TITAN X3 half rack vs Rogue Collegiate half rack [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 half rack and the Rogue Collegiate half rack. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue Monster Collegiate Half Racks

Price: 1.160

This review was originally posted in the longer article "Which strength equipment to buy from rogue" in which you can read about 25 products of Rogue which cost more than 1.000$. The Rogue Monster collegiate racks are a good solution when you want to build along lane of racks with plates in the middle. See the details in this article.

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the Rogue collegiate rack

The Monster Collegiate half rack is another special purpose rack and one of the newer developments in the Rogue portfolio. You get the full benefit of the design when you opt for the double rack option. This leaves the plate storage in the middle of two training stations optimizing footprint and rack stations in a long line which can be accessed from both ends. In addition, the design makes it easy to switch between band/rope work and heavy lifts in the same session due to the prolonged sockets.

How many clients should the collegiate rack bring you?

If you think that the Rogue Monster Collegiate will bring you 4 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 2.400$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.160$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.

Pros of the collegiate rack

The Rogue Monster Collegiate is a low price option to enter the Rogue Monster Series family of Rogue. If you want to train many people in parallel this is a good option.

Cons of the collegiate rack

There are not many cons to this low price monster rack except that you do not get a full rack to train in.

Alternatives to the collegiate rack

Here are some alternatives at a price point of 1.160$ to the Collegiate rack:

1x Rogue Froning RML 4100C Power rack

With this rack, you get a nice full rack with special branding at a slightöly lower price than the collegiate rack. This can be a good option when you want more space inside the rack to do your workouts.

1x Rogue RML 490C Power rack

This is an option that leaves you with a full rack and the option to choose your color. The disadvantage is that you get the Monster LIte to make instead of the Monster base for your rack.

Conclusion

If you want a rack that is not too expensive and can be used inside and outside a rack for band work, this is the one to go for. It is also a good option when you have limited space and want o make maximum use of your setup.

Overview and review of the X3 half rack

The TITAN X3 half rack will put you back about $550. 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 X3 half rack

The X3 half-rack gives you the safety of a power rack while optimizing for floor space. You can even store your plates on it if you want to. The 3x3 steel tubes of this rack also provide Westside hole spacing which allows for smaller increments on your bench press setup. If this is the rack for you it comes with the following features and specs:

3" x 3" 11 gauge steel uprights.
Westside hole pattern through bench zone.
2" hole spacing above and below.
1,000 + lbs. capacity.
Pair of UHMW lined X-3 J-Hooks included.
Double-sided gusset plates.
Overall height: 92"
Overall width: 49"
Overall depth: 48"
Product Weight: 250 LB
Finish: Black Powder Coating
Floor Space: 16.3 sq ft (49" x 48")
Rack depth: 17"
Front upright height: 92"
Rear upright height: 72"

This is a great option for college dorms or small spaces at home. It can also be used to have high quality in a gym while saving a little in overall floor space for a line of racks.

Pros of the X3 half rack

As with most of the TITAN line up first and furthermost the price for what you are getting. Apart from that, a half rack can be a great space saver whilst still functioning as a full rack. Especially the possibility to store your plates on the second set off uprights might make it superior to a squat stand.

Cons of the X3 half rack

Squatting inside the rack might leave you constrained. Especially if you are very tall and big. Small athletes will have no problems, but if you are the next Eddie Hall or generally like a bit of space to do your exercises, go for a full rack like the T3 instead.

Alternatives to the X3

These are other options for the X3 half-rack:

If you already have a bench or just don’t need one you can invest just a little extra and get a colored rack.

Another way to go is to save on the color to have more budget for different size options on the T3 and maybe even adding some plate holders. The T3 is available in a short and tall version to adjust the height. For depth, you can choose between 24” and 36”.

If you want to stay within budget but start your gym with 3x3 tubing you can go for the X3 squat stand. This is a good option for big and/or experienced lifters who prefer the freedom and flexibility of a squat stand, yet still, move big weights. I recommend that you have enough space and experience on how to drop weights from a squat position if you opt for a squat stand. Spotter arms are nice with a stand but usually useless. You either miss them on a hardcore drop or the entire unit comes down because you didn’t bolt it to the ground.

The T3 folding rack saves you about $200 on the T3 and can be installed in your garage. If you only train on the weekends or two days a week, this is a good option so that you can still use the garage or basement for your car/ miscellaneous rubbish you think is important ( I have that stuff in my attic). The savings can be put towards a barbell like the blues city or Atlas bar.

Summary for the X3 Half rack

If you are ok with squatting outside the rack and still want 3x3 uprights and are storage this is a great option for you. If you have Eddie Hall’s size, stay away from this as you will constantly bang off the uprights of you are squatting inside your rack. This injury risk is not worth the savings compared to a T3.