6 Best Spotter Arms for Squat Racks (November 2026)
The best spotter arms for squat racks include the Kipika Safety Spotter Arms for 2" x for 2 x 2 racks with two hole sizes, the EVERYMATE Safety Spotter Arms for 3 x 3 racks with 1 in holes, and the Mikolo Safety Catches for 2 x 2 racks with 1 in holes.
On this page (5 sections)
The best spotter arms for most 2 x 2 squat racks are Kipika Safety Spotter Arms, provided your uprights have 5/8 in or 1 in holes. EVERYMATE is the leading fit for 3 x 3 racks with 1 in holes, while the other picks cover specific rack dimensions or arm storage.
Spotter arms extend from a rack to catch a bar when a lift fails. A pair only helps if it fits the frame and is set at a height that can catch the bar before it reaches you.
Start by measuring the rack's upright width and hole diameter. Then confirm the attachment style and the rack maker's compatibility guidance.
For another rack attachment, compare 3x3 power rack J-hooks.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for 2 x 2 racks with two hole sizesKipika Safety Spotter Arms for 2" x
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
- 4
Check itPRx Performance Wall Mounted Spotter Arm Storage
Best for storing arms off the floor - 5
Check itZUKAM 2.36inch Barbell Safety Catches Squat Rack
Best for 2.36 x 2.36 in racks - 6Check it
ZUKAM 2x2 Power Rack Safety Spotter Arms
Best for 2 x 2 racks with adapter sleeves
Which spotter arms fit your squat rack?
The right spotter arms match both your rack's upright size and its pin holes. A familiar brand name or a similar-looking post is not enough to confirm fit.
Kipika Safety Spotter Arms for 2" x: Best for 2 x 2 racks with two hole sizes
- Fits 2 x 2 in uprights
- Works with 5/8 in or 1 in holes
- 17.5 in rubber pads
- 500 lb capacity per arm
The two hole-size options and adjustable height suit compatible 2 x 2 racks. Confirm the upright and hole dimensions first.
Pros
- Fits two common hole sizes
- Adjustable height
- Rubber pad and welded end caps
Cons
- Not compatible with 3 x 3 racks
- Capacity is stated per arm
Kipika is the most flexible fit among these picks for a common 2 x 2 rack, with compatibility for either 5/8 in or 1 in holes. Its height adjusts by moving the pin to another hole, and the arms swing down to lock in place.
Each arm has a 17.5 in reinforced rubber pad and welded end caps. Kipika states a capacity of 500 lb per arm, so check the rack's own limits too and don't treat the arm figure as the capacity of the full setup.
This pair is not compatible with 3 x 3 racks. Measure the upright and pin hole before ordering, especially if your rack has a nonstandard post size.
Choose Kipika when your 2 x 2 rack matches one of the two hole sizes and you want adjustable arms with padded contact surfaces. If your rack is 3 x 3, use a model made for that frame instead.
EVERYMATE Safety Spotter Arms: Best for 3 x 3 racks with 1 in holes
- Fits 3 x 3 in racks with 1 in holes
- 24.5 in arms
- 1000 lb capacity
- 22.5 in UHMW pads
The longer arms and stated capacity suit compatible 3 x 3 racks. Its fit details specify 1 in holes, so verify both measurements.
Pros
- Long arms
- UHMW pads
- Dual locking design
Cons
- Specified for 3 x 3 racks with 1 in holes
- Heavier pair
EVERYMATE is the pick for compatible 3 x 3 uprights with 1 in holes. Its 24.5 in arms are longer than several options here, and the pair has a stated 1000 lb capacity.
The design has a dual locking system, triangular supports and UHMW pads that are 22.5 in long. Those details may matter if you want longer contact surfaces and a locking design with added support plates.
Confirm the fit closely: the described configuration is 3 x 3 in tubing with 1 in holes. The arm dimensions are 24.5 in long, 3 in wide, and each arm has 11 holes for compatible accessories.
Choose EVERYMATE when those dimensions match your rack and the longer arm length suits your space. Don't use its capacity figure to override the limits of your rack or bar.
Mikolo Safety Catches: Best for 2 x 2 racks with 1 in holes
- Fits 2 x 2 in tubing with 1 in holes
- 11-gauge steel
- 800 lb capacity
- UHMW plastic pads
Mikolo specifies a fit for 2 x 2 tubing with 1 in holes and also identifies its folding rack compatibility. Check your rack before ordering.
Pros
- 800 lb stated capacity
- Quick height adjustment
- UHMW pads
Cons
- Hole size is limited to 1 in
- Designed specifically for Mikolo folding racks
Mikolo suits 2 x 2 racks with 1 in holes, including Mikolo folding squat racks. It uses 11-gauge steel and has a stated capacity of 800 lb.
The height adjusts by inserting and tightening the pin. A UHMW plastic pad covers the bar contact surface, and the maker describes it as a way to reduce noise and protect the bar if it drops.
This arm is not described for 5/8 in holes. Check the tube and hole sizes before ordering, even if the rack looks close to the intended fit.
Choose Mikolo if your 2 x 2 rack has 1 in holes and you want the higher stated capacity among these compatible 2 x 2 options. Confirm the rack's own capacity and instructions before loading it.
PRx Performance Wall Mounted Spotter Arm Storage: Best for storing arms off the floor
- Wall mounted storage
- Fits 5/8 in and 1 in pins
- For 2 x 3 and 3 x 3 PRx arms
- Mounts to one wood wall stud
This is a storage accessory for compatible PRx spotter arms, not a safety arm pair. It can keep the arms off the floor between workouts.
Pros
- Frees floor space
- Hardware and instructions included
- Fits specified PRx arm sizes
Cons
- Storage only, not a bar catch
- Requires a suitable wall stud
PRx Performance Wall Mounted Spotter Arm Storage has a different job from the other picks: it stores arms when you're not lifting. It mounts to a wood wall stud and is designed for PRx Profile ONE 2 x 3 and PRO 3 x 3 spotter arms.
The storage also fits 5/8 in and 1 in pins, and the package includes hardware and instructions. That does not make it a universal hanger for all spotter arms, so compare the intended arm style and mount location before installation.
Use it when your rack area needs floor space back and you have a suitable stud near the rack. It is storage only, not a safety catch for a failed rep.
ZUKAM 2.36inch Barbell Safety Catches Squat Rack: Best for 2.36 x 2.36 in racks
- Fits 2.36 x 2.36 in tubing
- Works with 1 in or 5/8 in holes
- 14.5 in arms
- 500 lb static capacity
These catches name a 2.36 x 2.36 in upright size and two hole options. Measure carefully because that dimension differs from a 2 x 2 post.
Pros
- Two hole size options
- Adjustable height
- Rubber padding
Cons
- Shorter arms than several picks here
- Requires 2.36 x 2.36 in tubing
ZUKAM's 2.36 in catches are for 2.36 x 2.36 in square tubing, a size that can be mistaken for a standard 2 x 2 rack. They accept 1 in or 5/8 in holes, and each arm measures 14.5 in long.
The stated maximum static capacity is 500 lb. Rubber padding helps reduce noise and protect the bar finish, while the height can be changed by twisting and pulling the arm before placing it at another hole.
Measure carefully: 2.36 x 2.36 in is not the same as 2 x 2 in. Choose this pair only if your rack matches its specified tube dimensions and hole size.
ZUKAM 2x2 Power Rack Safety Spotter Arms: Best for 2 x 2 racks with adapter sleeves
- Fits 2 x 2 in tubing
- Adapter sleeves for 1 in and 5/8 in holes
- 11-gauge steel
- 500 lb static capacity
Removable sleeves let the pins adapt to either listed hole size. The arms are not compatible with 2 x 3 or 3 x 3 racks.
Pros
- Adapter sleeves included
- Quick-release height adjustment
- Rubber contact padding
Cons
- Limited to 2 x 2 in uprights
- 500 lb static capacity
This ZUKAM pair is designed for 2 x 2 in tubing and includes removable adapter sleeves for 1 in and 5/8 in holes. The twist-and-pull pin allows quick height changes between exercises.
Its 11-gauge steel arms have a reinforced three-sided face plate and a stated static capacity of 500 lb. Rubber padding covers the contact area to help reduce noise and protect the bar finish.
It is not compatible with 2 x 3 or 3 x 3 racks. The 14.5 in arm length is also worth checking against your rack layout and the bar path you need to protect.
How should you compare power rack spotter arms?
Compare spotter arms by rack fit first, then arm length, locking method and contact surface. Capacity claims are useful context, but the rack and its attachments must work as a complete system.
| Product | Best for | Rack fit | Arm length | Capacity | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kipika Safety Spotter Arms for 2" x | 2 x 2 racks with two hole sizes | 2 x 2 in uprights; 5/8 in or 1 in holes | 17.5 in pad | 500 lb per arm | 9.6 |
| EVERYMATE Safety Spotter Arms | 3 x 3 racks with 1 in holes | 3 x 3 in uprights with 1 in holes | 24.5 in | 1000 lb | 9.5 |
| Mikolo Safety Catches | 2 x 2 racks with 1 in holes | 2 x 2 in tubing with 1 in holes | 800 lb | 9.4 | |
| PRx Performance Wall Mounted Spotter Arm Storage | storing arms off the floor | 9.1 | |||
| ZUKAM 2.36inch Barbell Safety Catches Squat Rack | 2.36 x 2.36 in racks | 2.36 x 2.36 in tubing; 1 in or 5/8 in holes | 14.5 in | 500 lb static | 8.9 |
| ZUKAM 2x2 Power Rack Safety Spotter Arms | 2 x 2 racks with adapter sleeves | 2 x 2 in tubing; 1 in or 5/8 in holes | 14.5 in | 500 lb static | 8.6 |
A longer arm gives the bar more contact area to land on, but it also projects farther into the room. Measure the rack's footprint and the open space around it, especially if people pass behind or beside the lifting area.
Rubber and UHMW pads can reduce metal-on-metal contact and help protect the bar's finish. They do not remove the need to set both arms at matching heights and check that their pins are fully seated.
The attachment style matters as much as the hole diameter. Some designs slide in and swing down, while others use a twist-and-pull pin or a sleeve; follow the instructions for the exact rack and arm pairing.
For a broader overview of rack safety hardware, read How Do Power Racks and Their Safety Systems Work?. If you are choosing the bar supports as well, see our guide to best squat rack j hooks.
How do you set spotter arms for squats and bench presses?
Set each arm to catch the bar just below the lowest position you can safely reach in the lift. The right height depends on your body position, range of motion and rack setup, so check it with an unloaded bar before adding weight.
For squats, set the arms below your normal bottom position while still high enough to support the bar if you cannot stand back up. For bench presses, test the setup with your usual arch and grip so the arms catch the bar without blocking a normal rep.
Keep both arms at the same height and confirm that each pin or lock is fully engaged. Recheck them after moving the arms or changing the exercise.
Use a controlled setup check before lifting: place an unloaded bar on the arms, confirm it stays in place, then verify that the bar can move through your intended range without striking them. Follow the rack and attachment makers' instructions for loading and use.
What else affects spotter arm placement?
Room layout and rack type affect how useful external safety arms will be. Check clearance around the rack, the bar path, and any doors or overhead obstructions before choosing a setup.
A half rack has a more open frame than a power rack, which can change how attachments fit and where the bar can travel. Read What Is the Difference Between a Power Rack and a Half Rack? before assuming the same safety equipment works on both.
In a garage, overhead door tracks can limit where a rack fits or how high you can position equipment. See How Does a Garage Door Track Affect Power-rack Placement? if you are planning a rack under a raised door.
If storage is part of the decision, the PRx hanger can keep compatible arms off the floor. For another bar-catching option, compare the best squat rack safety straps and decide which attachment suits your rack and lifting space.
Which spotter arms should you choose?
Choose Kipika for a compatible 2 x 2 rack with either 5/8 in or 1 in holes, and EVERYMATE for a 3 x 3 rack with 1 in holes. Pick Mikolo for a 2 x 2 rack with 1 in holes, or ZUKAM when your rack matches its stated 2.36 in or 2 x 2 dimensions.
Measure before ordering and check the rack maker's attachment guidance. If you need a different style of catch, compare the best safety bars for squat rack setups alongside these external arms.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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1
Best for 2 x 2 racks with two hole sizes
Kipika Safety Spotter Arms for 2" x
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
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3
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if spotter arms fit my squat rack?
Measure the upright width and pin hole diameter, then compare both with the arm's stated fit. A 2 x 2 in post is different from 2.36 x 2.36 in or 3 x 3 in tubing.
Also check the rack maker's guidance on compatible attachments and how the arms lock onto the frame.
Are spotter arms the same as safety bars?
Both catch a bar during a failed lift, but they attach and support the bar differently. Spotter arms project from the rack, while safety bars span between uprights.
Compare the rack design and your lifting space before choosing.
Our guides to safety bars and safety straps explain those options.
How long should squat rack spotter arms be?
Choose an arm long enough to catch the bar through the range of motion you use, while leaving room to move around the rack. Arm length alone doesn't determine whether a failed lift will land safely.
Set the height for the lift and follow the rack maker's setup instructions.
Can I use spotter arms on a half rack?
Some half racks accept external safety arms, but compatibility depends on the upright size, hole pattern and attachment design. Confirm the rack maker approves the specific arms for your frame.
This power rack and half rack comparison can help you understand the frame differences.
