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Total Gym XLS vs Rogue SM3 Squat stand [Article, Video]

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Jun 27, 2020 4:00:00 PM

Total Gym XLS vs Rogue SM3 Squat stand

This is a comparison between the Total Gym XLS and the Rogue SM3 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

 
Alternatives to the SM3 Squat stand are
 
 
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 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.