Looking to assemble versatile pieces of equipment for home use. Budget isn’t a huge concern (not that I’m trying to spend top dollar, either), but space is. I’m hoping to invest a little at a time over the next 6 months. Hoping to do it for under $6K when all is said and done. Beyond the accessories I take to the gym now (belt, gloves), I don’t really have much equipment.
Trying to get a versatile rack, cardio equipment, and maybe some adjustable dumbbells (despite some issues I’ve had with adjustables in the past). I’ve been scanning FB Marketplace and CL for used plates.
Wondering if anybody has experience with any of the larger purchases I have my eyes on:
https://www.titan.fitness/cages-and-…wer-combo.html
Seems like it’s versatile enough. I’m banking on the pully combo offering enough variety to allow me to change up my routine every few months. It says it doesn’t need to be mounted to the floor, but I’ve heard of stories where equipment came falling down anyways during pull ups. Anybody have one not secured to their floor that cares to weigh in?
My wife and I went back and forth over cardio stuff. We talked about getting a stair stepper, rower, or treadmill. Currently considering this one since the incline can go up to 40 which sounds good. Wondering if anybody has experience with incline trainer functions or if we should just stick to a typical treadmill?
https://www.nordictrack.com/strength…b-dumbbell-set
I had a cheap/crappy pair of adjustables that never seemed to work right and just got stuck while trying to switch more often than not. I’m trying a larger name brand one in hopes that I’m not throwing my money away this time. Again, feedback is appreciated.
https://www.roguefitness.com/ab-2-ad…SABEgI0X_D_BwE
Last but not least, I need advice on an adjustable bench. I know I don’t want to trust in a crappy/cheap one, but I was amazed at how much Rogue and Titan ones cost (Saw them for $500-850!). Are those worth the money? Or what’s a more reasonable amount for a dependable bench?
The $850 from Rogue is a commercial gym quality bench and the Titan bench that goes for about $450 is a knock off of the Rogue bench that is $850. The bench I linked to is not gym quality, but I like it a lot. Its a FID bench (Flat, Incline, Decline) and is pretty stable. I have tended to stay away from commercial gym quality equipment when putting together my garage gym just because I don’t want to pay top dollar.
The Titan Power rack with the pulley system is what I would buy if I got a redo. Instead I bought a power rack and bought a separate cable machine for $1300. The cable machine is nice, but since I am focusing on powerlifting training rather than bodybuilding system training I don’t really use it and the high/low pulley system on the Powerrack would have had me covered for Lat pull downs, Cable Rows, Facepulls, Tricep pushdowns, and Tricep extensions which are basically the only exercises I use my cable machine for.
$180 sounds a lot better than the other things I saw to begin with. I’m in a similar boat where I don’t think I need commercial grade for a home gym. “Good enough” equipment really is all I’d need for my use.
Thanks for saying the pulley combo is worth it. I was considering just doing a rack and adding a cable machine if i felt the need later, but I think you’re right that it’s better to just combine them up front and not spend as much down the road.
I have the Rogue R-3. It’s bolted to a platform. It’s not going anywhere. I can’t imagine not having it bolted to something, possibly having it shift around when racking weights.
I’m not familiar with the Nordic Adjustables, but I know people who have the Bowflex which are similar. The quick adjustment is nice and they seem to hold up well in a home gym setting with few users, who aren’t going to abuse them. I have the Ironmaster ones. They are solid, no plastic, and feel like a dumbbell but take longer to adjust (20-30 sec) than the dial kind, which is fine for BBM programs but if you’re doing drop sets or supersets this will slow you down.
I’m looking for an adjustable bench, too. I’d love to go with EliteFTS or Rogue, but the tax and freight puts these over $1000. Unless I’m already driving through Ohio around Black Friday (unlikely), I’ll probably go with Vulcan Prime or Rep Fitness 5000/5001.
In terms of Titan Fitness they are probably my favorite brand because I have had good experiences with them. They do some items better than others. For example their version 2 of the safety squat bar is generally considered a very good value. Their version of the buffalo bar, the “bison bar” is considered not that good especially if you are going to squat with 400+ pounds on it. In terms of exercise equipment probably Coop from Garage Gyms is probably the most useful resource I have seen on Youtube.
Ultimately it comes down your individual situations and preferences. If money is not an issue, you should probably go with a different company. If you are a gym owner like Alan Thrall you should probably go with a different company. If you have a garage gym and money is an issue and you are still looking for something fairly heavy duty, then you should consider Titan. They basically copy their designs from companies like Rogue. Their execution is usually not as good. So far I have been lucky and have had only good experiences with Titan
I have a Titan X3 stand and use the Rogue Monster Lite rack at the gym (equivalent specs), and there is almost no difference in quality. I also have the Titan flat bench and that fabric underneath is coming off but it’s sturdy and reliable.
The next thing I want is a pulley system. I think I might cobble one together on my own using parts I buy separate (the Titan pulley rack accessory system doesn’t seem to be well thought out). Has anyone tried this?
Obviously there is a market for them, but home gym treadmills baffle me. Unless you are in a perpetual “black flag” area or some other weather/traffic issues are preventing you, just going outside and run.
Running outside is cheaper, doesn’t take up precious space, and you are actually GOING somewhere.
I highly recommend the Powerblock Dumbbells. They’re expandable up to 90lbs. Gives you room to grow beyond 50lbs. IMHO, virtually all the “adjustable” dumbbells (click/dial/etc) feel clunky and cheap. The Powerblocks are rock solid.
I also have the Rogue 2.0 Bench (https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-adjustable-bench-2-0). It’s an outstanding piece of equipment. Perhaps a bit pricey, but ridiculously sturdy and has a quality feel to it. Stays planted and doesn’t move around. I also like the width @ 11.25". Another characteristic that is often overlooked on benches is the friction of the surface, the Rogue unit gives a good amount of traction to keep you from sliding all over the place.
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I have a small area, 7x9 outdoor shed that I converted to a gym. I have a Titan t3 short rack that for the price is worth while. Yes it’s Chinese made and not as good to some but I paid around 300 dollars and got something that is close to rogues r3 with the same ratings. The attachments and accessories are cheaper than rogue and for a home gym works just fine. My biggest issue is the short rack doesn’t allow me to do a standing press in the rack but the roof of the shed doesn’t let me fit anything bigger. I have the upper pulley combo but don’t use it much. I have a cap beast barbell which has been a good bar. It’s no Ohio bar but close to the same rating. As for weights I got used weights from garage sales. I started with a rep fitness flat bench but got a deal on a super bench off Craigslist that’s an adjustable bench. If I was to do it again I would think about the rep fitness fid bench ab3000 I think it is. The super bench is nice but it is a bit tall
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Catch Fitness Catch Fitness Equipment Australia is Australia’s Greatest Value & Highest Quality Gym Equipment. Our range of fitness equipment includes Barbell and Bumper, Slam Balls, Ropes and Kettlebells, Adjustable Benches and Power Racks.
Catch Fitness Equipment Australia began with a simple vision. We want to help Australians stay fit, without having them regret how much they pay for their home gym equipment. To do this, we set out to find manufacturers of high quality fitness equipment, at affordable prices.
Each of the items listed on our store, are from vetted manufacturers who’ve demonstrated both a thorough testing process, and who already manufacture for a number of reputable fitness equipment brands.
Buy online www.catch-fitness.com
I have recently purchased Bowflex 5.1S Stowable Bench from amazon discount codes that has six adjustable settings and a 600-lb. capacity. Its best feature, however, is its collapsible design, which reduces its in-room footprint by more than 50 percent when it’s stowed away. I think you should buy this one if you really looking for a home weight bench.
Here’s my equipment, happy to answer any questions:
Titan T-2 cage - paid $290 4 years ago with free shipping. Perfect and still going strong for me. Not bolted down, still super sturdy
Rep Fitness Flat bench, and adjustable bench. You can’t beat Rep fitness for benches.
Rogue Echo bike - $750ish. Great for HIIT, so-so for LISS
Proform Smart Pro 2000 Treadmill - great home treadmill, very well built, great incline, folds upwards. IFit subscription is dumb.
IronMaster adjustable dumbells with 120lb extention kit - great dumbbells that actually feel and work like real dumbbells. They are great for HEAVY lifting (100lb+). They take up next to no space with the included storage cabinet. Awesome adjustable dumbbells!
It’s good you ask this kind of question because a lot of people have been victim of buying bad used gym equipment. I think the major problem is where you get your product form. All my gym equipments are used and I got it from here https://www.bestusedgymequipment.com/ . From my experience, they sell good products
It’s good you ask this kind of question because a lot of people have been victim of buying bad used gym equipment. I think the major problem is where you get your product form. All my gym equipments are used and I got it from here www.bestusedgymequipment.com/ . From my experience, they sell good products