Rogue Castro Rig vs TITAN chest supported adjustable row bench

This is a comparison between the Rogue Castro rig and the TITAN chest supported adjustable row bench including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TITAN chest supported adjustable row bench $464

This is an overview of the TITAN chest supported adjustable row bench 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 supported Adjustable row bench

The TITAN chest supported adjustable row bench is a very specialized piece of equipment to isolate the back and use a barbell for rows. This is a great exercise for anyone who wants to build a big back and deadlift. You will find this exercise among the most successful deadlifters as an accessory workout. The construction is simple and effective. It rests a barbell higher than ground and supports your body by laying on a pad. With this setup you can protect your spine while you load the barbell heavier for massive rows. The specifications of the TITAN chest supported adjustable row are as followed:

- 3 x 2 steel tubing

- 6 different seat height adjustments

- 5 different chest pad angle adjustments

- Heavy gauge steel construction

- Diamond plated footplate for grip.

- Customizable seat height and chest pad angle

- High quality vinyl chest pad.

- Width is adjustable to fit your barbell

- Weight: 128 LB

- Adjustable Seat Height: 30 1/2” to 37 1/4"

- Adjustable Depth: 68 1/2" to 65 1/2”

- Adjustable Width: 55 1/2” to 42”

- Seat Length: 18”

- Seat Width: 9 1/2"

- Seat Thickness: 2 3/4”

- Band Peg Length: 5 1/2”

- Footplate Dimensions (per side): 21 1/2” x 24”

This is a great extra machine in a commercial gym that works with a lot of barbells and his the right clients for it. In a home gym it will be a lot of space to give up to a one trick pony.

Pros of the TITAN supported Adjustable row bench

Pros of the TITAN supported adjustable row bench are:

Price
Focused training
Uses a barbell

As with most pieces of equipment from TITAN the price is excellent for what you are getting. This is an industrial grade exercise station at a consumer price. TITAN's strategy is to undercut the competition at about half the price for the same product. The low prices are achieved by cutting some corners in quality management and customer services.

The chest supported adjustable row bench is great for athletes who develop a massive row and are concerned about their back. With this machine you get the extra support and also do not need to move the barbell from the ground into position. This helps to focus entirely on your back and either go heavy or squeeze out the last few reps on a hypertrophy set.

This machine is also interesting as you can use a barbell instead of plate loading it or having a weight stack. This makes the experience closer to the barbell training youmight be focusing on, depending on your preferences in training.

Cons of the TITAN supported Adjustable row bench

Cons of the TITAN chest supported adjustable row bench are:

One trick pony
Intimidating for most
Space requirements

While this machine is excellent for what it does, it only does this one thing well. Barbell rows can also be done from the floor, or, if they get too heavy, they can also be done from rack pins. You will not have the same chest support, but still get your rows in. You will also mimic the three big lifts even closer with that setup. Based on this the chest supported row bench is not ideal for home gyms or commercial gyms with limited space.

The broad public does not necessarily like to use a barbell as it is perceived to rough on the hands. If you are already getting a dedicated machine for rows, you might want to get one that is a bit more convenient for the user and includes a weight stack.

Alternatives to the TITAN supported adjustable row bench

The Titan T bar row is more palatable for the general public as a chest supported row which uses a barbell. With this you can use more grip variations and it is also easier to get the plates on and off to get started. If you run a commercial gym for the general public, go with the T bar row instead of the chest supported adjustable row if your space does not allow for both.

The TITAN plate loaded functional trainer is the budget option of a functional trainer for home gym users. This is a great addition when you have limited space and want to do all of your accessory movements on one machine or implement a home gym that can be used by the entire family. This version of the TITAN functional trainer saves $1300 compared to the functional trainer which comes with included weight stacks. If you already own a rack and plates, this is probably the better choice.

The TITAN functional trainer comes with two weight stacks included and covers most accessory movements or a full body workout which is lighter compared to heavy barbell free weight training. This is a good option ina home gym or commercial gym where you want to make things save. It is also a good choice when you want to get started right away without having too invest into plates.

Conclusion for the TITAN supported adjustable row bench

This machine is great for an Iron den where people want to use the barbell row in many variations to blow up their backs to lift heavy. If you have this at home, in a college dorm or other private gym and do have the space, I highly recommend getting one of these as the results speak for themselves. If you have a very small home gym or a commercial gym for the general public this is a gimmick and you should focus on other items to build out your gym first like racks with proper safety pins and a seated row 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.