Reviews

Correct me if I'm wrong, but if you're reading this review and you're looking for a buffalo bar, odds are you have shoulder mobility issues, elbow pain, or possibly some wrist problems. Maybe you're just looking for some additional variety in your training, deeper range of motion on bench, etc... Either way, the buffalo bar is an excellent choice. Historically, mainstream "bow...

You know that feeling you get when you realize that you just discovered the best ______ (insert thing) you've ever had/used/tasted/etc...? Feels pretty cool, right? For me, I knew: That my wife was the greatest woman I had ever met when she showed up to take me to the airport after a couple days of knowing me with a bag of...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again... Rep Fitness is making the best benches out there. The quality is top-notch and the prices are great, making them practically unbeatable in terms of value. In the past year, they released and refined their FB-5000 flat bench, which I positively reviewed here. In my opinion, that flat bench is easily the best...

Warning: This review may trigger some readers. Why is that? Well, because it seems belt squats are a bit controversial these days. You've got lever-based belt squats, you've got pulley-based belt squats, and you've got the Squatmax-MD belt squat. Users of each are vying for the right to say their belt squat reigns supreme over the other. In the seven years prior to owning my...

After what felt like an eternity, the aggressive Rep Fitness PowerSpeed bar has arrived! If you got a taste of the Rep stainless steel power bar (review here), you know what I'm talking about. That bar, which released in 2017 offers more of a medium cut. That is, it's not very aggressive. It's a really nice bar, no doubt, but it...

Vulcan Strength, as I've mentioned before, is perennially underrated in the gym equipment space. They make some of my favorite gear, including my #1 pick for a power bar under $350. Recently they've launched their new urethane bumper plates, and overall I'm very impressed. As urethane continues to become more and more popular, it's nice to see some additional options out there,...

The Rogue flat bench is one of the most popular benches on the market for anyone with a home gym. It's reasonably priced, it's easily portable, it's well built, and it works just fine... Wait... just fine, you ask? Yes, in my opinion, it works just fine. I've owned this bench for over two years now, and it that time it has served...

Have you ever looked at a product and said to yourself "damn, this thing is just well made." Pretty cool feeling, right? In the gym equipment space, there are some companies who really excel at craftsmanship. American Barbell with barbells and Sorinex with power racks to name a couple. Pioneer belts fall firmly in this category, and I would go so far as to...

I've used a lot of equipment - some great, some not so great. In the equipment space, you see a lot of the same types of products, where construction, design qualities, and overall execution are the primary physical differentiators. Every once in a while though, you'll see a truly unique piece being introduced to the market. Unfortunately, more often than not they're a little...

Mammoth mam·moth  ˈma-məth  Noun: Something immense of its kind Example: American Barbell is a mammoth in the barbell industry. I don't think I'm alone when I say that American Barbell makes some of the finest barbells around. Their craftsmanship is exceptional, their bars have a true uniqueness, and they offer something for everyone at multiple price points. A few months ago I posted my...