Marrs Bar -- New Type (?) of Safety Squat Bar (SSB)

[RGrizzzz]

yea if I ever get around to getting an ssb it will be this one

That said, I am not getting one any time soon - getting it in and out of my rack with my tight space is just too much of a PITA.

Add an extra set of J hooks. Mount them as high as possibly in the rack. Lift SSB up there, when not in use???? I've thought about doing this in the future. I want to add a set of trolley arms to my RM4, and don't want to have to take the SSB out constantly. (It lives in the rack)

[Cleveland33]

Add an extra set of J hooks. Mount them as high as possibly in the rack. Lift SSB up there, when not in use???? I've thought about doing this in the future. I want to add a set of trolley arms to my RM4, and don't want to have to take the SSB out constantly. (It lives in the rack)

no room - no extra holes at the top and even if it did, the bar would disrupt my headroom.

[urbanlifter]

Hmmn, Marrs bar @ $599 or Titan Belt Squat for the same price...(yes, spamming for Titan) LOL

Everyone on purpetual spread BTW

[RGrizzzz]

no room - no extra holes at the top and even if it did, the bar would disrupt my headroom.

Put them in the "back" side of the rack, where you won't be working? I know the SSB handles will hang down some, but they're angled some on my Rogue SSB, so they can point out of the rack. They're still slightly in the way. I realize rack height and depth are a factor.

[IronAbrams]

So I had the opportunity to use this bar recently at Mount Vernon Barbell while traveling. Unfortunately I had to rush through my session and didn't have the opportunity to try it in the front squat position or for any single leg work, just a normal back squat setup. It feels exactly like a super low bar squat with no shoulder stress and was very leg focused. Comfortable with a high quality pad - not quite up to the EFS Yoke bar standard but heads and tails above the Transformer Bar.

Its a really interesting piece but like others have said $650 + shipping is a lot to ask from a specialty bar and it would pose some storage difficulties in a home gym environment.

To those asking if it is a safety squat bar replacement, I guess that would depend on what you're getting a SSB for. If you want a low shoulder stress lower body option then yes, but without trying it in a front squat setup I can't say if you could get the same kind of quad and upper back strain on it.

[Bench905]

Its a really interesting piece but like others have said $650 + shipping is a lot to ask from a specialty bar and it would pose some storage difficulties in a home gym environment.

Pretty much how I feel. I was hyped when i used it at the Arnold, then the pricing reality sets in and it's been 7 months and I still don't own one.

[tombro]

I paid exactly 299.99 shipped for my efs yoke bar and that’s exactly what it’s worth. That’s not a put down it’s a reality, all these bars are worth 300-400 tops if an actual piece of commercial equipment like say my promaxima leg curl where about 100 times the steel and effort went into it cost around 600 shipped.... it’s common sense

[sera310]

Add an extra set of J hooks. Mount them as high as possibly in the rack. Lift SSB up there, when not in use???? I've thought about doing this in the future. I want to add a set of trolley arms to my RM4, and don't want to have to take the SSB out constantly. (It lives in the rack)

I bought an extra couple sets of band pegs for this purpose, they work great & way cheaper

[glossyMac17]

"Morning Lifter" and Coop both recently posted lengthy reviews on their websites.

If it wasn't for the expensive international shipping, I would of been all over this. I recently sold my Rogue GHD and the recouped money is burning a hole in my pockets.

[TunaGill]

"Morning Lifter" and Coop both recently posted lengthy reviews on their websites.

My wife bought me one.

Have only used it for a few sets a few times, as I am just now starting to lift again after several months off.

In my very limited use, I really like it.

I can see it replacing my Duffalo bar for squats.

Only time will tell...

[GamecockLifter]

It’s become one of my favorite bars. I use mine very frequently.

[radrd]

Coincidentally, I was just checking on availability for this bar because it still holds my interest. 10-12 weeks and still expensive shipping, but I might buy one in 2021. The Kabuki Transformer Bar looks like its main competition but I can't see myself wanting to deal with all those adjustments. I'm not really looking for squat variety. Just give me a bar that feels good for back squats! if it works for front squats too, which appears to be the case, then great.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

Would it be fair to classify the Marrs Bar as an SSB? I might be in the market one day for an SSB and looking at this bar as well, it might boil down to either the Crepinsek, SS Yoke, or the Marrs Bar.

[GamecockLifter]

Would it be fair to classify the Marrs Bar as an SSB? I might be in the market one day for an SSB and looking at this bar as well, it might boil down to either the Crepinsek, SS Yoke, or the Marrs Bar.

It’s a different feeling bar to be sure. True to its claims of being a low bar alternative. Love it on front squats too. Balance is excellent.

If you’re in the market I would think of waiting to see the new Prime bar too. They’re finishing up their testing after making a couple of minor adjustments and it should be coming out in the next few weeks.

[Duplicitous]

I paid exactly 299.99 shipped for my efs yoke bar and that’s exactly what it’s worth. That’s not a put down it’s a reality, all these bars are worth 300-400 tops if an actual piece of commercial equipment like say my promaxima leg curl where about 100 times the steel and effort went into it cost around 600 shipped.... it’s common sense

ProMaxima is kind of the low end of the bar imho, but brand new they run over $2k shipped last I checked. That said, I do think it's insane that some of these bars are going for $500+, but it's a free market and we have the choice to buy or not buy.

[TunaGill]

Would it be fair to classify the Marrs Bar as an SSB? I might be in the market one day for an SSB and looking at this bar as well, it might boil down to either the Crepinsek, SS Yoke, or the Marrs Bar.

So far, I would say no.

I used to have a Crepinsek bar for years (which I loved, btw), but the feeling seems so different on the Marrs Bar.

Different tools for different purposes I think.

[MGM711]

Would it be fair to classify the Marrs Bar as an SSB? I might be in the market one day for an SSB and looking at this bar as well, it might boil down to either the Crepinsek, SS Yoke, or the Marrs Bar.

I guess it depends on what you'd classify makes something a SSB. To me, a SSB has a yolk and some type of camber, so by my definition, it's a SSB. But that's probably where the similarity ends between the Marrs and other more traditional SSBs. The feel is totally different, obviously, the bar doesn't want to chop your head off when going heavy like a traditional SSB mainly because the center gravity is placed much lower on the back. I own the Marrs Bar, Transformer Bar, SS Yoke, and Crep, I personally think each bar stands on it own in what they provide so ultimately it just depends which feature is most important for you when deciding on which SSB you are looking for and what you want it to provide you in training.

[MGM711]

It’s a different feeling bar to be sure. True to its claims of being a low bar alternative. Love it on front squats too. Balance is excellent.

If you’re in the market I would think of waiting to see the new Prime bar too. They’re finishing up their testing after making a couple of minor adjustments and it should be coming out in the next few weeks.

Was just talking about the Prime SSB the other day. While I agree it's certainly a bar that should be in this conversation, I just have a feeling that they will price themselves out of most peoples budgets. I can't tell you how many people say they'd love to have the Prime Trap Bar if it wasn't for the price, myself included. I've go to think the Prime SSB would be in the $1000 price range with tax and shipping, maybe more, and that's an awfully big pill to swallow. That said, I've recommended the Transformer Bar for those seeking variation, but that bar is now up over a grand as well with tax, shipping, and a ridiculous wait time, and the Marrs Bar isn't cheap although cheaper than the Transformer Bar and likely cheaper than the Prime SSB.

[radrd]

I guess it depends on what you'd classify makes something a SSB. To me, a SSB has a yolk and some type of camber, so by my definition, it's a SSB. But that's probably where the similarity ends between the Marrs and other more traditional SSBs. The feel is totally different, obviously, the bar doesn't want to chop your head off when going heavy like a traditional SSB mainly because the center gravity is placed much lower on the back. I own the Marrs Bar, Transformer Bar, SS Yoke, and Crep, I personally think each bar stands on it own in what they provide so ultimately it just depends which feature is most important for you when deciding on which SSB you are looking for and what you want it to provide you in training.

Do you like the Marrs Bar? I'm sure there are pluses and minuses that you'll share at some point, but is your initial impression positive overall? It appeals to me because I didn't care for the "chop your head off" feel of my Edge Fitness SSB, though overall the bar was fine and worth recommending as an SSB option.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

GamecockLifter, TunaGill and MGM,

From the above explanations, it's looking like Crepinsek will be getting a call from me once I'm ready to order one...I don't have all the space in the world for multiple SSBs of varying natures, but going upon the reputation and all around benefit of the Crep SSB it seems like the more wise choice in the realm of traditional style SSBs and if the Prime is indeed somewhere around $1000 out the door, then that eliminates that one from my potential choice.

[TunaGill]

GamecockLifter, TunaGill and MGM,

From the above explanations, it's looking like Crepinsek will be getting a call from me once I'm ready to order one...I don't have all the space in the world for multiple SSBs of varying natures, but going upon the reputation and all around benefit of the Crep SSB it seems like the more wise choice in the realm of traditional style SSBs and if the Prime is indeed somewhere around $1000 out the door, then that eliminates that one from my potential choice.

I have nothing bad to say about the Crepinsek bar, or Ralph Crepinsek.

In fact, I think I like Ralph more than the bar (and I like the bar a lot!).



That being said, I think the Marrs Bar may be my "go to squat bar" after all is said and done.

[MGM711]

Do you like the Marrs Bar? I'm sure there are pluses and minuses that you'll share at some point, but is your initial impression positive overall? It appeals to me because I didn't care for the "chop your head off" feel of my Edge Fitness SSB, though overall the bar was fine and worth recommending as an SSB option.

I do like the Marrs Bar quite a bit. It has a pretty unique feel even though I can dial up close to the same positioning feel minus the yolk comfort and security on the Transformer Bar. I do really like the feel of the yolk on the Marrs as well, ity works great for anything Hatfield style and it's probably my favorite bar for Good Mornings. If I was probably to only one one type of SSB, I probably would own the Marrs Bar even though my training carryover is probably better with either the SS Yolk or Crep bars. I do like the Transformer Bar as well, but I really only prefer that bar as a variation piece as I feel it's not as good as any of these other SSBs in terms of feel and carryover.

[MGM711]

GamecockLifter, TunaGill and MGM,

From the above explanations, it's looking like Crepinsek will be getting a call from me once I'm ready to order one...I don't have all the space in the world for multiple SSBs of varying natures, but going upon the reputation and all around benefit of the Crep SSB it seems like the more wise choice in the realm of traditional style SSBs and if the Prime is indeed somewhere around $1000 out the door, then that eliminates that one from my potential choice.

The Crep is a great choice, it balances the best of all the traditional SSBs on the market. It's the best in terms of anything Hatfield style, very balanced, never fear of that bar moving off my upper back. The downside though is that the yolk is inferior in terms of comfort compared to both Marrs and SS Yolk. In my reviews of the various SSBs, I have a theory that part of what makes the Crep a great balancing bar is the not so comfortable yolk padding which allows the yolk to dig into your upper back more so to speak. As far as training effect goes, the Crep likely yields the best results, it just comes at a comfort cost. At this stage in my training, I prefer the better quality yolks now over greater training effect which is why I personally prefer the SS Yolk to the Crep these days.

[C123C]

All this talk about squatting. Been too busy to lift yet today and about to go get under the bar. Haven't broken out the SSB as I've been focused on back squat and belt squat (plus rehabbing a quad pull). Okay...the Crep bar is heavy and after back squatting I'm kind of lazy. All this SSB talk may see me break it out today for some higher rep work though.

For what it's worth, on my build the SSB hits my legs in a far more balanced manner to get even quad, ham, and glute recruitment. Don't feel it much in the back and will leave my core weak if I use it exclusively and neglect the back squat. I'm taller with longer limbs. One of my old training partners was a younger guy and former D1 rower that was in grad school - about 6'8" or a tad more. Beast on the Concept2. SSB hits him the same as me which is not the same as some others.

[MGM711]

I have nothing bad to say about the Crepinsek bar, or Ralph Crepinsek.

In fact, I think I like Ralph more than the bar (and I like the bar a lot!).



That being said, I think the Marrs Bar may be my "go to squat bar" after all is said and done.

I'm beginning to lean this direction as well, I really like the Marrs Bar, that said, I'm not really sold it's worth the price with shipping all said and done, and I'm saying this as someone who got a price on the bar far below anyone else is paying for the bar currently. There's really nothing special about the bar and it's essentially in the same build quality as the SS Yolk, so it really shouldn't cost any more than that bar even though I realize that part of the high price is because it needs to be shipped on a pallet. Personally, Marrs should look to having bolt-on sleeves to lower the shipping costs, I bet they would sell a lot more units.

[C123C]

At this stage in my training, I prefer the better quality yolks now over greater training effect which is why I personally prefer the SS Yolk to the Crep these days.

Left yourself wide open for a range of comments here. I can relate though as I'm sure many here can given it's not a young crew. Frankly, I'm a little concerned about how my body is going to feel with another 20 years on it.

[MGM711]

Left yourself wide open for a range of comments here. I can relate though as I'm sure many here can given it's not a young crew. Frankly, I'm a little concerned about how my body is going to feel with another 20 years on it.

I've been in training limbo the last few years, do I push and try and compete again, or do I scale back and try and keep training for the next 20 plus years. I've arrived at the latter, the body just doesn't recover like it once did and I just can't train balls out for a total anymore. Now I need to find tools that will allow me to train better for longer.

[radrd]

I've been in training limbo the last few years, do I push and try and compete again, or do I scale back and try and keep training for the next 20 plus years. I've arrived at the latter, the body just doesn't recover like it once did and I just can't train balls out for a total anymore. Now I need to find tools that will allow me to train better for longer.

I got a very late start in life on heavy lifting and I'm quickly realizing that a lot of programs are written for guys in their 20s. In addition to tweaking routines, this equipment hobby has helped me find ways I can modify and keep doing what I enjoy.

[GamecockLifter]

Was just talking about the Prime SSB the other day. While I agree it's certainly a bar that should be in this conversation, I just have a feeling that they will price themselves out of most peoples budgets. I can't tell you how many people say they'd love to have the Prime Trap Bar if it wasn't for the price, myself included. I've go to think the Prime SSB would be in the $1000 price range with tax and shipping, maybe more, and that's an awfully big pill to swallow. That said, I've recommended the Transformer Bar for those seeking variation, but that bar is now up over a grand as well with tax, shipping, and a ridiculous wait time, and the Marrs Bar isn't cheap although cheaper than the Transformer Bar and likely cheaper than the Prime SSB.

Can’t disagree. It will surely be the most expensive option. I’m very curious about the back plate. I would love their trap bar too.

[C123C]

I've been in training limbo the last few years, do I push and try and compete again, or do I scale back and try and keep training for the next 20 plus years. I've arrived at the latter, the body just doesn't recover like it once did and I just can't train balls out for a total anymore. Now I need to find tools that will allow me to train better for longer.

If you love to train, it's the second option for sure. I have other hobbies and interests (which I rarely if ever get to do these days - though some will come back in time) but lifting has always been foundational for me. It underlies everything else and almost drives it. It's always been a great constant - iron is always there, 45lbs is always 45lbs, I don't need a team or schedule, I can adjust days as needed around family/work, with a well equipped home gym I rely on nothing and no one else. Lifting has gotten me through some rough patches for sure. Some times I couldn't lift for long periods but I was always coming back to it.

Everyone hits that point where mind is willing but body isn't but I do dread the idea of not being able to lift at all should that ever happen.