Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar V3| In-Depth Review | Best Specialty Bar Ever | Strongman Garage Gym

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In-Depth Look | Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar | Best Specialty Bar Ever | Strongman Garage Gym
#kabukistrength #transformerbar #garagegymreviews

[@wolfnuske8884]

Thanks man, you literally covered every question I had about this bar.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for the compliment. More reviews coming every week. I want this channel to be a valuable resource.

[@teambdugz]

Really like how your review includes all gripes you have with it. I don't care even if it's a small thing, because I'm sure everyone want as much info as possible. Great vid as always.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you. I just want to be thorough. Especially on a big purchase like this.

[@kevinmoran4164]

Another great review man.I appreciate how much more in depth you go into your reviews than others. I ordered mine July 5th and got it a couple weeks ago. Glad you touched on the pop pin, I had a similar concern. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thanks foe the compliment.

[@PeakBagger999]

Great job on the review, very detailed and thorough 💪

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you! I appreciate the compliment.

[@themonk51]

Hi Kurt: Thank you for producing this video and ALL of your prior videos. They are extremely high quality and have helped me in making purchasing decisions. Without question, this is The Most comprehensive review of this bar, which I am considering purchasing. On a separate note, I appreciate your service to our country. God bless you and your family, now and always.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for saying that!! I appreciate your time watching the videos. I try not to make them super long but sometimes that’s just how it shakes out b

[@babelnow]

This is the best description of the transformer bar. The other reviews do not explain all the settings well. Great job!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you! That means a lot to me.

[@joeyb9739]

Kurt, ThankYou; for the in-depth, informative, tutorial, "Pros & Cons," review, of the transformer bar! I ordered this bar, and I am awaiting delivery. The variety of perfomable exercises, is what drove the purchase. Looking forward, to working out, with this versatile bar. Thanks, Again; & Live Well!

[@TheKurtlocker]

I don’t think you’ll regret the purchase. Now for the wait...one of the only downsides of that bar.

[@ThinkBIGBodybuilding]

Great review. Very well thought out!! 💪🏻

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thanks for watching

[@muscleheadfireman2231]

Great Review brother!! I may have to get this bar for my garage gym.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Do it! You won’t regret it. The wait is the only downside.

[@vincentdin]

Thorough review. Thank you very much.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching!

[@RRKristensen]

This is a great, thorough video. Good job.!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching.

[@javierescobar3570]

Just got mine this past week. Took literally 21 weeks lol This video was awesome. Thank you. Will be doing legs tomorrow

[@TheKurtlocker]

Send it!!!!! You’ll love it and find it is worth the wait

[@devin3863]

Great review. thanks for pointing out the wear on pop pin over time. Hopefully it can be replaced with a different one.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I contacted Kabuki about it and they said they are already working that issue.

[@darylweber8514]

Great review but very revealing comment at 13:09 and it isn't too late to follow your dream! Haha seriously though, I especially appreciate the suggestions for improving the bar. Thanks for taking the time to review it in depth.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Personally I find being a bomb technician more badass than being a pilot...but there are far less career opportunities.... I appreciate you watching!

[@nKrandom]

Really good review!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you. I tried to go pretty in-depth

[@RobertCrawford5017]

A great review. Thank you.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching!

[@scubaz28]

Awesome review!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you!

[@davidarmstrong4514]

Great job explaining

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you!

[@marcus11619]

its an excellent bar, I bought mine full price in the used market for a v3. It was sold out online and that's how much I wanted it.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I won't judge!

[@ryansmith9897]

Excellent review

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching!

[@CoachVikingVaughn]

Thought about selling my V2 version for this, but definitely not now because of the pop-pin getting in the with the J-cups (surprised Coop from Garage Gym Reviews didn't mention that with his review). I also use the Rogue Monolifts for heavier squats and imagine it'd be worse with those -- thanks for the insightful review

[@TheKurtlocker]

I talked to Kabuki about the pin issue and they are already tracking it and sourcing a better version to use. Hopefully that drops soon

[@daryllu2093]

Appreciate the thorough review of the Transformer! Like you, I've been annoyed with the pop-pin design / my Rogue rack's dimensions. I noticed you have the regular j-cups on your rack. Do you think either the sandwich cups or even the monolifts would help bring the outside width of cups closer? Thus, mitigate the risks of the pup-pin-ball catching all the time?

[@TheKurtlocker]

Both those solutions work very well. I know this from experience.

[@HeathWatts]

Very good review. Thanks for doing it. Could they could have made the handles removable? That would make storage easier and would have made the shipping box smaller and shipping cost lower.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching!

[@Herr2Cents]

Good review

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching!

[@vadillo1]

Thanks for the great review. Just to understand the angles, can you tell me in what position of the selector are the arms that hold the sleeves in line with the straight part of the handles as they come out of the main bar? Thank you

[@TheKurtlocker]

That is likely in the front squat or Goblet Squat mode

[@scooobyj8714]

What’s up Curtis!!! Great review. That is a awesome specialty bar. I love the versatility but I think for most home gymers $600 can get a few other pieces of equipment.

[@TheKurtlocker]

You’re definitely correct there. I would say you could likely get 2-3 pieces for the price of this one.

[@scooobyj8714]

@@TheKurtlocker 2-3 for sure. And don’t get me wrong. That is an awesome bar. I would just have trouble justifying spending $600 when there are other items I want. But love the review vids. Any gym build vids coming up?

[@Papa.BearOz]

Great video! Finding one on the used market is hard but on the look out. Question. How did you order the rogue name plate in this video?

[@TheKurtlocker]

IT used to come with the RML 490

[@rickviramontes2317]

I've seen other reviews on this bar, but none this thorough and certainly none that address the concerning areas you pointed out - awesome review! I have a Titan Fitness SSB; would you say the shoulder pad spacing feels considerably wider by comparison with this bar? Also, what setting would you [theoretically] use to do Standing Calf Raises - so that you could hold onto the uprights for balance?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I find the pads to be a touch wider on the transformer bar, but not by much. When performing standing calf raises with an axial load, I’d recommend either SSB of Front squat setting so that the bar can be used hands free. This will allow you to use your hands if required to maintain balance during the lift.

[@pointmass]

Thanks a ton great detail…. Better than Coop

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you! I appreciate you watching.

[@alessandro519]

Finally the microphone 😍😍 nice audio

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s pretty nice. I got the recommendation from basement Brandon and garage gym lab.

[@alessandro519]

@@TheKurtlocker now your videos are perfect

[@TheKurtlocker]

Bwahahaha. Thank you but there is still a lot of room for growth

[@alessandro519]

@@TheKurtlocker I’m a simple man

[@Barefootkicker]

Great review! I do have a question since I just ordered one. Do you know if the Rogue calibrated plates are compatible with the Transformer sleeves?

[@TheKurtlocker]

They are compatible. The sleeve on the transformer bar is not out of spec for competition plates.

[@Barefootkicker]

@@TheKurtlocker Thanks a bunch and best regards!

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for the comment. I appreciate your time

[@Bemwidood]

Can anyone comment on how the settings feel in comparison to the other styles of squating and such? Does the transformer ball feel like a low bar squat? high bar squat? Goblet squat? Front squat?

[@TheKurtlocker]

It definitely alters the movement pattern. In order to keep the weight centered over the mid foot throughout the entire lift you must change your back angle which causes the car to properly replicate all those lifts.

[@Rob_hunter]

where can I find the pop pin handle you recommend as a substitute to the kabuki one?

[@TheKurtlocker]

McMaster carr. www.mcmaster.com/6121K26

[@cjhenry0101]

Can you please give me the measurement between both pop pins. I have a bit narrower rack so I’m wondering if the pop pins will clear on my rack. Thanks!

[@TheKurtlocker]

If your rack is narrower than 49” you’ll probably be just fine.

[@cjhenry0101]

@@TheKurtlocker thanks Kurt!

[@Iron-and-strings]

Hi Kurt, have you spent any time with the Marrs Bar? I like the low back squat and almost bought one, but shipping being over 300$ was a deal breaker.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I have not experience with the Marrs Bar…yet. Sorry I can’t help yet.

[@threebarboost]

Does this one have much slop between the Lazer cut holes and the loading/weight pins? mine is very loose/sloppy it's like the plates want to fall off when loading.

[@TheKurtlocker]

They drop slightly but that seems to be a design feature to lock the pins in place so they don’t rotate under load.

[@threebarboost]

@@TheKurtlocker Thanks for the quick reply, they did send me a new pin because the spot welded end fell off which could have ended very badly as you say its the only thing locking it in place.

[@HeathWatts]

Are you resting the bar across you back in the same place regardless of the setting? If the pad on the same part of your upper back in all cases? I just received my Transformer last week and I've been experimenting with it, but am having trouble finding the correct positioning on my back. Thanks in advance.

[@TheKurtlocker]

The bar is always in the same position both on my back and with respect to the handles in relation to my upper arms.

[@HeathWatts]

@@TheKurtlocker Thanks! That’s great information.

[@dd61882]

Have you heard from kabuki or do you know if there has been a solution to the pop pin?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I think they are sticking with the ball style pop pin for now. I will reach out and ask though.

[@redcat608]

Does the front squat option really work? Like does it feel like a true front squat and develop muscles like a front squat?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I believe that it does. It forces a much more upright back angle that properly puts the stress on the quads

[@MrJkillahoe415]

Thanks for the vid! Quick question. I am looking for specialty bars to change up my training. Looking for a trap bar, football bar and an ssb. I am thinking about going with kabuki for all three over time. My reason for the trap bar and Kadillac bar is because I have read that they are balanced much better than the competitors. My reasoning for the transformer bar is all the angles it can provide. Now i have read that the transformer bar is more of a gimmick than anything else and one would be better off with an ssb bar from elitefts or similar. I know you have tested the trap bar in the past. Not sure if you’ve tested the kadillac bar to confirm it is better balanced than the rest. Any thoughts? I have been following you for a while and really trust your opinion. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@TheKurtlocker]

I personally don’t think that the transformer bar is a “gimmick” bar but I do understand stand why people say that. For me I use the different angles for different movements and find that my back angle changes properly mimicking the barbell movement it corresponds to. Coming at it from a shoulder standpoint, I appreciate the abilities the bar gives me coming back from a significant shoulder surgery. If you only want the one angle, I recommend the Titan SSB V2. If you’re interested in the best “SSB” I highly recommend the transformer. I have not used the Kadillac bar, but I know people that have and it is very well done and is nicely balanced. The Kabuki team is excellent at making the world’s best specialty bars and they don’t pay me or have any influence over me to say that. I just call it as I see it.

[@MrJkillahoe415]

@@TheKurtlocker thanks for your reply means alot!! Keep up the great work.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you! I appreciate your time.

[@kiko784]

For about $700 with tax and shipping, I would expect laser cutting instead of stickers. Overall it’s a great product and nice review as always. Thank you.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thanks for watching!

[@user-fj2or3xp2c]

would you buy the elite fts ssb yoke bar if you you couldn't afford this one or would you save a little bit more money and then buy this instead of the ssb yoke bar from elite fts

[@TheKurtlocker]

Personally, I would spring for the kabuki transformer bar. The pad, cover and functionality on the transformer make it a far more superior and versatile barbell.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Of course, that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t buy the elite or Titan version. Those are also good bars

[@ihatesocialnetworkin]

The bar rack on the back wall it’s ya make it?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I did. I have a video on it as well.

[@CVNTGETENOUGH]

I have a Ohio bar but am currently training a woman who is new to weightlifting and wants to train glutes, would this make it easier for her to learn to squat?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I think it could, but shouldn’t be used to outright replace barbell movements altogether

[@djkatana]

has the pop-pin issue been fixed? I'm on edge with buying this. If it costs 800+ (shipping+tax), I want to make sure there are no issues.

[@TheKurtlocker]

The pop-pin is less of an issue and more of a point of constructive criticism. I’ve been using mine hard for mo this now abs although the bar does show wear on the pop pin handles, the functionality of the bar is not impacted

[@djkatana]

@@TheKurtlocker hmm maybe I need to watch it again. I thought there was a part where you showed that when weight was applied and if you chose a specific angle on the pin it would push off the jcups? This bar and the rep iso arms are the last things on my list I need/want to get. But I want to make sure they work for my rack 😫

[@TheKurtlocker]

When you go to unrack the pin is always free of the j cup. It can only potentially “hook around” the cup when it’s racked in the hinge mode abs you release the bar. When you pull the handles into position, the pin will return to a position that allows for easy functioning.

[@ericlarkins]

Who is the manufacturer of the other pop pin handle??

[@TheKurtlocker]

I got my new one on McMaster Carr

[@ericlarkins]

@@TheKurtlocker Thanks a bunch, stay strong!!

[@floninguyen3130]

Where can i buy the your pop pins?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I’ve been shopping around looking for a potential replacement and haven’t found anything yet

[@russ4032]

What barbell holder is that? 18:42

[@TheKurtlocker]

That is the Titan fitness 9-bar vertical holder

[@HoaPham-wl1qe]

Best review on the bar. Thank you! I just got my blemish bar, I’m still angry about the $240 ship charge to San Jose, CA. Wished the sleeves LOCKED, since I see it move too freely. So I have to ensure it’s seated properly before I load weights. I don’t like hallow sleeves either. Except on the blemish Kadillac, since mine has metal shavings in the sleeves. So jingles when shaking. Part of entire bad blemish batch.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thanks for watching! I had a bar with metal shavings inside before and really found it annoying as well. Probably worth it for the price reduction though.

[@solebreaux6529]

Purchased mine in July....still waiting and it’s almost December

[@TheKurtlocker]

I purchased mine July 4. They had an issue with the pandemic and the company that does their coatings. I recommend reaching out to their customer service. Their service at Kabuki is amazing.

[@ThinkBIGBodybuilding]

one of my viewers purchased one in July and is getting his today. I ordered mine in August and am still waiting. Kabuki has released updates about the issues they've been having. Can't wait to get mine too ! 💪🏻

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s totally worth it! It’s unfortunate about the wait though.

[@timk8258]

July 10th for me, hoping for a shipping notification soon. Saw someone on FB today say that they just got it after placing the order on July 8th.

[@solebreaux6529]

@@timk8258 One day after posting this, they finally shipped mine out. You should be soon too

[@Dippedinblackink]

How is the padding on the yoke? I heard some people hate the padding.

[@TheKurtlocker]

I enjoy the padding on mine. I’ve had no issues with it

[@Dippedinblackink]

@@TheKurtlocker Do you find it an issue with the bar wanting to roll down your back and always having to force it not to by driving into the handles? I've heard when heavier weight is loaded that depending on the setting you have it could be uncomfortable.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@@Dippedinblackink If you are in SSB mode, the bar is very neutral and I have no experiences like you mentioned. Obviously as the center of the load moves posterior it will try to escape off your back, but simply holding the handles and pulling towards yourself has been just fine for me. I can get t about 455 lbs in low bar mode without it becoming too much of a chore. It is just in the bar's nature. Anything more anterior than the SSB mode causes the handles to want to come into your body which results in holding the handles out from your body.

[@Dippedinblackink]

@@TheKurtlocker thanks for that information man. Your review has been the best to help me decide on purchasing one. Were you still planning on putting out that video of the different exercises you do or can do with the bar? I think you mentioned in your other Transformer bar video that you made.

[@TheKurtlocker]

@@Dippedinblackink It is on my "to-do" list. I have been focusing on my graduate program in Strength and Conditioning lately and just haven't made time for this project.

[@kevinstreisant2402]

Awesome video. On mine by the pin the bracket is spaced on even. How is your bar?

[@TheKurtlocker]

Mine is good to go. No issues.

[@yousriabdou4378]

ok 👌

[@TheKurtlocker]

Thank you for watching

[@VimIglesiaConde]

Can you remove the handles?

[@TheKurtlocker]

You cannot remove the handles.

[@griffin0709]

There is a v4, isn’t it? Do you happen what were changed?

[@TheKurtlocker]

As far as I am tracking, the bar I have is the latest from Kabuki but I will reach out and verify.

[@griffin0709]

@@TheKurtlocker checked w Kabuki. The bar you have is v4, in which it is re designed for the pop pin.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Check. Thank you

[@griffin0709]

@@TheKurtlocker cool. Quick question. Can you check the diameter of the shaft? I watched some videos of the old version. It seems to whip/flex w heavy weight. Have you seen any whip? Just curious. Thanks.

[@TheKurtlocker]

It’s 1.375” thick and I’ve seen no whip

[@SmokinBuddha]

The price after taxes and shipping is close to $800

[@TheKurtlocker]

The prices have definitely climbed.

[@SmokinBuddha]

Have you got any issues with the pin slamming onto the J hooks?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I have had limited times where the pin hits the cups but it’s rare

[@user-fj2or3xp2c]

I don’t know if I want this bar or the duffolo bar

[@TheKurtlocker]

You obviously want both.

[@user-fj2or3xp2c]

@@TheKurtlocker I just order the shoulder rok too 😆 but I also want the trap bar 😂

[@TheKurtlocker]

@@user-fj2or3xp2c I love my shoulderok and the trap bar is a gem

[@user-fj2or3xp2c]

@@TheKurtlocker damm kabuki 😆 here take my wallet 😂

[@TheKurtlocker]

I mean, there are worse things to spend money on.

[@robertguy23]

put a little grease in that bushing, it'll be fine

[@TheKurtlocker]

I agree that it would be fine and that the suggestion is really splitting hairs, the reason I point it out is for the sake of finding something to improve. Realistically the only thing that needs improvement is the pull pin handles.

[@isaac1165]

Should I buy it yes or no?

[@TheKurtlocker]

I believe it to be the best version of a SSB. I vote yes, but only if you can responsibly spend the money

[@kdftrwz6276]

It probably costs $100 to make

[@TheKurtlocker]

Hopefully. That’s just raw materials. If you have fabrication skills I’d live to see a DIY

[@acecool72]

Nice bar but way too pricey for my garage gym lol

[@TheKurtlocker]

When I made this video the price was much more approachable and the shipping wasn’t ridiculous. I hope we see prices of raw materials come down and see people getting back to work so we can see prices for other things come down