TITAN X3 half rack vs Rogue RML 490 [Article, Video]
This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 half rack and the Rogue RML 490. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the Rogue RML 490
The Rogue RML 490 rack comes in at $983 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 RML490
The
RML 490 rack is the no-nonsense full
rack version from
Rogue for the smaller pocket. with $983 you don't break the $1000 ceiling and still get a great piece of equipment. The
RML 490 is available in black and made in Columbus Ohio. It weighs in 336LB.
The dimension of the
RML 490 as 49'' in width and length for a footprint of 53'' by 53''. The height is standardized
to 90.375''. The
RML 490 ships with J-Cups, Band Pegs, and safeties
to get going once you receive it. A fat skinny and a skinny bar are also included for pull-ups. The stell notes are made from 3x3'' Gauge Steel with Westside hole spacing.
This rack is a good option if you do not want to get fancy and stay within budget. With the Monster lite series, you also get one of Rogue's long-standing lines with great customer support.
The
Rogue RML-490 is a great option when you want
to train Westside at home or if you want
to upgrade your gym
to attract more powerlifters. IT is compact and does the job for the big three lifts and beyond.
Pros of the RML 490
One big pro as the price tag and what you get for it from Rogue. Being just slightly below $1000 it does not go over the psychological barrier that many buyers set for themselves when going out to buy a rack. With the two bars and westside spacing, it also leaves you with a lot of flexibility for different setups to push your total to the max.
Cons of the RML 490
The
RML 490 has no numbering of the holes, no color option and is also fixed in height. This puts it at a disadvantage compared
to other
Rogue racks. In addition, you also enter the monster Lite series of
Rogue which usually has fewer updates with new upgrades then the Monster series.
Alternatives to the RML490
The
RM4 fortis would be roughly the same budget but in the Monster series of
Rogue. If you don't care about the westside spacing but think that having numbered holes would be better for you, go for the
RM4 Fortis instead.
The RML 490C is the same rack but adds a splash of color. If you always wanted your rack in blue or orange to match the rest of your gym, furniture or interior design, this is the option to go for instead. The only con is that it comes in with a price which is slightly above $1000.
The RML 690C is an option when you need more storage space and want to have a full and a half rack in one. This is the option which will help you to get more utensils and strength equipment on the rack, rather than the walls of your gym.
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.
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Westside hole pattern through bench zone.
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2" hole spacing above and below.
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1,000 + lbs. capacity.
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Pair of UHMW lined X-3 J-Hooks included.
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Double-sided gusset plates.
-
Overall height: 92"
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Overall width: 49"
-
Overall depth: 48"
-
Product Weight: 250 LB
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Finish: Black Powder Coating
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Floor Space: 16.3 sq ft (49" x 48")
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Rack depth: 17"
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Front upright height: 92"
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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.