We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
The Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is one of the best glute-ham developers currently available. Featuring a frame made of 2×3 steel along with heavy-duty pads and rollers, although expensive, the Abram GHD 2.0 is made to last.
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0
Product Highlights
- Easy to adjust with 10 lock-in positions
- High-quality materials
- Durable black powder coating
- Handles and wheels make it more portable
- Manufactured and sourced in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to adjust with 10 lock-in positions
- High-quality materials
- Durable black powder coating
- Handles and wheels make it more portable
- Manufactured and sourced in the USA
- Great resale value
Cons
- Pricier than many other GHDs on the market
- Larger footprint
- Footplate could be larger
- Some users experienced vinyl coming off
- Extra adjustments might be unnecessary for most users
Bottom Line
Considering everything, the Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is one of the best GHD's on the market. Even with more companies putting out GHDs than ever before, nobody touches the quality of the Abram 2.0 for the price. If you take into account features, quality, price, and versatility then the value on the Abram 2.0 is hard to beat. It is big, it is bulky, and it is stable, but if you have the room and plan to use it, having a GHD like this in your garage gym is awesome. If you own a CrossFit Affiliate, I don't see many other options to pursue.
GHD vs. Reverse Hyper
When it comes to deciding what equipment to fill a home gym with, one of the biggest considerations is the footprint that equipment takes up.
Most home gym owners will want equipment that has lots of versatility while, hopefully, taking up the least amount of space. Unfortunately, equipment like the Glute-Ham Developer (GHD) and Reverse Hyper, although are extremely effective pieces of equipment, are also quite large. Not to mention, they’re not the most versatile pieces of equipment in the gym.
When deciding to either go with a GHD or Reverse Hyper, I would first suggest trying to get both. Yes, I understand that’s not feasible for everyone, but the combination of the two machines in my garage have been super useful for my training.
If you’re in the position where you can either only afford one or only have the space for one, then my suggestion is for most to go with the GHD. This is certainly a difficult decision as both can have a large and immediate impact on your training, but the reason I suggest the GHD is mainly due to the versatility it offers over a Reverse Hyper.
Although the Reverse Hyper is difficult to mimic on other machines, it can be done somewhat on a GHD. The GHD also offers many different exercises that simply cannot be done on a Reverse Hyper such as glute-ham raises, back extensions, and GHD sit-ups.
The GHD is one of the more versatile machines in the gym and although I would miss my Reverse Hyper, I would miss having access to a GHD more.
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 Review
Rogue continues to set the bar for equipment in the fitness world, and once they have set the bar, Rogue tends to try and raise the bar. The founder of Rogue, Bill Henniger, actually started the company because he could not find quality equipment to fill his garage gym, which would later turn into a CrossfitAffiliate in Columbus, Ohio.
Rogue likes to try to keep everything close to home by manufacturing most of their equipment out of Columbus, Ohio. That is why you see on almost all of their branding, Made in the U.S.A.
With Rogue’s strong reputation for exceptional gym equipment, Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is a shining example of attention to detail and bombproof construction.
At first glance, the Abram GHD 2.0 seems to be a harmless piece of equipment. A machine that gives the appearance that almost any skill level should be able to perform. Whether the movement is in a CrossFit workout with GHD situps or finishing out a max-effort lower body session. For those people who have fallen into the GHD’s lustrous trap of deception…our heart goes out to you.
The Rogue Abram 2.0 despite being used by most for only a couple of movements is actually quite versatile. The actual GHD machine’s original design was not intended to be an abdominal workout like what you might see in the CrossFitGames, but in reality, the original purpose was to focus on your posterior chain. Many world-class powerlifting totals were built using the GHD for GHR’s.
Just because you might not see the machine being used for the hamstrings and lower back as much anymore, compared to the many CrossFit athletes using it for situps, doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. The glute-ham raise is one of the most effective posterior chain accessories you can do. Want stronger hamstrings, glutes, and lower back? Get a GHD.
Once a person has finally decided to take the leap and round out their gym with a GHD, the market is filled with many different quality options. Titan Fitness now offers a GHD machine along with Fringe Sport, EliteFTS, Vulcan Strength, Rep Fitness and countless of other brands producing in all reality, Glute-Hamstring Developers.
We are sure that these companies have produced a decent GHD machine, but in our experience when you look at overall quality, durability and quite frankly looks, the Rogue Abram 2.0 should be at the top of any list.
There’s no doubt that the Abram GHD is on the pricey side, but for a machine of that is this large and will likely see a lot of use, it’s better to buy once and cry once. The Rogue Abram 2.0 provides consistent performance across a wide range of movements due to its stability and easy adjustability.
The frame itself consists of 2×3″ 11-gauge steel, which is the same steel that makes up the Rogue Infinity Line of racks including the ever-popular Rogue R-3 Power Rack. The Abram 2.0 features a triangle base and padded feet. The triangle base is a unique feature of the machine that allows it to take up less floor space, while still having some of the best stability we’ve seen on a GHD.
The extra stability provided by both the triangle base and extra weight keeps the Abram 2.0 from rocking back and forth resulting in a sacrifice of quality of reps and discomfort while on the machine.
The Rogue Abram GHD 2.o utilizes a swing arm adjustment system for changing the distance of the footplate quickly and efficiently. This is an upgrade from their Rogue GH-1, which operates on a slide rail adjustment. The slide rail adjustment doesn’t hold as well and can be difficult to change between users in facilities that have various sized people.
This is especially helpful in competitive workouts when adjustments need to be made quickly and the pressure of moving through movements quickly is imperative.
Rogue didn’t take any shortcuts with the padding either. The foam is extremely dense so a person won’t sink into the padding during situps, GHRS, back extensions or just using it as a seat (yes, I do this.) The vinyl used to house the foam is built to last and a person working out would have to put a lot of time and effort on the machine to see it rip.
Outside of a competitive atmosphere, the Rogue Abram 2.0 performs with the same consistency and stability a trainee is looking for. I’ve had the Rogue Abram 2.0 GHD in my garage gym for nearly 3 years and haven’t had a single issue. In fact, it still looks pretty much like new except for some flattening fo the foam pad.
Rogue has rounded out their Abram GHD 2.0 by using a black powder coating to increase durability. This is the same powder coat used on Rogue’s rigs and racks as well as many specialty bars.
The foot rollers on the Abram 2.0 are some of the best I’ve used. Typically, foot rollers are cheap foam with a vinyl coating, but Rogue utilizes much more dense foam that is comfortable, yet firm and lasts forever. This is a big separating feature between the Abram 2.0 and many of its competitors.
The footplate can be adjusted up and down to get the perfect height, but I do wish it was wider for various movements other than situps.
Rogue also attached handles on the front of the machine and wheels on the backside to help move it around your gym. Although the machine is very heavy, the handles and wheels make it easier to move around.
The Rogue Abram 2.0 GHD is without a doubt one of the best GHD’s available on the market today. Although it’s pricey, I believe it’s worth it for the reasons listed throughout the review as well as the fact that it has the best resale value out of any GHD available. Meaning, if you get it and no longer need it or want something else, you can easily sell it for similar to what you bought it on the secondary market.
Suggested Improvements
Although the Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is one of our highest rated GHD’s, there are a couple of things we’d like to see improved.
The biggest improvement we’d like to see added is the option for a larger footplate and rollers. Although the footplate that is currently on the GHD is fine for GHD situps, it is a bit small for back extensions and GHR’s. A larger footplate would allow the Abram 2.0 to appeal to more powerlifters and increase its versatility.
The second improvement would be to make the footprint even smaller. The GHD is so heavy, it’s not going to move no matter what you do. Not sure if this is possible, but I’d like to see it explored.
Finally, if there could be a way to turn the handles on the GHD into a place for stationary dips, again, the versatility would be increased.
Full Rating
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0
The Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is one of the best glute-ham developers currently available. Featuring a frame made of 2×3 steel along with heavy-duty pads and rollers, although expensive, the Abram GHD 2.0 is made to last.
Product Brand: Rogue Fitness
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 725
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.6
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 FAQs
Is a GHD machine worth it?
The GHD is an excellent piece of equipment to have in your arsenal since it allows you to perform a variety of workouts that are tough to duplicate without the glute ham development or other commercial hamstring devices.
What is a rogue GHD?
The Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 offers dependable performance and stability, as well as smooth, precise adjustments and distinctive portability. This tiny machine is a complete tool for midline stabilization and hamstring and glute strengthening—all while being operationally transferrable to an athlete’s activity.
What exercises can you do on a GHD?
Some exercises you can perform on the Rogue GHD are, hip Extension, Back Extension, GHD Raise, Reverse Hyper, and much more!
Where to Purchase
Rogue Fitness
Rogue Abram GHD 2.0
Product Highlights
- Easy to adjust with 10 lock-in positions
- High-quality materials
- Durable black powder coating
- Handles and wheels make it more portable
- Manufactured and sourced in the USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Easy to adjust with 10 lock-in positions
- High-quality materials
- Durable black powder coating
- Handles and wheels make it more portable
- Manufactured and sourced in the USA
- Great resale value
Cons
- Pricier than many other GHDs on the market
- Larger footprint
- Footplate could be larger
- Some users experienced vinyl coming off
- Extra adjustments might be unnecessary for most users
Bottom Line
Considering everything, the Rogue Abram GHD 2.0 is one of the best GHD's on the market. Even with more companies putting out GHDs than ever before, nobody touches the quality of the Abram 2.0 for the price. If you take into account features, quality, price, and versatility then the value on the Abram 2.0 is hard to beat. It is big, it is bulky, and it is stable, but if you have the room and plan to use it, having a GHD like this in your garage gym is awesome. If you own a CrossFit Affiliate, I don't see many other options to pursue.
Further reading
Indoor cycling training can be beneficial for everyone from beginners to advanced cyclists. Get more out of your bike workouts with expert tips from a CPT. Read more
I went all the way to Laguna Beach to have a flex-off with the man, the myth, the legend: Jason Khalipa. Read more
Creatine is a very popular sports nutrition supplement in the fitness community, but does creatine make you stronger? A sports dietitian weighs in. Read more
Looking to knock out some great hamstring exercises at home? Our guide walks you through nine workouts you can do with minimal equipment. Read more