REP Fitness SSB - Best SSB?

Finally want to talk about REP's SSB. Can this dethrone the EliteFTS and Titan V2 as the best SSB on the market? Let's find out!
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[@BasementBrandon]

Should I bring the beard back?

[@carps_gym]

Team Beard

[@GeorgeTheGreekTD]

Nah brah. Great video though.

[@bmstylee]

With great beard brings great responsibility. Just remember that.

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

As a bearded fellow myself, I say..."Real men wear beards!" 😉

[@user-ft2md2gd4s]

no preference 💪

[@tonya7699]

Looks like a great SSB. REP has been putting out some amazing equipment for awhile now.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah they're coming with some bangers!

[@GenXFitness]

Nice review. As someone who is just getting started in the "garage gym" area, I appreciate the usability review 👍🏾

[@BasementBrandon]

Welcome to team home gym!

[@dleute]

I received mine last week and love it! It slammed me on my first few squat days. I also have their open trap bar which was game changing for deadlifts. Their curl bar is incoming. I am very happy with every rep product I have purchased. Especially the rep weight plate coasters. Solid review! Loved seeing you put it on the darko anchor. My anchor is on the way.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Derrek! I need to do a trap bar video as well, but I haven't had it programmed in for a bit so need some footage lol.

[@dleute]

@@BasementBrandon unlike the SSB, you can just swap in trap and watch your numbers climb. ;) just do it! I got the rotating handles and the only change I would make is have the bracket be angled so one side is just above the sleeves and the other is higher. Amazing product though.

[@sonofashepherd6668]

Good to hear! I’m planning on getting both the open trap bar and SSB at some point this year. What’s your storing method for these btw?

[@Ainttrippin]

That makes sense -- SS Yoke has been the standard for so long but even when you are in the lead you have to keep innovating.

[@BasementBrandon]

Some easy fixes to improve IMO!

[@Nick-1828]

Love what Rep has been doing lately! Also, can’t wait for my shirt to come in 🥳. Any chance of more banners coming back out? Have a spot on my wall reserved for the naked squatting man!

[@BasementBrandon]

I still need to figure out a way to do those where it makes sense economically.

[@gregors00]

Coming back to encourage the algorithms! And also cos I just ordered one! Can’t wait for it to arrive, and handles unscrewing is a huge boon I think!

[@BasementBrandon]

Want to see some clips without the pad.

[@scooobyj8714]

Good honest review. Appreciate that you aren’t just trying to satisfy the big name companies egos.

[@BasementBrandon]

The only ego to satisfy is my own 😈

[@JoelP1961]

Very nice! If I didn’t already have the Titan V2 bar I would definitely get this one. Agreed they’re are tough squats! 👊

[@BasementBrandon]

We have to earn those gains!

[@HighSpinSwingSpeed]

Literally used it today. It’s a nice bar to mix things up, also great for walking lunges and calf raises

[@BasementBrandon]

let's be honest, no one trains calves!

[@maseay91]

Just ordered one. Can’t wait !

[@BasementBrandon]

Solid choice.

[@Gabriel.Santos]

I 100% agree. I have one of these and damn it's nice! Totally recommend 👌🏻

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for confirming!

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

With your endorsement, my bar arrived two days ago! Now, if I can just get the pad someday. Come on Rep! Gotta say, this my second rep product since they started shipping to Canada. Super impressed packaging is done right! Unlike every single rogue item I have ever ordered, Rep can somehow manage to get my stuff to the east coast of Canada without damage.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah that is a bit annoying how it ships separate, but I suppose it beats paying more for shiping!

[@irishman485]

Just bought this bar this video helped a lot with my purchase. I love your content

[@BasementBrandon]

Awesome! Thank you! What do you think?

[@irishman485]

@@BasementBrandon I just got it today painstakingly un wrapped it and tried a few squats with it and I like it definitely gonna work it into a workout tomorrow after work looking forward to try all the different types you can do with it

[@BasementBrandon]

@@irishman485 Def a bar that will humble you! Appreciate the feedback!

[@GlucksGym]

They've really come a long way

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah some really nice pieces lately!

[@AlbrechtHuebner]

Thank you Brandon, very useful review! Have you considered doing a video on the the REP Cambered Swiss/Multigrip Bar as well? We'd love to hear your thoughts and comparisons.

[@BasementBrandon]

I don't think so. I usually buy things that I think I'll use. I haven't found I work camber bars in a ton. I had the Kadillac bars and currently have both Rogue versions (MG-4C & CN) and they just collect dust.

[@jamestonbellajo]

elitefts needs to bring over the UK version of SS Yoke which have stainless steel sleeves that regular collars fit on. Of course, that bar costs the equivalent of $750 over in the UK so it would have to be a lot cheaper here. Also, thanks for the honesty about the knurling. I know people have gone crazy about it but when I tried the bar in person at REP, I didn’t think much of it and thought it was gimmicky/marketing-driven as well. On my SS Yoke I did Garage Gym Lab’s trick of putting on eyebolts and connecting Rogue’s aggressively knurled Nunchucks which have been my handles for over a year. Recently tried with Stray Dog’s Nunchucks and that works great too. Both better than REP’s but they’re an added cost of course.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think they use a different manufacturer, but am not 100%

[@TheKurtlocker]

Bring the beard back. 2” is such a game changer. Whether it’s the size of a hole, shaft, or difference between uprights. Awesome review of what seems like a fantastic bar

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my dude, hope you enjoyed the Arnold!

[@reginaldchesterfield8110]

Thanks for talking about the padding. Thats the BIGGEST problem with rogue’s bar. I’m glad REP did theirs right! 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah I actually like Rogues construction of the bar itself, but their padding and style are 2nd tier.

[@vintageweightspgh]

I just sold my EliteFTS Yoke last week 😂. You hit the nail on the head. The chipping crappy looking clear coat along with the sort of slapped together looking smaller diameter bar annoyed me. REP looks so nice. I’ve held of for only one reason. USA. Maybe I’ll come around to it after thinking through some of the highlights of this review. Thanks, Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha I felt the same way, but for $330 and being the best available, I had to make it happen. Can just convince yourself "designed in the usa" counts for something 😅

[@twistedbarbell3950]

My brief time with this bar at their grand opening, made me a fan. Nice quality, felt great and looks great. The beard will mess with your Squat and Deadlift aerodynamics, so wait until after your next meet😂

[@BasementBrandon]

That's what the shaved head is for!

[@TheFarrOutpost]

Epic beard game! I’m a transformer guy, but it’s hard to argue any of the points you make here! Nice review. 💪🏼

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Scott!

[@Farquad76.547]

Autobot or decepticon?

[@TheFarrOutpost]

@@Farquad76.547 kabuki 😂🤣😂💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

[@michaelmcqueen5580]

Saw this at “The Arnold “ over the last weekend ! Amazing ! Would love to try ! Great review sir

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciated!

[@michaelmcqueen5580]

@@BasementBrandon was repping my Campbell Fitness Hoodie all weekend at “The Arnold”

[@BasementBrandon]

@@michaelmcqueen5580 My man

[@1rwlemke]

It’s probably not enough to get me to part with my EFTS SSB, since I already have the proloc collars and I have made my peace with the clear coat finish. But this is def what I would get if I needed a new SSB for some reason. Although 68 lbs kinda bugs me.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah def not worth an upgrade as you'd prob lose money reselling the elite.

[@Miguel-jr8qv]

Great review for a great SSB. Thanks. BTW, what lever arms/trolley are those???? Look like Rogue gave you a prototype to play with? I know you were using the Vendetta Strength before. Please let me know what those are and how you like em!!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Yep Rogue 1.0 trolleys with the Vendetta adapters.

[@MrPanthers23]

I love my Rep SSB. My lower back prohibits me from doing squats woth a regular bar nowadays. With this I cam actually squat pain free, and get to a decent depth.

[@BasementBrandon]

That's great to hear!

[@evilryutaropro]

I just ordered my rep SSB I’m really excited for it

[@BasementBrandon]

Let me know what you think!

[@evilryutaropro]

It’s a great bar. Mine came with dings but rep gave me large store credit so it was really worth it. It performs amazingly

[@DanesinTexas]

Great vid👍 that rack looks freaking solid 💪💪💪

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my friend!

[@carps_gym]

Timely video. Considering a true SSB recently

[@Eccles_basement_gym]

...

[@carps_gym]

@@Eccles_basement_gym Yep!

[@BasementBrandon]

This is a good one!

[@joshabbey9487]

Definitely the ssb I would buy if I didn't already have the Titan V2, which I love. The build on this just looks so much better. Great review as always Brandon!

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Josh!

[@bdegrds]

I have the bells of steel version. Pretty good bar. Got it on a 30% off flash sale, then when I received it it had a manufacturing error and I got an additional 15% off.

[@BasementBrandon]

Can't beat that!

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

Basement Karen Barbell😅 I would consider this bar the best value SSB on the market right now. REP has done a great job of putting out solid equipment lately. Great review good sir!

[@BasementBrandon]

They really keep coming with some big hitters. Going to make everyone step their game up.

[@hirepgym6913]

My original SSB i got off Fred Hatfield is still the best with handles on the rack where it was designed to be used .

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice!!

[@Soranzo]

Hey Brandon - any idea on whether or not the threading for the Rep SSB grips are similar to the one for EliteFTS? Considering swapping the handles out for these since they look amazing.

[@BasementBrandon]

You know I'm really not sure on that one. If you have IG, ask Flex Marks The Spot. I believe he has both.

[@Garage_gym48]

The beard threw me. It shouldn’t have taken me as long to realise what was going on. Awesome vid. Hopefully reps supplier in Australia stocks it soon. The Karen comment slayed me… 😂

[@BasementBrandon]

Back when the basement was colder!

[@irishman485]

Just ordered a PR 4000 and I definitely think my first specialty bar I’m gonna get is this I’ve heard of some that have issues with the padding being uneven have they changed the padding recently?

[@BasementBrandon]

I have not heard this. I think if it were an issue I likely would have.

[@ogre36]

Versus the SS Yoke Bar, which bar is “harder” to use? Or which camber throws you forward more?

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd say very similar in that regard. B/c the REP pad is more dense, it feels a bit less forgiving.

[@P3ak930]

Ok. I’ve never used a dedicated SSB. Just the transformer, and the marrs. Just pulled the trigger on this one. When you say something is the best, it matters. Excited to use it and get that squat and dead up.

[@BasementBrandon]

That's a lot of pressure 😅 Let me clarify some. I think the transformer has it's use cases if you're going to use a lot of the settings. I found I used SSB the most and the transformer is not as good at that as a dedicated bar is. I also prefer the shorter handles of a SSB so it made more sense for me. I have not used a Marrs bar but from what i hear, it does a great job emulating a low bar squat. I think this is great if you have issues low bar squatting, but I can do that fine so didn't really have a need for myself personally.

[@P3ak930]

@@BasementBrandon Ha! All good man, that's how I understood it! Im chasing the best SSB, master of one eh. Transformer is fun, but like you my low bar is all good and im looking for the benefits of the SSB movement at its best.

[@P3ak930]

Update. I love the bar. The best SSB I’ve used. Very nice quality as well. Couldn’t be happier. 👍🏻

[@BasementBrandon]

@@P3ak930 appreciate you coming back to comment

[@FitnessNews24]

Thanks for the shoutout man! This bar looks awesome.

[@BasementBrandon]

always!

[@aleksandarmatevski1258]

I noticed you're wearing the TYR weightlifting shoes. Which size do you use, and do you know what size it is equal to for Nike's weightlifting shoes?

[@BasementBrandon]

I have these in a 13, which is the same size as my Nike Romaleos.

[@Hai.tinh.583]

How is the REP pad compared to EliteFTS? Is it thicker? since the camber drops of the two bars are different (REP is 5.5” and EliteFTS is 7”), whats the difference does it make? Do you find Spacing Between the Pads of REP (8.3”) more comfortable vs EliteFTS (close to 9”) ? Thanks in advance

[@BasementBrandon]

It feels thicker b/c it's denser. Honestly with the camber, if you didn't look at a spec sheet you wouldn't be able to tell the difference.

[@TrainerBigMike]

Damn bro I might just buy this bar after all 😅

[@BasementBrandon]

If buying for the 1st time it's the way to go, but prob not worth it to upgrade unless you get a good return on your current bar.

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

It amazes me that the Efts hasn't updated their bar and I think they're missing out on potential marketshare because of it!!

[@jamestonbellajo]

There’s an updated version in the UK with stainless steel sleeves that fit regular collars but it’s priiiiicey.

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

@@jamestonbellajo Interesting and somewhat confusing that they would make these decisions, especially being a USA company...at least that's IMO.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think they use a different manufacturer over there.

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

@@BasementBrandon I agree and you are probably correct, but, once again there are so many well liked USA companies that are missing opportunities!

[@Aaron.Danger]

This SSB looks pretty close to perfect, especially at that price point.

[@BasementBrandon]

I haven't used my transformer bar much since!

[@ak-zw8jv]

Would've gone with this but caught titan flash sale yesterday for $240!

[@BasementBrandon]

Good timing on their part.... doing a sale the day after I post my video... hmmm.

[@ak-zw8jv]

@@BasementBrandon 🤣guess I should say thank you

[@flexmarksthespot]

Yep, Rep being late to the party with this bar worked in their favor. I think this is their best overall specialty bar.

[@meisdetermined]

Better than their Trap bar?

[@flexmarksthespot]

@@meisdetermined I think so yeah. Rep’s trap bar is solid too but I like the SSB as a specialty bar in general more than trap bars 🤷‍♂️

[@BasementBrandon]

Agreed!

[@NoFate247]

Bring that the beard!!! 🧔

[@BasementBrandon]

😅

[@Ashurus]

What rack attachment do you have to get the 5lb and 10lb plates side by side?

[@BasementBrandon]

I got the ones from Sorinex (Change Plate Utility Pin) b/c you can get also get them in urethane, which I wanted to match my other pins. StrayDog also makes a 3 post version but only in powdercoat.

[@777barbellclub]

thumbs up purely based on that outfits color coordination

[@BasementBrandon]

Every now and then it all comes together.

[@jacobrogers55]

Good content but on behalf of Elite "If it aint broke dont fix it" . I would like those knurled handles though

[@BasementBrandon]

The thing is the Elite bar in EU has some upgraded features.

[@Farquad76.547]

Is it strictly a bar for powerlifting or is it beneficial for bodybuilding?

[@BasementBrandon]

If you train at home and want to do a lot of single leg movements it could help.

[@samrmills]

I heard you did a review on the rep fitness safety straps 2.0. Is that true? Not having any luck finding it

[@BasementBrandon]

I showed them on instagram in a reel.

[@samrmills]

@@BasementBrandon thx I’ll try to find them there

[@samrmills]

@@BasementBrandon any chance you could post a link here or migrate to KZbin somehow? I’m not too savvy on searching IG. Sorry to be a pain

[@BasementBrandon]

@@samrmills Can you send me a message on IG? I'll share the link.

[@samrmills]

@@BasementBrandon copy that. Thx!

[@darrenhawkins8586]

why not marrs bar v2?

[@BasementBrandon]

Marrs bar imitates a low bar squat, SSB is more of a hybrid high bar/front squat.

[@curtislaketek2822]

Have you checked out the new one by Prime?

[@jimj.9291]

This is what I’d like to know. This REP ssb or Prime?

[@BasementBrandon]

It doesn't look appealing to me TBH. I'm not a fan of the longer handles and it's big and bulky. This one is already a pain in the ass to store and I hated the long handles on the transformer.

[@jimj.9291]

@@BasementBrandon Thanks, Brandon. Great point, but that back pad on the prime sure looked interesting along with not shifting the weight forward, but keeping it centered for quad action.

[@hyg71886]

I like the bar it’s just a pain to use in my gym. The density of that foam is great. I’m usually at 400ish and it feels great on my back and forces me into sitting. I also got it at about 25% off. I’ve only used it for squats I’ll have to try it with other movements

[@BasementBrandon]

Curious as to why is it a pain to use?

[@hyg71886]

@@BasementBrandon just because of the way my gym is atm. Once my garage is cleared and there’s more space I’ll use it more. But it’s a great bar to use as you said. I wish they’d make some new monolith arms I’m about to just buy the mutants but they ain’t cheap

[@bmstylee]

Rep had a booth at the Arnold. This and the power bar were nice. I looked at their weightlifting bars and I wasn't impressed with the knurling. Way to passive. I'm talking gym beater bar passive. I could have grabbed a Rogue EU weightlifting garage sale bar for $250 but I wasn't interested in a bare steel shaft which needed cleaned up.

[@BasementBrandon]

I've heard some mixed things on the new squat and deadlift bars, so looking forward to getting my hands on them!

[@gregors00]

Do the handle unscrew?

[@jacobb3373]

Yes

[@gregors00]

@@jacobb3373 perfect for JM press then

[@BasementBrandon]

Sure do

[@LoveMountainAdventures]

As a bearded fellow myself, I say..."Real men wear beards!" 😉

[@BasementBrandon]

😂

[@twanrui3222]

I'd go with the SS YOLK at $339. USA! USA! USA!

[@BasementBrandon]

Even at that price it's not as good of a bar :(

[@twanrui3222]

@@BasementBrandon China is the enemy! I cant buy anything from REP!

[@StephenShreds]

No beard.

[@BasementBrandon]

🥲

[@StephenShreds]

@@BasementBrandon how am I gonna de your chiseled Egyptian jawline? Stubble looks best.