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

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

Rogue RML 390f flat foot

The Rogue RML 390F rack comes in at $795 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 RML 390F

The Rogue RML 390F is an option from Rogue that does not need to be bolted to the floor. You will get a half rack for a reasonable price which can be placed anywhere from your garage, to one of the spare bedrooms or in the corner of an already established gym. It comes in black is manufactured in Columbus, Ohio.

The 390F weighs in at 295LB with a length of 48'', a width of 49'' and a height of 92.375''. Note that because of the extra beams at the bottom it is slightly higher than the average 90.375'' from Rogue. It comes with Westside Hole spacing and ships with a Single Skinny or a Fat/Skinny pull up bar, band pegs, and J Cups. The stell notes come in 3x3'' for the uprights and 2x3'' for the bases. With this rack, you are entering the Monster lite series of Rogue and the accessories available in there.

Pros of the RML 390F

This rack is easy to install and light. With this, it can be added to any kind of floor that you do not want to drill into. This can be especially beneficial when a gym already has been outfitted or your landlord does not allow for these alterations to be made. With this, you are set up and ready to go in no time, while it will also take up little space.

Cons of the RML 390F

As this is a small rack and it won't be bolted down to the floor it is not ideal for any extreme exercises. If you kip like a beserker or regularly throw 400 pounds or more around you might want to get a rack that is either bigger if you don't bolt it down or a smaller rack that can be bolted down to the floor. You will also have to think about where to store your plates as on the rack itself might not leave you with the best experience due to lack of space.

Alternatives to the RML 390F

The RML 390C would be an alternative to add color to your life. It has roughly the same dimensions as the flat foot and can be bolted to the ground. The price is higher, but you will get a good rack in your choice of color.

If you don't want to increase the budget and prefer to have a rack that can be bolted to the ground for extra stability the RML3 might be the right choice for you. It comes in at roughly the same price and has also less height. This might also be a better solution if you have a low ceiling.

The RM 390F is the big brother of the RML 390F. This is the monster version of this rack. If you want to build on your investment and upgrade your rack over time, this is the option for you. There will be more upgrades available for the Monster series than for the Monster Lite is Rogue focuses on the higher price tag items first to push the portfolio forward.

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.