Rogue Westside bench 2.0 vs TITAN belt squat machine
This is a comparison between the Rogue Westside bench and the TITAN belt squat machine 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
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Price
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Simple design
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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
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Space requirements
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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 Westside bench 2.0
The Westside 2.0 comes in at $725 and are a great addition to your existing gym to widen the possible exercises you can do. This article was originally published in "Which bench to get to from Rogue".
What else to consider from Rogue
Overview of the Westside bench 2.0
The
Rogue west side 2.0 is a bolt-together version of the Westside
bench to bring down the cost in production and shopping. You will have more moving parts, but it is still a 1000+ pound
bench press set up for the serious athletes. One of the main features of this
bench is that you can adjust it in 1” increments and use it with bands and chains effectively. If you are a fan of the west side training method and benching big this is a great option. The specifications of the
Westside 2.0 bench are:
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Made in the USA
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2x3" 11-Gauge Uprights with Westside hole spacing
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Total Height: 54.625"
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Bench Height: 17.5” (adjustable up and down by 1" increments)
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1000+LB weight capacity
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Your choice of either a 12" wide standard bench pad or a 14.5" wide Thompson Fat Pad™ (at additional cost)
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NEW Bolt-Together Design with 0.625" Hardware
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NEW 7-Gauge Reinforced Steel Spine Under Pad
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NEW Laser-Cut Rogue Side Panels
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Infinity J-Cups with UHMW inserts to protect the bar knurl
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24" Pin/Pipe Safety Set
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4 Adjustable Band Pegs
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NEW Optional Spotter Decks (at additional cost)
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Color: Black
If you are into the Rogue setup for west side benching, this is the way to go.
Pros of the Westside 2.0
This is a lower-cost version of the west side bench and is probably one of the most cost-efficient setups in the market I which you can comfortably go to 1000 pounds for the bench press.
Cons of the West side 2.0
Compared to other bench stations or combos you will have little to no plate storage and no support for heavy incline or decline bench presses. If you care about a 1000 pound bench press you will probably more than this.
Alternatives to the Westside 2.0
If you care about a west side bench I would conveniently assume that you already own a normal bench press setup or just don’t care about getting a portable bench.
The
west side bench is the big brother of the 2.0. You will have fewer moving pieces and bigger beams which brings the cost up but also means that you get more integral stability. If you have the money and do not want to transport the
bench often, why compromise?
Summary for the Westside 2.0
The
west side 2.0 is a great option for the serious athlete who wants to train at home with a buddy. If you are equipping a professional gym you might as well go for the big one.