Rogue RM 390F Flat Foot Monster Rack vs TITAN belt squat

This is a comparison between the Rogue RM 390F Flat foot rack and the TITAN belt squat including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TITAN belt squat machine $599

This is an overview of the TITAN belt squat 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

Overview of the TITAN Belt squat machine

The TITAN belt squat machine is simple in its design and effective. You will get a metal frame that you can hook plates and a belt up to to squat away. No fuss, just simple execution. Belt squat machines are a great option for anyone who wants to build strong legs without risking a lower back or shoulder injury. High workloads on heavy barbell squats can lead to pain in the shoulders and lower back as you have to carry the weight. With a belt squat machine you do not have this problem and can train the glutes to failure before your lower back or shoulders fail you. All of this is delivered at a great price compared to other machines in the market which do the same. The full list of features includes:

- Build lower body explosion without stress on your shoulders, spine, and lower back

- (3) weight stopper positions to adjust how deep you squat

- (4) additional weight posts for storage and to counterbalance increasing stability for heavy lifts

- Diamond plated aluminum footplate for superb grip and sleek look

- Heavy-duty steel construction to handle anything you can throw at it

- Includes a weight belt for further back support

- Floor Space Required: 7 FT 6-in Wide x 5 FT Deep

- Overall Width: 83-in.

- Overall Depth: 52-in.

- Overall Height: 38.5-in.

- Footplate Dimensions: 49-in x 24-in.

- Weight Post Length: 16.5-in.

- Storage Weight Post Length: 9.75-in.

- Weight Post Diameter: 1.9-in.

- Inside Lifting Width: 42-in.

- Weight Capacity: 1,000 lb.

- Product Weight: 232 lb.

Pros of the TITAN Belt squat machine

Pros of the TITAN belt squat machine are:

Price
Simple design
High load capacity

As with all TITAN products the price of the TITAN belt squat is very attractive compared to the competition. Comparable products are usually closer to $1000 or even beyond.

The simple design with a metal stop that is adjustable in height makes this a sturdy machine that anyone can use. No complex pulleys or climbing on a high platform. Load the plates, click in the belt and put it on and off you go. Big legs in no time.

This machine scales up to 1.000 pounds which is more than enough for most athletes to get to where they want to go.

Cons of the TITAN Belt squat machine

The cons of the belt squat machine are:

Space requirements
Weight placement

The TITAN belt squat is quite wide and also adds on with the plate storage in the back. You can not fit this machine into a rack and save some space. It needs a dedicated space and therefore might not be a great option for home gyms.

With this model the weight is around you rather than beneath or in front of you. This creates an effect similar to a trap bar which is not simulating the real world of a barbell squat or sumo deadlift to the same extent. This can be fixed by adding extra weight but has a different feel about it than the rhino from Rogue.

Alternatives to the TITAN belt squat machine

The TITAN belt squat machine is not the first item you should get for your home gym. It is an accessory and tread it as such. If you do not have a rack and barbell yet, start there and build your gym around this center piece. With the X3 range you can start around $200 to $300 for a rack and add a barbell and some small plates to your shopping cart.

Another alternative is the TITAN hack squat and leg press machine. This machine provides a two in and one and can be loaded with a considerable amount of weight. Generally speaking I would recommend the belt squat more to powerlifters and weightlifters, while the leg press might be a better option for bodybuilders. Of course, all of the above is always the best option for building the perfect physique, but you might not have the money or space to pull that off.

The TITAN smith machine can be a good option if you desperately want to do lunges in a machine. I personally think that smith machines are a waste of space, money and time but most commercial gyms have one so yu might want to get one just to compete.

The Rogue Rhino is the current gold standard in the industry for belt squats. This machine can be fitted into the space of a rack and works with one of the best pulley systems in the business. If you intend to do a lot of belt squats and only want to offer the best experience, this is the one to get. The main differecne to the TITAN model is that the load is not positioned around you, but in front of you. This minimizes the support the metal frame gives you for the lift and simulates barbell work closer than the TITAN belt squat. Both will blow up your legs without wrecking your lower back as much as a barbell though. The gold standard also comes at a gold price of $1.750.

The last machine you might want to consider when you are looking at a belt squat is the Rogue leg press machine. This is probably the biggest machine I have seen in a gym and it costs around $4000. In return you get the mechanics to operate your legs separately and one of the smoothest finishes I have seen on a leg press.

Conclusion for the TITAN belt squat machine

The TITAN belt squat machine is not sophisticated, but gets the job done. If you want a belt squat for your home gym and have the space, get one. I think this is especially a better idea than a deadlift platform. With a bit of practive you can do your deadlifts on your rack. Wherever you would have placed your deadlift platform you can put the belt squat instead.

Overview and review of the Rogue RM 390F Flat Foot Monster Rack

Please also note that there is a Monster ltie and monster version of the flat foot rack in the Rogue line up. This video explains the differences very well:

Price: 1.211

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 Flat Foot will save you bolting down the rack. You will have no holes in the floor with this one. See the details in this article.

Overview of the RM 390F Flat foot

The RM390F rack is a special rack in the Rogue Line up. IT is one of two racks with the flat foot design. The flat foot design makes it possible that you do not have to drill the rack into the ground to anchor it. This makes the flat foot a very popular option in scenarios where a wood, carpet or rubber floor have already been installed and should not be damaged.

The Flat Foot weighs 335LB and comes in with a width of 24''. It is 93'' high and therefore has a footprint of 54''x'50''. The flat foot is compatible with the accessories of the Monster series. The only thing to consider is that Band pegs and safety spotter arms should not be used with the Flat Foot Monster rack. Get safety pins instead.

How many clients should the Rogue RM390F bring you?

If you think that the Rogue RM390F will bring you 4 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 2.400$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.211$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.

Pros of the 390F Flat foot

The biggest pro of this rack is the flat foot design. This means you can install this rack anywhere where there is space. No nasty holes in the floor which need to be refilled once you want to move the rack somewhere else.

Cons of the 390F Flat foot

If you get a half rack you have to think about where to store your plates. In addition, not everyone likes to train in a half rack. IT can be a bit tight for a three-step walk out.

Alternatives to the 390F Flat foot

For the same budget of 1.211$ you have the following alternatives with Rogue:

1x RML 390F Monster Lite @795$

The Rogue RML 390F is the Monster Lite version of the flat foot design. This is a very viable option to save about 500$. You are already in the market for a solution with a small footprint for home use and small athletes. You might as well save a bit more money by going for the slightly less sturdy construction of the same product.

1x Rogue Froning RML 4100C Power rack @1.150$

If you want a full rack that gets you close to the champions this is the rack to go for. Think of the fittest man on earth while training to set new PRs in a full rack dedicated to the greatest CrossFitter of all time.

Conclusion

The 390F Flat foot is a great half rack to use at home which does not need to be bolted down. With this you can train and move whenever it is convenient.