Rogue Castro Rig vs TITAN Economy H-PND

This is a comparison between the Rogue Castro rig and the TITAN Economy H-PND including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TITAN Economy H-PND $399

This is an overview of the TITAN Economy H-PND 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 for the TITAN Economy H-PND

The Economy H-PND is a budget version of the H-PND that TITAN build first. This is a reverse hyper that takes up less space in your gym than the bigger version and also takes less money out of your pocket. If you are an average sized person the padding on this is more than enough for doing your exercises. If you are a huge athlete you might want to look into the H-PND option instead. A reverse hyper can be used to train the lower back to get more stability on heavy squats and deadlifts. These areas are usually hard to train with conventional machines and free weights. This is why Louie Simmons, creator of the Westside training method, made extensive use of reverse hypers more popular.The full specifications of the Economy H-PND are:

- 2-in x 2-in steel tubing makes for a sturdy and firm frame

- 6-inch handles swiftly adjust to eight positions in 2-inch increment to cater to every athlete looking to strengthen their posterior chain and lower body

- Includes (2) spring collars and strap

- Rubber feet on each corner prevent floor scuffing

- Overall Height: 44.5-in.

- Footprint: 55-in x 39-in.

- Sleeve Diameter: 1.95-in.

- Loadable Sleeve Length: 10-in.

- Step Dimensions: 2-in x 2-in Tubing, 8-in Long

- User Weight Capacity: 300 lb.

- Loadable Weight Capacity: 700 lb.

- Product Weight: 147 lb.

This is a good machine for a spacious home gym, or a commercial gym where people get a lot of attention from personal trainers. It is not the best machine to get for a gym where clients are mainly left to their own devices as it is not completely self explanatory and fits a training style that is not often followed by the general public.

Pros of the TITAN Economy H-PND

The pros of the TITAN Economy H-PND are:

Price

The main advantage of this machine is that it is a reverse hyper for the possibly lowest price you can get it for in the market. If you go to other vendors you will usually pay more for this very specialized piece of equipment. To get to this price point TITAN had to cut a few corners and strip some material out of the padding and the metal itself.

Cons of the TITAN Economy H-PND

The cons of the Economy H-PND are:

One trick Pony
Space requirements
Less sturdy built

While the Economy H-PND delivers on price it falls short on comfort. This is not the right machine if you are very heavy yourself or you go very heavy on your reverse hypers. For the best kind of comfort and security for the big guns go with the original H-PND rather than the economy.

If you are strapped for space this is also not the best machine to get. If you are serious about training your posterior chain you probably want to do reverse hypers and glute ham raises. For this the GHD combo from TITAN is the better choice as it only cists a little more, but than you do not have to buy two machines.

Alternatives to the TITAN Economy H-PND

Alternatives to the TITAN Economy H-PND are:

The TITAN H-PND is the original H-PND that is massive. The padding is big and this whole machine is build like a tank. If you can afford it and do not want a combo for your reverse hyper, buy this instead.

The TITAN Glute and Hamstring developer takes up roughly the same space as the Economy H-PND but mainly focuses on your glutes. If you mainly work with bodyweight exercises or have the space to get the GHD and the Economy H-PND this might be an additional option or alternative.

The TITAN Glute and Hamstring combo is in my opinion the best option you can get from TITAN if you buy into the benfits of training the posterior chain with this kind of machine in your home gym. It covers all the exercises which are hard to do for that area with freeweights and conventional machines while saving space in a 2 for 1 design.

Conclusion for the TITAN Economy H-PND

The TITAN Economy H-PND is a good reverse hyper for average sized athletes that have the space in their gym to have it. Commercial gyms might want to invest their money elsewhere as this is a machine with a very unique client set. Ultimately, for what it does, I would buy the Glute and hamstring combo instead for myself.

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.