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Rogue Fitness has established themselves as a dominant force in the world of home gym essentials, building quality, American-made strength and fitness equipment since its inception in 2006. Nowadays, though, the juggernaut company doesn’t release equipment as often as competitors like Titan Fitness or REP Fitness, relying on their already-released gear and equipment.
All this to say that when Rogue releases a new piece of equipment like the FM-6 or the Rogue Manta Ray Bench, it’s an exciting time. One of the latest new releases—the Rogue Mace—came in as a surprise, with little warning. The mace is built like a barbell, so Coop Mitchell, founder of Garage Gym Reviews and fitness equipment guru, had to get his hands on it and its knurled goodness.
In this Rogue Mace review and first look, we’ll go over Coop’s initial impressions on this loadable mace, as well as how it feels in use after a few swings.
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We have the expertise to test out training maces and kettlebells and the like because our team has years of experience in fitness, being a diverse team of certified personal trainers, coaches, and competitive athletes.
While Coop hasn’t done extensive testing on the Rogue Mace yet, he did film a full video of him unboxing the stainless steel club and his first impressions. According to our fitness equipment testing methodology, we rate and score maces and clubs over several features, including:
- Construction
- Versatility
- Ergonomics and design
- Powder coat
- Overall value
Rogue Mace
Rogue Mace
Product Highlights
- Stainless steel loadable mace with rotating sleeve
- Available in 10-, 12.5-, 15-, or 20-lb starting weights
- 7.5” of loadable sleeve length
- Proprietary matte black sleeve coating
- Available in 31” or 45” lengths
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Knurled handle
- Compatible with Olympic weight plates
- Multiple weight options
Cons
- Expensive, although it still has good value
- Starting weights may be too heavy for some
Bottom Line
The Rogue Mace is a quality-built stainless steel loadable mace available in four different weights and two different lengths. The mace has 7.5 inches of loadable sleeve length and is compatible with any Olympic-size weight plates, including their dumbbell bumper plates. Unique to the Rogue Mace is its rotating sleeve, which Rogue claims helps make the mace feel more balanced while in use.
A Quick Look at the Rogue Mace
As I mentioned before, the Rogue Mace wasn’t a highly anticipated product, mostly because Rogue Fitness didn’t really promote the mace beforehand. “There was no real prior notice,” Coop notes. “They just kind of dropped it on a Friday.”
When the mace dropped, Coop immediately noticed how similar the shaft looked to an Olympic barbell. With a stainless steel shaft with a light knurling, there’s a good chance the Rogue Mace was manufactured using the same machines that Rogue uses for their barbells. “It’s a way that they can keep making money with those machines if they’re not making bars,” Coop suggests.
The loadable mace is available in two lengths—31 or 45 inches—and two different starting weights for each length, running from 10 to 20 pounds. The diameter on the 20-pound mace (32 millimeters) matches Rogue’s squat bar, although the knurling is lighter than it; the mace is more comparable to their flagship Ohio Bar.
The biggest thing that sets the Rogue Mace apart from other maces is the rotating sleeve. Most maces have a fixed end, whether it’s a fixed club or an adjustable mace. Rogue has placed a bronze bushing on their sleeve to allow for rotation while swinging the mace, which they claim allows for a more balanced feel (we’ll get Coop’s opinion on this in a bit).
Before You Buy
- With the lightest starting weight being 10 pounds, the Rogue Mace may be a little too heavy for beginners new to mace training. However, the weight is evenly distributed across the mace, so the starting weight may not feel as heavy as you may think.
- The Rogue Mace is a “Three Ships Free” item, in which any three qualifying products can ship for free when bought together.
- No matter the weight or length you choose, the Rogue Mace has the same 7.5 inches of loadable sleeve length and is compatible with any Olympic weight plates.
- The Rogue Mace comes with a Rogue Oso collar. We would’ve liked to have seen a pair of barbell collars come with the mace, so it could be used for more than the mace, but it’s still a nice touch.
Rogue Mace Video Review
Is the Rogue Mace Worth It?
The cost of the Rogue Mace depends on the length and weight you choose, but it ranges from $185 to $225. It’s not the cheapest loadable mace on the market, as the Kabuki Shoulderök is under $150 on the Kabuki Power website. Ironmaster has a Quick-Lock Mace Handle for $160 as well.
Fixed steel maces also come in cheaper—although you’ll need to purchase multiple clubs to use different weights. The Onnit Steel Mace has a 25-pound option for about $95, for example. Onnit Steel Clubs go as heavy as 35 pounds and cost $140. To save money, there are also plenty of ways to build homemade gadas and macebells.
RELATED: DIY Gym Equipment
“Quality-wise, in classic Rogue style, this mace blows the rest of the competition out of the water,” Coop says on the value of the Rogue Mace. However, the Shoulderök is a bit cheaper and has a lighter starting weight, which may entice some users. And despite the price, the Rogue Mace still has great value, given its solid build that’s backed by a lifetime warranty.
Great for:
- Heavy mace training for shoulder and core strengthening
- Users wanting a quality build in their home gym equipment
- People who want a fluid movement while swinging a mace
Not recommended for:
- People in need of budget home gym equipment
- Beginners in need of a lighter starting weight
- Powerlifters who don’t train with clubs often
Rogue Mace Specs
| Price | Starting at $185 |
| Starting weight | 10-20 lbs |
| Length | 31” (10 and 15 lbs) or 45” (12.5 and 20 lbs) |
| Shaft diameter | 32 mm (15 and 20 lbs), 33.5 mm (10 and 12.5 lbs) |
| Shaft finish | Stainless steel |
| Sleeve finish | Proprietary matte black |
| Loadable sleeve length | 7.5” |
| Rotating sleeve? | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Workout Experience on the Rogue Mace
“Mace training is similar to kettlebell training in that it’s a core burner,” GGR founder Coop Mitchell says. “It won’t get you a ton of hypertrophy, but it’s great for getting some dynamic movements in for functional fitness.” The Rogue Mace has a unique construction and finish compared to other maces, but in use the major difference is the rotating sleeve.
Rogue designed a reverse barbell sleeve and added a bronze bushing to the mace to allow the weight to rotate independently of the mace handle. Coop tried the mace out for a few around-the-worlds and felt like the rotation made for a smoother movement, although the difference is negligible. “Personally, I don’t feel a huge difference, and Rogue doesn’t claim it’s a game changer,” Coop adds, “but it adds just enough to feel maybe a touch more fluid.”
The Rogue Mace is compatible with any Olympic-sized weight plates. In particular, the Rogue Dumbbell Bumpers are designed with a machined insert that allows the weight to slide all the way onto the mace, allowing for just a bit more loadable sleeve length. Coop mentions with adjustable maces, you have to keep the weight plates you’re using compact so that you’re not hitting yourself while swinging the mace around.
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Construction and Durability
Most fixed maces—and some adjustable ones—are designed similarly to kettlebells, with a steel or cast iron base that’s powder-coated. Rogue Fitness goes above and beyond with the build of the Rogue Mace, with a stainless steel bar and a durable finish on the sleeve.
The mace comes in two lengths—31 and 45 inches—and each length comes in two weights. The 31-inch mace is available in 10 and 15 pounds, while the 45-inch mace is available in 12.5 and 20 pounds. The only difference between each weight option is that the lighter option of each length is a hollowed-out stainless steel bar, whereas the heavier option is a solid steel tube.
The bar is stainless steel aside from a Cerakote finish of the Rogue logo. It’s a clean touch that impressed Coop. “This is almost like art,” Coop jokes. “I almost want to put it on my wall to show off for people.”
The end cap is a slight misstep, as it just isn’t as clean as the rest of the product. After seeing some of the end caps on REP Fitness’ newer bars, this is one area Rogue could improve on, although it’s by no means a dealbreaker.
RELATED: REP Fitness Colorado Bar Review
Knurling and Finish
The knurling is a lighter, more passive knurl than Rogue’s power bars or squat bars. Coop says it’s comparable to the Rogue Ohio Bar, although he does note that “it feels a bit more aggressive than the Ohio, although it could just be from the thicker diameter.” The 20-pound Rogue Mace has a diameter of 32 millimeters, 3 millimeters more than the Ohio Bar.
The mace has a stainless steel finish along the handle, while the loadable sleeve is coated with Rogue’s proprietary matte black finish. This finish is very strong and durable and should handle sliding weights on and off repeatedly.
Coop demonstrates this in his initial look at the mace by sliding the bumper plate up and down the sleeve, and the sleeve didn’t scratch at all. “Eventually, you may see silver flakes on the sleeve,” Coop explains, “but that’s not from the sleeve; that’s actually metal flaking off the weight plate insert.”
Rogue Mace vs Kabuki Power Shoulderök
Kabuki Shoulderök
Kabuki Strength ShouldeRok
Product Highlights
This is a tool primarily designed for athletes (amateur to professional), coaches and practitioners. As a precision loadable tool, the ShouldeRok when used correctly will increase strength, mobility, and continuously reinforce our need for core stabilization.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The ShouldeRok from Kabuki Strength is excellent at both improving shoulder mobility and increasing core stabilization.
- Due to its loadable design, you can use whatever amount of weight you desire (although you're not going to need a lot to get a good training effect.
- Available in three different finish options for good corrosion resistance: Clear Zinc, Black Oxide, Bright Nickel.
- The handle portion of the ShouldeRok is knurled in a medium depth that gives you good grip without ripping your skin.
- The latest version (V3) has a pointed head that is great for use as an IASTM tool similar to some of their other products.
- Despite using the ShouldeRok for nearly three years, it still looks and performs as good as new.
Cons
- This is kind of a universal recommendation, but the ShouldeRok can easily end up in the corner of your gym and never get used. If you'll use it, get it and love it; if you won't, spend your money elsewhere.
Bottom Line
The Kabuki ShouldeRok from Chris Duffin is great for improving shoulder mobility and core stability. It's built extremely well and can be added to anyone's training program, unless of course, you don't have arms. We recommend the ShouldeRok, however, we've found many people buy it and never use it. Please, if you buy it, put the bad boy to use; it can be very effective.
The Shoulderök is a mace made by Kabuki Power, formerly known as Kabuki Strength. Coop reviewed it several years ago and has used it in his home gym ever since. The latest version has Kabuki’s proprietary Black Ice finish, which is made to add corrosion resistance without changing the feel of a barbell’s knurling, like typical Cerakote or chrome finishes.
The new Shoulderök also comes in at a pricier $150, compared to the original sitting at $120. Still, this is cheaper than the Rogue Mace, which starts at $185 for the shorter 10-pound mace. The longer 45-inch mace starts at $215, with the heavier 20-pound option costing $225.
Both are American-made products, so if you’re considering which one is the best fit for you, it’ll depend mostly on what you value most in your home gym equipment. If you want the best price, the Shoulderök is a less expensive adjustable mace that does a lot of what the Rogue Mace can do. While the Rogue Mace is pricier, its build and construction quality is going to be unmatched, which will make it easily worth the cost for some consumers.
You can read more about the Shoulderök in our Kabuki Power Shoulderök review.
| Rogue Mace | Kabuki Shoulderök | |
| Price | Starting at $185 | $149 |
| Starting weight | 10-20 lbs | Not disclosed |
| Length | 31” (10 and 15 lbs) or 45” (12.5 and 20 lbs) | 48” |
| Shaft diameter | 32 mm (15 and 20 lbs), 33.5 mm (10 and 12.5 lbs) | 29 mm |
| Shaft finish | Stainless steel | Black Ice |
| Sleeve finish | Proprietary matte black | Black Ice |
| Loadable sleeve length | 7.5” | 2.875” |
| Rotating sleeve? | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Customer Experience
The Rogue Mace is backed by a lifetime warranty, like many of Rogue’s barbells, and the warranty covers material and workmanship defects. All of Rogue’s products have a 30-day return policy, but the item must include the original packaging.
In our experience in the many Rogue products we’ve tested and reviewed, Rogue Fitness has had solid customer service over the years. The service department is not only helpful when resolving issues, but also knowledgeable on their products. You can contact customer service via phone or a contact form, and Rogue also has a live chat function on the website.
Ordering the Rogue Mace
The Rogue Mace can be ordered directly from the Rogue website, and financing is available through PayPal Credit—where orders over $99 can be paid in full within 6 months with no interest.
Rogue also does financing through Affirm on orders over $250, though the Rogue Mace comes in underneath that. However, the Rogue Mace also qualifies as a “Three Ships Free” item, where three eligible items purchased at once qualify your order for free shipping. So if you’re shopping for multiple pieces of equipment, this can be a good way to qualify for free shipping and financing through Affirm at the same time.
The Rogue Mace comes fully assembled in a shorter tube packaging similar to Rogue’s barbells. The mace is secured with foam padding—sort of like a piece of pool noodle—wrapped around each end to prevent any clanging around during shipment. The Rogue Mace Coop received came in great condition and was very protected, so you can expect a similar experience if you purchase a mace for yourself.
Customer Reviews
Because the Rogue Mace is such a new product, there are currently only two reviews on Rogue’s website, although they are both very positive, 5-star reviews. Both reviews applaud the quality build and precision of the mace. One user does mention the high price, but says it’s worth the investment, especially with its high-quality construction and the ability to adjust weights.
Although these reviews are very positive, two ratings is hardly enough to get a sample of what the fitness community at large thinks. We’ll be sure to update this as more reviews—positive or negative—come in for the Rogue Mace.
Final Verdict of Our Rogue Mace Review
Rogue has become synonymous with quality in their heavy-duty builds in squat racks, barbells, and exercise bikes, and the same goes for the Rogue Mace. With the unique rotating sleeve and knurled handle, there’s a level of detail that’s consistent with Rogue’s other equipment. The Rogue Mace has a solid build that’s unmatched by other training maces and clubs.
Despite the higher price, the Rogue Mace brings a lot of value to the table in its great construction and clean look, and it’s a solid addition for any home gym owner who regularly dabbles in mace training. We’re excited to continue trying out the mace in our own training and testing.
Rogue Mace: FAQs
Is mace training worth it?
Mace training is a unique type of resistance training that engages the core and shoulders. The dynamic movements of mace training—particularly around-the-worlds—doesn’t only train your muscles and increase strength1, but can also help increase your functional fitness. Functional movements like mace training can have benefits such as improved balance and stability2, less risk of injury in everyday movements, and an overall improvement of your day-to-day quality of life.
What’s the best weight for a mace workout?
Because mace training involves swinging the club over your head and around your body, you’ll want to start small if you’re new to the training. A 5-pound club would be ideal to begin to feel the momentum and technique of the exercise. As you begin to learn the movement, you will probably feel comfortable with a club between 15 and 25 pounds, although this will be heavily influenced by your strength and fitness background.
Can you build muscle with mace training?
Yes, you can build muscle through mace training. The dynamic and momentum-based movement of mace training may not get you the hypertrophy that traditional high-repetition strength training can get you, but it is a form of resistance training, which will help build muscle and increase strength. The mobility and coordination needed for swinging a mace will mostly help build and strengthen smaller stabilizer muscles in your shoulders and core.
References
- Da Silva-Grigoletto, M. E., Mesquita, M. M. A., Aragão-Santos, J. C., Santos, M. S., Resende-Neto, A. G., de Santana, J. M., & Behm, D. G. (2019). Functional Training Induces Greater Variety and Magnitude of Training Improvements than Traditional Resistance Training in Elderly Women. Journal of sports science & medicine, 18(4), 789–797.
- Cadore, E. L., Rodríguez-Mañas, L., Sinclair, A., & Izquierdo, M. (2013). Effects of different exercise interventions on risk of falls, gait ability, and balance in physically frail older adults: a systematic review. Rejuvenation research, 16(2), 105–114. https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2012.1397
Further reading
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