Rogue LB-2 bar vs Safety squat bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue LB-2 Log bar and the safety squat bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which rogue specialty bar to get. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the Rogue Safety Squat bar
This overview of the Rogue safety bar was originally published in my comprehensive guide on which Rogue barbell to buy. If you are currently considering to buy a Rogue barbell it is worth a read to get input on the latest models. I update the guide on a yearly basis depending on Rogue's new releases.
Price: 395$
Overview of the Rogue Safety bar
The
Rogue safety bar is tested at 1000lbs and 70lb/35kg. It has a frame and padding attached to it so that you can fully focus on your legs. There will be less balancing needed as with a
normal barbell. Also, your elbows will not suffer as much as with extensive heavy squatting.
Safety bar squats are not ideal for beginners. You need to build basic strength first to be able to progress to this beast. Do not think that 140kg of
back
squat with a barbell is the same as with the safety
bar. The name can be a little misleading.
Pros of the safety bar
The safety bar is very popular with seasoned powerlifters. The older you get the more wear and tear your body shows. Especially when you have been lifting heavy for decades.
The safety bar addresses these issues. You can lift heavy weights without taxing your ligaments and shoulders as much.
Cons of the safety bar
This bar can only be used for squats. If you only have a budget of 400 USD for the
bar in your home gym do not get this
bar. The same goes for gyms. Most of your clients will be
intimated by the size of this beast and not know how to use it. You probably will only need one unless you are
specialised
in powerlifting. It is also huge and awkward to store. It fits on the lowest position of the gun rack. Know exactly why you want this
bar before purchasing it. Otherwise, you have 395USD gathering dust in your basement. If the price tag is too high you can also opt for the
camber bar. The
camber bar comes in at a lower price and has a similar effect to the
safety bar with less material protecting the lifter.
Conclusion
The Rogue Safety bar is a great tool for seasoned powerlifters to take stress of their lower backs and still train hard. You will also be able to mix things up a little more. You can also look int the Rogue Rhino Belt Squat as an alternative.
Overview and review of the LB-2 bar
This is an overview of the Rogue LB-2 bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. It was published first under which rogue specialty bar to get. Follow the links for more details.
Overview of the LB-2 log bar
Price $345
The
LB-2 log bar is the smallest of the three log bars which Rogue has on offer. This makes it a good fit for smaller athletes and junior or anyone who is on rehab from an injury. It makes it also more accessible to a bigger group of people to introduce them to strongman training compared to the massive
LB-3. The
LB-2 weighs 51lb and can be loaded with plates. Take that this bar has smaller sleeves in diameter than a standard barbell. The full specifications are:
- Weight: 51LB
- Length: 70.8"
- Diameter: 8"
- Steel Notes: Laser Cut 0.125” Thick Steel
- Fully welded end & internal plates
- Solid 3/8" round bar protection on openings
- Neutral Grip Handles: 23.5" on center
- Laser-cut Rogue logo!
This is a great beginner log bar or something to get for everyone in your local gym as it is easier to handle.
Pros of the LB-2 log bar
The
LB-2 log bar is the cheapest of the Log bars available from Rogue and also the smallest. If you want your commercial gym to go into strongman training, this is where to start. If you only have massive 240-pound giants at your gym, this might be too small. For this price, you get a well made log bar that will hold up when you beat it into the ground.
Cons of the LB-2 log bar
- Size
- Storage
- Fitting to plates
This log bar is the smallest log bar Rogue has, but is still hard to store compared to a regular barbell. It will not fit onto a regular bar rack. Working with J cups will also be a challenge. So mostly, it will lay on the ground or stand in a corner. If you have a home gym with kids around, definitely store it in the ground. It also does not fit great with standard plate sizes. This is what you get with all log bars, but has to be considered if for the same price you can get a
safety bar from Rogue.
Alternatives to the LB-2 log bar
The Rogue strongman bag is a cheaper option to simulate strongman training. You can get versions ranging from 100lb to 400lb when filled with play sand. They are also easier to store as they can be emptied when not used. It is not the same experience as a log bar, but if you are limited for space and budget, this might be a better start to a strongman class. Also, if you have to buy and store in bulk, this is a more feasible option.
If you are a strongman/strongwoman meaning business, then the
LB-2 is probably not for you. The weights you will face in the competition will have a bigger diameter and will be harder to handle than an
LB-2. Therefore it might be best to go with the LB-3 as this comes closest to the real-life competition.
Home gym enthusiasts who want to strengthen their posterior chain might also want to look into the
Rogue safety bar as an alternative. If your squat is what you are mainly concerned about, this is a better option to get to train your lower back when you have problems from too much barbell training.
Conclusion for the LB-2 log bar
The L
B-2 log bar is a lot more palatable for the masses out there than the
LB-3 or
LB-1. Even though it is the smallest log bar in the line-up, it still provides the challenge of a weight that behaves very differently from a classic barbell. This is therefore the better option, f you only occasionally do strongman training or want to provide an interesting challenge to your clients with a new toy.