TITAN X3 squat stand vs Rogue RML 490 [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 squat stand 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

Alternatives to the RML 490 are

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 X-3 Squat stand with pull up bar

The TITAN X3 Squat stand will put you back about $490. 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 squat stand

The X3 is a squat stand which boasts 3x3 steel tubes. It is, therefore, a very sturdy squat stand compared to other 2x3 or 2x2 options. The X3 comes with Westside spacing in the lower part of the rack to allow for smaller increments on the bench press. The flat foot design saves you bolting it to the floor which makes it a very good option in some home gym scenarios. It also comes with spotter arms. The specifics and features of the squat stand are:

3" x 3" 11 gauge steel uprights
Westside hole pattern through bench zone
2" hole spacing above and below.
1,000 + lb capacity
Pair of UHMW lined X-3 JHooks included
Double-sided gusset plates
Standard 1.25" Pull up bar included
Mounted at your preferred height.
Pair of X-3 Spotter Arms included
Height: 92"
Width: 49"
Depth: 48"
Product Weight: 203 lb
Finish: Black Power Coating
Floor Space: 16.3 sq ft (49" x 48")

This is as sturdy as they come as far as squat stands go.

Pros of the X3 squat stand

As with all TITAN equipment, the first thing to note is the competitive price. You will have a challenge to find a good quality 3x3 squat stand for the same price. A squat stand also gives you the ability to drop weight easier than in a power rack. If you prefer the Olympic lifts over powerlifting this might be the better choice for you. A squat stand also saves space and can be easily transported.

Cons of the X3 squat stand

Especially for beginners, you have less protection. The spotter arms are fine and nice, but in practice, safety pins in a full rack are a lot more secure as you won’t miss them. The whole structure is also led likely to tip over if installed correctly. In addition, TITAN is known for inconsistencies on their finish.

Alternatives to the X3 squat stand

These are other options for the X3 squat stand:

For almost the same amount of money, you can get a colored version of the T3 rack. While the tubes are only 2x3 you will get a full rack in the color of your choice.

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”.

The T3 folding rack saves you about $100 on the X3 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 of the X3 squat stand

A great option for anyone planning on a home gym for Olympic lifting or a gym that still has a corner left and does not j ow what to do with it. If you get the squat stand make sure you can store your plates somewhere separate.