Rogue Castro Rig vs TITAN Vertical leg press

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

Overview and review of the TITAN Vertical leg press $349

This is an overview of the TITAN vertical leg press 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 vertical leg press

The vertical leg press is a low budget approach on a barbell squat or leg press machine. IT uses two uprights to and three plate pins to deliver something similar to the classic leg press machine you see in every gym. It also has a smaller footprint than most other machines which train the legs. The full specifications of the TITAN vertical leg press are:

- Takes the stress off of your back and isolates your lower body.

- Three weight posts for plenty of room to add weight.

- Adjustable footplate starting height to suite different size athletes.

- High quality steel construction and pads for a solid, comfortable design.

- Dual post design lets you feel the weight on either leg.

- Footprint: 48" x 38"

- Footplate Starting Height(s): 26.5", 32", 35", 38".

- Full Extension Height: 52.5"

- Footplate Dimensions: 21.5" x 5"

- Back Pad Dimensions: 32" x 15"

- Head Rest Dimensions: 10" x 6"

- Weight Post Length: 8.75"

- Weight Post Diameter: 1.95"

- Weight Capacity: 400 LB

- Weight: 94 LB

This is a great machine if you want to save some space and money. It has its little flaws and I would not recommend it if you are massive yourself.

Pros of the TITAN vertical leg press

The pros of the TITAN vertical leg press are:

Small foot print
Small price
Easy to transport

This leg press does not cost much and also saves space in your gym. For any home gym that is pressed for space this can be a good solution to still get a leg press into a crammed space. If you take it apart there is also not a lot to transport. This makes it a good option for someone who moves around a lot and wants to take their gym with them.

Cons of the TITAN vertical leg press

The cons of the TITAN vertical leg press are:

Small footplate
Small area to lie on
No security pin

This machine has all kinds of issues of you are the type of person that leg presses several hundred kilos of plates. Even though the position is less advantageous than in other leg presses, the small design without any security stops can be scary. I would not recommend this machine to anyone who already barbell back squats north of 150kg for repetitions as this machine has too many options to harm yourself in a serious way if the weight is too heavy.

Alternatives to the TITAN vertical leg press

The TITAN smith machine is another option in the TITAN portfolio to do squats and other exercises. While this machine comes in at a much higher price than the vertical leg press, you can also store plates on it and do more than just squats. I am personally not a huge fan of smith machines as I think that a rack with a barbell does the job better and safer once you learned how to use it properly.

The titan hack leg press is a good option for a home gym with a bit of space as it doubles up as two machines. The design is also closer to the common leg press machines which you see all over the world. While it is still a bit flimsy compared to other leg presses in the market, i would recommend it over the vertical leg press, if you have the space for it.

If you are considering a leg press machine mainly to get more squat volume in, than a TITAN belt squat machine might be the better option for you. This machine also puts less pressure on your spine than a regular barbell squat, but you are still standing on your won feet rather than laying on the ground. This is a great option for anyone who want s to blow their quads.

The Rogue Rhino is the current gold standard in the fitness industry for belt squat machines. This is the best you can get in terms of build and functionality if you want to get a leg machine. That also comes with a bigger price tag as the Rogue Rhino is very close to the $2000 mark which plays in a completely different league than the TITAN vertical leg press.

The Rogue leg press is a $4000 dollar monster of a leg press machine that even Ronnie Coleman could not break. In addition to the large weight capacity and the amount of metal you would need to build a car it also offers the option to train each leg separately. The footplate can be unlocked in the middle and each platform runs on its own lever system.

Conclusion for the TITAN Vertical leg press

The TITAN vertical leg press is a good machine for a crammed space at home to get a leg press. Be careful when you use and do not load it up too much. It only weighs 94lbs so you might not want to put 1000lbs on top of it when all that separates you and the floor is your legs.

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.