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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The post American Barbell SS Comp Barbell Review | Stainless Steel appeared first on Gear Mashers.

The New ABMAT Plyo Box is the first “Plyobox With The Strength Of Plywood And The Safety Of Foam.”.

March 2021

In March of 2021 RooBox announce they were taking the next step toward making the RooBox the premier plyo box for both function and safety. By partnering with the maker of the ABMAT, Roobox will expand their reach to gyms and home workout enthusiasts everywhere. As a result, the original RooBox branded plyo boxes are to be phased out of production.

Fast forward a year and the RooBox has become the ABMAT Roobox.

OUR VERDICT

There are a lot of companies producing plyo boxes from simple wooden crates to softboxes. The new ABMAT Plyo Box is one of the premier boxes for doing any type of plyometric work.

It’s elegant, yet very functional and looks fantastic in a high-end gym, home, or garage gym.

Most of your typical plywood plyo boxes have rough or sharp edges and are the bane of crossfitters who miss their jumps. Having a shin hit the edge of a box during a missed jump is not a laughing matter and will leave a gash or bruise and will surely hurt.

The ABMAT plyo box solves this issue by having slightly compressible closed cell molded foam rubber edges that will soften the blow of a misjump.

The only negative is the price point, at $250⁰⁰ as some people may want a less expensive alternative.

In gearing up for this review, I reached out to Chris Wittenbrink from RooBox and he was nice enough to send out a sample for review.

So why would you want the New ABMAT Plyo Box when there are so many to choose from? The simple answer is quality, foam edges, and cool looks. One of the unique selling points of the ABMAT PLYO BOX is the rounded foam corners and edges. No more banging up your shins or knees because the foam will take the brunt of the damage rather than your legs.

Unboxing

The plyo box package arrived in a typical brown box. Nothing really special, but the packaging was good and the box arrived with zero issues.

ABMAT PLYO BOX ASSEMBLY

Beyond the plywood pieces, the box comes with a set of small and large screws plus a hex tool to put everything together. If you have ever put Ikea furniture together, you will feel right at home putting the box together.

You will want to set aside about 30 to 45 minutes to get the job done. You can build the box by yourself, although having a friend may help speed up the process.

The main body of the plywood box snapped in place with wooden pegs and cut grooves. Using metal screws finishes the job. No glue is required.

ABMAT PLYO BOX REVIEW

I thought the overall design is really neat and makes for a super sturdy plyo box. The top and bottom of the box (the sides with the logo) are reinforced and when jumping on or off make for a super solid base. The box has 4 cutouts for handles that make it easier to move than a traditional plyo box without handles.

The dimensions are 30″ x 24″ x 20″, which means when the box has the logo showing that is 20″s when you flip it on its side it’s 24″s and when you have the handles facing the ceiling it’s 30″s. For me personally, 20″s is good enough for most box jump exercises. I rarely found myself wanting to use the 24″ or 30″ sides.

The edges are made from slightly compressible closed cell molded foam rubber and serve two purposes. First, it makes the boxes look super cool, and second, it protects the jumper from misjumps.

The plywood panels are CNC machined from ¾” plywood. The combination of plywood panels and EVA foam edges create unbeatable structural integrity. The foam edges are extremely durable and from what I understand can be replaced if needed. Through my testing I haven’t found any issue with wear, but I do use horse stall mats, which may help with product abuse.

Specs:

• Made in the USA
• Dimensions: 30″ x 24″ x 20″
• Weight: Approximately 45 lbs.
• Ships flat and comes with everything you need
• Partial assembly required (no special tools required)
• Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
• Retail $250
• Assembly Time 30 to 45 minutes

BOTTOM LINE

Overall I think RooBox and ABMAT have a fantastic product for Crossfit anyone looking to do plyometric exercises. Where I think the plyo box could be improved is in the logo and measurement category. Rather than having a logo screen printed or whatever process Roobox uses, I would love to see it laser-etched instead. That way it will not rub off over time. I would also like to see large laser etched height increment markings for 20″, 24″ 30″, just so people know what the jumping height is.

Lastly, the cost of the ABMAT Plyo Box ($250) is quite expensive compared to other plywood boxes but seems to be in line with high-end softboxes, like the Rogue Fitness Foam Games BOX – 3-IN-1 Foam plyo box ($275).

The post ABMAT PLYO BOX REVIEW | RooBox appeared first on Gear Mashers.

The Rogue Fitness Jammer Pull-Up Bar is the best door jam pullup bar on the market today. It’s beefy and honestly looks like a tank resting above the door. For those that have Garage Gyms, having one of these above the door isn’t a bad option, although the Rogue Jammer pull-up bar is more designed for indoor use rather than a garage gym. Rogue does make some excellent squat cage type pull-up bars.

OUR VERDICT

There are a lot of different door jam pull-up bars on the market, but most are cheap Chinese made units that end up denting the door jam and never quite feel as secure as they should. The Roque Fitness wall mount pullup bar hangs above the door and out of the way. It is made of steel with commercial grade parts. The bar can be customized with various Cerakote colors and can come Knurled or smooth, depending on preference.

I am a huge fan of pull-ups. Ever since the presidential fitness awards back in my elementary days I have always loved to do pull-ups. Going to the gym I would always do a few sets of 12, but it wasn’t until I did P90X that I really made some gains. At the time I was using one of those cheap door jam pull-up bars that you can get from Walmart. After completing the P90X 90-day training program I was easily ripping out 20+ pull-ups in one go. We are talking good pull-ups and not those sissy swinging cross-fit pull-ups that you see Crossfitters do.

The one issue I always felt was a little annoying was the door jam bar. Sure it worked, but it just struck me a cheaply made and certainly wasn’t the best option. As it turns out when I moved to my new home, the door jam bar wouldn’t work in most of the doors since many of them butted up against a wall. Door jam pull-up bars need space above the door jam and on either side of the wall in order to mount.

Well, I was sort of at a conundrum. What to do, what to do. I started researching pull-up bars that could be mounted over a door and finally came across the Roque Fitness Rogue Jammer. It looked legit, but it was a bit pricy compared to others on the market. At some point, I said enough is enough and pulled the trigger.

The Jammer pull-bar comes in a variety of color options including Grey / Black / Red / Orange / Pink / Blue / Green / Tek Grey Camo / Tiger Stripe Woodland Camo. You also have the option of a smooth or knurled bar. Knurl is simply a term in the fitness industry that refers to handgrip marks or grooves to improve grip.

Note: One gripe with the knurl option is there is no knurl in the middle of the bar. Some people who do close grip pull-up complain that they wanted knurl there. For me, this isn’t an issue and I sort of like not having it there.

When the unit arrived I was immediately impressed with how heavy it was. This thing is a beast. We are talking about high-quality steel and something that by all accounts is commercial grade and not some cheap Chinese knockoff.

While I was able to install it myself, some people may want to get an assistant or two. The Jammer weighs 33lbs, but while installing it, the weight felt more like 50+ lbs.

The unit comes with 6 heavy-duty mounting bolts that are designed to screw into your walls studs. There are also 4 additional mounting bolts that screw the bar unit to the bracket.

For me, I had to mount the unit a few times as you can see by the holes. The first time I mounted it and started doing pullups, the wall would squeak. I tried as best as I could to eliminate the squeak by loosing and tightening the bolts, but I simply couldn’t get rid of it and it was driving me nuts. I searched for anyone else who had run into that issue, but my Google-Fu wasn’t strong and it seemed no one was posting about any squeaking issues when mounting the pull-up bar.

Specifications:

• Made in the USA
• Patent Pending
• In-Home Wall-Mounted Pull-Up System
• Total Weight: 33LB (Includes Stringer & Brackets)
• Length: 43″ (Stringer)
• Height: 8.875″ (Stringer)
• Depth from mounting surface – 7″ to the center of the bar, 8.25″ overall
• Pull-Up Bar Diameter: 1.125″
• (6) 0.375″ x 2.5″ wood lags included
• Can be ordered in both Knurled and Smooth
• Price range is $95 for powder coat, $150 for Cerakote and Special Colors $195
• Cerakote Colorways: Grey / Black / Red / Orange / Pink / Blue / Green / Tek Grey Camo / Tiger Stripe Woodland Camo. Note: Only the Cerakote bars include the Rogue logo in the center

If you want the best over the door wall mount pull-up bar you have to look no further than the Rogue Fitness Jammer Pull-Up Bar. It is quite an impressive piece of equipment that is designed to last a lifetime of use. We recommend getting the Cerakote version to better protect against corrosion and for a bit of color.

Check out Rogue Fitness (https://www.roguefitness.com/) and their whole lineup of Crossfit and Home Fitness Equipment.

The post Rogue Fitness Jammer Pull-up Bar Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.

Ever wonder how Popeye got those massive forearms or GI Joe got that Kung Fu Grip, you might be surprised that they both used the Gripedo Trainer. OK maybe it wasn’t around then, but the facts are if they had used it, it would have been easier than eating a can of spinach and taking Kung Fu from Bruce Lee.

GIPEDO BACKGROUND

The Gripedo was invented by a Biomedical Engineer with over 30 years of training and coaching experience who is also a former Sambo National Silver Medalist.   The founder after years of training and coaching, came to understand the importance of “arm and grip strength” but also “arm and grip endurance” for sports. The Gripedo was designed to train athletes’ grip and arm muscles to improve grip and arm strength along with conditioning in order to improve athletic performance.

UNBOXIING

Ever since I started up my garage gym, I would often find myself looking at Instagram for cool fitness products. One such product caught my attention and I was really intrigued. It turned out to be the Gripedo Trainer. I reached out to GRIPEDOTrainer, who has 18k+ followers asking for a review sample. A few weeks later and it arrived.

The Gripedo arrived in your typical packaging with some padding.

It’s a one-piece medal trainer with a 4-inch ball handle, 4 fins, and a hollow tube. For those with smaller hands, Gripedo does offer a 3-inch ball handle.

The current retail price is $139.00

Gripedo Barbell Wrist Rolls Exercise

There are several ways to work out with the Gripedo and one common way is to use the sleeve of a barbell and do wrist curls with a rope, weight attachment, and weights.

After setup to perform the exercise you simply use both hands to turn the Gripedo clockwise or counterclockwise using the main shaft of the device to raise or lower the weights.

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Gripedo Shoulder External Rotation Exercise

For those that are having shoulder issues or want to strengthen their shoulders, you can use the ball end of the Gripedo to turn it clockwise or counterclockwise.

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Gripedo Sand Bucket Exercises

Another fun exercise is to use the Gripideo in a bucket of sand. The Gripedo is designed with 4 fins that when submerged in sand or lead shot, provide incredible resistance when turning.

I purchased a cheap bucket from the hardware store and some playground sand. Just make sure the sand you purchase doesn’t have any weird chemicals.

The exercise is performed by burying the Gripideo in the sand so that the fins are not exposed. The user then grips the round end and turns the Gripedo either clockwise or counterclockwise.

In just a few turns you can feel your forearms burning. To make it a bit easier don’t bury the fins all the way, as they are what creates the resistance in the sand.

I really wanted to try this exercise out when I went to Florida but figured the Airport security might flag my bag carrying what looks like a mortar shell.

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Bottom Line

The Gripedo is a super cool weightlifting or rehab tool where you can perform many different exercises. It’s well built and will definitely beef up those forearms and give you that Kung Fu grip.

One thing I ran into was when the Gripedo was over a barbell sleeve, I found it would scratch the sleeve, so since my barbells are in excellent to new conditions, I decided not to use it that way.

In the sand, however, the Gripedo will kick your butt and you don’t have to worry about scratching up anything.

Definitely check out Gripedo’s website for other exercises you can do and get your own.

The post Gripedo Trainer appeared first on Gear Mashers.

Pioneer Weight Lifting Belts are designed for those serious about weight lifting and back support. Pioneer Belts come from General Leathercraft Manufacturing Inc., which makes some of the best weightlifting belts in the US.

General Leathercraft Manufacturing was founded in Sidney, Nebraska in 1979 as the manufacturer of Pioneer Fitness Products. It’s a family-run business with 3 generations of leather craftsmen. Today Pioneer belts are made in the heart of central Texas.

Their motto is

“Don’t buy OUR belt, buy YOUR belt.” 

PIONEER LEVER BELT OVERVIEW

Today I am reviewing Pioneer’s 10MM Thick untreated – stock lever belt. By stock, I mean no customization or enhancements were ordered. It’s Pioneer’s base lever model, with no frills or extras.

Retail is $116.99 – $121.99. The base model starts at $116.99, but for those that need an XL or double XL, there is an additional $3 or $5 cost.

Sizing: You will want to consult Pioneer’s sizing charts to get the appropriate size.

I thought it would be rather cool to review some of the industry’s best weight lifting belt companies and PIONEER aka General Leathercraft Manufacturing was high on my list. I contacted Matt Hadden, who is president and CEO for General Leathercraft Manufacturing and he was kind enough to send a sample out for review.

General Leathercraft Manufacturing makes a wide range of Pioneer weightlifting belts from your more standard hole belts and buckles to the more futuristic ratchet-style lever belts. Beyond just the base models, when ordering a Pioneer belt you can go full customization for an additional cost.

As far as I know, GLM has one of the best customization setups for weight lifting belts in the industry.

UNBOXING

Unboxing the Pioneer Lever Belt was pretty painless. The belt came in a typical mailing box with nothing fancy. The belt’s hardware was wrapped in bubble wrap and came in 2 parts. The buckle and the buckle attachment, known as the PAL lever system.

High quality leather and craftsmanship were very apparent when looking over the leather belt.

BELT SETUP

Setting up the belt is rather straight forward using Pioneer’s PAL lever system.

You will need either a Phillips or Flathead screwdriver to attach the lever system to the belt using the 6 screws and screw plates provided.

BELT SIZING

When ordering your belt, you will want to make sure to order the correct size.

VERY IMPORTANT Don’t make the mistake of ordering based on your waist size. Use their belt size measuring guide to help you determine what size you are. This is especially true if you are going to order a custom belt. Nothing is worse than getting an amazing belt and then realizing it was too small or too big.

Their standard sizes are as follows if you are confident in your belt size:

• Extra Small (22-31)
• Small (27-36)
• Medium (31-40)
• Large (35-44)
• XL (39-48)
• XXL (43-52)

PIONEER LEVER BELT REVIEW

The 10mm untreated stock belts are made using a full-grain vegetable-tanned sole leather. The outside is quite smooth with its natural finish. The inside has a more rugged rough unfinished feel and is designed to help combat slippage during workouts.

Sizing can be achieved in 2 ways using the Pioneer PAL lever system.

Each lever belt comes with a dual layer that will need some breaking to feel complete comfortable.

VERDICT

If you want one of the best lever belts for a reasonable cost, the Pioneer Lever Belt is a fantastic option.

Check out Pioneer Weightlifting belts (https://generalleathercraft.com/) and their whole lineup of weightlifting fitness equipment.

The post Pioneer WEigh Lifting Lever Belt Review appeared first on Gear Mashers.