TITAN belt squat machine vs TITAN H-PND

This is a comparison between the TITAN belt squat machine and the TITAN H-PND including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the TITAN H-PND $574

This is an overview of the TITAN H-PND 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 H-PND

The TITAN H-PND is a reverse hyper that is built solid like a tank. With this machine you can attack your lower back and train up the area to improve your deadlift and the squat. The lower back is usually an area of your body that falls short with regular gym machines and barbell training. A reverse hyper like the H-PND can take care of this and make your back figuratively bullet proof. The full list of specifications for this model includes:

- Overall Weight: 250 lbs.

- Overall Height: 44.5-in

- Footprint: 52.25-in x 41-in

- Sleeve Diameter: 2-in

- Loadable Sleeve Length: 10-in

- Step Dimensions: 3-in x 3-in Tubing, 8-in Long.

This is a solid reverse hyper for a solid price. If you need big equipment because you are massive but do not want to pay massive bucks, this is a great option to add a reverse hyper to your training arsenal-

Pros of the TITAN H-PND

The pros of the TITAN H-PND are:

Price
Massive Pad
Massive structure

The price of a reverse hyper this weight and height is unmatched in the industry. As so often with TITAN equipment they undercut the competition from Rogue and Eleiko by almost half.

The pad which you lay on his huge on the TITAN H-PND. This provides comfort and safety for an exercise that can get very uncomfortable and even harmful very quick if it is not set up in the right way.

This thing will go nowhere. It is big and heavy and that is good, if you need one as small people usually do no use this type of equipment that much.

Cons of the TITAN H-PND

The cons of the H-PND are:

Space requirement
Low use

This machine eats up quite bit of space, especially in a home gym. While a lot of powerlifters and weightlifters say that this machine massively helped them to set new personal records and feel less lower back, it still runs a high risk to not be utilized enough. Quite a few home gym owners sell these as they find that they can make better use of their limited space with other equipment.

Alternatives to the TITAN H-PND

The Titan economy H-PND is the cheaper and smaller version of the TITAN H-PND. Especially if you are small yourself and have limited space and budget this might be the better version for you. The TITAN economy also functions as the base for the TITAN Glute and ham combo.

If are not massive and can afford the Glute and hamstring combo from TITAN than this is probably the better buy. You will get more use out of your space buy opting for this variation on the H-PND without giving up too much space. If you are buying for your own home gym, definetly like at this before checking out. In a commercial setting you might want to get two different machines, one glute ham and one reverse hyper. It is only slightly more money than getting the combo but you get the benefit of being able to handle more people at the same time or running circuit training.

The Rogue donkey is the gold standard in the industry for GHDs and Reverse hypers to date. Everything on this machine is in the right place and sturdy. The pad is massive and has a beautiful leather finish that is also practical. With all things which are exceptionally nice, they come at an exceptional price. The Rogue Donkey is no exception and retails at $1.950. Worth it, but only if you are flush with cash.

Conclusion for the TITAN H-PND

The TITAN H-PND is a great budget option for one of the sturdiest reverse hypers you can find in the market. If your goal is to provide a lot of variety to your clients and you have the space, there is not a lot you can do wrong by buying this reverse hyper. If you are challenged for the space you might want to get the combo instead or the Donkey, depending on budget. All in all a Reverse hyper is not the most essential item to training, so you might want to look for other pieces to the puzzle first. A belt squat machine could be such an option.

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.