The 5 BEST Specialty Bars for Your Home Gym

[@nationaalherstel7444]

Sidenote for the SSB: try it with ohp. It'll help reinforcing the top position through the oscillating effect of the camber. It'll also help to stamp in proper trajectory, by the natural inclination to tilt your head back, whereas most people start by lifting the bar out and back to avoid hitting their head.

[@liftsalty]

Personal bougie faves - Marrs bar for squat. Kadillac bar for bench. Prime Fitness trap bar for deadlift, or Texas deadlift bar if you're a hinge purist.

[@GarageGymLab]

Did we just become best friends? Lol

[@liftsalty]

Also fan of the Bandbell rhinoflex bar for warming up bench and overhead press (you can load it similarly to an earthquake bar or traditionally depending on how much instability you want) - The Tsunami bar is another interesting bar which can be useful to train speed and explosiveness but I haven't quite worked out how to integrate it into my regular programming.

[@kirktitgen6395]

Just found your channel and absolutely love it so far. All the information is to the point, concise, and above all without any dirty sexual innuendos (like some other gym equipment review channels).

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching, Andrew!

[@GraveyFit]

First time watcher and have to say this is a killer video! So so much quality info and explanations about the bars. Starting to look into specialty bars and this is hugely helpful. Next step is figuring out the brand I guess. Really appreciated the comment about smaller wrist and wrist pain. I'm in the same boat and that's actually what got me looking at the specialty bars. Cheers!

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks so much, Chris! Glad it was helpful. Happy to help narrow down brands - just let me know.

[@fatalfacial]

I absolutely agree with the benefit of specialty bars, the only Caveat being the Giant cambered squat bar, is my favorite bar to squat with and perform good mornings with.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing! I need to snag a full cambered squat bar. I only have the proloc cambered attachments.

[@dekican]

This video is very well done. Good editing, good information, easy to digest and just the right length (that's what she said). Super surprised that you've "only" got 16k subscribers. Don't forget little ol' me when you hit it big

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words!

[@FitLabb]

Been considering adding a multi-grip & curl bar to my home gym for a while now & might actually pull the trigger soon. Really great recommendations, all high quality brands. 💪

[@GarageGymLab]

Appreciate you watching, brother!

[@FitLabb]

@@GarageGymLab Definitely, I really like what you’re doing with your content & think you add a lot of value for people with these videos. Keep it up man, looking forward to seeing your channel continue to grow!

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

You will love it. I have one and love it.

[@BrandonTLuong]

Also been eyeing the rackable ez curl from Rep and SSB from titan. I really want to see the new multi-grip bar Rep teased a couple of months ago; I think it's called Atlas. Maybe you should get it and review it.

[@svtclick]

I originally bought one because I had some shoulder pain. In the past, I would just rebab it and get back to work. Now, this bar allows me to continue to bench and heal at the same time. Now that I’m better, I still love the feel, and it has high transfer over to the competition variation.

[@freedomfitnessequipment]

Superior information as per usual!

[@GarageGymLab]

Apprexiate ya, Ashton!

[@joevandevusse3004]

Thanks for the vid! You convinced me to go with the multi grip finally! SSB is next on the wish list! I wish I had known about rackable curl bars before I bought mine. Oh well, it does the trick

[@GarageGymLab]

Glad you find it helpful, Joe! Hope you enjoy the new multi-grip bar. Thanks for the comment

[@Sboarder-ul6cr]

I would have liked to see an Axle in place of the curl bar. As you mentioned, you kinda get an EZ curl with a football bar (along with a reverse curl). The axle is the most versatile as in can be used for nearly any lift, and is often cheaper than a barbell so makes a great 2nd bar for people. Christian Thibadeau of T-nation back in the day said it reduced wrist pain on bench press. For deadlifts, it transforms the lift a fair bit by pitching the load more in front of you and removing the bar whip.

[@GarageGymLab]

Very good addition. Appreciate the insights!

[@lisaclark7603]

I love the Buffalo bar for front squats too! It really locks the bar in place!

[@GarageGymLab]

Good call, you’re absolutely right!

[@jamestonbellajo]

Another home run video, Adam. I actually started looking into specialty bars not too long ago (Duffalo specifically) due to wrist pain similar to yours and your a website was a huge help. I now have an SSB, trap bar and Swiss bar. I already had a rackable curl bar prior to getting these. Never ended getting a Duffalo/buffalo bar but the Fringe Sport Longhorn is on my radar! Anyway, I’m glad you made this video since I’m sure it’ll end up helping a lot of people.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks as always, my friend. Appreciate you watching and commenting! If you’re still having wrist pain, definitely recommend adding a Buffalo bar at some point.

[@Just_Me]

I've been very impressed with the detail you provide in your videos. In answer to your questions, I agree that the Elite FTS Yoke Bar (Safety Squat bar) is the number one specialty bar for a home gym squat rack. I bought one and didn't use it much at first. Shoulder discomfort and a constant bruise across my upper back from traditional squats had me make the change. But my favorite specialty bar is the Eleiko Oppen Deadlift bar. I had the Rogue TB-2 hex bar and hated it. The knurling ripped my hands to shreds. The Eleiko bar knurling is awesome and the bar acts as its own jack when changing weights. It's an amazing (and silly expensive) bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Gareth! The eleiko bar is certainly an awesome bar. One of the best things about open trap bars in general is the built-in deadlift jack. Makes life so much easier!

[@mattm314]

Been looking at the Eleiko and Kabuki open trap bars. Kabuki is $100 cheaper but the Eleiko didn't appear to have a shipping cost so they were about the same price. I liked that Kabuki had multiple handles and you could add fatter grips, but that Eleiko looks nice.

[@gymreviewer]

Wow, that shot of the rack-able curl bar reminded me how much I love 47" wide racks 😅

[@GarageGymLab]

Same!

[@tomreiter9842]

Good list. I have the SS Yoke and it’s helped ease my shoulder pain. On multi-grip bars, it’s hard to beat American Barbell’s T-Grip bars. The design makes overhead pressing movements much more comfortable and provides variation of the movement.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks, Tom! I’ve wanted to get my hands on the T-Grips.

[@chuy0331]

Great review dude, love the channel! so far I have Rogue MG-3, elite fts SS Yoke, and elite fts cambered MultiGrip Press bar. SS Yoke is my favorite, every day has become leg day because I love that bar. Got the Rogue Curl bar too, it’s dope

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Chuy! That’s an impressive lineup you have!

[@kllrbee69]

Great picks! Im 49 now and have years of abuse on my shoulders and lower back. So the multigrip neutral grip is a must have for bench. I have Reps cambered one and its great. A cheap Cap trap bar does the trick for me for deads. And instead of the SSB, I use my Buffalo bar to ease shoulder pain for squats. I have Titans version that I got cheap locally. Of course, have a curl bar...Wright I think....non rackable. Only other specialty bar I have is an axle which I use for rows and presses sometimes. Great vid and info!

[@robertduncan6292]

Another great video, Adam. Solid picks! I haven't tried a Buffalo/Duffalo Bar, but I should someday. No doubt my shoulders will act up again. Might be a good excuse to get a new bar and those sweet Ghost Strong Jcups.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching, Robert. I appreciate the feedback! I love these ghost cups so much.

[@connordawson7657]

My favorites are multi grip bar and axle bar. I like the axle for curls, presses since it doesn’t dig into the palms as much, and hip thrusts with a barbell pad on there is way more comfortable than a 28.5mm barbell. Also like the SSB but haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing, Connor!

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

Great video Adam! I got the edge fitness slim fb bar after your endorsement and have not been disappointed!

[@GarageGymLab]

Happy to hear it, bud! Glad you’re liking it and thanks for watching!

[@GavinBrown]

On the Curl Bar. Most cheaper ones come with a narrow shaft ~25mm. While this will get the job done, I personally find it a bit too narrow. I ended up with the Rogue Curl Bar at 28.5mm and while this is expensive for a Curl Bar, I don't regret it one bit. It fits in the hand perfectly. [Other brands are available...]

[@stevensmith4706]

I recently bought the rogue rackable curl bar too. Best curl bar IMO. I find myself doing curls way more than when I had the non rackable ez bars.

[@johnbeverungen6570]

Thanks for the video. I enjoyed your thorough review, which was informative and to the point.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback, John!

[@ryancole6311]

Love the Kabuki Transformer bar. Haven’t squatted with a straight bar since I got it

[@GarageGymLab]

Heard that! I’m in a similar boat with the Marrs Bar. Thanks for the comment, Ryan!

[@markhalstead2386]

The Transformer bar is one I plan to get.

[@scottcharlton129]

Informative episode. Thanks

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@robertcooper7827]

I saw you had that Titan deadlift jack for sale last week, was tempted to message you about it but held off. Maybe next time when 💪🏼

[@GarageGymLab]

Yeah man, it sold fast. Swing by anytime!

[@danc4454]

Bells of steel open trap bar is a solid one to consider

[@GarageGymLab]

Yes sir! Thanks for the comment, Dan!

[@wolf07ga]

Marrs bar lover here. I share your view on this specialty bar as well.

[@GarageGymLab]

So good! Thanks for watching, bud.

[@Massenomics]

Good stuff Big Adam!

[@GarageGymLab]

Appreciate you boys.

[@mdjak3686]

Excellent video. May I ask who makes your dumbbell rack?

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching! It’s the Sorinex Iron Bear.

[@sgallegos702]

Copped the SSB Yoke, Elite FTS cambered bar and open end deadlift bar for $400. 🙌🏼

[@GarageGymLab]

Outstanding! Hope you enjoy them! That’s a crazy good haul.

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I have a tricep neutral grip barbell from synergee it's less stress on my elbows.

[@kozmo7]

Awesome job man great editing and detailed video good stuff! I eagerly await your upcoming OPB AGGRO review! Always seem to align with your opinions on everything haha

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks so much, bud! Appreciate the kind words.

[@BrandonTLuong]

I'd love to see a discussion between you and the other YTers on your dream specialty or Oly bar 🏋🏽‍♂️

[@GameOver321]

Great video, execution and quality! Just subd! Any experience with the Vulcan curl bar?

[@TheAllAroundG]

Love the Yoke Bar, love Titan's rackable trap bar, I have the ForceUSA open end but don't like it, the handles spin (great for grip training) and they're too far apart for me personally; I have an EZ Dead bar with three handle sizes but I don't like having four points of contact, if I'm off a lil on descent it throws off my balance on the way up

[@GarageGymLab]

Appreciate you sharing, bud!

[@ommaigod]

Good survey. I agree with that list, except for me, the buffalo doesn't add enough value. As for curl bars, for me, rackable makes it needlessly unwieldy, since I don't use a curl bar heavy enough to benefit from racking it. One of the things I like about the old school short curl bar is its agility. Long bars are a pain to maneuver and set up in tight-fitting home gym spaces.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and sharing! Hard to disagree with your point on curl bars.

[@Nick-1828]

The transformer bar has got to be the best SSB bar out there for what it does. I rotate between the high bar and low bar setting for my squat days and use the hinge setting for my good mornings. I’ve used an Elite FTS Yoke bar before and the feeling of the transformer bar is superior in my opinion. Want the Kadallic bar but with owning a 47 inch wide rack, Rep, I can’t justify the price for it and needing a different set of j cups just so it fits better

[@GarageGymLab]

Great thoughts, Nick! Appreciate you watching and dropping a comment. Glad you’re liking the Transformer!

[@Nick-1828]

@@GarageGymLab thank you for the great content! You, Brandon Campbell and Coop were all channels I binged watched when deciding how to build my home gym

[@MeepMeep88]

1:33 What are those chrome plates you have on the weight tree? Thank you :)

[@GarageGymLab]

They’re from Intek - not available yet. Also not chrome though, it’s their Kraft line (treated raw steel). Beautiful plates

[@MeepMeep88]

​@@GarageGymLab Ohhh polished steel. That sounds even cooler! Wish some company would start making chrome or polished steel plates. But apparently it's an expensive process Great vids by the way. Not sure why your vids never came up in my feed considering I watch a bunch of other gym equip channels also.

[@GarageGymLab]

@@MeepMeep88 thanks for watching, bud! Hopefully they’ll start popping up on your front page soon!

[@MeepMeep88]

@@GarageGymLab Lol you mean 'start' popping on my front page.

[@GarageGymLab]

@@MeepMeep88 lmao. Yes! Edited 😂

[@markhalstead2386]

I have the Rogue rackable EZ curl bar with e-coat. It is my only specialty bar. I am looking to add a Kabuki Transformer Bar, Trap bar and Kadillac bar at some point in time.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing, Mark!

[@markhalstead2386]

@@GarageGymLab I now have the Kabuki Transformer, Trap Bar HD and kadillac bar, so I have 4 of your 5.

[@salescamilla1870]

ETF football bar. Mid straight bar is great with OHP

[@GarageGymLab]

Right on, Sal! Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@vintageweightspgh]

A Duffalo Bar is high on my want list. I like the points on chewing up your j cups. Something to think about when balancing funds for purchases. Great video overall!

[@scotty4427]

EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar. Also, I never really understood the need for a Duffalo Bar if you have a football bar, Like Kabuki's. I'd add a Tsunami/Earthquake Bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Love the earthquake bar! Good call. I think the duffalo bar makes sense in addition to the multi-grip if you intend to use it on squats more so than bench.

[@dyardsale5475]

good review

[@Vinfitcoaching]

There are so many missing that are even better

[@seanbaran5695]

Great video guide. I have 3 of the 5(curl bar, hex bar, safety squat bar) and eyeing a multi grip bar. No interest in the duffalo bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Appreciate you watching and commenting, Sean! Any idea which multi-grip bar you may be going for?

[@seanbaran5695]

@@GarageGymLab I’ve been looking at the BoS Arch Nemesis bar and the Titan multi grip bar.

[@GavinBrown]

Hi Adam. Cheers for the vid. Have you heard any feedback on the new Marrs Bar moulded version vs the previous vinyl version you have?

[@GarageGymLab]

Hey Gavin! I’ve heard very positive things about it from several people.

[@BartTrojanowski]

Timely... I was just thinking about getting my first speciality bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Highly recommend them! Which one you thinking about first?

[@BartTrojanowski]

@@GarageGymLab I'm actually evaluating them in the order your presented them in the video: SSB, hex-bar, or kabuki cadillac bar. I'm lagging on squats, so I think an SSB is the right choice for me -- to get that quad development. I'll probably go with Titan or Blades of Steel.

[@GarageGymLab]

Good choices, Bart!

[@greentube461]

Great overview guide, thanks for making this ! Although you didn't mention the fact that some open trap bars are rack-able (Eleiko for example) while others are not -> it impacts the diversity of training exercises you can do with them probably more so than the dual handles

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and great thought! I’ll be sure to add that on future trap bar content.

[@bobbyhunt3009]

I have terrible wrist pain and have been in the market for a bar to alleviate my wrist pain during bench press. Your video helped me a lot but I'm not sure what to get. In your opinion would a straight multi grip bar, cambered multi grip bar, or a buffalo bar be best for me? Thnkx for your work

[@matthewohara449]

I don't own a SSB or the Marrs bar...and i'm no longer able to use my barbell comfortably to squat. I 100% want the Marrs bar. My question is can I accomplish with the Marrs bar (front squats & low back squats), what I could if I added a SSB also (knowing this sits higher on the back, and works the anterior chain more). Just looking for your thoughts on Marrs bar alone vs. Marrs bar plus adding a traditional SSB. Thanks!

[@docyak]

What arr your thoughts on the bells of steel arch nemesis bar? or their new Industrial Rackable Hex Bar?

[@GarageGymLab]

I’ve yet to try either, but I’ll be sure to put out some content if/when I do. I believe Basement Brandon has a video of the arch nemesis vs the Kabuki.

[@Rocket4ce]

Tricep bars are underutilized. They give that perfect neutral hand position in a skull crusher. No elbow pain.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for the comment, Leo! A great tool indeed.

[@jg8789]

Can I store the transformer bar vertically in a box holder?

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

I love speciality bars it's kept me in the game to help me continue to lift and work around injuries.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing, Johnny! Definitely one of the biggest benefits of specialty bars.

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

@@GarageGymLab agreed. Having had rotator cuff tendinitis the multi grip barbell has been a life safer for me.

[@larrytinnin3357]

What are those white j-cups in the video?

[@GarageGymLab]

Oak Club Alpha-S. Great for multi-grip bars.

[@alrocky]

@@GarageGymLab Kind off pricey @ $419 and looks only available in black.

[@strengthofsynergy9883]

Great video. Question on the buffalo bar…other than the ghost cups with the duffalo block, are there any other solution to rack a buffalo bar? Does a rogue/titan/rep monolift work? Also, in the same vein, do you find your buffalo bar flip/tilt/slip when you put on weights? I have the longhorn bar and it slides/flips in my j cups when I first add a 45 lb plate. I’m hoping a monolift will help or if you would recommend the ghost cups with the duffalo blocks as the best solution. Thanks

[@GarageGymLab]

Hey bud. Thanks for watching! Yeah, the bar will 100% flip when loading plates but once you get enough weight on, it tends to stay better. The monos are better than open cups, but the bar will still flip. The ghost cups are far and away the best solution.

[@strengthofsynergy9883]

@@GarageGymLab ah gotcha, does the bar slip/flip with the ghost cups/duffalo block? Thanks for the video and reply!

[@colinvernooij1729]

Best 5 bars for powerlifters specific in your opinion?

[@GarageGymLab]

I’d swap the curl bar for a deadlift bar and keep the others the same.

[@mattm314]

I ended up regretting the football bar I bought, wish I'd either gone neutral grip or one of those bars where the handles are at a 25 degree angle so the wrist position is offset but still close to the natural position. I pretty much only use my football bar for wide reverse grip benching.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Matthew!

[@mattm314]

@@GarageGymLab is that Vulcan buffalo bar camber pretty similar angles to the Kabuki? The main complaint I heard about the Titan one (the Bison bar I think, whichever is the more expensive of the 2 with higher weight cap) is the camber is off-putting as it starts further away from the sleeves.

[@CD-fe7mi]

Random question - How do you like your Rep dumbbells? Any gripes? How do you think they compare to more premium commercial options? Thank you!

[@GarageGymLab]

No complaints! I like them a lot. They look better than hex, they’re more compact, and I prefer round heads/urethane. Knurling feels nice. All around very happy with them

[@markhalstead2386]

I really like my dumbbells, which are the same urethane round ones from Rep Fitness.

[@interestingvideos4046]

What advantages does a ez curl bar have over a regular straight bar for bicep or arm building ?

[@finemeister6980]

Better for wrist health/safety.

[@caudao7756]

In terms of squatting, if I already used an SSB to alleviate shoulder discomfort, is there a need for a duffalo bar? Does it offer something extra that the SSB doesn't?

[@GarageGymLab]

An SSB is a very specific bar that targets the upper back and quads. A duffalo/Buffalo bar is more like a traditional back squat and can also be used for bench. I think they’re both worthy depending on your goals

[@tstats1129]

what chains are those in the background of the vertical bar storage rack?

[@GarageGymLab]

Titan with the spud looper straps

[@MangyBat]

Save money and get a rackable curl bar from Titan. I use mine all the time. It might my favorite barbell I own.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing! Glad you’re liking it.

[@ryansmith9897]

Been wanting a Marrs Bar as well but shipping to SC is $350 😣

[@GarageGymLab]

Man, it’s SUCH an awesome bar, but I get it… the shipping is pretty brutal.

[@joecowan3719]

They aren't currently in stock for them, but Titan is selling the actual Marrs Bar with free shipping for $799, which would save you $150 as an option once you get the stock alert.

[@gymreviewer]

@@joecowan3719 ^Great point

[@StrongbyLee]

Haven't watched the full video yet, but I don't see the Marrs Bar in description. Has that fallen out of favor?

[@GarageGymLab]

Not at all. It’s mentioned in the video as my favorite, but it doesn’t really fit into any specific category since it’s not really an SSB.

[@StrongbyLee]

@@GarageGymLab haha, sorry about that. I knew I should have watched the video before commenting. I'll watch. And thanks again for taking the time.

[@StrongbyLee]

@@GarageGymLab haha, sorry about that. I knew I should have watched the video before commenting. I'll watch. And thanks again for taking the time.

[@GarageGymLab]

Haha, no problem bud! Appreciate you.

[@julioandresarriagarangel7183]

Nice video, thanks. I don't agree with you on the curl bar, though. I think a cable machine, with cable curls and triceps extensions, is way more versatile and useful. P.S. I really hope your channel blows up, I think it's underrated.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks, Julio! Appreciate the comment

[@julioandresarriagarangel7183]

I ended up changing my mind, though. I bought a curl bar and I loved it.

[@andrewalexander1086]

Problem with SSB’s is they sit to high on your neck

[@WiecznieNieNasycony]

More bars get 200 different bars than you will squat 700+))

[@mbuck69]

When you order coop from a garage gym reviews from wish….

[@boghyboghy3642]

Curl bars just destroy my arms, i dont know how people use that... Straight bars work just perfect for me