Deadlift Platforms For Sale: Rogue Vs Titan [Complete Review]

Deadlifts are the most effective weight training exercise you can do, and an excellent one to perform at home–but which one to choose?

Unfortunately, cheap rubber mats, carpet, or other basic floor covering are too risky, and can lead to unnecessary injury and ruined flooring (that the wife won’t be happy about).

For a truly efficient gym, you need a proper surface to perform deadlifts effectively, and that won’t damage the floor.

This is why it’s so important to choose the RIGHT deadlift platform for your needs that’s in your budget. 

Below, I dive deep into two of the best (and affordable) platforms available today, what makes them great, and which one is ultimately best for your needs. So let’s get started.

For those who want a quick overview, below is our comparison table:

• #1 Rated Deadlift Platform: Titan Deadlift Platform W/ Tiles (Best Value For The Money)
• #2 Rated Deadlift Platform: Rogue Deadlift Platform (Best Overall Quality)

#1 Rated Deadlift Platform: Titan Deadlift Platform W/ Tiles (Best Value For The Money)

When it comes to deadlift platforms, I love this one from Titan.

Let me show you why. 

When it comes to affordability (while still delivering solid quality), Titan takes the cake.  

The reason it beat out Rogue for our top spot, despite Rogue being a fantastic choice, is how much more affordable Titan is–which gave it that little push over the edge. 

Let’s go over some of the features. 

It’s simple to put together, and is made with 11 gauge steel, so it stays stable even for those heavy deadlifts.

To ensure the deadlift stays firm to the floor, four floor clips are provided to secure the frame to your gym floor if needed.

The floor plates of the frame run horizontally, rather than vertically to the frame. This is a plus in the design of the Titan frame because it makes for a more solid base. Any upward pressure is spread out against the length of the entire frame, not the center.

This will prevent any twisting of the frame when using heavy weights and straps if you choose not to bolt it to the floor.

Like most deadlifting frames, the Titan comes with various options for mats and flooring, because the price is for the frame only. 

The deadlift linked to above is for a complete deadlift platform–meaning it comes with both the frame and 8 rubber mats. 

I love this because you can assemble the platform and get to your workout in less than an hour.

If you want to save some money, and are more of a DIY’er, I would go with the frame only option here and get the rubber mats from a store like Home Depot. 

Although not necessary, it’s also not a bad idea to get wood inserts for the center as it provides a firmer surface, it’s easier to clean, and it’s what a traditional deadlift platform looks like.

I also think it just looks aesthetically nicer. 

But if you go that route, you will have to source it from a hardware store and cut it to size. Not difficult to do, but will just take a little bit more time to set up. 

All in all, the only real downside of this deadlift, and this goes for most Titan products across the board, is that it’s not too uncommon to have some aesthetic issues like paint being chipped.

But for the price, you really can’t complain. 

One thing I should add is that Titan also comes with free shipping, unlike Rogue below.  

I can’t recommend this platform from Titan enough, and it’s the platform of choice for my home gym. It’s simple, affordable, and allows me to do what I want it to do–perform deadlifts safely in my home gym. 

PROS:

• Best value for money
• Easily put together
• Solid steel design
• Floor clips to attach to the floor
• Powder coating for longevity

CONS:

• Expect slight imperfections in the powder coating
• No wooden inserts available from Titan

Final Thoughts:

All in all, the Titan Deadlift Platform is great value for money for those people looking for a good quality platform at home. While it’s not the best of the best in terms of quality, what Titan delivers is a solid platform (that’s good enough to get the job done) at a very affordable price.

#2 Rated Deadlift Platform: Rogue Deadlift Platform (Best Overall Quality)

While I do think Titan provides better value for the money, if you’re not looking for a budget option, this deadlift platform from Rogue is, all in all, a better quality deadlift platform than Titan.

But you’ll pay for it– about $336 more (when you account for shipping). 

Before we dive into some of its great features, I want to take a second to discuss a design flaw in the platform that appears to have been fixed. 

When Rogue first released this platform, there was a slight flaw in the design  which saw the center flooring or matting sitting uneven due to the way the slats sit vertically to the frame.

Of course, you don’t want to deadlift on an uneven platform. 

We’ve contacted Rogue regarding this problem, and they said they corrected the issue. Seeing recent reviews as well, it seems they have updated the design with a wooden insert. 

Unfortunately, you will need to purchase this as an add-on. Not a huge deal, but just a little annoying to have to pay for something that was Rogue’s fault in the first place. 

Now for what I love about Rogue. 

Rogue truly is commercial gym quality. Like Titan, it’s simple to put together, and like most Rogue equipment, it’s built to last. 

Unlike Titan, however, you won’t find things like imperfections in the platform. 

This video gives a great, honest review of the platform. 

Like the video stated, if you want everything you need to build the platform with no trips to Home Depot, you’ll want to get:

1. Rogue Deadlift Platform (not the econ one) – Although more expensive, with this one, you won’t need to bolt it to the ground. If you don’t care about having to bolt it, getting the econ one is fine. 
2. Deadlift Platform 3 Pc Wood Insert Set: This will allow you to keep the platform level. You can save about $30 by doing this yourself. 
3. The rubber tile set – I prefer the smooth finish. These tiles work great. Of course, if you want to save, you can find these at a hardware store like Home Depot. 

All in all, this is a fantastic piece of equipment, it’s just pricey. 

If you are looking to get a good quality deadlift platform at the lowest price possible, the Rogue platform is simply outplayed by Titan.

All in all, the Rogue platform cost will add up due to the frame price, rubber flooring and additional inserts to make it all level.

I have many friends who actually have this set, and absolutely love it. It’s sturdy, well-built, and gives a commercial gym feel to your home gym. And the reviews back it.

PROS:

• Excellent quality deadlift platform
• Highly rated – 4.6 average rating
• Extra long band pegs with no knurling
• Simple and easy to assemble

CONS

• Not affordable for most home gyms
• Pads are more expensive
• Additional inserts required for more level platform

FINAL THOUGHTS

 if you are making a decision with price in mind, this platform isn’t for you. While it costs significantly more than Titan, there are many reasons to love this Rogue deadlift platform. It has a high quality design, great aesthetics, and it has the reviews to back it. If you’re looking for the best quality option regardless of price, this is the one you want.

It can be hard to decide on what deadlift platform to purchase when you’ve never had one before, or when you’re not sure what makes a good platform.

Below, I’ve listed what you should look for when considering a platform. If you follow our lead and choose correctly, this is a piece of equipment that should last for years and years, even with high usage. 

Materials and Size

Materials and size are the first considerations because the platform has to fit in your space and secondly, the platform needs to stand up to the rigors of your workouts.

We recommend 11 gauge, 2X2 steel frames for longevity and stability. Both these platforms we’ve recommended use this steel.

There are platforms that use lighter steel, but they don’t provide the quality you want. 

Your deadlift platform should be a solid base with no movement, or risk of warping under the weight of your lifts, especially when using bands with heavier weights, which is what 11 gauge steel frames ensure. 

Don’t forget, as you get stronger and your deadlifts become heavier, you want the platform to be able to handle your gains as efficiently as when you’re lifting lighter.

Finish

Powder coating not only looks good, it protects the steel framing from damage and rust. Quality powder coating adds to the longevity of your equipment. 

And if you ask me, home gym equipment should be of the same quality finish as commercial gym equipment.

Rusting or damaged gym equipment is a no-no.

Band Pegs

Solidly mounted band pegs are essential, especially at the top end of the dead lift when using bands. Bolted pegs that can be retightened are essential. 

You also want your pegs to cater for different size bands. I’ve seen some deadlift platforms with pegs that are too short, so there is the danger of bands slipping.

Knurling of the pegs may cause premature wear and tear of your bands, so as long as the pegs are long enough, knurling shouldn’t be necessary.

Ease of Installation

Nobody wants to have to struggle to put a piece of exercise equipment together, especially something as basic as a deadlift platform. The platforms we recommended are both simple to assemble. 

Benefits of a Deadlift Platform

• You have a dedicated space to perform your deadlifts where you know you’re not damaging your flooring. Even with mats, carpet or boards, you are still likely causing damage to the floor underneath with your weights.
• Using pads with your platform cuts down on the noise considerably and cushions your arms from vibrations.
• You can add bands for extra resistance, especially at the top of your deadlift.
• Using a platform like the Titan or Rogue, gives your feet excellent purchase. You won’t feel the need to grip with your toes and when your feet feel solid, your deadlift flows better.
• You can bolt the platform to the floor, so no matter what, it won’t move during your lift.
• Both versions we’ve reviewed, come with the option of not needing to bolt to the floor thanks to the steel plates underneath.
• They look good in your gym, much better than carpet and pads on the floor. 

Will a Deadlift Platform Mark the Floor?

No, because they are a solid unmoving base and there is sufficient protection with the boards and pads. I’ve heard tales of lifters moving out of a rental or selling their house, and discovering severely damaged concrete under the padding they thought was protecting the floor.

I know I’d rather pay a few hundred dollars for a deadlift platform, than thousands for concrete floor repairs.

Can I Put the Platform Outside?

Yes and no. Undercover is fine, and areas where there is no rain. Given the design of platforms, you’ll likely find water pooling underneath and in between the pads when it rains.

Do I Need a Deadlift Platform?

Whenever someone asks me if they actually need a platform for deadlifts, I think about the exercise itself. Yes, there are the benefits of the platform that we’ve already covered, but think of the efficiency you gain in a very effective weight training movement.

A deadlift is a compound exercise. It uses multiple muscle groups and joints and strengthens your entire body. As a personal trainer, when I train athletes who want power, strength, balance, speed and agility, combined with rotational power, deadlifts are the optimal weight bearing exercise.

Wouldn’t you want to be able to do this at home in your home gym?

For me, this is a no-brainer: you absolutely want a deadlift platform as part of your home gym. 

Conclusion

Both platforms we’ve looked at have their positives and negatives, and it really depends on what you are looking for in a deadlift platform. 

The Titan Deadlift Platform is very affordable, and while it often comes minor imperfections in the powder coating, it performs very well once set up, and is hands down the best value for your money.

The Rogue deadlift platform, on the other hand, is considerably more expensive than Titan, but it’s as solid a platform as it gets. You’ll pay more for both the frame and flooring options, but if you’re a Rogue fan, you may decide that the extra boards for levelling and higher price point is acceptable to get a reliable company’s gear into your home gym.