TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine vs Volcano Yoke

This is a comparison between the TITAN magnetic resistance rower and the Volcano Yoke including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which conditioning equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Volcano Yoke

This is an overview of the Volcano Yoke including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details

Overview of the Volcano

Price: $1.999

The volcano is a yoke that has been modified in a way that it can also be used to simulate tire flips. It has six plate storage pins and its triangular shape makes it stable, even when large amounts of weight are being moved. This makes it a great tool for serious strongman training. The full specifications are:

Made in Columbus, OH, USA by Volcano Strength LLC
2x2" & 2x3" Steel construction
Weight (Unloaded): 250 LBS
Height: 60" overall / 45" yoke bar height
Length: 69" (depth)
Width: 48"
Footprint: 69" x 48"
3 Easy-Grip Crossmembers: 1.75” diameter
6 Weight Posts: 9.75" loadable post length
1" thick Rubber Corner Protection
Color: Black
Ships Disassembled

Especially if you have a lot of space and ant to train yoke carries and tire flips outside, this is a good investment.

Pros of the Volcano

The pros of the volcano are:

Lower injury risk
Adjustable load
2 in 1 for strongman training

If you have space and you want to get serious about strongman training, then this a great tool to use. With the three handles, you can get a good grip on the weight and simulate strongman events that involve flipping cars or tires. Compares to tires and other strongman tools you can also increase the weight in increments and therefore track your progress better. All of this makes the Volcano a great option if you ave the indoor or outdoor space to do the flips and carries.

Cons of the Volcano

The cons of the volcano are:

Big frame
No option to put a barbell on
Can not be used for conditioning

Even though the volcano claims space efficiency it is a massive frame that will take up a big portion of most home gyms. If you do not have a lot of extra space, the chances are high that the volcano will end up vas a glorified plate tree. Compared to a traditional yoke you also do not have as many options to store a barbell on it, use it to get atlas stones over or do sled work. This is mainly due to the fact, that the three handles are fixed and can not be adjusted. Compared to a tire you can not jump onto the volcano or beat the crap out of it with hammer. I am confident that if you have the space for a volcano, you also have the space for a yoke and a tire. A yoke and a tire will likely cost the same or less and give you more training options.

Alternatives to the Volcano

Alternatives to the volcano are

Rogue Y2 yoke
Titan indoor tire flipping machine

The Rogue Y2 Yoke is one of the bigger Yokes from Rogue. With this option, you will be able to do carries, sled pushes, and atlas stones over the bar exercises. It also only $535 compared to the almost $2000 of the Volcano.

If you have a gym and want to get a tire flip, without the dirt and fewer space requirements, you can get the Titan tire flipping machine. In fact, for the budget of one Volcano you can get the Tire flipping machine and the Yoke.

Conclusion for the Volcano

The Volcano is a great option for actual strongmen who want to get ready for competition. The Volcano simulates the load distribution of very heavy yoke carries better than a traditional yoke. For example hay or other heavy objects that usually stack higher than plates for the same amount. It also probably the best tool for simulating a very heavy tire or car flips at home. That being said, most people do not follow this type of heavy strongman training. If you are just a weekend warrior you can me your money stretch a lot better by getting a yoke, barbell, plates, and an old tractor tire.

Overview and review of the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine

This is an overview of the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article was originally published in Which cardio equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for more details.

Overview of the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

The TITAN fitness magnetic rower is a low budget option to get a rowing machine into your home gym or professional gym. While the price is low and it also sits very low to the ground it is not great for high-performance rowing. If you are looking for easy resistance like a stroll in the park this is the right machine for you. If you want to crank the handle like there is no tomorrow you have to go with one of the air resistance or water resistance rowers that are more upmarket. The full specifications of this machine are:

Dimensions: 60-in x 22.5-in x 19-in.

Seat: 12.5-in x 9.75-in x 2-in.

Footrests: 10.375-in x 4.5-in.

Handles: 16-in x 1-in

Color: Gray/Black

Track material: Aluminum

Frame material: Steel

Weight Capacity: 250lb.

Product weight: 50lb.

- Great for cardiovascular and aerobic exercise

- 8 resistance settings

- Large LCD screen to count time, calories and number of row pulls

- Large pedals are slip-resistant with adjustable straps for feet

- Easy to fold and stand up between usage

- Heavy-duty construction with padded seat and non-slip handlebar grip

This is great if you just want to stay active and do not want to go outside for any kind of reason. It will also be easier on your joints than a treadmill as you can stay seated while using it. It will not fit under the bed but can be put into a tall closet when it is upright.

Pros of the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

The pros of the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine are:

Silent
Price
Low seat

The mechanics of the TITAN magnetic resistance rower allow that it is very silent to use. You do not have the air or water noises from the higher-priced professional models. So if you want to use it when the children are asleep in the next or you are in a big apartment complex with pesky neighbors, this can do the trick.

For a rower, this is very cheap. Most other rowers will start around $400 and go up to $2000 depending on what kind of resistance and media package you are getting. So if you just want a low price option to train at home without a lot of hassle, the magnetic rower is for you.

Another bonus of the TITAN magnetic rowing fitness machine is that the seat is very close to the floor. This leaves a lot of room if you are big to sit on it and fully stretch out on each row.

Cons of the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

The cons of the TITAN magnetic Rowing fitness machine are:

Magnetic resistance
Fairly light
Low-quality footrests
Outdated computer unit

The magnetic resistance itself is prone to break and you can easily overpull it. If you are reasonably strong and go at this machine with full force the magnetic resistance will break and you have a free-spinning wheel for your pull. This makes it impossible to use this machine if you want to go all balls out on interval training. This machine has been designed for a smooth, even ride.

You want cardio equipment to be light so that you can move it around easily, but not so light that you feel like you might crush it. It depends on how big you are, but I weigh 105kg and I am 185cm tall. When I sit on this I feel like I would destroy it in 2-3 proper sessions, but then it clearly was not designed with the kind of workout in mind that I want from a rower.

The footrests are made of cheap plastic which will probably not withstand the test of time unless you are very timid with it. Also, the computer unit is outdated and only provides minimal information.

Alternatives to the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

These are the alternatives for the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine:

Rogue echo bike
Concept 2 rower
Total gym
Unter the desk treadmill

The Rogue Echo Bike is my personal go-to option for a proper interval cardio machine that does not cost a fortune. This bike is sturdy, the details have been taken care of, and the computer unit makes your life easier. It does not have any entertainment on board, but if you want to do a proper interval training bout, this is the machine to get.

If you intend to row the concept 2 rower model D is the industry standard which has been around for years all over the world. This machine is operated with air resistance and a chain, some newer models with a belt. This rower can be used by athletes of all ages and skill levels to improve their rowing and endurance. The resistance increases based on how hard you pull the handle in the beginning. The only disadvantage is that it costs about 3 -4 times what this magnetic rower costs.

If you are looking for a machine to keep fit at home that is not too hard on your joints and can be easily stored, then the Total Gym can be an option. It is not great as a rowing machine but is more versatile to train all of your muscle groups. Besides, it can also be stored under the bed.

If you want to stay and do not want to get outside because you are scared or want to stay close to your safe environment at home than an under the desk treadmill is also a great option.

Conclusion for the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

The TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine is a good choice when you want a rower for your home that is silent, cheap, and not too challenging. Ideal for a nursing home where people might be afraid to go outside. If you are a serious athlete or hobby warrior I personally think you are saving at the wrong end as you will rip this thing apart in no time.