TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine vs XPO 2 trainer
This is a comparison between the TITAN magnetic resistance rower and the XPO 2 trainer 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 XPO 2 trainer
This is an overview of the XPO 2 trainer including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Related articles
Overview of the XPO trainer 2
Price: $699
The
XPO Trainer 2 offers an innovative design for
sled work by adding tires and an accelerating resistance model. The secret sauce of this
sled is a little motor at the front wheel that provides more and more resistance the harder and faster you push. This is similar to training with bands or flywheels for running, except the resistance comes from the front rather than behind. This makes the
XPO a great
sled for beginners who want to work with resistance from the start or pros that want resistance at high speeds. The full specifics of this
sled are:
- Made by Armored Fitness Equipment
- First Push Sled with Wheels
- Patent-Pending Exponential Resistance Curve: As you push harder/faster, the resistance increases to compensate
- No Weight Plates Included or Required
- (2) Removable Handles for easy transport and storage
- Laser-cut XPO Trainer logo in front plating
- Durable rubberized wheels for safe all-surface sled training
- Nearly Silent Operation
- Suitable for Beginner / Rehab up to High Intensity / Pro training
- Color: Black
A great addition to a commercial gym with a lot of space or a home gym with a spacious driveway. For professional, very heavy athletes, this might not be the right choice.
Pros of the XPO trainer 2
- Wheels instead of a sled
- work at high speeds
- Accelerating resistance curve
The biggest pro of this machine compared to
sleds is that it has wheels. This means less wear and tear on any floor that it is used on. This is especially good for indoor gyms and home gyms that are worried about
sleds wrecking the floor. The wheels also enable that you can get to a sprinting speed without worrying that the
sled will get caught on the ground and you really hurt yourself. Compared to other
sleds, this one gets harder the more momentum you create. Traditional
sleds are usually the hardest to get moving and get easier, once momentum is built.
Cons of the XPO trainer 2
- Lightweight
- Wheels
- Accelerating resistance curve
Depending on the training application and where you use it the
XPO is great. Anyone who is not an NFL linebacker or rugby player will probably be satisfied and get excellent results from it improving their explosiveness and getting some cardio work in at the same time. If you weigh 100kg plus and are mainly concerned with moving a big heavy object out of the way that is reluctant to budge then the
XPO is not the right training tool. Here you need a heavy ass
sled, that only starts moving after you throw your full weight behind it. Imagine you tackle the 60-pound
XPO with full might. It will go flying unless you weigh it down.
Alternatives to the XPO Trainer 2
The
butcher V2 costs only a third of the
XPO and simulates better to get momentum into an inanimate object. The downside is that it comes on feet instead of wheels which is more likely to damage the surface you are using it on. Rogue has addressed this in their V2 redesign with replaceable feet that can be equipped with a plastic footplate set. Still, this will damage your floors more than wheels. On the positive side, you can get a lot of weight on this to simulate rugby and football tackles. You might even like that the friction provides even more resistance.
The
Rogue Y2 yoke can also be used for
sled pushes and pulls. The setup is more cumbersome as the structure is bigger compared to
sleds. Still, a good
yoke is an all in one gym that can have a pull-up bar,
squat stand,
sled, and
yoke in one. If you have space a
yoke is not to be scoffed at, as it has way more applications for the same price as the
XPO. The only downside is that it is less portable and will screw more with your floor.
Conclusion for the XPO trainer 2
The
XPO trainer 2 is a great
sled for anyone who has the money too spent and I worried about their driveway or floor for sled work. This probably covers 95% of the fitness population that is in the market for a
sled, as it is a nice to have rather than must-have for a home gym anyway. For the remaining 5% who are massive beasts and want to simulate running into a brick wall a fully loaded
butcher is probably the better option.
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.
Related articles
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 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
-
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
-
-
Concept 2 rower
-
Total gym
-
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.