The Hyperwear Battle Rope, branded as the Hyper Rope® from Hyperwear, is a standout in the fitness market, addressing common limitations of traditional battle ropes. With its compact, innovative design, it provides the same benefits as longer, anchored ropes while eliminating the need for extensive space or fixed anchor points.

The Running Event

At The Running Event in Austin, Texas, I had the opportunity to visit the Hyperwear booth, where their innovative fitness products immediately caught my attention. Among them, the Hyper Rope stood out as a truly unique take on battle ropes, designed for compact spaces and versatile workouts. I had seen the Hyperwear rope online but never in person, so I was super pumped to see it at the Hyperwear booth.

I couldn’t resist giving it a try right there on the floor, and I was blown away by how challenging yet smooth and functional it felt. Intrigued, I reached out to the team at Hyperwear and asked them to send one out for a detailed review—and I’m so glad they did.

Observation

I’ve had the chance to incorporate the Hyper Rope into a few workouts now, and it’s been an absolute game-changer. My current routine consists of 3 to 4 sets lasting 20 to 30 seconds each. That’s more than enough to feel the burn in my shoulders and get my heart racing.

Here’s a breakdown of my workout routine to give you an idea of what I typically do 3 times a week

1. Warm-Up: Start with 20 minutes on the spin bike to get the blood flowing.
2. Main Workout: Complete 3 sets of the following exercises:
   
   
   • Concept 2 Rower: Burn 15 calories.
   • Concept 2 Ski Erg: Burn 15 calories.
   • Kettlebell Swings: 10 reps.
   • Kettlebell Rotations: 10 reps per arm.
   • Bulgarian Bag Swings: 10 reps in each direction.
   • Sandball Throws: 10 explosive reps.
   • Hyperwear Rope: 20 seconds of intense effort.

This combination keeps the workout dynamic and engaging while targeting multiple muscle groups and building both strength and endurance.

During my most recent run, holding a steady 6:50 pace, I noticed a newfound strength in my arms. As I pushed forward, I couldn’t help but visualize those intense rope workouts. Whether it was the physical conditioning or just a placebo effect, I felt undeniably stronger in my arm swings and more confident in my stride.

Design and Features

Space-Saving Innovation

One of the key features of the Hyper Rope is its compact size. Unlike traditional 50-ft battle ropes, the Hyper Rope delivers similar training benefits within just 6 ft of space. This makes it ideal for home gyms, smaller workout areas, or studios with limited floor space. Its portability and ease of storage (coiling neatly for shelves or racks) further enhance its practicality.

Weighted Flexible Metal Core

The rope’s patented weighted flexible metal core creates resistance without requiring length. This unique feature not only replaces the need for an anchor but also provides a smooth, consistent challenge, allowing for diverse exercises.

Models and Specifications

Both models are made from 100% braided polyester, offering superior durability compared to traditional Dacron twisted ropes. This material resists shedding and remains intact without requiring additional covers.

Durability and Cleanliness

Designed for long-term use, the Hyper Rope avoids the common issues of shedding fibers or untwisting. Its polyester construction ensures durability, whether used indoors or outdoors (avoiding abrasive surfaces). Additionally, it’s low-maintenance and easy to clean with a damp cloth or mild disinfectant.

NOTE: The Hyper Rope is more at home on indoor surfaces that will not wear down the rope. Using the Hyper Rope on asphalt or other ruff surfaces will eventually cause tears and lesson the life of the rope.

Noise Reduction

For indoor workouts, the Hyper Rope provides a quieter alternative to full-length battle ropes, making it suitable for shared living spaces or gyms that value noise control.

Performance

The Hyper Rope delivers the high-intensity cardio, strength-building, and fat-burning benefits typically associated with traditional battle ropes. However, it offers added versatility through its unanchored design, enabling free movement for creative exercise routines. From standard waves to compound movements incorporating lunges and squats, the Hyper Rope caters to varied fitness levels and goals.

Benefits for Specific User

1. Home Gym Enthusiasts
   
   
   • Compact and portable, it fits perfectly into small spaces without compromising on functionality.
   • No need for fixed anchor points or large floor areas.
2. Fitness Studios and Group Workouts
   
   
   • Its space-efficient design allows for multiple participants to train simultaneously in group settings.
3. On-the-Go Fitness
   
   
   • The lightweight, portable nature of the rope makes it a convenient choice for outdoor workouts or travel.

Comparison to Traditional Battle Ropes

User Tips

• Break in the rope to improve flexibility over time.
• Avoid abrasive surfaces to maintain its pristine condition.
• Incorporate various movements, from traditional waves to dynamic full-body exercises.

Awards and Recognition

The Hyper Rope has been recognized as the “Best Home Gym Battle Rope” and “Best Cardio Tool” in 2022 and 2023 by Men’s Health, a testament to its innovation and effectiveness.

Conclusion

The Hyperwear Battle Rope redefines traditional rope training with its compact, anchor-free design and unmatched versatility. Whether you’re setting up a home gym, running group fitness classes, or seeking a portable workout solution, the Hyper Rope offers a high-quality, durable option that’s worth considering. Its ability to deliver the same benefits as bulky battle ropes in a fraction of the space makes it a game-changer in the fitness equipment market.

The post Hyperwear Battle Rope Review: Compact, Durable, and Anchor-Free Fitness Solution appeared first on Gear Mashers.

There are a lot of Half Racks in the market today and I am going to showcase some of the Top Half Racks available for 2024 and why you might want to consider one for your Garage Gym, Fitness Facility, Local Box, or Workout Room.

Before you buy, remember the garage gym motto, “BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE”. Meaning don’t buy cheap, because you will probably want to buy a better one sooner than later.

The idea is simple, take a traditional 4 post Rack used for Squats, Deadlifts, and even bench and shrink it down to a more manageable unit that takes up less space.

Most half racks are designed to lift outside the cage, meaning you will not be using safety straps or safety bars that are normally found inside cages.

The main key elements to look for in a half rack are

• Price Point: prices can vary wildly, but expect to pay between ($1000 to $3500)
• Height: (90, 95, 100, and 110 inches)
• Color Options: Varies by company, with Black usually being a base model.
• Available Accessories: Varies by company
• Compatibility with other brands – I have found that racks with a 3×3 have the most compatibility.
• Build Quality and Materials (11 or 7 Gauge Steel): – 11 gauge is the norm.
• Expandability: Some racks offer the ability to expand by adding other attachment tubes.
• Self Standing: Ability to stand without having to be bolted down
• Folding: Some companies are making collapsible or folding Squad Stands

OUR VERDICT

There are a lot of different half racks on the market today, and there can be a lot of confusion as to which offers the best overall performance.

Our two top pick for half racks are the Alpha 7 Half Rack by Arsenal Strength and the Oak Club Manufacturing ASSOCIATE.

The Alpha 7 Half Rack comes in a 7 gauge 5 x 3 setup and it is a beast. It comes equipt with a very innovative attachment system designed for quick changing of rack height and accessories.

The Oak Club Associate offers details that can’t be matched and looks wicked cool.

For those looking for a fantastic half-rack at a more affordable price point, the Rogue Monster Collegiate or Rep Fitness 5000 series are pretty stellar.

Currently, the best overall value goes to Rep Fitness 5000 Half Rack. You get a lot of bang for your buck and for what you get, it really does stand out from the crowd.

In our review, we only considered companies that are US or Canada-based and also cater to the home gym/garage gym community. There are plenty of other companies that make half racks, but we felt the ones we featured have done a fantastic job.

Top 8 Companies Making Half Racks

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Why Choose A Half Rack?

Half Racks are designed to be used outside of the cage. In other words, most exercises are generally done outside of the 4 posts rather than inside with a traditional cage. Obviously this may be a deal-breaker for some who prefer being inside a cage and using safety straps or safety bars.

One of the biggest draws to a half rack is space consideration. Most half racks take up less space than their larger full cage brethren. For people who own garage gyms or home fitness studios, space is always at a premium, so anything that can reduce its footprint is usually welcome.

Another big draw of half racks is cost. With less materials being used, the racks end up costing less.

Brandon Campbell who has over 200k subscribers on youtube has a 6 part Half Rack video series where he walks you through his thought process of choosing a half rack.

Spoiler alert (He chooses the Rogue Monster Half Rack). Honestly, the biggest choice seemed to come down to availability and shipping costs. I believe if the Sorinex XL had been available and could have been shipped in time, he might have chosen that.

• What to Look For In A Half Rack: https://youtu.be/piYkD2xeKXY
• Rep Fitness HR-5000: https://youtu.be/u52HCuPUpyI
• Sorinex XL Half Rack: https://youtu.be/CCHqN2ueFCA
• Rogue Monster Half Rack: https://youtu.be/xyHuoGdMAPQ
• The Rack I Picked: https://youtu.be/OeytYTLBf4M
• Check Out My Rack: https://youtu.be/mX7yuqPrzwk

HALF Rack Materials

Half Racks usually come in 2 flavors, 7 gauge or 11 gauge steel. You will typically find 7 gauge half racks in commercial gyms and athletic facilities where the racks get a lot of use. As you go up on the gauge scale, the thinner the steel becomes.

Companies Making 11 Gauge Steel Racks

• Arsenal Strength Bravo
• Oak Club Manufacturing Associate
• Sorenex XL™ Series
• Rep Fitness 5000 Series and Rep Fitness Omni
• Rogue Fitness Monster Series

Companies Making 7 Gauge Steel Racks

• Arsenal Strength Alpha 7 Series
• Sorenex Base Camp

Gauge is an industry term used to specify the thickness of a piece of sheet metal. Gauges are a unique measuring system and are neither standard nor metric. 

Half Rack Tubing Width

Beyond the material type, half-rack tubing comes in a variety of widths. The wider the width, the stronger the tubing, assuming the same gauge steel is used. In our review, the Arsenal Strength Alpha 7 is a 5×3 tubing setup and is a beast, but is probably overkill for most individuals wanting to purchase a half rack.

• 3×2 – Example Rogue Fitness Infinity Series
• 3×3 – Example Rogue Monster Series
• 3×5 – Example Arsenal Strength Alpha Series

Right now the industry standard seems to be leaning towards a 3×3 setup over the 2×3. The Arsenal Strength 3×5 setup is the oddball and can be problematic because it has compatibility issues with other manufactures.

The advantage of a 3×3 over a 3×2 or a 3×5 is flexibility. Attachments can be mounted on any of the 4 sides, since they are of equal length.

Rep Fitness says their 5000 series is 3×3, but it is actually 2.95 x 2.95. This means that buying Rep Fitness accessories designed for their racks may not fit on true 3×3 racks like what Rogue Fitness offers.

Half Rack Hardware

In general the bolts that 3×3 racks utilize are 1 inch and the ones that are used on 2×3 are 5/8s inch. It may not seem like much of a difference, but when you see the bolts up close it is surprising how big the 1 inch ones are.

The advantage of 5/8 bolts is they offer is more hole options. In other words, more holes can be added to the posts because the bolts take up less space. This allows for a bit more adjustability between settings.

The advantage of 1-inch bolts is strength and looks. Obviously, the bigger the bolts the stronger the connection between parts can be made. Beyond that though, they just look fricken cool.

ARSENAL STRENGTH ALPHA 7 HALF RACK W/ POWERSLIDE

The ALPHA 7 HALF RACK is a beast of a half rack that makes others seem a bit wimpy. It is made from 7 gauge steel with 5×3 main uprights. The patent-pending PowerSlide adjustment system makes changing heights of components fast and easy. The powerslide allows quick adjustments to the height of both the spotter arms and j-cups.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 10 weight horns for standard weights
• Sliding J-Cups for easy adjustments
• Multi-grip pull-up bar
• Walkthrough design
• Vertical bar storage
• Lower band peg attachment
• Comes with attachment storage
• Logo panel connector
• Custom logo upright placards
• Custom color options available

DIMENSIONS

• Total Weight: 615 lb
• Width: 74″ (42″ inside), Height: 100″, Length: 64.5″

COST

You have to contact Alpha Strength for a price quote, but expect to pay around $3,200 + shipping.

POSITIVES

• Super Cool Design
• Quick Position Change

NEGATIVES

• Less Compatible With Other Manufacturers
• Less accessory options
• Very Expensive

If you are looking for a super solid commercial quality half rack, the Arsenal Strength Alpha 7 Half Rack is one of the best out there.

One disadvantage of the Alpha 7 is its proprietary attachment system. While most half racks can accept attachments from other manufacturers using 1 inch or 3/4 attachments, the Alpha 7 will require you to purchase attachments from Arsenal Strength.

BRIDGE BUILT PHOENIX SQUAT RACK

To be honest, the Bridge Built Phoenix Squat Rack isn’t what I consider a half rack, but I thought I would include it in the half-rack line because of its cool concept. For those where space is really limited, the Phoenix folds up from the center, providing the smallest free-standing footprint squat rack I could find.

The Phoenix Squat Rack can go from its open footprint of 49”x 48” to its locked footprint of 12”x 48” in less than a minute using pull out pins.

The Phoenix Squat Rack wins hands down for those who are looking to save space. With an initial height of 75″ this rack will fit in almost any room or garage.

I would like to see an option for 1″ holes and hardware for more accessory compatibility with other rack manufacturers.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• American BUILT
• Material: 3×3” 11-Gauge Tube and ¼” formed flat American Steel
• Hardware: ¾” Grade 8
• Total Weight: 150lbs. (with J-Hooks)
• Weight Capacity: 1,000+LBS.
• Width (open/closed): 49”/12”
• Length: 48”
• Height: 75”
• Standard Color: Black (see other color options)
• Compatible with all Bridge Attachments.
• The rack includes 1 pair of Bridge J-Hooks.
• Patent Pending 

COST

• Base Cost $550.00
• Nicely Equipped $950.00 (With the addition of multiple colors, extra height 85″, and laser-cut numbering.)

If you do decide to pick up a Phoenix Squat rack, you might want to ask about their very cool Limited Edition American Built and Thin Blue Line j-hooks. They can be ordered with 5/8, 3/4, or 1″ pins.

OAK CLUB MANUFACTURING THE ASSOCIATE SQUAT STAND

While not a full half rack, the Oak Club ASSOCIATE SQUAT STAND had to be included because it is just that cool. By far one of the most dapper racks around, the Associate comes with all sorts of beautiful accents to amaze your lifting buddies.

SPECIAL FEATURES

• 1/8″ thick tube walls
• 1/4″ and 3/8″ connection plates, all held together with 1″ A325 structural grade bolts. 
• 4-Way 1-Inch Attachment holes – Unlimited attachment potential.
• Sensory Overload – One of the best-looking racks on the market
• 1-Inch Spacing for a lot of adjustability
• 1/8″ tube > 11 gauge tube
• Raw Steel Gloss Finish, Sandtex Black and Matte Cream accents
• Made in Canada

DIMENSIONS

• Height – 93 1/4 inches
• Width 49 inches
• Depth 64 inches

COST

• $1,399 + Shipping. The base model with no attachments
• $2,834.00 Fully equipped with James Hook, MagPins, Band Pegs, and Safety Arms

The Oak Club Manufacturing THE ASSOCIATE SQUAT STAND is absolutely gorgeous but it does come at a hefty price tag compared to others in the same category.

Paired with the James Hook and Saftey Arms, the rack is a beauty. In order to make the rack a bit more functional, you would need to add another set of uprights and crossbars.

Oak Club makes some really beefy J-Hooks called the James Hook. They dwarf most j-hooks on the market. They do come at a hefty price of $450, but they will make every other j-hook seem wimpy.

REP FITNESS OMNI HALF RACK

The Rep Fitness Omni Half Rack is a new offering for 2021. This is a 5000 series rack, which means it is beefy and comes with 3×3 11-Gauge Steel with 1” diameter holes. The adjustability of the rack is sick allowing you to configure it up to 15 different ways when paired with the Omni Plus.

Another key aspect of the rack is the flat-footed base. Unlike most racks that may require you to bolt down the rack for stability, the flat-foot design provides stability without the need to bolt the rack down.

OMNI FEATURES:

• 3×3 11-Gauge Steel with 1” diameter holes on upright.
• Compatible with most 5000 Series attachments including the Lat/Low Row.
• Up to 15 potential configurations when paired with the Omni Plus.
• J-cup, color options, and attachments are fully customizable.
• A long, flat-footed base helps promote stability, no need to bolt the rack down.
• Large stainless steel logo plate for additional rigidity and lateral stability. 
• Includes Multi-grip pull-up bar, six-band pegs, and hardware to connect up to six uprights to the base.

COST

• $934 + Shipping for the base half-rack without accessories
• $1200 + Shipping for the base half-rack + REPS J-Cups and Spotter Arms

SORINEX

Sorinex features 3 Half Racks including

• Basecamp
• Off Grid
• XL

The Base Camp™ Series

The Sorinex Base Camp rack is their premiere rack offering designed for high-end use and commercial gyms. It boasts a 4-way hole design and was designed with expansion in mind.

The XL™ Series

The Sorinex XL Series racks are a downgrade from the Base Camp, but are still exceptional rack setups.

The Off Grid

The off grid is a bare-bones wall mount half rack. Its $399.00 price point makes it the perfect choice for those wanting a squat rack that takes up minimal space.

The Off Grid was created to match the demand that occurred during COVID-19 when just about every piece of gym equipment was out of stock. It certainly isn’t something I would want but for people on a limited budget and those who want a small footprint, the Off Grid might fit the bill.

Basecamp™ and XL™ Rack Series Standard Options Comparison Chart

SORINEX BASECAMP HALF RACK

The Sorinex Basecamp Half Rack features a host of great designs. The flat foot base means you will not need to bolt the half rack down. It comes with a 4-way hole setup and boasts 1,184 total holes offering limitless training and accessory attachment opportunities.

FEATURES

• First 4-Way Hole Design
• Numbered Holes
• Unlimited Bolt Design
• 3″ x 3″ Welded Rack Sides
• 11 or 7 Gauge Steel
• 1″ Bolt Fasteners
• Custom Logo Options
• Numbered Holes

DIMENSIONS

• Depth                         64″
• Width                         47″
• Height                       101.62″
• Weight                       422.17 lb | Uber: 571.4 lb

COST

You will have to contact Sorinex for price, but it will come cheap + shipping.

SORINEX XL HALF RACK

Like the Sorinex Base Camp, the XL offers great compatibility with other manufacturers and a great overall setup. It’s essentially a scaled-down version of the Base Camp Half Rack.

The base model comes with a standard pull-up bar, XL Style J-CUPs, and Half Safety Bars. If you choose to bump it up to what Sorinex refers to as the Uber package you get a nameplate, better pull bars, beefier Sandwich J-Cups, Landmine, Utility seat, roller pads, pins, and 2 bar storage.

For all that extra stuff, the price doubles, so I am not exactly sure it is really worth it. If you are going to spend that much I would either bump up to the base camp or look for another company.

DIMENSIONS

• Depth                         64″
• Width                         47″
• Height                       95.4″
• Weight                       422.17 lb | Uber: 571.4 lb

COST

• Base Model $1,549.00
• Uber $3,000.00

The post Top Half Rack Review | Squat Rack Review 2024 appeared first on Gear Mashers.

Quality Home Equipment

I am so pleased with this wonderful piece of Balanced Body Pilates equipment. It is perfect for home use, though I know a former Pilates co-worker who uses the Pilates Springboard / Push Through Bar in her studio with great success!

In light of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic many Pilates studios and gyms were either closed temporarily or went virtual. Home workouts gyms became much more and more prevalent and the trend hasn’t changed. From a Garage Gym, to a nice studio gym, people want the connivence of the home gym lifestyle. While having equipment at home is not a necessity to stay fit and healthy, having the right quality equipment does enhance your workout and does support your fitness goals in an incredible way.

If you have ever used wall towers at a Pilates studio, or experienced spring work on the Cadillac, then you will be familiar with the Pilates Springboard; and you’ll also notice the incredible amount of space you’ll save.

Of course, there are a couple of exercises that cannot be done in the same way that you would if you were using the wall tower or the Cadillac, but the majority of Pilates exercises (for said equipment) can be done with the Springboard. I’ll get to the details on minor limitations soon. *and these minor limitations are incredibly minor.

What Exercises Can You Do with the Pilates Springboard / Push Through Bar?

You can do just about any Pilates exercise that you’d do with leg springs, arm springs, and the roll up bar. Balanced Body offers many free online videos showing you specific Pilates exercises and routines that can be done with the Springboard. Be sure to look through the video catalog to find what you are interested in.

If you purchase the push through bar – which is sold separately from the Springboard, then you can add even more exercises; but this is where the slight limitation comes in. More on that in a moment. If you order the push through bar at the same time as ordering the springboard, then you receive a discount. It’s well worth it to add this extra equipment to your purchase. The additional exercises you can do with the push through bar are worth it!

What Exercises Can’t You Do?

OK here we are! Honestly, there aren’t many that come to mind. If you’ve used the Wall / Mat Tower or the Cadillac at a Pilates studio before, then you’ll know that when it comes to the Push Through Bar, you’re able to push the bar forward. This allows you to do some reaches and stretches such a a forward bend beyond the mat / tower unit. With the Springboard, you are only able to reach to the point of the wall. For the most part, that is more than enough and even farther than many of us are able to reach anyway.

There are also some exercises that you may have done on the Cadillac or Wall Tower where you’ve used an extender / head rest so to be able to position your body past the edge of the mat portion. (see image above) This is not to say that you can’t still do the exercises with the Springboard, but you simply aren’t able to reach beyond the wall – and that is OK! Not having the ability to use the head rest/ extender is a mild limitation.

More importantly, there are countless exercises that you CAN DO with this wall equipment! I encourage you to view the numerous videos that are shared on the Balanced Body website. Be sure to look for Springboard exercises, Wall Tower, and Cadillac exercises to find what you are looking for. *see links below for guidance.

Pilates Education and helpful links!

• Pilates for YOUR sport
• What is Pilates?
• Workout Videos
• Pilates Video Library

Why are Pilates Springboard / Push Through Bar Exercises Important for Your Health and Fitness?

Exercise in general is good for us! A variety of movement, modalities, outdoor fresh air cardio; and various styles of strength training is without a doubt good for everyone. But, what makes the Pilates Springboard exercises stand out from other forms of exercise?

It’s Not Just for Dancers or Pilates Peeps!

• Strength
• Conditioning
• Lengthen / Posture
• Flexibility
• Balance / Coordination
• Mental Focus
• Reconnect to fullness of breath
• Strong Core
• Increased Energy
• Stress Reliever
• Better Alignment / posture
• Increase Body Awareness
• Enhancement of athletic abilities!!!

Pilates itself is an incredible practice for conditioning. If you are a runner, a cyclist, dancer, football player, golfer, non-athletic, artists, jeweler, preventing injury, recovering from injury, mobile, human-being – Pilates is a wonderful modality to support your well-being.

Of course you can do Pilates without any equipment, however if you’ve never experienced the support you get while using Pilates springs (be it on a Reformer, or a Cadillac), you’re in for a treat!

Depending on where you place the springs on the Springboard, and depending on which spring strength you use (red – heavy duty, blue – medium, yellow – lightest), you can modify the amount of resistance needed for each exercise.

If you’re aiming for gentle therapeutic training, adjust the springs accordingly and start with a lighter resistance. If you’re looking to maximize strength and resistance, use the red springs or a combination of different springs to adjust.

Making the Pilates Springboard and Push Through Bar a part of your standard and daily fitness routine is sure to enhance your overall strength, flexibility, coordination, and alignment. The more consistent you are with these exercises, the greater your positive changes will be. If you have any further questions about whether or not Pilates is right for you please reach out to me. I’ve been teaching Pilates and healthy moving for over 15 years.

Another Positive Note About the Pilates Springboard –

The Springboard is a space saver! It takes up no space (besides wall space and ensuring there is enough room on the floor for you to lay down to perform the Pilates exercises.

The Springboard is also elegant! The equipment is easy on the eyes and invites encouraging conversations for those who have never seen it before.
“What is that strange fixture you have on your wall?” – “Well, let me show you!” and Boom! Just like that you are converted into a Pilates believer 🙂

Don’t you want to inspire others around you to get on board with healthy living!? 🙂

Quality Pilates Equipment in Your Home for a Lower Price –

The Balanced Body Pilates Springboard is available to you at a more affordable price than some of the other quality Pilates equipment such as the Wall Tower or Cadillac. For a fraction of the cost, you can have the excellence of Pilates spring resistance in your own home.

This is a great choice for those who want the capability of doing your own Pilates exercises at home, as well as having the capability of practicing Pilates spring exercises in between studio sessions.

If you’re a Pilates instructor, the Springboard is an excellent and more affordable choice for your own home studio for self practice and for sessions with clients.

Balanced Body Pilates Springboard: $445

Balanced Body Springboard with Push Through Bar: $745

Visit Balanced Body for more details on the Balanced Body Springboard and Push Through Bar.

How Easy Is It To Set Up The Pilates Springboard?

Somewhat easy – provided you have the tools and a helping hand. It’s definitely not hard, but certainly not easy.

You will need to have some specific tools to help you get started. Once you find a space in your home, you’ll need to measure out enough space for you to be able to have proper floor access when doing the exercises. Once you know that, then you must find where the studs in the wall are. If you do not find studs or if you must install your Pilates Springboard in an area without studs, you CAN STILL INSTALL IT SUCCESSFULLY! But you will need to get specialty dry wall screws that are designed for this very purpose.

Luckily Balanced Body Pilates offers some extra help with assembly needs. Visit their website for any detailed installation questions!

Required Tools to Install Your Balanced Body Pilates Springboard:

• Measuring Tape
• Ladder or Step Stool / Chair
• Stud Finder – Oo-la-la 😉
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Wrench 7/16th
• Extra helping hand!
• Level (not vital, but helpful)

Happy Installation and may your movement uplift you!

Let us know how you like your Pilates Springboard and share with us any feedback with the installation process as well as how your body feels after moving with the Springboard! We value your feedback!

Cheers to your health and wellbeing! May Pilates enhance your athletic pursuits!

The post Balanced Body – Pilates Springboard / Push Through Bar appeared first on Gear Mashers.

This year I really became interested in training my hamstrings and the subject of Nordic Benches came up. Most people consider the Nordic bench the poor man’s GHD when realistically it is a fabulous tool to train and focus on both eccentric and concentric hamstring work.

In doing a bit of research I have found some of the best Glute | Nordic Benches made. Some are quite expensive, so the term poor really isn’t valid when you are spending over $1000 to purchase a commercial-grade bench.

As an avid fitness enthusiast, I am always on the hunt for what I consider top-quality equipment and exercises that produce results. I feel I am more of a traditionalist when it comes to exercise, so I focus on consistency and exercises that have worked over the years.

The Nordic bench really perked my interest and when I first saw one and how the exercise was performed, I knew I wanted one in my arsenal.

NORDIC BENCH CRITERIA

When deciding which Nordic bench was the best overall bench we decided on a few key factors

• Price – Obviously price has to be considered when making any purchase.
• Size – Since we were going to have this in our garage gym we had to decide how much space was to be required.
• Adjustability – Having the ability to really isolate the feet so that they wouldn’t move was important.
• Leveling – Having a bench that could be leveled due to uneven floors is a plus.
• Shipping Costs – This plays into overall cost and we found certain companies had much higher shipping costs.
• Asthetics – Having great looking equipment is certainly welcome.
• Color Options – The ability to choose colors is a plus.

OUR VERDICT

In our research we have looked at quite a lot of different Nordic benches, whether they are called Nordic or Glute or Ham developers and the Atlantis Strength C-322 Poor Man’s Glute & Ham Developer ticks the most boxes for the best overall Glute bench.

The only real negative for the C-322 came down to its price tag. Being over 2 times the amount of many of the other competitors, this may be a dealbreaker for those who are money conscious and are looking to get a better deal.

If Price is a main deciding factor, the Rogue Floor Glute bench is hard to beat. While it might still be a bit steep for some, the fact that Rogue products have such high resale value means you can always recoup much of the money spent if you decide to sell it.

Reasons To Buy A Nordic Bench

* Note some companies listed below really focus on selling to large corporations, universities, and gym chains rather than deal with the smaller home gym or garage gym market. As such their pricing structure and shipping rates are often much higher than companies like Rogue Fitness which often cater to the home, garage gym, and CrossFit athlete.

Company Name	Name	Specifications	Weight	Cost	Shipping Costs
Atlantis Strength	C-322 Poor Man’s Glute & Ham Developer	Width 24″(61cm) Height 18″(46 cm) Length 48″(122 cm	78 lbs (36 kg)	$1,315.00	Unknown
BLK BOX	BLK BOX Floor Glute Ham Developer (GHD)	Width 22.32" Height 17.83" Length 47.44"	Unknown	£416.66	Unknown
ESP	ESP Hami Bench	?	?	£897.00	Unknown
Power Lift	Leg Curl	Width: 23" Height: 24 21/32" Length: 68 25/32"	170 lbs	$1,649.00	$350.00
RARE	Nordic Curl	?	?	$610.00	Unknown
Rogue Fitness	ROGUE Floor Glute	Width 24" Height 15" - 20" Length 62"	108 lbs	$600.00	$100+
Sampson	Poor Man Glute ham	?	?	$727.00	Unknown
Sorinex	P3 Poor Man™ Glute Ham Developer	Width 22" Height 19.5" Length 58"	86 lbs	$650.00	Unknown
Watson	Economy Glute Ham Raise	Width 19.69 Length 39.37"	?	$615.08	Unknown

Atlantis Strength | C-322 Poor Man’s Glute & Ham Developer

Atlantis Strength is our editor’s choice for the best overall Nordic Bench. It is the only bench in the lineup that has 2 sets of rollers providing a better and tighter fit for isolating the ankles while performing the hamstring curl. The bench also features adjustable feet providing leveling on any floor surface.

The overall look of the C-322 is fabulous with both great lines and character. The padding is easy on the knees and the dual rollers really do help lock the feet in place.

Key Features

• Dual Pads – Only one in the line up
• Adjustable Feet
• Many Color Options
• Lasered Adjustment Numbering
• Commercial Grade frame and padding

Specifications

• Width 24″ (61cm)
• Height 18″ (46 cm)
• Length 48″ (122 cm)
• Weight – 78 lbs (36 kg)
• Price – $1,315.00 + tax and shipping

The only downside to the bench is the cost and shipping charges as the company isn’t like Rogue Fitness, which offer better shipping rates

BLK BOX | FLOOR GLUTE HAM DEVELOPER (GHD)

BLK Box has a really solid Nordic bench. While it doesn’t have leveling adjustability if your floor isn’t level, it does have something the other benches don’t offer, which is a taller backplate. BLK BOX says the taller plate allows the user to ground their feet more effectively.

The athletes at BLK BOX seem to really know there stuff as demonstrated from the video above. Where the BLK BOX Floor Glute Ham falls a bit short of some of the competitors is the lack of leveling adjustment. Otherwise, it is a solid piece of equipment and you really can’t go wrong if you decide to purchase it.

One aspect of the Glute Bench that I like is since there are no feet, you will not find yourself jamming your toes accidentally on the machine. Something others have complained about with the Rogue Floor Glute Bench.

I would like to compare the BLK BOX Floor Glute Bench in a head to head with the Rogue one. They both look really solid.

Key Features

• Commercial grade construction
• Taller foot plate
• Smaller width, which saves space

Specifications

• Width 22.32″
• Height 17.83″
• Length 47.44″
• Weight
• Price £416.66

ESP Hami Bench

The ESP Hami Bench is a little different than the other benches in the lineup due to the lack of a footplate. It also comes with side handle rails to support the eccentric movements. I am waiting to hear back from the company to get more statistics on the bench.

While the handles are probably great for beginners, it would be nice to have the ability to remove them.

Key Features

• Built-In Hand Rails
• Adjustable Roller Pad Height
• Wheels At The Front For Easy Moving

Specifications

• Price £897 + tax and shipping

Sorinex | P3 Poor Man™️ GHD

The P3 by Sorinex came in as an outstanding value. At half the cost of some of the commercial-grade nordic benches, Sorinex allows for color options and a commercial-grade frame and pad.

The P3 Poor Man™️ GHD is perfect for those facilities and individuals looking for a big impact glute-ham solution in a small footprint.

Key Features

• Double Stitched Premium Naugahyde
• Adjustable Roller Pad Height
• Built-In Single-Leg Squat
• Urethane Wheels w/ ABEC 5 Bearing
• Many Color Options
• Commercial Grade frame and padding

Specifications

• Width 22″
• Height 19.5″
• Length 58″
• Weight 86 lbs
• Price $650 + tax and shipping

Power Lift | Leg Curl

The Power Lift Leg Curl is by far the biggest and heaviest Nordic Bench made. It’s oozing commercial-grade characteristics. Weighing in at 170 lbs it dwarfs the competition. The Leg Curl is also the most expensive Nordic Bench we have reviewed with a price tag of $1,649. In addition, the shipping cost ($350.00) is 3 times as much as Rogue’s Floor Glute bench.

We love the beefiness of the Leg Curl, but the overall length and weight might prohibit the bench from being a good choice for a garage or home gym.

One unique feature of the Leg Curl is a roller handle that helps make roller adjustments a bit easier.

Key Features

• Less likely to move due to weight
• Adjustable Roller Pad Height
• Handle to help with pad adjustment
• Able to adapt to larger individual
• Many Color Options
• Commercial Grade frame and padding

Specifications

• Width: 23″
• Height: 24 21/32″
• Length: 68 25/32″
• Weight 170 lbs
• Price $1,649

ROGUE Fitness | FLOOR GLUTE

For those looking for one of the best deals in pricing and shipping, the Rogue Floor Glute bench is hard to beat. While it is a bit long for some, Rogue offers excellent value compared to others in the same category.

While I think the design is ok, the fact that the Nordic bench can’t be adjusted for uneven floors will be a problem for some.

As with many of Rogue’s products, the Floor Glute is built like a tank, so don’t expect this thing to fail on you. Another reason to purchase a Rogue product is its resale value. Buying Rogue means if you decide to sell you will always have someone else who will want to buy it. I can’t say that will be the case with some of the more expensive Glute benches.

Key Features

• Good resale value
• Adjustable Roller Pad Height
• Heavy duty padding and rollers
• Able to adapt to larger individual
• One color option (Black)
• Commercial Grade frame and padding

Specifications

• Width 24″
• Height 15″ – 20″
• Length 62″
• Weight 108 lbs
• Price $600

Watson | Economy Glute Ham Raise

Watson is known for their high-quality steel exercise equipment and the Watson Economy Glute Ham Raise bench is a solid piece. While other Nordic Benches are longer and wider, the Watson bench is a space saver coming in with the smallest dimensions of the ones we reviewed.

While the Glute Ham Raise bench is nice, it lacks the ability to adjust on uneven floors. Also, the shorter Knee pad doesn’t provide much room for the body to rest on the downward movement.

Key Features

• Good resale value
• Adjustable Roller Pad Height
• Multiple color options
• Commercial Grade frame and padding

Specifications

• Width 19.69
• Length 39.37″
• Price $615.08

The post Top 10 Nordic Bench Review (2024) | Best Comparison appeared first on Gear Mashers.

In a world where resistance band training has become very popular, the Harambe System (https://harambesystem.com/) emerges as a true powerhouse, redefining the boundaries of how good resistance band training can be. Crafted with precision stainless steel and virgin UHMW, the Harambe System stands tall, ready to unleash your inner beast.

For those that haven’t heard of the the Harambe System or resistance band training, you are in for a treat.

You might be wondering what Harambe actually means. In simplest terms it means “pulling together, caring, and sharing”.

Our Review Verdict – Well Worth It

We absolutely love the Harambe System. It’s made from high quality materials and feels great to use.

Pros

• High Quality Equipment
• Stainless Steel Bars
• Heavy Duty Shock Cords
• Durable Layered Construction Bands
• Bomb Proof Exercise Board
• Excellent Customer Service and Training
• Various Training Attachments

Cons

• Proprietary Attachment
• Cost (Buy Once, Cry Once)

Harambe System Background

A while back I hurt my shoulder and was looking for a way to rehab it by using resistance bands. In doing some research I came across several products that you might have seen ads for include the X3 Bar, XBar and the Gorilla Bow.

While these systems looked very promising, I knew there were others. Sure enough I came across the Harambe System and reach out to Khalid Bou-Rabee, who owns the Harambe brand, to see if I could get the system in for review. About a month later a big box arrived with all sorts of goodies.

Unboxing Harambe System

I was really shocked how heavy the box was when the Harambe System arrived. I knew what was being sent, but for some reason I didn’t imagine the box being as big and heavy as it was.

Khalid sent everything I had asked for and a few more items. I was really interested in seeing how the K Bar and T Bar differed, so I was sent both. Also included was the travel bag, lots of cord for the bars and T Handles and a really bomb proof standing plate.

Let’s dive into this extraordinary fitness set up.

Unrivaled Material Excellence

As one who is all about quality, the Harambe System is the creme de creme of resistance band training tools. Currently the system uses 2 straight bars and a set of handles including:

• T Bar (28″, approx 3 lbs, 1.06″ diameter)
• K Bar (36″, approx 10 lbs, 1.1″ diameter)
• T Handles

These items can be purchased individually or in bundle packages. If you decide to choose a bundle, I recommend the K Bundle, which retails for $799. It comes with an assortment of resistance bands, V2 Rope, K Rods, the top of the line K Bar, the plate and cork block (Very useful when doing certain exercises).

Harambe System K BUNDLE INCLUDES

• The K Bar
• The Plate (Black)
• The Cork Block
• 38″ Bands
• Rope V2
• K Rods 
• Spacers

Now if price is an issue, you can always purchase the T Bundle, which will set you back $599 retail. Now the T Bar is very good and reliable, it just isn’t as nice IMO as the K Bar. It is also 8″ shorter, which may not work as well with those who have wide shoulders and larger hands.

All bars are made using stainless steel and UHMW pulleys. The system also employs the use of a resistance board or what Haramabe refers to as a resistance plate, stainless steel cradles, resistance bands and heavy duty cords.

The System uses the combination of pulleys and cord attachments to secure the resistance bands. On each bar end (K Bar, T Bar and T Handles) there are UHMW pulleys that hold the resistance bands in place, ready for a workout.

At first it might seem a bit cumbersome, but after you attach a resistance band a few times, it makes perfect sense.

Harambe System Resistance Bands

Harambe uses 100% top-grade Sri Lankan latex, featuring 25 continuous layers, making their resistance bands much more durable than commonly-sold molded bands sold in stores.

Each band is 38 in. long and 1/4 in. thick and a least for me didn’t have that rubber order smell that sometimes accompanies resistance bands. For a point of reference the X3 bars bands are 41 inches long. I find that Harambe’s shorter bands actually ups the resistance a bit over the X3 bands.

The bands are sold as a bundle

• Yellow 1/4 in. 10-20 lbs
• White 1/2 in. 20-40 lbs
• Light Green 1 in. 40-80 lbs
• Heavy Green 2 in. 80-160 lbs
• Black 2 1/2 in. 100-200 lbs

CORE FEATURES

• 38 in. long and 1/4 in. thick
• Smooth finish minimizes friction with the Plate
• Lighter in weight but greater in force/resistance than 41″ bands
• More range of motion for exercises than 41″ bands
• Incredibly durable layered construction
• 100% Natural Latex
• 99.9% free of soluble proteins (latex allergens)

I found that using the Yellow band in combination with the T Handles made for some great back/shoulder exercises, like Band Pull-Aparts. This targets your rear deltoids and upper mid back.

Romanian Deadlifts | Resistance Bands

If you have ever tried Romanian Deadlifts in the gym with a normal bar, you will love doing it with resistance bands. The exercise utilizes the one of the above resistance bands (based on your strength and ability) double up, the resistance plate, the cork block and the K Bar or T Bar.

It is a fantastic leg exercise and using the Harambe System makes it really enjoyable.

Harambe System Exercises

I have talked about a few exercise you can do with the Harambe System, but there are so many more. Khalid has come out with some great workout routines to try segmented into push days and pull days.

Resistance Band Competition

In conducting this review we reached out to several companies including X3, XBar and Gorilla Bow and we received units for each.

X3 Bar (https://www.jaquishbiomedical.com/x3-bar/)

The biggest advantages of the X3 bar is the fact that it is super easy to load bands and its portability. We found that out of all the exercise resistance band tools, the X3 bar was the easiest to transport. Many people who own the X3 bar do complain about the bar being a bit too short.

• Retail $549
• Complete home gym system
• Easy to follow X3 12 Week Program
• Four X3 resistance bands (Up to 30% more resistance than other layered latex bands)
• Heavy-duty alloy steel X3 ground plate protects ankles from high workout forces. Forces which have the potential to exceed 600 pounds

Bands are attached to the X3 by simply sliding them into the X3 hangers. It makes for super fast band changes. Currently X3 doesn’t offer individual purchases of the bar or any other accessories. When you receive the X3 bundle, X3 provides a resistance band plate.

We loved the easy loading system of the bar, but felt the bar was really limiting due to it’s length. Having a longer bar could really improve the overall feeling during things like squats.

Harambe System Vs X3 Bar

Both the Harambe System and the X3 Bar are great resistance band tools. The advantage of the X3 is how easy it is to travel with and load different size resistance bands.

Harambe has several advantages over the X3 including a much better resistance band plate, longer bars and more accessories including the t handles, for individual arm exercises.

Both systems are good, but IMO the clear winner is Harambe System.

XBar (https://xbar.com/)

For those that have wrist issues, you may find the XBar a little more forgiving. Rather than a straight bar like the X3 and the Harambe System bars, the bar has bends in the bar to allow different had positions.

Bands are attached to the bar ends using carabiners. We found this relatively easy to attach bands and there is room to attach multiple bands. Both the XBar and the Harambe System offer the most accessories for their resistance systems and you can purchase these separately or in a bundle.

Your XBAR package includes:

• Retail $299.00 Regular sale price $448.96
• (1) XBAR
• Plus for a limited time get $149.96 in accessories for FREE! 
• (3) Resistance tube bands providing 5lbs-150lbs+ of adjustable resistance. $79.99 – Free With Bundle.
• (2) Push-up docs for enhanced versatility. $29.99 – Free With Bundle.
• (1) Door anchor for easy setup. $19.99 – Free With Bundle.
• (1) Accessory carrying bag for convenient transportation. $19.99 – Free With Bundle.
• (1) Comprehensive fitness guide featuring 100+ simple exercises Access to an online video library of workouts to keep you motivated and on track

Love the XBar commercials that I see. Lots of fun.

We loved the ability to position your hands using the curves and change things up. We did find the bar action not as smooth as either the X3 Bar and Harambe System.

Harambe System Vs Xbar

If you are into infomercials, the Xbar has the win. Actually the Xbar has some great infomercials that are fun to watch.

What sets these 2 products apart from the competition are the accessories. Both have a lot of different accessories that can be purchased to increase the number of exercises.

Where the Xbar differs from both the Harambe System and the X3 bar are the resistance bands. While both X3 and Harambe use flat resistance bands, the Xbar uses rounded sleeved bands with carabiners on the ends. This makes certain exercise setups easier and certain exercise setups a little more difficult.

The XBar looks more like an EZ Curl bar and in fact it basically is, with rings on the end for attaching the exercise bands. The bar consists of some type of heavy duty chromoly metal and then is wrapped in a rubberized coating. It makes for exceptional grip without the worry of shredding the hands that Knurl bars can sometimes do.

I found the bar curves to be nice for certain exercises, allowing for grip variation.

One thing that doesn’t come with the Xbar is a nice resistance band plate. I find the plates do add to the experience of an exercise routine, like curls and squats.

For those that have wrist issues, you may prefer the Xbar over the Harambe bars.

Both systems are good, but IMO the clear winner is Harambe System for its innovative design and great looks.

Gorilla Bow (https://www.gorillabow.com/)

Out of the resistance band tools we have used, the Gorilla bow is probably the most unique. If you have ever used a traditional bow, you will feel right at home using the Gorilla Bow.

Gorilla Bow offers both a standard version of their Bow and also a travel version that breaks down into 3 pieces. While X3 and Harambe system have flat resistance bands, Gorilla Bow and Xbar offer rounded resistance bands.

The Gorilla Bow resistance bands have notches on their ends that hold the bands in place when they are attached.

In our testing we felt the Gorilla Bow was perfect with class training, but had limitations for those looking to use it as an alternative to weights.

Interview questions with Khalid

When did you first think of creating a resistance band system?

Around April 2020.

How many years did it take to create before you were ready for production?

It took about 6 months after I discovered the pulley and sling system to start production and sales of the bars. I was mostly making them all in my bedroom in my small apartment in Manhattan. I didn’t have anything resembling a garage–so I was working a drill press in my bedroom! It took another year or so before we started selling a complete system with our own bands.

Did you design the system or did you have someone else design it for you?

I designed all of Harambe System’s products myself. I used calculus, mechanics, finite element analysis, and real world tests to ensure the strength of all parts.

How did you come up with the idea of the cradle, cord and pulley system?

The idea to use rope came from my rock climbing hobby. I was always drawn to the science behind ropes and knots. And my background as a mathematician and artist helped, I think.

Are you still based in Farmingdale, NY or are you planning on moving locations?

We are still based in Farmingdale, NY. Not planning on moving locations, but we might have more locations open up in the future.

Bottom Line

If you are looking for a professional commercial grade resistance band system you will not find anything better. The Harambe System is simple the best resistance band exercise set you can find. It is super versatile and will have you enjoying each and every set.

The post Harambe System Review (2024) | Exercise Band Tools appeared first on Gear Mashers.

When purchasing dumbbells, urethane dumbbells are the clear winners when it comes to looks, performance, and longevity. In this article, we compare what we feel are the best urethane dumbbells in the market today and we created a urethane dumbbell comparison chart giving you a quick birds-eye view of what to expect when purchasing them. We have chosen 10 companies that we feel make some of the best urethane dumbbells around or 2024.

Urethane dumbbells are more compact, look much nicer and can withstand more punishment than their rubberized counterparts.

As an avid cyclist and runner, it’s important to stay fit and strong and cross-training with weights helps you perform better. So this year I thought it was a good idea to get a weight bench for those days I couldn’t make it to the gym.

OUR VERDICT

There are a lot of different dumbbells out there from metal to rubber to select a weight combo dumbbells and finally to urethane dumbbells. Without a dought, urethane dumbbells are legit and that is why so many commercial gyms have them. They simply can take a beating and still look great.

Note: Some of the companies listed below realistically only sell B2B at the commercial price point of dumbbell sets (i.e. 5-50 lbs sets) and lack any sort of retail distribution to offer purchases of individual dumbbell pairs. Obviously these companies know their business, but companies like Rogue Fitness have been able to capitalize on the home gym and garage gym market and offer commercial-grade dumbbells to their clients at a much lower and reasonable price point.

Given how easy it is to sell and ship products on the internet, I am a little surprised that companies don’t invest a little more in resources to sell to a broader audience. There certainly is a market and demand and for me personally, I want to use gym-quality commercial equipment regardless if I am at the gym or my home. Heck if a cyclist or runner is willing to throw down $ every year to get a new bike, they certainly have enough money to buy good weight equipment.

One thing I have noticed is most commercial quality dumbbells are pretty hard to find used unless you are buying in bulk. Occationally you will find a deal, but most sellers are wanting top dollar even on the used market.

Below is a Comparison Urethane Dumbbell Chart showing all the urethane dumbbells we cover in our review.

Urethane Dumbbell Comparison Chart

Table Of Contents

We recently picked up a Life Fitness Signature Series Incline Bench for doing weights and crosstraining at home. It’s probably one of the best commercial-grade incline benches I have ever seen or used. The bonus was we got it for a steal of a deal. It retails for $1,500 and we picked it up for $200 off of craigslist.

With such an amazing bench, you certainly don’t want to skimp on dumbbells and realistically we only need a few sets to workout with. So I started looking around and it seems urethane dumbbells offer the best overall performance compared to others on the market. The big downfall, of course, is they are wicked expensive. Because they have urethane coating, the price jumps up to roughly $2+ or more a pound, which when your buying multiple sets can really add up fast. The other downside is the used market just isn’t there. No one seems to be selling them cheap on Craigs List or FB Marketplace.

Fixed Urethane Dumbbells

Fixed urethane dumbbells are very popular with most commercial, university and government-run gyms and currently are at the top of the premium dumbbell food chain. At first glance (technically polyurethane or PU) dumbbells don’t look much different than rubber dumbbells, over time, however, they exhibit much better performance, longevity, and appearance.

The main advantage of using a fixed dumbbell is it almost always comes in a smaller, easier to manage size than an adjustable dumbbell.

The main disadvantage, of course, is fixed dumbbells are fixed, meaning if you need lighter or heavier weight you will need to purchase another pair. Depending on your needs, this can get quite expensive, as you need more and more pairs of dumbbells to workout with

Main Advantages Of Purchasing Urethane Dumbbells

If you are still trying to decide what the main advantages are for purchasing urethane dumbbells here is a list

• Look Better Over Time – Urethane is a very durable coating that can take a lot of abuse and still look good.
• Don’t Breakdown – Urethane doesn’t break down like rubber does from temperature changes or sunlight
• Low Odor – Urethane has little to zero odor
• Logo – Urethane allows for easy addition of logos
• Made From Steel – Most if not all urethane dumbbells are made from steel rather than other inferior metals.
• Wide Range Of Weights – They can be made from 5lbs to 200lbs (American Barbell).
• Have A Smaller Profile – Most Urethane dumbbells are smaller than traditional cheaper rubberized dumbbells.

Main Disadvantage of Purchasing Urethane Dumbbells

When it comes to disadvantages, the main point is urethane dumbbells are expensive. Depending on the company, they can be really expensive. Another disadvantage is people tend to hang on to them and you rarely see them being sold used on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace. If they are sold, it’s usually in sets or higher weight brackets (70 – 100 lbs) and rarely in the 5 to 50 lb range.

Coating Thickness

Unlike rubber-coated dumbbells, urethane coated dumbbells usually have a thicker coat or encasing. Cheaper urethane dumbbell manufacturers, like those from China, will skimp on the Urethane as well as other materials to lower the price of the product.

Ivanko claims that they make the thickest Urethane in the Industry.

Urethane vs Rubber | What’s the Difference?

Polyurethane or just urethane for short is just another form of rubber that has been modified by changing the chemical makeup to make it a different product.

Urethane is a toxic man-made substance. Rubber, on the other hand, comes from trees and plants. Because urethane is man-made, it has been formulated to wear better and stand up to harsher environments and sunlight. That is why many commercial gyms and fitness facilities purchase urethane dumbbells rather than their less expensive rubber counterparts.

Unlike Rubber, urethan doesn’t give off a musky smell, in fact, it is pretty much odorless.

The disadvantage, of course, is since urethane is man-made it ends up costing more to produce and use, doubling or tripling the overall cost of the dumbbell. Certain companies have developed secret formulas to make the urethane adhere better to metal provide less chance for failure and cracking.

Urethane Dumbbell Failure, Defects, and Cracks

While Urethane dumbbells are supposed to be king when it comes to longevity, I do have one pair that has cracked and the urethane has split. Once this has happened, making the necessary repairs may prove futile as there aren’t any really good urethane repair kits.

Now from what I have been told, a cracked urethane dumbbell is more of an anomaly and in fact, I tried searching for others who have experienced this with not much luck.

Many manufacturers carry a 5-year warranty on their urethane dumbbells. The downside is if you didn’t register them, you may be out of luck. Also, most warranties only extend to the original purchaser and are non-transferable. To me, this is a bit of a cop-out. If a company stands behind its product, it shouldn’t matter if the product changed hands within the warranty time frame.

Price Point

Urethane is the buzz word for quality dumbbells and companies who make them will definitely price them accordingly, making you pay a premium.

Most urethane dumbbells will be priced out of reach of most mortals, well unless you are a gym owner or have a contract to purchase them for the government or military. Priced per pound, quality urethane dumbbells will run anywhere from $4 to $8 a pound.

Round or Multi-Sided

Most dumbbells come in one of 2 flavors, round or multi-sided. The advantage of the multi-sided dumbbells is they will not roll once set down. Both Eleiko (14 sides) and Iron Grip (12 sides) are multi-sided. The advantage of round dumbbells is the fact that they typically take up less space.

American Barbell Urethane Dumbbells

American Barbell has several versions of urethane dumbbells including Series 1, Series 2 and Series 4.

Of all the urethane dumbbells listed in this article, I like the look of the American Barbell the best. While American Barbell’s competitors source their own urethane from the US or Sweeden, American sources theirs from Germany and produce dumbbells from 5 to 200lbs. The steel is still sourced in the US and it comes equipped with a chrome-plated handle.

A 5 – 50lb set retails for around $3,800.

Specifications

• Grip Diameter ( 5-95LB- 32MM, 100-125LB- 35MM)
• Solid Steel Core
• Cast Molded
• High strength steel chrome-plated handles
• Spline Anti-Loosening technology
• German high-grade urethane

Eleiko Urethane Dumbbells

Eleiko (https://www.eleiko.com/) hails from Sweeden and has 6 decades of experience. Their top-end urethane dumbbells are called EVO and they make a fixed version and a rotating version, something that other companies in this lineup don’t have. Both versions come with 14 sides that prevent rolling. The rotating version was designed based on Eleiko’s extensive experience with barbells.

The rotating Evo Dumbbell is designed for dynamic explosive movements such as the dumbbell snatch and other weightlifting-movements. The rotating handle also puts less stress on joints in movements such as biceps curls and delivers a unique smooth feeling that you immediately understand when you experience it.

The fixed handle Evo Dumbbell is a more classic design that is perfect for pressing movements, such as chest and shoulder presses.

Both are designed to offer maximum performance and outstanding durability over time. You can do everything from a training standpoint with either one, it’s simply a matter of preference and what type of training you tend to lean towards – dynamic and explosive or more slow and controlled.

I am not sure if the steel is sourced from Sweeden, but if it is, I am quite certain it’s high quality. I have a few WWII Sweedish Mauser rifles that used Sweedish steel and they look amazing and almost like new, even today.

One thing the video above showed is unless they swapped out dumbbells while shooting, the testing dumbbell’s urethane coating didn’t fail or crack.

Specifications

• LENGTH 312 mm / 12.28 in.
• WEIGHT 20 kg / 44.09 lbs
• WARRANTY 5 years 
• GRIP DIAMETER 38 mm / 1.5 in.
• HEAD DIAMETER 170 mm / 6.69 in.
• GRIP LENGTH 130 mm / 5.12 in.
• 14 sides

Hampton Fitness GEL-GRIP Urethane Dumbbell 

Hampton Fitness was in 1996. The company’s dedicated team of fitness equipment experts is headquartered in Ventura, California, and Hampton free weight products are sold both directly and through a large network of independent dealers all over the country.

The Hampton’s Gel-Grip® Series dumbbells are their top performing urethane dumbbells.

The Gel-Grip® urethane handle prevents your hand from moving during your workout. The Gel-Grip handles are ergonomically designed and contoured to support the hand’s natural curve for a comfortable, solid grip.

Its non-porous surface does not collect germs or bacteria as other knurled handles do. The outside shoulders of each handle have been expanded to 50 millimeters, which centers the handle and eliminates the painful impact typical of traditional handles that slide during workouts. Our stainless steel faceplates offer custom-engraved decals for your brand-name recognition.

Available in 36 different sizes from 5 lbs to 52.5 lbs in 2.5 lb increments and 55s lb to 130 lbs in 5 lb increments.

Iron Grip Urethane Dumbbells

Iron Grip boasts the Made in USA label, so you can be sure the quality of their urethane dumbbells is excellent.

There are several features that make the Iron Grip urethane dumbbells unique including its 12-sided heads and 3 handle configurations including

• Straight
• Contour
• XL Handle

Another cool feature Iron Grip offers is logo printing on the weights.

Pricing isn’t available on the Iron Grips website, so you will need to contact them for dumbbell costs.

Specifications

• Commercial quality for use in clubs, gyms and military fitness installations
• Solid steel heads are precision drilled and bored to ensure close tolerance
• Heads feature a patented 12-sided design that resists rolling off of benches or across the gym floor
• Steel handles are hard chromed, knurled and have a thickness of 1-1/4″ for 5-27.5 lb. pairs and 1-3/8″ for 30-150 lb. pairs
• Handle Style: Knurled straight round handle or contoured handle with ergonomically shaped gripping area
• Dumbbell handle shoulders (fat end) measure 1.625″ (5-27.5 lbs.) and 1.75″ (30 lbs. and above) for round and contoured handles
• Handle length is 5.75″ from inside head to inside head
• Grip Length: 3.25″ (knurled section)
• Overall dumbbell lengths range from 7.25″ (5 lbs.) to 15.25″ (100 lbs.)
• Head diameters start at 6″ (5-27.5 lbs.) and go to a maximum of 8″ for dumbbell rack compatibility
• The radius of each steel slug is chamfered on the outside to displace the force of the impact between the steel slug and urethane coating for longer impact resistance
• No maintenance. Solid steel handles are hydraulically press-fit through solid steel heads and are fully welded for maximum strength
• Maximum protection from harsh environments
• Impact-resistant matte finish urethane is a low odor, will not crack or fade and prevents damage to floors and equipment
• Urethane coating is a minimum of 3/8″ thick
• Quieter workouts compared to solid steel dumbbells
• Great for total body toning, strengthening and muscle building
• Weight sizes are permanently engraved into each dumbbell head and will not wear off
• Custom colored logos are available (upcharge)
• Custom sizes available up to 175 lbs. Please inquire if interested.
• Proudly Made In The USA
• 5-Year full commercial warranty against breakage

Ivanko Urethane Dumbbells

Ivanko Urethane dumbbells are 100% Made in the USA.  No Welds.  No Allen Bolts.

Ivanco has also been producing fitness equipment for quite some time, in fact, their website looks like something out of the ’90s. It might be time for a facelift, but that being said, Ivanco makes excellent weight lifting products.

Ivanko tops our list as the most expensive dumbbells with the 5 – 50lb set selling for $5,150.00, making it roughly 3 times as much as most other companies are charging. While I love the Ivanko brand, I just can’t see the justification for such a purchase, even if the urethane is superior and thicker.

The Ivanko Difference:  Our military-grade hard chrome handle has a finish that is 75% the hardness of a diamond.  Our commercial-grade urethane, which resists abrasions and scratches, will not split, crack, or peel.  Our engraved markings (name & weight designation) are heat-infused to the dumbbell in such a way that they will never fade or come out.

Specifications

• Highly accurate.
• Beautiful proportions.+ This urethane does not “melt”!
• Matte finish.
• 1045 solid steel, 1 piece handle.
• Stainless steel handles available.
• Non-welded, mechanically fastened.
• Made in the USA.
• 5-150 pounds (2.5 or 5 lb. increments).
• 2-70 kilograms (2kg increments).+ 5-15 lbs (2, 4, 6KG) take 29mm handles; all else: 35mm handles.

Rep Fitness Urethane Dumbbells

Rep Fitness is a small, family-owned business started in 2012 by 2 brothers with a love for fitness. There is nothing overly special about their urethane dumbbells, except the price point. For the money, Rep Fitness offers quality at a more affordable price.

Their Rep Fitness urethane 40lb pair retails for $188, significantly less than say Rogue’s $255 price point. Rep Fitness doesn’t list larger 5 – 50lb sets, although I am sure they would do those as well. While Rep Fitness is less expensive than Roque, you do have to pay shipping, which can also add up, so in the end, it might not be as big of a savings deal.

Features:

• Available in 5-100lbs in increments of 5 lb.
• Custom logos and color combinations available (12-16 week lead time, ordered as part of full gym outfitting)
• 3% accuracy on all dumbbells
• CPU urethane coating–the most durable urethane available
• Handle diameter: 32mm: 5-50 lbs; 34mm: 55+ lbs. 6 inch handle length
• Fit on either Rep Dumbbell Rack or Victory Commercial Rack. Rack sold separately.
• 5-year Structural Warranty

Rogue Fitness Urethane Dumbbells

Rogue Fitness is a leader in CrossFit and Commerical Home Gym equipment, so it should come as no surprise that Rogue makes some outstanding urethane dumbbells. Rogue Urethane Dumbbells are sold in pairs and available in 5LB increments up to 150LB. 

Each precision-machined handle on Rogue’s Urethane Dumbbells is the same 6″ in length and includes a medium-grade knurling for a firm but comfortable grip. The handle diameter is 31mm for dumbbells up to 45LB and 34MM for dumbbells 50LB and up.

Rogue sells both Urethane dumbbell sets and individual pairs. Rogue’s 5 – 50LB set is $1,650 and an individual 40LB pair will set you back $255. Rogue does offer free shipping, which can add up, especially when you order the dumbbell sets, so you need to take that into consideration.

Specifications:

• Sold in Pairs
• Weight Increments: 5LB – 150LB
• Solid Steel Heads with Black Urethane Plating
• Straight 6” Hardened Chrome Handle
• Medium-grade knurling for optimal grip
• Fully welded as a single-piece unit
• Tolerance: +/- 3% of claimed weight
• Black matte finish for a clean, sleek look
• Rogue logo and weight measurement in white print on black

See More: Dumbbells Available from Rogue

Dumbbell Head Diameter

Titan Fitness Urethane Dumbbells

As far as I know, most Titan Fitness products are produced in China and from the reviews I have seen, tend to be of less quality than companies like Roque Fitness. The good news is Titan Fitness products usually come at a substantial discount compared to others. Another huge benefit of buying Titan products is shipping is free, which when buying weights can add up quickly.

Specifications

• Each handle features knurling for a secure grip.- Black matte finish for a clean, professional look.
• Titan dumbbells are sold in pairs and are available in 5-pound increments from 5 – 120 LB.
• Handle Diameter: 1.25″
• Handle Width: 6

Troy Fitness Urethane Dumbbells

Last on our list of urethane dumbbell manufactures is Troy Fitness. Troy makes a 12 sided urethane dumbbell, similar to the Iron Grip dumbbells, but with more roundness going towards the center.

Specifications

• Handle Grip Size: 34mm
• Handle length: 5.5″
• Product Options: Round “T” Clog design. (Custom Logo only)
• Available in:
  5 lb. through 150 lb. in 5 lb. increments.
  .5 lb. sizes from 7.5lbs. up to 52.5 lbs. (5lb increments)
  Laser Engraved CUSTOM LOGO Available

Vulcan Urethane Dumbbells

Vulcan has been around since 2009 and is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They focus on supplying equipment for Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, Home Gyms and Commercial Gyms

The Vulcan Prime Dumbbells utilize a solid-steel shaft that has a moderate knurl and chrome finish. Like Rep Fitness, Vulcan offers a very competitive price for quality dumbbells.

The Vulcan Prime dumbbells have a black textured urethane head, easy to read grey numeral increments and high-quality construction. Listed at a more than affordable price point, these urethane dumbbells feature a solid steel core, hard chrome plated handle with medium knurl, and a high-grade 90 Shore Hardness urethane head. Rounded inner and outer edges of these dumbbells make them more comfortable to use when performing any movement where the dumbbell comes in contact with your body such dumbbell bench presses, dumbbell cleans, dumbbell presses, and dumbbell push presses.

Specifications

• Handle Diameter: 32 mm 5-100 lbs & 34 mm 105-150 lbs
• Offer weights from 5-150 lbs in 5 lbs increments

While you certainly can’t go wrong with any of the above company dumbbells, I find the higher priced American Barbell, Iron Grip and Ivanko dumbbells to be on the high end of the price spectrum. These companies sell to large organizations and are set up that way and realistically aren’t looking to fill small orders of dumbbell pairs or cater to low volume sales.

For those individuals looking to set up a home gym or garage gym, your best bet is to purchase from companies like Rep Fitness, Rogue Fitness, and Vulkan. Those companies all have excellent eCommerce set up on their websites for quick individual sales. If you are looking to save on shipping Vulcan and Rep Fitness might be the best choice of the bunch as both have FREE shipping options.

Please let me know in the comments below what your experience is with these companies and how satisfied you are with your purchases.

The post Top 10 Urethane Dumbbells Review | 2024 | Best Comparison Chart appeared first on Gear Mashers.

The Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformer is one exceptional machine. Hands down, the Allegro 2 stands apart from all other Pilates reformers.

No matter what kind of athlete you are, whether you are a professional athlete, movement aficionado, Pilates beginner or master, or someone looking for overall wellness – quality matters! The quality of the equipment you invest in has an impact on the quality of your movement and progress. The Balanced Body Allegro 2 beams with – QUALITY!!!

OUR VERDICT

There are a handful of Pilates reformers on the market today that you can choose from, and from our perspective, the Balanced Body Allegro 2 reformer tops them all. Its smoothness, elegance, and innovations raise the bar for Pilates equipment.

Note: The Allegro 2 with optional legs is well worth the upgrade.

Upgrade your Allegro 2 Reformer with Legs –

• provides more space for storage beneath
• offers raised height that allows more range of motion for certain exercises that require more space: lunges, side extensions when using the sitting box.
• If you plan to store this equipment on its side, you will need to order the wheel kit.
• leg extensions are SOLIDLY secure!

The Allegro 2 reformer is an incredible work of modern engineering and architecture. I can’t help but think of the Guggenheim museum 😉

Aside from the architectural comparison, The Allegro 2 Reformer’s innovative design allows you to upgrade your traditional Pilates reformer routine. Not only is this reformer sleek and solidly built; it is a quality machine that will support your body’s incredible transformation with consistent practice. Check out this fun video for a peek at the many ways you can have fun on this equipment.

Is it a boy? Is it a girl? It’s an Allegro 2 Reformer!

I couldn’t be prouder 🙂 What a moment when I first unboxed this beauty.

The Allegro 2 Reformer, along with jump-board, and sitting box lite, arrived altogether. Each box was professionally packaged and wrapped securely. In the past, I had ordered a Balanced Body Pilates Springboard and Push Through Bar, and the top notch packaging remains to be consistent. Balanced Body Pilates does a fantastic job of ensuring that quality is not limited to their actual product, but the quality goes into their packaging, delivery, and customer service!

While I was able to assemble the Allegro 2 by myself, I did need the help of my husband to help with the unboxing and placement. We have been gradually building out a garage gym and have placed incredibly durable long lasting mats on the floor. (we recommend horse stall mats – you can find them at most tractor supply stores). As for the delivery, You can see how much foam the packaging contains. Helpful tip: Use some of the foam to prop up areas when assembling the foot-bar.

All necessary tools and hardware came with this purchase. Look over the assembly brochure to double check that you have everything you need.

The underside of the Allegro 2 reformer is quite impressive! I marvel at the engineering that goes into building a machine like this. Not to worry, the underbelly of this Pilates machine was already put together with everything in tact.

You’ll also notice the careful protective tape, styrofoam packing, as well as some plastic holders (not easily seen in photo) are all in place to protect the product during transit. You can trust that your Balanced Body Pilates products are cared for every step of the way!

And now…. let the assembling begin!

I DID IT ALL BY MYSELF!!!! (well, almost)

Allegro 2 Reformer Review Assembly

The shipment of this Pilates reformer is quite heavy. Fortunately, we had our delivered directly into a cleared space in our garage gym. You will likely need an extra helping hand to move this machine to your ideal location.

All hardware and tools came with the delivery.

For assistance in putting your machine together, I found a Helpful youtube video in addition to the provided assembly instruction brochure. You can also make use of Balanced Body Customer service for assistance in setting up your equipment.

While I put together the Allegro 2 mostly by myself within 3 hours (This would have been faster without taking photos documenting the process. And… I also will admit that while there were two brochures on how to assemble the machine, I did not realize I had the full detailed brochure until I was nearly finished with full assembly – OOPS!) Well, at least the brief brochure along with a helpful youtube video were clear enough for me to follow along. What I’m saying is, assembling this product was not as intimidating as I anticipated it to be. It was also kind of exciting and rewarding to be able to be part of the process of making this incredible machine a reality in my daily world 🙂

Points to be on the look out for while assembling your Allegro 2

Use the provided foam to help prop up the machine.

Follow instructions!

Inspect the bottom for any extra foam, tape, or small plastic place holders, or elastic that needs to be removed before continuing.

An extra hand does help for the initial placement and turning onto its side when called for.

Have patience when installing the foot-bar. Watch videos, read instructions, and have patience. You will get it!

The reformer also comes with a detailed brochure, as well as a warranty form.

Overall, I was quite impressed with how Balanced Body boxed up the Allegro 2 and the overall packaging for everything else.

Balanced Body Allegro 2 Reformer Review

If you are looking for a top quality, long lasting Pilates reformer, the Allegro 2 is a must! After 15 years of teaching Pilates and experiencing numerous Pilates reformers, I find this one to be the best!

Innovated – Adjustable Foot-bar

Let’s get right to it. What stands out the most for this machine, compared to other Pilates reformers, is the adjustable sliding foot-bar. This truly is a game changer! It’s easy to move, it is secure once in place, and a wide array of new exercises on the reformer are now real possibilities.

• Foot-bar (at traditional location) has 3 settings: low, medium, vertical / straight.
• Sliding foot-bar slides to multiple clearly marked sections along the length of the reformer.
• Foot-bar adjustments accommodate different body sizes – including children.

The bar is uniform from top to side to bottom. To protect it from wear and tare, I covered it with a white cabinet liner that I cut to size. You can also purchase a foot-bar cover from Balanced Body. They have cushioned and un-cushioned versions. I’m ok with the DIY version I have, but my version is rather flimsy and is frequently moving around.

Straps | Adjustability

The Allegro 2 reformer has an improved strap system – Soft Touch Rope System. This makes adjusting the straps so much easier. There is a pulley tucked away near the head-rest, so you can even make adjustments while lying down. You can adjust one rope at a time, or both at the same time. At first, I didn’t think this was going to be ‘all that’, but once I experienced it for myself, I am impressed and satisfied with this innovation. It’s a time saver compared to other versions on different reformers.

Another bonus feature with these straps is the soft touch. The foot loops are soft for sure, but the entire rope system is without any clanky hardware; so when you’re moving around, the entire experience is much more quiet than when moving on other traditional reformers.

Jump-board

The jump-board is an accessory that you can buy. It’s a great addition for an overall workout that adds cardio, plyometric support, and extra fun to your routine.

This jump-board is big! It’s got a good width to it, so you won’t feel cramped.

As you can see in the photo, there are two handles that allow for ease in moving it around.

This is one of the easiest foot-bars I’ve worked with. You simply move the foot-bar out of the way (either to its lowest diagonal setting, or slide the bar mid way or all the way to the other end of the reformer. If you watch the video, you’ll be able to see how placing the foot-bar mid-way at the carriage, you can use it as a hand placement while jumping. It provides a bit more support as you have fun with jumps.

I almost didn’t purchase the jump-board because I thought the reformer along with the sitting box lite would be enough; but I’m glad I did. The jump-board adds a powerful dynamic to your Pilates routine.

If you need extra cushioning to the jump-board, you can purchase a cushion for it. I find that this jump-board is sturdy, mild cushion, and I don’t need anymore; but if you have specific needs for more layering, then it may be worth it.

Sitting Box Lite

Another great purchase! I love the sitting box lite! I love it because it’s light weight and I can move it around the house or easily take it to clients.

It also has an underbelly that is sectioned off so to match up with the shoulder rests when placed length-wise, or side ways. This feature offers more stability and prevents the box from sliding all over the place.

Having a sitting box (lite or traditional) is a no brainer. More exercise choices are added to your routine that will give you a whole body workout as well as offer you more therapeutic support that you might need.

Foot Strap / Adjustability

When you order a sitting box, the foot strap will come with your purchase. I almost overlooked this feature and thought I could do with out it. But I looked close and am pleased with the simplicity in this design. You can see in the photo that the foot strap loop can slide easily into different ‘hooked’ settings. If you’re familiar with other reformers and their foot strap system, this one offers ease and finesse.

Accessories

This bonus pad adds support and protection to my hands when placed at the foot-board. It’s also helpful when doing standing work. It stays in place and does the job.

Springs Enhancement

Last but not least, a small new feature that comes with the Allegro 2, are these spring collars. These little guys are actually a great feature that makes adjusting the springs easier and more gentle to the touch. It was a feature I nearly overlooked, but I think this is a great touch that people will appreciate.

FEATURES

Allegro 2 Reformer Specifications

Weight: 140 lbs (64kg) or 146 lbs (66kg) with legs.

• Height 9″ (22.5cm) or 15″ (37.5cm) with legs
• Length: 94″ (238cm)
• Width: 25.5″ (65cm)
• Footbar width: 31″ (79cm)
• Carriage width: 23″ (58.4cm)
• Carriage length: 33″ (83.8cm)
• Weight: 140 lbs (64kg) or 146 lbs (66kg) with legs.
• Retail: $3,045 – $3340 (no legs, vs. with legs).

Before I purchased this Allegro 2 reformer, I did research other reformers out there. Once I watched this video that went through all the features of this machine, I was sold. I’m pleased with this purchase and while I had been tempted to go for a lower cost, less featured reformer, I know without a doubt I made the right decision to invest in this quality, beautifully designed, solid piece of equipment. I’m a proud owner of an Allegro 2 reformer – now I just need a personal name for mine 😉

The post Balanced body Allegro 2 Reformer 2024 Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.

The Eleiko EVO dumbbells are some of the best dumbbells in the fitness market today, so it wasn’t by chance that I wanted to get a closer look to see what these bad boys were all about. To that end, I had a chance to visit the new Eleiko US Headquarters right in my own back yard of Austin Texas. Needless to say I was stoked to come home with 5 sets of dumbbells in both rotating and fixed.

Eleiko pronounced E-Lake-o hails from Sweden and make some of the finest “Swedish steel” fitness equipment in the industry. It’s true Sweden makes some outstanding steel products and the steel Eleiko uses is known to last and be darn right amazing to workout with.

Eleiko EVO Fixed VS Eleiko EVO Rotating Dumbbells

Eleiko offers the EVO dumbbells in both fixed and rotating. The difference is pretty significant not only because one of them spins, but also because the size of the grip is much bigger. The EVO Fixed dumbbells come in a 30mm / 1.28 in. vs the EVO rotating with its 38 mm / 1.5 in diameter. That is a huge difference.

To give you some insight, a women’s specific barbell usually has a grip of 25mm. Men’s barbells usually range around 28mm to 29mm, so having something that starts off at 38mm is very unfamiliar with most people who lift, that is unless they are using something like an axel bar or some other large diameter piece of equipment.

The rotating EVO handles start at 38mm and jump to 42 mm at 32 kg/70 lbs and up.
The fixed EVO handles start at 30mm and jump to 32 mm at 32 kg/70 lbs and up.

For people with small hands and for many women, the larger diameter of the EVO rotating dumbbells might not work.

Rotating VS fixed

The concept behind the Eleiko Rotating Dumbbells is to provide an easier on the body and joints experience. It is the same reason why using a barbell with good ball bearings makes lifts more enjoyable than one that needs servicing.

“The rotating EVO Dumbbell is designed for dynamic explosive movements such as the dumbbell snatch and other weightlifting-movements. The rotating handle also puts less stress on joints in movements such as biceps curls and delivers a unique smooth feeling that you immediately understand when you experience it.”

Eleiko

Commercial Grade Urethane and Steel

The EVO Dumbbells are commercial grade dumbbells, which means you will probably not find them in most home gym and garage gym setups. Not because they aren’t good, but simply due to the cost.

BUY ONCE, CRY ONCE

Most of your typical Home Gym| Garage Gym owners want good equipment, but not when the price is 2 to 4 times as as much as they want to spend. Your typical fitness buff will often go for less expensive brands or loadable dumbbells to save space.

Eleiko uses commercial grade German polyurethane on the dumbbell ends which adds to the overall cost rather than cheaper rubber materials. The dumbbells are also Swedish made vs rather than Chinese made, which almost always means better materials and quality standards.

EVO Dumbbell Testing

One of the most important tests that Eleiko used to test the dumbbells was the usage drop test.

Eleiko tested the EVO for different drops including:

• 500,000 drops from 10 cm (with a 30 kg and a 68 kg dumbbell, 66/150 lb)
• 500 drops from 1,5 m (with a 16 kg and a 30 kg dumbbell, 35/66 lb)
• 5 drops from 5 m (with a 16 kg / 35 lb dumbbells

Below is a fun video Eleiko made to show just some of the wacky tests.

14 Sided Dumbbells

The dumbbells are designed with 14 sides to help prevent rolling and make them more ecstatically pleasing than dumbbells with fewer sides. I do find they roll much more easily than any of my 8 sided dumbbells, but certainly do a much better job than round dumbbells.

Key Features of the Eleiko EVO Rotating Dumbbell

• Anti-roll and revolving design
• Offer optimal grip, smooth movements and maximum comfort
• Manufactured using barbell steel
• Multisided head and embossed weight markings
• Ultra-durable design, delivering an incredibly smooth rotation
• Range of weight sizes, up to 60kg
• 60 years of expertise and specially formulated engineering

The EVO Fixed dumbbells have all the features listed above, except they don’t spin and their handles are smaller.

EVO Rotating Dumbbells Vs Watson Pro Dumbbells

The main competition to the EVO Rotating Dumbbells comes from the UK in the form of the Watson Pro Dumbbells.

Both dumbbells have rotating handles, but there are a few differences

The Watson is all steel vs the EVO’s steel and urethane

The Watson Pro Dumbbell is also is

• Fully customizable, allowing you to change out the name plate.
• Comes with a lifetime warranty vs a 5 year warranty with Eleiko
• Available in marine grade stainless steel – Can’t say this is any better than Swedish Steel.
• Has a 50mm grip handles vs EVO’s 38mm – 42mm
• Has better spin qualities (Spins more than the EVO)
• Makes more handle noise (from observations of shaking both dumbbells)

Bottom Line

Eleiko has done an incredible job designing and creating dumbbells that look as good as they perform. For those looking to get a high performance dumbbell for a commercial gym or high end garage gym, you will not be disappointed. They look fantastic and will probably last a very long time.

The old saying “Buy once, Cry once” is definitely the motto when you purchase Eleiko equipment. The higher price tag means you will be paying more than similar products, but in the end you will have something that is awesome.

The post Eleiko Evo Fixed | EVO Rotating Dumbbell Review (2023) appeared first on Gear Mashers.

There is no denying the American Barbell Competition Kettlebells are absolutely gorgeous, but do they perform as good as they look. In short, YES. They are an amazing piece of fitness equipment that aren’t just for commercial gyms.

When I first started searching for the ultimate kettlebell, I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for. My main beef with previous Kettlebells revolved around the ability to remain rust free. I hate rusty equipment and so I set my sights looking for a kettlebell that could take abuse and still look relatively new. Most kettlebells come in 2 flavors, cast iron or steel.

My experience with cast iron kettlebells is they always felt a bit dirty and cheap. Rust prevention is certainly an issue and god forbid if you leave them outside. Steel feels much more professional, but again can have issues with rusting. Luckily today, just like barbells, companies are adding rust prevention by using coatings like cerakote or using premium stainless steel to prevent rust.

American Barbell upped the ante by adding a urethane casing to not not only protect the kettlebell, but also help lesson damage that may occur when the kettlebell hits the floor.

American Barbell Competition Kettlebell

The Competition kettlebells incorporate a high quality German urethane covering. Unlike companies that use inferior recycled urethan, American Barbell uses virgin high grade urethane. Not only is the urethane of better quality, it also is extremely strong, odor-free, and scratch-resistant.

Like American Barbell Urethane Dumbbells, the graphics and logo are molded into the body and not colored in after, a process AB pioneered. This means the kettlebells will look almost new even after a lot of use.

The competition kettlebells range in weight between 6KG and 44KG. The handle size of these kettlebells is 32mm.

IMPORTANT Note: Every competition kettlebell is the same size, regardless of the weight. That said, you will want to stick with one company, because depending on the company the kettlebell could be slightly different in handle width and size. The competition kettlebells that American Barbell offer are ideal for high rep work.

Highlights

• Urethane covering
• American Barbell logo
• 6KG – 44KG
• 32mm diameter handles
• Odor-free and scratch-resistant
• Stainless Steel Handles

Kettlebell Competition

When looking for a competition kettlebell there are a lot of companies producing Kettlebells for competition purposes.

• Eleiko – Eleiko Competition Kettlebells 8k – 32k (35 mm Handles) cast iron construction + stainless steel handles
• Kettlebell Kings – Kettlebell Kings Sport Competition Kettlebell 8k – 48k (35mm handles) steel construction
• Kettlebells USA – Paradigm Pro® Classic Kettlebell 6k – 48k (33mm & 35mm handles) steel construction
• Rogue Fitness – Rogue Competition Kettlebell 8k – 48k (33mm handles) cast iron
• Vulcan Strength – Vulcan Competition Kettlebells 8k – 32k (35 mm Handles) steel construction

Bottom Line

While many companies produce good competition kettlebells, American Barbell ticks all the boxes for me with theirs.

The post American Barbell Competition Kettlebell Review | 2023 appeared first on Gear Mashers.

American Barbell has been around since 1978 and was one of the first companies to create an amazing stainless steel Olympic bar known as the American Barbell SS Comp. It is an absolutely gorgeous bar that really stands out when compared to others in its class.

American Barbell has been on my radar ever since I started up a garage gym. At one point they had a wholesale location here in Austin, Texas, but unfortunately, they closed that location before I was able to visit. I initially purchased their urethane kettlebells, which have a urethane shell and a stainless steel handle. Perfect for anyone who is worried about corrosion and rust, especially garage gym owners.

I reached out to Steven Kendrick of American Barbell to inquire about some products I was interested in reviewing, specifically AB’s high-end barbells. Steven put me in touch with Phil Patti who is the founder of American Barbell. The first conversation I had with Phil lasted over an hour as he schooled me on Barbell design and why he thinks the SS Comp is far and above other Olympic barbells. More on that later.

Phil, by the way, is a technical adviser, designer, and manufacturer for some of the biggest fitness industry brands including (American Barbell, Hammer Strength, Matrix, Technogym, Kabuki, Planet Fitness, Irongrip, Ivanko, Schnell, and probably others). Needless to say, Phil knows his stuff. American Barbell has built over 200K+ Olympic barbells for the commercial fitness industry.

Unboxing

After a few more conversations with Phil and Steve, the SS Comp was on its way.

When the barbell arrived, it came in a long barbell tube typical of what barbells are usually packaged in. It was taped on both ends. After wrestling with the tape, I managed to get the first of 4 end caps off. American Barbell really goes out of their way to make sure the barbells arrive safe and sound.

I have yet to find an easy-to-open barbell tube. You are either fighting with the tape to unravel it or having to get pliers out to try to pull the various end caps off or both.

Pulling out the SS Comp from its tube showed that the sleeves were wrapped nicely and had one last end cap to remove. Needless to say, the bar arrived without issue and looked gorgeous.

American Barbell SS Comp Review

The SS Comp is part of American Barbell’s Olympic Barbell line including the

• Performance Training Bar (uses composite bushings)
• Performance Bearing Bar (hard chromed bar)
• SS Comp Stainless Steel Needle Bearing Bar (stainless steel shaft)

The SS Comp bar utilized the highest standards for barbell manufacturing and boy is it amazing.

Specifications

• Meets IWF Specifications (Shaft, Diameter, Markings, and Weight)
• Shaft – Precision Straightened Stainless Steel Bar
• Sleeves – Aircraft-Grade Hardened Chrome. Sleeves are smooth without ridges.
• Bearings – Proprietary Needle Bearing System
• Tensile Strength – 190K – Gives a nice whip to the bar.
• Available in IWF specification 20KG 28mm or 15KG 25mm
• Length 2200mm or 2010mm
• Knurl Markings – Olympic Knurl Marks
• Center Kurl is called “Ghost Knurl” – Very lightly etched
• Made in the USA
• Incorporates American Barbell’s own proprietary bearing technology – This provides higher load capacity and smoother rotation with heavier weights. The rotation is smoother and more precisely built.
• Features a protective ring on the inner collar side to keep chalk and dust from penetrating bearings
• Patent No:  US D795,971 S
• Warranty: Limited Lifetime
• Price: $795.00 +/- shipping and tax

SS Comp Sleeves

It’s rather amazing how UNDERAPPRCIATED this bar actually is. First, there are the sleeves which are coated using aircraft-grade hardened chrome. This isn’t your Harley Davidson conventional decorative chrome, no it’s commercial-grade all the way. The sleeves are also smoothed to a polished finish. The smooth finish takes more time to achieve than the traditional ribbed finish that most barbells come with. Many manufacturers of ribbed sleeves claim their sleeves hold weight better because they are ribbed.

Ribbed sleeves are from fast cheap machining. To say they hold plates on is embarrassing

Phil Patti

American Barbell says that the sleeves have a larger diameter than many of its competitors, which helps prevent weights from shifting and sliding. In any case, I prefer the American Barbell method for one simple reason, it sounds fantastic when sliding the weights on or off. REALLY – sliding the weights on and off is so much nicer on this bar.

Phil provided some great education on sleeve design. Most manufacturers use what’s called Friction welding to join the “SLEEVE COLLAR” to the “SLEEVE”, making it appear to be one piece. Phil said that his precision welding method is more reliable than friction welding and overtime helps prevent barbell failure. When you get a chance to see the precision welds, you will appreciate what has been done. The look is fantastic. The welds are recessed so that when plates are slid down the sleeve, the plates never touch the welds. Pretty cool. Honestly, the design is so cool, I am really surprised other manufacturers don’t try to imitate it.

The SS Comp is a commercial-grade barbell, meaning it has to be able to stand up to commercial gym use rather than just a home or garage gym. The barbell also meets “IWF” specifications. The IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) is the Olympic weightlifting governing body for Olympic events using barbells.

Friction Welding Vs Precision Welding

Friction Welding

When you look at a barbell sleeve, it’s actually composed of two parts, the sleeve collar, and the sleeve. These two parts are then welded together to form what people refer to as a barbell sleeve. Most manufacturers weld the parts together using a technique called Friction Welding, where the collar is rotated at a high speed and then the sleeve is inserted into the collar by melting the metals together through friction. The two parts are then joined together.

Precision Welding

American Barbell uses a more traditional welding method to join the sleeve and collar together known as precision welding. By doing this, the welds where the metal parts are joined is actually stronger than the steel it’s joined to.

The American Barbell logo is engraved on the inside of the barbell collar, giving it a really nice appearance. AB doesn’t do this on every barbell they sell, but I told Phil it really makes the barbell stand out.

Needle Bearings

Underneath the sleeve is where the magic happens. Most companies that produce bearing bars, don’t appear to know the first thing about needle bearings and how they can damage a bar over time. Most Olympic bars that I have seen have needle bearings touching the bar. With repeated use, these bearings can create pits or wear points, which eventually can turn into stress fractures.

American Barbell designs its needle bearings to have an inner race or sleeve that fits over the bar. In this way, the bearings never touch the bar and prevent the bearings from damaging it. AB also doesn’t skimp on the bearings themselves, they use super precision Needle Bearings that are substantially larger, stronger, and have a higher load rating. Their bearing technology is proprietary, so it can’t be duplicated.

Why Needle Bearings over Bushings?

The more smoothly and reliably a barbell can rotate during an Olympic lift the easier it is for the lifter to have confidence in the barbell. While it is true that the barbell will realistically only move about 180 degrees during the lifting movement, the needle bearings provide a smooth transition over bushings and prevent or at least lessen movements of the plates rotating during the lift.

To make sure the bearings have a longer life span, AB utilizes a protective ring on the inner collar side to keep chalk and dust from penetrating the bearings

28mm and 25mm Grip

Traditionally Olympic bar diameter falls in the range of 28mm – 28.5mm for men and 25mm to 25.5 for women. The smaller diameter bars also have the advantage of making them a bit less stiff and “whippier”. Olympic weight lifters can use the elasticity of the bar to help them during the early stages of the lift. (snatch, power clean, etc). Having a smaller diameter also means it will be easier to grip vs a power bar that usually has a larger grip.

190K Tensile Strength

The Britannica dictionary defines Tensile Strength as the “maximum load that a material can support without fracture when being stretched, divided by the original cross-sectional area of the material. In terms of barbells, Tensile Strength only gives you part of the equation. Another measurement is Yield Strength, giving you the amount of weight a barbell can hold without losing its form.

The formula for Tensile Strength is

σ_f = P_f/A_o

Where P_f is the load at fracture, A_o is the original cross-sectional area, and σ_f is the tensile strength, measured in N/m² or pascals.

American Barbell sells a 29mm Power Bar with the same Tensile Strength as the SS Comp. Since the Power Bar has a bigger diameter it should have a higher Yield Strength, so it shouldn’t bend as easily as the SS Comp with the smaller diameter.

Why do companies show off their Tensile strength and not the Yield Strength, which is probably a better representation of the barbell weight capacity? I am not sure.

Knurl

Ah yes, the all-important Knurl.

The knurl pattern is considered to be Volcano Knurl but feels much more passive than many Olympic barbells I have used. It feels similar to Hill Knurl IMO, but with slightly more grip. It certainly is much more passive than any power bar I have used. That said, many Olympic lifters want a passive knurl bar so that their hands don’t get chewed up during explosive moves like cleans and AB doesn’t disappoint.

Many non-IWF Olympic bars don’t have a center knurl, because lifters don’t like having a sharp center on the bar passing up the body next to the face. IWF Olympic bars DO have a center knurl because the IWF rule requires it.

The AB SS Comp has what they refer to as “ghost knurl”, which is so light and passive it’s more for looks than grip. It lets you know exactly where the center of the barbell is without actually being a true knurl.

The bar also comes with the standard IWF Olympic knurl markings. I found that the Knurl goes right up to the edge of the Olympic marks without any distortion of grip.

Shaft

I wasn’t exactly sure where to bring up talking about the shaft, but it is exceptional. Being stainless steel means you’re not having to worry about corrosion or rust. AB has taken their Stainless Steel up a notch so that it is actually better than most other manufacture’s stainless steel. Working with metallurgists, AB has come up with a formula for their stainless steel that outperforms typical rust and corrosion standards for that metal type.

With IWF Olympic barbells you have two options, going the more expensive stainless steel route or the less expensive bare steel route. If you go with option 2, you will soon find yourself having to clean the bar on a regular basis to prevent rust from forming. Stainless is much more worry-free.

Competition

As far as competition goes, there are a few companies out there

• Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar – stainless steel (Still using bearing on bar technology)
• Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Competition Bar – (steel chromed barbell – Eleiko doesn’t have a stainless steel barbell)

Conclusion

That saying “Buy Once, Cry Once” certainly applies with the SS Comp. While it isn’t the most expensive barbell available, it still comes with a hefty price tag of over $800 after factoring in shipping and tax. For the money though, I am willing to bet that the SS Comp will be really hard to beat in its category and you will find its performance over time much better than others.

The SS Comp ticks all the boxes for those looking for a high-quality barbell that will last a very long time.

Some may find the Knurl a bit too passive for their liking and that is ok because even with a great product, you can’t please everyone’s tastes.

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