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The Sorinex J*Squat is a belt squat that attaches to Jammer Arms allowing the trainee to squat, march, deadlift, row, and do other movements otherwise not possible with Jammer Arms alone. After using them for over 6 months, Danny Tran of Infamous Strength gives his Sorinex J*Squat Review by saying, “if you already have a set of adjustable jammer arms and are extremely limited on space, this belt squat may be the best option for you.” However, it is a lever arm style of belt squat, so there are limiting factors inherent.
Sorinex Belt Squat
Sorinex J*Squat
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
The J*Squat is not the first belt squat Sorinex has released. We’ve tested and reviewed their previous cable-based belt squat and always enjoyed it. The difference between it (along with most belt squats) and the J*Squat is that the J*Squat is designed to take up as little space as possible. Most of what Sorinex does is design equipment for the University Weight Room Setting, however, the same compact and versatile equipment performs well at a D-1 School, will typically work just as well in a home gym.
What is the Sorinex J*Squat?
The Sorinex J*Squat was the first of it’s kind, a compact rack-mounted lever arm belt squat attachment. It utilizes the Sorinex Adjustable Jammer Arm System or equivalent (such as the Rogue LT-1 .50 Cal Trolley System) and converts into a belt squat, making it one of the most compact belt squats on the market.
The J*Squat is very unique. It’s also very functional.
Although there are negatives to the design (mainly that it’s a lever and therefore will encourage/force forward knee travel,) there is also a huge benefit. It’s extremely compact, easy to set up, and easy to use.
What We Like About the Sorinex J*Squat
The J*Squat belt squat attachment does exactly what one would want out of a belt squat. Emphasizing load on the quads without putting much strain on your back. This is extremely effective when you want additional volume to your workouts without taxing your back or if you are nursing an injury.
The attachment is extremely versatile. While it is designed to be a belt squat, there are many movements that can be done using the J*Squat attachment. Rows, Deadlifts, and lunges are some of the many movements you can also do with it.
Another great feature with the J*Squat is that no extra platform is needed. You can use it directly off of your floor while mounted to your power racks.
The belt squat attachment is also very compact and stows away easily into any corner of the gym, and sorinex also sells a hook that you can attach to your rack to store the attachment out of the way when not in use. This feature is extremely vital for home gym owners since real estate is not usually in abundance. The fact that it is so compact makes it ideal for optimizing the most training options per sq. ft.
RELATED: Best weightlifting belts
What We Don’t Like
While the design allows it to be compact, it does come with some inherent flaws. Since it is a lever arm style belt squat, the felt load is only about 60% of the loaded weight according to Sorinex’s website, which could present a problem when using thicker plates. This is not so much of an issue to me since I use the belt squat as a quad movement accessory, meaning I don’t really load up on the weight, but rather I focus on volume and the actual movement.
This product also comes with a prerequisite in the fact that you need to own an Adjustable Jammer Arm or equivalent system in order for you to use it. Without such a system, the attachment is useless. When comparing prices, if you do not already own the adjustable jammer arms, purchasing this with the jammer arms is a fairly high cost.
The last thing is, while the J*Squat is rather compact, it is a little awkward to store and mount if you are alone since the kickstand freely swings about.
How the Sorinex J*Squat Compares to Other Belt Squats
While my experience (Danny Tran’s) with other belt squats is rather limited, I have tried the Rogue Rhino Belt Squat, and the Squat Max MD. Personally, when compared to these other two belt squats, the Sorinex surely does not stand a chance.
Sorinex J*Squat Vs. Rogue Rhino
Rogue Monster Rhino Belt Squat
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Rogue Rhino is the most versatile belt squat we've tested. The only belt squat that may be more versatile is the Westside ATP, however, it takes up twice as much space and costs over twice as much.
- The size of the Rhino lends itself to working in just about any space from a garage gym to a commercial gym.
- There are three versions available and thanks to it's drop-in nature, it can perform extremely well in a Monster Series Power Rack.
- The same 3"x3" 11-gauge steel is used as the frame for the Rhino.
- The price makes it one of the most budget-friendly versatile belt squats on the market.
- The Rhino is one of the best engineered products we've tested from Rogue. There are an insane amount of custom parts.
- The platform size is small enough to fit in most places, but large enough to be very useful. We were even able to stack rubber tiles on top and use it for step ups.
- The platform is made of diamond plate that is then sprayed with a textured powder coat that allows your shoes to grip the floor well.
- Eventually, we foresee the Rhino having multiple attachments like a lat pulldown.
- The weight trolley is very smooth and because it's not uncoated metal like most systems have with guide rods, it doesn't need any lubing or maintenance.
- The new belt squat belt that comes standard with the unit is great, although we still prefer the Spud INC Belt Squat Belt.
Cons
- The assembly for the Rhino is pretty intensive. Here's what one user had to say, "The instructions are utterly pathetic but once you get it put together after the 5th attempt, the machine is awesome.
- The Rhino can be a bit difficult for taller people to use. One user had this to say, "Our tall members need an additional height setting ( 1' higher ) on the middle horn position. Also, we added more quick links to the belt to make it easier to hookup."
- Although squatting on the Rhino is nice, the SquatMax-MD is much better in that regard. However, the Rhino blows it away when versatility is taken into consideration.
Bottom Line
The Rogue Monster Rhino Belt Squat is by far the best belt squat we've tested. There are many contenders now on the market, however, the Rhino is the most versatile and offers the best value. We don't recommend lever based belt squats due to the sheering forces that occur on the knees as well as lower versatility. If you're in the market for a belt squat, the Rhino is what we recommend.
The Rogue Rhino offers much more versatility, and a much better felt load than the J*Squat. The J*Squat does beat the rhino in terms of footprint and utilizes a much smaller space that that of the Rhino.
Sorinex J*Squat Vs. SquatMax-MD
Squatmax-MD Rack Attachment Model
Product Highlights
The Squatmax-MD is a patented belt squat system developed by Brian Henesey of OverAchieve Sports and Speed (creator of the Multi Belt and Henny Strap System) and manufactured here in Ohio by Rogue.
Our rack-mounted version of the Squatmax-MD features an adjustable, laser-cut steel platform (18” to 24” height) with a loading pin that moves up and down a special guide rod welded to the base of the unit.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
The SquatmaxMD is probably the best belt squat available in my opinion, It’s movement pattern is far superior than that of any other belt squat I have used however it does have some flaws too. It’s a little bulky to be considered a stow-away piece of equipment and therefore needs to be mounted permanently and in some situations, not everyone has the space for that.
Would We Recommend the Sorinex J*Squat?
I would only recommend the J*Squat if you meet these two following requirements:
- You already own a set of adjustable jammer arms or equivalent system
- You absolutely do not have space to fit any of the other options out there
If you do not meet these requirements, I can’t say that I can wholeheartedly recommend the belt squat. While it is a great compact and versatile device, it just simply isn’t the best one when it comes to felt loading and movement pattern.
Now if you do meet these requirements, then it may be a good option for you. Personally, It was the only option I had since I already had the adjustable jammer arms, and there is no room in my gym for a SquatMaxMD or Rogue Rhino.
Author:
My name is Danny Tran, and I have been a home gym owner for about five years. I have a passion for collecting, using and studying strength equipment. In 2019, I turned my garage gym into a business. Infamous Strength, a private strength training gym and powerlifting lifestyle brand.
Personal Instagram: @DannyTran_INFMS
Business Instagram: @InfamousStrength
Full Rating
Sorinex J*Squat Belt Squat
The Sorinex J*Squat is a belt squat that attaches to Jammer Arms allowing the trainee to squat, march, deadlift, row, and do other movements otherwise not possible with Jammer Arms alone. After using them for over 6 months, Danny Tran of Infamous Strength gives his Sorinex J*Squat Review by saying, if you already have a set of adjustable jammer arms and are extremely limited on space, this belt squat may be the best option for you. However, it is a lever arm style of belt squat, so there are limiting factors inherent.
Product Brand: Sorinex
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 499.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.2
Sorinex J*Squat Belt Squat FAQs
What is the Sorinex J*Squat Belt?
It is a belt squat that attaches to Jammer Arms, allowing the learner to squat, march, deadlift, row, and perform other actions that would be impossible with only Jammer Arms.
What’s good about the Sorinex J*Squat belt?
Although there are several drawbacks to the design (most notably that it is a lever and hence encourages/forces forward knee motion), there is also a significant advantage. It’s highly portable, simple to assemble, and simple to operate.
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