My recent builds

[Mech6]

Damn, went to clear the snow and this.

I am not questioning your intent or commitment by asking twice if I am not wrong. I am in no rush in reality. But this new equipment bug I think is getting better of me. Comments to that effect are being made at the home front as well ( Road trips to get equipment + UPS deliveries +trying to make my own stuff are not helping the cause). Anyway, everything is 2 way street. I think I probably not check this section of the forum for a while or figure out something...

That's fine, I can get cranky. As I said, you're next up.

[Mech6]

Damn, I though it was going to be DS posting photos of his completed setup... lol
Thanks for the writeup. Trying to unload my last monolifts, this will probably help.

I think the rogue's weight is mostly in the bracket, and mine is mostly in the arms. Might account for something. The rubber bumper is also a better contact point than uhmw as it will absorb some impact and reduce the bounce.


Now go review the gh roller, I have 4 left in my garage

[turbolsxstang]

I will get some pictures and measurements comparing a Rogue monolift vs a Mech6 (M6) monolift...

But for the meantime I'll offer my (amateur) observations:

So far, besides the better looks and superior construction of the Mech6 monolift over the Rogue monolift I'm already coming to the conclusion that the M6 monolift is overall a better designed mono as well.

That is, the M6 gets my vote for best design because the way in which Mech designed the counter balance weight, the hook weight and uhmw contact points all work (flawlessly) in unison when re-racking a barbell. Whereas, the Rogue mono seems to present issues with bar rebounds or the hooks bouncing off of a barbell during the re-racking portion of a lift. This may be attributed to the deficient lower hook weight or the multiple contact points of uhmw; the uhmw if not hit (reracked) at parallel to the two-piece design may pose an issue while reracking a barbell.

Furthermore, I think the M6 single uhmw centered contact point at each hook/swingarm and the weight (counter weight) of the lower hook balances out to where there is zero rebound of the barbell while reracking.

What's more, the Rogue monolift has a very light lower hook and is too top heavy in my opinion to balance out during the reracking of a barbell.

These are just some of my observations so far and I may be incorrect in my terminology or assumptions. I'll keep testing both monos for a better comparison.

Thanks for the review/comparison, my mech monos will be shipping this week but I already sold my rogue monos so I can't do a direct comparison of the two but it sounds like I made the right decision from reading yours. A lot of what you noted about rogues is stuff I did not like about them and I'm glad to hear mechs don't have these issues.

https://imgur.com/SXxSdNX

I managed to chip the powder coat on one of my jcups last night after accidentally hitting it with a plate. Has anyone had to touch up their red powder coating? What did you use to match it?

[vhd16]

That's fine, I can get cranky. As I said, you're next up.

No worries. Thanks for the update. Looks like crankiness was the order the day on the forum

[Nebamartinez]

Damn, I though it was going to be DS posting photos of his completed setup... lol
Thanks for the writeup. Trying to unload my last monolifts, this will probably help.

I think the rogue's weight is mostly in the bracket, and mine is mostly in the arms. Might account for something. The rubber bumper is also a better contact point than uhmw as it will absorb some impact and reduce the bounce.


Now go review the gh roller, I have 4 left in my garage

You're welcome and I absolutely love the gear and upgrades you made. Man I wished RC would offer similar options for everyone.

As far as the Glute Ham Roller goes... my wife uses that every week and said she enjoys using it for ab rollouts and gh rolls... she seems to like it

👍 The four wheeled gh roller design is much easier and safer on those that aren't muscle bound or that have difficulty using a single wheel ab roller or don't have the strength to perform a glute ham raise GHR. I've offered up the idea of adding mini bands for more resistance for her to perform gh rolls but so far she doesn't need them.

[Mech6]

Thanks for the review/comparison, my mech monos will be shipping this week but I already sold my rogue monos so I can't do a direct comparison of the two but it sounds like I made the right decision from reading yours. A lot of what you noted about rogues is stuff I did not like about them and I'm glad to hear mechs don't have these issues.

https://imgur.com/SXxSdNX

I managed to chip the powder coat on one of my jcups last night after accidentally hitting it with a plate. Has anyone had to touch up their red powder coating? What did you use to match it?

Got to auto parts store with sample (j-cup). They can scan it and make you a bottle (or can) of touchup. But it's a rack, eventually it all gets dinged up. Maybe just live with it

For reference, your red is standard colour code. RAL3020. Lots of places online will sell you a touchup for that colour. But scanning it is still best way because even a code match might not be 100% exact.

[Nebamartinez]

Thanks for the review/comparison, my mech monos will be shipping this week but I already sold my rogue monos so I can't do a direct comparison of the two but it sounds like I made the right decision from reading yours. A lot of what you noted about rogues is stuff I did not like about them and I'm glad to hear mechs don't have these issues.

https://imgur.com/SXxSdNX

I managed to chip the powder coat on one of my jcups last night after accidentally hitting it with a plate. Has anyone had to touch up their red powder coating? What did you use to match it?

You're welcome,
😎 Those hooks look sweet

[djslik916]

Haha been sick so I didn't get a chance to snap all the photos. The gym still looks like a trainwreck with all the bubble wrap everywhere, but I should be able to snap some good pics tomorrow. I will say that everything I got from Mech is top quality and it really is hard to find builders that put in this much effort towards quality and the final product. Mech6 you're a stand up guy and it was awesome working with you on this order. I hope I get a chance to order more goodies if/when you decide to start up shop again. The Monster rack was good, but the Mech 6 accessories put it over the top towards perfection. My favorite piece so far has to be the Keyhole Monolifts, the best thing I have ever added to my gym. I have to get used to racking the bar since I'm not used to having it swing away from me. I actually might add some UHMW to the front of the Monolift hooks because I was careless and hit it a couple of times already.

I was impressed with the fact you sent me color sample plates to bring in to the paint store for color matching, that to me represents going the extra mile.

[Mech6]

I actually might add some UHMW to the front of the Monolift hooks because I was careless and hit it a couple of times already.

It's too high. Common "mistake" is to set these things up at same height as j-hooks. Lower them 2-3" (more for squats). I'm 6' and my bar is at 52" for a mid stance squat. 50" for wide stance.
The vertical uhmw is long for a reason. So you can hit it a few inches high on the re-rack and be sure you clear the hooks.
I've been squatting out of the same style hooks since 2001, and I haven't hit the lips once since I set the right height (thousands of re-racks). And never had to move my feet/walk anything back in.

[djslik916]

It's too high. Common "mistake" is to set these things up at same height as j-hooks. Lower them 2-3" (more for squats). I'm 6' and my bar is at 52" for a mid stance squat. 50" for wide stance.
The vertical uhmw is long for a reason. So you can hit it a few inches high on the re-rack and be sure you clear the hooks.
I've been squatting out of the same style hooks since 2001, and I haven't hit the lips once since I set the right height (thousands of re-racks). And never had to move my feet/walk anything back in.

Cool I'll drop it down tomorrow and see how it feels.

[Kwazer]

It's too high. Common "mistake" is to set these things up at same height as j-hooks. Lower them 2-3" (more for squats). I'm 6' and my bar is at 52" for a mid stance squat. 50" for wide stance.
The vertical uhmw is long for a reason. So you can hit it a few inches high on the re-rack and be sure you clear the hooks.
I've been squatting out of the same style hooks since 2001, and I haven't hit the lips once since I set the right height (thousands of re-racks). And never had to move my feet/walk anything back in.

So when you have the bar racked on the mono at the right height, where should the bar be in relation to the user (i.e. arm pit height, mid-chest height, etc.)?

[Mech6]

So when you have the bar racked on the mono at the right height, where should the bar be in relation to the user (i.e. arm pit height, mid-chest height, etc.)?

2 inches above nipples. error before, center of bar at 53"

[tonypearn]

Weight pins are great! If you make some more longer ones let me know!

[Nebamartinez]

Mech6 (M6) Monster Monolift vs Rogue Monster Monolift. This review will be ongoing until I've had more time to compare each model.

Also, please feel free to critique and offer input if you believe the scoring should be adjusted on either monolift.

Thank you,


Power rack used for testing:

Rae Crowther Pro Gold Power Rack 3/16" or 7 gauge 3"x3" with 1" forward and aft 2" centered holes and staggered lateral teardrop/keyhole slots for 1.5" adjustments ~ very similar to Rogue's Monster Rack line of racks.


Scoring of data & Review criteria :

5 ~ Best [Near perfection]

4 ~ Good [Well done]

3 ~ Moderate/Neutral [Respectable] or NA [No opinion or supportive objective data to draw an inference(s)

2 ~ Fair [Has potential but needs work]

1~ Poor [Lack of or failed attempt]

----------------------------------------------------

<•>ROGUE FITNESS Adjustable Monster Monolift: {score}<•>

•Fit or connection to rack ~ {2} Very loose almost sloppy fit to rack. See pics

•Customization ~ {3} No shims for UHMW. Only straight pin with traditional J-cup style bracket available. Paint is standard no options. Saving grace is swingarm height adjustment (there are no current offerrings by Rogue to utilize the Monster Rack teardrops/keyhole slots)

•Finish ~ {3} Very rough finish and dare I say sharp edges all over monolift ~ see pics

•Function ~ {3} Swingarm movement is either sloppy with lots of play or lateral movement or too tight when bolts are torqued down but the lack of plastic spacers may cause a delay in swingarm retraction due impart to the now created friction point. Also, negative for lack of balance in weight at the hook end of swingarm which I believe also contributes to the rebounds I've experienced. Negative due to rebounds and potential for rebounds.

•Construction (materials) ~ {3.5} Simple solid design with very few parts which drives the price down. 3/8" steel gussets which are the Monolift support housings. ~3/4"" thick steel Monolift swingarms. Neg for sloppy weld work and loose fitting brackets at rack. Weight per mono ~32 lbs each. See pics.

•Construction (craftsmanship/design) ~ {3.5} Solid equipment with very minimal parts. Negative for poor counter weight design and lack of shock absorbing bumper behind swingarm to reduce potential of rebounds and to minimize damage to swingarm assembly.

•Safety ~ {3.5} Negative for potential rebounds and not to mention oversized (long) counter weight (hockey stick)

•Price & shipped ~ {NA} Fewer parts and less machining or less finish work and parts keep costs down.

•Customer service ~ {4.5} Rogue has great customer service and are responsive in addressing issues when or if they arise. It just takes some time and sometimes some back and forth with pictures and emails but they usually take care of issues when they arise in a timely manner.

•Total points: 26/40
Score 65%

----------------------------------------------------

Scoring of data & Review criteria :

5 ~ Best [Near perfection]

4 ~ Good [Well done]

3 ~ Moderate/Neutral [Respectable] or NA [No opinion or supportive objective data to draw an inference(s)

2 ~ Fair [Has potential but needs work]

1~ Poor [Lack of or failed attempt]

----------------------------------------------------

<•>MECH6 Adjustable Monster Monolift:
{score}<•>

•Fit or connection to rack ~ {5} There really is no room for improvement. Included is shim kit and additional keyhole pins if needed to custom fit for any rack irregularities . See pics

•Customization ~ {4.5} (To date this is the only available monolift that I know of to utilize the Rae Crowther or Monster Rack style teardrops/keyhole slots). Would be a solid 5 if it also included the additional swingarm height adjustments. Included is shim kit to attain a nice snug fit on rack to ensure all contact points are evenly distributed. Powder coat paint of your choice ~ typically black or red or must meet minimum equipment requirements (length of steel) to include other colors.

•Finish ~ {5} very smooth finish and smooth edges. No sharp edges to get injured on. Paint job is well done... no missed areas, even coverage, no oversprays, even or uniform so no dull areas. Prep work before paint is evident~ see pics

•Function ~ {4.5} Would be a 5 if had swingarm adjustment. Very smooth swingarm arm movement- plastic spacers in swingarm friction points ensure smooth movement. Very predictable while reracking of barbell... no noticeable rebounds at monolift hooks.

•Construction (materials) ~ {5} ~1" thick steel mono swingarm with UHMW at all bar and rack contact points. Mono arm support bracket 3/8" steel gusset and 11 gauge 2"x3" steel tubing for mono housing. Very meticulous weld work; very snug fit at rack with provided shims; more included parts to make up compact counter weight; Included swingarm bumper to slow swingarm and to allow for a shock absorbing effect during reracking of barbell. Weight per mon ~39 lbs each.

•Construction (craftsmanship/design) ~ {4.5} Only room for improvement would be adjustment of the swingarm.

•Safety ~ {3} NA because I didn't believe I could justify allocating other than a neutral rating because I don't have as much time under the bar with these monos as I do with the other monos.

So far I've not experienced any rebounding with either a Elite FTS Safety Squat Bar (SSB), 30mm Texas Squat bar or 28.5mm Texas Power bar.

Additionally, I have not once hit my head on the compact counter weights as their compact design and angle in their retracted state seems to alleviate the need to be making a conscious effort not to strike my head on them whenever I'm near them.

•Price & shipped ~ Price for traditional style 1" pin Monolift comparable to Rogue. Custom first in it's class type ~ {NA} Custom work and custom pieces that aren't offered by larger equipment manufacturers.

•Customer service ~ {5} Mech's customer service/support and aftercare (post sale) are nothing short of stellar. His responses to my questions or to issues when they occurred were almost lighting fast or instantaneous. He ensured that everything he made functioned at 100% as he intended them to. Further, Mech made sure I (the consumer) was satisfied by providing detailed instructions on installation of his products and providing additional custom parts to ensure proper fitment.

•Total points: 36.5/40
Score 91%


----------------------------------------------------

Here are some of my (amateur) observations:

So far, besides the better looks and superior construction of the Mech6 monolift over the Rogue monolift I'm already coming to the conclusion that the M6 monolift is overall a better designed mono as well.

That is, the M6 gets my vote for best design because the way in which Mech designed the counter balance weight, the hook weight and uhmw contact points all work (flawlessly) in unison when re-racking a barbell.

Whereas, the Rogue mono seems to present issues with bar rebounds off of the bar hooks or when the barbell bounces off of the swingarm during the re-racking portion of a lift. I've had this happen to me a few times. This rebounding may be attributed to the deficient lower hook weight, the multiple contact points at the UHMW and or due to the lack of a shock absorbing bumper behind the swingarm.

Furthermore, in my experience with the Rogue mono if the UHMW is not hit (reracked) at parallel to the two-piece design may pose an issue while reracking a barbell...and this may be further exacerbated by the lack of a shock absorber behind the hook swingarm. That is, the only buffer of the Rogue hook/swingarm is the backside of the hooks UHMW.

Moreover, I think the M6 single UHMW centered contact point at each hook/swingarm and the weight (counter weight) of the lower hook balances out to where there is zero rebound of the barbell while reracking. There is a definite reassurance that the barbell will remain motionless once it strikes the back of the hook UHMW. Not to mention that the M6 has shims or spacers in the swingarm which give it smooth motion with very minimal lateral movement (or slope). Nevertheless, the Rogue mono has lots of slope in the swingarm as there are no spacers to direct the motion of the swingarm.

What's more, the Rogue monolift has a very light lower swingarm hook and is (in my opinion) too top heavy to balance out during the reracking of a barbell.

One positive of the Rogue mono is the height adjustment of the swingarm. Meaning there are a few holes drilled through the swingarm to all for some height adjustment.

These are just some of my observations so far and I may be incorrect in my terminology or assumptions. I'll keep testing both monos for a better comparison.

Mech6 Monster Monolift side view:



Rogue Monster Monolift side view:




Mech6 Monster Monolift swingarm counter weight distance from rack: <<18.5">>



Rogue Monster Monolift counter weight distance from rack: <<22.25">>




Mech6 Monster Monolift weld work, edges, paint and finish:



Rogue Monster Monolift weld work, edges, paint and finish:

[Nebamartinez]

Mech6 Monster Monolift swingarm bumper:



Rogue Monster Monolift swingarm bumper:




Mech6 swingarm length ~ distance from counter weight to bar hook:



Rogue swingarm length ~ distance from counter weight to bar hook:




Mech6 Monolift swingarm barbell contact point:



Rogue Monolift swingarm barbell contact point:

[keyboardworkout]

I still think a coil spring that retracts the monolift arm instead of a counterweight would be cool along with the ability to lock the arm in place.

[Domicron]

wait so the Rogue swingarm bumper doesn't even touch? how much does the Rogue version weight? if it's a lot lighter than Mech's i could see it not being too bad, but it seems like it'd be a pain in the ass to rotate that whole sucker 90 degrees to remove it.

thanks for the pics and the review.

[Mech6]

wait so the Rogue swingarm bumper doesn't even touch? how much does the Rogue version weight? if it's a lot lighter than Mech's i could see it not being too bad, but it seems like it'd be a pain in the ass to rotate that whole sucker 90 degrees to remove it.

thanks for the pics and the review.

There is no bumper. What you are seeing is the locking pin. They use the arm side uhmw as a stopper.

[cwcmac]

Neba - Great review but I would remove Mech's price. Given his builds are one offs it may vary based on rack, shipping, etc. I'd hate for him to be put in a bind when dealing with others based on previous prices. Rogue's is listed on their site so no worries there.

On spread as usual

[Domicron]

There is no bumper. What you are seeing is the locking pin. They use the arm side uhmw as a stopper.

well that's weird. how much did you upcharge me for that piece of rubber? like $75 bucks? why not include a piece?

[Mech6]

well that's weird. how much did you upcharge me for that piece of rubber? like $75 bucks? why not include a piece?

I pay $8 for a bag of 10

[fatal11]

Awesome review so far. Im so tempted to sell my monsterlite rack and upgrade to a monster rack w the keyholes. Wish Rogue would have copied RC and used offset keyholes on either side though. I agree swinging Rogue monos 90 degrees to move them is a real pain. The rubber stopper seems like it would be quieter as well no?

[Mech6]

Awesome review so far. Im so tempted to sell my monsterlite rack and upgrade to a monster rack w the keyholes. Wish Rogue would have copied RC and used offset keyholes on either side though. I agree swinging Rogue monos 90 degrees to move them is a real pain. The rubber stopper seems like it would be quieter as well no?

Don't sell your rack for the monos, lol, I'm out of these and don't plan on making more for a good long while. I do have non-keyhole ones left however.

[djslik916]

Here are some pics of my Mech6 Accessories:

Front of Rack


Monkey Bars Skinny/Fat & Front Porch




Backing Plates

[djslik916]

Front Spotters Stored Vertically





Swing In Safeties 30"


Monolift Attachement





Custom 42" Cross Members


GH Roller Hung From Crossmembers

[Nebamartinez]

Mech6 Monster Monolift swingarm counter weight:



Rogue Monster Monolift swingarm counter weight:




Mech6 monolift bracket fit to rack:





Rogue monolift bracket fit to rack:

[cwcmac]

Front Spotters Stored Vertically





Swing In Safeties 30"


Monolift Attachement





Custom 42" Cross Members


GH Roller Hung From Crossmembers

Looks amazing. What are the backer plates for or are they just cosmetic?

[djslik916]

The backer plates help to prevent dimpling the rack if I tighten the bolts like a gorilla, really it's just preference most people probably wouldn't care.

[djslik916]

I'm asking for my Official MECH6 Crew # please. Whoever is in charge add me to the list I've been waiting a long time to be part of the crew.

[Nebamartinez]

DJ

That looks awesome man! Love Mech's custom touches on your rack. 👍👍