Texas Monster Squat Bar - First Impressions
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- Опубликовано: 10 янв 2022
- In today's video we take a look at a brand new barbell from the legendary Buddy Capps and Texas Power Bars, the Texas Monster Squat Bar
This thing has some impressive stats such as:
101.5" in length
35mm diameter
66lbs total weight
Aggressive Knurling
Get one here: bit.ly/3qgzgPi
Instagram: / basementbrandon
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Appropriately named...that thing is a beast! Given the specs, I don't think the price is unreasonable and it currently occupies that space alone. Great review, as always Brandon!
Thanks big Marcus
Great first impressions. Absolute beast of a bar! As much as I would love one, this is the first time I can honestly say, I don’t think I need. Will be looking forward to vids of you using this bad boy. 💪🏽👍🏽
If only I could convince myself I don't need something with most of these purchases :)
@@BasementBrandon hahah! definitely takes practice. I do a bout 3 set of 6-8 a day telling my self I don’t need that new Tesla driving to work, that new flat screen, a new pc. I believe with practice you to can get there 🙃😂
Thanks for the in-depth review!!!
Thanks for checking it out!
Love these reviews 👍
Glad you like them!
Thanks for posting the video
No problem
Great work video
Thanks man!
6:11 lol pretty much sums up this bar.
lol
Nice video! It’s definitely a beast 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
Good to hear from you dude, happy new year.
Definitely on the list of things to get!!
Beefy
@@BasementBrandon My reward for hitting 500lbs was the Texas Squat Bar so the Monster will be my reward for squatting 600 for the first time!!
We just got one at the gym. Man that's a real bar very well built. We also have their bench bat 55 lb and deadlift bar all are very well built.
Maybe I'll have to grab the bench bar to complete the family.
@@BasementBrandon well worth the money. Great investment
That things a beast! So frustrating how its next to impossible to get any well known branded barbells into New Zealand. Great video man!
But on the brightside you live in New Zealand!
Why not? Customs charges?
@@getstrongby4038 just not worth it for manufacturers to bother shipping there. Too much set up for such a small target market
The center knurl might be separate so the lifter can find the center of the bar easier...just a thought...I know Rouge put center small blank spot in the center
Yeah true a lot of companies do (kabuki as well). Just found it interesting they didn't go that route!
I need a total count on when he says “Bar”
Lol I mean it's a bar review, gonna happen :)
I love my Texas Squat Bar, crazy to think this one is 35mm. If I competed in your federation I would be all over it as well, look forward to seeing your training progress with it thanks Brandon!
The funny thing is I've done most of my comps in the USAPL with a 29mm bar for squats.
@@BasementBrandon Along the lines of other TPBs that we don't need but may want, what do you think about their Bench Bar? We may never NEED it, but a fatter bar may feel even better than a 29mm PB?
@@joecowan3719 Yeah looks interesting, but not sure why they made it so long!
@@BasementBrandon multi-ply that's why
How is the whip of the bar when doing heavy squats (say +500 lbs)? Does it stay completely straight? Does the whip (if present) differ if you load a lot of heavy and wide bumper plates compared to narrow steel plates?
Will have to cover that in the review. right now I'm in a hypertrophy volume block so heaviest I've gone is mid 400s
Hey Brandon, always digging the review videos. I was wondering if you would suggest getting a deadlift bar or a squat bar first if you only have an all-around bar?
I'm not Brandon, but definitely deadlift bar. In my experience, good power bars don't start getting too whippy to even notice until 600+. Maybe a bit less with a texas but still manageable. A deadlift bar will be noticeably different/ better with as little as 405, plus as a sumo puller the extra toe room is a lot of peace of mind lol
I think most people would have more fun with a deadlift bar
As someone who owns both, if you're torn between a squat bar and a deadlift bar, I would go with a deadlift bar first. The 27mm shaft is noticeably easier to hold compared to an equivalently knurled 29mm power bar. If you're regularly deadlifting ~500+ lbs, you'll appreciate the extra slack you get as well. Finally, the longer shaft gives you some more room if you use a wide sumo stance. All that being said, I love my Texas Squat Bar; it's my favorite bar. The longer shaft and collars eliminates bumping your rack on walkouts, the 32mm shaft feels amazing on your back, and the knurling bites into your back like no other. If you're going to go with a deadlift bar, both Rogue's and Buddy Capps' are $345. I prefer Buddy Capps' at the same price but if you can get one of Rogue's from the Boneyard, it's worth it; I paid $190 for mine in the Boneyard. Of course there are plenty of other options as well but I really prefer the aforementioned two. If you're going to buy a squat bar because they are awesome, I personally prefer Buddy Capps' over Rogue's. The only caveat is Rogue's squat bar is stainless steel where as Buddy Capps' is bare steel/chrome.
@@themustangmachine thanks man! Really appreciate the detailed explanation.
@@themustangmachine 100% agree with the above.
29 bars!!!! Sounds like and addiction. Haha. Awesome review and very cool specialty bar!
Thanks my dude.
Brandon, I’ve been looking at adding a Texas Power Bar to my bar collection and I decided on a white cerakote finish. I see in this video you have a TPB and Texas Deadlift Bar in that finish and I noticed some markings near the ends of the shafts. What has been your experience with the white cerakote showing dirt, UHMW getting stuck in the aggressive knurl, and cleaning off chalk/liquid grip when you can’t see it? Appreciate your guidance.
The deadlift bar markings are from my deadlift jack. The material they use seems to mark the bar up more than my rogue jcups on my power bar. that being said they still clean right off with some rubbing alcohol. I think the white is def a cool look, but generally speaking I suggest people stay away from cerakote b/c it leaves the knurl a bit dull b/c of the sand blasting and coating required.
Yes, I have the Texas deadlift bar in bare steel and a buddy has one with cerakote night and day difference! I definitely got the better bar!
how is the spin of the collars, you could hear grinding on my westside bull dog bar (the bearings were very thin). Have they improved the quality?
after squatting with a 35mm you never want to go back to a tiny bar.
To me it's like any other bar from Buddy, slow and clunky lol.
A monster indeed!
big boy
Great review Brandon. Ironmind S cubed bar is also 35mm. Not quite as long though and sadly the price of that sucker has gone up
TBH I think the length here (or at least the collars) should be cut down some. Even though it's 35mm the wider you go the more flex is going to be present. Kind of a point of diminishing returns with pushing them out further.
I keep waiting for you to talk about the trolley arms you added, and hopefully how to get different colors and if there is an upcharge.
I'll do a video on them at some point but TBH I won't have much good to say about them. I don't recommend them b/c I don't use them, they're expensive, and they end up getting in the way for a lot of stuff.
@@BasementBrandon huh, thanks for replying, been trying to figure out how to talk my wife into letting me get them thinking I'd use them a lot, but always respect your opinion and may have to reconsider
Woaaa that thing is thick! And I'm not talking about the bar.
First frame and we can see how happy Brandon is about it 😁
Lil gag...
hey now!
@@BasementBrandon 'pology :(
I'll caveat what I'm about to say with the fact I'll likely never buy a 35mm bar. One could use this for much more than just squats or lunges. It could be a pseudo axle bar for submaximal deadlifts(deload week, deficit, speed) that way you get some grip work in. Deload week for bent over rows or chest supported rows. Benching could be nice.
If you or your significant other do glute bridges/hip thrusts you know when with a squat pad a regular barbell hurts once loaded up. A 35mm bar would help a lot.
All good points.
Unrelated to the bar, but where did you get the chains you use for your squatting? Havent seen sleeved ones like that before.
I bought them from Rogue. I ended up getting a chain hanger from them for the rack, the chains, and the sheaths.
I feel my squat bar from Rogue is over kill! Than this bar comes along! Great review and thanks for info on it!
Welcome to the USA, where bigger is always better.
I want one now.
big boy bars
It’s like the monster truck of barbells!
Any idea how’ come EliteFTS stopped making the Mastodon bar?
Texas Power Bars made it for them (Elite doesn't actually make their own equipment in house). I believe it's likely b/c they just didn't move enough of them. I love everything EliteFTS does, but they don't do a ton of volume to my knowledge.
Such girth! 😱 Awesomeness!
Thanks my brother.
Have tried benching with it? If so, how does the 35mm feel in the hand?
I have not!
holy shittt 29 bars. I don't feel bad buying more now lol. That monster bar is badass. Brian Shaw needs this bar for sure.
got to collect em all :)
I think my ideal squat bar might be an axle this long with the same knurling
Could prob get someone to make it :)
Big B, are u considering doing the USPA meet on March 12? My friend Raphael Santiago (I think u guys did some RPS meets in the past), was asking me if I wanna head to RI to do that 1 with him.
Yeah I know Raphael! Been awhile! I don't think I can make the March 12th meet work. I have to take a week off of training at the beginning of Feb, so don't think it makes sense. Might look to do a USAPL one in May.
this might be a stupid question, but how does it feel using it for bench? or even deadlift for that matter, does it compare to an axel bar deadlift?
Some like a thicker bar for bench (I have not used this one in particular). For deadlifting, still not really like an axel as most of those are 2" in diameter, so much much thicker.
I don't even want to think about sumo deadlifts with this bar. RIP shins ☠☠
Feels stable/stiff for bench (as you’d expect). I always found >30mm bars a bit awkward to hold in my hands though. Prefer 28.5-29mm diameter. Your results may vary depending on the size of your hand.
What advantage would this squat bar have over the regular Texas squat bar?
It's thicker, so should have less whip. Longer so could have a wider grip.
Have you tried rep helius or Cerberus squat bars? I was ready to pull the trigger on the rogue and i saw a guy talking about how much whip it still has.
All squat bars can get some whip if loaded heavy enough due to the weight being further apart. I also think many people don't actually understand what whip is/feels like.
@@BasementBrandon makes sense. I don't remember how my OPB is when loaded, so I'll check that out first. All I know is.. I've failed 600 a lot on shit gym bars and it felt really easy with the kabuki. The whip/rolling of those cheap bars make it feel significantly harder.
sounds like you're never satisfied with the length of your...bar
:)
I would love to see a review on a benchpress bar I know it’s totally excess but I kinda wanna see your input on them I guess
I think the Rogue Squat bar I have at 32mm could double as one!
@@BasementBrandon oh that’s cool I didn’t think about that tbh
Hey Brandon, thanks for the killer review. Question, what's your favorite squat bar at present? I know I'm asking on an old video here... but there are some new comers to the market I'm not sure you've tried out yet. I bought the Strongarm Sports one after watching your review on it, and honestly, I'm pretty disappointed with the knurling. It's pretty sad frankly. I know REP has one out recently, Texas, Rogue, etc... is there one you lean towards most? Thanks
Hey man! Sorry to hear about the StrongArm version. I've found with them now I have to give the caveat that they are super inconsistent. During the pandemic and even very recently they had some real sub par stuff coming out and have since raised prices so they're harder to recommend. I haven't bought any new squat bars since this one. Personally I find I like the Rogue the best for the overall build and finish (and value). It's not super aggressive, but it's sticky and stainless steel.
@@BasementBrandon thanks! much appreciated. I'd be a lot more compelled by the REP Helios I think if it wasn't a cerakote bar and it was Stainless. I think I'm heavily leaning towards the Rogue as well for the money. Thanks Brandon!
I've owned a bare steel Texas Squat Bar for a while now. The knurling on that thing eats people alive! How would you say 35mm feels on the back compared to 32mm?
I think smaller framed people will feel more of a difference. For those used to using a 32mm bar it's not as offputting surprisingly, but you still notice.
For a guy wanting a thick bar for heavy bent over row, squats, and bench would this be your go to?
It's obnoxiously long. Maybe just save some money and get a good axel bar.
@@BasementBrandon and if you're doing repetitions with 700+lbs?
@@randellburton3307 If you want a thicker bar that's great for heavier squats there are a few options: Rogue Squat, Texas Squat, Texas Monster... etc.. Most squat bars are 32mm but the monster is 35. Again the length can be a bit annoying though.
Nice bar. I have zero use for one but I like it. I also like manufacturers trying new things with barbells. I think a one bar approach to every lift is outdated.
I think it depends. I like knowing I could get one good power bar and use that for everything, but I also like the idea of getting fun tools like this.
@@BasementBrandonI should have clarified. Unless you compete, squat with whatever feels best. Same for deadlift and bench. No need to use a standard power bar unless you like it/want to.
What collars do you recommend with it? My rogue aluminum ones dont fit
Really? Mine work fine on it.
@@BasementBrandon yeah my cerakote ones close about 80% but won't snap all the way shut and pop back open
Do you like to bench with squatbars,? Heard some people like the extra girth as you would say
I've heard the same, but never really gave it much attention.
How does this compare to the sportKraft bar?
Don't own one, so can't really say.
Wonder how this Knurl compares to the Aggro 3x, nobody has really covered that thing yet
I've seen a few videos on it!
@@BasementBrandon
Wait really? I’ve searched far and wide and the only thing I’ve found was Coop saying it was sharp haha
@@kozmo7 You know I very well could be confusing it with FB and IG posts about people who got them.
@@BasementBrandon
Ah gotcha. Would be awesome if one of your viewers or friends send you those aggro bars for review!
I would love to buy it, but the length is too long from where my power rack is set up at home.
Yeah I would love to see them chop some of the sleeve down to make this a bit shorter
@@BasementBrandon - The people at Texas Power Bars got back to me. They told me, We cannot make a shorter version but we do have our squat bar.
I'll have to count next time to be sure, but it's my estimate that the large commercial gym where I go has fewer than 29 bars.
Lol def overkill in the basement for 1 lifter.
I believe the USPC uses this bar or one similar, because their squat bars are 65lbs.
Could very well be!
The bar she told you not to worry about
Lol true
I’m the 10 kg Junior bar.
Would not work in my narrow home gym. The Rogue squat bar would be the most length that would work for me. I do have Kabuki Transformer bar on order and may use it for most of my squats if the high and low bar settings feel exactly like my power bar from a squat perspective. That is yet to be seen.
Right on! I need to get around to talking about the transformer in a video.
Kabuki Squat Bar is king, imo but I've never used this one
I haven't used that one but haven't heard good things about it. :(
@@BasementBrandon I mean the USPA did switch over from Texas to Kabuki as its official bar. We've had ours for a year now and it gets used heavily. Knurling has not worn down at all, even where it rests on the J-hooks and the black oxide finish still looks as good as the day we got it. We did a review on it if you're interested:
ruclips.net/video/HVxD4vwb7Js/видео.html
Dunno why they wouldn’t knurl it the whole length with a centre ring lol. Also, you guys should be able to get hold of Sportskraft squat bars in the States? They’re probably #2 behind the Iron Wolfe (no longer made 😢) on best squat bars I’ve used.
I've seen them, but just hard to justify another $800 speciality bar!
@@BasementBrandon Yeah that’s fair haha. When GPC changed the rules to allow a 35mm squat bar Australia got maybe a dozen or so of the Sportskraft squat bars (and some deadlift bars but they’re probably the worst specialty deadlift bar I’ve used) which were the only big squat bars in the country for years. Luckily now we’ve got 3 or 4 vendors selling 35mm bars (nowhere uses the 32mm for comps) so flushed for options to the extent I just sold my Bulldog to free up $$$ and space for a different squat bar haha
I still need a squat bar. I wasnt originally planning on getting a deadlift bar either because IPF dont use them, but i have 2 now. This could be a option I suppose.
A good option might be a boneyard squat bar from Rogue to save $
@@BasementBrandon dont think rogue europe has that boneyard option. So no matter what i get it will be pricey. Cheapest option here is the strengthshop bastard squat bar but they are not really of same quality. Suppose regular rogue squat bar is what i May get.
@@mariusjohansen702 someone DMed me on instagram saying they really like the All Out Athletics (AOA) squat bar, which I believe is available in Europe, but I have no first hand experience with it.
@@BasementBrandon always down to try bars from different brands.
@@BasementBrandon I ended up buying a cerberus squat bar today. Will see how I like it, bit of a risk as it had very few reviews.
I gotta have one. Will grab after kabuki deadlift …once it’s available again. 😭
Pre-orders are already 2 weeks late :(
@@BasementBrandon do you prefer your rogue squat bar over this one?
@@P3ak930 Mixed bag. I like the 35mm diameter better, but not how long this thing is.
@@BasementBrandon thanks man
If I were to buy one bar would this work?
I'd get a power bar.
I used to squat with a power bar but then I got my hands on a bulldog bar and it's a thing of beauty , I can't imagine going back to a power bar at this point. That looks like almost the same thing as the bulldog bar just slightly shorter
Same length!
The knurling is slightly different too. Bulldog the centre knurling was longer (but still roughly the same gap between centre knurling and outer knurling). I do wish all squat bars were just knurled the whole length like the Sportskraft etc
Weird I like watching reviews of these crazy bars that are so far above my lifting needs, don't judge ....
Mine too my man
I might be misremembering but the Iron Wolfe squat bar is similar to this bar. Obviously it’s no longer being produced, but that’s the only comparable bar I can think of.
I think the main differences is the iron wolfe didn't have as thick of collars, shaft was fully knurled, and it was stainless steel.
@@BasementBrandon thanks for the info. Your knowledge on gym equipment is truly on a different level. I feel like you’d be very good as a consultant for people setting up home or small private gyms.
There’s a few other 35mm squat bars going around (we have 4(?) different distributors of them here in Australia). In the states you should still have access to . . . Sorinex (I think) and Sportskraft at least. Also, the Iron Wolfe was awesome (favourite squat bar ever). Loved the bluish glean the stainless steel had.
What is brandon short for?
Brandonopolisticispialadocious
Ah man. Looks thickkkk. Hopefully they deliver to Australia in 5yrs time when it’s my 40th and I can reeeeally treat myself. I know I wouldn’t need it. But you could sell ice to eskimos with the reviews you do..
Dang, I thought I did a good job of saying even though this bar is bad ass, most people shouldn't buy it.
Haha. Yeah but like a uncontrolled teen.. telling me something is awesome but I shouldn’t get it..
Hey man I owned the Westside/Bulldog bar made by Texas and tbh the squat bars from Goliath are way better
Try samtek's powerlifting, it should be the best powerlifting made in China, I think it surpasses Lu Xiaojun
Nice!
I still think if I ever buy a squat bar it’ll be the Rogue squat bar out the boneyard
I went that route, great bar!
Thicker and longer?! Now that is something I can get behind!
hey now
🙏🙏🙏
Coming to ATP soon?
@@BasementBrandon definitely will snag one at some point 🙏
I could not stop thinking about the weird 66lbs weight. Until I realized that it is exactly 30Kg. So I guess if you lift in kilos this is a bar for you.
Yeah most often you'll see this in competition with calibrated KG plates.
Brandon I assume you are a fan of girthy items?
Takes one to know one.
Do you sqaut 765?
No, best squat is 605.
I just got here
Me too
Overbuilt U.S. Gym Equipment has entered the chat...
Best kind
Picking up tomorrow…Leg day happens to be tomorrow.
Get after it!
@@BasementBrandon well….It’s my 1st squat bar..so that is gonna influence my experience…but dammit I love it. Knurl does have some sharp tackiness to it that feels great on a regular shirt but def won’t be wearing “performance athletic material” fabric with the bar. Overall, very happy with the purchase. Thanks for the vid man.
@@P3ak930 Damn going all in on the first one!
@@BasementBrandon it’ll be the only one. So yes sir, thanks for the guidance on it.
For the algorithm!
my dude
You’re really going to make me buy another barbell….
Make a youtube video on it... tax write off.
35mm?! Lol I don’t even think my little man baby hands could wrap around that bad boy ☠️ looks fucking sick but damn
Need to deadlift with it now :)
@@BasementBrandon 😂😂😂 you’re a savage bro
29+ bars. wow. Coop is probably the only guy with a larger collection. Well, it's a better way to store your money long term than in a bank account. the dollar buys less with each passing day.
Coops is awesome (Adam from GarageGymLab too). I don't think they ever sell equipment b/c their business requires them to be able to compare everything to each other. While I like to buy stuff, I only keep what I use (for the most part), the stuff I don't use or that I upgrade from goes to a new home.
I bet the lines help line your neck up as you get under the bar.
I'd think a center line might do that too
I guess it’s true that things are bigger in Texas 😂
👎
lol true.
G U R T H I E R
we have the meat
29 bars??? REALLY? Lol....ok then! (Therapy maybe? Lol...) And now this bar??? I freakin like it! Do I need it? No! Do I want it? ABSO=FRICKIN-LUTLEY!!! Prob be closer to $700 getting to Canada.:( need?...want!....need?...want!...decisions decisions...
Haha I'm going to be trimming down quite a bit, just need to do videos on them before they go.
With that many bars, you can build another Eiffel Tower
That's the goal.
Am I late?
Sometimes it's not polite to come early.
This dude owns 1300lb in just barbells.
Nah more than that, a lot of these specialty bars weigh more than 45lbs :)
Bench press with it
Might not fit where my bench currently is lol.
Big girth = girthy numbers
lets' hope.
29 fucking bars Jesus send me one for us poor folk 😭
I look at them as investments lol
@@BasementBrandon ayee they def are 👍🏼
Brandon I'm very disappointed. With the amount of times you said long, thick, and girth I expected at least a couple innuendos.
Who's to say I didn't slip it in?
They really couldn’t have just made it to be 65lbs? lol 66 just throws off everything 😂
they can say it's the heaviest squat bar on the market I guess?
@@BasementBrandon Beefy AF
personally i dont like texas barbells the width of the collar end is just wierd
Yeah I've def mentioned this to them, I think it would cut down on people saying their bars get whippy b/c it adds unnecessary distance between the plates.
That width is op for dead’s tho
It feels like we are in an arms race to see who can develop the largest bar...
...the year is 2035 and we are squatting with 6 inch diameter bars, 15' long...
To be fair, these bars have been around a long time!
Am I the only person bothered by the 66 pounds? They could have shaved 3 or 4mm off each of those thick collars and hit 65 pounds.
I wonder if it's so they can market it as 30kg.
@@BasementBrandon ah! Genius. Thank you sir. Especially if it might be used in competitions. Ok makes more sense now.
It's not too bad. It's a pair of 7.5kg plates and spring collars from being 100 pounds! Right proper, right proper.
Or you can throw on 10kg plates and make it 110 pounds, like a pair of reds! Makes the 55-pound plate-based math easier.
Or you can "borrow" Coop's black Klokov bumpers and with 2 pounds of plates/collars, make it 200 pounds.
Boring brandon.
Yep
@@BasementBrandon funny. When you going to lift heavey or compete. ??? Im long long time sub. Your not waiting on nick Wright to return are you?
@@whatsyourmax223 Just competed 2 months or so ago. Prob waiting until Spring. This hypertrophy phase won't be over for another 5 weeks or so.