Rogue Castro Rig vs TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine

This is a comparison between the Rogue Castro rig and the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine $229

This is an overview of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine including pros, cons and alternatives. This article was originally posted in Which gym machine to get from TITAN. Follow the links for additional information.

Overview of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine

The TITAN plate loaded seated dip machine is a simple and effective machine to train your triceps. If usual dips are not enough anymore or are too hard for you than you can use this machine to start with the benefits or push them even further. It also a machine that is very easy to use for beginners or anyone who has to rehabilitate. The full specifications of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine are:

- Add weight to your tricep presses

- Adjustable seat height to fit athletes of all sizes

- Powder-coated paint job gives rust resistance

- Heavy-duty steel construction will last for years

- Optional bolt-down holes at the base, to add stability

- Installation is fast and easy – assembles in minutes!

- Footprint: 27.5-in x 30.25-in.

- Seat Back Height: 51-in.

- Seat Height: 17-in.

- Sleeve Length: 10.75-in.

- Handle Length: 16.75-in.

This is a good small machine for accessory work to your main goals if you can fit it into your gym.

Pros of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine

The pros of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine are:

Easy to use
Plate loaded
Small footprint

This is a straight forward machine which is easy to use and beats a very low injury risk. This makes it an ideal machine for a gym where you expect a lot of beginners to be present.

The TITAN seated dip machine is also plate loaded which makes it a good option for the budget conscious home gym owner as you do not pay for the integrated weight stack that comes with other machines.

Another pro of the seated dip machine is that it takes up a relatively low small footprint on your gym for a machine that includes a seat. If you already have a chair in your home you might as well turn it into an exercise machine.

Cons of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine

The cons of the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine are:

Space requirements
Plate loaded
TITAN quality control

The TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine will take up more space in your gym than a dip attachment to your existing rack. If you have to work with a limited space than you will want to make the best of use and a dip attachment is probably the better option than putting another machine into a tight space.

Plate loaded machines are a great option if you are the sole user of your gym. If you have to provide facilities for many people at the same time plates can become a trip and injury hazard. Depending on who you are targeting and the average fitness level of your clients you might want to lean towards machine that already have a weight stack attached to them. These cost more, but are usually safer to use and expose you to less risk as the owner of the gym than plate loaded machines.

Another con is the quality control from TITAN. While it is existent it is not as tight as with other vendors in the marketplace like Rogue fitness and Eleiko. That is natural result of competing at the low cost end of the market which TITAN decided to do. Also TITAN has several businesses across different verticals rather than focusing on fitness only. The result is that TITAN fitness is under a higher pressure to ship every unit that has been produced, even if it has minor quality issues. If you are fine with forcing some parts and applying some DIY to machines you have bought new, that is no issue. If you do not like this prospect, buy from another vendor.

Alternatives to the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine

Alternatives to the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine:

TITAN dip rack attachment
Rogue matador
TITAN power tower bench

The TITAN dip rack attachment is an alternative to be used with your existing TITAN rack. These are easy to use and not that expensive. With this you can turn your rack in a dip station when needed and also get the dip attachment off when you want to do something else. This is a good solution in a home gym with space contraints. Ina commercial gym you might want to have the dip station permanently installed and the dip seated machine becomes the better solution.

The Rogue Matador is a dip attachment for your Rogue rack. If you have a Rogue rack in your commercial or home gym you might eant to look into this option first before investing in an additional machine that does the same thing.

The TITAN power tower bench is a full gym for calisthenics including dips. If you are planning a home gym, but do not want to use weights, this might be the better option for roughly the same budget as getting a TITAN seated dip machine.

Conclusion for the TITAN plate loadable seated dip machine

This is a great addition for any gym that has the space to get dedicated machines for accessory work. It is easy to use and maintain and therefore will not create an additional headache in your gym like some pulley options can do. In a tight space you might want o look into rack attachments that will do the job rather than eating up more square footage with another machine.

Overview and review of the Rogue V2 Castro Rig

Price: 1.866

This review was originally posted in the longer article "Which strength equipment to buy from rogue" in which you can read about 25 products of Rogue which cost more than 1.000$. The Rogue Castro V2 rig is the ultimate Rogue construction for the outdoor home warrior. See the details in this article.

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the Castro V2 rig

Rogue describes the Castro V2 as the ultimate backyard gym. Its basis is the Rogue Monster Lite system. With the Castro you get everything you need from squatting stations, to pull up bars and the height you need for rope climbs.

The Castro rig weighs 474LB with a footprint of 80'' x 53''. It is 70'' long and has a width f 43''. IT is 144'' high which makes it one of the highest options in the Rogue portfolio. For the price tag, it comes with all components ready to assemble. If you want to get some extra toys it is also compatible with Rogue Monster lite accessory series.

How many clients should the Castro Rig bring you?

If you think that the Rogue Castro V2 will bring you 7 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 4.200$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.866$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.

Pros of the Castro V2 rig

The Rogue V2 Rig provides everything you need for calisthenics and climbing needs in your own home. Bars at different heights for muscle ups. Anchors to attach ropes to. A fully functioning rack setup to put your barbell on and get ready to rumble.

Cons of the Castro V2

The con of the Castro V2 rig is that it is definitely an outdoor option unless you install it in a big industry hangar. I don't know about your backyard, but I live in Ireland and I wouldn't put it there.

Alternatives to the V2 Castro Rig

Here are some alternatives to the V2 Castro Rig based on budget

1x Rogue RML 690 @ 1595$

The Rogue RML 690 is a cost-effective, sturdy option for a fully functioning home gym in your basement or garage. The height of the Castro rig only makes it possible to install it outdoors for most homes, unless you are Oprah. If you do not want to spend more than 2.000$ on the skeleton of your gym this is a good option. You save money compared to the RM6 or RMLC versions while still providing multiple squat stations and plate storage space. The only downside is that it does not have the height for rope climbs. Find a tree in your backyard.

1x Rogue USMC PUll up rig @ 1.550$

If you want to train outside and have a lot of people to take care of the USMC Pull up rig is your go to. This setup maximizes the pull-up stations you get at a minimum price. The pull up always has been a staple of marine training it works. They are a force to be reckoned with. So can your local football or rugby team by installing this beauty next to the pitch.

Conclusion

The Rogue castro V2 rig is a solid option to train in your own backyard. Rogue did the thinking and building to provide you with a secure construction on which you can climb and do your favorite barbell exercises while enjoying the fresh air.