Rep PR5000 6-post rack (30in) with Ares - issues adding Smith
I was planning to get a 6post (16 + 30) PR 5000 with Ares and thinking of adding a Smith down the line. The problem is that if you add the Smith inside the rack, you can't use safety straps and have to use spotter arms. Reps are too long, so some other brand will have to work. I emailed Rep to see if I could get a 6post (26 + 30) config (so I could mount the Smith next to the Ares), leaving the 4post free but they declined to offer it due to the Ares cable dimensions. I do not want a 41in rack due to space constraints and I lift alone so I don't want to work outside the rack. If I'm going to compromise I'd rather just get a budget rack like Fringe instead of dropping 6 grand.
I'm wondering if anyone has any workarounds for this or suggestions for alternative setups, smiths, or companies that offer similar setups without being a 75inch deep rack. I was set on Rep but for the money things should not be this challenging to figure out. I can actually see the appeal of the Altitude now, it just works. Too bad it's not 3x3.