Titan Fitness

When you switch from a commercial gym to a home gym, there are certain exercises that you may miss more than others. Lat pulldown and low row are two mentioned by many. Many believe they do not have the room or budget for a specialty item like this. Nevertheless, the Plate Loadable Lat Tower from Titan makes this an accessible option for many. This piece of equipment takes up about 1 horse stall mat, is priced competitively, and built solidly. There are a few cons, but the overall value of this unit is excellent. You won’t miss this aspect of your commercial gym as much with this lat tower.

Specs

This is one of those items that won’t take up to much space as you may think. It can easily back up to a wall or be tucked away depending on the space you have. The lat tower also has the ability to squeeze under many opened garage doors or basements with shorter ceilings.

• As previously mentioned, this takes up the size of about 1 horse stall mat. It includes a depth of 56.5 inches and a width of 4 feet on the back. The space in between the front and back is a relatively convenient spot to store attachments without getting in the way of too much.

• At 84 inches tall, this allows for a full extension for those up to about 6 foot 4 – any taller, and you may have some difficulty getting the extension you need.

• The length of the loadable sleeves is 13 inches and a weight capacity of 400 lbs. Standard 2 inch plates fit onto the sleeves. We tested up to 250 lbs with no issues.

• There is a 1:1 weight ratio, which means that if you have 250 pounds loaded up, you are actually lifting 250 pounds, unlike some other pulley machines with 2:1 or 4:1 weight ratios. You’ll be able to load this up more than many of the other budget-friendly functional trainers that use lower ratios.

Construction

While it’s not constructed with 11 gauge steel, the tower feels safe and secure when lifting. More info about the construction includes:

• The finish is smooth, and the welds are done nicely.

• The basic powder coat finish will help keep a machine like this looking fresh for years. This item’s overall longevity doesn’t seem to be an issue, especially with traditional home gym use.

• The seat is relatively small with a width of 11 inches and total length of 12 inches. The padding for your knees is pretty minimal, but it’s still relatively comfortable to use. This is one area that could be improved upon, but right now it’s just one of the compromises you make for the price.

• 4 adjustment positions are available on the knee holders so it does accommodate for multiple different sizes.

Usage

This lat tower is smooth, easy to use, and would be another dynamic to any home without a pulley system. More details about using it include:

• It’s stable, and there is no wobble or shifts when performing standard lifts. If you want to do something like curls or upright rows, you will need to bolt it to the ground or weigh it down with weights. This is optional. If you don’t bolt it down, it’s easy to move around from spot to spot in the gym. Therefore, as your space changes, you can easily move this one.

• The multiple post system allows for the weight to go up and down without any side-to-side movement.

• It’s an extremely quiet machine.

• The overall experience is fluid. It’s easy to add/take-off weight, get on and off, and make adjustments to the knee pad.

Separate vs. Attached Lat Pulldown

Another option for those wanting a single lat pulldown/low row system is a rack-mounted attachment. Depending on your rack, you may be able to add this on.

With that being said, in a recent IG post, 70.2% said they’d rather have it as a separate option than it saving space on a rack. Here are some additional notes about the comments:

• Those that voted for the “attached option” mentioned space saved and that it would be sturdier. Nevertheless, it seemed like if space weren’t a concern, the separate option would be chosen by almost all.

• Separate is the better option for those who want to superset and train with multiple people simultaneously. For example, it would be difficult to squat and do lat pulldowns if using a rack-mounted setup.

• Several mentioned that they did not want their rack to feel “tight,” which is a valid concern. A setup like the attachment below does make it feel a bit more crowded, but does save that horse stall mat needed.

Price

The overall value of this unit is extremely high. At $499.99 + Free Shipping, it is a portion of the price of many “stack weight” options, including Titan’s 300 lb set, which costs $1,499. It’s priced closer to what you’d find with a rack attached lat pulldown on a 3×3″ power rack.

Other Notes

• The setup process is pretty self-explanatory and will most likely take an hour. The instructions are only available online, but easy to follow. It would save some time with multiple people but manageable to do with one.

• A basic lat bar (37.5 inches) and a low row handle (15 inches) are included. They’ll get the job done, but you may want to upgrade.

• This unit has been posted several times on the Instagram page with almost nothing but praise from those that have used it. It’s also worth mentioning that 27/29 reviews on the product page are 5 stars.

• This item has been in and out of stock during the pandemic.

Conclusion

In the end, this Lat Tower has to be at the top of mind when someone is considering a standalone lat pull down/ low row option unless they have basically an unlimited budget. The overall value is very high, and within about the size of a horse stall mat, you can add a commercial gym favorite at a budget price to your setup. 

Introduction

This Specialty Barbell from Titan is another budget-friendly option that has made many happy customers. This cambered alternative is a fraction of some similar options and is overall a well-built barbell and provides versatility that you can’t get from an Olympic Barbell. This Titan Bar includes a cambered design and four total grip options. That, in combination with the price, makes it a choice for many to consider. It is an upper-body obliterator!

The Grips & Camber

There are three portions of the bar to grip, with a 4th option in the middle if it is flipped around. From the center, these are 10,” 20,” and 28.5.” This allows for specific muscle groups to be targeted and can be used for many upper-body movements such as bench, shoulder press, curls, and rows.

To paint the picture a little clearer, there are four options for bench pressing, four other options to use when shoulder pressing, four ways to curl, four ways to row, etc. Therefore, this “specialty bar” allows for a ton of variety, and it’s unlikely you’ll get “bored” of using it. Plus, the angled grip in the middle is an excellent spot for tricep extensions.

The cambered center allows for a greater range of motion and should help those with mobility issues. Without question, stress on the shoulder is less than a traditional barbell, and the additional 2″ makes a more significant difference than you’d initially think and forces you to drop your hands deeper than when using a traditional barbell.

Titan also offers another version without the camber for $20 less. The additional cost does seem worth it.

Additional SPECS

• The knurled handles are a nice touch and is a feature that most other swiss bars do not feature. While the knurling is pretty mild, it does limit slippage.

• The overall length of the bar is 82″ with loadable sleeves of 13.5.” The overall weight capacity is 1,000 lbs.

• It’s a tight squeeze on a 47″ rack, but this can be racked without too many difficulties. It does feel easier to rack precisely with the neutral grip handles.

• The powder coat finish is applied smoothly and will limit oxidation over time. Some knicks will show easily due to those coating, but they will not disrupt the barbell’s functionality. Nevertheless, this barbell is built tough and should last a lifetime.

• There were not any issues found with using traditional collars on the bar and traditional plates fit just fine.

• The current price of this bar is $179 with free shipping. That is about 2 or 3 times less than many of its “cambered” competitors and still cheaper than most “non-cambered” options. At this price point, it’s tough to complain about much.

Conclusion

In the end, the Multi-Grip Camber Bar from Titan would make a nice addition to just about any collection. This is an excellent option for anyone looking to add some versatility to their upper body workouts without breaking the bank. The overall value and versatility offered from this specialty barbell are extremely high.

Some common advice from veteran home gym owners is to buy “once cry once” on many of the primary pieces of gym equipment like a bench, squat rack, and barbell. However, they also mention that this is not as important on “accessory type” objects. For those building out their home gym one step at a time and on a tight budget, it’s recommended to save where you can. Certain items will “just get the job done,” and there is no need to get something fancy. This Portable Plate and Barbell Storage Tree is an example of that, which will do a fine job storing your weight plates and barbells.

This storage can handle a heavy load, doesn’t take up a ton of footprint, no need to drill into the wall, portable, and one of the lower-cost options out there. So if you’ve got plates lying around, this is definitely an option to consider.

First off, it comes in several pieces, but the installation is simple. It took between 10 and 20 minutes to assemble. The result is a pretty stout storage piece with a load capacity of 1,000 lbs. The welds aren’t beautiful, and some of the end caps aren’t perfectly placed, but overall it holds together nicely. It’s very stable.

Additional specs include:

• 6 weight posts of 8.25.” The recommended loadable length is 7 inches. For reference, this will likely fit 4 (45 lb) iron plates or 3 (45 lb) bumper plates on each side without any issues.

• The overall footprint is 24.5″ x 24.5.” It stands at nearly 67.” So while you need a bit of space on either end to grab the plates, not much space is needed at all. Many may prefer an option like this because it doesn’t need to be drilled into the wall.

• Caster wheels at the bottom help make this portable. Therefore, you’re able to wheel it around the gym. With a ton of weight, it’s difficult but not impossible to move across the room. For example, you’ll see it loaded up with 735 lbs below. The wheels can also be locked into place when not in use.

• 2 barbell holders are included, which fit any standard barbell. With plates in, it’s a bit of a tight squeeze to get your hand in there, but overall there aren’t any issues getting the barbell in or out.

• The black powder coat finish will get dinged up over time, but should at least look good from a distance for awhile. This won’t limit the amount of weight it will be able to hold.

To conclude, this is a solid storage option at one of the lower prices you’ll find. It’s strong, portable, has a small footprint, will help keep your home gym tidy, and is easy to add or remove plates. For those needing to get their weight off the floor, this makes for a solid option. It’s as simple as that.

Introduction

Many storage solutions are unexpectantly expensive, and prices seem to be most egregious when looking at “Mass Storage Systems.” Many options out there will set you back at least a grand, and while beautiful units, they are definitely overbuilt.

Starting at $219.99 with free shipping, this storage system from Titan is MUCH CHEAPER than some of the other more robust and versatile options out there. While not as “sexy,” it should get the job done for most who want to get some items off the floor.

In the end, a storage setup like this will clear more space for a more convenient spot to work out without damaging the budget too much.

Specs & Other Important Details

The storage unit comes with 2 or 3 “tier” options (height) and several different shelf alternatives (length), with 70″ being the widest. The one you’ll see in the pictures is the 3 tier (73″ high” option with 42-inch shelves). The total length of this storage system is 49, and it also includes a depth of 20.”

Made with 2 x 2″ 13-Gauge Steel and a total weight of 134 lbs, each shelf on this has a weight capacity of 600 pounds and an overall limit of 1,800 pounds. There are no issues with this claim. Even with bumper plates loaded up on a shelf, it feels solid.

This is a solid storage option for medicine balls, sandbags, and atlas stones outside of plates. The shelves included are a “tube-style” with 7.5″ of space in between tubes. Therefore, you cannot use them for dumbbells or kettlebells. However, rotating shelves can be purchased for an additional $99.99 if you want to store these items.

Traditional dumbbell trays, barbell holders, and kettlebell trays can be added as well. Click below to see all accessories available. Even with adding a number of these options, this storage system is still much cheaper than most.

4-inch side hole spacing is included throughout the uprights, so there are several different ways this could be configured.

The finish is a black powder coat, and it is applied very smoothly throughout. The welds are good enough to keep a stronghold.

While this storage option is stable, especially with weight on it, this system does have the option to be bolted to the floor. All hardware for this is included.

Caster wheels can be purchased to make this a mobile option.

Conclusion

In the end, this is a solid option for those that do not want to overspend on storage or perform hours on a DIY project. While there are definitely other options that look nicer and are built to withstand even more weight, this storage system will get the job done for most with home gyms at a much lower price.

Summary

The Titan T-2 is a high-value, budget-friendly rack that will absolutely get the job done for most home gym owners in the world. It’s stout enough to include an 850-pound rating and will not have too many issues with aging. It also allows for many of the primary accessories one would look for in a power rack. If taken care of properly, the T-2 should last many years. Whether you’re simply looking for something a little easier on the wallet or an option to hold you over until you can get that dream rack, this is a solid option.

Introduction

You’ve bought your bar, you have some plates, and now it’s time to start looking for a rack. If you are looking for a 4 post rack, the 2×2″ style seems to be a popular entry-level rack, and to be honest, unless you’re lifting serious numbers (700+), this type of rack is all you’d ever have need. Here is the best news: these racks are incredibly affordable! This particular rack we are going to be reviewing is the Titan T2 series rack.

Specs

While not as beefy or versatile as a rack using 3×3,” it’s still sturdy enough for most home gym owners. Some specific details include:

• 2×2″ 4-post design: 42″ opening in the front of the rack, and a rack depth (back post to front) of 26″. The overall weight is 140 lbs, so it is manageable to move around.

• 12 gauge steel: Thinner steel than most, but is plenty strong for most lifters. This rack is rated for 850lbs racked.

• 1″ holes with 2″ spacing: Does not have the popular Westside spacing, but a hole every 2″ allows you to get the bar or attachments pretty much right where you’d need them.

• Straight pull up bar: 42″ straight bar for pull-ups is included, but you have the option of subbing it out for a multi-grip pull-up bar.

• Rubber-foot bolt down options: This gives you the ability to secure the rack to the floor for added stability and piece of mine.

• 2 vertical weight horns (on back feet): These can be used for storage, or to weigh down the back of the rack for heavy lifts or pull-ups.

• Pin and pipe safeties: 1″ steel rod that fits through the rack holes and threads a powder coated steel cylinder.

• Comes with 2 standard j-cups: The j-cups are lined with UHMW plastic to protect your bar. Upgraded options are available.

The Experience

Like many Titan products, there were no assembly instructions included. Instead, you get a code and a website that is supposed to take you to assembly instructions; it did not. To find an instruction manual, a simple Google search should do the trick, but rack assembly was straightforward, and if you’ve put together a bolt-together rack before, you should be fine. Total time took a little of an hour, and the rack was ready to go.

Complaints of Titan’s product quality usually involve their powder coats and wields, but nothing major to report here. All of the parts looked great, like surprisingly good.

Suppose you have used other 2×2″ racks before. In that case, you may already be aware of the slight wobble that exists. Still, again, the T2 performed better than expected. Overall, it felt stable. The feet come out to shy of 50.” The uprights sit (from outside to outside) 30″ apart with a 46″ opening (again, that is from the outside of the posts). It is worth noting that this rack gives you bolt-down options in the feet and 2 vertical weight horns to put some extra weight on the back of the rack.

The Accessories

Many like it, but a big reason that makes the T2 from Titan stand out is all the accessories you can add to this rack. Here they are listed:

• Lat-Pull down/Low Row tower: This add on uses the dual rod system rather than the 2×2 post which gives you a much better experience; less drag, more smooth.

• 10″ Extension Kit: Allows for 8 different plate holders to be added to the back of the rack.

• Spotter Arms: For outside the rack lifting.

• Leg Holder Kit for Lat Tower: The leg holders allow you to slide under and anchor yourself to the bench while using the lat-pulldown feature.

• Vertical Mount Barbell Holder: Add barbell storage to your rack.

• Safety Straps: A popular alternative to the pin spotters that come standard with most racks.

• Dip Bars: This option allows you to attach two separate handles to either side of the rack for dips.

• Y-Dip Attachment: This dip attachment utilizes one side of your rack with one easy connection.

• Stealth Leg-Press: Turn your T2 rack into a leg press!

• 3 Different J-cup Options: Standard, sandwich, and roller j-cups.

• Mono-lifts: Unracking made easy with these retractable j-cups.

• Dumbbell Holders: Underrated for those heavy presses.

• Multi-grip Pull-up Bar

That is 15 (counting all 3 j-cup options) different accessories that you can add to this 2×2″ rack!

The rack comes in two different heights: 71″ and 83″. For this review, we have the 83″ rack, which actually measures around 82.75″. The extra 12.75″ will cost you an extra $20. The current price (with free shipping) is $399.

This rack surpasses the mildly low expectations that came with ordering it. It really is a solid squat rack, which is probably why it has so many positive reviews from customers.

Conclusion

You get a lot of “bang for your buck” with this rack. If you are looking for a 4-post rack that is not going to break the budget, the T2 is an option that is worth your consideration. The quality of this product, what it offers its customers, and the option to add a large assortment of accessories and play together make this rack a top budget pick.

With a 6-inch curve, the Yukon Bar from Titan Fitness looks like a bent bar to the average eye. However, the Yukon Bar is one of the best value specialty bars on the market. A tool like this will add instant versatility to your home gym setup and greatly support those with injury or poor flexibility. It’s easily the best-priced “Buffalo Bar” on the market and is one of the better items that Titan offers.

This bar can be used for squats, bench, and overhead press. It is a game-changer for those with limited shoulder mobility and is easier on the wrists and elbows than using a straight bar. Plus, you have the ability to get a greater range of motion while benching.

Nevertheless, this type of bar is not just for the “injured.” It will be a nice change of pace for anyone who typically uses a traditional straight bar. The lifts mentioned above all feel different and work in slightly different ways. Plus, many programming plans call for specialty bar use. With all of that being said, plus the price, this is an option that many should consider early in their home gym journey.

This bar includes some hefty specs. It weighs 50 lbs, has a shaft diameter of 32mm (same as a squat bar), length of 8 feet, and 17.5″ loadable sleeves. It’s very stiff and has a max capacity of 1,500 pounds. Most of these specs are similar to what you’d see on other higher-priced options out there.

Next, let’s talk about the bar’s biggest weakness. It is simply the knurling. Considering the lifts that this is primarily used for, it would be nice to have an aggressive knurl. However, the knurl is pretty mild. Overall, it’s not too big of an issue, but a deeper knurl would help to dig in a bit. The center knurl is a plus, but it would be helpful if it were more substantial as well.

The black oxide finish helps mitigates much of the oxidation, but some minor care will be needed over time. It will show scratches relatively easily, but this will not affect the performance. Overall, this is a solid coating option that helps keep the price and maintenance time low. The bar in these pictures is closing in on a year old and is still in solid shape.

Considering its bow shape, you should load one plate at a time, but there aren’t any issues loading and unloading if paying attention. It is a very balanced bar with about 9 inches of non-knurled space is included on each side. If overloaded to one side, it will flip, and it wasn’t easy to do with roller j-cups, either.

Below is a picture with 75 pounds on one side and 0 on the other. This seemed to be about the limit before it would tip but didn’t test any further.

In the end, this is an option for many to consider even if they do not have shoulder, wrist, or elbow issues. While not innovative (others released this before), it’s a well-made product and as cheap of an option as you’ll find. This is currently $197 (on sale), which is about a fourth of the Duffalo Bar from Kabuki. While the quality certainly is not at that level, it’s a steal at this price point.

Summary

This wall-mounted pull-up bar is solid, stable, simple to install, well constructed, and lower priced than similar options. It’s not perfect, but it’s tough to complain when you pay half of what some similar options from competition charge.

This item is highlighted in the Home Gym Guide as the best value pull-up bar option for most home gym owners. It would also make for a good “first home gym item” for anyone looking to get started.

Why a wall mounted pull up bar?

There is a ton of versatility with this simple piece of equipment, and it doesn’t take up a lot of room, which is typically the perfect combination for a home gym. Even if you have a pull-up attachment for your squat rack, having a designated area for pull-ups allows multiple people to train at once and can be more convenient depending on the workout you are doing.

For this Wall Mounted Pull Up Bar from Titan, all you really need is $75, some basic mounting skills, and a bit of wall space.

Pull Up Bar Details

This particular pull-up bar gives you a 52” bar that is wide enough for different grip variations. It is set back 32” from the wall giving you space for kipping pull-ups or even knee raises.

Specs described on the website include:

• Weight: 35 lbs
• Bracket Height: 31″
• Bracket Depth: 32″
• Bar length: 53″
• Bar diameter: 1.25″
• Bar thickness: 10 ga
• Material: 1″ x 2″ 11 Gauge Steel
•  Includes two L Shaped brackets
• One 53″ long bar

Overall, this piece feels extremely sturdy, and there are no safety concerns if mounted properly. It includes a 500 lb weight capacity. You also have the ability to add bands, TRX attachments, rings, and more.

Rings Add-On

The Titan rings make for a solid additional purchase and (if in stock) cost just an additional few dollars if bought with the pull-up bar.

The rings are solid wood. They have a smooth/sanded finish. The 1.25” ring thickness is comfortable in your hands, and they are easy to grip. Overall, they are solid rings at a budget-friendly price and add many exercise options.

Price Comparisons to Others

The price of the pull-up bar without the rings is $74.99 with free shipping. To add the Olympic rings and straps with the pull-up bar, you will spend $87.97, only a few extra bucks. Titan has a handful of pull-up bar options, but this one gives you the most depth from the wall and looks to be the most secure.

Comparing this pull-up bar option with others, the Rogue P3 is $135, which does not include hardware, rings, or free shipping. The P3 only gets you 22” from the wall; 10” less than the Titan pull-up bar. The Rogue P4 is $145 and also does not include hardware, shipping, or rings. The P4 does give you 30” from the wall, but for a cost.

Rep Fitness has two options for all mounted pull-up bars. Their straight bar option is $109, and the multi-grip option is $139. Neither of these is going to give you as much space between the wall as Titan.

Installation Notes

The installation is relatively simple.

• The L-brackets get bolted into studs 48” apart with 3 lag bolts for each L-bracket.

• The crossbar then gets slid into place and secured to the L-brackets.

• You use a hex bolt that goes through the L-bracket and into the crossbar to hold the bar in place.

NOTE: The drilled in the hole was not quite big enough to fit the hex bolt, meaning the bolt could not be tightened all the way down into the crossbar. It does go in enough to secure it safely in place. The other side pulls straight into the bar (there is no pre-drilled hole on the other side of the crossbar). This makes installation simpler because you do not have to be perfect when lining up the L-brackets’ distance. 

Also, although you have a 53” crossbar, you could install it to any distance under 52”. I’m not sure why you would, and you would still have the extra crossbar length hanging out the other side of the L-bracket (unless you cut it).

Lastly, Titan’s website claims you can bolt them in up to 52” apart. This would make me a little nervous. I feel much more comfortable having extra bar space on one side, with standard studs spaced on 16’s 48” makes sense.

Pine Board Hack

At first, I bolted the L-brackets into the studs with only dry-wall separating the bracket and the stud. I used the pull-up bar for 2 weeks like this, doing 200-400 pull-ups per week and doing dead hangs as a warm-up. From the first time I hung on the bar, a ‘creaking’ noise made me uneasy. I felt like the soft drywall causing the L-brackets to have a little ‘give’ as I hung on them. To resolve this, I bought 1”x4” pine boards and used them as strapping. I secured the strapping tightly to the drywall and connected the L-brackets directly to the pine boards. There is still a little noise, but it is significantly less than before. The bar also feels a lot more secure when I use it.

Conclusion

When looking for a mounted pull-up bar, this option from Titan was brought up many times by people that have used it before, and it doesn’t disappoint. In general, this pull-up bar checks all the boxes of a high-value pull-up bar. It’s solid, stable, simple to install, well constructed, and lower priced than similar options. It’s not perfect, but it’s tough to complain when you pay half of the competition.

Introduction

A jump rope is one of the most simple and inexpensive pieces of fitness equipment you can buy. Cardio equipment, in general, can get extremely expensive, so if you are just starting or looking for a cheap addition to your space, a jump rope can be something that would be pennies in comparison to the cost of a cardio implement be able to get the job done. Speed ropes are a favorite for jumping rope training; they are essential for high rep double-unders, the turnover is nearly effortless, and cable moves smooth and fast. There are plenty of options out there when it comes to speed-ropes. For this review, we are looking at this $15 option from Titan Fitness.

Why this one?

The price range for speed ropes is all over the place. Checking out a popular site like Rogue Fitness you will find ropes from $26 all the way up to $125 with plenty of options in between. So if you find yourself in the search of a speed rope and you come across this option from Titan with titanium handles, bearings in the handles, and it’s just $15, it looks pretty enticing.

Build/Specs

• Aluminum knurled handles

• Bearings built into the handles for a ‘smooth’ spin (we will in a bit)

• 11 ft cable

• 2.5 mm cable diameter

• Thumb-screw adjustment for rope length

• Rubber caps for a clean finish to the cable

Verdict

It is hard to complain about a $15 speed rope. If you don’t have a ton of experience with speed ropes and you’re not picky, this is an easy buy. That being said, this option is not perfect. The spin in the handles is the real complaint. They spin, but they do not spin smoothly. There seems to be a bit of a ‘grind’, and on a single twist the handles will turn 1-2 revolutions at best; not great. You can improve the spin with WD-40 or some other lubricant, but the spin remains subpar; 2-3 revolutions at best.

*What you want is a rope with a spin like Rogue’s SR-2 (below).

Conclusion

If you want a jump rope or a speed rope in particular (especially one with aluminum handles) then this is an inexpensive option. For those wanting a speed rope with a better bearing system, there are better options out there for under $50 (like the SR-2). In the end, this rope looks very slick, but it operates just ‘ok’ for a speed rope. It is exactly what you should expect for a $15 rope with free shipping. For many, it will absolutely get the job done.

Introduction

Slam balls are one of the most underrated conditioning tools that someone can add to their home gym. For those looking to add some versatility to their setup or a change of pace from only using a barbell, these will get the job done for many.

Slam Balls are different from med balls because they’re specifically meant for (wait for it) slamming on the ground. This conditioning tool works on being explosive, and if you have the experience, you know the type of pain this simple tool can deliver. It can be used as a med ball normally would, adding weight for carries, ab work, lunges, thrusters, push-ups, and any other functional movements to get added versatility.

The overall quality of the slam ball is solid, and it’s one of the best-priced options you’ll find. For those looking to find the best value slam ball, this is one to consider.

Price

The slam ball can be a hard purchase for some. They are rather expensive for what they are, and you’re able to get sandbags with a much heavier weight (but more maintenance) for a lower price.

That being said, the Titan Slam Ball comes priced well below other companies. In some cases, the 60 lb slam ball from other companies is more than double the price. Hard to pay more for something. You are going to be slamming on the ground, which makes the Titan ball enticing.

The 60lb ball costs $89.99, which makes it about $1.50/lb. The 10lb and 15lb balls come in at $2.50 and $2.00/lb before leveling off around the $1.50 price. It’s $10 less expensive than the similar version from REP.

Specs

Titan has two options when it comes to their slam balls, but their prices are identical. They have a “smooth” version (actually has lined ribs circling it), and they also have one covered with textured treads. This smoother option has a solid enough grip that the one with treads is not necessary. This one is a bit more comfortable to use.

The diameter of the balls is between 9 and 11 inches. This is a nice size for grabbing the ball with your hands or cradling in your forearms. They are available from 10-60 lbs.

The ball has a thick rubber outer layer, and it is filled with sand. This allows you to slam the ball and get zero bounce. The rubber coating is ribbed, and in between the ribs, it is textured.

“I Don’t Buy From Titan…”

There are definitely some items worth considering from Titan, and a slam ball is one of them. You can’t really mess up a slam ball, and this one shipped on time and is your standard slam ball. It isn’t much different than most available from other retailers. It has survived (thus far) months of slams indoors and out.

Conclusion

There isn’t much more to the Titan Slam Ball than what has been explained above. If you are interested in adding a fun new tool to your space, this one delivers as promised. Slam balls can be necessary for some types of training, but for others, it can just be a fun tool to give you something different.

Packaging and Assembly

You’ve been eyeing the curl station on Titan’s website, you finally pull the trigger and buy it, and now it’s on your doorstep. Arriving extremely compact, the preacher curl station comes in a 22″x33″x7″ box with 8 major pieces and all of the nuts and bolts needed for assembly. The assembly instructions are a nightmare (2 finely printed pictures showing you all of the connections that need to be made), but it doesn’t take the largest brain to bolt this together, so this was really a non-issue. The total assembly time took about 30 minutes, and now your perfectly built curls station is ready for use… or is it? Here are some issues that we came across.

The Issues

Now that the curl station is built and has been put to use multiple times, the issues seem small, but during unboxing here were the complaints:

1. Indented seat pad: The seat pad that was sent did not have a consistent cushion. There was a large indent running down the side of the pad.
2. Bent metal: The straight part of the frame where the fasteners secure it to the feet was significantly bent. The fasteners straightened it only slightly.
3. Scratched coating: The arm frame is coated in chrome. It came with a handful of scratches and imperfections.
4. Chunky welds: Some of the welds seem extremely thick and ‘unclean.’
5. Thin padding: The seat pad and the arm pad are thin. You can feel that the wood backing being used is 1/2″, and it is most likely plywood. With a thin backing and a thin pad, the pad is only 1.5″ thick.
6. Bar Holding Arms: The arms meant to hold the bar are lined with cheap rubber strips. The welding on the underside is also questionable/non-existent. The claws where the bar rests also line up where you would want to grip an EZ bar which makes it less than ideal for gripping the bar before your set and racking.
7. *Stability: This was mentioned in some customer reviews, but did not see it as an issue here.

Functionality

With all of the listed issues, the curl station still functions as advertised. It’s relatively comfortable to use and does not wobble, as mentioned above.

Below are a few of the products specs that stick out.

• 3 Height Adjustment Points: The unit allows you to adjust the seat height, the curl pad height, and the bar arm height. You adjust with a pin that uses the spring and thread.

• Weight: The unit weighs 45 lbs, and it is extremely easy to move around your space, which is important as many home gym owners typically move items like this around often as their setup changes.

• Total Footprint: Space is always something to keep in mind. The curl station has a total footprint of under 6.5 square feet.

An Upgrade Option

Corners were skipped with the building of this unit, but where this preacher curl station falls short the Preacher Curl Bench V2 seems to have improved. It comes with UHMW lined j-hooks, bolt down options, and weighs 73 lbs. The issue is the price; you get what you pay for. The Preacher Curl Bench V2 is priced at $329.99. If you are not doing your math, that is more than double the cost of the Preacher Curl Station.

Conclusion

In the end, the Titan Preacher Curl Station is far from perfect, but if you are looking for a preacher curl bench (and not a lot of home gym equipment companies have them) this option should be considered. It is priced right, and it gets the job done. If you find yourself being very picky and critical of home gym equipment you buy, then you have been warned, this one may not be for you.

The Problem

Those adjustable dumbbells on the ground are annoying, but so is paying for storage after purchasing an expensive set. Spending hours on a DIY project doesn’t sound like a good use of time either. In addition, it’s likely that if your adjustable dumbbells are on the ground, they probably are not as used as much as they should be. It’s easy to ignore, and you may not be getting the full value out of them.

….Titan Fitness has entered the chat.

A Relatively Affordable Solution

Below is a look at the V3 Dumbbell Stand and Plate Tree. This stand is designed to hold a pair of dumbbells (adjustable or not) plus smaller plates at the bottom. With the option to hold additional weight, it’s more versatile than other options on the market. Plus, it’s cheaper than most alternatives. The stand is solidly built and ensures a better experience using adjustable dumbbells than without a stand.

SPECS and Quality Observations

• The overall height is 28.1 inches, which is going to be thigh level for most. It’s the ideal length to pick up and drop in your dumbbells conveniently.

• This unit weighs 35 lbs and has a weight capacity of 260 lbs. It feels like it can handle much more than that.

• There is enough space for NuoBells, Bowflex 552s, and most Powerblocks within the top space for dumbbells. The overall space to rest the dumbbells on top is 7.875″ W x 19.375 L. Therefore, any option within this space will fit.

• If you own just a single pair of traditional dumbbells, the stand will help get those off the ground as well. The angled surface ensures an easy pickup of any dumbbell, and the bottom is enclosed to assure they do not slide off.

• The steel is powder-coated black, and the welds are clean. The overall appearance of this stand is sharp! The powder coat will get scraped up over time.

• The overall stability of this is solid. A fifth foot on the front was added to the front and helps keep it locked in. Even if you were to take one of the adjustable dumbbells from the top, it still feels solid. There is zero fear of it ever tipping.

• Four 1″ weight pegs are added at the bottom. This is a good spot to store smaller plates. It would be nice to have a 2″ option because that is likely what most would put there. Nevertheless, the plates are still in a comfortable position here with just a little bit of lag.

Other Options

In general, this is the best value option for storing adjustable dumbbells.

• After shipping, this is priced similarly to the cheapest storage options from Powerblock, which do not have additional space for plates at the bottom. Ironmaster and NuoBell stands are at least 50% more expensive as well, with shipping in mind.

• Rogue also offers a Powerblock Cart that has some additional space for other items like kettlebells. The price is listed below 😲.

Conclusion

There aren’t any other adjustable dumbbell storage options that are this versatile, especially for the price. While not overbuilt, this is a solid option that has the ability to hold a good amount of weight. It will make your adjustable dumbbell experience much smoother if they are currently sitting on the ground.

About 35% of home gym owners own a landmine attachment, and a unique tool like this may help convince those without to get one. This Viking Grip Landmine Handle from Titan Fitness would be an excellent addition to just about anyone’s landmine setup. At just $55 shipped to your door, it adds versatility and comfort to many of your landmine movements.

In a recent IG story, there was a ton of follow up questions about it, so lets talk about it.

The welds are not extremely pretty, but overall this unit is pieced solidly together and stable. Made with 11 gauge steel, there are no concerns about its durability or long-term functionality, and most won’t get to the weight capacity of 680 lbs. The powder coating is well done and covers the attachment thoroughly. It’ll get banged up over time, but that’s okay, especially considering the cost. This is an attachment that is prepared to take a beating. In total, it weighs 17 lbs, and the total height x length is 16″ x 26.6.”

The landmine handle attaches to any standard 2″ barbell. The screw does help lock it into place, but it may scrape of your barbell a bit. It’s recommended to use a “beater bar” or simply a bar where you aren’t going to cry if it gets a few marks. Nothing more than a tiny scratch has been noticed, though.

You’ll also need to check the tightness often because the tight hold of the “threaded stop pin” is not that strong. However, with all movements, you are pushing the handle towards the landmine. Therefore, it’s not entirely necessary that it’s completely tightened all of the time.

In general, this attachment makes presses, squats, landmines, lunges, thrusters, and other movements you may do on a landmine more comfortable when compared to just holding the barbell, which can be awkward. Without an attachment, your grip may be the limiting factor, whereas you’re able to concentrate on certain body parts when able to have a firm grasp on the 2″ handle.

There are several different grip options. You also also have space to rest it on your shoulder, which helps you do squats or lunges. The handle spacings are 10.5 inches and 2 feet. About 8.5 inches are of space is open in the middle. This is just enough for most to fit their heads in. However, it may be a tough squeeze.

What would make this better? The caveat is that all of these improvements would likely add to the price.

• Some knurling would be nice. The powder coating is extremely smooth, so it can be difficult to grip during the sweatiest sessions, but overall not an issue.
• A few inches more in the middle for a bit more headspace.
• A better way to lock it into place. The “stop pin” is not incredibly strong, as mentioned above.

In conclusion, this Viking Press Landmine Handle is a tough piece of equipment that will add a ton of versatility to your landmine usage. In addition, it’s not going to break the bank or take up much floor space in the gym. While not perfect, it’s a toy that many would benefit from.