Squat bar

[Dent]

Osu!

I'm looking for suggestions on Olympic bars that can handle more than 400lbs. My current ones are rated to that, but have a fair bend by 350+.

There are several makers out there, but I don't want to get ripped off. Your advice is appreciated!

Osu!

[BigAl]

Ironmind.com has some decent barbells. If you really want high end and super strong (think handling over 1000 pounds easily), the S-cubed bar they have can do it but it's costly, around a whopping 400 bucks.

For something that can handle some good weight and isn't too terribly priced ($220), plus to make your training more intense while getting you a grip that would make a vise jealous, you could try their Apollon's Axle. It's 2 inches thick around.

[blazindave]

I hope you are squatting ATG RAW.

[MilkManX]

Originally Posted by blazindave

I hope you are squatting ATG RAW.

Its the only way!

[BigAl]

I wouldn't say the only way. I'll do full squats for a while, then switch them to power squats. Doing both helps a lot, and it makes both numbers go up more quickly than just doing one exclusively.

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by BigAl

Ironmind.com has some decent barbells. If you really want high end and super strong (think handling over 1000 pounds easily), the S-cubed bar they have can do it but it's costly, around a whopping 400 bucks.

For something that can handle some good weight and isn't too terribly priced ($220), plus to make your training more intense while getting you a grip that would make a vise jealous, you could try their Apollon's Axle. It's 2 inches thick around.

Thanks, BigAl! That Apollon's Axle might be just about right. It'll probably play Mabel with my forearms on deadlifts too.

Originally Posted by blazindave

I hope you are squatting ATG RAW.

Depends, BlazinDave. I've had both knees cut, so I'll only bottom out on the lighter weights. (Not having a lifting partner doesn't help either...)

Osu!

[BigAl]

Thick bars are brutal for deadlifts. I like double overhand deadlifts for my warm-up sets as it improves my grip too while I'm warming up. My best with a regular bar before I had to switch to a mixed grip was 375, not bad. With a thick bar though I barely managed 265. Even using a mixed grip is tough with them. If you're a bit of a sick individual as myself and like brutalizing yourself, you'll love it.

[vapor]

Originally Posted by BigAl

If you're a bit of a sick individual as myself and like brutalizing yourself, you'll love it.

You've pegged Dent quite well with that statement!!

vapor

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by vapor

You've pegged Dent quite well with that statement!!

vapor

What gave it away? Was it the bruising, or the leather Dogi in the basement?

Osu!

[blazindave]

Originally Posted by Dent

Osu!



Thanks, BigAl! That Apollon's Axle might be just about right. It'll probably play Mabel with my forearms on deadlifts too.



Depends, BlazinDave. I've had both knees cut, so I'll only bottom out on the lighter weights. (Not having a lifting partner doesn't help either...)

Osu!

Studies show that atg squats are better for the knee because of the active hamstring involvement passed \\ (when your hip and patella line are parallel to floor). Also, if you can only load X amount and do ATG then that's the right weight. Doing a shorter ROM with a higher weight won't necessarily make you stronger and if you have to go a shorter distance or ROM to move a heavier weight, then it's too heavy for you.

osu

[BigAl]

If someone has a weak or inflexible lower back though, full squats aren't the best as they'll tend to bend forward like in a good morning. My philosophy for the two is: "For strong legs, do full squats. For a big squat, do power squats. So, do both."

[blazindave]

What's a power squat? Are you talking about olympic or powerlifting squat bar placement and foot spacing?

[BigAl]

Power squat = powerlifting style, yes. I compete in strongman and have hopes to compete in O-lifting so I do both and I've seen great success with doing both of them rather than just one over the other.