Total Gym XLS vs TITAN T3 short power rack
This is a comparison between the Total Gym XLS and the TITAN T3 short power rack. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the T3 short power rack 36
The TITAN T3 short power rack will put you back about $380 - $440. 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 short power rack
The
T3 Series of TITAN is the best value for money option you can get from them. It sits right in the middle of the TITAN portfolio with its 2x3 uprights. You can also opt for 2x2 to save cost or 3x3 if you want more stability. A short power rack is usually a good option in basements or cramped spaces where the ceiling is low. The 36” depth version provides you with a spacious full rack to do your workouts in. The features and specifications of this version of the
T3 are:
T3 overview:
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2 uprights featuring 6" side hole spacing.
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2"x 3" steel tubes
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1,100 LB rackable capacity
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4,400 LB total rack capacity.
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1.25" and 2" diameter pull up bars.
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Includes J-Hooks and weight holders.
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Weight: 254 lb
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Height: 82 1/4"
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Height of Pull Up Bar: 77"
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Inside Width: 42 1/8"
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Outside Width: 53 1/4"
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Inside Depth: 36"
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Outside Depth: 44 3/4"
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Floor Space: 16.7 square feet
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Material: Steel
This is a solid rack for environments with low ceilings for the weekend warrior. If you are an elite athlete you might want to upgrade to 3x3 steel tubes.
Pros of the T3 36” short rack
As with the entire TITAN portfolio, the main argument is price. Compared to the competition you will keep a considerable amount of money in your own pocket. The
T3 will provide the necessary equipment and space to squat, bench press and deadlift safely. There are also a good few options in accessories available from TITAN.
Cons of the T3 36” short rack
The most obvious is that it is short. If you are 6 feet tall and want to do pull-ups you are probably saving money on the wrong end by getting a short rack. It also might not go with the most up to date accessories that TITAN releases to the market because of the 2x3 tubes. For example, the TITAN lever arms are not an option with this rack. The last con is about TITAN itself. While you save on the price tag you are at a higher risk of minor quality issues on delivery of your shipment. These can range from inconsistent finish to low-quality welds or material quality in a camber or safety bar. These are minor and not necessarily have an impact on the performance, but might look poor or annoy you.
Alternatives to the T3 36” short rack
If you need a short rack because of the space you have to fit a rack into your gym, garage or basement you can also opt for the 24” version. This way you can save on space on height and square foot of space is tight.
If you want to save space and have 3x3 steel tubing you can also go for the
X3 Half rack. If you use it like a
squat stand rather than a full rack, you can use the second set of uprights to store plates on.
If you don’t need plate storage and want the freedom of a
squat stand you can opt for the
X3 squat stand instead. Just be aware that it would be good to have space to drop the bar as spotter arms can not always be relied on.
Summary of the T3 short 36”
A good basement rack for budget-conscious weekend warriors. An elite athlete might want to opt for a 3x3 tall rack if space is available.
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
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.