Rep Fitness Thread

[GamecockLifter]

Haven't seen a proper Rep Fitness thread, so figured we could make one.

I received the PowerSpeed bar in Manganese Phosphate earlier today as well as the 275lb set of equalizers. Impressed with both. The new power bar is DEFINITELY more aggressive than the first iteration.

I really like the way it feels, and I like the shorter knurl for the J-cups.

Pics below.





Knurl compared to stainless power bar









Excited to put the bar to good use. ZERO sleeve slop, so it's nice to see they fixed that issue.

[urbanlifter]

Great idea, it's about time REP got their own thread! Quality barbells, benches, Olympic weights, and I just recommended someone check out their power racks the other day. If the current PowerSpeed bar's knurling is an indicator of what the stainless bar will look like, it's going to put Rogue's SS OPB on notice. Those smooth REP sleeves are really nice, surpassed only by the likes of American Barbell IMO.

Here is my contribution for today, this makes 910lbs of Equalizers for me!

[GamecockLifter]

Great idea, it's about time REP got their own thread! Quality barbells, benches, Olympic weights, and I just recommended someone check out their power racks the other day. If the current PowerSpeed bar's knurling is an indicator of what the stainless bar will look like, it's going to put Rogue's SS OPB on notice. Those smooth REP sleeves are really nice, surpassed only by the likes of American Barbell IMO.

Here is my contribution for today, this makes 910lbs of Equalizers for me!

Man, your plate haul is impressive. The sleeves on the powerspeed bar are nice, but obviously not stainless (yet). I agree with you. Their stainless version of this bar is going to be a REAL winner. As it currently is, I still think it’s a winner. Great feeling bar

[cwcmac]

I have their low flat bench with fat pad and love it. Built great. I know I’ve ordered other things from them but can’t place what off hand.

Really happy with them.

[urbanlifter]

Here are a few more REP pictures, part of me really misses REP's V1 stainless. The bar was beautiful, specifically the sleeves which remain some of the nicest I have seen to date. Smooth ribbing, the groove on the inside looked classy, and the band added something different to the design. I'm sure it was more expensive to machine the sleeves this way, but the current stainless bar looked less appealing without these small features. #SleeveDesignMatters

[dukenukem7777]

Some QC work getting done:

[GamecockLifter]

Some QC work getting done:

Awesome. Really looking forward to the zero gap

[radrd]

Needed to upgrade my bench press setup and got the FB-5000 flat bench and Stainless V2 bar. Not sure it gets much better than that. I can always upgrade to the fat pad later, but I'm not very big and right now regular pad on the FB-5000 is perfect - grippy and firm, but still comfortable. I don't think the knurl on the Stainless V2 could possibly be any better for pressing. Lets you get a good feel and set your grip, but not sharp enough to leave you in pain after a set. Plus the bar is beautiful and I really like the smooth sleeves. The V2 doesn't have the band and I think I prefer it that way, but I can't deny that the V1 had a cool unique look. There is a little end play, but I expected it and haven't found it to be a problem so far.

[GamecockLifter]

Needed to upgrade my bench press setup and got the FB-5000 flat bench and Stainless V2 bar. Not sure it gets much better than that. I can always upgrade to the fat pad later, but I'm not very big and right now regular pad on the FB-5000 is perfect - grippy and firm, but still comfortable. I don't think the knurl on the Stainless V2 could possibly be any better for pressing. Lets you get a good feel and set your grip, but not sharp enough to leave you in pain after a set. Plus the bar is beautiful and I really like the smooth sleeves. The V2 doesn't have the band and I think I prefer it that way, but I can't deny that the V1 had a cool unique look. There is a little end play, but I expected it and haven't found it to be a problem so far.

Agree on everything. The sleeves are sooooo nice. The sleeves on the powerspeed bar are hard chrome. They’re nice, but they can’t compete with those stainless sleeves.

[vhd16]

Yep Rep "defect" bar was fantastic deal for the money. I did not prefer the band on the collar though plus I prefer thicker inner collars.

This bar was the reason for me to go with either with full SS or bare steel bars and decided to take jump to Ivanko OBXS-20kg

Sleeves did spin for ages on this one which was cool.

[urbanlifter]

Sleeves did spin for ages on this one which was cool.

The spin was pretty incredible! In retrospect I think it actually did impact my flat bench (wrist stability), the moment I switched back to a bushing barbell my bench numbers went up slightly. Just placed my order for another pair of REP Equalizers 25's, sold off the rest of my 'Skinny Script' plates today so now I'm up to a total of 960lbs of matching REP Equalizers. Overall I'm really pleased with the value and design, the quality control on the paint job still needs some attention though. On one of the 45's I'm pretty sure they missed applying the finishing coat to the entire side of the plate. These are going on the belt squat though so it's no biggie, and I typically murder out the lettering anyway so I might hit it with some glossy black if the dull look bothers me.

[Bignick31985]

It's gonna take more willpower than I think I possess to NOT buy the ZeroGap bench when it drops. I've tried to talk my way out of it and only come with positive reasons to get it, lol.

I've currently got their Blem SS Power Bar and it's damn nice. Wish they'd make a 'deadlift' bar just to compete with some other guys. Also have been using the 'blem' AB-3000 and it's been nothing but great.

[swimmer32]

We probably should have started a Rep Fitness thread earlier!

I have the 5-50 set of urethane DB's, along with a 70 pound pair. I also have the first version of the Excalibur bar. Good bar but I need a larger diameter bar to go along with it.

The new benches coming out look great - can't wait to see some reviews on them!

[dparty82]

GamecockLifter.....

How are the sleeves secured to the shaft on the new REP Powerspeed bar? Don't see a snap ring, hex bolt, or pin.

[inigo559]

Great idea, it's about time REP got their own thread! Quality barbells, benches, Olympic weights, and I just recommended someone check out their power racks the other day. If the current PowerSpeed bar's knurling is an indicator of what the stainless bar will look like, it's going to put Rogue's SS OPB on notice. Those smooth REP sleeves are really nice, surpassed only by the likes of American Barbell IMO.

Here is my contribution for today, this makes 910lbs of Equalizers for me!

Can you please comment on whether the equalizers are 450mm high (45s)? Looking to replace my Ivanko OBs. I have 8 45s and they're all slightly different in height.

If you can also comment on the fit on the barbell, that would be much appreciated.

[MGM711]

The spin was pretty incredible! In retrospect I think it actually did impact my flat bench (wrist stability), the moment I switched back to a bushing barbell my bench numbers went up slightly.

Still have my Defect Bar, and while it's really hard for me to complain too much about the bar because of how nice it is and how insanely low the price was, the bearing choice makes it tough to want to press with, at least with anything approaching heavy or fast as it pertains to me and bench pressing.

[Asjogren]

I have the hard chrome gladiator bearing bar (before they came out with a SS version)and I really like it. I only had a 32mm power bar so needed something for deadlifts /pulls/curls etc.. Spin is nuts on this thing.

I also purchased Reps 8 bar gun rack as well a belt and I have no complaints with their stuff so far.

[bobcat255]

Here's a little more REP Powerspeed Bar porn...

I received it today, so I just finished using it for squat and bench. Flying out to Vegas tomorrow, but I'll do a review after I get back and get to use it a few times...









Most important part of the bar....

[irongrandpa]

Here's a little more REP Powerspeed Bar porn...

I received it today, so I just finished using it for squat and bench. Flying out to Vegas tomorrow, but I'll do a review after I get back and get to use it a few times...









Most important part of the bar....

On spread.

[cwcmac]

Anyone have experience with this bar from Rep?
I was going to get the Rogue Junior bar since it is 25MM however this one is 15lbs vs. 10KG and I'd prefer to start light while working with them on form. 28MM should work for them. Probably better to get their grip strength good sooner rather than later so it might be a little like using a 'not so fat' bar to their hands.

https://www.repfitness.com/15lb-technique-barbell

[urbanlifter]

Anyone have experience with this bar from Rep?
I was going to get the Rogue Junior bar since it is 25MM however this one is 15lbs vs. 10KG and I'd prefer to start light while working with them on form. 28MM should work for them. Probably better to get their grip strength good sooner rather than later so it might be a little like using a 'not so fat' bar to their hands.

https://www.repfitness.com/15lb-technique-barbell

Yes sir, I bought that bar for my kids and HIGHLY recommend it (got a 5lb technique plate too). Knurling is excellent, very grippy and reminiscent of what you would find on American Barbell (kid hand friendly). The sleeves are heavily grooved and the color combo through me off at first, but the specs/price were right on the money. The other one I considered heavily was the Vulcan but I think it's been perpetually out of stock.

Check that knurling....



Wonder how many I could fool into thinking this was my Mammoth bar LOL



Not my absolute favorite sleeves, but they work for the kids.

[cwcmac]

Yes sir, I bought that bar for my kids and HIGHLY recommend it (got a 5lb technique plate too). Knurling is excellent, very grippy and reminiscent of what you would find on American Barbell (kid hand friendly). The sleeves are heavily grooved and the color combo through me off at first, but the specs/price were right on the money. The other one I considered heavily was the Vulcan but I think it's been perpetually out of stock.

Thanks. I was planning on the 5 lb hard bumpers from Rep as well. Seems a pretty good deal for the price of both.

[GamecockLifter]

GamecockLifter.....

How are the sleeves secured to the shaft on the new REP Powerspeed bar? Don't see a snap ring, hex bolt, or pin.

Sorry for the delay, dude. It’s affixed with a snap ring behind the end cap.

[dailob]

Coop reviewed the power speed bar here:

http://www.garagegymreviews.com/rep-...-depth-review/

[MGM711]

Coop reviewed the power speed bar here:

http://www.garagegymreviews.com/rep-...-depth-review/

I'm thinking Coop is a moron more and more every review...

In his critique of the bar, he says by leaving the ends unknurled, REP is "preventing it from being effectively used by a large population of powerlifters. Many powerlifters lack the mobility to grip the bar where the knurling is currently available on the PowerSpeed Bar, and because of that, they would have to squat with their hands on the part of the bar that is slick." So, pretty sure he's saying here that he doesn't think this bar is the best choice for squatting, unless I'm missing something. But the he says this, "But, all of this said, the PowerSpeed Bar is essentially a squat bar. Although Rep Fitness doesn't say this in their marketing or site, that's what it is."

Sorry Coop, let me help you out here buddy, the bar is basically a bench bar. Why you ask, because the knurl ends effectively where one's max cometition grip width would be, that and it being 29mm. A squat bar this is not, not even close.

I actually like the concept of this bar and I think it makes sense, especially in a large, high use facility. It's probably a really nice multi-purpose training bar that will stay straight and do what it is supposed to do in a large, high use facility much like the classic Iron Grip Power Bar which this bar has a close similarity. But this isn't a squat bar...

[GamecockLifter]

I personally disagree with a lot in that review.

[RGrizzzz]

Anyone think we'll see the AB-5000 or AB-5100 by Black Friday? Trying to plan my purchases now. Don't want to wait indefinitely for an FID bench.

[jamesovercome]

Any idea when the functional trainer will be back in stock? I'm eyeing one for the near future...

[cwcmac]

I'm thinking Coop is a moron more and more every review...

In his critique of the bar, he says by leaving the ends unknurled, REP is "preventing it from being effectively used by a large population of powerlifters. Many powerlifters lack the mobility to grip the bar where the knurling is currently available on the PowerSpeed Bar, and because of that, they would have to squat with their hands on the part of the bar that is slick." So, pretty sure he's saying here that he doesn't think this bar is the best choice for squatting, unless I'm missing something. But the he says this, "But, all of this said, the PowerSpeed Bar is essentially a squat bar. Although Rep Fitness doesn't say this in their marketing or site, that's what it is."

Sorry Coop, let me help you out here buddy, the bar is basically a bench bar. Why you ask, because the knurl ends effectively where one's max cometition grip width would be, that and it being 29mm. A squat bar this is not, not even close.

I actually like the concept of this bar and I think it makes sense, especially in a large, high use facility. It's probably a really nice multi-purpose training bar that will stay straight and do what it is supposed to do in a large, high use facility much like the classic Iron Grip Power Bar which this bar has a close similarity. But this isn't a squat bar...

A couple other things: Dinging smooth sleeves is still to me. I can't speak for others but I hate sleeves that are ribbed. It takes all of 2 seconds to put on collars so the 'ribbing keeps the plates from sliding off' is just inane to me.

'Although most people could get away with a much lower tensile strength, it's nice having the piece of mind that a 215K PSI rated bar provides.' GTFO with the 'I need piece of mind that 215K supplies. This is just non-sense

[bennder]

can you get the nicer rectangular 5100 pads on the lighter 3100 bench?