Rogue LB-3 log bar vs Camber bar
This is a comparison of the Rogue LB-3 Log bar and the camber 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 Camber bar
This overview of the camber 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 295$
Overview of the Rogue Camber bar
The
camber bar is another variation of the
specialty
bars of
Rogue. It is very similar to the
safety bar with a few differences. The first is that the hands can be placed lower on the frame. This helps even more with athletes suffering from a shoulder injury. The other difference is that the weight swings more during the movement. This helps with bigger core activation. While the
safety bar lets you squat more weight deeper the camber
bar actively works on balance.
The
camber bar comes in at a weight of 85lb. The shafts fit regular clips and plates. The
camber bar comes fully welded. Pay special attention to quality when you buy
specialty
bars. The production process is usually less
mechanized
than for barbells. You need a good welding job to be safe. Yes, you can get these bars a lot cheaper from craigslist. However, you might end up with a terrible welding job.
Pros of the Camber bar
The
camber bar is unusual and will challenge your athletes. Not a lot of people have ever seen, nevermind used a
camber bar in the real world. Combining the
camber bar and
safety bar is especially useful for strongmen who have to get used to moving weights at different angles and positions. If you want to use this as a cheaper replacement for a
Yoke carry be cautious You can not put this
bar down in the middle of the walk.
Cons of the Camber bar
This
bar already weighs 85lb unloaded. It is also very cumbersome and awkward to store. This is a tool for big gyms with lots of floor space. If you are already constrained for space this is not the
bar to get. It is also more challenging than the safety
bar. If you are a beginner deciding between a safety and camber
bar, go for the
safety bar.
Conclusion
The rogue camber bar is a good tool especially for strongman training.Alternatives can be the Rogue safety bar or a Rhino hip belt squat to take tension off the shoulders and wrists.
Overview and review of the Rogue LB-3 log bar
This is an overview of Rogue LB-3 log 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 Rogue LB-3 12 log bar
Price: $595
The
LB-3 log bar is the biggest log bar in the Rogue Line up and made to spec for strongman competitions. It can hold up to 1000lb and already weighs 130lbs when empty. The full specifications of the
LB-3 log bar are:
-
Made in Columbus, OH, USA
-
12" Diameter Strongman Log
-
Total Length: 80.75"
-
11-gauge steel construction
-
Handles: Neutral-grip, 1.25” diameter, set 24” apart
-
Finish: Black Powdercoat
-
Laser-cut Rogue logo
This is the big daddy of logs you can buy off the shelf from Rogue. The extra-wide design is best for huge athletes that otherwise have problems fitting their arms into the mold without touching off the metal. Be aware that this is already a beast without any plates added. So do not buy this unless you are big or have quite a few big guys in your gym.
Pros of the Rogue 12 log bar
-
Prepares for competition
-
Made for big athletes
-
Sturdy design
This log bar is so big that it will prepare you for anything that a strongman competition will throw at you. If you can handle the size and weight the design is also safer for bigger athletes. What can often be a problem with log bars is that they are made to be big, but of cheap, thin material which makes them prone to deform or bend the plate pins when dipped. Not with the
LB 3 which is the high quality we are used to from Rogue.
Cons of the Rogue 12 log bar
The
12 log bar comes in at $595. For a specialty bar that you will not use that often, that is a high price. Let’s face it, most mere mortals will use this once, maybe twice a week. If you are not a strongman athlete this piece of metal takes up a huge space and a big chunk out of your wallet.
Alternatives to the Rogue 12 log bar
The
rogue strongman sandbags can be a good alternative to the log bar. If you want to get big weights from the ground to your shoulder you can also do this with these bags which weigh between 100lb to 400lb when filled with sand. They can also be emptied and stored and transported easier than a log bar. Of course, the Dow side is that they are not log-shaped and have no handles.
The
rogue rubber atlas stones are another alternative for strongman training. These try to emulate a real stone as close as possible. You will get a perfect sphere that is ready-made. The weight ranges from 50lb to 200lb. These are ready-made with an iron core. No filling or deforming and even if they get a cut they still work. The only downside is where to store them and that they can. It be adjusted.
The LB1 and LB2 are log bar variations that are smaller than the
LB-3. The LB1 weighs 72lb empty while the LB2 comes in at 50lb. These might be the better variations to use on a commercial gym as they are smaller and lighter.
Conclusion for the Rogue 12 log bar
The
Rogue 12 log bar is the tool for the professional strongman/strongwoman to prepare himself or herself for the next competition. With 130lb starting weight, it does not have many applications for normal-sized athletes or hobby strongmen. You get what you pay for and it is an excellent piece of equipment. I question whether most people will need it and you can save money and space by going for one of the smaller options.