The BEST Specialty Bar I've Ever Used - The Marrs Bar

The Marrs Bar is the best specialty bar that I've ever used. It just might be my favorite bar in my entire collection - it certainly gets the most use! If you like to perform low bar back squats, front squats, good mornings, and more, you won't want to miss this one.
Clarification on shipping: The Marrs Bar is now available from various retailers, including Rogue and Titan. This makes it much more affordable.
What do y'all think of the Marrs Bar?
Grab the Marrs Bar here:
Rogue - bit.ly/3lsRxW8
Titan - bit.ly/3PHt79w
📒 Show Notes 📒
1️⃣ Collars Used in Video (my favorite for Olympic/Specialty): bit.ly/2KWbyp5
2️⃣ Other Collars Used in Video (my other/new favorite for Olympic): amzn.to/3yfjnKv
3️⃣ Awesome Safety Squat Bar Hack: • EASY but BRUTAL Safety...
4️⃣ Marrs Bar Instagram: _marrs_bar...
0:00 Intro
1:04 Background and Why I Bought This Bar
4:09 Marrs Bar Overview
8:10 Main Lifts with the Marrs Bar
12:33 Downsides to the Marrs Bar
14:22 Marrs Bar vs. Kabuki Transformer Bar
15:44 Final Thoughts
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[@GarageGymLab]

What's the longest you've had to wait for gym equipment during COVID?!

[@Fartking_69]

5 months for ironmaster db...still waiting to win the lotto

[@starcraftdad]

Still waiting on the gungnir dumblers that I preordered in early February 😂😂😂

[@danielgauthier2072]

6 months for a Kabuki Transformer bar. I actually ordered the V3 in April 2020, which was right before V4 was announced so they emailed to let me know I'd be getting the V4 as well as a gift card for the difference in price. They gave me an 8 week ETA, but because Kabuki seems to have perpetual supplier and logistics issues, there were multiple delays and emailing CS for an update was like pulling teeth. I'm thrilled with the bar and I use it every week but I'd prefer not to order from them again.

[@GarageGymLab]

@@starcraftdad Oh wow. What's the ETA??

[@mattm314]

I ordered loadable DB handles from Titan on backorder...didn't make the cutoff for original backorder date so had to wait for the next round. After 4 months the 2 handles had vastly different knurling (1 super passive the other pretty aggressive). I should have ordered the IronMasters at the time just didn't have the money.

[@jamesc4378]

I just ordered one from titan. It took about 48 hours to arrive which shocked me. I was not disappointed in the bar. Although I will say one of the sleeves didn’t want to go on. Think it was from burs on the inside of the Alan wrench screw hole. But regardless with soap and a crap file I was able to get the sleeve on. 2 workouts in and my early review is this bar is a game changer. Not only is it a way to low bar squat without shoulder pain it seems to take all the coaching out of the squat. The bar puts you in the correct position. I’ve had a couple buddies (40s year old white guys who have poor glut activation) and it immediately hit them right. “Oh so that’s how a squat is supposed to feel” they say. It’s so good I’m almost shocked it hasn’t taken over athletic facilities across the country. Also great for good morning and even the trash lift front squat.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing, James! Glad you and your buddies are loving it!

[@FitLabb]

Really solid detailed review! The only problem with watching your videos is the more I see, the more I want to re-renovate my home gym to expand it so I can get all the amazing equipment you review! 😂

[@GarageGymLab]

Haha! Is that so bad??

[@nordicwilly6650]

Just stumbled on your channel. Count me a subscriber. This was one of the best, practical reviews I've seen. Love the comparison shots between Marrs Bar and SSB. I am probably going for Marrs bar since my focus is on Hatfield-style step-ups and split squats. Many thanks.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks so much, Willy - Glad it was helpful!

[@marckolson]

Great Video Adam! Appreciate the in depth review!

[@GarageGymLab]

Appreciate you, Marc!

[@user-fj2or3xp2c]

This is gold . Thank you I almost bought elite fts but honestly I don’t like my bar up high I love low bar and this is the bar I’ve been looking for . Thanks for the review

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@mcrickyd32]

Thanks for the detailed review and video. I just ordered one of these bars due to having elbow issues. I have an SSB but wanted to get the low bar squat positioning again and just can't do that with the SSB.

[@darielcepeda2187]

Awesome review. You always hit it out the park with no filler in your videos. This might be my next Barbell purchase.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for the feedback and for watching, Dariel! If you end up getting one, let me know what you think once you’ve had some time with it!

[@darielcepeda2187]

@@GarageGymLab for sure 🤝

[@Physicaleds]

GREAT DETAILED REVIEW !!

[@mathtcha]

Got mine a couple of months ago… like you, it is definitely the best specialty bar I have ever used as well! Money well spent!

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing!! Glad you’re loving it.

[@grazjj]

Best video on the marrs bar I have seen. Thank You

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and for the feedback, Jim!

[@johnpaulin1884]

I had been sitting on the fence for the past few months. I've been training for 2 years and most of the time has been spent in cycles recovering from bicep tendonitis and shoulder issues. Your review was the one that finally sold me. I mean everyone has high praise for it. Looking forward to squating - maybe hands free.

[@GarageGymLab]

Happy the review helped, John! Hope you enjoy the bar. Come back and let us know once you get a chance to use it.

[@BasementBrandon]

I totally could have missed it (skipped around a bit), but any insight into failing with the bar? Any potential issues?

[@GarageGymLab]

best to set up safeties just below depth. Dumping it will be more challenging than other bars.

[@davidverbik1981]

I recently purchased the Marrs Bar. This bar feels great! It has become my favorite bar to do squats with. I have a SS bar but enjoy doing squats with the Marrs Bar much better. It is great for doing front squats! Highly recommend the Marrs bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Happy to hear it, David! Thanks for the comment.

[@Alexalexalexalexalexalexal]

Just bought one because of your praise!

[@GarageGymLab]

Awesome! Let me know what you think once you’ve used it.

[@vitruvianvault158]

Was ready to go out and buy it until you mentioned they switch the vinyl out for the molded pad

[@Useruytrw]

What a Nobel spirit to help the community🙏 Stay Blessed 👍

[@joeseph274]

Adam - Great review! Side by Side comparison shots go along way (visual learner). Just canceled a 4 month wait for a safety spot bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for the comment, Joe! Glad you found it helpful.

[@stewartvaldez4154]

Fantastic review! I hope this bar becomes available for residential soon again. I’ve been deciding between this bar and the Transformer. Appreciate you highlighting the difference!

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and commenting, Stewart! They have a network of about 15 dealers you can check on their site. If one is proximate, you can pick up direct.

[@stewartvaldez4154]

@@GarageGymLab no problem thank you for the info on how to reach out to a vendor!

[@PeakBagger999]

On my radar to get this.

[@mariusjohansen702]

I waited 5 months for my transformer bar. I was going to get proper farmers walk handles, but was restocked in february and sold out immedietly. I think this is a bar I could consider at some point.

[@DeusExMachina50]

How do you like the Transformer Bar?

[@twistedbarbell3950]

Awesome video - learned a lot about the bar and find it an attractive option. The shipping particulars would be a problem for me though, as I've worked from home for years now.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and commenting as always! Marrs Bar has 15 dealers now, so there may be one proximate to you to pick up directly.

[@markburnette465]

I had already been going back and forth about the decision, but this review convinced me to buy the bar. Picked one up from Titan, and it shipped in just a few days. Very expensive for what it is, but I’ve been lifting over a decade so I figure it’ll be worth it if I keep lifting for another decade+.

[@GarageGymLab]

Enjoy it, Mark! Happy the review helped. Let me know what you think!

[@airgordo4]

Been really eyeballing the transformer bar and now you’ve got me second guessing and maybe wanting this.

[@TheKurtlocker]

Awesome video Adam. Did you happen to pull back the cover to see the material composition making up the pad? Any predictions on longevity? Thanks for another informative production!

[@GarageGymLab]

Hey bud. Appreciate you! I did - it’s a 3-piece construction. The new pad, however, is single piece.

[@DasWaldCafe]

Great review. I'm eyeing this right now. You are the second reviewer who's said it feels more like a 'very low squat bar' rather than a safety squat bar, yet it locks you in and spreads the weight out even better than a safety squat bar (or maybe even a Duffalo bar?). I like the Duffalo and the EliteFTS SSB because as with this bar you are not necessarily required to use your hands, allowing you to Hatfield squat to overload or self spot. I may have to see if I can find one at a powerlifting gym to try it out.

[@GarageGymLab]

Highly recommend! Hope you find one to try. Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@StrongbyLee]

Just the review I was looking for. Hatfields on these will be a dream. I'm sure my clients will love this, too. And the "exposed... Pecs" delivery was spot-on.

[@GarageGymLab]

Appreciate you watching, Lee!

[@StrongbyLee]

@@GarageGymLab Are you still using the bar regularly?

[@GarageGymLab]

@@StrongbyLee oh yeah. All the time unless I’m reviewing a straight bar or using the SSB for accessories.

[@StrongbyLee]

@@GarageGymLab That's great to hear. Why hasn't anyone thought of this before? Also, have you read or heard any specific thoughts on the new padding?

[@GarageGymLab]

I’ve only heard good things about the new pad.

[@P3ak930]

Just purchased mine. Thanks bro.

[@GarageGymLab]

Awesome! Hope you enjoy it, Roger!

[@P3ak930]

@@GarageGymLab loved it. But the new pad came cracked already. Wish they still sold your version!

[@appidydafoo]

Thank you for the concise review. Trained a Low Bar Squat up to 405 years ago and had to stop squatting in that style due to the dreaded elbow tendonitis ruining my upper body lifts. I will also never compete and don't care about that aspect of performance, but still much prefer the feeling of training with a low bar versus high bar squat position. I've had the Titan SSB V2 for two years now and I've always hated the way it feels. It was certainly economical but I've never enjoyed a session with it at any weight. Was torn between this and the Transformer bar and I'm glad you included the comparison at the end. Looks like the Rogue version is all blacked out now, for better or worse. Probably going to pull the trigger on this later this summer. I'll have to plan a simultaneous order for new plates and extra goodies at the same time to maximize the freight shipping value.

[@GarageGymLab]

Glad it was helpful - thanks for watching! It’s still my favorite bar of all time.

[@Clownlife432]

Did you end up getting it, and what do you think?

[@nyscolt1]

Best review I’ve seen on the marrs bar.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks so much for watching and commenting!

[@HeathWatts]

Great review! Have you had any difficulty putting plates on the Marrs-Bar? I've read that the bar is too large for Strength Co. plates. Thanks.

[@loadmastergod1961]

After destroying both shoulders on what turned into my last deployment, I never thought I'd squat again. They just don't move right anymore. This is exactly what I need to try and force my lower back and legs back into some sort of shape. I don't plan on ever hitting am 800lb squat again in this life. . Lol

[@KpXzzang]

What?! Two videos in one weeek??? Keep them coming!

[@GarageGymLab]

Cheers, Eric! More coming!

[@HeathWatts]

The Marrs-Bar drastically improved your Good Morning technique. With the other bar, you’re bending your knees, but with the Marrs-Bar, you’re doing a good hinge.

[@humansnotai4912]

Excellent review as we have come to expect from you. Can't get this in the UK, seems to be US only.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for watching and commenting, bud!

[@LukesGarageGym]

Man I see everyone using this for squats! I need to get my hands on one of these

[@GarageGymLab]

It’s so good, man!

[@LukesGarageGym]

@@GarageGymLab going to convince the wife to let me get soon 😉

[@darrenhawkins8586]

hows this bar for calve raises? thanks for this video

[@drewsweany]

This is a great bar, been using it since (almost) the day it was released. Biggest issue is using it in a mono. Due to having the lower rack height (2 holes lower as you mentioned) we’ve had issues with a few training partners having VERY minimal headroom with the crossmember. Even had a few cases where new guys smacked their head while trying to find a height that works for them. Only complaint with this product.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks for sharing, Drew!

[@matthewohara449]

Would you still recommend using a SSB in addition to the marrs bar? Or can I get away with only buying the marrs bar. I view it as using SSB as replacement for traditional barbell squats and Marrs bar as replacement for low back & front squat. I’d also be using trap bar for my deadlifts. Thanks!!

[@davebagley7242]

Curious what you do for programming as you’ve moved away from powerlifting to general health/strength training??

[@airgordo4]

Also not a big fan of grooved sleeves.. in that sense what is your most recommended all around bar with smooth sleeves?

[@Eee00123]

Nice video 🔥

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks, Edward!

[@Rocket4ce]

Legit review! Do those Duffalo J hooks hold the bar better? Let's see if they change up the sleeves to a hard chrome.

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks, Leo! They respond similarly on the ghost cups.

[@P3ak930]

Is this still your number 1 specialty bar? Have you used transformer and do you have an opinion on having both, or which you’d prefer. Thanks.

[@zacherymassey6352]

How well does it work with adjustable monolifts?

[@karlhungus545]

Nice, but crazy expensive. Would cost me over $1,000 CAD to get it here. I bought a Bells of Steel SS3 bar when they were changing models (to the SS4) for $299 CAD, free shipping. So 1/4 the price of this one. I can now squat again after many years of avoiding them.

[@GarageGymLab]

Glad the SS4 is working for you! I own it also and agree it’s good.

[@importantstuff1130]

Worse balance aside, which one does more feel like an actual low bar squat? Mars bar or Kabuki with the right setting, which i guess would be low bar + closest distance of the handle. Because fom the look of it, the mars bar seems to move the center of weight closer to your body center?

[@mattcooksb]

You mentioned shifting your training to general strength and considering joint longevity. What are your other go-to bars you use on a regular basis when you are not squatting?

[@GarageGymLab]

I still bench and deadlift, so I still use the straight bar a lot. The REP EX, American Barbell Cali, and the Vulcan Absolute Power are heavy in the rotation. I use the Kabuki Trap Bar a lot as well.

[@CantFocus]

I ordered a Titan SSB in early April on back order estimated in early June. Shipped out when expected, then was lost by FedEx. Offered a replacement but on back order till October now...

[@GarageGymLab]

Oh man. That’s brutal!

[@steelermia]

12:14 crucial tip lol

[@MrSirDudeGuy]

I need something like this. Back squats just really hurt my elbows. I pretty much abandon them and just do lunges and stuff, which isn’t cutting it.

[@GarageGymLab]

It’s a great option if you have elbow pain!

[@Songs4712]

LOVE ELITE FTS SSB YOKE, for the more quad and upper back dominated squatting, would love this MARRS BAR for the posterior chain squatting and as a tool for variation from meso to meso. SICK Bar!

[@GarageGymLab]

Agree, Marianne!

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Curious how you would compare this to Kabuki's Transformer bar? I appreciate showing how to do front squats with this looks amazing and I bought a front squat holder but its uncomfortable and bottom digs into my stomach this would be a joy to do front squats with! Really torn between this and Kabuki especially since they changed the pad from what you have!

[@KGafterdark]

The Marrs bar is great if you love doing good mornings and low bar squats. If you want an actual SSB, the transformer bar is better, and you can still do GMs with them

[@chrisdonnell2575]

Yeah went with Rogue's Kabukki bar and love it. It's so comfortable really lets you lift heavier and make much faster gains. I went from 185 to 225 and doing 235lbs today for reps and am 52 yr. I love it and front squats so comfortable.@@KGafterdark

[@Farquad76.547]

Does this work more glutes than say the rep SSB

[@johna9168]

great review, i want now... haha

[@GarageGymLab]

Thanks, John!

[@MrVrob8]

I think that you've just sold a Maars bar! Great channel!

[@mukfu]

Racking/Storing this bar when not in use is a pain due to weight and shape. Any recommendations?

[@joecowan3719]

I keep mine in the rack. I put a second pair of J-cups at the top of the rack and spin the handles up and out of the way.

[@jumping438]

Seems fine for light weight but looks like a huge injury waiting to happen if going heavy because no way to quickly bail.

[@DylanKJohnson]

I've been very tempted to pick one of these up a couple times, but the shipping is killer ($200-ish for me) and I'm not sure where I'd store it 😅

[@GarageGymLab]

Haha, I feel you on the storage! Shipping is definitely high for some folks. I know some people who do a group buy in the same city, so might be something to check into. Saves money for sure.

[@GibranHyder]

@@GarageGymLab would love to get in on a group order… seems daunting trying to find enough people for one though

[@GarageGymLab]

@@GibranHyder they have a network of about 15 dealers you can check on their site. If they’re close, you can pick up direct

[@GAIC22]

Any comparisons of this to the Transformer bar on the low bar setting?

[@GarageGymLab]

Discussed near end of video.

[@GAIC22]

@@GarageGymLab Thanks! I should’ve watched the last 2 minutes of the video 😂

[@starcraftdad]

Out of curiosity, how much can you squat on this vs low bar straight bar squat? Is it ‘easier’ or ‘harder’?

[@GarageGymLab]

About 1:1 for me on back squats vs low bar.

[@cameronmiri4020]

Can you use the same load as your typical barbell weight?

[@GarageGymLab]

I’ve found that it’s very close to a 1:1 relationship.

[@marketlider2811]

Can you do push ups with this bar?

[@mattm314]

How does it compare to the low bar setting on the Transformer bar?

[@mattm314]

I should have waited til the end of the video lol

[@GarageGymLab]

@@mattm314 ha!

[@BenjaminReynolds]

What's the name of the collar you put on the bar at 13:38? Looks like a collar I use to use.

[@GarageGymLab]

It’s by SYQQ. Link in the description. Similar to the old Quicklee collars, but better since fully stainless.

[@BenjaminReynolds]

@@GarageGymLab thanks.

[@alex2000ish]

I waited 3 months for a Rouge Monster Bench with the Fat Pad before cancelling my order in frustration

[@kozmo7]

Longest I’ve waited for equipment? I’ve been trying to get Iron Masterr dumbbells since the start of the pandemic. We are coming up on 2 years in March of 2022.

[@GarageGymLab]

That’s unbelievable

[@turtlepowersf]

I'm super lucky. I bought a set around 2018 and a few months later got the 120lb expansion kit and an extra set of blemished handles. Then the pandemic hits and I see the standard set of Ironmasters selling for thousands...they really are the best feeling dumbells. Not the fastest to change out weight, but are super durable and feel just like gym weights when lifting.

[@vincenthu2588]

Hi dude, this is totally unrelated to the topic, but what’s the brand of the shorts you were wearing squatting?

[@GarageGymLab]

Russel from Walmart! 7” in seam. I think I paid like $5 per pair. They’re awesome.

[@vincenthu2588]

@@GarageGymLab Thanks dude!!! good stuff

[@marckspal]

Which is better? Mars bar vs Prime fitness super squat bar?

[@GarageGymLab]

It really depends on how you intend to use it. If you prefer low bar and front bar squatting, definitely the Marrs. Both are great for good mornings. If you want a traditional SSB, the Prime is great. I love the back plate.

[@billchurch4460]

Is this still your favorite specialty bar and, discounting price, would you recommend it over the more traditional SSBs?

[@GarageGymLab]

Yes to both! I use it multiple times a week. Absolutely love it. It’s my main driver.

[@billchurch4460]

@@GarageGymLab Thanks for the response and the insight. Apparently, I'm not young anymore, and I need "help" when it comes to barbell squats. For me, this is the most compelling option. As far as I can gather, the bar seems to be loved by those that have used it. Unfortunately, it ain't cheap and I wonder about the new padding.

[@phillipkulas2302]

⁠@@billchurch4460, I have a SSB and the latest Marrs-bar. The foam padding cracked on both shoulders within the first 5 squat sessions using the Marrs-bar. Duct tape and placing a pair of knee sleeves over the cracks keep the crack in the foam from pinching the tops of my shoulders. Having said that, the Marrs-bar is probably my favorite squat bar. I also use a cambered squat bar which is nice also. Being in my 70s, I still can low bar squat twice my body weight for 5 reps with a power bar but actually look forward to using the Marrs-bar for Hatfield squats since I can keep in better balance holding the squat rack uprights. The price seems high but if you think about what the Marrs-bar can do to help your training it’s a real bargain.

[@ramondiaz8133]

Is it ignorant to say you could probably get the same effect from a transformer bar set on low bar squat on the lowest camber?

[@GarageGymLab]

Check near the end of the video.

[@floninguyen3130]

Im from germany where i can buy the marrs bar?

[@GarageGymLab]

Not sure about that, Mark. Best to reach out directly to Marrs Bar.

[@JJ-id9wh]

Hast Du eine bestellt und erste Erfahrungen gemacht?

[@DeusExMachina50]

I can't decide between the Marrs Bar and the Transformer Bar.

[@yayayison9461]

Is this the same thing at titan fitness

[@GarageGymLab]

Yes! Titan starting selling it shortly after I made this video.

[@loubromberg4976]

Love to get one, all I need are funds and a commercial address

[@GarageGymLab]

They have a network of around 15 dealers. If one is proximate to you, you can pick up direct and save a bunch on shipping.

[@randystevens6302]

The price including shipping to Westchester County, NY is $924. In a word that is insane.

[@GarageGymLab]

You can get it from titan for $799 shipped.

[@randystevens6302]

@@GarageGymLab thanks for pointing that out 👍

[@GarageGymLab]

No problem! If you end up getting one, let me know what you think

[@rtm6930]

7 months for the VA Seven - Open Trap Bar

[@Gimmithat491]

I have one and I’m always telling people to get it but they always end up getting the kabuki or Titan ssb 🤣

[@yeahyeah3257]

Have you tried the transformer bar for comparison?

[@Gimmithat491]

@@yeahyeah3257 yes it’s great but I thought the pad width was just a tad too wide and I didn’t feel the front squat felt like a true front squat. Marrs is perfect since the pads are so snug and I only really do low bar and front squats anyways

[@medaillemaverick]

Has anyone tried the new weird polyurethane version though?

[@GarageGymLab]

Yeah, it’s been out a while now. I haven’t heard anything negative about it other than cosmetic.

[@juliuscaesar8801]

Interesting bar. However compressing the spine is not for me anymore. I’ll stick to landmine for squatting simply for the decompression of the spine. My spine thanks me for it.

[@yayayison9461]

We’ll explain sold

[@loubromberg4976]

I waited six months for the Kadillac bar, it still was not shipped so I finally got a refund from Kabucki

[@nickc3365]

Their shipping only to a commercial address is a big problem and frankly makes no sense. I would have ordered this bar a long time ago. Why not just use resellers ?

[@GarageGymLab]

They do. I’ve added some clarification to the description. They have about 15 dealers you can find on their site. If you’re proximate to one, you can pick up direct.

[@ommaigod]

Two deterrents for me: 1. Price too high. 2. Non-intuitive ways to dump it in failure. Granted, I've never had to dump a squat before, but I'm not getting any younger nor more agile. AFAIK, the price should be at least $150 lower.

[@AmorFati777X]

Too expensive. Perhaps someday when the demand dies off on it they'll lower the price and I can get one until then screw that.

[@benbarnett1076]

The molded polyurethane is 🤢

[@AmorFati777X]

Shits as expensive as some power racks. That's a #leftswipe for me.

[@stevenhom7089]

Prices is relative Taylor Swift concert tickets could start at $1,700.00 one thousand seven hungered dollars in the American cities to thousands of dolaars in Foreign Countries

[@idw85]

Is this comfortable with women with DD breasts? Serious question.

[@Farquad76.547]

Big ol 🍈