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Squat rack with pulley system [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Dec 28, 2019 9:00:00 AM

Squat rack with lat pulldown

Squat rack with pulley system

 
There are mainly two ways in the market of going about a rack with a lat pull down. Either you have a solid lat pulldown including the weight plates build or attached to the rack or a flimsy pulley system that uses the plates you already have. If you have space and budget go for the sturdy version. If you don't go for the makeshift solution as some lat pulls are better than no lat pulls whatsoever. This article gives you an overview of the choices you have between Rogue and TITAN.
 
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Overview and review of the Rogue RM-4 Monster Rack

Price: 1.300 - 1765$

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 Monster RM4 rack gives a cage for your powerlifting needs without providing a lot of storage options. See the details in this article.

 

Overview of the RM4

 

The RM4 is the core of the Rogue Monster rack series. This is the full rack that can be built onto in many ways. As it is part of the Monster series you can choose between 90'', 100'' and 108'' in height. The RM4 is 49'' long and wide. The overall footprint comes to 53''x53''. You get westside spacing and a multitude of colors to choose from. These are:
  • Bright Blue
  • Bright Green
  • Burnt Orange
  • Dark Blue
  • Gun Metal
  • Light Gray
  • Rogue Red
  • White
  • Satin Clear
  • Satin Black
With the MOnster rack, you are entering Rogue's flagship series of construction. This protects your investment for the future. You can choose from multiple options like Flip down safeties and 2'' Monster Sandwich J cups for your own comfort. 
 

How many clients should the Rogue RM4 Monster Rack bring you?

 

If you think that the Rogue RM4 will bring you 5 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 3.000$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.300$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.
 

Pros of the Rogue RM4

 

This is a rack that can be upgraded easily while still being in the Monster series of Rogue. This is one of the most cost-effective options to get into the Monster portfolio with a relatively standard product to build upon. There are less costly options in the Monster series, but they are specialty racks which might lead to challenges when upgrading.
 

Cons of the Rogue RM4

 

The biggest con for the Monster series is the price tag. You can get a lot more rack for the same price out of the Infinity series. 
 

Alternatives to the Rogue RM4

 

Here are some alternatives within the Rogue portfolio based on a budget of 1.300$
With the Rogue RML 490C, you basically get the same amount of rack space at a lower space. The Monster Lite series is built a bit less sturdy than the Monster series. Some of the bigger machines also do not attach to the Monster Lite series. Apart from this, you save 300$ for more or less the same effect. 
If you are considering to upgrade your existing gym you might want to consider metal jerk blocks instead. This will help to attract professional weightlifters to your gym who usually pay more and stay for longer. This is only an option when you have the basics already covered.
 

Conclusion

 

The RM4 is a bit friendlier on your purse than its big brother the RM6. You still get a good option out of the Monster series to do your workouts in. Be mindful of where to store your plates when you buy the RM4 as it is very unlikely that there will be enough room on the rack itself.

Overview and review of the Rogue Monster Lat pull down stand alone 

Price: 2.950

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 Monster lat pull down will create more bats in your gym. See the details in this article.
 

Overview of the Rogue Monster Lat pull down

 

The Monster Lat pulldown Standalone is a lat pulldown machine for the expert athlete. As with all Rogue equipment this machine is built like a tank. The lat pulldown machine is a great example of how Rogue takes pride in what they do and takes their customer feedback series.
 
If you read between the lines you can see that the pulley, the bar, cable, and Steel eye were not up to Rogue's standards in the V1 of this machine. All of these parts have been consequently brought in-house and are not bought from 3rd parties anymore. These things are normal when new production lines are being built, a new market is tested and new processes build around them.
 
At least Rogue took the right learnings from this and perfected their Rhino launch. The prone leg curl and the ISO leg press have not gotten a V2 overhaul yet whereas the Lat pull down has. Be aware of this when you buy from Rogue. I am positive they will accommodate valid feedback, especially on big orders. If you buy for your home gym, maybe wait on the leg press and curl until there is more feedback available or find a gym nearby to test them.
 
The Rogue Lat pulldown weighs 605lb and offers up to 300lb resistance in plates in 10lb increments. It has a footprint of 40'' by 60''. It is 60'' long, 40'' wide and 96'' high. The steel notes are 3x3 11-gauge steel just like the rest of the Rogue Monster series.
 

Pros of the Rogue Monster lat pull down

 

This lat pulldown is also a rowing machine so you get two for the price of one. The difference to many other rowing machines is that Rogue came up with an idea that does not make the bench longer. By positioning a footrest under the seat this lat pulldown machine turns into a rowing machine without adding extra length. 
 
Another big pro is that this machine allows the use of bands with the lat pull. This is very unique and I have not seen many machines like this. Especially when you have experienced athletes you will appreciate that you can work with bands.
 

Cons of the Rogue Monster Lat pull down

 

lat pulldown is a big machine. It will take up quite a bit of space where a pull-up bar might create a similar effect. Especially in a home gym scenario, you might be better off getting dumbbells and a pull-up bar which takes up less floor space. As with other machines, the pulley system takes maintenance. Oiling this system and keeping it in check might not be for everyone.
 

How many clients do you need for the lat pull down?

 

If you think that the Lat pulldown will bring you 10 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 6.000$ net new revenue against an investment of 2.950$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.
 

Alternatives to the Lat pull down from Rogue

 

Here are some alternatives to the Rogue lat pull down
 
 
The Rhino belt including the half rack will give you a better pulley system and the necessary rack to play around with it. It will not exactly be the same and the workarounds might be not ideal, however, it is possible. I would also be very surprised if Rogue did not capitalize on the opportunity to deliver a system that combines the RM6 and Rhino to a fully built all-purpose gym station. Stay tuned for that one.
 
1x Monster Lite Rig @ 2.495$
 
monster lite rig will provide you with
  • 4 Squat/ Bench Stations
  • Pull up Stations
For less than the price for one lat pulldown machine. If you are aiming to open a small CrossFit gym this is the way to go. This also shows you that Rogue still has to work on optimizing their costs on building machines. The upshot is that you will get a machine that is fully made in the US. If you work for the government this might even be a requirement for purchase. 
 

Conclusion

 

The Rogue Monster lat pull down is a very solid machine for your gym. If you do not want to compromise and attract the biggest and best athletes to your gym, this is the one to go for. 

 
 

T3 Power rack with lat pulley combo

The TITAN T3 with pulley will put you back about $600. TITAN is well known for their very good prices compared to their competition and will get you started on your home gym. This review was originally posted in “which Titan rack to buy for over $500

 

Overview of the T3 pulley system

 

The main feature which distinguishes the T3 from other TITAN racks are the 2x3 steel tubes. Other TITAN models work with 2x2 or 3x3 depending on how much you are willing to invest. This lat pulley combo saves space and sets you up to train your entire body. Especially for forming a better back a lat pull machine can come in very handy. When you train with a barbell only the smaller muscles of the back sometimes get bit enough love. So the T3 lat pulley combo is a solid home gym option which comes in four variations. Here are the specifics for you:
  • uprights featuring 6" side hole spacing. 
  •  2"x 3" steel tubes.  
  • 1,100 LB rackable capacity
  • 4,400 LB total rack capacity.     
  • 1.25" and 2" diameter pull up bars.  
  •  Gusseted J-Hooks and weight holders. 
  • Pulley Tower for lat pulldowns and low lat rows. 
  • Pulley Tower mounts to the inside of the rear uprights but does not interfere with squats and bench pressing inside the Rack
 Short 24" Deep Power Rack
  • Weight: 230 LB 
  • Height: 82 1/4"  
  • Height of pull up bar: 77"  
  • Outside width: 53 1/4" 
  •  Inside width: 42 1/8" 
  • Outside depth: 32 3/4
  • Inside depth: 24"
  • Floor space: 12.11 square feet 
  •  Rackable Capacity: 1,100 LB 
  • Whole Rack Capacity: 4,400 LB
Tall 24" Deep Power Rack
  • Weight: 281 LB
  • Height: 91 1/8"
  • Height of Pull Up Bar: 89"
  • Inside Width: 42 1/8"
  • Outside Width: 53 1/4"
  • Inside Depth: 24"
  • Outside Depth: 32 3/4"
  • Floor Space: 12.11 square feet
  • Rackable Capacity: 1,100 LB
  • Whole Rack Capacity: 4,400 LB
  • Material: Steel
Short 36" Deep Power Rack
  • Weight: 254 LB
  • Height: 82 1/4"
  • Height of pull up bar: 77"
  • Outside width: 53 1/4"
  • Inside width: 42 1/8"
  • Outside depth: 44 3/4
  • Inside depth: 36"
  • Floor space: 12.11 square feet
  • Rackable Capacity: 1,100 LB
  • Whole Rack Capacity: 4,400 LB
Tall 36" Deep Power Rack
  • Weight: 281 LB
  • Height: 91 1/8"
  • Height of Pull Up Bar: 89"
  • Inside Width: 42 1/8"
  • Outside Width: 53 1/4" 
  • Inside Depth: 36"
  • Outside Depth: 44 3/4"
  • Floor Space: 16.7 square feet
  • Rackable Capacity: 1,100 LB
  • Whole Rack Capacity: 4,400 LB
  • Material: Steel
Tall Pulley Tower
  • Overall Height: 88"H x 42”W x 34”D
  • Distance Inside Rack: 19.5"
  • Distance Outside Rack: 13"
  • Weight Post Length: 9.25"
  • Lat Bar Width: 37"
  • Lat Bar Diameter: 1.25"
  • Low Pull Handle Width: 14"
  • Low Pull Handle Diameter: 1.25"
  • Footplate Dimensions: 4" x 4"
  • Weight Capacity: 300 LB
  • Weight: 72 LB
Short Pulley Tower
  • Dimensions: 78"H x 42”W x 34”D
  • Distance Inside Rack: 19.5"
  • Distance Outside Rack: 13"
  • Weight Post Length: 9.25"
  • Lat Bar Width: 37"
  • Lat Bar Diameter: 1.25"
  • Low Pull Handle Width: 14"
  • Low Pull Handle Diameter: 1.25"
  • Footplate Dimensions: 4" x 4"
  • Weight Capacity: 300 LB
  • Weight: 70 LB

 

Pros of the T3 with pulley 

 

The Pro is the cost of this combined solution compared to other TITAN racks. For the price you pay for a pulley alone with other vendors, you get a pulley and a rack. 2x3 is also more often than not the standard you will find in most commercial gyms. 
 

Cons of the T3 with pulley

 

If you put a pulley at one side of the rack you can not step in and out there anymore. If you wanted to maximize the number of people who can do squats or pull-ups on one rack, this is not the way to go. You might also not be able to put this rack flush against the wall because of the moving parts.
Alternatives to the T3 with pulley 
Here are some alternatives to the T3 with pulley rack: 
The TITAN rack is the top of the crop rack from TITAN. It has 3x3 uprights and 1” bolts. This is the heaviest and sturdiest rack you can get from TITAN. Compared to market prices it is also very affordable.
 
The X3 is basically the same model as the Titan rack with two differences. It doesn’t have numbered holes on the uprights and the keyhole design. This means that you can use fewer attachments with it which you have not necessarily bought from Rogue. 
 
The T2 model comes in various shapes and heights and can be configured differently for your home gym to make it fit your space. The main difference to the other Titan racks is that the uprights are 2x2 instead of 2x3 or 3x3. 
 
The T3 rack model is also very similar to the Titan rack but comes at a lower cost. It is the same as the X3 except that it has 2x3 Gauge uprights instead of 3x3. In this version, you get it without the pulley.

Summary  for the T3 with pulley

If you want to save space and money this is a good option. You will also not have to think a lot about how to configure your home gym as the thinking has been done for you in this option. You might also want to look at the T3 and bench combo options as an alternative if you rather want to start benching than pulling. With the T3 you get the middle of the range with extras from TITAN. If you are an elite athlete you might look for a rack with 3x3 beams instead.

Squat rack with pulley system

 
Make your choice based on the available budget and space. Always remember that a lat pulldown can always be bought as an upgrade at a later stage.
 

Topics: Squat, Rogue, Powerlifting, TITAN, Rack, Garagegym, Home Gym