Total Gym XLS vs TITAN T3 color rack

This is a comparison between the Total Gym XLS and the TITAN T3 color rack. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review T3 Tall power rack color

The TITAN T3 color will put you back about $500. 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 T3 tall color power rack

The Titan T3 is probably the best value for money rack you can get from TITAN. It’s main characteristics are the 2x3 steel tubes. There are also 2x2 and 3x3. The T3 offer you 21 different tack positions to live up to your personal body size. The colors you can choose from are:

Royal blue
Fire Red
Envy green
Ghost white

You will get the following features and specifications included with the T3 colored rack:

2" x 3" 11 gauge steel uprights and 5/8" hardware.
1,100 LB rackable capacity
4,400 LB total rack capacity.
1.25" and 2" diameter pull up bars included.
Left and right-handed J-hooks included.
Height: 91 1/8"
Height of Pull Up Bar: 89"
Inside Width: 42 1/8"
Outside Width: 53 1/4"
Inside Depth: 36"
Outside Depth: 44 3/4"
Floor Space: 16.7 square feet
Weight: 270 LB

Pros of the TITAN T3 color

The price of the TITAN line up is usually the biggest factor when someone considers buying them. Especially if you want to buy more than one rack, this is something to seriously consider. For home gyms you might want to pull back from extras you will not use anyway and focus on high quality for the key pieces. These are usually the rack, the bar, and the bench. With the T3 you also go for the middle of the portfolio, which is always a good choice to get good quality at a moderate price.

Cons of the T3 TITAN color

Titan has, unfortunately, built a reputation in the market that the low cost is bought at the price of imperfect finish. When you see your rack as a working tool mainly which will get scratches anyway, this doesn’t matter. But when you opt for a color rack you probably do care about appearances. This can get annoying if the finish of your rack, which you obviously care about, is a bit of Russian roulette. If you go TITAN to save money, you might as well not go for a colored option.

Alternatives to the TITAN T3 color

These are other options for the T3 color:

If you want to leave out the color option you can get the same rack including an Incline bench for the same price. If you are already pinching pennies, why not go all the way?

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”.

If you want to stay within budget but start your gym with 3x3 tubing you can go for the X3 squat stand. This is a good option for big and/or experienced lifters who prefer the freedom and flexibility of a squat stand, yet still, move big weights. I recommend that you have enough space and experience on how to drop weights from a squat position if you opt for a squat stand. Spotter arms are nice with a stand but usually useless. You either miss them on a hardcore drop or the entire unit comes down because you didn’t bolt it to the ground.

The T3 folding rack saves you about $200 on the T3 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 for the T3 color

The T3 is a solid rack from TITAN which is lighter than the 3x3 versions on your wallet and a lot lighter compared to other options in the market. Personally, I can’t get my head around the idea of saving on your home gym but then wanting an individual color. With purchasing at TITAN you are at a higher risk compared to other options in the market that you might not be happy with the finish on arrival.

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.