Squat MAX MD vs Crown pull up bar
This is a comparison between the Squat Max MD and Rogue Crown pull up bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. The Original was published in which accessory equipment to get for your rogue rack. Follow the links for details
Overview and review for the Rogue Crown Pull up bar
The Rogue Crown Pull up bar comes in at $255 and are a great addition to your existing rack to widen the possible exercises you can do. This article was originally published in "which accessory equipment to get for your rogue rack".
What else to consider from Rogue
Overview of the Crown pull up bar
The
Rogue Crown Monster pull up bar is the ultimate pull up station for your garage, basement or garden gym. If you have a Rogue monster rack at home this is the one to get. You will have no issues with height constraints and still be able to train your grip and upper back. The crime bar provides bars of different thickness and even spheres to keep routines challenging. The specifications of the pull-up bar are:
This is a straight forward attachment that makes no fuss.
Pros of the Crown pull up bar
The
crown pull up bar is easy to set up and versatile in its applications. The possibilities are limitless for a reasonable price.
Cons of the Crown pull up bar
The
crown pull up bar is not ideal for kipping or explosive pull-ups. Muscle-ups may also be hard to do.
Alternatives to the Crown pull up bar
The Socket pull up bar is a robust pull-up bar with good value to do pull-ups and muscle-ups. This is probably the optimal choice for beginning crossfitters who want to progress to muscle ups and kipping pull ups.
The
flying pull up bar is the option for advanced crossfitters who want to take it to the next level. This can be used to prepare you for parkour courses in which you have to use your upper body a lot. Combined with some of the grip accessories from Rogue this can get quite powerful.
The
rotating pull-up setup is a variation which can be used to target specific areas of a pull up without the constraints of having a straight grip. This can ease the strain on the wrists for athletes in rehab.
The wooden rings are a versatile addition to your gym for all strength levels. They come with the necessary straps to be set up with a rack. Be aware that most standard racks are not high enough to give you the full benefit of training with rings.
If you happen to have a long Rogue rig you may also consider a long climbing setup to switch things up instead of the
Crown pull up system.
Summary for the Crown pull up bar
If you are mainly interested in straight pull-ups and grip strength this is the ideal tool for you. Powerlifters should really consider this an addition to any rack they buy.
Overview and review Squat Max MD
The Squat Max MD comes in at $950 and is a great addition to your existing rack to widen the possible exercises you can do. This article was originally published in "which accessory equipment to get for your rogue rack".
What else to consider from Rogue
Overview of the Squat Max MD
The
squat max MD is a Hip belt squat setup which can be attached to your rack. The main benefits of hip belt squats are rehab and simulation of certain exercises. If you have athletes with shoulder injuries which keep them from barbell squatting this is an alternative. It also helps with decompressing the lower back when athletes are challenged with lower back problems.
Compared to other pulley systems this is free weight and therefore has a more direct transition of the weight to the athlete.
Pros of the Squat Max MD
The
Squat Max MD has a lower cost than most other comparable machines with pulleys or a platform. It is also a safer setup than Boxes combined with a dip belt. I personally also see a good application for Strongman athletes as the Squat max closer simulates Strongman events than a pulley solution. The narrow stance plate is a nice addition to vary your training.
Cons of the Squat Max MD
An elevated platform means trip hazards and higher injury risk. You have to get on and off the platform and in case of a malfunction you fall off the platform. Compared to the
Rhino Belt machine I can also imagine that the
Squat max MD is more prone to break if you bang it around too much.
Alternatives to the Squat Max MD
In my opinion, the
Rhino belt squat is currently the best option in the market for any kind of hip belt work. It is secure, allows for many setups and is easy to get in and out off. The only downside is that the weight will not be central below the lifter which for some training scenarios might be preferred. Still, I think that is rather the exception than the rule. The downside of the
Rhino is the price tag. If you are mucky and already own an
RM6 rack you can go for the Drop-In option which is roughly $500 more than the Squat max. If you need to get the standalone version we are taking twice the price of the Squat max.
If you already have boxes, a hip belt, and plates you can build your own hip belt squat. Stack the boxes to the desired height. Attach the plates to yourself with a hip belt. Work away. While most gyms have the necessary equipment this setup has two major disadvantages. It is almost impossible to do this reasonable by yourself so you need a coach to help you in and out of the setup. The setup is as makeshift as they come. The good news is that you have to invest exactly zero additional dollars if you already have the equipment. The bad news is that you are creating a health and safety hazard that probably won’t hold in a court case, but check with your insurance and lawyers.
Summary for the Squat Max MD
The
squat max MD is a low budget option for a safe hip belt squat. Especially when you already have a Rogue rack.