Back widow vs Rogue Multi grip attachment

This is a comparison between the back widow and Rogue Multi-Grip attachment including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which grip strength tool to get from Rogue. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue Multi-Grip cable attachment

This is an overview of the Rogue Multi grip cable attachment including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which grip strength tool to get from Rogue. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview of the Multi-grip Attachment

Price: $175

The Rogue Multi-grip cable attachment is the big mamma of the cable attachments from Rogue. It weighs in at 25.5lb and is based on the multi-grip bar designs from Rogue. This cable attachment is a great tool for strongmen or powerlifters who like to train on the westside method and have push/pull days. In a strong gym, you will have fans. If you own a commercial gym with clients who are mainly focused on fitness and weight loss, then this attachment might be oversized. The full specifications are:

Made in the USA
Compatible with most Lat Pull Down / Low Row machines
Length: 48"
Width: 7" depth
Height: 8.25"
(8) Knurled Handles: 1.31" OD, spaced at 12" - 23.375" - 34.75" and 46.125"
(2) End Plates: 0.1875" laser cut steel w/ laser-cut Rogue logo on each
Black Carabiner included
Finish: Standard Textured Black Powder Coat

This is a well made, heavy-duty cable attachment where you get what you buy. In most gyms, it will mostly lie in the corner, unless you are massive yourself or have multiple towers to work with.

Pros of the Multi-grip Attachment

The pros of the Multi-grip cable attachment are:

Very wide grip possible
Grip variation on the usual stainless steel bar
Simulates strongman scenarios better

If you are big, you need bigger toys. That is just how it goes. The multi-grip attachment delivers just that. Compared to a usual stainless lat bar you can also work with a grip variation in very heavy pulls. The handles are also closer to anything that you might face when someone welded on a handle to a heavy object. A lot of fun to be had for $175.

Cons of the Multi-grip Attachment

The cons of the Multi-grip attachment are:

Very heavy
You probably already have a bar
Not versatile

If you are not big or use this in a fitness-focused gym it is quite heavy to get on the tower. Especially if you only have one or two for attachment are regularly swapped. If you have a four-way tower setup where you can permanently install it, it is a good option, but not when people have to lift it themselves. If you bought a lat pull machine chances are big that you already have a stainless steel bar. That is more than enough for most mortals, so why spend more money on the multi-grip attachment. If you buy more equipment you might look into a back widow or small handles that you can use to pull in different directions.

Alternatives to the Multi-grip Attachment

Alternatives to the Multi-grip cable attachment are:

The back widow can be a great addition to your gym line up or replace the Stainless lat bar you might already now. The back widow is versatile and can be used in many different configurations from wide to narrow including different hand positions. It can also be used as a T-Bar row handle for a barbell and deadlift jack. The only thing not to like about the back widow is the price of $300. A great option for a home gym with a dedicated user.

The Stainless lat bar is the standard lat bar from Rogue that comes with the CT1 or Monster lat pulldown machines. If you want more of these, lost the one that came with your purchase, or acquired a lat pull machine without a bar, this is the safe option.

A simple handle can also do wonders. These are usually $20-$30 and can be used for more applications than the Multi-grip Cable attachment. With a simple handle, you can use your pulley in many different directions. The only downside is that this is not made for very heavy pulls and is also not as much fun.

Conclusion for the Rogue Multi-grip cable attachment

This is a great option for very big athletes or for a commercial gym that wants to offer some variety on many different weight stack towers. Most home gym users who already own a lat pull-down will have a bar and not really have a need for this, unless for fun or as a nice treat for a birthday, Christmas, or another occasion as men always like their new toys.

Overview and review of the Back widow

This is an overview of the Back widow including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which grip strength tool to get from Rogue. Follow the links for more details.

Overview of the back widow

Price: $299

The back widow is a versatile handle that can be used as an attachment for cable pulls and attached to a barbell for landmine rows. This makes it a very versatile tool that can be used in many scenarios to improve grip and back strength. This is an ideal solution for a home gym where the user wants to save space and money for multiple applications. In bigger gym scenarios it might be a better approach to get multiple handles for the price of one back widow. The full specifications are:

Multi-Use Attachment for Back Workouts
15+ Adjustable Positions
Length: 5.5" (Lower Handles) / 4.25" (Upper Handles)
Diameter: 1.25" (Handles)
Weight: 9.25 LBS
Carabiner Slot for Attachments: 9/16” wide x 1” tall
Color: Black

This tool is definitely worth its money when you want to have a landmine handle and an attachment for your lat pull machine at home.

Pros of the back widow

The pros of the back widow are:

Versatility
High-quality build
Weight

This attachment for a pulley and to bars has many different configurations which will help you to build a bigger back and stronger grip. It can also mix up the work with a rowing machine or lat pull so that you can stay motivated and attack all different areas of your back. With its high-quality build, you can throw almost anything at the back widow without breaking it and even use it like a deadlift jack. The weight of this handle attributes for its high-quality design. You can see that professionally wanted to design something helpful for other professionals with the Back widow.

Cons of the Back widow

The cons of the back widow are:

Price
Weight
Only one handle

With a $price tag of $300 the back widow is not cheap. for that amount of money, you can get three stainless lat bars from a low price vendor or a big assortment of smaller handles. The weight itself is also not great when your home gym setup is a bit flimsy. If you combine it with the Spud Inc. pulley or similar self-made contraption, you will have problems with keeping a smooth feed through the rollers. This is best used with a stationary lat pull or rowing machines like the Rogue CT1 or the Rogue Monster Lat pull down. In a commercial gym setting, it is also better to get multiple handles rather than one handle. Most average joes will find the adjustments on the widow annoying rather than helpful for a quick workout and as a commercial gym owner you rather have three different handles for three different towers than one handle for three towers.

Alternatives to the back widow

Alternatives to the back widow are:

Rogue Multi-grip cable attachment is a massive handle that can be attached to cable pulleys. This is a great tool for any strongmen who want to work on their grip and pull work. This attachment simulates better when you do not get the best grip on a big weight because the handles are not in the most advantageous position. With $175 it also leaves room for handles to be bought against the same budget like the back widow. The only downside of this attachment is that it is very heavy.

The Rogue Stainless steel bar is a classic lat pull bar that is straight and curved at the ends for different grip variations. This is the standard option that most gyms go with for their towers. Compared to the Back widow you can almost get two of these for the same price. The only disadvantages are that it can be quite boring and that you might get this cheaper from a different vendor than from Rogue.

The Rogue tricep strap is the better partner for home gym pulley setups that are a little makeshift. Its lower weight makes it easier to maneuver and get a smooth ride in place. It is also quite a bit cheaper than a back widow or any of the other attachments. The disadvantage is that it is not suitable for big heavy pulls where you spread your arms wide.

Conclusion for the back widow

The back widow is a great tool for the home gym owner who has some extra cash to spend, likes high-quality products, and does not want too many handles flying about. Just have a hard look at your training routine if you actually do t bar rows and lat pulls already in your local gym or desperately miss out on them. This attachment is not just a gimmick like many others. For commercial gyms, I do not see the point as it is usually more practical to have a wall or bag full of a lot of attachments where people help themselves. The back widow would need some instructions and also the versatility does not really apply to the commercial scenario. The teenagers or your strongest hulk will probably hug this attachment for two hours. Better to have more handles for others who are waiting.