User Review
( votes)If you’re looking to outfit your home gym with the best equipment available, it’s important to consider the different types of specialty bars that can enhance your workouts. A safety squat bar is popular for lifters looking to build lower body strength while protecting their shoulders and back.
The design featured on safety squat bars allows weight to be distributed more evenly across the shoulders, upper back, and hips. This can be particularly helpful for people who struggle with shoulder mobility or have existing shoulder or upper back injuries. Additionally, the padded neck and shoulder support on many safety squat bars can be more comfortable than the hard metal bar of a traditional squat bar.
Another benefit of using a safety squat bar is that it can help to improve squat form. The design of most of these bars places the weight in a slightly different position than a traditional barbell, which can help to keep the lifter’s center of gravity in a more stable position during the squat. This can be particularly beneficial for novice lifters who struggle with balance or have difficulty maintaining proper form during the squat.
Safety squat bars can also be useful for targeting specific muscle groups, such as the quads and glutes, which can be particularly helpful for athletes or individuals looking to improve their squat strength for sports performance or overall fitness.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best safety squat bars on the market in 2024, including the pros and cons of each option.
Rep Safety Squat Bar
Rep Fitness
Safety Squat Bar
A solid squat bar that will hold all of the weight you’ll ever need at a price that won’t break the bank.
The Rep Safety Squat Bar is a premium specialty barbell that offers comfort and versatility for various training exercises. Its unique design features removable, fully knurled handles and cambered ends, encouraging an upright posture during squats, promoting better technique, and increasing upper back and core stabilization. The bar’s handles are positioned in front of the body, reducing strain on the shoulders, elbows, and wrists. This makes it an ideal training tool for recovering from injuries or facing mobility limitations.
Built with durability and performance, the Rep Safety Squat Bar has a 1,500lb static rating and weighs 68 lbs. It is also designed to fit 2″ Olympic-sized plates and standard barbell collars. The high-density foam pad, wrapped in durable and easy-to-clean vinyl, provides firm, comfortable support during lifts. The bar’s metallic black powder coat finish adds a touch of sophistication to any home or commercial gym setting.
The well-thought-out design of the Rep Safety Squat Bar ensures balanced weight distribution, making it possible to use the bar with no hands. The distance between the cambers for easy racking and unracking, even on wider 49″ racks. The hard chrome sleeves provide long-lasting durability and protection, while the 2″ diameter ensures compatibility with standard collars.
The Rep Safety Squat Bar is an excellent investment for fitness enthusiasts seeking a versatile, comfortable, and reliable specialty barbell. Its unique design, high-quality materials, and attention to detail make it an invaluable addition to any home or commercial gym. With its knurled handles, high-density foam pad, and clean finish, this bar promises to elevate your squat workouts
while minimizing the risk of injury.
Rep Fitness Safety Squat Bar - Main Specs
| Bar Use | Specialty |
|---|---|
| Bar Weight | 68lbs |
| Length | 92.5" |
| Distance Between Cambers | 49.1" |
| Camber Drop | 5.5" |
| Sleeve Length | 15.6" |
| Sleeve Diameter | 2" |
| Handle Length | 7" |
| Handle Diameter | 1.5" |
| Distance Between the Handles | 13" |
| Spacing Between the Pads | 8.3" |
| Static Rating | 1,500lbs |
| Bar Shaft Finish | Metallic Black Powder Coat |
| Sleeves Finish | Hard Chrome |
| Handles Finish | Bright Chrome |
| Pad Material | High-Density Foam & Vinyl |
Want To Learn Why It’s Our Favorite Safety Squat Bar?
Check out the full spec sheets and user reviews for the Rep Fitness Safety Squat Bar.
EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar
EliteFTS
SS Yoke Bar
A premium built safety squat bar that leads the market in terms of build quality, comfort, and general aesthetics.
Introducing the innovative EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar, a game-changing piece of equipment designed to enhance your squat and pull workouts while protecting your shoulders and back. This bar features a unique, ultra-load displacing pad design that ensures comfort and stability during workout sessions. Made in the USA and built to withstand over 800 pounds, the SS Yoke Bar is perfect for everyday use. Measuring 92″ in length and weighing 65 pounds, this bar is versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of exercises, while its pad warranty ensures long-lasting quality.
The SS Yoke Bar boasts several new and improved features to provide a superior training experience. The added padding allows maximum weight displacement across the back, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit for users with broad and narrow shoulders. The bar now includes shorter and thicker detachable handles for better support and versatility during exercises like JM Presses. Additionally, the longer bar camber improves the strength and rating of the bar, making it suitable for even the most intense workouts.
Designed with the strongest lifters in mind, the SS Yoke Bar has been rigorously drop-tested to ensure durability and safety. The bar’s non-rotating sleeves have been intentionally crafted to maintain muscle loading during thoracic extension movements. Other upgrades include better packaging for an impressive arrival, higher-quality handle grips, and a clear-coated finish to keep your bar looking pristine.
Ideal for various exercises, the SS Yoke Bar can be used for all types of squatting, chain-suspended good mornings, Zercher squats, good mornings, partial arches, lunges, back raises, JM presses, and much more. With a distance of close to 9 inches or 22.8 cm between the inside surface of the pads, the bar is designed to accommodate lifters of all sizes. Enhance your workouts and protect your body with the EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar, the perfect training tool for athletes who demand nothing less than the best.
EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar - Main Spec
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 65lbs |
| Length | 92" |
| Distance Between Inside Surface of Pads | Close to 9in or 22.8cm |
| Measurement between cambers | 49.5in |
We love the EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar for its premium build and superior comfort.
Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar
Kabuki Strength
Transformer Bar
The industry’s first adjustable, multi-functional barbell has 24 different squat variations with a simple spring-pin mechanism.
The Kabuki Transformer Bar is a groundbreaking piece of gym equipment that takes strength training to the next level. As an industry-first adjustable, multi-functional barbell, it offers 24 different squat variations with a simple spring-pin mechanism.
This innovative bar allows athletes to squat smarter and better, tailored to their needs. Endorsed by industry leaders like Dr. Kelly Starrett, Dr. Stuart McGill, Eric Cressey, and the Kabuki Strength Advisory Board, the Transformer Bar is used by most professional and collegiate sports organizations in clinical/rehab settings and home gyms worldwide.
The Transformer Bar has been updated with a new spring-pin adjustment mechanism that allows for quick angle changes without removing the weight bracket, as was necessary for previous bar iterations.
The improved sleeve design enables users to adjust the difficulty more quickly, while the black powder-coated center bar and handles offer high corrosion resistance.
The color-coded labels allow for quick positional adjustments, and the wider 54″ center bar ensures compatibility with all racks. With its branded pad cover featuring the “Transformer Bar” name, iconic Kabuki squat face branding, and a Made in the USA stamp, this bar is as visually striking as it is functional.
One of the most notable aspects of the Transformer Bar is its adjustable design. With two simple adjustment mechanisms for modifying the camber angle and distance from the center, users can choose from 24 unique angle and difficulty combinations.
Durable polyurethane labels on the bar visually indicate each position (camber angle) and difficulty (distance from center), making it easy for even those without experience with the bar to get started.
The versatile spring-pin mechanism offers six fixed positions with 30 degrees of variance, replicating common squat movement patterns. These include the hip hinge, ideal for good mornings and teaching hinge patterning; low bar and high bar back squats; the traditional safety squat bar (SSB); front squats with load counterbalancing; and goblet squats similar to kettlebell goblet squats. In summary, the Kabuki Transformer Bar is a must-have addition to any gym, offering unparalleled versatility, adjustability, and quality for athletes of all levels.
The Transformer Bar - Main Specs
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Bar Type | Multi-Function Squat Bar |
| Bar Weight | 25kg / ~55lbs |
| Sleeve Length | 15.75" |
| Sleeve Diameter | Standard Olympic |
| Total Length | 90.75" |
| Finish | Plating | Zinc with Black Oxide Sleeves |
| Load Capacity | 1500lbs |
| Adjustment | Spring Pin |
| Pad | High-Density Foam |
| Pad Cover | Durable Synthetic Leather |
| Storage | Vertical or Horizontal |
Need A Multi-Function Bar?
The Kabuki Transformer Bar provides 24 different settings to take your lifts to the next level.
Rogue SB-1 Safety Squat Bar
The Rogue SB-1 Safety Squat Bar is game-changing gym equipment designed to enhance your squat workouts while providing a safer alternative for intense squat progressions or maximum load lifts.
This bar offers a unique weight distribution between the front and high-bar back squat, allowing you to vary your power output training and tax your anterior chain. With its reputation for increasing maximum working weight compared to traditional back squats, the Rogue Safety Squat Bar is essential to any serious weightlifting routine.
Constructed with top-notch quality and durability, the Rogue SB-1 Safety Squat Bar weighs 70 pounds and boasts a sleek black Cerakote finish. The 1.5″ diameter formed solid steel shaft and 1″ diameter formed solid steel handles provide a sturdy, reliable grip during workouts. Additionally, the bar features machined Olympic sleeves and a fully welded design, ensuring long-lasting performance.
Designed with user comfort, the Rogue Safety Squat Bar is equipped with heavy-duty vinyl and closed-cell foam pads. These materials not only offer excellent cushioning and support during your squats, but they also contribute to the overall safety of the bar. With this well-thought-out design, you can confidently push your limits and strive for new personal records.
The Rogue SB-1 Safety Squat Bar is invaluable for any gym or home workout space. Its unique weight distribution challenges your anterior chain while providing a safer option for intense squat progressions. Built with high-quality materials and an ergonomic design, this bar promises a comfortable yet challenging squat experience that will help you reach new heights in your fitness journey.
Rogue SB-1 - Main Specs
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Color | Black / Gray |
| Made In USA | Yes |
| Product Weight | 70LB |
| Length | 93" |
| Width | 21" |
| Height | 10" |
| Diameter | 1.5" diameter formed solid steel shaft and 1" diameter formed solid steel handles |
| Upholstery | Vinyl │ Urethane Topcoat |
| Foam Type | Closed Cell Foam |
| Other Product Specs | Tested at 1000LBS 5.5" on center sleeve drop from shaft |
| Bar Use | Specialty |
Are You A Rogue Fitness Fan?
If you’re a big fan of Rogue Fitness, the SB-1 Safety Squat Bar is an excellent option with a commercial-grade build and an industry-leading powder coat.
Titan Safety Squat Bar V2
Titan Fitness
Safety Squat Olympic Bar V2
A solid budget-friendly option that provides a good amount of comfort, a solid build, and the safety we look for in a great safety squat bar.
The Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 is a great gym equipment designed to enhance your squat workouts while reducing unnecessary strain on your shoulders. As your weightlifting intensity increases, traditional barbell squats can become increasingly uncomfortable for your shoulders. That’s where the Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 comes in, providing an effective solution for beginners and seasoned fitness enthusiasts.
The bar’s design features a built-in padded harness, weighted sleeves with a bend that stabilizes your center of gravity, and comfortable handgrips, ensuring a secure and controlled lifting experience.
The Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 is seriously impressive! It has a big 38mm shaft and 49mm sleeves and comes in at a hefty 90.5 inches long. With this bar you can load up to 16 inches on the sleeves, and the space between the sleeves is 48 inches.
Regarding comfort, the shoulder pad is 8 inches wide on the inside and has a grip spacing of 12.75 inches, with a 6-inch grip length. The 43mm grip diameter and 22-degree camber drop make it easy to use.
One of the standout features of the Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 is its comfortable shoulder and arm pads, designed for a more enjoyable lifting experience. The extra-thick, one-piece pad ensures that it won’t slide on the bar during your squats. The shoulder pad design reduces the risk of wrist, elbow, shoulder, and neck injuries, making it an ideal choice for traditional squats, front squats, lunges, rehab, and physical therapy. The 5-inch drop keeps weight plates lower for a stabilized center of gravity and better balance, while the 6-inch long hand grips offer added control when needed.
Plus, the bar is coated in chrome, can hold up to 1,500 pounds, and only weighs 61 pounds. This thing is built to last!
In conclusion, the Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 is a valuable addition to any gym or home workout space. Its innovative design reduces strain on the shoulders and mitigates the risk of injury while providing a comfortable and controlled lifting experience. With its high-quality materials, ergonomic features, and versatility, this bar is perfect for athletes looking to improve their squat workouts and overall fitness.
Titan Fitness Safety Squat Olympic Bar V2 - Main Specs
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Shaft Diameter | 38 mm |
| Sleeve Diameter | 49 mm |
| Overall Length | 90.5-in. |
| Loadable Sleeve Length | 16-in. |
| Sleeve to Sleeve Length | 48-in. |
| Shoulder Pad Inside Width | 8-in. |
| Shoulder Pad Grip Spacing | 12.75-in. |
| Shoulder Pad Grip Length | 6-in. |
| Shoulder Pad Grip Diameter | 43 mm |
| Camber Drop | 22- Degrees |
| Sleeve Coating | Chrome |
| Shaft Coating | Chrome |
| Weight Capacity | 1,500 lb. |
| Product Weight | 61 lb. |
Want To Save Money?
The Titan Fitness Safety Squal Olympic Bar V2 is budget-friendly, comfortable, and surprisingly great compared to far more expensive options.
TDS Safety Squat Bar
TDS
Safety Squat Bar
With a 1000-pound weight limit, a solid design, and comfortable padding, this option has become a favorite among many Amazon customers.
The TDS Safety Squat Bar is an outstanding piece of gym equipment specifically designed to enhance your squat workouts while providing excellent support and comfort.
With its 1 1/8″ diameter solid steel knurled chrome-plated bar, this safety squat bar is built to withstand the demands of heavy squat sessions. Weighing 65 pounds, it features comfortable padding for the neck and shoulders, ensuring a more enjoyable lifting experience.
Boasting impressive specifications, the TDS Safety Squat Bar has a unique weight capacity of 1000 pounds. This makes it an ideal choice for serious weightlifters and fitness enthusiasts alike. The bar’s chrome-plated alloy steel construction ensures durability and longevity, allowing you to focus on your performance without worrying about the equipment.
The TDS Safety Squat Bar’s dimensions are 86 x 17 x 4 inches, with a package size of 88 x 18 x 4 inches and a package weight of 64 pounds. The bar features a knurled grip with a grip size of 30 millimeters for optimal control and handling during your workouts. The chrome-plated color and bodybuilding sport type make this bar an attractive and functional addition to any gym or home workout space.
In conclusion, the TDS Safety Squat Bar is a valuable investment for improving their squat workouts and overall fitness. Its solid construction, comfortable padding, and impressive weight capacity make it perfect for heavy squat sessions. With its high-quality materials and ergonomic design, this bar will provide the support and comfort you need to push your limits and reach your fitness goals.
TDS Safety Squat Bar - Main Specs
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 86 x 17 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 65 Pounds |
| Color | Chrome Plated |
| Material | Alloy Steel |
| Bar Length | 84 inches |
| Grip Size | 30 millimeters |
| Grip Type | Knurled |
Do You Buy Everything On Amazon?
For buyers who want the peace of mind that comes with Amazon’s returns policy, the TDS Safety Squat Bar is a solid option with great user reviews.
Sorinex Safety Squat Bar
Sorinex
Safety Squat Bar
An excellent bar with great camber, comfortable pads, and a lifetime frame warranty. Sorinex is known for its reliable commercial-grade equipment, and this safety squat bar holds up to the company’s high standards.
The Sorinex Safety Squat Bar is another innovative piece of gym equipment designed to minimize the shear force on the lower back while simultaneously strengthening the upper back. This is achieved with the same type of construction we’ve seen in other safety squat bars on this list. The design encourages a more vertical spine position by pulling the lifter forward slightly. Additionally, the optimized padding on the bar significantly reduces the stress placed on the shoulders during workouts, making it a more comfortable option for those looking to focus on their squats.
Constructed from high-quality American steel, the Sorinex Safety Squat Bar boasts a robust and durable frame that can withstand the rigors of even the most intense training sessions.
The bar’s specifications include a length of 87.5″, a depth of 7″, a height of 17″, and a weight of 50 lbs. Its 2″ diameter and 16″ length sleeves are designed to accommodate plenty of Olympic-sized weight plates securely during lifts.
It is essential to note that standard spring collars are not compatible with the Sorinex Safety Squat Bar. Instead, specialty spring collars are available for purchase separately to ensure a secure fit and optimal performance. Moreover, the bar and pad are shipped separately, allowing for more manageable assembly and setup upon arrival.
If you’re looking for an excellent pair of collars that will work across all specialty bars, we highly recommend checking out our Proloc 1 collars review.
In conclusion, the Sorinex Safety Squat Bar is an excellent investment for fitness enthusiasts who want to improve their squatting technique while minimizing the risk of injury. Its innovative design, quality construction, and optimized padding make it a valuable addition to any home or commercial gym setup. With the Sorinex Safety Squat Bar, you can expect to enhance your workouts and achieve better results while protecting your back and shoulders from unnecessary stress.
Sorinex Safety Squat Bar - Main Specs
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Length | 87.5" |
| Depth | 7" |
| Height | 17" |
| Weight | 50 lbs |
| Sleeve Diameter | 2" |
| Sleeve Length | 16" |
Need A Commercial-Grade Safety Squat Bar?
Sorinex is known for creating commercial-grade equipment, often the preferred choice of college gyms and other professional sports centers.
Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar
Kabuki Strength
Duffalo Bar
This bar features a proprietary multiple-radius bend designed for squatting and pressing movements while reducing stress on the shoulders, biceps, and back.
The Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar, developed by the renowned strength coach and powerlifter Chris Duffin, is a specialty barbell designed to optimize squatting and pressing movements.
Its proprietary multiple-radius bend is uniquely contoured to reduce shoulders, biceps, and back stress while promoting scapular retraction and superior joint centration. This barbell is essential to any lifter’s arsenal, especially for those who want to improve their form and performance while minimizing muscle fatigue and injury risks.
Manufactured from 195 KSI tensile strength alloy steel with a 32mm diameter, the Duffalo Bar is built to withstand intense training sessions. The bar’s curvature is designed to accommodate athletes of various sizes, whether performing low bar, high bar, or front squats.
In addition, the Duffalo Bar’s unique design eliminates the unnecessary center peak found in similar curved buffalo bars, further enhancing its benefits. When used for pressing movements, the bar promotes a favorable wrist angle, reducing shoulder strain and encouraging better lat and scapular engagement.
With 17.25″ of loadable sleeve length and a capacity of up to 1,500 lbs, the Duffalo Bar is a reliable and versatile option for serious lifters. The bar’s collars also feature an expansion point for the optional Band and Chain Handle Attachment, which can be added for an additional cost.
Manufactured in Portland, Oregon, the Duffalo Bar has three finishes: Clear Zinc, Black Oxide, and Electroless Nickel, each providing varying degrees of durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
The Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar is an exceptional specialty barbell catering to squatting and pressing exercises. Its innovative design reduces stress on the lifter’s body while promoting better form and technique. With its high-quality construction and available finish options, the Duffalo Bar is a valuable addition to any home or commercial gym, promising to enhance workouts and support the pursuit of strength and performance.
Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar - Main Specs
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| Made In USA | Yes |
| Other Product Specs | Load Capacity: 1500LB |
| Loadable Sleeve Length | 17.25" |
| Bar Length | 96" (Total Bar) |
| Diameter | 32MM |
| Bar Type | Men's Bars |
| Bar Use | Specialty |
| Bushing/Bearing | Bushing |
| Bar Weight | 55LB |
| Knurl | Sharp |
| Shaft Coating | Varies |
| Tensile Strength | 195,000 KSI |
Want Something Close To A Traditional Squat? Here It Is!
The Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar provides a more traditional lifting experience while protecting your back, shoulders, and biceps.
Top Questions About Safety Squat Bars
What is a safety squat bar?
A safety squat bar is a specialized strength training equipment for squatting exercises. It has a unique design that distributes weight evenly across the shoulders, upper back, and hips, typically including padded neck and shoulder supports.
How is a safety squat bar different from a traditional barbell?
The primary difference between a safety squat bar and a traditional barbell is how the weight is distributed. A safety squat bar places the importance in a slightly different position, which can be more comfortable for the lifter and help improve squat form.
What are the benefits of using a safety squat bar?
Some benefits of using a safety squat bar include less shoulder and upper back stress, improved squat form, and the ability to target specific muscle groups, such as the quads and glutes.
Who can benefit from using a safety squat bar?
Anyone performing squats as part of their strength training routine can benefit from using a safety squat bar. However, it may be particularly beneficial for individuals with shoulder or upper back injuries, novice lifters who struggle with balance or form, and athletes or fitness enthusiasts looking to improve their squat strength.
Are safety squat bars suitable for all body types and sizes?
Most safety squat bars are adjustable to accommodate different body types and sizes. However, selecting a bar that is appropriate for your individual needs and using proper form when performing squat exercises is important.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many options to consider when investing in a quality safety squat bar for your home gym. It’s important to weigh each option’s pros and cons based on your workout goals, equipment preferences, and budget.
Whether you opt for a budget-friendly option like the Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 or a high-end choice like the Sorinex Safety Squat Bar or Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar, incorporating a safety squat bar into your lower body workouts is sure to help you build strength and protect your shoulders and back over time.
