TITAN X3 squat stand vs Rogue SM3 Monster squat stand [Article, Video]
This is a comparison between the TITAN X3 squat stand and the Rogue SM3 Monster squat stand. Follow the links for more details.
Rogue SM 3 Monster squat stand
The Rogue SM3 squat stand comes in at $759 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 $1000".
Overview of the SM3
The SM3 Monster Stand is the flagship of the Rogue Squat stands and comes in at a height of 2.82m. It is available in black and manufactured in Columbus Ohio. This is the squat stand for the big players who mean business.
The SM3 it comes in at a height of 111''. The steel notes are 3x3 Gauge steel. The total footprint of the squat stand os 50''x54''. This unit does not need to be bolted to the floor as it comes with the flat foot design of Rogue. It will be shipped to you including J Cups,. You can choose from either a Single Skinny Pull up bar or a Fat/Skinny pull up bar.
This is probably one of the biggest squat stands that you can get in the market. If you like it big and your customers too, go for this beast. If you have a lot of basketball players to train, this might be the squat stand for you.
Pros of the SM3
If money is not an issue with you and needs a squat stand, you can not go wrong with this one. It is completely overbuilt, in a good way. Why do you like a Mercedes . Probably not because it is the cheapest way to get you from A to B. This purchase will make you happy if you have high ceilings and tall athletes.
Cons of the SM3
If you want to use this for powerlifting it might be the wrong choice. To bench press safely you will also have to get spotter arms on top of the squat stand. The Spotter arms tailor at 270$ and all of a sudden you reached the $1.000 dollar mark and might as well look into a full rack.
Alternatives to the SM3
IThe Rogue RM4 fortis rack is a viable full rack option that comes in at roughly the same prize as the SM3 when you count in the spotter arms. If you want to powerlift and have no special reason for getting a 2.82m high squat stand I would recommend the fortis instead. You will have more options to upgrade and a safer environment to train in.
If you are not a basketball player an on a budget the SML2 might be an alternative. The SML2 saves you about 300$ compared to the SM3 for accessories or a barbell. You still will get a squat stand which is 92'' high. The SML 2 is compatible with the MOnster lite series of Rogue.
If you are as tall as a basketball player and still want to save money, the SML3 might be an option. Again you are saving roughly 300$ compared to the SM3 while you keep the height at 108''.
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:
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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 + lb capacity
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Pair of UHMW lined X-3 JHooks included
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Double-sided gusset plates
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Standard 1.25" Pull up bar included
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Mounted at your preferred height.
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Pair of X-3 Spotter Arms included
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Height: 92"
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Width: 49"
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Depth: 48"
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Product Weight: 203 lb
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Finish: Black Power Coating
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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.
