Rogue Monster Lat pull down stand alone vs TITAN adjustable prone row machine
This is a comparison of the Rogue Monster Lat pull 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.
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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
-
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
-
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 Monster Lat pull down stand alone
Price: 2.950
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 Monster lat pull down will create more bats in your gym. See the details in this article.
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Overview of the Rogue Monster Lat pull down
If you read between the lines you can see that the pulley, the bar, cable, and Steel eye were not up to Rogue's standards in the V1 of this machine. All of these parts have been consequently brought in-house and are not bought from 3rd parties anymore. These things are normal when new production lines are being built, a new market is tested and new processes build around them.
At least Rogue took the right learnings from this and perfected their
Rhino launch. The
prone leg curl and the
ISO leg press have not gotten a V2 overhaul yet whereas the
Lat pull down has. Be aware of this when you buy from Rogue. I am positive they will accommodate valid feedback, especially on big orders. If you buy for your home gym, maybe wait on the
leg press and
curl until there is more feedback available or find a gym nearby to test them.
The
Rogue Lat pulldown weighs 605lb and offers up to 300lb resistance in
plates in 10lb increments. It has a footprint of 40'' by 60''. It is 60'' long, 40'' wide and 96'' high. The steel notes are 3x3 11-gauge steel just like the rest of the
Rogue Monster series.
Pros of the Rogue Monster lat pull down
This
lat pulldown is also a rowing machine so you get two for the price of one. The difference to many other rowing machines is that Rogue came up with an idea that does not make the bench longer. By positioning a footrest under the seat this
lat pulldown machine turns into a rowing machine without adding extra length.
Another big pro is that
this machine allows the use of bands with the
lat pull. This is very unique and I have not seen many machines like this. Especially when you have experienced athletes you will appreciate that you can work with bands.
Cons of the Rogue Monster Lat pull down
A
lat pulldown is a big machine. It will take up quite a bit of space where a
pull-up bar might create a similar effect. Especially in a home gym scenario, you might be better off getting
dumbbells and a pull-up bar which takes up less floor space. As with other machines, the pulley system takes maintenance. Oiling this system and keeping it in check might not be for everyone.
How many clients do you need for the lat pull down?
If you think that the
Lat pulldown will bring you 10 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 6.000$ net new revenue against an investment of 2.950$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.
Alternatives to the Lat pull down from Rogue
Here are some alternatives to the Rogue lat pull down
The
Rhino belt including the
half rack will give you a better pulley system and the necessary
rack to play around with it. It will not exactly be the same and the workarounds might be not ideal, however, it is possible. I would also be very surprised if Rogue did not capitalize on the opportunity to deliver a system that combines the
RM6 and
Rhino to a fully built all-purpose gym station. Stay tuned for that one.
- 4 Squat/ Bench Stations
- 8 Pull up Stations
For less than the price for one lat pulldown machine. If you are aiming to open a small CrossFit gym this is the way to go. This also shows you that Rogue still has to work on optimizing their costs on building machines. The upshot is that you will get a machine that is fully made in the US. If you work for the government this might even be a requirement for purchase.
Conclusion
The Rogue Monster lat pull down is a very solid machine for your gym. If you do not want to compromise and attract the biggest and best athletes to your gym, this is the one to go for.