The Darkade's Reviews (50)


(3.67)
3/12/2026
If you already have the slinger and don't mind sitting on the ground or rigging up a bench because the ground sucks, then, yes, I do recommend this. Hooking this up does take a bit of time but what's a couple of minutes to getting that back swole? For my size, five foot seven and four rice sacks from Costco, it does hit all the right areas in the back. The build quality is outstanding. But, if you're expecting a full low row experience in a commercial setting, this might not be the best option for you. However, if you've already got the slinger, are hard pressed for space, and looking to row row row your boat, the low slinger is a great option. It is rather pricey though as it essentially does only one thing.
Performance
Value
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(4.00)
3/12/2026
Ah the slinger. It's a love hate relationship with me. The build quality is outstanding. The assembly is easy. You won't need to take your sweater off during the installation process. For what it does, this piece of equipment is awesome. But, don't expect to have a Free Motion experience with the slinger. Therein lies the limitation to this piece. Sure, you can rig up something to mimic a Free Motion but it does take a bit of tinkering to get that done. I primarily use the slinger for push down work and lat pull downs. It's more expensive than it should be but I doubt you can find something with a better build quality at a cheaper price point. Though I do recommend the slinger to most, I would advise that if you're looking for something that can do what a Free Motion does, this probably won't be the best option for you. If you're looking for a lat pull down movement but don't have the space for a dedicated machine, I would highly recommend the slinger
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(3.33)
3/12/2026
It's CAP. I feel that CAP gets a bad rap since the quality of their products aren't up to par with the more familiar companies like Rogue, Rep, or Titan. The handles are the ergonomic kind which isn't that ergonomic at all. I'd prefer a straight knurled handle but I got these boys pretty cheap. The knurling on these dumbbells are more for decoration than they are purposeful. But again, they are far cheaper than other options from more reputable brands. They get the job done and are very durable, not that I'm dropping them from over head but I do drop them when I'm doing AMRAPs and burn out sets. If you have the coin and prefer this type of dumbbell over the adjustable ones, sure, go with something with a straight handle where the knurling is better. But, if you need dumbbells and aren't into the adjustable variety and aren't looking to spend thousands of dollars on a set, CAP is your man.
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(5.00)
3/12/2026
This bench, in my humble opinion, is the gold standard for home gym benches. Rep turns out banger after banger not only in their rack game but especially in their bench game. This bench is light, stores upright, and the ladder system is nothing short of amazing. Yes, Rep did upgrade this model to accept attachments, but personally, I don't need a bench to do that since I have a rack and rack attachments. The pads have just the right amount of grip and you can upgrade this bench with Rep's 4100 fat pads which I have yet to do. The only thing that this bench lacks is a decline option. Though some might see this a reason to not get this bench, personally, i never did much decline work. The 4100 is an amazing bench but unfortunately, I don't think you get this bench anymore since Rep upgraded this model.
Performance
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(1.67)
3/12/2026
This bar doesn't have the best build quality. The welds are gross, if you pick this bar up you can hear they left the slag inside of it so it rattles around, and the knurling is there just as a suggestion. Sure, it does what it's built to do and it does remove elbow stress when benching with it but it can get a bit unwieldy if you load it for a max effort. The knurling is so bad that it feels completely smooth. I'm giving this a 3 out of 5 on the value since it is on the cheaper side but honestly, you should go with another multi grip. This is the only bar purchase that I actually regret. I've stuck it outside with a free sign on it and it was out there for about two weeks before I had to bring back in since it was taking up curb space. I still use this bar when my elbow gets pissed off but I get far better results if I just bench with dumbbells with a neutral grip. This bar just kind of sits in my barbell holder simply as a decoration but even with that purpose, it isn't the best bar to look at since the welds are so unsightly. I can't even give this bar away.
Performance
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(3.00)
3/12/2026
Since my house didn't come with one, I just had to get one. I heard from a garage gym reviewer "buy once, cry once" and "buy nice or buy twice" so I went with Titan to split that opinion down the middle. I'm used to the standard hex bolted, almost non-existent knurling, and barely spinning curl bars that we're all used to in a commercial setting. I actually don't have anything too negative to say about this rackable curl bar. I mean, it works as intended but for what I used it for, I could've went with something way cheaper. Though the racking feature is nice, it really isn't necessary. The knurling on this is just sharp enough to hold on to but don't expect Texas bar level knurling if you were to go with this one. TLDR - Nice bar but cheaper options exist.
Performance
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(5.00)
3/11/2026
If these are meant are meant for horses, they are overkill, in the best way, to mortal men and women. Moving them isn't fun but once they're in, cut to perfection, and gorilla taped together, you'll know that there is simply no other option on the market. To you rolled flooring folks, good on you, but you're missing out on the delectable smell that only horse stall mats have. If you're not a fan of the smell, leave them out in the sun for a couple of days to off gas, move them in to where ever they're going to be, hit it with that simple green and mop it up and like magic, the smell won't be as strong but you'll still have that delicious, unmistakable, and heavenly smell. Also, I heard that they make great drink coasters and a couple of guys from one of the Dakotas fashions them as a drink coaster. If they can hold a horse or two, dropping your measly deadlift on them won't hurt a thing.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(5.00)
3/11/2026
This rack is giant, heavy, and does everything that I need it to do. I've attached a Monster Lite Slinger high and low, a Matador, and a Titan Chalk bowl to this beats without any issues. The powder coating is great though Rogue is very hit or miss with their UHMW plastic shims with their attachments so if you buy this rack and buy Rogue Rack Attachments for it, some of those attachments might not have that protective layer which can scratch up your powder coating. If you're not too worried about that sort of thing and if you have the means, staying within the Rogue ecosphere is the right move. This rack will outlast me so the way I look it at, it's simply just my turn with this rack. This is probably the last rack that I'll ever purchase. I highly recommend this rack based on its versatility and amount of rack attachments and improvements that you can make with it.
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