Rogue Monkey Rig vs TITAN neck machine
This is a comparison of the Rogue Monkey 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.
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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
-
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
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 $700 and is therefore quite affordable. This is a great option for a home gym that wants to save space and yet still train all muscle groups with pulley resistance. If you want to provide this service in a public space the
TITAN functional trainer with weight stacks might be the better option, as this creates less risk for tripping up or injury for loading the
plates onto the machine.
The
TITAN plate loaded deltoid machine is the better machine to build the neck and upper body in a safe way. With this machine there is less risk of serious injury when it is not used correctly. It also is a two in one machine for seated shoulder presses and deltoid work. If you want to build a big neck without risking serious injury and giving up too much space, this is a great alternative.
Conclusion for the TITAN plate loaded neck machine
I personally think that the
TITAN plate loaded neck machine comes into the same bracket as a
smith machine. Yes it has it benefits, but there is other machines and equipment that do the same thing in a safer and better way. One of these would be a head harness that you can attach weight or a band too. Less space taken up even though a good one of these will cost roughly the same as the
TITAN neck trainer.Overview and Review of the Monster Lite Monkey Rig
This review was originally posted in the longer article "Which strength equipment to buy from rogue" in which you can read about 25 products of Rogue which cost more than 1.000$. The Rogue Monkey Lite rig is a gym in its own for advanced athletes. See the details in this article.
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Overview of the Monkey Rig
The Rogue
Monster Lite Monkey Rig is an impressive piece of hardware
which will catch the eye of anyone who will cast an eye on it. The main addition to the normal Rogue setups are the Monkey bars at various heights. If you want to prepare your athletes for CrossFit competitions or to compete in the Ninja warrior series, this is the way to go.
The
monkey rig is constructed by 3x3 11- Gauge steel with 0.625 holes and
Westside spacing. Its length is 24', width 6' and height 9'. This makes for a total footprint of 24'-3'' x 6'-8''. On this space, you will create 6 squat/bench stations and more than 10
pull up stations. It comes in black and ships in 6-8 weeks.
Be aware that it does not ship with
barbells or
plates when you purchase it. These are additions to your budget. You can read up on my blog if you are not sure yet
which rogue barbell to buy. to get an overview of the portfolio.
Pros of the Monkey Rig
The
Monster lite Monkey Rig makes a big statement. If you want to differentiate yourself from other CrossFit boxes in an area where you have a lot of fit people around it makes sense. If your clients are also collectively moving into a direction where they want to compete in CrossFit team sports, this is a good bet. It will also open your gym up to clients who are more interested in climbing.
In addition to the Monkey bars, you will also get a fully functioning 24'
Monster Lite Pull-up rig. This is already a full gym. It is ideally suited to training
which incorporates a lot of kipping
pull-ups and muscle ups. The middle also creates a corridor
which can be used for sprints and other aerobic ideas like bear crawls.
Cons of the Monkey rig
This thing is massive! Most gyms will not have enough space. If I was to open a gym I would think of the
Monster lite Monkey Rig as something to aspire to rather than a first purchase. Most of your clients will not be able to do
pull-ups, muscle-ups or climb the entire Rig. This is something that the fitness community you will build has to grow into. The 5.000$ might be invested more wisely in other
equipment in a first purchase unless you have unlimited sources, space and want to build the most impressive gym in the entire city (
which is also a valid business strategy, if you have good financial backing).
It is a pity that you can not get the
monkey rig in individual colors and that there is no conversion kit available at the moment for already existing 24' rigs. Also be aware that the
Monster Lite series is not compatible with all of the Rogue accessory. Think about what additional
equipment you want to get before you hit the purchase button. In my opinion, it also does not make sense to have beams at the lower end of this setup. Therefore you will not be able to use band pegs for the squat/bench stations. You will also have to store the weight
plates away from the rig. To protect your clients from injury you want to take special care that this setup is not cluttered with
plates.
How many clients should this rig bring you?
If you think the
Monkey Rig can attract 17 new clients
which you can sign up for 50$ a month on a 1-year retainer, make the purchase. This equals net new revenue of 10.200$ against 5.000$ in the first year. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.
Alternatives to the monkey rig
Depending on
which clients you serve and how much floor space you have here some alternatives from Rogue based on a 5K budget excluding
barbells and
plates:
This configuration will give you more opportunities to generate revenue from beginning weightlifters and gives you some color options.
- 2x RM6 @ 2095 each
- 2x Monster Single Post Shelf @ 95$ each
- 2x Monster Single Post Kettlebell Shelf
This configuration will give you more options in terms of training styles, especially when most of your clients cannot do
pull-ups yet. This configuration leans more towards a powerlifting gym or an upgrade of the free weight section of a commercial gym. The Single Post shelves are often overlooked when buying the 6er series of Rogue. If your clients are used to
half racks you can leave the back free. More often than not new additions to the Rogue portfolio are made exclusively or earlier available to the Monster range and not to the
Monster lite range. Keep that in mind when making your investment.
Conclusion
The monkey rig is a great piece of equipment if you have space and money to afford it. It is the right addition to your gym, if you have advanced athletes who are looking for a bigger challenge. If your gym mainly has recreational weekend warriors on the roster this beast of steel and bars might be a little too intimidating.