Equipment Crew- Part IV

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Also, to anyone interested in a Tgrip Bar with revolving sleeves (AB version) they're discontinuing their stock of them and selling them off at half price with free shipping ($279) from what I've heard they're the angled handle version, but I'm gonna contact a sales rep just to assure and confirm that...also gonna ask for a quote to see if they push the price even a bit lower. I've been kinda tempted to get one since I like AB bars and that design, but I already have the Reps Direct FBB which is similar and has a 3rd handle and also I gotta choose my space wisely should any other bar, or specialty bar goes in the garage.

[radrd]

Fwiw I heard someone mention that on the official site if pre-ordered it's $385 and apparently there's a code which is Jefferey which saves you $10 off, still higher than $300, but better than $410 (don't know if this actually works, but a regular on Discord mentioned it when he was trying to get the lowdown on it).

Shipping is $25 on their site for me, which makes it $410 and matches Amazon. Cool that there is a discount code. I'm not sure I see any advantage to using this vs dumbbells though so I think it's a pass unless rave reviews start popping up.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I didn't even go through the motions to see what the shipping charge was, but good to know that should someone think that the pre-order price was actually $385, or $375 (with the coupon code) shipped sort of looks like it the way they posted it.

I agree DBs are tried and true and even the Kaddy gives a nice deep stretch in the pecs, I won't completely write this bar off, looks like it could be fun to use (at a lower price point, maybe the version 1 if they re-stock it)...but it's low on my specialty bar list (so far been looking at the BWTG VHS Bar and maybe the Rogue CB-4).

[Michiganian]

These look interesting: Rep Fitness QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbells. Price is nice, too.

Which of you brave souls is gonna step up?

[Greybird2]

Whats the difference between them and the million others out there?

[thedickus]

These look interesting: Rep Fitness QuickDraw™ Adjustable Dumbbells. Price is nice, too.

Which of you brave souls is gonna step up?

Looks like a combo of Powerblocks and Nuobells, with a measure of Bowflex Selecttech thrown in, assuming the levers are plastic.
I can't quite tell if you'd be unable to grab the handle to do overhead tricep extensions or cross-bench pullovers like you can't with the Powerblocks. Not a fan of how they're not expandable either unlike the Powerblocks or IronMasters. The 60lb set is $500 which is better than the $700 for 75lb IMs, but the IMs are expandable. Rogue has PB Elites at 5-70lbs for $528 which are expandable. I own the IMs and like them. I've owned the PBs and liked the faster change option but tolerated their limitations. The Rep ones look nice if all you'll ever need are 60lb dumbbells. I think even Coop is still jury out on the Nuobells as to how the locking mechanism will hold up over time, seems like these would fall into that same category.

[Greybird2]

I looked at Ironmaster dumbells way back when. its when they were slotted. I could not buy them because I like my teeth... I have 5-50 rubber hex and PB u90's.

The U90's are not used much. Anything over 50 goes to barbell.

[Michiganian]

Looks like a combo of Powerblocks and Nuobells, with a measure of Bowflex Selecttech thrown in ...

Only so many ways to skin this cat, I suppose.

Looks like mebbe they identified the worst failings of each of those and found ways around them? E.g.: Your hands aren't "caged" like with Powerblocks, the locking mech isn't plastic like Bowflex. Not certain how they compare to Nuobells because I haven't looked at those in a while.

... assuming the levers are plastic.

Description reads "The Lock-N-Load steel switches ...". Looking closely at the photos in the gallery: It looks like the switch mech is steel, with the only plastic being the lever ends?

I can't quite tell if you'd be unable to grab the handle to do overhead tricep extensions ...

You mean like skullcrushers? See: https://repfitness.com/cdn/shop/file...g?v=1696540777

... or cross-bench pullovers like you can't with the Powerblocks.

I don't think that'd work well, or maybe at all, with these, either.

Not a fan of how they're not expandable either unlike the Powerblocks or IronMasters.

For those of us who're unlikely ever to need more than 60 lbs/ea. for DB work, though...

I looked at Ironmaster dumbells way back when. its when they were slotted. I could not buy them because I like my teeth...

You definitely have to be careful. I screwed up twice and dumped all of one side of a DB's plates on the floor, only barely missing one of my feet, one time.

Now, when the move will have the DB slots pointing anything other than mostly down they get turned over in my hands, well clear of my feet or anything else, right after they leave the stand. And I'm a lot more careful spinning the locks down snugly.

[thedickus]

Only so many ways to skin this cat, I suppose.

Looks like mebbe they identified the worst failings of each of those and found ways around them? E.g.: Your hands aren't "caged" like with Powerblocks, the locking mech isn't plastic like Bowflex. Not certain how they compare to Nuobells because I haven't looked at those in a while.

A lot of moving parts. Have to see how they hold up over time. Biggest failing to me is they only go up to 60lbs. I think the Nuobells only went up to 80. Not sure about Bowflex, those shouldn't even be in a conversation about dumbbells, total crap.

You mean like skullcrushers?

No, I mean like overhead tricep extensions.
It looks like it may allow you to grab it from one end with both hands, although because of the support rods on the "bottom" it looks like you have to grab it from the "top" where that slot is for the 2.5 adder plates. Not sure if that would get in the way of holding the bell by the ends or not for the two exercises I mentioned. It was one of the main reasons I moved away from the PowerBlocks. For a while I had a couple of spinlock handles and enough pancake plates to get me up to 100lbs which was enough for me to hit those exercises.

For those of us who're unlikely ever to need more than 60 lbs/ea. for DB work, though...

Most people don't lift with the expectation of getting weaker. Any adult male that can barbell bench a pretty standard warm-up weight of 135lbs (a wheel per side) shouldn't have much issue flat pressing 60lb dumbbells. Don't mean to dis the women out there who warm-up with 135 on the bench, same goes for you.

[Greybird2]

Coop has a review up of those dumbells.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

No, but I'd love to try one. That's honestly not a bad price. There were a bunch of vids of Mike O'Hearn using the "original" one. I can't remember the brand name, but when I looked it up during the shutdown a couple of years ago they were sold out and around $1K. The one O'Hearn used looked nicer. I don't remember the actual grips being so pronounced.

Incidently I found the one you're referring to, it's called Barbell 2.0 and agree the quality is nicer and I assume it doesn't need 3-in-1 oil to lubricate it every two weeks like the imported one does (since there's a mechanism inside the bar). The price is insane at $900 (assuming this is before tax and shipping, but even if the shipping's free it's a hefty price to pay), also I would guess this one must be made in the US...

https://www.strongtheorysystems.com/...ar-barbell-2-0

[Greybird2]

Incidently I found the one you're referring to, it's called Barbell 2.0 and agree the quality is nicer and I assume it doesn't need 3-in-1 oil to lubricate it every two weeks like the imported one does (since there's a mechanism inside the bar). The price is insane at $900 (assuming this is before tax and shipping, but even if the shipping's free it's a hefty price to pay), also I would guess this one must be made in the US...

https://www.strongtheorysystems.com/...ar-barbell-2-0

It is not a good movement. Try the pushup version on Amazon. Way cheaper since it will get used once.

[bisonp]

Any adult male that can barbell bench a pretty standard warm-up weight of 135lbs (a wheel per side) shouldn't have much issue flat pressing 60lb dumbbells. Don't mean to dis the women out there who warm-up with 135 on the bench, same goes for you.

Yeah, but, most people don't use dumbbells for the big movements. 60 pounds is enough for most accessory work for most people. Like you I want more in a dumbbell, and I'm not even that strong relatively speaking, but I still think Rep hit the meat of the market.

They will also be introducing models that go up to 120, but have said it will be a different design.

[bisonp]

Coop did a tour of PRX last week and I found these prototype jammer arms that will double as a functional trainer to be pretty interesting:

https://youtu.be/6SRe8wq5Aag?si=TkuJ-D5ShrQ9zf_e&t=915

Earlier in the video they also have a wall-folding four-post rack.

Nice to see another American company innovating. They are really starting to expand their products.

[thedickus]

Yeah, but, most people don't use dumbbells for the big movements. 60 pounds is enough for most accessory work for most people. Like you I want more in a dumbbell, and I'm not even that strong relatively speaking, but I still think Rep hit the meat of the market.

They will also be introducing models that go up to 120, but have said it will be a different design.

Too many compound movements that I use dumbbells for that 60s just won't cut it. Rows, shrugs, stiff legged deadlifts, pullovers, overhead extensions, if people know anything about working out the list is pretty extensive. I'd be interested in seeing the one that goes to 120. I just don't like the stabilizer bars on the bottom. I still think it would prohibit some movements. The product definitely isn't for me, but I'm sure they'll sell a ton of them. The non-transferable lifetime warranty is a pretty good selling point.
Hopefully someone on here will buy them and give them a proper review. Coop really seemed to like them, for what that's worth.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

It is not a good movement. Try the pushup version on Amazon. Way cheaper since it will get used once.

While I've never tried the movement personally, I reckon that I tend to agree with your statement and from afar could see it potentially aggravating the front delts and rotator cuff due to the nature of the movent and the direction that the hands are fixed facing (while I don't have any discomfort DB benching this way, I tend to DB bench angled outward where the pinkies press, feels more comfortable and get some extra ROM with the DBs up top).

Certainly wouldn't bet top dollar on a premium version and probably not even the cheaper renditions due to space and level of usability with it in the home gym being low on the list.

[bisonp]

I think even Coop is still jury out on the Nuobells as to how the locking mechanism will hold up over time, seems like these would fall into that same category.

I don't think the jury is out, people just aren't aware of the verdict yet. Nuobells use little plastic cam followers to move the shafts in and out. It's not a matter of if they will fail, it's a matter of when. And when they do, they can't be repaired. You have to buy a new handle.

Here's a teardown video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI3alL6i8jA

This is why they only have a two year warranty. And also why I'd stick to Powerblock or Ironmaster. The Reps look very promising so far, if you can live with the weight limitation. Looking forward to what they come up with for the heavier versions, but I imagine they will have compromises like everything else.

For now, I think I'm going to put Average Joe handles in my Powerblocks and call it good for another decade or so.

[bisonp]

While I've never tried the movement personally, I reckon that I tend to agree with your statement and from afar could see it potentially aggravating the front delts and rotator cuff due to the nature of the movent and the direction that the hands are fixed facing (while I don't have any discomfort DB benching this way, I tend to DB bench angled outward where the pinkies press, feels more comfortable and get some extra ROM with the DBs up top).

Certainly wouldn't bet top dollar on a premium version and probably not even the cheaper renditions due to space and level of usability with it in the home gym being low on the list.

Man, that dude in the bottom pic using a suicide grip with that thing. And neither of them are using safeties.
Yikes.

https://www.strongtheorysystems.com/...ar-barbell-2-0

[Greybird2]

I don't think the jury is out, people just aren't aware of the verdict yet. Nuobells use little plastic cam followers to move the shafts in and out. It's not a matter of if they will fail, it's a matter of when. And when they do, they can't be repaired. You have to buy a new handle.

Here's a teardown video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI3alL6i8jA

This is why they only have a two year warranty. And also why I'd stick to Powerblock or Ironmaster. The Reps look very promising so far, if you can live with the weight limitation. Looking forward to what they come up with for the heavier versions, but I imagine they will have compromises like everything else.

For now, I think I'm going to put Average Joe handles in my Powerblocks and call it good for another decade or so.

I put them inmy U-90's and they are way better than the rubbery contour ones they came with. Needed a couple washers added for clearance..

[bisonp]

I put them inmy U-90's and they are way better than the rubbery contour ones they came with. Needed a couple washers added for clearance..

I'm trying to decide on the size. I think a couple people here did 30mm, which seems small to me. 35 seems a bit big, but I do have fairly big hands so I'm thinking they would be OK if the knurling is as good as advertised. From what I can find most dumbbells are somewhere between 32 and 34.

This is what I hate about buying online. If I could try them in person it would take me about 20 seconds to decide.

Interesting about the washers, I have U-90s as well and thought they would just be plug and play. Not a big deal I suppose.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Man, that dude in the bottom pic using a suicide grip with that thing. And neither of them are using safeties.
Yikes.

https://www.strongtheorysystems.com/...ar-barbell-2-0

Yeah no doubt safeties and a full grip should be imperative when using this bar to bench with along with all other bars. Crazy enough, they have another version of this bar called "The Squeeze Bar" based out of Germany and it sells for somewhere around $2300 which is insane!

[Greybird2]

I'm trying to decide on the size. I think a couple people here did 30mm, which seems small to me. 35 seems a bit big, but I do have fairly big hands so I'm thinking they would be OK if the knurling is as good as advertised. From what I can find most dumbbells are somewhere between 32 and 34.

This is what I hate about buying online. If I could try them in person it would take me about 20 seconds to decide.

Interesting about the washers, I have U-90s as well and thought they would just be plug and play. Not a big deal I suppose.

The levers got so tight you could not move them. A washer spaced it perfect so the levers work freely and the bolts can be tight.

I got 30mm which is OK. My favorite dumbells are the Iron Grip ones. They are 32mm. Seemed to be perfect.

[urbanlifter]

I'm still really glad I went with the Average Joe 30MM handles, slightly thicker than a standard PowerBar but still thin enough for a good grip while doing pulling movements. Although, I'm getting to the point where I need more Platemates LOL

[AttyGuy]

'Sup Equipment Forum members?

[urbanlifter]

Wassup Atty & gents, everyone staying on that grind?

[thedickus]

'Sup Equipment Forum members?

Thinking about buying a Rogue Ohio Power Bar with the E-Coat. They have the black zinc on sale for $245, the E-coat is $295.

[thedickus]

Does anyone have an opinion on Rogue bars? I'm wanting the E-coat, I like the bar/shaft being black and sleeves being chrome. I'm looking at either the Rogue Ohio Bar or the Rogue Bar 2.0 although it doesn't seem like the 2.0 bar comes in E-coat just the black zinc, I've heard that coating will wear off in contact spots, unlike the E-coat.
I don't do any powerlifting, I remember using a Texas Power Bar once in a commercial gym and remember how stiff it felt, I didn't like that. I don't do any Olympic lifts, the closest I'll get are cleans or hang cleans. I usually high bar squat. I am used to having the center knurl when back squatting, but I do use it mostly as a reference point when doing things like upright rows or close grip benches. Neither the Rogue Ohio Bar or the Rogue Bar 2.0 have the center knurling so I don't if I'll miss that. I am used to a more passive knurl in general, I don't use chalk and use straps.

[Greybird2]

What bar do you use now?

[thedickus]

What bar do you use now?

I've got a 20 year old Hampton Oly bar. It's not a power bar, not particularly springy. It has passive knurling and the center knurling.
Just wanting something different and a second bar. Probably relegate the Hampton to landmine use, I don't do rack pulls, but if I ever started, I'd use the Hampton.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Does anyone have an opinion on Rogue bars? I'm wanting the E-coat, I like the bar/shaft being black and sleeves being chrome. I'm looking at either the Rogue Ohio Bar or the Rogue Bar 2.0 although it doesn't seem like the 2.0 bar comes in E-coat just the black zinc, I've heard that coating will wear off in contact spots, unlike the E-coat.
I don't do any powerlifting, I remember using a Texas Power Bar once in a commercial gym and remember how stiff it felt, I didn't like that. I don't do any Olympic lifts, the closest I'll get are cleans or hang cleans. I usually high bar squat. I am used to having the center knurl when back squatting, but I do use it mostly as a reference point when doing things like upright rows or close grip benches. Neither the Rogue Ohio Bar or the Rogue Bar 2.0 have the center knurling so I don't if I'll miss that. I am used to a more passive knurl in general, I don't use chalk and use straps.

My GF uses an Ohio Bar (cerakote) and I've used that one as well as the black zinc finish on their curl bar which is equivalent knurl and can confirm that the knurl is definitely quite passive on that bar, comfortable enough of a knurl if you don't mind ribbed sleeves and the lack of center knurl.