TITAN X3 half rack vs Rogue RML 490c [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the the TITAN X3 half rack and the Rogue RML 490c rack. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue RML 490C Power Rack

Price: 1.075

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 RML 490C rack is a stylish and not too expensive Rogue option for your home gym. See the details in this article.

Overview of the RML 490C

The Rogue RML490C weighs 340LB and comes in with a footprint of 53''x53''. This is a solid full rack in the mid-range price area of Rogue. It is 90.375'' high and comes with a free choice of color. The colors to choose from are:

Bright Blue
Bright Green
Burnt Orange
Dark BLue
Dark Red
Gun Metal
Light Gray
Rogue Red
Satin Black
Satin Clear
White

With this rack, you will be entering the Monster Lite series of Rogue and accessories. You can also have a look at the Monster Lite rigs to built a solid CrossFit gym. This is a good entry point to build from for powerlifters and other heavy lifting needs alike. Rogue provides a long list of accessories for their Monster lite series.

How many clients should the Rogue RML 490C bring you?

If you think that the RML 490C 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 1.075$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.

Pros of the RML 490C

The Monster Lite gives you a full rack in which you can train with space. You will be secure and be able to maneuver without feeling cramped

Cons of the RML 490C

The 490C does not leave a lot of room to store any plates. Be prepared to find other solutions to store the plates or upgrade to a 690C rack to get the plates organized.

Conclusion

The Rogue RML 490C is a great option to be nice to your bank account while still getting a solid piece of Rogue into 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.
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.