Rogue Monster Lat pull down stand alone vs TITAN bicep / tricep machine
This is a comparison of the Rogue Monster Lat pull and the TITAN bicep / tricep machine including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine $329
This is an overview of the TITAN bicep /tricep curl 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 bicep / tricep curl machine
The
TITAN bicep / tricep machine is a classic machine you will find in most gyms all over the country. The swing arm can be adjusted so that you either pull the weight up or push it away while having your arms on a preacher curl bench. There is also an adjustable seat included and the machine is
plate loaded. A curl machine works to build bigger biceps and triceps. It might eat up too much space in some gyms, as these exercises can also be done with
dumbbells. The full specifications of this machine are:
- Bicep curls and Tricep extensions in one machine
- Olympic style plate loadable
- High-quality vinyl padding to minimize discomfort
- Heavy-duty steel frame construction
- Intuitive adjustable pin design
- Bolt-together assembly is fast and easy
- Overall Height: 39-in.
- Overall Width: 33-in.
- Overall Length: 44.25-in.
- Loadable Sleeve Length: 9.75-in
- Handle Grip Length: 8.5-in. (each)
- Overall Handle Length: 22.75-in.
- Adjustable Seat Height: 16-in - 21-in
This is a great machine for a good price to build your arms. It can be used in a commercial setting and home gym alike as it does not eat up too much space.
Pros of the TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine
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Isolated movement
-
Plate loaded
-
Easy to use
The
TITAN bicep / tricep machine is great to isolate the bicep and tricep. Compared to
dumbbell movements there is a smaller likelihood of you activating other muscle groups than the arm muscles to complete your repetitions. This makes this machine great for sets with as many repetitions as possible on a lighter weight to really feel the burn.
The
plate loaded design saves cost in home gyms or gyms that mainly offer
plate loaded machines. This way you do not pay the weight stack in each machine and can work with the
plates you already have.
The mechanics of this
bicep / tricep curl machine are easy to use and robust. There are only a few moving parts which makes it easy to assemble and adjust.
Cons of the TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine
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Space requirements
-
One trick pony
-
Plate loaded
While this is a small machine it still takes up some footprint in your gym. If you have very little space and can only fit a squat
rack in your room, this is not an option and can be replaced with
dumbbells.
While the
TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine is great at what it does, it still only does this one thing. There are other machines from TITAN that give you more variety with their two in one design.
While a
plate loaded machine is great when you are the only one using your gym it can be tricky in a crowded public scenario. Loading
plates and transporting them takes more time and also can lead to multiple tripping hazards. In such scenarios a machine with an integrated weight stack is the better option.
Alternatives to the TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine
The TITAN preacher curl station does the same as the
bicep / tricep curl machine. You will need to get an EZ bar in addition to get the most out of this. If you are into a training station for your arms it is a par between the preacher curl station and the
bicep / tricep curl machine in terms of cost, space and footprint (if you factor in the bar). Here you have to decide whether you prefer a free weight or machine type of style of training.
Conclusion for the TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine
This is a great machine and any gym that has the space should get the
bicep / tricep curl machine or a preacher curl station. If you do not have the space you can do the exercises with
dumbbells I stead while standing or kneeling in front of your bench.
Overview and review of the Rogue Monster Lat pull down stand alone
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.