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TITAN T2 and dip vs Rogue SM2.5 [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Aug 9, 2020 9:00:00 AM

TITAN T2 and dip vs Rogue SM2.5 [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN T2 rack and the SM2.5 Squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Rogue SM 2.5 Monster squat stand

 

The Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand comes in at $744 and is one of the better 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 SM 2.5

 
The Rogue SM 2.5 Squat stand uses the beams of the Rogue Monster series and creates a very sturdy squat stand. This stand is built in Columbus, Ohio and comes in black. With the flat foot design of Rogue, it does need to be bolted to the ground.
 
The SM2.5 has 1000 lb weight capacity and comes in at a height of 103''. The steel notes are made from 3x3'' gauge steel. The overall footprint comes to 50''x54''. This stand comes with J Cups in the delivery to get you up and running. 
 

Pros of the SM 2.5

 
A squat stand is a great alternative when you want to do weightlifting training. It gives you more room to throw the weight about than in a powerlifting cage. It is also less material in case you have to fill an entire gym, have to transport the stand often or want to able to change things quickly. The SM 2.5 will be easy to transport and serve you well in these scenarios.
 

Cons of the SM 2.5

 
A squat stand by itself is not ideal for powerlifting. If you count in the safety arm spotters you will be close to $1.000  again and might as well go for a full rack that costs a bit more but leaves you with a full cage and safety for the bench press without having to buy extra accessories. 
 

Alternatives to the SM 2.5

 
Alternatives to SM 2.5 are:
 
 
The SM3 comes with the same specs except that the height is different. This option is for your tall athletes. If you want to outfit an entire gym maybe mix the SM3, SM2.5, and SM2 to serve various heights. It is also a good way of adding a very high pull up bar to your gym without having to invest in an entire rig or rack.
 
The SM2 is the smallest of the Rogue Monster squat stands. It comes in at 90.375''. This might be a good option when your ceilings are low or you are a smaller athlete with no need for a very high pull up bar. 
 
The RM4 Fortis rack is an alternative to the squat stands which comes in at roughly the same price if you count the spotter arms. If you want to powerlift this might be the better investment of your money than having a squat stand.
 
 

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

 
 
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.
 

Topics: TITAN