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Rogue Fitness is one of the only companies allowed by Louie Simmons to produce the Reverse Hyper or sell in the US. I personally think the reverse hyper is an essential tool for rehab. I’ve used them and the relief you receive for your lower back is out of this world. With the Z Hyper, Rogue has beefed up just about everything and included a bolt-together design that should save on shipping and allow for easier portability, beefed up 3×3″ 11-gauge steel construction, and an option stabilizing cross member.
The Rogue Z-Hyper is Rogue Fitness premiere reverse hyper designed to be as sturdy and stable as possible. After using and reviewing the Z-Hyper and comparing it to other options, we think for most people that the Rogue RH-2 or Rogue Westside Scout Hyper is a better option for a home gym. However, if you plan to upgrade to the Rogue Donkey someday, the Z-Hyper is a good option.
Rogue
Rogue Z Hyper
Product Highlights
The Rogue Z Hyper upgrades several features from our standard RH-2 Reverse Hyper machine, including a new bolt-together design (for easier portability), a beefed up 3×3" 11-gauge steel construction, and adjustable front handles (ranging from 2-14" from pad edge) that allow users of any size to custom-tailor their desired hand placement. Comparable machines on the market can cost more than $1,500, but the Z Hyper’s efficient design makes it a uniquely affordable choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- It is built to last and the quality of the Rogue Z-Hyper is hard to beat, no matter how much you are willing to pay. If you read 10 reviews on the Z-Hyper, at least 9 of them will start out by praising the quality of construction.
- You buy a piece of equipment to accomplish a goal, and the Z-Hyper does exactly what it was built to do, provide a great lower body workout while tractioning your spine. Some reviewers asked for a crossbar for dips or said that it could be used for box jumps, and those things might add a little value to the machine. The bottom line, however, is it works and especially for lower back rehab and stretching.
- Delivery is fast and while some reviewers say that the assembly is time-consuming, it never affected performance.
- The 3-inch thick foam pad is comfortable, oversized, and comes with a 3-inch lip that makes this pad the best we’ve used on a reverse hyper.
- This particular machine is approved by Louie Simmons, the inventor of the reverse hyper himself. Westside no longer owns the patent, so anyone can freely make the reverse hyper now, however, Rogue still gets approval.
- There is a reverse hyper roller attachment available for purchase that many like, although it is expensive.
- 10.5″ loadable capacity which can be loaded up to 700 pounds…Considerably more than most people will ever use on a reverse hyper.
- Manufactured in Columbus, Ohio and sourced in America.
- The adjustable handles make it easy to use no matter how tall or short you are and no matter how many people use the machine. They are easy to use which cuts down on transition time and helps you keep momentum.
- Rogue customer service is top-notch and the warranty is one of the best in the industry.
- The Z-Hyper can now be turned into the new Rogue Donkey Reverse Hyper/GHD Combo unit with some added pieces.
Cons
- Assembly is a 2 person job and may be a bit difficult for some.
- It is expensive and especially if you purchase the roller attachment to go along with it.
- The footprint is large for a machine whose primarily usefulness is for rehab.
- This is a massive machine and very heavy. That’s great for stability, but difficult if you ever want to move it around.
Bottom Line
A reverse hyper is an important tool for many in a garage gym because of its versatility and use in back rehab. There’s a reason many of the world’s top strength athletes like Mat Fraser, Brian Shaw, Rich Froning, and others carve out space in their garage gyms for a reverse hyper. The Rogue Z-Hyper is one of the best on the market, however, it doesn’t offer many more features than the RH-2 for quite a bit more money. We first recommend the Rogue RH-2 and then the Z-Hyper.
The Rogue Z-Hyper is one of the most sturdy reverse hypers on the market. Although it has some improvements over its younger brother, the Rogue RH-2 like adjustable handles, it’s not very evolutionary. We like the Z-Hyper, but that’s because we like the RH-2. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good reverse hyper machine, but there are better values available.
RELATED: DIY Reverse Hyper Machine
What is the Rogue Z Hyper
The Rogue Z-Hyper is one of Rogue’s more overdone, heavyweight versions of the World Famous Reverse Hyper created by Louie Simmons. This Z-Hyper is constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel posts creating an uber solid version of the age-old design.
With many options of reverse hypers on the market today, this is a somewhat affordable take on a fully commercial piece of equipment that will last longer than you will. The reverse hyper was originally designed as a rehab device to allow decompression of the spine. However, all reverse hypers are able to increase dynamic strength development as well. They’re great machines, although they do take up a lot of space.
The Z-Hyper from Rogue Fitness is not their first foray into making reverse hypers. The RH-2 is a hyper we’ve tested and reviewed over the years and will accomplish, essentially, the same thing that the Z-Hyper will.
Specifications
- Made in Columbus, OH, USA
- Bolt-together design
- 3×3” 11-gauge steel construction
- Footprint: 51.5″ long x 43″ wide (1.31m x 1.09m)
- Compatible with all increments of bumpers and steel, including 45lb steel plates
- 10.5” usable storage length on each side of the swing arm allows for a capacity of over 700 lbs of steel plates
- Adjustable Front Handles (ranging from 2-14″ from pad edge) to accommodate varying user heights
- Over-sized Pad with extended lip portion for better comfort
- Protective Rubber Feet
- Includes (1) pair of Rogue Metal Axle Collars and (1) Spud Inc. Hyper Strap
- Optional Base Crossmember addition for resistance bands
- Optional Reverse Hyper Roller Attachment also available*
What We Like About the Z Hyper
The Rogue Z-Hyper is Rogue’s most stable reverse hypers that they’ve released to date. With a massively overdone frame and high attention to detail construction, in which you get more than you pay for this legitimately commercial-grade product.
In this design, Rogue took the same uprights they use for their Monster Squat Racks and chopped them down to frame this behemoth. It is seriously thick and overdone. In fact, for some home gym owners with tight space, it’s a bit excessive. But, more on that later.
The 11 gauge steel construction brings the Z-Hyper to weigh in at 320 pounds. And, that’s not even including the weight when it’s fully loaded along with the trainee on top of the table. Unlike their other models, Rogue doesn’t even bother to put a weight capacity rating on the product page because trust me, you will not be testing this machine’s capacity.
Have hundred-pound plates? Throw them on. Although a monstrous piece of equipment, Rogue designers made the machine quite ergonomic in that it is quite comfortable to use. The padding is clearly high quality and is super firm, yet comfortable on your hips. It’s the same that’s used on the Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper and very similar, if not the same to what’s used on the Rogue Abram GHD 2.0, which we’ve reviewed.
From use, I know that much lower-end, more budget-conscious reverse hypers leave users with hip bruising and overall discomfort due to poor padding in that area. The pad also compresses quickly over time and makes it somewhat concave on the edge.
One key difference between the Z-Hyper and the RH-2 other than the stability is that the handles on the Z-Hyper adjust forward and back. This allows the unit to fit nearly any sized trainee. It’s a nice feature to have, but certainly not revolutionary. It’s also something that’s been copied by Titan Fitness on their H-PND Reverse Hyper.
On the theme of an overkill build, the 10.5-inch loadable pins make these machines adequate for even the heaviest powerlifters or strongman competitors. For reference, this holds 4-5 cast iron hundred-pound plates. PER SIDE. There’s no need to worry that this machine won’t be able to hold enough weight for your hypers.
With high-quality plated pins and an optional roller attachment for your legs, this isn’t as feature-filled as some of the Westside Barbell Reverse Hypers, but it’s quality nonetheless. For all the patriots out there, this Rogue Hyper is fully made in America. Yet, Rogue managed to minimize shipping costs by making this machine mostly a bolt-together frame, saving size and, if need be, making it easier to transport should you ever move it. Not nearly as portable as the Rogue Scout Hyper, but enough to make you appreciate the bolt-together construction.
One of the cooler features of the Z-Hyper is that it can convert into the Rogue Donkey, a reverse hyper/GHD combo unit. It’s massive, but probably one of the more stable GHD’s or reverse hypers available. If you have any inclination that you’d like a Donkey in the future, it may be worth it to just get the Z-Hyper in the beginning.
Although the price point of about $1,000 after shipping isn’t a steal by any means, compared to many other high-quality made-in America hypers, it is quite a discounted rate. Compared to Sorinex’s Frankenhyper which would run you $4,000+ after fees, The Z-hyper could be made into a comparable Rogue Donkey for a ballpark $2,000, half of its competitor.
Overall, if you have the money, and more importantly the space, for this beast, I would recommend the Rogue Z-Hyper as you will get a professional machine that will last many lifetimes. However, I don’t think it’s significantly enough better than the RH-2 for most people. Or even the Rogue Westside Scout Hyper, which is the ideal reverse hyper for a home gym in my opinion.
Shortcomings, But Not Dealbreakers
Although a high-quality machine, the Z-hyper is not without its flaws. To be completely honest, 3×3” 11 gauge steel tubing is a cool thing to add, but the RH-2 was perfectly stable with its 2×2” steel tubing. While it looks pretty sweet, the super thick uprights are pretty overkill since they aren’t really used for anything. Although they help contribute to a super stable base, I don’t believe I ever heard anyone complain about the stability of Rogue’s less built-up options.
While super useful, the footprint makes this machine pretty impractical for a home gym unless you’re working with a 3-car garage or a huge space. At nearly 4 by 4.5 feet with lots of space needed for your kickback, this just won’t work for your average home gym owner. This is one of those hypers, that when brought into a home gym, inevitably turns into a storage bench.
Although super high quality, you just don’t get the use out of the 20 square feet needed to store it to make it worth it. I’d love to see some innovation around making reverse hypers more useful. In their current state, they’re just to another thing that I believe should apply to more than just this piece of equipment by Rogue is the color options. Yeah, the black looks cool, but we want to see more colors available to match the racks.
Rogue Z Hyper vs. Rogue RH-2 vs. Rogue Westside Scout Hyper
Rogue’s wide array of Reverse Hypers is capped by the Rogue Westside Scout Hyper, the Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper, and the Z-Hyper. These three machines offer three different levels to the infamous Reverse Hyper.
Budget Reverse Hyper
Rogue Westside Scout Hyper
Product Highlights
The Scout Hyper is a patented, foldable reverse-hyper machine developed by powerlifting legend Louie Simmons and Westside Barbell. This uniquely lightweight and mobile design features hinging legs that lock into place with pop pins and easily fold back for efficient storage after use (the total depth of the unit, when folded, is just 13”).
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
The Z-Hyper and the RH-2 are quite similar in their construction but the Z-Hyper is slightly more beefy with larger posts and a more stable handhold. Both of these two machines hold the same weight and function very similarly. If you’re looking for the best, the Z-Hyper is for you.
However, for most of the people out there, you aren’t working with unlimited space and unlimited pockets. The Rogue Scout Hyper would be the best machine for a smaller workspace such as a garage gym or home gym. At nearly half the price of the other two machines, there would be no reason to clutter your basement and drop the extra $400+ for one of the beefier rigs.
Rogue
Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper
Product Highlights
Manufactured and fully assembled in Columbus, Ohio, the Rogue RH-2 is a reverse hyper machine designed to meet the unique, changing needs of the athletes it serves. Widely utilized for physical therapy and back rehab exercises, the Reverse Hyper can also be used with light weights in everyday training to reduce lower back tightness and strengthen hamstrings, glutes, hips, and more.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue RH-2 Reverse Hyper, simply put, is one of the best value reverse hypers on the market
- The RH-2, like all Rogue equipment, is a solid and well-made piece of equipment. Like one reviewer states, “As with most (all?) Rogue equipment, the RH-2 is a well-made beast.”
- The powder coat finish is traditional matte black that blends well with the rest of Rogue’s equipment.
- Compatible with all increments of bumper and steel plates.
- It’s the perfect rehab machine for lifters who have injured their back, hamstrings, or other muscles in their core as it both stretches and strengthens those muscles.
- Rogue is one of the very few companies to have direct permission from Louie Simmons, creator of the reverse hyper, to manufacture this machine and the RH-2 is the best of the Rogue offerings.
- A 3-inch thick pad wide enough for even the largest of lifters make the RH-2 both comfortable and user-friendly.
- The RH-2 is shipped quickly, arrives quickly, and comes fully assembled to your home or commercial gym.
- Doubles as an excellent stand-up desk when not being used. We’re kind of joking, but not really.
Cons
- It’s expensive for a machine that is used primarily for rehab and stretching.
- At over 200 pounds, it’s difficult to move.
- One reviewer commented that the powder coating was rough making it difficult to clean and keep looking nice.
Bottom Line
The Rogue RH-2 is one of the best value reverse hypers on the market and one of the only ones endorsed by the creator of the reverse hyper, Louie Simmons. The quality of construction, ease of use, maneuverability, and price all make the RH-2 worth it if you plan to use it. However, if you’re in a garage gym setting, understand that a reverse hyper takes up a lot of space and should only be bought if its use is justified.
For a commercial weight room or a collegiate weight room setting, I would recommend the Z-Hyper for a number of reasons. First off, any person of any size can use this with no issues. Second of all, these tanks will take a beating for as long as they are needed. With 3×3 posts, this thing isn’t going anywhere.
Possibly the most appealing reason is that this Hyper can be turned into a Rogue Donkey very easily. This gives you the functionality of the rogue GHD and of a hyper. Last but not least, the Rogue Z-Hyper and the RH-2 are made in America whereas the Rogue Scout Hyper is made in China. Some people believe strongly in Made in America whereas others do not.
Full Rating
Rogue Z Hyper Reverse Hyper
The Rogue Z-Hyper is Rogue Fitness premiere reverse hyper designed to be as sturdy and stable as possible. After using and reviewing the Z-Hyper and comparing it to other options, we think for most people that the Rogue RH-2 or Rogue Westside Scout Hyper is a better option for a home gym. However, if you plan to upgrade to the Rogue Donkey someday, the Z-Hyper is a good option.
Product Brand: Rogue Fitness
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 915
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.4
Rogue Z Hyper Reverse Hyper FAQs
How do you use reverse hyper in rogue?
Ensure that your back is completely flat. And now is the time to get started.
Is the reverse hyper machine good?
A reverse hyper machine can help relieve back pain by decompressing the spine, pumping fluid back into the intervertebral discs, and lowering pressure. Strengthening: Using a reverse hyper machine while training and lifting will assist strengthen back muscles and avoid injury.
How often should you reverse hyper?
Light, medium, and heavy weights can be used 3-4 times per week to increase strength. It’s crucial to start with our progressions and gradually introduce the reverse hyper. Too much, too soon can be very potent and cause a lot of tightness and discomfort.
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