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TITAN leg press hack squat machine vs TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine

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

TITAN leg press hack squat machine vs TITAN bicep / tricep curl machine

This is a comparison between the TITAN leg press hack squat machine 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.

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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

 
 
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 TITAN Leg press Hack Squat machine $1055

This is an overview of the TITAN Leg press hack 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.

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Overview of the TITAN Leg press machine

 
A leg press machine is a classic in gyms all over the world. In any bodybuilding movie montage you will find someone sitting in a hack squat machine pushing the equivalent of a small truck around. It has also become quite popular to get all of your friends to hop on one and post the video on Instagram. If you want to get instafamous you might still be able to afford the bikini models to hop onto the machine when you buy the TITAN leg press.  A great additional design is that this machine also doubles up as a hack squat. This makes it a two for one machine which saves space in a commercial or home gym setting to train your legs hard. The full feature list includes:
 
- 2-in-1 Machine features leg press and hack squat positions
- High quality steel construction for a solid, stable design
- Safety hand rails for complete control and easy bailout no matter what position you're in
- Fits Olympic weight plates and features two loadable weight posts and two additional posts for weight storage
- Comfortable and adjustable for any size athlete
 
- Footprint Dimensions: 40-in W x 7 FT L
- Overall Height: 53-in.
- Leg Press Footplate Dimensions: 21-in W x 15-in L
- Leg Press Back Pad Dimensions: 10.5-in W x 31-in L
- Hack Squat Footplate Dimensions: 26-in W x 22-in L
- Hack Squat Footplate Positions: 4
- Hack Squat Shoulder Pad Spread: 7.5-in W
- Hack Squat Shoulder Pad Dimensions: 4.5-in W x 8-in L
- Hack Squat Back Pad Dimensions: 20-in W x 15-in L
- Weight Post Length: 11.25" per side
- Storage Weight Post Length: 11.75-in per side
- Weight Post Diameter: 1.95-in.
- Weight Capacity: 875 lb.
- Weight: 325 lb.
 
This is a great machine for a home gym as it does two things for the price of one. In a commercial gym you might want to provide two stations instead of one so that more people can train at the same time.
 

Pros of the TITAN Hack squat leg press machine

 
Pros of the TITAN Hack squat Leg press machine are:
 
  • Price
  • Space efficient
  • Big storage capacity
 
As usual the price is almost unmatched in the market for a product that would deliver the same or similar specs. Especially if you take free shipping and customer service into account. TITAN manages to provide the same material at roughly half the cost of their competition. If you want to build a massive gym, especially in your own home where you dont mind minor quality issues, TITAN makes your money stretch further.
 
As this is a two in one machine it will save you floor space. If you want to equip a small commercial gym or a home gym with a leg press and hack squat, this is the ideal solution sothat you can keep some floor space for other machines or strechtes.
 
This leg press machine can also be the centerpiece of an entire weight room, as you can store a lot of plates on this machine.  If possible i would place it close to the middle of any arrangement so that you can save on some plate trees. Making plates readily available in your gym can cut waiting time considerably and create a better experience for your customers. In your home it is nice to not have to haul your own plates too far and just able to throw them on the machine at the end of your workout.
 

Cons of the TITAN Hack squat Leg press machine

 
The cons of the TITAN hack squat leg press are:
 
  • 2 in 1 design
  • Structure
  • TITAN instructions and shipping
 
While 2 in 1 designs are always great when there is a single user, it can become problematic for multiple users. Not everyone will understand and use the machine in the way that it is intended. Especially in a commercial setup this bears a higher risk of this machine breaking or becoming a health hazard. While 2 in 1 is great for a single users who knows what the functions are, you need proper instructions when you use such a design in a more public space.
 
While the TITAN hack squat leg press is definitely sturdy it is a small leg press. You are giving up space for placing your feet and shoulders based on the two in one design. Also it would not feel comfortable using this leg press fur multiple tons of weight as it is flimsy for a leg press. It is great for the average joe, but if you do 4 - 6 plates easily for reps on a leg press, you might want to get a dedicated machine for that purpose.  
 
As with all complex assemblies from TITAN I put a caveat out that manuals and little bits are one of TITAN's major shortfalls in quality. When you offer your products for such a low price you have to cut corners in the creation of manuals and employee training. You just hear more often about tough assemblies or missing parts with TITAN than from comparable brands like Eleiko or Rogue fitness.
 

Alternatives to the TITAN Hack squat Leg press machine

 
Alternatives to the TITAN hack squat leg press machine are:
 
 
If you want to do lunges and do not want to do them with a barbell or kettlebells, a smith machine can also be a good choice. The TITAN smith machine is also closer to free weight training than a leg press or hack squat. I am personally not a huge fan of smith machines as they eat up a lot of space and are not that versatile. Still, most commercial gyms have one, so you might have to bite the bullet to provide the same as the guy next door. For any home gym I personally think that a smith machine is a waste of space and money.
 
The TITAN belt squat machine is another option to train your legs hard and still keep the exercise closer to free weight training. A belt squat machine is a great tool for weightlifters and power lifters as it takes pressure of the spine for volume work on the squat, while still not restricting your body as much as a leg press. Usually leg presses are a little more prominent with bodybuilders, so it depends on your training style for your home gym or what kind of clients you have in a commercial gym, if a belt squat is the better fit for your place than a hack squat leg press.
 
The Rogue Rhino is the current gold standard in the industry when it comes to belt squat machines. Rogue has combined their recent push into the world of machines with their tryouts for pulley systems and created a belt squat that is safe, easy to use and has almost a 1:1 ration for weight to exercise. The only downside to this machine is that it comes in at $1.750 which considerably sets it apart to the higher end compared to other machines.
 
The Rogue leg press is the beefiest and biggest machine of its kind I have personally seen. An added feature is that this massive leg press can also be used to train each leg separately or in a type of bicycle motion. Everything about this machine is massive; the seat, the plate to put your feet on, and the plate storage included. So is the price. This leg press will put you back about $4000 so you could get 4 TITAN Hack squat leg presses for the price of one Rogue leg press. The Rogue leg press is the right machine for anyone who train athletes at top levels who do not have to worry about budget. If you are massive, this is the leg press for you. 
 

Conclusion for the TITAN Hack squat Leg press machine

 
The TITAN hack squat leg press machine is great for a spacious home gym for the average joe. The price is great for what you are getting. In professional environments a dedicated leg press and a hack squat machine are probably the better choice to serve more customers in a shorter amount of time. Professional bodybuilders, powerlifters, and huge athletes might steer away from this machine due to the space constraints on the metal plates and the fact that for a leg press, it is a very light and small machine.
 
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