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Total Gym XLS vs Rogue RML 690C rack [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Jun 22, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Total Gym XLS vs Rogue RML 690C rack

This is a comparison between the Total Gym XLS and the Rogue RML 690c rack. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review of the Rogue RML 690C Power Rack

 

 

 

Price: 1.750

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 690C rack is a great option for style and storage to build your home gym. See the details in this article.

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Overview of the Rogue RML 690C

 
The Rogue RML690C Rack weighs in at 530LB. It has 76'' of length while being 49'' in width. The height comes in at 90.375''. When you want to place the RML690C into your gym the footprint will be 80''x53''. With this rack, you are getting the little sister of the RM6 rack. It is compatible with the Monster Lite series and gives you a full and half rack to work with. The half rack can either be used for plate storage or have more athletes train in the rack. 
 
The 690C is available in the following colors:
 
  • Bright Blue
  • Bright Green
  • Burnt Orange
  • Dark Blue
  • Dark Red
  • Gun Metal
  • Light Gray
  • Rogue Red
  • Satin Black
  • Satin clear
  • White
In a Semi-Gloss Powdercoat. You have Westside hole spacing at the bottom to have more options for bench pressing setups. Another big advantage of this rack is that it does not need to be bolted to the floor. 
 
The Rogue RML690C is a solid all in one solution for storage and training space for a home gym or in a professional gym to make the best of the space. 
 

How many clients should the Rogue RML690C bring you?

 
If you think that the Rogue RML 690C will bring you 6 new clients who pay you 50$ on a 1-year retainer it is worth the investment. This will yield 3.600$ net new revenue against an investment of 1.750$. Adjust the numbers for your own gym accordingly.
 

Pros of the Rogue RML 690C

 
The Rogue RML 690C is a bit lighter on the budget than its bigger brother the RM6. It still provides storage options and space to train multiple athletes and hold plates at the same time. It comes in different colors to fit your taste or gym setup depending on how you want to express your branding. 
 

Cons of the Rogue RML 690C

 
The Rogue RML690C might be a bit too big for home setups. There are reports of people who purchased it for personal use and came to the conclusion that the 490 would have more than sufficed. Think about how you will use the additional half rack, as otherwise, it will only be a waste of valuable floor space. You can also not use the RML 690C with the Rhino Drop in, which is one of my personal biggest reasons not to get it.
 

Alternatives to the Rogue RML 690C

Here are some alternatives for you from Rogue for a budget of 1.750$

 
The RML4 still gives you the option to choose a color of your liking while saving you 700$ USD which can be used towards a barbell and plates on your first purchase for a home gym. For professional uses, you can also fit more 490C into your facilities if you already have solutions for string the plates
 
 
If you do not want to compromise on having a full and half rack at your disposal you can go for the R6. The R6 is part of the Infinity series which uses less material to build the racks. It is still more than enough to train heavy in them as the Monster Lite and Monster series bear their names for a reason. With this, you would still be able to sneak in an Ohio Bar while staying under 2.000$. 
 

Conclusion

The Rogue RML 690C is a great option for home gyms or commercial gyms for mere mortals. Be mindful about the space you have before buying the 690 versions of Rogues racks. If you do not know what to do with the half rack at the back, go for something smaller.

 

Further reading

Overview and review of the Total Gym XLS [Article, Video]

Overview and review of the Total Gym XLS

This is an overview of the Total gym XLS and alternatives. This article has been originally published under "Which total gym to get". Follow the links for more details.

 

Total Gym XLS $799 - $2000

 
The total gym XLS is my recommendation for home use when you get a total gym. You can stay under $1000 and have a full gym at home. Especially older beginners can consider this option as it can be stored away, does not challenge the lower body too much and still keeps you fit. The specifics are:
 
  • FREE streaming workouts 
  • 6 Levels of Resistance
  • Over 80 Exercises on One Home Gym
  • 400lb User Weight Capacity
  • Arrives Fully Assembled
  • Lifetime Warranty on Frame, 6-Month Warranty on Parts

This will cover you for a long time to work out at home and improve your fitness to be healthy. 
 

Pros of the total gym XLS

 
 
The pro of the Total Gym XLS is the price point. This is the best value for money options from the total gym you can get for a home user. You only lose little on the exercises compared to the Total gym Fit while saving about $700. 
 

Cons of the total gym XLS

 
The total gym XLS has a very low warranty on parts. You will also get fewer increments in resistance compared to the total gym fit. If you are a heavy user or expect to train a lot to get stronger you might be better off with the Total gym fit
 

Alternatives of the total gym XLS

 
Alternatives to the Total Gym XLS are:
 
 
The Rogue Echo bike will be a good alternative if you want to save space and focus on cardio. compared to the total gym you will give up the option of doing any pulley exercises. 
 
The dealt CrossFit package will give a starter set for CrossFit with a few things to be desired. You will get bumper plates, a bar, rings, and a medicine ball. You might want to add some kettlebells for more variety.
 
A Y2 yoke is a great option if you want to build a home gym quick and easy without having to bolt anything to the ground. You will not have the safety options of a rack or squat stand and trade-off for plate storage and extra exercise options as you can use the Yoke for yoke carries and sled exercises.