Should You Buy a Squat Bar?
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- Squat bars provide an interesting proposition. Initially intended for those in multi-ply suits lifting upwards of 1000lbs, they can still be beneficial for your average trainee. In today's video we take a look at a few reason why you should (or shouldn't) add one to your barbell collection.
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I just bought myself a Kabuki Strength Squat Bar because I’m an impulsive buyer and have no idea how to maturely manage my finances. The best part is I’m only squatting in the 400-500lbs range, compounding the inappropriateness.
Hey no different than some of these people buying Eleiko power bars after one comp!
"People like you or me who are squatting 4, 5, 600 pounds."
...Brandon. C'mon.
YOU CAN DOOOOO IT.
Agreed, I highly doubt 90% of the population is hitting 5-600lb squats without gear. Not saying there arnt people who can, but they are far-few-and-in-between.
@@alexmoore5970 I mean, Brandon is a +500lb squatter. I'm just saying his audience mostly isn't. lol
@@BasementBrandon I'm just over here grinding to hit that bottom number my dude.
Matub I’m still at 200 😂
You get my thumbs up for using the Metal Gear Solid alert sound at 5:03
Love that game.
Two weeks ago from today I was in St. Louis on business and got the chance to use a Texas Squat Bar and calibrated plates (both for the first time) and really, really enjoyed the experience. So much so that I am giving strong consideration to getting the Rogue version (when available) in the future. Not needed, but definitely wanted and that is reason enough for me!
I held out until it was in the boneyard and saved over $100!
When not in use always remember to protect the shaft!:)
safety first!
Gotta keep it oiled
Amen to that
That’s what she said
Idk why im watching this i literally have a 30$ bar that bends with 220
lol
It is a great tool to have and maybe add to a gym. Love the idea of having one, and I appreciate the opinion and experience of others! Thanks for the input.
Thanks for taking a look!
I primary watched this cos I’ve missed your videos! Can’t wait to see the new digs!
Miss you too
"Bigger, usually in gear, usually not to depth, and in a monolift" LMAO
Tell me i'm wrong!
Good video Brandon as this was something I was grappling with for ages. For me as space is an issue I like the Rogue HR 2 as it also has plate storage and saves having to buy a weight tree or something to store plates.
Can also throw collars on before the weights to emulate.
Great review and breakdown
Much appreciated!
finally a new vid! yo brandon your home is finished?! CONGRATS! i expect a huge upgrade for the new home gym o.O
Getting close, which is why I haven't been able to do many videos lol
Very Informative and Helpful. 👍🏽
Thanks Wes
Entered my first USPA competition recently and where I used my first squat bar. I squat high bar with my hands fairly close to my body, and was very confused on where to place my hands on a fully knurled bar with no markings like this. I'm interested in getting one now just to practice with for next time
Ah good point!
Other thing about squat bars is the big guys who can squat the weights that an sb can handle also have really wide backs with bad shoulder and elbow mobility so the longer bar helps them extend their arms out.
I'm definitely getting one, I'm tired of banging into the rack and getting thrown off balance before I get into my setup.. Great info B!!
only reason why i got one
Thanks Brian, hope you and yours are well!
Spot on, have the same beliefs you do. Only reason I intend to get one is I compete in the USPA, which uses one. I'm able to squat a decent amount more in comp, so getting one to train like how I'm going to compete is definitely beneficial to me.
Right on!
As someone who has very sloppy rerack/walks outs, starting to use my gyms Kabuki squat bar was a game changer for me. I love how extra thick it is and the sharp AF knurling.
Def takes care of walk outs!
No but you should buy me a squat bar
lol
I agree with all your positives about a SB, but I'm personally not a fan of them. I bought a TX Squat bar years back and still have it. IMO what I've found personally and from talking to other lifters is that if you are of a smaller build like me (under 6') and under the 200lbs range in bodyweight AND you lowbar squat, Squat bars tend to feel worse. Their width makes it much harder to dig the bar into your back as well and the length adds whip which makes it far less forgiving if you have any form breakdown at all. I say lowbar, because that's when the "sucking the bar into your back" matters most and also when lifters become subject to a forward lean. If those hips shoot up at all from fatigue or slight form breakdown, it's goodnight lol. I think this is strictly due to frame size. Smaller builds will simply feel better with smaller bars. That said, for bigger guys or for high bar squatters of any size, I think there are many, many benefits to the SB like you mentioned.
For reference, even Pitbull Torres, who squats high bar with a squat bar told me the standard 20kg bars feel like heaven to come back to, comparatively.
Interesting, I haven't come across many who compete in feds with them who say they would prefer a normal power bar. Would be interesting to see an actual poll.
@@BasementBrandon Totally a guess, but I'd be willing to wager that many who do compete in those feds haven't spent much, if any time with regular sized bars. This could be incorrect. But from the dozen or so lifters I've spoken to who have done both be it from moving from USAPL to USPA or just playing around, all that are under 6' and 200lbs seem to line up with what I've said. A poll of lifters who have used a substantial amount of weight with both would be really interesting for sure.
I love my Rogue Squat Bar. We compete in USPA and is great to practice with it. Its also a better bar since it doesnt flex at all. So you can use your back more efficient!
Appreciate the feedback!
I bought a StrongArm Squat bar because I found a deal on one locally. Bought it to true because it was a good deal and I like to try equipment. Hands down, I enjoy squatting on it way more. Feels better walking out of my rogue rack like you talked about, the bigger surface area sits on my back better too and everything else you mentioned. Highly suggest a squat bar to anyone!
The pic of the knurl i show in this video is from my strongarm bar!
Thank you for the input. I am 21 and just bought my first barbell and plates. It’s been super difficult to find a good bar at a good price these days. I ultimately want a real nice home gym in the future, so I’ll def take this into consideration in the future!
Great bar, but prob not one you need for a long long time!
I love your editing dude
I appreciate it!
@@BasementBrandon it's looks simple and amazing you do it vary tastefully keep it up man
Old geezer here. You are reminding me of the great hammer thrower/powerlifter, George Frenn. If you’ve seen the photos of George squatting with the world record 853 lbs back in the early 1970’s, the bar is bent due to the prodigious weight. Always love your great videos!
If the bar ain't bending, you must be pretending!
Brandon Campbell Diamond 🤣🤣🤣👏👏
6:08 - lotta mirin for you on that lift!
Haha great gym!
if your rack is wide and you are banging your plates or bar on walkout frequently with good technique, you can stick an extra set of small plastic collars on the inside of the sleve to give a bit of extra space. Also stick with iron plates over bumpers to allow more loading.
Good tip
As a non-competitive lifter with large hands, I find the larger shaft to be very beneficial for bench press and overhead press as well. I have completely replaced my kabuki power bar with the rogue squat bar for powerlifting movements except deadlift.
Right on!
Have you deadlifted on it tho? I have baby hands and just want to deadlift a squat bar!
Olympic bars are also known as Power Bars... they come in many configurations... regulation bars have ball bearing sleeves... they have a whip Factor... the squat bar the knurlings are always centered!
When I saw olympic I mean for olympic weightlifting!
The walk out issue is a funny one. I’ve got an Infinity rack and my girlfriend STILL hammers the shout out of the rack sometimes. Fortunately I can spot easy because the weight is quite low but it’s funny.
Lol and that's the easy one!
I own a texas squat bar , l love it , but the only thing l have noticed is , if you are not a big boy l feel a little bit hard to find the right position straight away on you back, but it is so useful specially when l move back on rogue power bar just because this last one feels so light and small
appreciate the first hand feedback!
I wish you have done this video 3 weeks ago, i just bought SML-1 and the first 20 walkouts i banged the side of the Jcups.!!
Def takes some getting used to!
Step backwards instead of to the side
Have you done a video on how you cool/warm your basement/garage? I am building my home gym here in Texas and shit gets really hot. I have a portable AC unit that lowers the temperature significantly, but only where I have my platform.
I may be able to do so, but I think my findings here in the northeast (rhode island) might not be that helpful for that texas heat.
I noticed that you didnt mention anything about these bars being better for heavyweight competitors. Many strength athletes that weigh over 300lbs are MUCH more comfortable squatting in a longer/thicker bar like this. That is specifically why I have just ordered one.
Not only is the length/thickness better for bigger athletes, but being able to grab wider is super important too. In addition to accommodating a longer wingspan for larger athletes, most 3x3 racks do not allow you to grab standard power bars at the end of the shaft while it is racked (using almost any type of j-cup). You can easily grab the bar "outside of the rack" to unrack a squat when you use a squat bar.
Overall point being... I like and agree with pretty much everything that you said in this video, but I do believe there is something to be said for the application of a squat bar for larger strength athletes. Keep up the great work, love your channel!
Hey Thanks Kyle, I thought I addressed that in the beginning, or at least I know I have on all my actual squat bar reviews!
@@BasementBrandon I may have missed it. I heard about it being better for lifting higher weights but not necessarily being better for bigger strength athletes. Regardless, love the channel and the content, keep up the great work!
According to their site, the ISF Squat Bar does have fully knurled shaft... At least the V2. I actually have one ordered, because at that price its hard to pass up. While happy with my OPB, I have to agree that this should help with meet prep (Compete in RPS). I also agree that SSB and Deadlift bar rank higher on the list of specialty bars when deciding where to spend money.
ah right on, nice little upgrade!
Yea mine is full knurl, the difference between V1 & V2 is correct knurl ring marks. The V1 had an error and was weightlifting spaced, not powerlifting.
I plan to get the Rogue Squat Bar. I get tired of moving my power bar in and out of the rack every morning as I bench outside the rack and squat inside the rack. I think the Darko Lifting above storage would be good and I see no reason for a second power bar, so might as well get a squat bar to stay in the rack.
Those anchors def come in handy!
at westside barbell they say they use the squat bar a lot for raw benchers because when they switch back to a 29mm bar it feels like a toothpick in their hands when benching
Yeah I do know a lot like the thicker bar for pressing
Another benefit might be that with the longer shaft, you’d have less pressure on the shoulders (I’m not sure, I’ve never used 1, I have a safety squat bar for that reason).
yeah could def push out your grip there.
I dony want a squat bar, because y do more bodybuilding training in the garage, but I like to buy equipment when I can. I would like a power bar 29mm. full knurling for more pleasure haha. Great video.
Fair enough!
Won’t be long before we’re not using our power bar for much! Lol
Thanks for posting!
Haha I like my toys!
my power bar is only for pressing🤣
Are you going to review the new Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar V4?
It's not high on my list of things to buy right now, but never say never!
I laughed out loud at around 5:03 :)
:)
Honestly, I wanted the Rogue one, but I was hoping for a Black Zinc/Zinc version to save a few bucks. Guess I'll keep holding out.
Keep your eye on the boneyard, that's where I got mine.
Why are power bars not fully knurled? Would be better for low bar grip and hook/ mixed grip on smaller people. Only disadvantage is that conventional pullers will tear up their shins.
I think that's likely the main reason
I have been squatting with a Rep Power bar ex. I'm looking to add a bar to squat with. Would you go with an ISF squat bar or a Vulcan Buffalo bar? I'm not competing, just enjoy squatting and would like an option other than the traditional power bars that I own.
so either will be pretty versatile in that you can press with it as well. I'd prob go with the buffalo style bar for the variation.
Ever do HighBar on it? If so, any noticeable differences?
Here and there. Will dive into that next training cycle!
Recommendations for 1 bar that’s good enough for squats, bench and deadlifts????
The 3 I use most for this are: Rogue Ohio Power Bar, Rep Fitness Power Bar EX, Kabuki New Gen Power Bar, in the order from most to least used.
I love SQTing, BPing, DLing and OPHing with my Texas SQT bar!
u animal
ISF squat bar is fully knurled. $300 shipped.
I thought the original one had a pattern similar to the Texas version. Whoops.
@@BasementBrandon maybe it did, but the one I have is identical to the rogue squat bar. ISF squat bar is hands down the best squat bar I've used recently.
Buy a Sorinex rack and the 47” with won’t clip ya with or rack attachment monolift 💦💦💦 do love that thick shaft tho!
Yeah Rep and titan are 47" as well!
Since it costs similar to a transformer bar would it be more beneficial to get the transformer?
Different applications IMO
I miss your shaft discussions.
Can always DM me, just sayin
I like the feeling of the thicker shaft. It feels... Stiffer
hey now
Not worth the price imo for most people. A squat bar would be ok for squatting and benching but it would make deadlifting terrible.
Right on!
Hey Brandon,
What is your opinion on the Bells of Steel Squat Rack "The Brute 2.1" and the REP Squat Rack " HR-5000 Half Rack"? I would get a Rogue squat rack but I don't believe I will have enough for the cost of one.
I'm starting to step up my outside Home Gym Set so any advice would be greatly appreciated. (I am leaning more towards the Bells of Steel).
I think the Rep rack is higher quality, but the Bells is a good bang for the buck!
@@BasementBrandon
So with the REP squat rack I would be getting a better quality gym set over the Bells version? (Have you heard or tested anything Negative with both squat racks)?
@@nightroad102691 If you take a look at the specs the rep wins hands down. For Rep they have a larger ecosysem of attachments and based off my experience the finishing touches are nicer.
@@BasementBrandon
So yea that is my fault for not looking at the specs. 😅 I was caught by the price and what came with it. Now all I got to do is okay the waiting game for it to be available 👍🏽🧘🏾♂️💆🏽♂️
Can you bench with them? Yes, if your competing in the USPC which uses an F8 bar
You can. They are similar to some bench bars
I am wanting to buy a home gym set up, any ideas on who isn't sold out of plates etc? Can't find anything good...
Rep just had some today.
@@BasementBrandon Man when I looked just now I couldn't find any 45s, couldn't find a bar, couldn't find a rack... Also wanted that zero gap bench or a reg bench - but all sold out... Guess I'll look again next month lol #hatecorona
Thx Brandon, bad *ss videos BTW...
@@kevoc3911 If you follow rep on IG they post in their stories when stuff goes back in stock. The Rogue Stock Bot is also great, I'll make a video of that today maybe.
A thick squat bar is also much better on your shoulders and elbows for benching.
ah there ya go! My bench sucks so probably never noticed lol.
i die a little inside everytime you say practice how you play
pRaCtIcE hOw yOU pLaY
It's a fairly common statement, not to be confused with another popular one "you'll play how your practice"
And shaft
Semi-related question:
Will a Duffalo/Buffalo bar “noticeably/significantly “reduce tension on your shoulders and wrists? Just a garage lifter who is planning on training for the rest of my life with no competition goals.
Yes it does. I have tight shoulders and my bicep tendons get LIT UP from squatting with a straight bar. Duffalo puts you in a great position and allows you to save the shoulders while building the squat.
Yes it does reduce tension on your shoulders and wrists when you squat, especially for those that have shoulder mobility problems. The bar does tend to bring you forward more though when you squat. Also it will add a lot more stress on your shoulders if you bench with it, but when I use it for bench then go back to a straight bar my bench goes up (put 27lbs on my bench in 3 months by using the duffalo bar for warm ups in the bench) I had to stop as my shoulders were getting injured though.
Def will, I find myself preferring a SSB however though!
Brandon Campbell Diamond I just heard Buffalo bars are closer to straight bar squat in terms of mechanics
@@Pler1978 Love it, thank you!
What do you think about buying a lat pull down? Also hello from Australia 🇦🇺
:edit Ik I don’t wanna get a squat bar but I like these videos
I think for a home gym it can be tough b/c a standalone is expensive and takes up a lot of space. I like the look of something like Rep has where you can bolt on a pull down to the back of their racks.
@@BasementBrandon I have the New York Barbells version that attaches to the back of the rack. It has a high low pully. I think I paid $150 for it along with the rack. You can do woodchoppers, tricep exercises, rows, etc. in addition to the lat pulls.
Still, a lot of the time I do pull ups with tubes instead of the lat pull. Feels like a better exercise.
Brandon Campbell Diamond thanks boss 🙏
Or just hang a pulley from a rack and attach to any bar with a strap.
@@gracefool I did that years back in a basement attaching the pulley to a ceiling joist. The the weight will tend to swing, though, and that is a bit awkward.
5:03 the only squat bar Solid Snake will use
!
False, he'd use a cardboard box.
@@BasementBrandon Snake could hide under the cardboard tube the bar is shipped in
@@calebmathews2966 I think that's a winner.
For reason one, you can put clips first then put the weight then another set of clips. That's a lot cheaper solution than a squat bar.
Prob a good idea if your only reason for wanting one is so you don't clip uprights! In that case too you can just get better at walking it out.
Brandon Campbell Diamond exactly. Wasn’t my idea. But it was a smart one.
A solid walk out makes me feel so much more comfortable that I can perform the rep. When I’m all shaky and hitting the uprights, I know my form will be off (as well as my mental state) and end up doing more damage than good
Can you deadlift or bench with these?
You could. Bench prob wouldn't be an issue as some like a thicker bar, but deadlifting would be more difficult due to the thicker diameter and fully knurled shaft.
Best length squatbar for home ?
A dedicated squat bar is going to be longer by default, most standard ones will be around 92-96"
My gym has Westside Bulldog Squat Bars.
I like them a lot. But the fact that they weigh 65 pounds is weird.
big boys!
I also have the Rogue Squat Bar. I think they are for experienced lifters, there is no reason for a nubie or intermediate to get one, to spend that much money when the vast majority of nubies quit within 2 years doesn't make sense. My main reason for liking it is the knurling that goes across, I mainly do front squats so that helps it rolling down significantly. The knurling on this bar is very different and really sticks. Also if you have big hands thicker bars are more comfortable to bench with. This is my favorite bar I have.
It's probably pretty low on my list of must have bars, but if someone wants one I just wanted to highlight some of the pros/cons. Haven't heard of someone front squatting with one!
@@BasementBrandon ya the gripping on that bar is great for front squats, the gripping right across is a big difference, I don't need to chalk my shirt anymore.
Hate that I have to buy this for USPA meet but I wouldn’t be competing for the first time if I didn’t sign up. Hopefully I’m not mad at the purchase lol.
Which one did you get?
@@BasementBrandon I actually didnt purchase yet but I’m going with Rogues option. I just bought the Kabuki DL bar first haha.
Would love a review of that new Titan Pivoting tricep bar (looks like a copy of the Watson bar)
I think StrongArm is also coming out with one.
@@BasementBrandon I'm not familiar with that brand, I made the leap to home gym about 8 days into lockdown. Still learning a lot, like a Wright Oly bar probably wasn't worth $250, but desperate times...
On a non-regulation bar the whip Factor varies from bar to bar... the 45lb bar is not always 45 pounds... a 45lb plates are not always 45lb!
Depends on the brand.
Stainless steel or bare steel?
I prefer stainless when available. However if you're in a low humidity area or don't mind the upkeep you can save yourself some money.
How knurled is your shaft?
People have told me I"m pretty aggressive.
The audio is sort of bad. Too much bass and a bit fuzzy.
Hmm first person to say that, I'll look into it.
I feel like it would be great for Anderson Squats off of blocks or pins, other than that if you don't use huge weights... ehh. Pass.
Fair enough!
No, but I sure love my Ironwolfe Arctic Wolfe stainless steel barbell. Are you jealous, Brandon?
lol
Will a squat bar help me obtain a Demon Back?
Sure
I'm just here to be shown the world.
Tell me, princess, now when did you last let your heart decide?
4, 5, 600 lbs? yeah I guess I don't need a squat bar. My power bar will be fine
Go for it!
"For those of us with home gyms... you know, lifting 5... 6... 700lb" *Me, thinking of my 130lb squat I'll be doing next week... "Yeah... 700lb, seems like an average weight to squat"
Hah you'll get there.
The real question is if you can even get a bar these days?
Just bought 2 bars this week.
@@BasementBrandon waiting on the second stimulus check to stimulate my gainz
I would like one but with everything being permanently out of stock good luck getting one. And no joke for grasp and shaft in the same sentence. Come on man. You're better than that.
Yeah prob since it's not a high demand item most companies are focusing on general bars.
@@BasementBrandon and even general bars are unobtanium. And given that another country shutdown may be on the horizon it looks like they will be out of stock for a while. On the plus side I grabbed a used Kaiser M3 for $400 off letgo. Now I have a cardio machine.
What about a thick shaft😂😂😂
hey now
Yeah now good luck finding a good bar during Covid lol.
I've bought 3 in the last month!
Brandon Campbell Diamond I wish I had your status man I’ve been on Rogue’s waiting list for a power bar for probably three months. The struggle is real. Finally gave up and back ordered Titan cause at least they will take my money😩
Anyone ever buy a Sears weightlifting bar? Just kidding.
Sears weightlifting kit with Weider weights!
@@BasementBrandon LMAO!! I kid you not, Sears had a nice Weider squat rack with safety bars. Looked solid as can be . Problem weight limit was only 300lbs. Above that the rack would collapse .
Can you buy a squat bar? That's the real question.
Trueeee
why are you
why aren't you
Get an Ohio Power Bar. That's all you need. With that said, if you can afford it..
Def my daily driver.
You look like you lost 20 pounds....of muscle....
Nice!
I h you tube all the time , and of course gym equipment. Reviews and editorials. Bottom line is it matters zero what bar you use , bunch of bullshit... when I started lifting in 1973 it didn’t matter what bar was available, in 1983 it didn’t matter at all and in 1993 I was buildings worlds gyms , didn’t matter then . And in 2003 had my own home gyms didn’t seem to matter then and my other home gyms in 2010 didn’t seem to matter then . Oh and I have another new home gym today 2021 August . And it does not matter now ..WTFis going on..
As in most things, it depends. Can you get strong with a basic barbell? Yes. However with anything that includes hobbyists/professionals you'll find the small details make a bigger difference.