SSB (bar?)

Miscellaneous
1

Im currently gathering equipment for my home gym. Next thing on the list is something like an SSB bar. I have basically 2 choices, one has a more open angle and is dropped a little further down, the other has a more closed angle between the drop and the handles. What will the different options do for me? Quality wise they are both the same. I understand that the open one will bring the center of mass a little further back, but will this really matter?

hope everybody stays safe.
Thanks a lot :smile:

2

It depends on how you want to use it, really. Anecdotally, I have trouble with quad strength and maintaining my back angle in my comp squat, so when I used the SSB as an assistance lift, I prefer to feel the center of gravity more forward so that I have to really fight to maintain my back angle and stay in my quads. If I had banged up shoulders or something and wanted to use the SSB as my primary squatting barbell, Iā€™d probably want something that wouldnā€™t pull me forward quite as much.

If you want input, Iā€™ve used several different SSBs over the years and the EliteFTS Yoke SSB is by far the best one Iā€™ve used. Theyā€™re a little expensive, but if I had the money/space for an SSB in my little home gym, Iā€™d get one of them. Iā€™m also intrigued by the Kabuki Transformer bar since you can change the positioning of the sleeves to mimic various bar positions/specialty bars, but theyā€™re even more expensive.

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3

I would second EliteFTSā€™ SSB. I love it. Although my home gym has been something of a budget purchase - I try to use the best stuff, but I am ā€˜practicalā€™ - if that makes sense, I am going with the Titan SSB. Price point is great, and Iā€™ve heard great reviews on it.

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4

I started with a basic Rogue R-3 rack, steel plates from Craigslist, and a bar steel barbell. I splurged on the Kabuki Transformer, knowing that I would have it for decades. I like that it weighs the same as a normal barbell, has true Olympic sleeves, and is adjustable. The black oxide process finish looks nice and doesnā€™t chip. Most of the 48 possible positions arenā€™t recommended, and you probably wouldnā€™t regularly use all of the 20 feasible positions. But I have been able to use it for four distinct variations:

  1. Front squat setting. Gets around my frustrating inability to get and keep a good front rack even using straps. Now I can make good progress with a more upright squat.
  2. SSB setting. This also lets the bar balance without holding the handles, for Hatfield squats.
  3. Back Squat setting. Iā€™ve exceeded my straight barbell back squat with this. I havenā€™t retested with a straight barbell.
  4. Good Mornings setting. I do these to spotter arms, itā€™s a great setting with no sliding on the neck. Iā€™d need to spend more time with the cambered bar setting. Didnā€™t see much difference with ā€œBack Squatā€ but might try gripping the bar and not the handles so the weight can swing. Any SSB type bar will be affected by any force applied to the handles. Iā€™ve yet to try the Kettlebell setting.

I donā€™t compete, this is my full time squat bar now. I can relate to what Nate B. said, and Iā€™m convinced this bar has made me a more self-aware and effective squatter. I used to hate squatting, now I donā€™t. I think youā€™ll enjoy any SSB for lower body variation. I highly recommend the Kabuki version. Good luck, have fun, and stay well.

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5

The grips hitting my knees isnā€™t something Iā€™m worried about even though I have fairly long legs vs torso. It could only be an issue if I squatted with an extremely narrow stance and tried to lean over far.

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