I just ordered this bar last week. It is tracking to arrive tomorrow. I am super excited to add this to my workout. I am a huge REP fanboy. I honestly dont think you can beat their offerings for the money. The value to cost is the best in the business IMO. Thanks for sharing with us. Love your gym BTW. Super nice setup.
I have been using my REP open deadlift for two weeks now. What a great value feature to price wise. I have only exclusively used it for squats because of my programing and it feels great. One benefit of camber bar squats that I learned is you can shift the weight during a squat (change the center of gravity) in order to not fail a rep. I am 5' 9" 235 so pretty wide and don't have to remove the handles to perform squats either. I've squated 400 for reps with it and it feels solid to me.. I did post a video of a 380 set for 5 if anyone is curious to look. One minor criticism I have and this is more goes to most specialty bars in general is that they don't often put the weight of the bar anywhere on the bar. Most my specialty bars are not 20kg. Most my straight bars are 20kg but still have their weights on the cap which I don't need but almost all my specialty bars don't have their weights on the bar. I have to rely on a corner of my white board where I wrote them all. Lastly for deadlifts I don't think it matters how you use the bar but for lunges I would put the knurled part of the bar in front so it doesn't interrupt your planted leg but haven't tried that yet so I could be wrong... I get your last question was designed to encourage engagement in the comment section but if you're really curious you can always look at REP's max deadlift video to see what they did can't go wrong with consulting with the creator...
Thanks for the great reply! I noticed REP was doing it both ways on their website and at the competition. I like open side forward. I was just curious is all. Great idea on the bar weights being placarded on the bars somewhere. Honestly I hope REP hears you on that one. I have the same issue!
Thanks. I'm starting to add some unboxing into the videos. Speed up like crazy because it's a little boring but I like to see how stuff is packed! cheers buddy.
I have this bar. it IS NOT easy to rack on standard Rep J cups in a Rep rack. it barely fits. you have to switch the jcups around so the welds dont hit the bolts on the trap bar. could be a problem if someone is going heavy, and needs to re-rack when fatigued. Handles are too wide as a standard handle width. Great review on the bar.
Thanks for the added insight Tyson and honestly I never plan on racking it much so I probably could’ve done more research in that respect. I agree slightly narrower would be better but smaller guys are pulling 600 on it no problem so I better not start whining!😂🤣. Cheers!!!
It's going to be my next purchase after a vertical leg press machine. I don't have a lot of room for too much equipment, so the versatility of it is a big plus for me. The quality also looks great!
When you realize REP priced theirs perfect, it makes you shake head at the mark ups on others. That new trap bar is great for so many lifts. The handles are a bit far for DLs but just puts extra work on snatch grip. They've already got the wife on high alert with early Black Friday sales. Might ship some stuff to your house to hold until new years.
Thanks for the great review, I ordered there chambered bar, this and the ss3 is next on my list. With my current trap bari always have the bar in front.
Thanks. For the price REP's really doing a good job with this new gear. I waited nearly 2 yrs for them to come out with this Trap bar so im happy I waited. Kabuki is the next best I think but it costs nearly $1000 with all the handles.
I own this bar. The handles are a bit too wide for me. I’m really hoping they release a more narrow set soon so my arms will be more perpendicular to the ground.
Can you tell us about the lighted name sign you have on your rack? I would be interested in getting something like that for myself. Thanks for the reviews.
Love the reviews! Looking for storage options for this bar, have a 4 post rogue monster rack. Maybe it's worth buying some plate pegs, mounting on a top cross bar and throwing it up there? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Great review- I am closer to ordering it but nit sure if I use the trap bar enough yet to warrant it- I was getting closer to ordering the Oppen bar but now looks like i would change my mind- big issue for me is storage- where / how are you keeping yours stored?
Near the end of the video I show you how I store mine. Up in the power rack at the nameplate. I don't see many reasons to spend more on a Trap Bar. This will do everything I need and the extra handles are coming out soon.
Curious if you would recommend using this bar for deadlifts versus a normal barbell, thoughts? Also, any tips on the pros and cons of each type of bar for deadlifts.
This trap bar would definitely work great for deadlifts. You don't need any special bar to perform deadlifts. Any straight bar will work great. Technically the trap bar uses a bit more legs but it's a great whole body movement. Deadlift specific bars have more flex or whip in them but unless your pushing 400+ lbs it's not worth worrying about.
I should add I have used over 30+ barbells over the past few years and am a gear snob so please don't think you need to go crazy on gear to achieve great results. cheers!
Nice review... it's on my list to buy soon. I don't think it matters whether the bar is in front or back for deadlifts, I think the opening is more for lunges and for the jack feature. It will be really nice with fat handles!
ya I think your right about the handle placement. Got lots of interesting replies on it. This bar for $399 is win for sure. Glad I waited 2 yrs to get it! ha ha.
Have you ever used this for front squats. I can’t use a barbell for front squats due to color bone issue. I don’t feel like buying a safety squat bar if I can get more use out of this.
I’ve used my bar with both the closed and open sides in front of me and don’t really feel much of a difference. It’s the balance like you said. Would you consider reviewing the American Barbell T-Grip bar? And if so would you get the angled grip or neutral grip version?
i feel better and maybe safer deadlifting whichever way ( i cant remember) the handles are best supported so that the handles are pulling up on the attaching bolt...if that makes sense. good review. REP is telling me December on the handleS
Typically, I face the bar but that's because they are not well balanced and so after every set you need to make that leveling-out adjustment. With this being well balanced it will stay as left so that concern is eliminated but I would see face the bar out of habit and to judge my depth in proportion to it. At a 6'7 I want depth, but I got my limits.
For us taller guys squats are NOT are friends! ha ha. Bar out front is interesting. I agree for balance thats a good idea, this REP bar is so balanced its crazy. How do you like the handle width?
I agree about squats, I'm glad I don't have judges looking at my depth. I don't have the REP trap bar yet, but it is on my very short list like my very next or 2nd purchase. Their multi-grip bar is calling my name and my shoulder is yelling BUY IT NOW. I will def keep an eye out for the sign I'm sure that will do very well in the market of home gyms.
Definitely deadlift with the bar behind you. Otherwise you may bang your knees and the weight of the bar may pull you forward, putting stress on your back
The bar is perfectly balanced front to back. I know most aren't and I go bar behind you for that reason or some like to go bar forward to see if it's tilted. I've had mixed responses on this question. probably split down the middle right now. lol. I wasn't expecting that!
There's something to be said for that. Buying quality is always better in the long run. I won't buy BOS or Titan anymore for that very reason. I've tried to sell Titan stuff and even at 50% of what I paid for it no one wants it. I can't give it away.
See it here---> repfitness.com/#61447e8515cef
My man with the most thorough reviews s always.
Thanks B! Not sure about that. I probably should have called my channel "gym reviews B-Roll" ha ha.. cheers bud
I just ordered this bar last week. It is tracking to arrive tomorrow. I am super excited to add this to my workout. I am a huge REP fanboy. I honestly dont think you can beat their offerings for the money. The value to cost is the best in the business IMO. Thanks for sharing with us. Love your gym BTW. Super nice setup.
I think your right on the best value per dollar. Appreciate the support. Stay safe out there brother.
Literally just ordered this with wide and standard grip width. I’m very impressed with this versatile piece! Great review. Thanks!
I just got the wide handles and they are awesome. The standard ones are good too. This trap bar is unbeatable for the price.
That's one nice garage gym you have! Been using my hex/trap bar for 3 wks now, love it. Thanks for sharing this vid.
your welcome
I have been using my REP open deadlift for two weeks now. What a great value feature to price wise. I have only exclusively used it for squats because of my programing and it feels great. One benefit of camber bar squats that I learned is you can shift the weight during a squat (change the center of gravity) in order to not fail a rep.
I am 5' 9" 235 so pretty wide and don't have to remove the handles to perform squats either. I've squated 400 for reps with it and it feels solid to me.. I did post a video of a 380 set for 5 if anyone is curious to look.
One minor criticism I have and this is more goes to most specialty bars in general is that they don't often put the weight of the bar anywhere on the bar. Most my specialty bars are not 20kg. Most my straight bars are 20kg but still have their weights on the cap which I don't need but almost all my specialty bars don't have their weights on the bar. I have to rely on a corner of my white board where I wrote them all.
Lastly for deadlifts I don't think it matters how you use the bar but for lunges I would put the knurled part of the bar in front so it doesn't interrupt your planted leg but haven't tried that yet so I could be wrong... I get your last question was designed to encourage engagement in the comment section but if you're really curious you can always look at REP's max deadlift video to see what they did can't go wrong with consulting with the creator...
Thanks for the great reply! I noticed REP was doing it both ways on their website and at the competition. I like open side forward. I was just curious is all. Great idea on the bar weights being placarded on the bars somewhere. Honestly I hope REP hears you on that one. I have the same issue!
Great review. Like the unboxing. Haven’t seen that yet.
Thanks. I'm starting to add some unboxing into the videos. Speed up like crazy because it's a little boring but I like to see how stuff is packed! cheers buddy.
I own this bar. I really like it, and the handle width feels good for me.
I would agree. I’m hoping they come out with a option for different widths.
I have this bar. it IS NOT easy to rack on standard Rep J cups in a Rep rack. it barely fits. you have to switch the jcups around so the welds dont hit the bolts on the trap bar. could be a problem if someone is going heavy, and needs to re-rack when fatigued. Handles are too wide as a standard handle width. Great review on the bar.
Thanks for the added insight Tyson and honestly I never plan on racking it much so I probably could’ve done more research in that respect. I agree slightly narrower would be better but smaller guys are pulling 600 on it no problem so I better not start whining!😂🤣. Cheers!!!
as always, great reviews and insights! Thanks!
get the flat sandwich jcups they are great for all the axillary bars and have plenty of room
It's going to be my next purchase after a vertical leg press machine. I don't have a lot of room for too much equipment, so the versatility of it is a big plus for me. The quality also looks great!
I got my new handles in and the narrow ones feel great.
When you realize REP priced theirs perfect, it makes you shake head at the mark ups on others. That new trap bar is great for so many lifts. The handles are a bit far for DLs but just puts extra work on snatch grip. They've already got the wife on high alert with early Black Friday sales. Might ship some stuff to your house to hold until new years.
I couldn't have said it better. REP is the middle class gym company and priced accordingly.
Great review! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the great review, I ordered there chambered bar, this and the ss3 is next on my list. With my current trap bari always have the bar in front.
Thanks. For the price REP's really doing a good job with this new gear. I waited nearly 2 yrs for them to come out with this Trap bar so im happy I waited. Kabuki is the next best I think but it costs nearly $1000 with all the handles.
I own this bar. The handles are a bit too wide for me. I’m really hoping they release a more narrow set soon so my arms will be more perpendicular to the ground.
Ya I was thinking the same thing. REP watches my reviews and they do a great job listening to their customers.
Can you tell us about the lighted name sign you have on your rack? I would be interested in getting something like that for myself. Thanks for the reviews.
I made that custom and might look into marketing them soon. stay tuned!
Love the reviews! Looking for storage options for this bar, have a 4 post rogue monster rack. Maybe it's worth buying some plate pegs, mounting on a top cross bar and throwing it up there? Any thoughts? Thanks!
I still store mine up there. Just easy and out of the way. It's a pain to store no matter what you do.
Handles available for preorder. options look solid and comparable to what kabuki offers
Rep is offering free handles to anyone that bought the trap bar early on.
@@MacStrengthCo Really?! I'll need to look into that.
@@MacStrengthCo thx. I qualify!
Great review- I am closer to ordering it but nit sure if I use the trap bar enough yet to warrant it- I was getting closer to ordering the Oppen bar but now looks like i would change my mind- big issue for me is storage- where / how are you keeping yours stored?
Near the end of the video I show you how I store mine. Up in the power rack at the nameplate. I don't see many reasons to spend more on a Trap Bar. This will do everything I need and the extra handles are coming out soon.
Curious if you would recommend using this bar for deadlifts versus a normal barbell, thoughts? Also, any tips on the pros and cons of each type of bar for deadlifts.
This trap bar would definitely work great for deadlifts. You don't need any special bar to perform deadlifts. Any straight bar will work great. Technically the trap bar uses a bit more legs but it's a great whole body movement. Deadlift specific bars have more flex or whip in them but unless your pushing 400+ lbs it's not worth worrying about.
I should add I have used over 30+ barbells over the past few years and am a gear snob so please don't think you need to go crazy on gear to achieve great results. cheers!
Great review man. I don’t plan on getting one, but I enjoy your perspective. Great stuff.
I appreciate that!
Nice review... it's on my list to buy soon. I don't think it matters whether the bar is in front or back for deadlifts, I think the opening is more for lunges and for the jack feature. It will be really nice with fat handles!
ya I think your right about the handle placement. Got lots of interesting replies on it. This bar for $399 is win for sure. Glad I waited 2 yrs to get it! ha ha.
Have you ever used this for front squats. I can’t use a barbell for front squats due to color bone issue. I don’t feel like buying a safety squat bar if I can get more use out of this.
If you could only have one what would you choose. This or the safety squat bar?
If you can squat using a normal bar (given no shoulder injuries) I would say buy the Trap Bar for sure.
After having it for months now, do you think it’s still worth it? I’m thinking standard handles or narrow but maybe rotating might be the way to go?
skip the rotating. The standard are fine.
I went with standard and rotating to work extra grip. What size wrench do i need to bolt the sleeves on? Are they 17mm ?
I would like to get one but it's too large for my home gym. I need smaller sleeves 😊
I’ve used my bar with both the closed and open sides in front of me and don’t really feel much of a difference. It’s the balance like you said.
Would you consider reviewing the American Barbell T-Grip bar? And if so would you get the angled grip or neutral grip version?
I prefer the angled T-grip bars but have no plans to get one right now. I have plans to build a seal row platform soon so maybe after that.
@@MacStrengthCo it would be a perfect bar for seal rows! A cambered bar doesn’t work as well for them in my opinion.
Kabuki 9 week reported lead time x2 at least 18 weeks... Now if it's rogue making and shipping it no wait time...
I was trying to be nice to Kabuki! I really like their equipment. ha ha.. 18 weeks is basically a year. crazy man.
Gym ghosts are draining your camera batteries 😂
seriously it's rediculous. They literally last maybe 10-15 mins max.. goes from 3 bars to zero in the last 5 mins! ha ha..
i feel better and maybe safer deadlifting whichever way ( i cant remember) the handles are best supported so that the handles are pulling up on the attaching bolt...if that makes sense. good review. REP is telling me December on the handleS
Great point!
Typically, I face the bar but that's because they are not well balanced and so after every set you need to make that leveling-out adjustment. With this being well balanced it will stay as left so that concern is eliminated but I would see face the bar out of habit and to judge my depth in proportion to it. At a 6'7 I want depth, but I got my limits.
For us taller guys squats are NOT are friends! ha ha. Bar out front is interesting. I agree for balance thats a good idea, this REP bar is so balanced its crazy. How do you like the handle width?
I agree about squats, I'm glad I don't have judges looking at my depth. I don't have the REP trap bar yet, but it is on my very short list like my very next or 2nd purchase. Their multi-grip bar is calling my name and my shoulder is yelling BUY IT NOW. I will def keep an eye out for the sign I'm sure that will do very well in the market of home gyms.
I use the Kabuki with the open side in front of me.
Thanks Mark. I like that way also.
How did I miss this?
don't know.
Definitely deadlift with the bar behind you. Otherwise you may bang your knees and the weight of the bar may pull you forward, putting stress on your back
The bar is perfectly balanced front to back. I know most aren't and I go bar behind you for that reason or some like to go bar forward to see if it's tilted. I've had mixed responses on this question. probably split down the middle right now. lol. I wasn't expecting that!
My take from this: get the Eleiko bar! Thank you!
If you have the money absolutely! Great choice.
@@MacStrengthCo Not like I can run out and buy one, but it'll be on my list. I never regret quality even when I have to wait for it.
@@MacStrengthCo I also must add that, in this regard, your thorough reviews are very informative.
There's something to be said for that. Buying quality is always better in the long run. I won't buy BOS or Titan anymore for that very reason. I've tried to sell Titan stuff and even at 50% of what I paid for it no one wants it. I can't give it away.
Appreciate that. I just add my perspective and opinion so always do your research and see what works best for you.
The biggest con is not having a wrench to tighten the bolts for the sleeves. I have a ratchet wrench and it was still too wide for this bar.
Yes you will need a wrench. I couldn't get my socket in there and trust me I tried! ha ha.
400 dollars for a trap bar is way too much... I paid 90 dollars for a 70 pound Cap trap bar years ago...
Nobody will take you serious if you can’t even pronounce “Eleiko” right.