Kabuki Kadillac vs Bells of Steel Arch Nemesis - Is Cheaper Better?

In today's video we take a look at a battle between a budget friendly camber bar, the BoS Arch Nemesis, and the top of the line Kabuki Strength Kadillac.
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[@angelorusso9345]

great review as always! I was pretty torn between these two because of the knurling but knowing its not that great and the powder coat on the kabuki is legit really helped me decide, thank you!

[@BasementBrandon]

I think for a bar you use a few times a week either will do the job. Just have to decide if the nicer finishes are worth 3x

[@temptingfate759]

Another great review...thanks for providing honest straightforward feedback....

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@freedomfitnessequipment]

THE VIDEO WEVE ALL BEEN WANTING!!

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@MacStrengthCo]

Great comparison video and I couldn't agree more with your assessment. For anyone watching the BOS cambered bar works great in my REP rack with the flat j-cups over all my other j-cups. I've never used my bar as a lat pulldown and will likely grind that tab off! Thanks for the video.

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the insight!

[@thomasbrogan8036]

Appreciate the reviews & nuance.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for taking a look!

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Great review as always, Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks big Marcus

[@brettcole4569]

The video I’ve been waiting for!

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope it helps.

[@SimmplyFit]

Another fantastic comparison mate. Extremely detailed.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my friend.

[@GavinBrown]

Merry Xmas🎄 Cheers for all the vids.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Gavin, same to you and yours.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Awesome comparison! I definitely don’t regret my Kadillac purchase but I can see a good argument for the more affordable option.

[@BasementBrandon]

Different strokes for different folks. Surprisingly there are a lot of people who don't want to spend their entire income on their gym like me :)

[@GarageGym411]

@@BasementBrandon - WHO ARE THESE PEASANTS? I mean, really? Good thing Titan, Archon, Valor, and BOS aren't making Keiser knock-offs, otherwise I wouldn't be able to feel superior, like a vegetarian.... ROBOT CHICKEN Vegetarian Superiority - kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGTHemhnlqyUrJY

[@edlop6954]

Looking for a review of these items. Excellent. Thank you.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope it helped.

[@rtm6930]

I own both bars and they both hit the frame if not racked perfectly. My preference is the bells of steel as the narrow handle helps with keeping my hands centered. If I was benching 500+, I would stick with the Kabuki Bar

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the feedback.

[@carps_gym]

Solid review as usual

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my dude.

[@davidoss15]

Nice review Brandon !

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks David!

[@bellaking745]

Awesome video !! Thank you for going in detail on both of these bars. Heard a lot about these bars. Thanks for the comparison. I will now order the kabuki bar. Keep up the amazing work.

[@BasementBrandon]

Kabuki is def better, but is it 3x as much better?!

[@matth5237]

I bought arch nemesis bar when it first came out, before they added the "knurling". Product availability was the main factor and I always figured I would upgrade to kabuki down the line BUT in my 11x18 foot home gym its actually really nice having a 24 lb, shorter length bar to maneuver around the gym. Rogue hg collars work perfectly with the sleeve diameter, and rep's round sandwich j cups make them work in my 41" wide PR-4000. I have absolutely no complaints other than the lack of knurling and won't be upgrading to kabuki until I move and get a bigger gym. Still, its a bit of a shame for Kabuki's great idea to be knocked off.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah if you already own one I see no point in shelling out the $ to upgrade!

[@NoFate247]

Nice clean breakdown

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my dude.

[@johna9168]

great review, ty

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for watching!

[@hullihenfamily829]

I have had the kaddilac bar now for a little over a year now. I really like it and find myself useing it alot for bench, bent over rows, and maybe my favorite it the overhead press. i find it really gives my shoulders a brake to use that bar a bit than go back to standard bar. it has also helped me increase my strength in all of those lifts. I have had one of the bolts come loose on it so check on them every once in a while. i wish it was all welded togother or better yet the assemble like a standard bar that spins. Thanks for all you do on here.. Nice to see im not the only guy spending way to much money on his basement gym. :) I noticed the new roque trolley. I just got the new version in 3 weeks ago. the fit and finish and design seems great but so far I dont like it. Im really struggling with the amount of time it takes to set everything to use for a lift and the constant guess and checking to see if you have either the trolley in right position, the handles or weight post and the safties in the right position for the lift your are trying to do. Some lifts the swing angle just doesnt work like the barbell hip thrusts. Maybe i will learn to use it better but right now im disapointed in the $1500 i spent on it with the articulating handles. I wish it would come with the standard handles also at that price.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the feedback. I got these right before they announced the new version of the trolleys lol. They're a lot better than the REP ones I had, but I still can't recommend them to people. As you mentioned, they're a pain in the ass to set up.

[@jacobwilson7030]

Adding some grip tape, throwing some 10lb bumpers on first and using PROLOC2’s on there more than make the difference when it’s 1/3rd of the cost. If you’re a garage/basement hobby lifter I don’t don’t see the reason in buying a Kadillac when that $400 can be spent on other things in the gym

[@brandonhoover2120]

Because as a garage gym owner, you have a smaller space. Smaller space means you can hold less stuff. Might as well get quality in the limited equipment you can fit.

[@BasementBrandon]

Very good point.

[@hamlet1012]

@@brandonhoover2120 I agree. I had both bars and I am glad sold the BoS and kept the kadillac.

[@jacobwilson7030]

@@brandonhoover2120 That’s fine for you, I’m just cheap within reason. The TITAN Series rack I just got this month looks just as good as any Rogue Monster I’ve see(though I was sad they didn’t have it in that Toxic Avenger green like Rogue does) and I don’t think I’m nearly strong enough to justify spending $600 on any bar, let alone a cambered bar. If build quality is still your concern the Elite FTS American Camber bar is around $365 shipped, still coming in under 2/3rds the price of the Kadillac. I just think Kabuki is unnecessary for most garbage hobbyists

[@alfredrobinson184]

Had the Kadillac Bar and it is definitely worth the money IMO. Had to sell it tho, I felt more strain in My shoulder using it than using a regular barbell. Very interested in a review of those Gymway plates tho.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I could see that with the increased ROM

[@majora3043]

Are you going to do a review on the rep dumbbells? I'd like to watch that if you do. I'm also curious if the magnetic change plates stick to them if you have them

[@BasementBrandon]

I need to for sure.

[@markhalstead2386]

The hole in the earlier Kadillac bar version was to hang it during power coating. It was never intended to be used by the consumer. Kabuki has since developed a way to powder coat the bar without the hole to hang, which is why it is no longer there.

[@carps_gym]

Yep.DIYers were the ones adding the lat attachment style hooks, which Kabuki said could effect the strength and structural integrity of the bar so brag removed the hole. The newer versions have no hole in the center

[@BasementBrandon]

Gotcha, maybe I just saw someone using it that way.

[@GarageGym411]

@@BasementBrandon - 5:01 - Yep - Initially, Kadillac bars used to have a hole in the center (it was used during the manufacturing process, but also an eye bolt could be mounted in it) allowing cable machine use possibilites. By the time I got around to ordering my Kadillac Bar (8.2020), Kabuki had already removed that "hole" (insert George Carlin reference here) as well as my own question about said "hole" that used to be part of the Kadillac Bar's "Q&A section" of its product page - these 'removals' did not sit well with me and a few emails were sent back and forth. (Who am I kidding? I don't actually have enough room in my garage to allow the Kadillac Bar to be used for cable work - BAH!) Well, at least we now we have a means of determining an "early edition" Kadillac Bar (from those produced around 2020 and afterward) when buying a used Kadillac Bar, so there's that. I was going to include a corny 'play on words' (merging the word 'Kadillac' with a certain 'casedemic term') in this comment, but I decided I did not want it to get flagged, removed, etc. "The fear of censorship is strong with this platform.. it is" - YODA

[@Nick-1828]

Came close to pulling the trigger on the Kadallic bar but since my Rep rack is 41 inches in width that held me back. Think if I ever get the itch to get a cambered bar in the future I’d probably go with the Elite FTS version since it seems like it would fit better in my rack

[@BasementBrandon]

If I weren’t a gym junkie I prob wouldn’t get either. Nice to have but my no means necessary.

[@marshallalexander3014]

Awesome comparison as always, thanks Brandon. Here in Canada the Kabuki comes in waaaay over 600 bucks, where as the ARCH NEMESIS is $199 with no shipping costs and for that price its the one I'm buying as my Christmas present to, well, myself lol...Again thanks for another great vid, (Lets go) Brandon, happy holidays to you and your fam!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my dude! Yeah I think for most the cheaper option is the better one here, even though the Kabuki is so much nicer.

[@marshallalexander3014]

@@BasementBrandon Agreed, it is very nice! Thanks for the response, stay big!

[@keouam9488]

Awesome review. Side note, were you able to order the Trolley Arms from Rogue in White?

[@BasementBrandon]

I was!

[@BrimhallBarbellClub]

The Cadillac just looks awesome but that price! Great review as always!

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah tough pill to swallow for what I consider an accessory bar.

[@lsantilli]

Kabuki Kadillac was the first and currently only specialty bar I have. I have some shoulder impingement issues that I am about to get fixed here shortly and I wanted to get strong before my surgery. This has allowed me to bench anything, and actually get some muscle back. I could not get under a bar and bench standard without pain for years. I’ve only had it for a couple months and I would say it’s worth every penny for anyone fighting an actual issue with their shoulder. TBH, I don’t even think it flips that much, it stays basically solid unless you push it over. The grips are great. Even when I’m done rehab, this is going to stay on my bench as my standard go to bar for bench, I don’t think I’ll ever barbell bench without a neutral grip again as my go to movement.

[@BasementBrandon]

Awesome man, appreciate the feedback!

[@Applefanatic1000]

How are you liking the Monster Chain Hanger attachment you have back there on the rack? Been thinking about it for awhile now but have never been able to find one for sale used.

[@BasementBrandon]

so far so good, really been enjoying adding chains in.

[@espcustom]

thanks for the comparison buddy. I was hesitant at first given the price difference between the two. I almost fell for it but finally jumped on my first Kabuki product, a blem Kadillac bar. While the bar offers the best experience of the market, I am still puzzled at the high price that it commands. I love Duffin's ideas and USA engineering comes at a price for sure. However, while the camber part is nice and feels heavy duty, something about the sleeves mainly makes the whole product feels less expensive (trying to avoid cheap here) than it costs...I'd prefer chrome sleeves. Those zinc plated sleeves with grooves scratch easily and overall don't make me say "wow" this is definitely worth it for a 1k bar (canadian for me including shipping). It's worth it if you want the best, but I still think the price is mucho steep for what it is...I still love it very much though !

[@BasementBrandon]

I’ve had good luck with their blemish bars so far as well

[@GarageGym411]

@@BasementBrandon - I've had good luck returning Kabuki bars... that later become blemish bars! (Kabuki had experienced a few bumps along the way during the casedemic of 2020 with regards to subcontractors, etc.) That said, Kabuki has always given me great service (if there were any issues) and I am happy with my Kadillac Bar purchase.

[@higherlifts420]

I used to hit my uprights with the kaddy on the griffin gr3 41"width. Bought some monolifts and never hit the rack again. Just waiting on the griffin monos now.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@jimdango123456]

I have the titan version of this bar and I'm extremely happy with it. I don't have any of the problems you described with the bos version. I got it shipped to my house for around $170. Id suggest that over the bos if you don't wanna spend $600.

[@JB-hq9yj]

Titan's is not the same it is more of a copy of Elite FTS Swiss camber bar. Titan's is not fully curved like these. Completely different type of barbell

[@Jason-oy2oh]

Kabukis camber is greater and curved, able to go deeper with it. Kabuki is not knurled on grips and I think the powder coat grip on handles is too much. Knurling on Titan grip is better feel to me. I like spacing and angles in grip for Kabuki better as well, but for over 500 vs 170 if go with Titan MG camber.

[@BasementBrandon]

My issue with the Titan bar is that it's only good b/c they copied EliteFTS lol.

[@jimdango123456]

@@BasementBrandon If your going to copy someone it only makes sense to copy the best. For me personally, I only use the bar occasionally in my rotation, so it made sense to go the budget route. If I had unlimited amounts of money I'd have elite and kabuki everything.

[@jimdango123456]

@@JB-hq9yj The camber is close enough for me. I'd love to have the kabuki version, but I can't justify $600 for something I'd only use occasionally.

[@realtalk4159]

I got the arch nemesis and it didn't fit my rack for my home gym and it was slimmer than I thought the width for the grips would be. Unfortunately im sending it back and will get the Titan cambered barbell

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the feedback.

[@brentnahmias44]

We've had the Kabuki bar at TOP for well over a year at this point and the powder coating on the grips is still very grippy. Even using it for heavy rows I've never had grip issues with it. The one negative (for both) is that the rackable portion is too thick for some competition benches such as the ghost one.

[@BasementBrandon]

Good call out!

[@burtbakerack1110]

Fair review. I’ve got the BOS bar and, as a weekend warrior rather than an elite lifter, I have no complaints. Part of me does wish they would have opted for a bit thicker steel but I have little doubt it will stand up to anything I can put it through. I don’t even find the handles all that slick.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I think 3 out of 4 people are prob in the same spot as you. If it’s not going to be a primary bar, or you just don’t want to spend unnecessary money, the bells bar makes more sense.

[@mariogreco6843]

@Basement Brandon for any bars that have slick gripping I wear my football tack gloves

[@GlucksGym]

But my Arch Nemesis bar makes me look stronger since it weighs 20lbs less and isn't that why we're in the gym?

[@BasementBrandon]

Buy mine and then you'll be twice as strong.

[@Dippedinblackink]

Great video and appreciate the comparison. It's a bummer when you mentioned the 41" width for a power rack. I believe my Rep PR4000 has a 41" width. That's a bummer that the Kabuki can potentially cause some damage.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah will def be a tight fit!

[@GarageGym411]

​@@BasementBrandon - 4:23 - Excellent info! On a related topic, Coop notes here how a Sorinex power rack width is 47" versus Rogue's which is 49" wide - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoiwpJShrc6kn68

[@higherlifts420]

If you have monolifts, the edges won't hit your rack

[@Dippedinblackink]

@@higherlifts420 I have Rogue monos. I’ll probably go with the EFTS cambered bar.

[@loubromberg4976]

When I first considered a multigrip barbell, I ordered the Kadillac Bar, seven months later, I was still waiting. Kabucki was giving canned answers of delays. Finally I got my money Back. Kabucki customer service was not very nice thru-out. I considered the Bells of Steel Cambered bar however, I did not like the pulley attachment especially because I considered Also benching with a reverse camber. Elite’s cambered bar was never in stock so I went Budget with the Archon Fitness multigrip barbell. Yeah it is not cambered, but for The money, you can do close and wide grip benches plus rows. Also at 25 lbs, it is Great for variations of hammer curls. I am not sorry I purchased the Archon. If Bells of steel got rid of the pulley attachment in the middle, I would strongly Consider purchasing it. I do not intend to order from Kabucki again.

[@BasementBrandon]

One of the things I've found with Kabuki is to just buy the blemish bars. You save money and if they're on the site they ship in a day or two.

[@Nick-1828]

Can’t wait for that Texas monster squat bar review 👀

[@BasementBrandon]

Gonna break it in this week!

[@ryanunderwood6827]

I think with the BOS lat pull hook they’re probably assuming you have their rack, and lat pull attachment. Even then can get shorter more specific attachments for not much.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I think it seems like a good idea, but in reality I don't see many people using it.

[@AnonymousGameWarden]

Is there any issues with racking the kaddilac bar on ghost strong jcups? Does it rack like normal or does it roll forward slightly? I just bought the kaddilac and transformer bar, wondering if there's any issues with the ghost strong jcup 2.0. Thanks!

[@BasementBrandon]

Hmm I'm not sure TBH, I don't care for the return roller so I've swapped it out.

[@scooobyj8714]

Good review. I think the bells of steel has its advantages and disadvantages. Advantage…cost, multi use ability (with the attachment ring in top) and cost again. Disadvantage… awkward weight and length. If I had to choose and had the money to spend on a specialty bar I would go with the Elite FTS.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@GarageGym411]

@@BasementBrandon - I previously owned the EliteFTS American Cambered Neutral Grip Bar before selling it and getting the Kabuki Kadillac Bar. All other swiss / football specialty bars seem clumsy after getting the Kadillac Bar.

[@JulianSirkin]

I’d love to hear your thoughts on bells of steel power bar, vs rogue boneyard power bar in raw steel. Im taking a personal bar into my gym.

[@BasementBrandon]

Depends. Do you want competition collars? If so go BoS. If you want a more consistent bar (knurl, quality) go Rogue. Both are solid and pretty much the same price.

[@JulianSirkin]

@@BasementBrandon while I compete, I have rubber coated plates at my gym, so I’m not worried about being perfectly comp ready. That being said, if one of the collars has more room for plates, that could be useful, because With a 567 lb deadlift, I’m starting to run out of room on the bar with the plates I have. Im buying a bar because a trainer has yelled at me multiple times that I might bend a bar when I’ve taken heavy singles. Im not missing them, or doing rack pulls, but this is the easiest solution. And thank you.

[@danbalam0218]

How does the nemesis fit in your Rogue Monster Rack? Based on the dimensions given on the BOS website, it's only 50" between the collars, which sounds very tight

[@BasementBrandon]

Spoke to you on IG

[@jdjames997]

Brandon, I’m a new subscriber, and watching your videos from a while back to now is truly inspiring. You’ve come a long way, and that’s the American way, your hard work has clearly paid off. I have a question you may be able to answer being your so educated on equipment: Why is it that in many cases for one type of bar, plates, or other types of gym equipment there appears to be “somewhat inexpensive”, OR “Uber” expensive? I’m not factoring all the crap on Amazon, I’m just asking why isn’t there a “middle of the road” option so to speak instead of $200 vs $600?? This pricing seems to be kind of paralleled in many other gym products. Aside from the American vs “Import” common denominator, is there just not a market for well made equipment that’s not over the top expensive? I feel REP Fitness fits this mold a little, they are well made products (still imported) but with somewhat middle tier pricing. Not sure if there is an easy answer to this, but I’d like to hear your thoughts since I’m new to buying LOTS of new equipment for my garage gym….thanks for the videos!

[@BasementBrandon]

Hey Jesse, thanks for the kind words. There are def options for every budget. If you let me know specifically what piece you're looking at (not sure if it were multigrip cambered bars), I can suggest a few options.

[@jdjames997]

@@BasementBrandon Ok, Another choice for this type of bar that isn’t $600 with maybe some more standard 2” ends would be cool, does anybody make one? I like it curved like the BoS & Kabuki bar also…..Can standard clamps be used on the BoS, or do i need special clamps also?

[@BasementBrandon]

@@jdjames997 Sounds like the REP cambered Swiss bar would be a great choice. Less than $300, olympic sized sleeves, rounded tubing. Check out Gluck's Gym video review!

[@mgarozzo11]

This video had me on a roller coaster of emotions, the first minute of watching i was thinking I would def get the bells of steel, then when you started talking I thought, no way its crap. But then by the end I was like ok I'll get it.

[@BasementBrandon]

You gym has too nice of stuff lol

[@richarddawson203]

Kabuki Cadillac bar comes out in the blemish bar section fairly often and is even cheaper there.

[@BasementBrandon]

Good point

[@CP-qk1en]

Any thoughts on how the Kabuki compares to the elitefts American cambered grip bar? They seem pretty functionally similar but I can't find much in the way of direct comparisons.

[@Sammy-db3xj]

Elite bar weighs 38 pounds vs 45 pounds, requires specialty collars vs standard spring collars, and to me the arch seems more awkward than the kadilac bar

[@BasementBrandon]

I think the big thing is it comes down to the curve in the kabuki and the more "standard" barbell features.

[@Squatzinthecurlrack]

Have the BOS bar, and has become my daily driver on bench days 👍...like others have said throw on some 10lb bumpers b4 adding weight and you're good to go!

[@BasementBrandon]

Boom

[@danielmartin6988]

I'm new . why add a 10lb bumper? Less noise ? Wear?

[@Squatzinthecurlrack]

@@danielmartin6988 doesn't have to necessarily be bumbers, adding 10lbs to each side makes it a 20kg bar - similarly to the kabuki.

[@BasementBrandon]

@@danielmartin6988 I think he means that by adding 10lbs in bumpers initially you basically bring the bar up to 45lbs so it's easier to math.

[@drvenhrd46]

Bout to purchase BOS I wanna know as far as chest activationin comparison to straight bar…thanks Brandon

[@BasementBrandon]

Similar to straight bar IMO, you may get a larger ROM b/c of bar camber and hand position however.

[@Sammy-db3xj]

Just got my kadilac bar a week ago. Waited 2 years to get it Bc of the price but in my opinion it’s way worth the wait. Don’t cheap out.

[@BasementBrandon]

I always look to get blemish bars, no wait and cheaper price lol

[@yusufqcqnz]

Hey Brandon. Great comparison. Its funny I am trying to save up for a home for my family so I can afford to get these bars, however I think the Kabuki is out of budget for me. Is the Bells of steel 200$ bar better than a knock off Yes4all bar. I have a friend who has the Yes4all bar but he upgraded to a Rogue by buying a used one. Any advice. I like your Channel and just subscribed.

[@BasementBrandon]

So the only Yes4All one I know of is a flat multi grip bar. I think the BoS one having a camber makes it more versatile, but if you're balling on a budget, I'd go with the $75 Yes4All one and do similar to what your friend did and upgrade down the road.

[@yusufqcqnz]

@@BasementBrandon i think after all the research I'll just get the BOS bar since the curve is what is convincing for me. Thanks for your advice.

[@P3ak930]

Sweet equipment there. I only know the kaddie. I’m fine with that. Nice review.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Roger.

[@kennethflnes947]

Great review. Kenneth, Norway 🇳🇴

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Kenneth!

[@benschraeder6069]

Would the BOS bar fit better in rep pr5000? Dimensions look a bit better but hard to tell if it is meaningful without having them in hand.

[@BasementBrandon]

It would be similar to what I show on my Sorinex bench. REP racks are only 41" so not as wide and more likely to hit.

[@snedalift]

Love the kadillac bar.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@MIDTOWNE1]

What J hooks do I use because my Titian multi-bar does not fit in my Rep PR 4000 rack or standard J hooks. It is frustrating !!!! Thank you

[@BasementBrandon]

I would measure first, but usually sandwich cups will give you a little bit more space.

[@MIDTOWNE1]

@@BasementBrandon Thank you from a long-time subscriber.

[@steven871]

Thanks for the review. Can a person bench more or less with one of these bars vs a standard barbell?

[@BasementBrandon]

I've found less.

[@steven871]

thank you@@BasementBrandon

[@andie_pl]

i got a blemished kaddy bar and cant find anything wrong with it, i feel like with their specialty bars the blemish versions are the way to go. for the squat and power bar i wouldnt risk it because of the potential knurl issues

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I have blemish transformer and Duffalo currently with no real issues.

[@GarageGym411]

@@BasementBrandon - Right after its arrival, I had Kabuki start the process of replacing the sleeves of my Kadillac Bar (as they were apparently going through some new contractor-related quality issues during the casedemic) and the welds on my sleeves had "splatter" that wasnt removed and the coating was not consistent, so rust was starting to form right out of the box near the welds as well. Kabuki provided fast, courteous service, as always, to make things right.

[@subrakolimali9952]

Just got one for £200 today and it is unused. Looking forward to make good use of this bar. Thank you Ricky Owen.

[@BasementBrandon]

Enjoy it

[@subrakolimali9952]

@@BasementBrandon Tried out the Kabuki Kadillac bar yesterday. Definitely some relief to the shoulders. Glad to be benching again.

[@ramonkey2939]

My kadillac bar won’t fit in between my j cups on my Powerline Multi press rack from fitness factory

[@BasementBrandon]

ah sorry to hear :(

[@devonzachariasmedia]

Do these bars fit in the fitness reality power racks?

[@BasementBrandon]

Not sure

[@hasanmatar9017]

Would either one of those fits a commercial bench? Bolts thing is scary a bit. Thanks for the review

[@BasementBrandon]

Technically both should if it's standard. You can always measure the bench you're thinking of.

[@hasanmatar9017]

@@BasementBrandon measurement isn't the only problem it would fit but not fully balanced specifically with weights loading. Any way thanks 👍

[@jmk.3943]

I have that kind of bars but i prefer using dbells to vary angles.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@Erick925]

Which is a better pickup- Bells of Steel or Titan?

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd say it's a lateral move between the two.

[@ismaelrivera131]

0:11 Kaddilac bar generates all its power from the bottom.

[@BasementBrandon]

Power bottom confirmed

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

Because of the camber, is unracking an issue when not having a liftoff ?

[@BasementBrandon]

No, just set the hooks a bit lower.

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks, Brandon.

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I might consider one of these I have a Multi Grip barbell but at some point, I want an upgrade to something better.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah prob not worth the $600 upgrade!

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

@@BasementBrandon yeah.

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

@@BasementBrandon ever since covid the prices have gone up and jacked up like crazy.

[@AApril261992]

How do these compare to the elitefts cambered bar?

[@Xplora213]

I’d like to see a review, but I think Brandon is likely supporting personal relationships with the choice of reviews. That said... Brandon, you could just buy an American Cambered instead of sending superchats 😉

[@BasementBrandon]

In most cases I buy things that I want or will use. I haven't bought any other camber bars b/c I don't even use these as is. I bought the Kaddy off a friend for a good price, otherwise prob wouldn't have done it. The BoS bar was sent to me.

[@BasementBrandon]

These have more of a gradual curve to them in comparison.

[@AApril261992]

@@BasementBrandon Isn't it funny how the people who need it the least are the one's who get the most free stuff?

[@snsnssjjssj2148]

The distance between bar holder on my rack is 48" will it work ?

[@BasementBrandon]

You mean from cup to cup?

[@snsnssjjssj2148]

@@BasementBrandon yes

[@snsnssjjssj2148]

@@BasementBrandon I have the " AmStaff Fitness SD1050 Multi Squat Rack "

[@JD-ww3dl]

I wish there was a site were you can trade barbells lmao i bought a rogue ohio bar from the boneyard in the past and bro do i regret not getting a power bar sure i could sell it but man thats such a hassle I wonder if anyones ever thought the same thing lol

[@BasementBrandon]

There are some on FB

[@SimonLi]

honestly would of gotten the nemesis bar if it came out earlier. The price gap for the use is too similar haha

[@BasementBrandon]

I hear ya!

[@collinsmith1345]

Kabuki not knurling the grips is just an insult honestly at that price. Especially for a bolt together bar.

[@brandonhoover2120]

You hardly notice a difference in knurling vs the coating on the bar. Especially for a specialty bench bar. It’s not like this is getting loaded with enough weight in movements that need it enough. And you say bolt together as if it’s a bad thing. Unless you’re Julius Maddox, a bolt together is absolutely fine.

[@collinsmith1345]

@@brandonhoover2120 I’ve felt the difference between knurled grips and spray on grips and it’s a huge difference, especially at a premium price. And the difference between bolt on vs welded has nothing to do with me being Julius. Over time, it’s another bolt you have to make sure is tight. Those will loosen.

[@BasementBrandon]

I find most specialty bars don’t put a lot of effort into knurling for some reason.

[@airgordo4]

Not sure if you’ve used the bar or not but the grip on this is actually very “tacky” if that makes sense. It’s not knurled, but you’re not missing out on anything other than to say it’s not knurled.

[@Xplora213]

Knurling should make a slippery bar more sticky and a neutral grip bar does not have the same twisting motions to bring stability like a straight bar, so it’s much less of an issue than a squat bar or power bar. Knurling requires solid steel as well and that bumps up the weight enormously.

[@dkmchui]

Cheaper is better so I got the BOS Arch Nemesis. It is not that hard to subtract 20 lbs for the weight and it saved me $400.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@bobbyslavo9722]

I'm still waiting for Rep. to see the price good video.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah that one looks nice!

[@bmstylee]

Elite FTS American cambered bar for the win.

[@DasWaldCafe]

Brandon I have the EliteFTS American Camber Bar as well. Any advantages (for most people) of either of these over the Kabuki version (or Bells of Steel)?

[@bigk2080]

@@DasWaldCafe I think the Titan camber bar vs the Elite FTS bar would make a great video.

[@BasementBrandon]

This is one I don’t own… yet lol

[@BasementBrandon]

Prob not! Don’t own one though so tough to say

[@meisdetermined]

Commenting to help the algorithm but also want to mention I thought there was an attachment from reps direct that could be attached to a pulley system as well and it’s a lot smaller than the bar but has the same type of handle placement. Just in case anyone else thinks having something that long is a little unpractical. Maybe called the back bar?? Been a while since I was at their website. Information may be worth exactly what ya paid lol

[@fencingrocks3]

EliteFTS, Titan and Rogue all have multigrip lat pulldown attachments like that. Much better option than trying to use a full barbell like this!

[@meisdetermined]

@@fencingrocks3 agreed. Yeah mag grips or the black widow multi attachment, prime fitness’s 4 in 1 would all be better than a dang bar. The list is almost endless.

[@BasementBrandon]

I also think they're coming out with a version of a bar like this that they recently teased.

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

Basement Brandon! Like it! Subscribe it! If you like the videos, rep it on your social media! Thanks for the enjoyable and helpful video for the gym junkie.

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciate you

[@rodolfomedini9931]

Whoo!

[@BasementBrandon]

To be the man you gotta beat the man

[@marvellstarks2434]

You say the rack is 43 inches. So those bars won't work on our Rep and Rogue racks

[@BasementBrandon]

Rep is 41” inside, rogue is 43”. Ibshoe them on both in this video.

[@bobqzzi]

Which one makes you more swole?

[@BasementBrandon]

Spoiler alert, neither

[@micahasher7600]

I'm really not a big fan of the powdercoat..I like stainless steel and cast iron. That's just me

[@BasementBrandon]

Fair enough!

[@richards6431]

5:17 "I don't have a ton of space here..." Literally has an entire basement for his home gym. Lol. Nice gym by the way.

[@BasementBrandon]

Ha well at least in that corner :)

[@richards6431]

@@BasementBrandon Lol. Fair enough.

[@johnsotelo3125]

It's what you can afford, some people can afford Olympic standard weight and some people can afford 1inch standard weight weider, Hathaway.. some can afford $600 , some people can afford $200.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@karlhungus545]

Kabuki bar: $922 CAD shipped w/tax. Arch Nemesis: $243 CAD w/tax. Uh...is it worth four times the cost?! Come on manufacturers. There is NO WAY it costs 4 times as much to make the Kabuki bar. I have lots of cash, but I didn't get that way by wasting it😉 At some point it makes more sense to just get a gym membership, save a bunch of floor space and cash, and you don't have to maintain equipment.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think if you compare base prices ($495 vs $200) it's a more fair comparison. One is made in the USA, one in China. One is twice the weight with finer finishes. I think for about 2.5x the cost you'd agree the Kabuki is a lot nicer. Now for your scenario, not quite the same since a lot the cost is coming from shipping/import fees.

[@karlhungus545]

@BasementBrandon I get what you're saying, but all I care about is what it costs me, not what it costs people that live in the US. There is a big, big world outside the US 😉 I'm not disagreeing it's a better bar. A lot of it is the fact that these are very niche products, which makes them expensive at such low volumes. I can't think of anything that I'd pay 4 times the cost for when it's a substitute good however.

[@BasementBrandon]

I def agree with most of your points, you had just said there's no way it costs 4 times as much to make the Kabuki bar. I just meant it's not fair to count shipping/delivery fees 😅

[@ArminEghdamiDrums]

Without having watched the video, one is 3 times the price and they look virtually identical so i'll go out on a limb and say the cheaper one is a better deal

[@BasementBrandon]

My man

[@Ainttrippin]

lmaaoo Kabuki gna sue the sh!t outta those guys

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think they'd have a case TBH

[@Xplora213]

We have seen a few Chinese copies pop up like the Nemesis recently and things like rack fit and axle collars and balance are not trivial issues. Your face is at greater risk with a large box instead of the thin barbell with safety straps. Facial surgery and dentists costs way more than the savings. Everyone has options and I am always in favour of a consistent innovator like Duffin and his team rather than cheap imitations. The innovation Nemesis gave was cost cutting which Duffin already rejected during his own R&D. I continue to be a hard headed SOB on this topic. Yes, if you want a guitar amp and can’t afford one, getting a digital amp is a great idea. But don’t pretend the crappy Chinese copy proper amp is vaguely similar in quality. In this case, just using dumbbells isn’t a crime if you need a neutral grip. Or... spend up and get yourself a real Kadillac if you’ve spent years on a barbell and just can’t handle it anymore.

[@BasementBrandon]

appreciate the take, some good points.

[@seymourbands1258]

8:34 is when I realized he was in his basement

[@BasementBrandon]

Spoiler alert, I never leave.

[@seymourbands1258]

@@BasementBrandon always making gains 💪🏼

[@gymreviewer]

Nothing like grown men talking about life behind bars in a cellar.

[@BasementBrandon]

this is 40

[@vandalfan5816]

bitly flagging your Kadillac link for some reason fyi, effectively dead link

[@BasementBrandon]

Guess they don’t like Kabuki as it’s not even an affiliate link lol. Updated.

[@chipclip5019]

im early asf

[@chipclip5019]

posted 55 seconds ago

[@BasementBrandon]

Better to come early than not at all

[@roberthicks767]

Late algorithm

[@BasementBrandon]

My dude

[@srhenderson]

i have never been happy buying cheap stuff. never. the kadillac bar is more than worth it's price. it's a worthwhile investment in a lifelong hobby and in yourself. only cheap people buy cheap stuff.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think it depends. There are some really good budget friendly buys.

[@R32R38]

Kadillac? I don't kare for kutesy kreative spelling.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol

[@matthewmccabe6142]

Buy once cry once

[@BasementBrandon]

I buy several times and just don't cry :)

[@yoloswaggins372]

people use collars on bench? really

[@johnf419]

Yes?

[@brandonhoover2120]

Yes Peter. They make safety straps and safety bars so you don’t need to dump weight.

[@BasementBrandon]

I don’t personally but would on rows.

[@markhalstead2386]

I don’t for bench, but do for Pendlay rows and barbell hip thrust.

[@parrisheverettep]

Kabuki may be great and all but it ain't THAT great.

[@BasementBrandon]

Like most things, it depends.