Volcano Yoke vs Rogue slice sled

This is a comparison of the Volcano yoke and the Rogue Slice sled including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in Which sled to get from Rogue.

Overview and review of the Rogue Slice sled

This is an overview of the Rogue Slice sled including pros, cons, and alternatives. This was originally posted in Which sled to get from Rogue.

Overview of the Rogue slice sled

Price $175

The rogue slice sled is the smallest sled from Rogue that you can still push via its uprights. The arrow style design makes it a bit easier to push than either sled from Rogue. The unique feature of this sled is that you can fold down the plate pin in the middle for easy storage. This sled can be compacted down so much that you can easily fit it into your car. The full specifications are:

Made in the USA
Dimensions: 27.5" length x 22.75" width x 37.25" (with handles) Height
Fold-Flat Weight Post: 14” loadable length (must be bolted to sled using 1/2” hardware)
0.25" thick Laser-cut and formed steel construction
(1) 16' Sled Strap and (1) Carabiner included standard
Laser-cut Rogue branding on each side of unit
Texture Black powder coat finish

This is a great mini sled that can fit in any corner.

Pros of the Rogue slice sled

The pros of the Rogue slice sled are:

Compact design
Combination of big and small sleds from Rogue
Low price

This is the smallest rogue sled that you can still push with two uprights. Rogue has combined the designs from their Dogsleds and mini sleds to create this compact product at the lower range of their sled arsenal.

Cons of the Rogue slice sled

Cons of the Rogue slice sled are:

Lower versatility compared to Dogsled 1.2
Lower load capacity compared to butcher V2

Compared to the Dogsled 1.2 you have fewer options for attachments and variety in training, but gain a lower purchase price for the slice sled. Compared to the butcher the slice sled can not take as much load.

Alternatives to the Rogue slice sled

Alternatives to the Rogue slice sled are:

If you go a little upmarket you can get the Dogsled 1.2 with a lot more options to fit your individual training needs or just having a bit more fun. Especially if the purchase for yourself and this is the only sled you are likely to ever get, go for the Dogsled 1.2 instead and pick some attachments you will actually use rather than all of them.

The Rogue butcher V2 is the better option for anyone who wants to get the maximum load possible on their slide. In all fairness to most mere mortals that does not apply as they will not push around 1000lbs. Still, if you are in that market, the slice sled is not the right option for you.

Roughly in the same price category is the Rogue Echo dogsled. While the frame is sturdier as the plate pin can not be flipped, I would still go for the slice sled instead. As you are already wanting to save money looking at this option, you can also go with the model that can be stored easier behind a locker or similar.

Conclusion for the Rogue slice sled

The rogue slice sled is the most attractive sled from Rogue in the lower price ranges. It easy to store, still comes with uprights, does not cost too much and can load up to 300lbs. I personally think the smaller sleds are a bit pointless and otherwise, you will have to use a bit more money.

Overview and review of the Volcano Yoke

This is an overview of the Volcano Yoke including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details

Overview of the Volcano

Price: $1.999

The volcano is a yoke that has been modified in a way that it can also be used to simulate tire flips. It has six plate storage pins and its triangular shape makes it stable, even when large amounts of weight are being moved. This makes it a great tool for serious strongman training. The full specifications are:

Made in Columbus, OH, USA by Volcano Strength LLC
2x2" & 2x3" Steel construction
Weight (Unloaded): 250 LBS
Height: 60" overall / 45" yoke bar height
Length: 69" (depth)
Width: 48"
Footprint: 69" x 48"
3 Easy-Grip Crossmembers: 1.75” diameter
6 Weight Posts: 9.75" loadable post length
1" thick Rubber Corner Protection
Color: Black
Ships Disassembled

Especially if you have a lot of space and ant to train yoke carries and tire flips outside, this is a good investment.

Pros of the Volcano

The pros of the volcano are:

Lower injury risk
Adjustable load
2 in 1 for strongman training

If you have space and you want to get serious about strongman training, then this a great tool to use. With the three handles, you can get a good grip on the weight and simulate strongman events that involve flipping cars or tires. Compares to tires and other strongman tools you can also increase the weight in increments and therefore track your progress better. All of this makes the Volcano a great option if you ave the indoor or outdoor space to do the flips and carries.

Cons of the Volcano

The cons of the volcano are:

Big frame
No option to put a barbell on
Can not be used for conditioning

Even though the volcano claims space efficiency it is a massive frame that will take up a big portion of most home gyms. If you do not have a lot of extra space, the chances are high that the volcano will end up vas a glorified plate tree. Compared to a traditional yoke you also do not have as many options to store a barbell on it, use it to get atlas stones over or do sled work. This is mainly due to the fact, that the three handles are fixed and can not be adjusted. Compared to a tire you can not jump onto the volcano or beat the crap out of it with hammer. I am confident that if you have the space for a volcano, you also have the space for a yoke and a tire. A yoke and a tire will likely cost the same or less and give you more training options.

Alternatives to the Volcano

Alternatives to the volcano are

Rogue Y2 yoke
Titan indoor tire flipping machine

The Rogue Y2 Yoke is one of the bigger Yokes from Rogue. With this option, you will be able to do carries, sled pushes, and atlas stones over the bar exercises. It also only $535 compared to the almost $2000 of the Volcano.

If you have a gym and want to get a tire flip, without the dirt and fewer space requirements, you can get the Titan tire flipping machine. In fact, for the budget of one Volcano you can get the Tire flipping machine and the Yoke.

Conclusion for the Volcano

The Volcano is a great option for actual strongmen who want to get ready for competition. The Volcano simulates the load distribution of very heavy yoke carries better than a traditional yoke. For example hay or other heavy objects that usually stack higher than plates for the same amount. It also probably the best tool for simulating a very heavy tire or car flips at home. That being said, most people do not follow this type of heavy strongman training. If you are just a weekend warrior you can me your money stretch a lot better by getting a yoke, barbell, plates, and an old tractor tire.