VERVE Zen vs Force USA MyRack: Which Power Rack Wins?
VERVE Zen vs Force USA MyRack: Which Power Rack Wins?
Last updated: April 2026 — A fair comparison between two of Australia's most popular mid-range power racks. The VERVE Zen and Force USA MyRack take different approaches to the same question: what is the best power rack under $2,000?
In This Guide
TL;DR: The VERVE Zen ($1,599) uses 75x75x3mm steel with Westside hole spacing and includes sandwich J-hooks, safety straps, plate holders, band pegs, and a pull-up bar — all in the price. The Force USA MyRack uses lighter-gauge steel and is designed as a modular system where you select and pay for each accessory individually. The Zen's included accessories and heavier steel make it the better out-of-the-box value. The MyRack's modular approach appeals to buyers who want to choose only the accessories they need. For most buyers, the Zen delivers more for the money.
Two Approaches to the Mid-Range Rack
The Zen approach: Include everything. One price, one box, ready to train. Sandwich J-hooks, safety straps, plate storage, band pegs, pull-up bar — nothing sold separately. The focus is on total value.
The MyRack approach: Start with a base frame and customise. Select the accessories you want — J-hooks, safeties, storage, pull-up bar style — and build your own configuration. The focus is on modularity.
Both approaches have merit. The question is which one results in a better rack for your budget.
Spec Comparison
| Feature | VERVE Zen ($1,599) | Force USA MyRack |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 75x75x3mm | Lighter gauge (check current MyRack specs) |
| Net Weight | 145kg | Lighter (varies by configuration) |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 2296mm x 1334mm x 1164mm | Check current MyRack dimensions |
| Hole Spacing | Westside (25mm bench zone) | Check current MyRack spacing |
| Upright Hole Diameter | 18mm | Check current MyRack specs |
| J-Hooks | Sandwich (UHMWPE-lined), included | Selected and purchased separately |
| Safety System | Safety straps, included | Selected and purchased separately |
| Plate Storage | Included | Selected and purchased separately |
| Band Pegs | Included | Selected and purchased separately |
| Pull-Up Bar | Included | Style selected at purchase |
| Finish | Double powder coated matte black | Powder coated |
| Frame Warranty | Lifetime (home + commercial) | Check current Force USA warranty |
| Attachment Ecosystem | Full VERVE range (including Tori Cable Attachment) | Force USA MyRack attachment range |
The Steel Difference
This is the most significant technical difference. The Zen uses 75x75x3mm steel — the same gauge as VERVE's flagship Tori ($5,249) and Ozeki ($5,699) racks. VERVE states the Zen contains 86% more metal than competitors using 60x60x2mm steel.
The practical impact: a 145kg rack does not move. It does not flex when you re-rack a heavy squat. It does not sway during pull-ups. It stays where you put it. This level of rigidity comes directly from the steel gauge and the total mass of the frame.
Lighter-gauge racks can still function perfectly well — many lifters use them without issue. But the feel under heavy load is different, and that difference becomes more apparent as the weight on the bar increases.
The Included Accessories Advantage
Here is where the Zen's value proposition becomes concrete. With the MyRack's modular system, you build your own configuration — which is appealing in theory. In practice, most lifters need the same core accessories:
- J-hooks (essential for squatting and pressing)
- Safety straps or bars (essential for solo training)
- Plate storage (practical for keeping weights organised)
- Band pegs (needed for banded work)
- Pull-up bar
The Zen includes all of these. A MyRack configured with equivalent accessories will typically approach or exceed the Zen's price — with lighter steel. The MyRack's modularity is an advantage only if you genuinely want fewer accessories than the Zen includes, which is rare for a serious training setup.
Cable Upgrade Path
The Zen's compatibility with the Tori Cable Attachment ($2,999) is a unique advantage. Adding dual 150kg weight stacks to the Zen converts it into a functional trainer — a capability that the MyRack's attachment range does not directly replicate with weight stacks of comparable size.
For buyers who see cables in their future, the Zen-to-Tori upgrade path is one of the most compelling reasons to choose VERVE.
Where the MyRack Has Appeal
Entry Price
The MyRack's base frame price is lower than the Zen — which matters if you are building on a very tight budget and only need the absolute minimum to start training. You can add accessories incrementally as budget allows.
Configuration Flexibility
If you have very specific requirements — a particular pull-up bar style, a specific safety system type, or accessories that VERVE does not offer — the MyRack's modular builder gives you more configuration options upfront.
Established Community
Force USA has a large community of MyRack owners in Australia, which means plenty of secondhand accessories, user reviews, and community knowledge available online.
The Bottom Line
For most Australian buyers looking at power racks under $2,000, the VERVE Zen at $1,599 with all accessories included is the stronger value proposition. The 75x75x3mm steel, 145kg frame weight, Westside spacing, and lifetime warranty (home and commercial) make it a rack you buy once and build around for years. The Tori Cable Attachment upgrade path adds future-proofing that no other mid-range rack can match.
The MyRack is a solid rack with a loyal following and a valid modular approach. It serves its market well. But when you do the maths — same accessories, comparable configuration — the Zen delivers more for the money with heavier steel.
Frequently Asked Questions
View the VERVE Zen Power Rack
75x75x3mm steel. 145kg. All accessories included. Lifetime warranty. $1,599.
View the Zen Rack