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TITAN X3 half rack vs Rogue R3 bolt together [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Sep 2, 2020 9:00:00 AM

TITAN X3 half rack vs Rogue R3 bolt together [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 half rack and the Rogue R3 bolt together. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Rogue Bolt together R3 

 

The Rogue R3 bolt together rack comes in at $725 and is one of the mid-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".

 

What else to consider from Rogue

Overview of the R3

 
The R3 Rogue Bolt together rack is part of the Rogue Infinity series and comes in black. It is manufactured in Columbus, Ohio. This rack is special as it is delivered in more parts than the standard R3. This makes it easier to install in narrow settings and to transport.
 
The R3BT is 24'' or 30'' in length and 43'' wide. The height comes to 90.375''. The stell notes are made of 2x3'' 11 Gauge steel. The total footprint comes to 34'' or 40''x53''. The R3 weighs about 200LB. As part of the Infinity series, this rack is compatible with the accessories from this line. It ships with 4 band pegs and to safety pins. A Fat/Skinny pull up bar is also included.
 
This is a good variation on the standard R3 which is a little more pricey but gives you more options for the installation itself. If you need a versatile half rack this is the way to go.
 

Pros of the R3

 
This rack is ideal if you have to get it up narrow staircases. If you want to install your rack in an attic or your gym is somewhere up a lot of stairs.
 

Cons of the R3

 
The infinity series is part of the Rogue portfolio that probably will get less attention over the years. Rogue has the Monster, Monster Lite, Infinity, and Echo series. The most additions to the portfolio have been made in the MOnster and Monster lite bracket. So don't expect too many extras for this rack, if you choose to buy it and work from the options already available.
 

Alternatives to the R3

 
Alternatives to the R3BT are:
 
The R3 is the same rack which comes in bigger chunks. If you have loads of space to install it and do not have to bring it up narrow staircases, go with this option.
 
The RM4 Fortis rack costs only slightly more money but will make you part of the Monser family of Rogue. If you want to protect your investment long term you might want to spend the extra $200 to have access to more upgrades instead of the R3BT.
 
If you want to acquire a full rack instead of a half rack for roughly the same money, go for the RE4. The RE4 is part of the Rogue Echo series and will set you back $650. If you only want a rack and do not care too much about upgrading it in the future this is a very good alternative to the RE3BT.
 

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
 

Topics: TITAN