Rogue Castro Rig vs TITAN neck machine

This is a comparison between the Rogue Castro rig and the TITAN neck machine including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TITAN neck machine $399

This is an overview of the TITAN neck machine 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 Plate loaded neck machine

The TITAN plate loaded neck machine is a special machine that is a good choice, if you have the need to build extra strength in your neck. It can be used in four directions to develop your neck muscles. This is a niche machine that will not get a lot of use in your commercial gym and also only is a good choice in a home gym with a lot of space. The full specifications are:

- Left, right, front and back; this 4-way machine works all the neck muscles.
- Arm pivots on precision flange bearings to provide a smooth action.
- Removable pin is used to restrict direction of head movement.
- Fully adjustable seat height.
- Includes 2 weight sleeves

- Overall Height: 59-in.
- Foot Print: 38-in x 26-in.
- Roller Pad Length: 11-in.
- Roller Pad Diameter: 4.9-in.
- Seat Dimensions: 12-in x 12-in x 2.4-in.
- Seat Adjustment Height: 22-in to 34-in.
- Grip Diameter: 29mm
- Sleeve Diameter: 48mm
- Loadable Sleeve Length: 8-in.
- Finish: Powder Coated Black
- Material: 2-in x 2-in 11-GA Steel
- Finish Color: Black Powder Coating
- Material: 2-in x 2-in 11-Gauge Steel
- Weight Capacity: 175 lb.
- Product Weight: 86 lb.

Pros of the TITAN Plate loaded neck machine

The pros of the TITAN plate loaded neck machine:

Focused training
Plate loaded
Seat included

The TITAN plate loaded neck machine is a great tool to train your neck in multiple directions. If you are a wrestler or mma fighter this might be a machine to consider to get your neck into shape.

Plate loaded machines save cost, especially if you are the only one using them, as you do not pay double or triple for the weight stacks which are included with most other machines.

In addition this machine also includes a seat and therefore can function by itself without having to buy a separate bench. This can be interesting for commercial gyms who buy this in bulk all over the country as there is fewer items to ship and itemize.

Cons of the TITAN plate loaded neck machine

The cons of the TITAN plate loaded neck machine are:

Health hazard
Niche use
Some other options out there

While this machine is not a health hazard when used correctly it become one quite easily if there no proper instructions given. The fact that it is plate loaded perpetuates this problem even further. If you run a commercial gym with very little instructions given to the clients you might want to steer way clear of this machine to not expose you to any kind of risk.

Even if the machine is used properly it has a very niche application and will not be used many clients in your gym. If you have the need to build a string neck for your sport you might also find other gadgets that can help with that that take up less space.

Alternatives to the TITAN plate loaded neck machine

The TITAN plate loaded functional trainer is a great choice for home gym owners who want to cover all bases and not pay too much money to so. The plate loaded functional trainer comes in at $700 and is therefore quite affordable. This is a great option for a home gym that wants to save space and yet still train all muscle groups with pulley resistance. If you want to provide this service in a public space the TITAN functional trainer with weight stacks might be the better option, as this creates less risk for tripping up or injury for loading the plates onto the machine.

The TITAN plate loaded deltoid machine is the better machine to build the neck and upper body in a safe way. With this machine there is less risk of serious injury when it is not used correctly. It also is a two in one machine for seated shoulder presses and deltoid work. If you want to build a big neck without risking serious injury and giving up too much space, this is a great alternative.

Conclusion for the TITAN plate loaded neck machine

I personally think that the TITAN plate loaded neck machine comes into the same bracket as a smith machine. Yes it has it benefits, but there is other machines and equipment that do the same thing in a safer and better way. One of these would be a head harness that you can attach weight or a band too. Less space taken up even though a good one of these will cost roughly the same as the TITAN neck trainer.

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.