Rogue RML 690C rack vs TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine

This is a comparison between the Rogue RML 690C rack and the TITAN bicep / tricep curl 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.

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

The pros of the TITAN bicep / tricep machine are:

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

The cons of the bicep / tricep curl machine are:

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

TITAN Preacher curl station
TITAN dumbbells

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.

TITAN dumbbells are a lot more versatile than the bicep / tricep curl stations and also come at alter price point. If you want to do your curls while seated you have to factor in the price of a bench.

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 RML 690C Power Rack

Price: 1.750

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 RML 690C rack is a great option for style and storage to build your home gym. See the details in this article.

Overview of the Rogue RML 690C

The Rogue RML690C Rack weighs in at 530LB. It has 76'' of length while being 49'' in width. The height comes in at 90.375''. When you want to place the RML690C into your gym the footprint will be 80''x53''. With this rack, you are getting the little sister of the RM6 rack. It is compatible with the Monster Lite series and gives you a full and half rack to work with. The half rack can either be used for plate storage or have more athletes train in the rack.

The 690C is available in the following colors:

Bright Blue
Bright Green
Burnt Orange
Dark Blue
Dark Red
Gun Metal
Light Gray
Rogue Red
Satin Black
Satin clear
White

In a Semi-Gloss Powdercoat. You have Westside hole spacing at the bottom to have more options for bench pressing setups. Another big advantage of this rack is that it does not need to be bolted to the floor.

The Rogue RML690C is a solid all in one solution for storage and training space for a home gym or in a professional gym to make the best of the space.

How many clients should the Rogue RML690C bring you?

If you think that the Rogue RML 690C will bring you 6 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 3.600$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.750$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.

Pros of the Rogue RML 690C

The Rogue RML 690C is a bit lighter on the budget than its bigger brother the RM6. It still provides storage options and space to train multiple athletes and hold plates at the same time. It comes in different colors to fit your taste or gym setup depending on how you want to express your branding.

Cons of the Rogue RML 690C

The Rogue RML690C might be a bit too big for home setups. There are reports of people who purchased it for personal use and came to the conclusion that the 490 would have more than sufficed. Think about how you will use the additional half rack, as otherwise, it will only be a waste of valuable floor space. You can also not use the RML 690C with the Rhino Drop in, which is one of my personal biggest reasons not to get it.

Alternatives to the Rogue RML 690C

Here are some alternatives for you from Rogue for a budget of 1.750$

1x Rogue RML 490C @1.075$

The RML4 still gives you the option to choose a color of your liking while saving you 700$ USD which can be used towards a barbell and plates on your first purchase for a home gym. For professional uses, you can also fit more 490C into your facilities if you already have solutions for string the plates.

1x Rogue R6 rack @1.495$

If you do not want to compromise on having a full and half rack at your disposal you can go for the R6. The R6 is part of the Infinity series which uses less material to build the racks. It is still more than enough to train heavy in them as the Monster Lite and Monster series bear their names for a reason. With this, you would still be able to sneak in an Ohio Bar while staying under 2.000$.

Conclusion

The Rogue RML 690C is a great option for home gyms or commercial gyms for mere mortals. Be mindful about the space you have before buying the 690 versions of Rogues racks. If you do not know what to do with the half rack at the back, go for something smaller.