I actually cut the little sound dampening cushioning on the guide rod and replaced it with a PVC pipe. That helped the “brake” sensation you felt. Another great review!
IMO, the Titan Fitness SquatMax MD is definitely worth the money. It is an exceptional leg exercise machine, but it can also be used for a multitude of upper body exercises if you detach the loading pin and attach it with daisy chain tie strap(s) to a cable curl bar.
@@hybridresistanceI had a little bit of a hard time doing a split squat on this. If you could include any tips on your next video that would be super helpful. Other stuff I do the Squatmax includes: marches, calf raises, box squats, deadlifts, I use the seat pad for seal rows as well.
Use wood boxes (homemade), loading pin (12 inches Yesforall), and Spud inc belt (used Marketplace). I have another higher homemade box to load pin. I have 8 standard 25 lb plates to load on pin. Can load up to 200 lbs. This homemade setup works great for me. Never used the SquatMax, so I can't compare.
Great review. I think it was Coop's first look review that also showed the rack attachment version of it but didn't like it as much compared to the free standing version because it's not easy to move and doesn't have the same options.
I have it and LOVE it! Added three inches to my lower legs in 3-4 months nothing beats strength/size you can get from this and small footprint. Only downsides is they need accessories like seal row pad for it/hip thrust pad etc.
I initially got it as I had hurt my lower back deadlifting so was doing lighter squats. This let me add volume without hurting my lower back and now I often do lighter warmup squats and then with higher volume as I can do deadlifts on leg/back day. I would never want to do them after 3-5 sets of heavy squats as I have horrible ankle mobility and bend too much at the waist. I find it doesn't hit the hips or lower back at all so still do regular squats/deadlifts. Add VOLUME to leg day with no downsides!
The volume component is very true with this. I always noticed that my legs grew the most when I did more volume compared to when I was doing powerlifting. My leg sessions (actually most of my workouts) have been cut much shorter than usual over the years, so hopefully this helps boost those numbers.
Oh man, I haven't seen one of these for years... I had actually forgotten that these existed. Seeing a review of it is like a throwback to the Golden Era of TH-cam. (I'm referencing this design, in general. I have no idea how long the Titan version has been around)
I’ve had the Hennessy edition for over 3yrs now and it’s something I still use and it’s challenging. I come up with many different hacks on this machine. The transformer pin really helps with a different feel. This is NOT a one trick pony machine.
Try placing the belt a little bit lower down along the small of your back. You have it a little high which is the likely cause of you bending too much at the hips.
The final step in assembly says to add tape, but I could not figure out from the drawing where they wanted it applied. I remember when I saw the tape in the box. I kind of threw it across the floor and I can’t find it ha ha ha ha
As they say in the good Book..."you have said so"... I'm just a dude covering things that interest me. Appreciate you though brother as always for watching.
The only issue I have is you can't get deep enough in it without bottoming it out. I'm 5"11 and I'm working on adding spacers to increase the ROM so I can get full depth.
I am looking to get this but I am worried because I am 5’4 and I might not get good depth as I heard from reviews and others saying it will bottom out. Others mentioned that they added weight, rubber mats, etc under their feet to increase the height. Is this really a problem for short people like me?
It's been supplementing it. For instance my leg workout yesterday was squatmax to start, working to 5 plates, then the leg press, leg extension/leg curl, then the calf raise attachment with the leg press.
For sure you could DIY this like anything else, you just miss out on the ease of set up and added features (namely ability to attach bands). I've tried a number of things myself including just using heavy center electronic weight with a e-gym (which eventually broke) but doesn't really compare in my opinion. Definitely not for everyone though.
You can also detach the loading pin and do the same. It is relatively easy and cheap to use solid concrete construction blocks to make row platforms, or even a DIY belt squat platform. However, the Titan Fitness SquatMax MD is worth even its full price because of how safe and convenient to do belt squats and split squats along with many upper-body exercises.
![[TH] 2024 PMSL SEA W2D2 | Fall | เครื่องร้อน พร้อมลุย](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/JO2_bLow_1Y/mqdefault.jpg)
I actually cut the little sound dampening cushioning on the guide rod and replaced it with a PVC pipe. That helped the “brake” sensation you felt.
Another great review!
I did hear about that. I'm going to have to do that eventually. Thanks for watching.
That’s great to hear. That was the first thing I noticed. I was like this really sucks
IMO, the Titan Fitness SquatMax MD is definitely worth the money. It is an exceptional leg exercise machine, but it can also be used for a multitude of upper body exercises if you detach the loading pin and attach it with daisy chain tie strap(s) to a cable curl bar.
Definitely. I held off on showing off all the exercises for the sake of time on what I wanted to cover, but I will make a video on that in the future.
@@hybridresistanceI had a little bit of a hard time doing a split squat on this. If you could include any tips on your next video that would be super helpful.
Other stuff I do the Squatmax includes: marches, calf raises, box squats, deadlifts, I use the seat pad for seal rows as well.
Use wood boxes (homemade), loading pin (12 inches Yesforall), and Spud inc belt (used Marketplace).
I have another higher homemade box to load pin. I have 8 standard 25 lb plates to load on pin. Can load up to 200 lbs. This homemade setup works great for me. Never used the SquatMax, so I can't compare.
Thanks for that my friend. That will for sure help some people
Yep. Could even get fancy and build a whole station with handles & seat from 2x4's and plywood. Less than a hundred bucks for everything probably.
Great review. I think it was Coop's first look review that also showed the rack attachment version of it but didn't like it as much compared to the free standing version because it's not easy to move and doesn't have the same options.
Thank you. I think he might have done this one too when titan put it out.
I have it and LOVE it! Added three inches to my lower legs in 3-4 months nothing beats strength/size you can get from this and small footprint. Only downsides is they need accessories like seal row pad for it/hip thrust pad etc.
Credit goes to you for putting me over the edge and getting this. Thanks for the suggestion. Now I got to chase those three inches.
🦾
I initially got it as I had hurt my lower back deadlifting so was doing lighter squats. This let me add volume without hurting my lower back and now I often do lighter warmup squats and then with higher volume as I can do deadlifts on leg/back day. I would never want to do them after 3-5 sets of heavy squats as I have horrible ankle mobility and bend too much at the waist. I find it doesn't hit the hips or lower back at all so still do regular squats/deadlifts. Add VOLUME to leg day with no downsides!
The volume component is very true with this. I always noticed that my legs grew the most when I did more volume compared to when I was doing powerlifting. My leg sessions (actually most of my workouts) have been cut much shorter than usual over the years, so hopefully this helps boost those numbers.
I have the original version, and I love this piece.
It’s so easy to use and effective.
I'd say it's right there with your YT name.
Best review of this I've seen.
Thanks Brian!
Oh man, I haven't seen one of these for years... I had actually forgotten that these existed. Seeing a review of it is like a throwback to the Golden Era of TH-cam.
(I'm referencing this design, in general. I have no idea how long the Titan version has been around)
haha, I hear you on that. Been on the fence for one of these for a long time.
I’ve had the Hennessy edition for over 3yrs now and it’s something I still use and it’s challenging. I come up with many different hacks on this machine.
The transformer pin really helps with a different feel. This is NOT a one trick pony machine.
Haha, yes I forgot to add his “one trick pony” line.
@@hybridresistance fasho! Lol
I haven't seen any reviews on Xebex XT4 magnetic sleds yet 😕 Compact and supposedly a great leg workout especially if have back issues.
I'll look into those. There seems to be a few out on TH-cam for them.
I debated for over a year between the squat max amd the rhino and decided on the Rhino and could not be happier
🍿 here for the content. 💪🏼
Always appreciate you in here Jaleesa.
@@hybridresistance thanks for the content. 💪🏼
Try placing the belt a little bit lower down along the small of your back. You have it a little high which is the likely cause of you bending too much at the hips.
I will definitely try that, but I do prefer being more horizontal simulating that low bar squat.
Very cool machine!
Thanks Jay, always appreciate you brother.
The final step in assembly says to add tape, but I could not figure out from the drawing where they wanted it applied. I remember when I saw the tape in the box. I kind of threw it across the floor and I can’t find it ha ha ha ha
I honestly didn't even notice that or like you I threw it away.
Are you the next Garage Gym Reviews? 😂
I like your reviews and breakdowns though.
As they say in the good Book..."you have said so"... I'm just a dude covering things that interest me. Appreciate you though brother as always for watching.
@@hybridresistance I hope you get there man. I like your reviews better, and that dude is making bank.
@@Agent_G_33 appreciate it brother.
I thought the carabiner was a pain in the rear. It’s got that big locking thread on it making hooking loops difficult IMHO
The only issue I have is you can't get deep enough in it without bottoming it out. I'm 5"11 and I'm working on adding spacers to increase the ROM so I can get full depth.
I'm 6 feet and just hooked the carabiner up really high ( the second notch on fhe belt ) and that allowed me to go really low easily
@@iang8169 nice, I had to add 4x4's and longer bolts to space out the build so I could go deep. All good now. Now it works for me and my short wife.
I personally believe that the rhino is better but it's much more expensive and not worth the cost...
Love using it but I would like a solution to the play in the handles. It really throws me off when I go heavy and they move a little.
I agree it’s a subtle thing that I think would make a big difference.
I am looking to get this but I am worried because I am 5’4 and I might not get good depth as I heard from reviews and others saying it will bottom out. Others mentioned that they added weight, rubber mats, etc under their feet to increase the height. Is this really a problem for short people like me?
I'd to say you'd be good without being sure. I'd say the best tip would be to email Brian Hennessy or Titan about this to get a better answer.
Looks like you swapped out the vertical leg press. Good choice.
Yes, it is gone. Was a good product though.
I didn’t even know these existed.
I figured there’d be a number of people who haven’t heard of this thing yet.
How do you open the box easily ?
I used a back of a hammer.
How long did it take to ship and come to your house ?
seemed about 3-4 days
Are you taking this over your leg press?
It's been supplementing it. For instance my leg workout yesterday was squatmax to start, working to 5 plates, then the leg press, leg extension/leg curl, then the calf raise attachment with the leg press.
Lets goooo
Thank you!
A person could stand on couple blocks like they would with deficit rows or deadlifts and a weight belt to simulate this idea easily.
For sure you could DIY this like anything else, you just miss out on the ease of set up and added features (namely ability to attach bands). I've tried a number of things myself including just using heavy center electronic weight with a e-gym (which eventually broke) but doesn't really compare in my opinion. Definitely not for everyone though.
You can also detach the loading pin and do the same. It is relatively easy and cheap to use solid concrete construction blocks to make row platforms, or even a DIY belt squat platform.
However, the Titan Fitness SquatMax MD is worth even its full price because of how safe and convenient to do belt squats and split squats along with many upper-body exercises.
Loading pin plus plyo boxes and you can have the set up.