Run Faster, Lift stronger, Think deeper

XPO 2 trainer vs Rogue Echo slice sled

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Sep 14, 2020 4:00:00 PM

XPO 2 trainer vs Rogue Echo slice sled

This is a comparison of the XPO trainer 2 and the Rogue echo 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.

Related articles

 

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 XPO 2 trainer

This is an overview of the XPO 2 trainer including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details

 

Overview of the XPO trainer 2

Price: $699
 
The XPO Trainer 2 offers an innovative design for sled work by adding tires and an accelerating resistance model. The secret sauce of this sled is a little motor at the front wheel that provides more and more resistance the harder and faster you push. This is similar to training with bands or flywheels for running, except the resistance comes from the front rather than behind. This makes the XPO a great sled for beginners who want to work with resistance from the start or pros that want resistance at high speeds. The full specifics of this sled are:
 
  • Made by Armored Fitness Equipment
  • First Push Sled with Wheels
  • Patent-Pending Exponential Resistance Curve: As you push harder/faster, the resistance increases to compensate
  • No Weight Plates Included or Required
  • (2) Removable Handles for easy transport and storage
  • Laser-cut XPO Trainer logo in front plating
  • Durable rubberized wheels for safe all-surface sled training
  • Nearly Silent Operation
  • Suitable for Beginner / Rehab up to High Intensity / Pro training
  • Color: Black
A great addition to a commercial gym with a lot of space or a home gym with a spacious driveway. For professional, very heavy athletes, this might not be the right choice.
 

Pros of the XPO trainer 2

 
The pros of the XPO trainer 2 are:
 
  • Wheels instead of a sled
  • work at high speeds
  • Accelerating resistance curve
The biggest pro of this machine compared to sleds is that it has wheels. This means less wear and tear on any floor that it is used on. This is especially good for indoor gyms and home gyms that are worried about sleds wrecking the floor. The wheels also enable that you can get to a sprinting speed without worrying that the sled will get caught on the ground and you really hurt yourself. Compared to other sleds, this one gets harder the more momentum you create. Traditional sleds are usually the hardest to get moving and get easier, once momentum is built.
 

Cons of the XPO trainer 2

 
The cons of the XPO trainer 2 are:
 
  • Lightweight
  • Wheels 
  • Accelerating resistance curve
Depending on the training application and where you use it the XPO is great. Anyone who is not an NFL linebacker or rugby player will probably be satisfied and get excellent results from it improving their explosiveness and getting some cardio work in at the same time. If you weigh 100kg plus and are mainly concerned with moving a big heavy object out of the way that is reluctant to budge then the XPO is not the right training tool. Here you need a heavy ass sled, that only starts moving after you throw your full weight behind it. Imagine you tackle the 60-pound XPO with full might. It will go flying unless you weigh it down. 
 

Alternatives to the XPO Trainer 2

 
Alternatievs to the XPO trainer 2 are:
 
The butcher V2 costs only a third of the XPO and simulates better to get momentum into an inanimate object. The downside is that it comes on feet instead of wheels which is more likely to damage the surface you are using it on. Rogue has addressed this in their V2 redesign with replaceable feet that can be equipped with a plastic footplate set. Still, this will damage your floors more than wheels. On the positive side, you can get a lot of weight on this to simulate rugby and football tackles. You might even like that the friction provides even more resistance.
 
The Rogue Y2 yoke can also be used for sled pushes and pulls. The setup is more cumbersome as the structure is bigger compared to sleds. Still, a good yoke is an all in one gym that can have a pull-up bar, squat stand, sled, and yoke in one. If you have space a yoke is not to be scoffed at, as it has way more applications for the same price as the XPO. The only downside is that it is less portable and will screw more with your floor. 
 

Conclusion for the XPO trainer 2

 
The XPO trainer 2 is a great sled for anyone who has the money too spent and I worried about their driveway or floor for sled work. This probably covers 95% of the fitness population that is in the market for a sled, as it is a nice to have rather than must-have for a home gym anyway. For the remaining 5% who are massive beasts and want to simulate running into a brick wall a fully loaded butcher is probably the better option.
View full post