Belt Squats machine: Squatmax MD or Rogue Rhino?

[ncsuLuke]

Not sure, I commented on the post asking if the idea was scrapped and he said prime plans to make it but he has no idea when.

If Kabuki threatened legal action, there aren’t much similarities between the bars (adjustment mechanisms are different, prime bar has a back plate, etc) so I wouldn’t see why they would.

Found it in the old thread about Kabuki's bar, was a comment on instagram

Adam's post on Instagram, Duffin commented on it, "I would suggest someone might check with their patent attorney before taking this to market...."

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDEPoMQAzNw/

[JUGGERNAUT1333]

I never tried a SquatMAxx, but I used the Rogue Rhino and I hated it. I don't like any belt squats that put the load in the center of your body like that.

I used a Titan V2 and Bells of Steel and I prefer those types ALOT more. Wenning Strength is the holy grail of Belt Squats, but it's expensive as hell and huge.

[mrcheeze36]

Found it in the old thread about Kabuki's bar, was a comment on instagram

Ah, I was trying to look posts of the bar before but couldn’t find it at the time.

Looks like Marrs responded too saying:

They “borrowed” my design of moving the cambers on the inside of the rack…which is already in my patent. Already on it

The prime bar has more similarities to the Marrs bar vs. the transformer bar so Marrs may have more of a case than Kabuki.

[urbanlifter]

I never tried a SquatMAxx, but I used the Rogue Rhino and I hated it. I don't like any belt squats that put the load in the center of your body like that.

I used a Titan V2 and Bells of Steel and I prefer those types ALOT more. Wenning Strength is the holy grail of Belt Squats, but it's expensive as hell and huge.

The more I look at Belt Squat machines the more I start to lean towards Edge Fitness Systems again. The Titan was a solid unit, I'd love to have a Wenning but it's incredibly overpriced, so I think an Edge Deluxe model is a nice middle of the road.

[C123C]

The more I look at Belt Squat machines the more I start to lean towards Edge Fitness Systems again. The Titan was a solid unit, I'd love to have a Wenning but it's incredibly overpriced, so I think an Edge Deluxe model is a nice middle of the road.

One thing I don't like about most designs is the size - specifically the width. Mech's unit (and Sorinex) solves for a lot of that, also makes for a simple design. Most home gym people have space issues and full collars out wide at barbell width and space for loading is a killer. That was one thing I really liked about the Rhino is that it saved space from that aspect. Plus despite me owning a leverage unit, I still prefer a cable to floor traditional setup having always trained on that type and it being the original design. That said, leverage units if built right give 95% of it so not meaningful to me (plus saved me a lot of money).

[grumpytude]

The more I look at Belt Squat machines the more I start to lean towards Edge Fitness Systems again. The Titan was a solid unit, I'd love to have a Wenning but it's incredibly overpriced, so I think an Edge Deluxe model is a nice middle of the road.

thats basically why I got it. Not too pricey, good footprint. reliable. Easy to move around if needed.
Its was also the easiest piece of equipment I have ever put together. Everything labeled perfectly and everything is the same size bolt. They thought it out nicely.

I did have to build my own platform and slightly rise the left side, only because my gym used to be a Garage and the floor does pitch. I noticed even with the slight pitch I started to notice some strain on my right knee. Took me a few times to actually figure out why. If the machine was faced towards the pitch then it is not an issue. All worked out in the end. I actually get a few more inches of depth with the platform

[urbanlifter]

Sometimes I feel like I will things into existence. So this happened today and I'm beyond excited! This thing feels far more substantial than the previous one I had, the load ratio seems much better, and I can get ATG without needing to build a platform. I remember that being an issue I had with the first one Grumpy. I'm seriously impressed, it came with two belts and the bent over row attachment. Funny enough from a Parrillo facility, which I recall from previous discussion has history with Edge and the creation of some of his equipment (transformer bench).

[Greybird2]

Already at your house, and in the perfect colors. Also has the 2 arms instead of 1. You are getting some really nice stuff lately!

[C123C]

Sometimes I feel like I will things into existence....

Universe playing into your hand. Amazing pickup and timing.

[urbanlifter]

Universe playing into your hand. Amazing pickup and timing.

The timing is just hilarious, probably the first Deluxe version I have seen for sale locally so I had to jump on it. Excellent condition, honestly it looks like they barely used it. Hats off to Edge on how they put this one together, its built like a tank.

Edit: Love you Edge, but goodby ugly stickers!

[grumpytude]

Sometimes I feel like I will things into existence. So this happened today and I'm beyond excited! This thing feels far more substantial than the previous one I had, the load ratio seems much better, and I can get ATG without needing to build a platform. I remember that being an issue I had with the first one Grumpy. I'm seriously impressed, it came with two belts and the bent over row attachment. Funny enough from a Parrillo facility, which I recall from previous discussion has history with Edge and the creation of some of his equipment (transformer bench).

very nice. I like the colors too. I first debated on getting this version. You should be very happy with the piece.Congrats

[urbanlifter]

very nice. I like the colors too. I first debated on getting this version. You should be very happy with the piece.Congrats

So far so good, trying to get used to the belts that came with it and get the height adjustment right, think my chopped up EZ Dip belt was the way to go. But I'll give them some time to see if they feel better, haven't had a belt squat machine since this past March. Looking at the arm of the Edge it's been custom modified by Parrillo, think that's why it allows for better range of motion than the standard version I used previously. The guy who sold it mentioned something about him making an adjustment to it, but the welds and powerdercoat look so professional it didn't register until I looked at the stock photo's today.

[grumpytude]

So far so good, trying to get used to the belts that came with it and get the height adjustment right, think my chopped up EZ Dip belt was the way to go. But I'll give them some time to see if they feel better, haven't had a belt squat machine since this past March. Looking at the arm of the Edge it's been custom modified by Parrillo, think that's why it allows for better range of motion than the standard version I used previously. The guy who sold it mentioned something about him making an adjustment to it, but the welds and powerdercoat look so professional it didn't register until I looked at the stock photo's today.

same here, all these months I have had mine I am still kinda fiddling with foot placement and moving the belt attachment hook further in & out trying to find sweet spot. You would think that a machine that you squat up & down would be pretty simple in adjusting your body- but for me anyway I am always tweaking things it seems every time I use it.

[C123C]

same here, all these months I have had mine I am still kinda fiddling with foot placement and moving the belt attachment hook further in & out trying to find sweet spot. You would think that a machine that you squat up & down would be pretty simple in adjusting your body- but for me anyway I am always tweaking things it seems every time I use it.

Lots of options but my default is vertical chain/attachment throughout movement (ie not pulling forward which is how most nimrods on IGram seem to set it up). Standard squat stance. Height on belt/attachment allowing me to hit depth and a tad below without bottoming out. I use handles for hand placement and don't ever pressure/pull on them unless I'm struggling on last rep. Ultimately you can vary it however you like for whatever your purpose but this is my neutral standard.

[grumpytude]

Lots of options but my default is vertical chain/attachment throughout movement (ie not pulling forward which is how most nimrods on IGram seem to set it up). Standard squat stance. Height on belt/attachment allowing me to hit depth and a tad below without bottoming out. I use handles for hand placement and don't ever pressure/pull on them unless I'm struggling on last rep. Ultimately you can vary it however you like for whatever your purpose but this is my neutral standard.

I've read the best way is to have where the belt is attached in line with ankle area as to not pull you forward or backwards. I think its a bit trickier with a leverage piece than say a machine like the Rogue with a cable assembly coming from the bottom of unit, which I imagine would make the movement easier with less tweaking involved. I'll be honest. I like my belt squat but am still not 100% comfortable in its movement. Some days are fine, others it feels like no matter what I do I can't find the sweet spot. maybe its just me.

[urbanlifter]

same here, all these months I have had mine I am still kinda fiddling with foot placement and moving the belt attachment hook further in & out trying to find sweet spot. You would think that a machine that you squat up & down would be pretty simple in adjusting your body- but for me anyway I am always tweaking things it seems every time I use it.

There is definitely a learning curve with the leverage machines, I had the Titan Belt Squat adjusted to perfection so it's going to take a moment to adjust to a new machine. The foot placement, height adjustment, and even the belt are CRUCIAL! Once I get it figured out it will be amazing, this machine blows the Titan out of the water in terms of beefiness. Initially the Edge Belt just seems too thick at the crease of the hips, feels like it rides up during the squat.

[grumpytude]

There is definitely a learning curve with the leverage machines, I had the Titan Belt Squat adjusted to perfection so it's going to take a moment to adjust to a new machine. The foot placement, height adjustment, and even the belt are CRUCIAL! Once I get it figured out it will be amazing, this machine blows the Titan out of the water in terms of beefiness. Initially the Edge Belt just seems too thick at the crease of the hips, feels like it rides up during the squat.

correct, setup and body placement all need to gel together. I guess I am just a slow learner then...HA. As for the belt- I use a Spud belt on top a regular lifting belt. the spud belt alone just seems to dig into me too much. Also the same with the edge belt that came with the unit.

[nattyjucicer420]

I would say the rhino by rouge is your best bet

[urbanlifter]

correct, setup and body placement all need to gel together. I guess I am just a slow learner then...HA. As for the belt- I use a Spud belt on top a regular lifting belt. the spud belt alone just seems to dig into me too much. Also the same with the edge belt that came with the unit.

Secomd session today and man, my hips were sore from the full leg session the other day. EZ Dip belt here we come, it's padded nicely and rated at like 800lbs or something stupid. They have changed the hook design since the last one I had, maybe it will not require surgery to make work with a belt squat machine.

[C123C]

Secomd session today and man, my hips were sore from the full leg session the other day. EZ Dip belt here we come, it's padded nicely and rated at like 800lbs or something stupid. They have changed the hook design since the last one I had, maybe it will not require surgery to make work with a belt squat machine.

I have used regular belt squat belts and currently own the Rogue Multi Belt (soft and padded). I like the multi. You mention "dip belt" above - these don't work well as belt squat belts. Just FYI. I own the Spud and it's a non-starter. Similar but wrong.

[urbanlifter]

I have used regular belt squat belts and currently own the Rogue Multi Belt (soft and padded). I like the multi. You mention "dip belt" above - these don't work well as belt squat belts. Just FYI. I own the Spud and it's a non-starter. Similar but wrong.

The EZ Dip was padded more than other dip belts, I tried the Spud once before and it was TERRIBLE for belt squats. After a few sessions the Edge belt is starting to grow on me and the machine feels fantastic. I have noticed that the belt naturally sits up higher on your back, those first couple sessions I forced it into a lower position and that may have cause some of the initial pain. But all is well, very happy with this pickup!

[googs185]

I have a Squatmax setup in my basement where my head has to go up between the joists and I just put a pad there but my head never hits, but I’m only 5’7”. I think The movement is far superior to the rhino and scientific studies have shown that it actually activates the same exact muscles as a regular squat, while the other machines do not. I have the old model and mounted it to two 2 x 2” uprights bolted to the floor so I don’t have access to the other attachments, but I still love it. I did this so I wouldn’t tie up my rack. let me know if you have any other questions. I added up getting it used for 500 bucks last year locally. Try Craigslist, etc. I can’t post photos, but if you PM me I will send you one. I tried my BIL’s rhino and I like how the SM feels better. It comes with rogue’s really nice padded belt. I also have the spud inc yellow belt but it isn’t as good for belt squats and not as adjustable. The rogue one has 6 loops you can put the carabiner through on each side

[urbanlifter]

I think The movement is far superior to the rhino and scientific studies have shown that it actually activates the same exact muscles as a regular squat, while the other machines do not.

Not knocking the Squat Max, I'm sure it's a fantastic machine, but before regurgitating the marketing points I'd go read th actual 'study'. It's complete BS and the majority of the findings seem based on the assumption that bands add the magic sauce (which the other machines have also). The study reminded be of the X3 band system, "it's 10099% more effective than just using free weights" (GTFOH). Again, I'm sure it's a fantastic machine and respected posters here LOVE it, but in terms of actual leg development / muscle activation there isn't going to be a difference between the Rhino and SM.

[Mech6]

Not knocking the Squat Max, I'm sure it's a fantastic machine, but before regurgitating the marketing points I'd go read th actual 'study'. It's complete BS and the majority of the findings seem based on the assumption that bands add the magic sauce (which the other machines have also). The study reminded be of the X3 band system, "it's 10099% more effective than just using free weights" (GTFOH). Again, I'm sure it's a fantastic machine and ugly respected posters here LOVE it, but in terms of actual leg development / muscle activation there isn't going to be a difference between the Rhino and SM.

I agree with this. Your foot position vs the pull axis is going to be WAY more determinative as to which muscles get activated and by how much.

[Asjogren]

I agree with this. Your foot position vs the pull axis is going to be WAY more determinative as to which muscles get activated and by how much.

I also agree . I have the Rhino and I really like it(Full disclosure that I have not tried any other). Went with the Rhino( and I’m not a fan of Rogue) because I have low ceiling and the width was a good fit in the space I had.Luckily, I got it when the price was hundreds less.
I’m sure the SM is excellent but height and loading plates on it pushed me towards the rhino.

The leverage arm style look awesome but we’re too wide for my space

[urbanlifter]

I agree with this. Your foot position vs the pull axis is going to be WAY more determinative as to which muscles get activated and by how much.

I'd like to see a REAL study done between the three versions (pin/cable/leverage), done by a professional group that's not being paid by SquatMax. Take the Wenning (or Edge), Rogue Rhino, and SquatMax to do a fair assessment with all of them incorporating bands. I have no doubt SM and Rogue will have identical results, but I'm curious to see how big an impact it has with the leverage machines. But like you said, foot placement is a big determining factor on how these machines feel, so if the study group knows nothing about these machines it could skew the results of they setup like idiots. Setting up on the Edge with the connection point near my back heel is perfect, I feel a slight pull forward but nothing earth shattering.

[grumpytude]

I'd like to see a REAL study done between the three versions (pin/cable/leverage), done by a professional group that's not being paid by SquatMax. Take the Wenning (or Edge), Rogue Rhino, and SquatMax to do a fair assessment with all of them incorporating bands. I have no doubt SM and Rogue will have identical results, but I'm curious to see how big an impact it has with the leverage machines. But like you said, foot placement is a big determining factor on how these machines feel, so if the study group knows nothing about these machines it could skew the results of they setup like idiots. Setting up on the Edge with the connection point near my back heel is perfect, I feel a slight pull forward but nothing earth shattering.

agree- foot placement is the key. explains why I am constantly tweaking mine. Foot placement, foot stance & width etc. Sometimes just a half inch variable makes a huge difference with me.

[urbanlifter]

agree- foot placement is the key. explains why I am constantly tweaking mine. Foot placement, foot stance & width etc. Sometimes just a half inch variable makes a huge difference with me.

100%! With the Titan I ended up putting down red tape on the platform so I knew exactly where the perfect stance was without thinking about it. Might end up doing the same with this one, I'm getting close to figuring it out.

[grumpytude]

100%! With the Titan I ended up putting down red tape on the platform so I knew exactly where the perfect stance was without thinking about it. Might end up doing the same with this one, I'm getting close to figuring it out.

I might try that. The Belt Squat and I did not hit it off as friends right away for sure, its definitely a relationship in progress.
Should be getting the Powertec Leverage squat soon. curious to compare the two in how they work the legs.

[mrcheeze36]

I had the rack mounted SM, but sold it at the beginning of the lockdown to get other equipment. It was great, but I have limited space in my garage and the only area I could have/use it I could only squat when the garage door is closed. Aside from the vertical space needed, loading my non-slotted plates on the loading pin was sometimes a pain.

I later got the Rhino and have been happy with it ever since. Protim on IG comes up with some good movements for it, and he’s also developed some products for it with Rogue…only one came out so far but the others might come out later this year or early next year.