Bells Of Steel Manticore Squat Stand - Prebuilt (3" x 3", 1" Holes - SS-MTC-PREBLT

Bells Of Steel Manticore Squat Stand - Prebuilt (3" x 3", 1" Holes - SS-MTC-PREBLT

This squat stand is to home gyms what the Double Double is to Canada — simple, powerful, and a cultural phenomenon.

Its 1,000-pound capacity outlasts heavy squats, handles big bench presses and withstands chin-ups with 8 kids hanging onto your waist - just bolt it down before you go trying for that new chin-up PR. The uprights measure true 3" x 3" which is EXACTLY 76.2mm x 76.2mm, instead of the typical 75mm x 75mm uprights of other brands' imported racks.

By matching the same tubing specs as many of our American competitors, you can mix and match attachments freely without needing to stick to one brand - hello, open ecosystem! You can even side-mount your 5/8" attachments (as long as they're destined for true 3" x 3" tubing) using the side keyhole slots; perfect if you prefer the more economical Hydra rack attachments, now that's a fairy tale come true! 

Built with modular , so you can expand it later into a larger to accommodate a new home gym space or team workouts with your swolemate.

What our Experts Think

• Load it for stability. Keep weight plates on storage pegs (or add plate storage) during training—this noticeably improves rigidity for heavy squats and benching.
• Set J-cups with precision. Use the 1" hole spacing to dial in exact bar height. Small adjustments here make squats and bench press feel safer and more consistent.
• Bench setup matters most. Position the stand so your unrack and walkout are short and straight—this reduces energy loss and improves pressing performance.
• Use safeties correctly. Set them slightly below your bottom range of motion. This is especially important since it’s an open design, not a full cage.
• Keep your center line clean. Avoid placing the stand too close to walls or storage racks; you want full freedom for bar path and re-racks.
• Upgrade strategically. If you expand later, the best first add-ons are:
• Plate storage (for stability + convenience)
• Pull-up bar upgrades or attachments
• Lat pulldown / cable system (turns it into a mini training station)
• Control re-racking. Open stands amplify sloppy re-racks—practice consistent bar placement to avoid shifting the frame over time.
• Don’t skip floor protection. Use rubber flooring under both feet; it improves grip, reduces vibration, and protects your surface during heavy lifts.
• Train with intent, not max chaos. This setup works best for structured strength work (progressive overload), not constant failed reps or uncontrolled dumping.

Q&A

Q: What is the Bells Of Steel Manticore Squat Stand (SS-MTC-PREBLT)?
A: A heavy-duty squat stand from Bells of Steel built with 3” x 3” steel uprights and 1” holes, designed for compact barbell training in small home gym spaces.

Q: What exercises can I do with it?
A: Squats, bench press, overhead press, and basic barbell accessory lifts.

Q: How is it different from a power rack?
A: It uses two independent uprights instead of a full cage, offering a smaller footprint but fewer built-in safety features.

Q: Is it stable for heavy lifting?
A: Yes, it’s designed for heavy barbell training when used on a stable surface and properly set up.

Q: Does it include safety arms?
A: Yes, it supports adjustable safety spotter arms depending on configuration.

Q: Is it expandable?
A: Yes, it’s compatible with Manticore 3” x 3”, 1” hole attachments for added functionality.

Q: Who is it best for?
A: Lifters who want a compact, minimal setup for strength training without the size of a full power rack.

Maintenance Tips