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TITAN T3 folding rack vs Rogue SM1 squat stand [Article, Video]

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Nov 17, 2020 5:00:00 PM

TITAN T3 folding rack vs Rogue SM1 squat stand [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN T3 folding rack and the Rogue SM1 squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

Rogue SM1 Squat Stand 

 

The Rogue SM1 squat stand comes in at $595 and is one of the low-range options for under $1000 from Rogue. Learn more in this review which was originally published in the Article "Which Rack to buy from Rogue for under $1000".

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Overview of the SM1

 
The SM1 is the smallest of the Monster series Squat stands and does not include a pull-up bar. It comes in black and is manufactured in Columbus, Ohio. This stand bridges the gap between power racks and squat stands and can be built into a full rack over time if you have the funds available. It has the flat foot design, which enables you to use it without bolting it to the floor.
 
The SM1 is 73'' high and has a footprint of 50''x54''. The steel notes are 3x3'' 11 gauge steel. Based on this the SM1 is fully compatible with Rogues' Monster series and accessories. The delivery includes J Cups and has a weight capacity up to 1000LB.
 
If you want a simple squat stand which is built like a tank, this is the option for you. 
 

Pros of the SM1

 
The SM1 is made from the most sturdy design you can get in the market. This stand won't break on you and is built like a rack. If you want the best from the lowest price range of Rogue, this is the one to go for. 
 

Cons of the SM1

 
Squat stands are great for weightlifting. When it comes to powerlifting buying one might be false economy thinking. For the bench press, you will need spotter arms to train by yourself. Adding these to the price tag brings the squat stand price including the arms in the range of a rack. Then you might as well get a rack and save yourself the hassle.
 

Alternatives to the SM1

 
Alternatives to the SM1 are:
 
 
The SM2 and SM3 are variations of the Monster squat stand which come with a pull-up bar. The SM2 has a height of 103'' while the SM3 is around 108''. Depending on your needs these might be a better option to cover all the exercises you want to do.
 
The RML3WC is a foldable rack at roughly the same price as the SM1 which can be bolted to the wall. As a nice extra, it also can be folded in. This way you have more options to transform small spaces based on your needs. 
 

Overview and review of the T-3 Folding rack

The TITAN T3 folding rack will put you back about $300 - $450. TITAN is well known for their very good prices compared to their competition and will get you started on your home gym. This review was originally posted in “which Titan rack to buy for under $500

Overview of the T3 folding rack 

 
The T3 folding rack is an option from TITAN which uses the 2x3 steel tubes from the T3 series to form a foldable rack. Foldable racks are very popular with garage gym owners as they give you the option to either still park your car in the garage or provide more space if you want to to do conditioning in your limited space. The features and specifics of the T3 are:
 
Rack details 
  • 2" x 3" 11 Gauge steel. 
  • Rackable Capacity: 1,100 LB
  • Height: 91"
  • Width: 50"
  • Depth: 41.5"
  • Weight: 175 LB
 
This is the optimal option for dads who have to compromise with their wife to get a man cave in the garage. 
 

Pros of the T3 folding rack 

 
The T3 folding rack comes at an excellent price compared to the competition of TITAN. You will get a functional rack which folds to the wall in case you need to get it out of the way. This saves space and money on your purchase. 
 

Cons of the T3 folding rack 

 
A folding rack will not be as stable as a full rack which you bolt to the ground. Depending on how much abuse you throw at the rack you might want to reconsider a moveable installation. If you want to use an accessory with your rack, you will also have to deinstall it every time you would the rack. Apart from this TITAN has been reported to struggle more with mi or quality issues and inconsistencies. This doesn’t impact the functionality of the equipment, but it’s appearance and longevity. 
 

Alternatives to the T3 folding rack 

 
 
The 41 folding rack is a folding rack with 3x3 Instead of 2x3 steel tubes. If you want more metal for roughly the same price this is the one for you.
 
The X2 is the one of the cheapest series in the TITAN line up. With its 2x2 steel tubes, it uses the least material to build a rack. If you want to downsize on all ends to fit a bench and rack into $500 budget comfortably, this is for you. 
 

Summary for the T3 fold rack 

 
A good option for Dads who have to compromise with Mom for garage space on a budget.
 

Further reading