TITAN T2 and dip vs Rogue SM2 [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN T2 power rack and the Rogue SM2 Squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

Rogue SM 2 Monster lite squat stand

The Rogue SM2 squat stand comes in at $722 and is one of the mid-range options for under $1000 from Rogue. Learn more in this review which was originally published in the Article "Which Rack to buy from Rogue for under $1000".

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the SM2

The Rogue SM2 is the smallest of the Monster squat stands. It is manufactured in Columbus Ohio and comes in black. This is a good option for average sized athletes when you want to add a free standing pull up bar to your gym or want a lot of space around you for Olympic weightlifting.

The SM2 is 93'' high and has a footprint of 50''x54''. The stell notes are made of 3x3'' 11 Gauge steel. This stand is part of the monster series and therefore compatible with all monster accessories. It ships with J Cups and an option of a single Skinny bar or Fat/Skinny bar. The unit does not need to be bolted to the floor as it comes with the flat foot design of Rogue.

This is one of the most sturdy squat stands you can get on the market. You can also use it as a start to upgrade it to a full rack at a later stage when you have more funds available.

Pros of the SM2

The SM2 is easy to transport and does not take up a lot of space. If you want to provide a station to Olympic weightlifters, this might be the better option than a rack. It still provides the look and feels of the monster series which well (over) built so that you can still be proud to treat yourself and your client to the best standards.

Cons of the SM2

The safety spotter arms are not included in the price. If you buy both the price gets close to $1000 if you want to use the squat stand for powerlifting and bench pressing. In my personal opinion, this is a bit of a false economy at play. If you want to powerlift get an RM4 Fortis rack instead.

Alternatives to the SM2

Alternatives to the SM2 are

The SM 2.5 and SM3 are the taller option of the same rack. Think about your height and how high you want your pull bar to be with this squat stand. Based on this pick one of the three options. If you are buying multiple squat stands, maybe mix them up to accommodate to different body types.

The RM4 fortis rack is the better option if you want to powerlift. At first, the price tag might seem lower, but at checkout, the SM2 and the fortis rack are roughly at par. If you want to bench press and have space, I think the RM4 fortis is a good option.

Overview and review of the T2 and dip

The TITAN T2 and dip will put you back about $300 - $350. 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 under $500”

Overview of the T2 and dip

The T2 comes with 2x2 steel tubes and distinguished itself from the X2 line by having fewer extras straight out of the box. You will have fewer pull-up bars and less convenience on the uprights. The money saved for this can be put towards a bench as in this package. This version also includes a dip installment at the front. The features and specifics of this package are:

Rack details:

Capacity: 700 lbs
1" round steel j-hooks
T-2 Series (2"x2" steel tubes)
Package includes 1 pair of dip bars
Chin up bar: 1 1/4" diameter
Installation instructions
Weight: 107 lb
Height: 83"
Height of pull up bar: 80"
Opening: 44"
Depth: 48"
Inside front to back bar: 26"
Floor space: 48" x 48"
Material: Steel

The main difference to most other is the included dip bars.

Pros of the T2 dip bar

The price of the T2 is one of its main pros. You will be hard-pressed to find as much metal for a rack including a dip bar for the same price in the market. Especially if it is new.

Cons of the T2 dip bar

The dip bar can obstruct access to the rack itself. You will also not be able to use the front to have two athletes squat in parallel on the same rack. This might not be ideal, especially in high school and college setups strapped for cash.

Alternatives to the T2 dip bar

T3 fold back rack
X2 and incline combo

The T3 uses a folding concept but with 2x3 steel tubes to be stored against the wall when you don’t use it.

The X2 is one of the cheapest series in the TITAN line up. With its 2x2 steel tubes, it uses the least material to build a rack. If you want to downsize on all ends to fit a bench and rack into $500 budget comfortably, this is for you.

Summary of the T2 dip bar

If you care about a dip bar, this is the rack. Otherwise, you might as well save the money for more plates or a bench.