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Squat MAX MD vs Rogue Monster Slinger

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Dec 31, 2020 5:00:00 PM

Squat MAX MD vs Rogue Monster Slinger

This is a comparison between the Squat Max MD and Rogue Monster Slinger 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 Monster Slinger

The Rogue Monster Slinger is a compromise between a full lat pull or a makeshift solution for your Rogue rack.

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The Rogue slinger is an attachment to turn your existing rogue into a lat pulldown and ranges from $225 to $290 depending on which version you are getting. The slinger can be used with a resistance band or plate loaded option. This is an item where you have to pay special attention to the details to get the right fit. The specifications are: 
 
  • (2) Slinger Mounting Plates
  • (2) 6" Cable Pulleys
  • (1) 1/4" MIL Spec Cable with Rogue made hardware
  • (1) Slinger Extension Strap - for 100” and 108” units
  • (1) Slinger Band Sheath - 1000D Cordura
  • (2) Carabiners
  • (2) Black Zinc 1" Monster Bolt Assemblies
  • (2) Rubber Grommets for protecting the cable
 
This is a cost-efficient solution for a lat pulldown which is not completely makeshift. Rogue was smart by marketing its pulley system as a separate product while they are working on a bigger range of machines with a reflex for commercial gyms. Keep in mind that this is not as tidy a solution as a proper lat pull and will have some downsides when you use it. 
 

Pros of the Rogue Slinger 

 
The pros of the Rogue slinger are
 
  • The price 
  • Space 
  • The value for money 
 
The Rogue slingers price and space requirements are superior to a full lat pull machine which is ten times the cost. If you already have a rogue rack, the slinger is an easy addition to add pulley work to your exercise regimen without breaking the bank or a wall in your home gym. 
 

Cons of the Rogue Slinger 

 
Cons of the Rogue slinger are:
 
  • Limited weight options 
  • Storage when not used 
  • Exposed mechanics 
 
The Rogue slinger is better than bands for resistance, but will not beat a traditional weight stack in terms of ease of use and amount of resistance provided. 
 
The slinger can be annoying when you are not using it. Rogue did not think about where the cables while going when you are not using the slinger. A cheaper pulley system will be easier to remove and get out of the way fast, but also be less stable when used. Rogue has the Spud Inc. pulley system in its shop which would fit that bill. 
 

Alternatives to the slinger 

 
 
The Rogue lat pull-down will put you back around $2000. With this, you get a full stand-alone lat pull and rowing machine including the weights. The Rogue lat pull is available as an attachment to Rogue Monster racks or stand-alone. The weight stacks and mechanics are quite exposed, but storing nothing will get in the way. Compared to the slinger it is a lot more space and money to be invested for faster and more convenient training at higher resistance. 
 
The Rogue LP2 is the next generation of Rogue lat pull machines which combines the pulley from the slinger with the components from the lat pull down from Rogue. This machine will put you back around $3000 and will be the right choice for a commercial setting as it exposes the weight stacks and mechanics less compared to the lat pull. For any home gym, you would be overshooting the target in my opinion with this machine. 
 
The spud inc pulley system is a little cheaper than the slinger. It is easier to install and remove from the rack than the slinger but therefore also less stable. The spud inc is the right choice of you want o transport your lat pull often or get it out if the way faster. In return, you will not go crazy on weights with this one.
 

Summary of the slinger 

 
The Rogue slinger is a good solution if you already own a rogue rack. If you do not have space or money for a lat pull go for the slinger. Otherwise, invest in a proper lat pull to be proud and train without annoying cables in your way. 

 

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. 
 
The specs of the squat max MD are:
 
  • Made in the USA
  • Black 
  • 160LB
  • Length 44.75”
  • Width 29”
  • Platform height 18” - 24”
  • Rogue multi belt
  • Narrow stance plate
 
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

 
Alternatives to the squat Max MD are
 
 
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. 
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