Please help decide between Rogue R3 vs. S2

[Paul Hernandez]

Hello Everyone,

I would really appreciate it if I could get some advice from some SS coaches and others in helping me decide between purchasing a Rogue R3 or S2 package--both packages would include the B&R Bar and the 2.0 flat bench. In addition, I am purchasing York Legacy plates from the the York Barbell store.

I am 41 years old and a former powerlifter. I will be using the equipment for basic barbell strength training following the SS model, as I am returning to strength training after a two year layoff.

For a garage gym, what would be the advantages of one over the other? I have seen video of Wolf training on an S1 (w/ spotter arms) in his apartment using heavy weight, so I know that the S2 would be enough, but would a full cage be better? Again, I would appreciate feedback on the subject! Especially from fellow R3 and S2 owners.

Thanks and have a blessed day!
Paul

[Nick Klemetson]

If you have the space and the funds for an R3, that's what I would get.

[murphyreedus]

Never owned an R3, but I did own the Titan clone for a while, and currently own both a half rack and an open top power rack. If I could only have one between the R3 and the S2, I'd rather have the R3 with added spotter arms for maximum versatility.

[SpinyNorman]

If you have the space and the funds for an R3, that's what I would get.

Agreed. I've had mine for six years and don't have any complaints. I like that it's bolted to the floor and won't slide around no matter how hard I walk into the uprights to rack a squat.

[SpinyNorman]

since you can get extra j-hooks and have two lifts running concurrently (for supersetting if desired; extra bar required)

This is a good point. I don't run the same program as my friend and we often do different lifts at the same time.

[Paul Hernandez]

Thank you gentlemen for the feedback! I think it sounds like the R3 is getting all the love! I would love to hear more feedback. Thanks again!

[peez]

I have the R3 and would not trade it for anything. You can add a ton of accessories if you want - it's just more versatile, esp. important for a garage gym.

[John Hanley]

Thank you gentlemen for the feedback! I think it sounds like the R3 is getting all the love! I would love to hear more feedback. Thanks again!

R3 pros:

- supersets, as mentioned (I sometimes superset press and chins, or dips and hanging leg raises, etc)
- banded pulls (with bands either on top or bottom) are possible
- I feel comfy rack pulling 650+ on the R3...not so sure about a squat stand with safeties.

I'm sure there are others

[sbburris]

With your two choices, I would say the R3.

Another option, and what I have, is the W-4 wall mount. Price falls between your two options, and I have an extremely tall pullup bar on three sides. In fact, I have a fat bar over the squat rack, a Dirty South on one side, and a Spealer on the other. We use spotter arms.

The wallmount is a b*tch to put together and square up, though. I used to have an S2 or S3 stand, and I could put it together or take it apart in minutes. The W-4 took me several hours, and I'm still not 100% satisfied that it is perfectly square. If I could do it over again, I'd by something like the R-3.

[hollismb]

You have to bolt the R3 down to the floor or platform though, so keep that in mind. It also takes up a bit more space if you're limited. The actual footprint is the same, but the useable space around you is reduced by having the R3; you'll likely need to have it a little further from the wall, for example.