TITAN X3 squat stand vs Rogue SM2.5 [Article, Video]

This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 squat stand and the Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Rogue SM 2.5 Monster squat stand

The Rogue SM 2.5 squat stand comes in at $744 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 SM 2.5

The Rogue SM 2.5 Squat stand uses the beams of the Rogue Monster series and creates a very sturdy squat stand. This stand is built in Columbus, Ohio and comes in black. With the flat foot design of Rogue, it does need to be bolted to the ground.

The SM2.5 has 1000 lb weight capacity and comes in at a height of 103''. The steel notes are made from 3x3'' gauge steel. The overall footprint comes to 50''x54''. This stand comes with J Cups in the delivery to get you up and running.

Pros of the SM 2.5

A squat stand is a great alternative when you want to do weightlifting training. It gives you more room to throw the weight about than in a powerlifting cage. It is also less material in case you have to fill an entire gym, have to transport the stand often or want to able to change things quickly. The SM 2.5 will be easy to transport and serve you well in these scenarios.

Cons of the SM 2.5

A squat stand by itself is not ideal for powerlifting. If you count in the safety arm spotters you will be close to $1.000 again and might as well go for a full rack that costs a bit more but leaves you with a full cage and safety for the bench press without having to buy extra accessories.

Alternatives to the SM 2.5

Alternatives to SM 2.5 are:

SM3
SM2
RM4 Fortis rack

The SM3 comes with the same specs except that the height is different. This option is for your tall athletes. If you want to outfit an entire gym maybe mix the SM3, SM2.5, and SM2 to serve various heights. It is also a good way of adding a very high pull up bar to your gym without having to invest in an entire rig or rack.

The SM2 is the smallest of the Rogue Monster squat stands. It comes in at 90.375''. This might be a good option when your ceilings are low or you are a smaller athlete with no need for a very high pull up bar.

The RM4 Fortis rack is an alternative to the squat stands which comes in at roughly the same price if you count the spotter arms. If you want to powerlift this might be the better investment of your money than having a squat stand.

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.