Features of the J-hooks for the CS-1 rack:
- Compatibility: 75x75 mm size (CS-1 series)
- Weight: 2.3 kg each
- Protection: UHMW coating to preserve the knurling of your bars
- Contents: Pair of J-hooks (x2)
- Load capacity: Suited to heavy powerlifting loads
What are J-hooks for a rack used for?
The CS-1 J-hooks act as a racking and unracking point for your Olympic bar during your compound movements. The result: a safe start to the movement, a height adjustable to your build, and optimal protection of your bar thanks to the UHMW coating. Essential for any complete, modular CS-1 rack, they install in seconds in the holes of your uprights.
Recommended exercises and target muscles
| Exercise |
Use of the hooks |
Target muscles |
Main benefit |
| Back squat |
Racking at shoulder height |
Quadriceps, glutes, lower back |
Stable, secure bar pick-up |
| Front squat |
Racking at collarbone height |
Quadriceps, core, upper back |
Optimal starting position |
| Bench press |
Racking above the chest |
Pecs, triceps, shoulders |
Easier bar pick-up |
| Overhead press |
Racking at chin height |
Deltoids, triceps, trapezius |
Precise height adjustment |
| Barbell row |
Racking at mid-thigh |
Lats, rhomboids, biceps |
Simplified loading / unloading |
Why add them to your CS-1 rack?
Adding a pair of J-hooks to your CS-1 Power Rack brings the following benefits:
- To secure your bar pick-ups and avoid any loss of balance at the start of a set.
- To protect your equipment thanks to the UHMW liner that preserves the knurling of your bars.
- To adjust the height precisely according to the exercise and your size thanks to the Westside spacing.
- To gain versatility: go from the squat to the bench press in seconds.
Usage tips & adjustments
- Set the height of the J-hooks slightly below the starting position of your movement for a natural pick-up.
- On the bench press, position the hooks so that the bar is reachable with semi-extended arms once you are lying down.
- For the squat, place the hooks so as to unload the bar with a slight knee bend without going up on your toes.
- Ensure that the two hooks are at the same height before every heavy set.
Frequently asked questions
What are the specifications of the CS-1 J-hooks?
High-strength steel with a black powder-coated finish, 2.3 kg each, UHMW coating on the contact surface to preserve the knurling of the bars, compatible with the 75 x 75 mm uprights of the CS-1 range. Sold in pairs.
How are the J-cups installed?
Without tools, in a few seconds, in the holes of the uprights. The height adjusts precisely to your build and to the exercise thanks to the Westside spacing.
At what height should the J-hooks be set?
Slightly below the starting position of the movement: on the bench press, the bar within reach with semi-extended arms once lying down; on the squat, un-racking the bar with a slight knee bend without going up on your toes. Check that both hooks are at the same height before every heavy set.
Which exercises are the J-hooks used for?
Back squat (rack at shoulder height), front squat (collarbone height), bench press (above the chest), overhead press (chin height) and barbell row (mid-thigh).
Do the hooks protect the bar?
Yes, the UHMW liner absorbs the impact when racking, preserves the knurling of Olympic bars and makes picking the bar back up quiet, even in a home gym.
