1000lb to 1500lb). I'm sure ever need more than 1000lb. (13 years ago I was doing low rep squats as high as 545lbs, and I don't see getting beyond that).

Anybody had issues with a particular brand at thier gym?