HELP: Buying SSB... please advise

[vhd16]

A used Crep bar is like finding a unicorn...I've probably seen less than 5 being sold on CL since I've set up my garage and searching for gear, and 2 or 3 of those were bars being sold by Ralph himself! I see Rogue and EFS SSBs being sold all the time on CL for way too much money, even more than Ralph's 850lb bar.

This one has been there for months. Seller would not budge but it too long a drive for me. Guessing it is not one of the lurkers or members here.

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/...572847428.html

[MGM711]

This one has been there for months. Seller would not budge but it too long a drive for me. Guessing it is not one of the lurkers or members here.

https://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/...572847428.html

That's a pretty good price, but driving distance always plays a part for sure. I've come across some really good deals that were too far away. Seems like out in Northern California, EFS and Rogue SSBs sell used in the $300ish range, so $240 for a Crep sounds like a really nice price!

[sera310]

We need a 'So you want to buy a Safety Squat Bar' buyers guide, because there are numerous factors to the decision and some may not be obvious at first glance. I think the Edge and Crep bar are similar in that they reduce forward lean ('well balanced'), while the EliteFTS has a tendency to pull you forward more. The padding type is different on all three, the handles lengths are different, and weight capacity is different which makes it difficult to recommend them unless you know more about the lifter. Also, I think there are a good portion of people who buy these bars to address shoulder issues (or just to make squats easier) and are not necessarily looking for a bar that's going to pull you forward (I was in this camp).

Few Questions to Consider

1) Are you mainly buying a SSB to increase upper back strength or to alleviate shoulder issues when squatting?
- Upper Back Strength: EliteFTS (more forward pull)
- Shoulder Health: Edge (less forward pull, handles are a must)
- Best Overall Balance: Crep (less forward pull, hands free is still an option)

2) How much do you plan on squatting?
- Less than 600lbs: Edge
- More than 600lbs: EliteFTS or Crep

3) How wide are your shoulders (narrow, average, silverback gorilla)?
- Narrow/Average: Edge, Rick has the ability to do custom width
- Large / Silverback: EliteFTS or Crep

4) Handle length preference (short, medium, long)
- Short/Medium: EliteFTS or Crep
- Long: Edge (although, these could be cut down)

5) What is your price range? (Sales prices below)
- Edge $250 shipped
- EliteFTS $350 shipped
- Crep $300-375+ shipped (1500 vs 850 model)

Great post--would make a nice basis for a sticky. 1 error to note, perhaps caused by my post: the Edge was $250 + $65 shipping to my house in the area of Memphis, TN, USA.

[urbanlifter]

Great post--would make a nice basis for a sticky. 1 error to note, perhaps caused by my post: the Edge was $250 + $65 shipping to my house in the area of Memphis, TN, USA.

Thanks for the input, glad you liked the post! To clarify, the $250 shipped is the 'Sale' price we typically see during Black Friday. Edge normally does free shipping on their specialty bars around that time, and same goes for the EliteFTS SSB. Since we are equipment sluts round here we normally quote the lowest price we have seen in recent history

[bobcat255]

Isn't that the typical reason powerlifters buy these? Forward lean to increase upper back strength, which in turn increases barbell squat strength. Of course the forward lean also pushes the focus to the quads more like a front squat, but the main reason starts with the upper back right?

If you want to lean further forward do a low-back squat. If you want to build your back, you can do conventional deadlifts, RDL's, good mornings, rows or a million other exercises. Depends on what your goals are. When I do squats I have a bit of leeway in how much I want my knees to travel forward, thus effecting the back angle.

Yea but I think most people with home gyms buying them lately are doing so because they want one - I would bet the underlying cause for a lot would be that they make squatting "easier" in that the bar is balanced on the back and you can hang on to something and drive.

I agree with you. I think outside of a small niche, people get them to save their shoulders. Some people don't have the mobility or don't want to develop it. If squat is not a contested lift for the person, then doing it -- if it's uncomfortable -- doesn't make sense.

Bobcat255,

What's the final decision or still exploring options? Just curious .. There are primarily 2 main camps when it comes to SSB.

MGM711, Mech 6 , C123C and others vouch for Crep. Chadsalt, Bench , murphydeeds and others with Elite FTS yoke V2. There are others like UL (Edge fitness)and ls1 ( Strenghtshop) vouch for different brands. BWTG one also gets mentioned..

If you decide to talk to Ralph make sure you set aside some time as he can talk at length lol.. Nice guy and very old school....

I've modified my grip last time I squatted and that seemed to help some. So we'll see how things feel longer term. I've been fine without an SSB up until now, but you know how it goes with injuries. Once they happen... if you don't lay off they don't heal. So I'll be looking to get something.

My front runners right now are:
- EliteFTS SS Yoke
- Kabuki Transformer Bar

Kabuki because of the adjustability. Being able to completely customize where the balance of the weight goes seems pretty novel. However, it's the most expensive option, Kabuki doesn't have the greatest reputation and although novel, I'm not sure how useful the adjustments really are. I think the handles are too long and their angle would interfere with my squat. However, it's 45lbs, uses 50mm sleeves and has adjustments. Pretty tempting. No way I'm spending $700 shipped on it though. I would, if it were PERFECT, but from seeing pics/video's I already know it won't be.

So EliteFTS may be the default choice. I like its construction/design. Like the shorty handles with nice grips. It's a solid bar, so when I load it up I don't have to worry about anything shifting/moving/not holding/etc. Only two negatives are ~60-65lb bar, but that's easy enough to adjust for and schedule 40 pipe for sleeves vs machined collars. I guess I can use my competition collars on it though.

I've been really happy with the customer support I've gotten from EliteFTS as well.

[MGM711]

I've modified my grip last time I squatted and that seemed to help some. So we'll see how things feel longer term. I've been fine without an SSB up until now, but you know how it goes with injuries. Once they happen... if you don't lay off they don't heal. So I'll be looking to get something.

My front runners right now are:
- EliteFTS SS Yoke
- Kabuki Transformer Bar

Kabuki because of the adjustability. Being able to completely customize where the balance of the weight goes seems pretty novel. However, it's the most expensive option, Kabuki doesn't have the greatest reputation and although novel, I'm not sure how useful the adjustments really are. I think the handles are too long and their angle would interfere with my squat. However, it's 45lbs, uses 50mm sleeves and has adjustments. Pretty tempting. No way I'm spending $700 shipped on it though. I would, if it were PERFECT, but from seeing pics/video's I already know it won't be.

So EliteFTS may be the default choice. I like its construction/design. Like the shorty handles with nice grips. It's a solid bar, so when I load it up I don't have to worry about anything shifting/moving/not holding/etc. Only two negatives are ~60-65lb bar, but that's easy enough to adjust for and schedule 40 pipe for sleeves vs machined collars. I guess I can use my competition collars on it though.

I've been really happy with the customer support I've gotten from EliteFTS as well.

I get the whole reason of looking for a bar to alleviate shoulder discomfort as I have dealt with bad shoulders for some time now as well, but out of curiosity, why not look at another option such as the Duffalo bar with handle attachments. It sounds like you're trying to mimic a back squat, and to me, the Duffalo does that way better than a SSB. Never have I ever thought the SSB has felt anything like a back squat. The Duff with handle attachments is really nice for bad shoulders, and that feels way more than a back squat than the SSB would any day.

[bobcat255]

I get the whole reason of looking for a bar to alleviate shoulder discomfort as I have dealt with bad shoulders for some time now as well, but out of curiosity, why not look at another option such as the Duffalo bar with handle attachments. It sounds like you're trying to mimic a back squat, and to me, the Duffalo does that way better than a SSB. Never have I ever thought the SSB has felt anything like a back squat. The Duff with handle attachments is really nice for bad shoulders, and that feels way more than a back squat than the SSB would any day.

Can you link me to the handle attachments? Never heard of this option.

[MGM711]

Can you link me to the handle attachments? Never heard of this option.

They https://store.kabukistrength.net/pro...bar-attachment

[bobcat255]

They https://store.kabukistrength.net/pro...bar-attachment

Oh ok, I know of those, but they don't relieve anything off the shoulders. They just allow you to use bands/whatever. I thought there was an attachment to hold a bar in a different way.

[MGM711]

Oh ok, I know of those, but they don't relieve anything off the shoulders. They just allow you to use bands/whatever. I thought there was an attachment to hold a bar in a different way.

I guess shoulder relief is relative to the specific injury, but if grabbing a straight bar is tough because of impingement, the Duff bar makes it easier to grab, and, it's even easier to grab if you use these as well. I know they aren't officially designed to be used as a handle, but they actually are better as handles than band or chain attachments. For some reason, my friends set looks longer than the one that is in the pic link, so maybe the shorter length may not work, but I still think That's a better option than SSB.

[bobcat255]

I guess shoulder relief is relative to the specific injury, but if grabbing a straight bar is tough because of impingement, the Duff bar makes it easier to grab, and, it's even easier to grab if you use these as well. I know they aren't officially designed to be used as a handle, but they actually are better as handles than band or chain attachments. For some reason, my friends set looks longer than the one that is in the pic link, so maybe the shorter length may not work, but I still think That's a better option than SSB.

Yeah, I hear ya... I know some people can squat fine with a very wide grip. Mark Bell squats that way all the time, but I'm not thick like most of those guys. The bar will just roll off my back if my arms aren't locked in. Oh well, thanks anyway.

[Jason2459]

Wider grips irritate my shoulders more. As do narrower grips. I have a narrow margin of semi relief around thumb to pointer on rings. Thumbs over and pinkies under. Capsaicin and tiger balm ultra is my frenemy.

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...post1206222551

[zoom008]

Unwrapped my crep ssb today.

1. Ralph must have taken wrapping lessons from mech because it was a pain in the ass to get all that tape and cardboard off

2. When I emailed him about purchasing the bar I planned on paying through paypal. There was a minor problem and I ended up paying with a bank draft. He apologized about the problem with paypal when it happened. When I opened my bar there was a letter once again apologizing about the paypal problem and he also included a bunch of small packs of candy. It's always nice to know that the person you're buying a product from isn't only after your money and still values their customer after the sale is made.

3. I've read people talk about the quality of the padding on the bar not being all that great. I've never seen the padding on any of the other bars so I can't really compare them but the quality of the padding on the bars seems great.

[Jason2459]

Moving the 1500 is a PITA and I think about the 850 every time as I assume it's substantially lighter. I have no idea what people are talking about when they say "comfort". Never once thought the Crep wasn't comfortable. Padding feels good to me...and I've invested a decent amount in a high quality mattress and 2 separate sets of pillows so while no princess I'm not a masochist either.

Just saw this. Yeah 80-85lbs awkward bar is awkward. At least that's how much the yoke v1 weighs. When I go through cycles using mine I just keep it in the rack up and out of the way.

20180711_225935 by Jason, on Flickr

[GamecockLifter]

Unwrapped my crep ssb today.

1. Ralph must have taken wrapping lessons from mech because it was a pain in the ass to get all that tape and cardboard off

2. When I emailed him about purchasing the bar I planned on paying through paypal. There was a minor problem and I ended up paying with a bank draft. He apologized about the problem with paypal when it happened. When I opened my bar there was a letter once again apologizing about the paypal problem and he also included a bunch of small packs of candy. It's always nice to know that the person you're buying a product from isn't only after your money and still values their customer after the sale is made.

3. I've read people talk about the quality of the padding on the bar not being all that great. I've never seen the padding on any of the other bars so I can't really compare them but the quality of the padding on the bars seems great.

Admittedly I haven't seen a newer Crep, so I'm sure the quality has improved. In the past, in my experience, the vinyl quality was lacking (over time at least). I'm happy to hear that it's improving! It's such an awesome piece. Congrats on the purchase.

[sera310]

Thanks for the input, glad you liked the post! To clarify, the $250 shipped is the 'Sale' price we typically see during Black Friday. Edge normally does free shipping on their specialty bars around that time, and same goes for the EliteFTS SSB. Since we are equipment sluts round here we normally quote the lowest price we have seen in recent history

That makes sense--thanks for the explanation!

[Jason2459]

Here's a new prototype ssb like bar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkyPHzVhrAB/

[MGM711]

Here's a new prototype ssb like bar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkyPHzVhrAB/

The few times I've seen it, that Marr's Bar looks interesting. The camber appears much lower than SSB, almost appears to be mid back, but very interesting. I would very much like to try that bar at some point...I'd be curious how it compares to both SSB and Spider bars.

[CharlottePT]

I have the black widow training gear SSB, I do like it. I feel the padding isn't very even. I've had the bar for a few years, it's held up nice but I do plan on getting the elitefts yoke when they put it back on sale closer to $300 with free shipping.

My priority is saving my shoulders more so then performance. Performing good mornings more so than the squats is annoying with the uneven padding....doesn't really bother as much with squats. Appears the padding is thicker and more substantial with the elite bar.

I've ordered from elitefts, never had problems. The crep guys site looks kind've 1995, not necessarily a deal breaker but being from NC and having a lot of gear from the now defunct mdusa, I'm getting most my stuff from rogue and elitefts these days as they at least appear very healthy.

[Jason2459]

The few times I've seen it, that Marr's Bar looks interesting. The camber appears much lower than SSB, almost appears to be mid back, but very interesting. I would very much like to try that bar at some point...I'd be curious how it compares to both SSB and Spider bars.

I'm not to far from that place and have considered making the trip over to try it out.

[Jason2459]

Oh ok, I know of those, but they don't relieve anything off the shoulders. They just allow you to use bands/whatever. I thought there was an attachment to hold a bar in a different way.

Can add these to about anything

https://www.elitefts.com/obb-power-handles.html

[redviking]

Bumping this thread...

I just bought an used EliteFTS yoke bar version 1. Is it exactly the same as an edge fitness? I know the design was made by the same guy... but is the angle the same? Built quality?

I haven't trained with it yet, but this bar feel solid and well made.... versus the crappy chinese one without padding I first bought!

[MGM711]

Bumping this thread...

I just bought an used EliteFTS yoke bar version 1. Is it exactly the same as an edge fitness? I know the design was made by the same guy... but is the angle the same? Built quality?

I haven't trained with it yet, but this bar feel solid and well made.... versus the crappy chinese one without padding I first bought!

Can't tell you for sure if the EFS Yolk V1 is made by Edge, but I had heard that same thing as well. The current Edge version of SSB is not the same as EFS Yolk V1, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he didn't have anything to do with it or the design.

[vhd16]

Alight , Yoke v2 is out and in Crep SSB. I tried sqautting with empty bar and this definitely feels different than Yoke v2. The padding is much more suitable for my shoulders . Padding on Yoke v2 was execessive of me. Ralph like ppl said here is a nice person to talk to. Gave me very honest and straight forward answers to all the questions. This is his regular bar even though I will never squat that weight. I got this so math is little bit easier.

Loading 2 35's will bring it to 135 and we can go from there . I have enough 5', 10's and 25's that can go up to 315 lbs and may be more. Yes, sometimes I am lazy 😀 for person who likes to lift. And for some reason this one feel lighter than Yoke v2 while carrying in and out of the rack . May be it was expectation that it is going to be heavy. Thanks to Jason's idea, I got extra pair of pins and plan on storing this permanently inside the rack. This method worked with Yoke v2 so sure it will work with this SSB. Got the 1" diameter hitch pins from TSC.


Packaging was excellent. multiple of layers of cardboard and then tape . Man, he taped it good or what. You can see pile of card board pieces in the pics below.

Yoke V2 on my old rack.





Crep SSB.





The candy and end caps





The bar and pile of cardboard and those 35's on the bar were left there after BB rows. Few Benefits having multiple bars.lol..






The stub handles and extra upholstery

[krlafont]

Alight , Yoke v2 is out and in Crep SSB. I tried sqautting with empty bar and this definitely feels different than Yoke v2. The padding is much more suitable for my shoulders . Padding on Yoke v2 was execessive of me. Ralph like ppl said here is a nice person to talk to. Gave me very honest and straight forward answers to all the questions. This is his regular bar even though I will never squat that weight. I got this so math is little bit easier.

Loading 2 35's will bring it to 135 and we can go from there . I have enough 5', 10's and 25's that can go up to 315 lbs and may be more. Yes, sometimes I am lazy 😀 for person who likes to lift. And for some reason this one feel lighter than Yoke v2 while carrying in and out of the rack . May be it was expectation that it is going to be heavy. Thanks to Jason's idea, I got extra pair of pins and plan on storing this permanently inside the rack. This method worked with Yoke v2 so sure it will work with this SSB. Got the 1" diameter hitch pins from TSC.


Packaging was excellent. multiple of layers of cardboard and then tape . Man, he taped it good or what. You can see pile of card board pieces in the pics below.

Yoke V2 on my old rack.

Bar looks awesome.. Interested to see your thoughts between the two after some time in use

[Luke19341]

Looks like a great bar. I ordered the 850 from Ralph a couple of weeks ago. Great guy to talk with. Looking forward to hearing what you think about yours. I also have the Edge SSB.

[bobcat255]

Here's a new prototype ssb like bar.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BkyPHzVhrAB/

Interesting! People keep innovating.

Alight , Yoke v2 is out and in Crep SSB. I tried sqautting with empty bar and this definitely feels different than Yoke v2. The padding is much more suitable for my shoulders . Padding on Yoke v2 was execessive of me.

Also interesting! You've had the bar for a couple of weeks now, hope you got to use it once or twice? Additional thoughts?

---------------------------------------

As for me, I've been away on a bunch of vacations, family things, etc. I figured out changes needed in my grip to stop the pain. So far so good. Doesn't mean I won't get an SSB, just less necessary. Will add it to the list for BF! Have another bar coming soon, want to play with that before getting even more bars

[Bench905]

How did you get sour patch kids?

[BaggedMerc]

Wealth of SSB knowledge in here, thanks folks.

I’m calling Ralph after my vacation. $300ish shipped for a top bar is great. Getting it north of the boarder may be a small headache, but well worth it.

[alexthaman]

Wealth of SSB knowledge in here, thanks folks.

I’m calling Ralph after my vacation. $300ish shipped for a top bar is great. Getting it north of the boarder may be a small headache, but well worth it.

How do you plan of getting it to Canada? Direct shipping to Canada can be expensive these days...