TITAN X3 half rack vs Rogue RML 390c [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 half rack and the Rogue RML 390c. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue RML 390c

The Rogue RML 390C rack comes in at $915 and is one of the better 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 RML 390C

The Rogue RML 390C is one of the lowest priced racks of Rogue where you can choose the color. This is the right choice for limited spaces that still want to show style. The available colors for the RML390C are

Bright blue
Bright green
Burnt orange
Dark blue
Dark red
Gunmetal
Light Gray
Rogue Red
Satin Black
Satin Clear
White

The rack weighs 265B on a footprint of 34'' or 40''x53''. The steel notes are made of 3x3'' 11 Gauge steel. It ships with J cups, Pin/Pipe safeties and band pegs. The RML 390C is compatible with the Monster Lite series and accessories. The length is 30'' or 36'', the width 49'' and the height 90.375''. At the lower end, you have the westside spacing which makes it possible to bench with lower increments in height. This also leaves more options for setting up bands for the Westside method for the squat and bench.

If you want a colored rack from Rogue this is the lowest entry price you can go for all other options come in with a higher price tag.

Pros of the RML390c

The RML 390C is a low price option to get a colored rack. It is also compact and can fit into more environments than its bigger counterparts. The westside spacing and compatibility with the Monster lite series set you up for future upgrades in case you want to do them.

Cons of the RML390C

For the price of an RML 390C, you can get more real estate from the Infinity series or fortis racks. If you don't care that much about the color you are probably better of going for an RM4 Fortis or RML 490.

Alternatives to the RML 390C

Alternatives to the RML 390C are

The RM4 is still below the $1000 threshold but gives you more rack space and makes you part of the Rogue Monster family. This is the part of the product line where Rogue adds new ideas more frequently. If you want to go big and do not care about color this is the better option at a minimally higher investment. The downside with this rack is that you will not get the Westside holes.

The RML 490 is the big black brother of the RML 390C if you don't make your rack being black and you want the westside spaced holes, this is the one to go for. It is only minimally higher in price and still delivers. You get a full rack in black for the price of a half rack in color.

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.