Slinks

I'm in need of some new equipment for my home gym.

This is what I have...
an adjustable bench (inc/flat/dec) but its pretty basic/entry-level (it was given to me for free when a friend moved) so I have no need to keep it, but its fully functional so no real reason to get rid of it.
a barbell
dumbell bars
plenty of weights (for what I can currently lift)


this is what I want to be able to do
chin-ups/pull-ups
dips
squats (right now I'm lifting the bar from the ground to my back which is preventing me from squatting all the weight I can be)
safety catch for the bench-presses/squats

This is what I'm thinking of getting
a power-tower (100-130), maybe this one http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B0006U6...234303-2881610
a new bench with the catch/squat station, such as
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...id=00615619000
Theres a couple of similar benches for the same price (~250).

Which brings me to about $380, replacing my current bench.

Any other alternative suggestions?

Also should I wait for black friday (do sporting good stores sell home gyms for cheap on black firday)?

I'm also looking on craigslist right now, but I dont see anything at the moment I like

Slinks

one more thing. what stores, in the boston area, usually have good deals? I'm already looking at the big stores -- sports authority, dicks, modells, kmart/sears,walmart,target. Where else should I visit?

is300eater

try Craig's List FIRST (in your area), people move everyday, and like your friend that gave you the bench... sometimes they just don't want to take everything with them... maybe they're moving to a smaller place, maybe they've joined a gym... maybe they just need to make room.... either way, sometimes people buy workout equipment, use it a couple weeks then after that they basically use it to hang their clothes with...

Slinks

I came across the following bundle deal from craigslist...
a 'few years old', seller wants $300 firm.

-powerline power rack Body (including lat attachment, along with a lat bar, a short bar, a triceps rope, an ankle strap, a one-hand handle, and a flexible padded two hand strap )
http://www.bodysolid.com/Item.aspx?I...ine+Power+Rack
-northernlights flat incline decline bench
http://www.weightliftersdepot.com/Qstore/p000006.htm
-olympic bar

Is this a great deal, or should I pass and wait for a better deal on craigslist

is300eater

I'd try and talk him down... $300's too much...

Slinks

price is down to 250. Is this now a screaming buy? If I wanted to sell everything in a year or two (say I was moving), would I be able to get atleast 200 back (if so there's no downside)?

is300eater

if this guy is selling because he's moving, you can probably talk him down to $200... just wait a few more days, call him up and say "$200, I'll come pick it up RIGHT NOW"... because when people are selling stuff because they are moving, they're in a hurry to get rid of them... otherwise it defeats the purpose. BUT, if he's just selling it because it's just sitting around collecting dust... and he's already being "tight" about the price... then he'll less likely to drop any more.

...as for getting the money back when YOU sell it.... meh, it's NOT exactly a high demand item... like an iPod or Xbox 360... it's not like everybody's looking for one. So, don't see it as an "investment" or anything like that... see it as something that will help get in shape and healthy... I'm sure you'll get something back... but don't expect too much ... that's just my

Slinks

thanks for the info.

he's not moving, he just doesnt use it anymore.

At 250, I'm going to look around for another day or two and if nothing better pops up I'm going to take it.

I think the pros outweigh the cons
pros --Its 'better' than what I was looking to get, I'd like the equipment soon, and alot of the depreciation has already occured (there's no way I could justify buying this brand new)
cons --Its at the upper end of my price range, perhaps if I waited I could find a better deal, or a deal for inferior equipment that would still meet my objectives and cost less.
pros --Spending that money will force me to use it (As I'll feel the need to to 'get my moneys worth')

and in the past week anyways, I havent seen any squat/power racks, bench-with-squat-rack type deals on craigslist for less than 250, so it doesnt appear to be in abundance (although its only 1 week); as opposed to treadmills which there are about 20 posted each day.