Combo Rack vs. Monolift: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Use?

When it comes to powerlifting, choosing the right equipment can significantly impact your performance and safety. Two of the most popular options for squats—especially in competitive powerlifting—are the combo rack and the monolift. While both serve the purpose of supporting heavy squats, they offer different features that can influence your lifting experience.

If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a combo rack and a monolift, and which might be better for your training or competition, this article will break it down for you.

What Is a Combo Rack?

A combo rack is a versatile piece of equipment designed for both squats and bench presses. This rack is adjustable, making it perfect for multi-use in gyms and competitions where lifters of various heights and builds need to perform both lifts.

In a combo rack, the lifter typically has to walk the bar out of the rack before performing their squat. This means you unrack the bar, step back to your desired stance, and then proceed with the squat.

Key Features of a Combo Rack:

• Versatility: Can be used for both squats and bench press.

• Adjustability: The height of the bar and safety pins can be adjusted quickly between lifts for different athletes.

• Walk-out required: The lifter must walk the bar out to the lifting position, which adds an element of stability and control.

• More accessible for training: Most commercial gyms have combo racks, making them familiar equipment for the average powerlifter.

What Is a Monolift?

A monolift, on the other hand, is specifically designed for squats and allows the lifter to start the movement directly in their squat stance without having to walk the bar out. When the bar is unracked, the hooks that hold the barbell swing away, leaving the lifter in position to squat without moving. This can be a significant advantage for lifters handling very heavy weights or in competitions where saving energy for the lift is critical.

Key Features of a Monolift:

• No walk-out: The barbell is set in place by the lifter’s stance, and the hooks swing away, allowing immediate squatting.

• Efficiency: Saves energy that would otherwise be spent on walking the bar out, which can be crucial for handling maximal loads.

• Used in specific federations: Monolifts are commonly used in competitions run by powerlifting federations that allow them, but they’re not universal.

• Less common in gyms: While great for competitive powerlifters, monolifts are less frequently found in commercial gyms.

Combo Rack vs. Monolift: Key Differences

1. Walk-out vs. No Walk-out

The most significant difference is that in a combo rack, you have to walk the bar out, while a monolift eliminates this step. The walk-out requires extra energy and balance, which may affect your overall squat performance, particularly at maximal loads. In a monolift, you can focus solely on squatting, as your stance is already set.

2. Energy Conservation

With the monolift, you conserve energy by not walking the bar out. This can be especially important for lifters attempting heavy weights, as it allows them to dedicate more focus and strength to the squat itself. The combo rack, on the other hand, forces you to use energy stabilizing and positioning the bar before you even begin squatting.

3. Training Specificity

If you compete in a federation that requires walk-outs, training with a combo rack might be more beneficial. The extra practice of walking out heavy weights helps build stability and control. Conversely, if your competitions use monolifts, practicing with a monolift might better prepare you for meet day.

4. Equipment Availability

Combo racks are far more common in commercial gyms, making them easier to access for most lifters. Monolifts are typically found in specialized powerlifting gyms or training centers and are used primarily in competitions that allow them.

5. Safety and Control

Some lifters feel that walking out the barbell in a combo rack offers better control and a natural setup for the lift. In contrast, the monolift can feel more technical, and there is less room for error when positioning yourself under the bar. However, the monolift is often favored for heavy lifts because it reduces the risk of losing balance during the walk-out.

Which One Should You Use?

If You’re a Beginner:

For those new to powerlifting, a combo rack is generally a better option. It’s more readily available, allows you to practice both squats and bench press, and helps develop the strength and balance needed to control heavy weights.

If You’re Training for Competitions:

Your choice should depend on what type of equipment is used in your federation. If your competitions require a walk-out, then training on a combo rack is ideal. On the other hand, if you compete in monolift-only meets, it’s beneficial to practice on a monolift to get used to the movement and setup.

If You’re Lifting Maximal Weights:

If you’re handling very heavy weights, a monolift may be preferable, as it allows you to conserve energy and focus solely on the lift without worrying about walking the bar out. However, if you want to improve your overall control and stability, walking out on a combo rack can add an extra challenge to your training.

Final Thoughts

Both combo racks and monolifts have their place in the world of powerlifting. The right choice for you depends on your goals, competition needs, and training environment. While the combo rack offers versatility and is widely available, the monolift can give you that extra edge when going for your heaviest lifts by removing the need to walk the bar out.

Ultimately, no matter which piece of equipment you use, mastering your technique and staying consistent with your training is what will help you achieve your lifting goals.