Run Faster, Lift stronger, Think deeper

Rogue Donkey vs TITAN adjustable prone row machine

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Jan 5, 2021 5:00:00 PM

Rogue Donkey vs TITAN adjustable prone row machine

This is a comparison between the Rogue Donkey and the TITAN adjustable prone row machine including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

 

Overview and review of the Adjustable prone row machine $344

This is an overview of the TITAN Adjustable prone row 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.

Related articles

Overview of the TITAN Prone row machine

 
The TITAN adjustable prone row machine is another variation on free weight row machines that isolates your back and protects your spine at the same time. With this machine you can get onto heavy rows without having to worry too much about back as it rests safely on a bench. Think of this machine as a reverse bench press. The full specifications of this machine are:
 
- (5) Adjustable lifting height positions
- Barbell holder is adjustable from 16 to 22-inches tall to fit most size athletes
- Isolate and build muscle groups easily with the chest supported design
- High-quality materials used for a durable and stable design
- Face cutout for a comfortable lifting position and to keep your spine in line while working out
 
- Overall Height: 41-in.
- Floor Dimensions: 5 FT L x 4 FT W
- Pad Dimensions: 5 FT L x 9.75-in. W
- Barbell Holder Height: 16-in – 22-in.
- Face Cutout Dimensions: 9.5-in L x 4.5-in. W
- Weight Capacity: 650 lb.
- Product Weight: 155 lb.
 
This is a simple and effective machine which is surprisingly seldom to find in gyms all across the world. This machine is easy to maintain and use and protects the user from self harm.
 

Pros of the TITAN Prone row machine

 
The pros of the TITAN prone row machine are:
 
  • Simple to use
  • Focuses on the back
  • Uses free weights
 
This is a simple machine to use that does not need a lot of instructions. You can fully focus on your back while facing less risk to hurt yourself compared to an ordinary barbell row. You can also make use of any already existing barbells and plates to use this machine.
 

Cons of the TITAN Prone row machine

 
The cons of the TITAN prone row machine are:
 
  • One trick pony
  • Space requirements
 
Even though I am a fan of prone row machines myself they are still one trick ponys. You can not do a lot else on them except from the prone rows that they are designed. As this is a full bench with some storage for a barbell it comes in a solid T Shape and is therefore also not the best in terms of space requirements.
 

Alternatives to the TITAN Prone row machine

 
 
The TITAN T bar row machine is an alternative to the prone row machine. This machine only needs additional Olympic plates to function. It is easier to load and unload and also offers some more grip variations. The only downsides are the higher price and that your back is less protected.
 
The Titan plate loaded seated row is a classic machine that you will find in many gyms in countless variations. With this machine you will sit upright and row the weight attached on lever arms in front of you. This is a good machine for the general public to use as the position you row from is more comfortable. The disadvantage is that you will not be working with a barbell.
 
The TITAN chest supported row gives you the opportunity to row a barbell in various angles while your chest is being supported. With this you can go very heavy on barbell rows without having too worry too much about blowing your back out. This machine is slightly pricier than the prone row machine.
 

Conclusion for the TITAN Prone row machine

 
The TITAN prone row machine is a great addition to your gym to work on your back and often overlooked. While seated row is more popular as it is more convenient I personally think that the prone row will get you the better results.
 

Overview and review of the Rogue Donkey

 
The Rogue Donkey is the ultimate machine from Rogue to address your lower back and core for $1945. You have everything in one place and with 500 pounds of weight, this thing is not going anywhere, just like any good old donkey. 
 

Overview of the Rogue donkey

 
The Rogue Donkey brings the reverse hyper and GHD space to a new level. Rogue thought about their designs again and combined the Z hyper and the Abram GHD into an all-purpose lower back machine.
 
The benefit of this is that you only need to buy one piece of equipment which fits both purposes. This means money and floor space saved. The dimensions of the Rogue Donkey aa followed:
 
  • Made in the USA
  • Color: Black 
  • Weight: 500LB 
  • Length: 73”
  • Width: 44”
  • Height:54.5”
  • 3x3 Gauge Steel
  • 73” x 44”
 
This is a great machine to have in a serious home gym or powerlifting establishment. Some CrossFit boxes might also want to consider getting one of these. 
 

Pros of the Rogue Donkey 

 
The Rogue Donkey has a lot going for itself, of you are interested in a machine for back extensions, reverse hypers and glute ham raises. I have yet to find a machine that is better thought through for these purposes and therefore saves space in your gym. 
 

Cons of the Rogue Donkey 

 
The price and weight might be off-putting for some. Not everyone wants to have a 500-pound piece of equipment in their home gym or get on one in a commercial gym. Reverse hypers and back extensions are also not the most popular movements, so watch out whether you are getting your money’s worth. 
 

Alternatives to the Rogue Donkey 

 
I think there are no better options than the donkey from Rogue for what it does. However, $2000 can be a hefty price tag, especially for first-time buyers. Here are some other options from Rogue for $2000:
 
 
The fortis rack is the best rack from rogue under $1000. Combined with an adjustable bench and with a little stretch of the budget an Ohio bar you have a fully functioning gym for the price of a donkey. The only downsides would be no color option and that you somehow have to take care of plate storage. 
 
If you prefer plate storage and a color option because you already have a bench you can go for the RML 690C and Ohio bar. The budget would even allow getting one of the fancy Cerakote bars. My favorite is the Fraser bar. 
 
If you want to build a garage gym with all of the things needed to do CrossFit you can also go for the 3WC and Alpha CrossFit package. This way you will have a foldable rack and everything including plates to get started with CrossFit. 
 

Summary 

 
If you already have the bases covered and you are looking into expanding your gym the donkey is a great option to be considered. It is not necessarily your first big purchase from Rogue. 
 
View full post