TITAN Circus dumbbells vs Multi grip log bar

This is a comparison between the TITAN Circus dumbbells and TITAN Multi grip log bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. The Original was published in Which Strongman equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for details

Overview and review of the TITAN Multi grip log bar

This is an overview of the TITAN Multi grip log bar including pros, cons, and alternatives. The Original was published in Which Strongman equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for details.

Multi grip log bar $153

Overview of the TITAN Multi grip log bar

The TITAN Multi grip log bar is a good cheaper and smaller option for home gyms compared to other log bars available from TITAN. As this log bar is short it can not be racked and is also too small to reflect truly what you will have in a strongman competition. That being said it is one of the best options to get a log into a small space and get something else into your training than just barbell movements. The full specifications of this log bar are:

- This bar combines the best of a multi grip barbell with the girth and feel of a traditional log bar.

- 10" Diameter barrel measure 15" long to produce the same motion of rolling the log up your body for lifts.

- Multiple grips let you target different muscle groups and makes this bar more suitable for athletes of varying size.

- Grip spread distances at 19" and 31" apart.

- Heavy duty steel construction and thick powder for a durable training bar.

- Overall Length: 75.5"

- Grip Spread: 19" | 31"

- Grip Length: 5.5"

- Grip Diameter: 1.3"

- Log Length: 15"

- Log Diameter: 10"

- Sleeve Length: 14"

- Sleeve Diameter: 1.95"

- Weight: 60 LB

A good purchase as it is not too expensive, just be mindful of the space available in your home gym or commercial gym as you most likely will have to store on the floor or lean it in the corner as it does not work with most standard storage units for barbells.

Pros of the TITAN Multi grip log bar

The pros of the TITAN Multi grip log bar are:

Multi grip
Smaller size
Price

The multi grip options on this log bar can be used to make your workout as challenging as with a 12" log bar. Just use the wider grip and you will see how it challenges you. The smaller size also means that it better fits small environments and can be stored easier. In combination with the smaller price tag this is the ideal present for someone who is obsessed with strength and you want to get them something out of the ordinary. Not a lot you can do wring with this.

Cons of the TITAN Multi grip log bar

The cons of the Multi grip log bar are:

Not rack loadable
Not competition dimensions
Positioning of grips for big athletes
TITAN finish

This log bar is too short to be loaded into a rack to do presses from a certain height. If you want to train partial movements for the log bar lift, this is not the ideal tool to get. However, if you are considering partial log bar lifts, you probably want to get one of the bigger log bars anyway.

In most competitions the log bars will be bigger and not hollow. This makes their handling a lot different from what you get with the multi grip log bar. It is still a great tool which is easy to transport and dies not take up a lot of space. For the real deal you might want to look for the slater logs instead to train at home.

As the sleeves have been cut into to make space for the multiple grips, this log bar can be challenging for bigger athletes. You might have trouble to get your hands in the right way or load the log bar to your chest as some pieces or missing. This only applies when you are massive yourself, but definitely something to consider.

The last thing to mention is the TITAN finish. While there no negative reports about this particular log bar that I have found, you still run a risk with TITAN on finish of the products with many welds. That does mean that this must be the case for you, but there is a reason why TITAN can offer their products at such a low price. This usually shows in quality control, customer service and shipping. There is just a wider variance in experience compared to the more expensive brands like Eleiko and Rogue.

Alternatives to the TITAN Multi grip log bar

Alternatives to the TITAN Multi grip log bar are:

The 10 inch log bar from TITAN is the little brother of the 12" log bar. This size is usually used in female strongman competitions, but can also be a bit more approachable for the masses in a commercial gym to get them interested in strongman training. It also comes at a slightly lower price of $230, although I think that the size differences matter more for this comparison than the prices.

Rogue delivers their log bars in (2, 10" and 12" at prices of $345, $465, and $595. Their logs are considerably higher in cost. The log bars usually involve more manual labor and welding in production and Rogue is known for better quality welds than TITAN. Usually these differences are more cosmetic than functional in nature, but be aware that you tend to pay more for better craftsmanship at Rogue for the welding and that log bars, not like barbells, need more of this kind of work.

The slater log is the real deal when it comes to log bars. If you want to purchase a ready made wooden log bar you can get your hands in three different versions from Slater costing $449, $549, and $695. These log bars weigh more for the same diameter and come closer to what you will handle in competition.

Conclusion for the TITAN Multi grip log bar

The TITAN MUlti grip log bar is a good tool to enter Strongman and build size. If you are already massive you might want to go with one of the bigger logs.

Overview and review of the TITAN Circus dumbbells

This is an overview of the TITAN Circus dumbbell including pros, cons, and alternatives. The Original was published in Which Strongman equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for details.

Circus dumbbell $150-$180

Overview of the TITAN Circus dumbbell

The circus dumbbell is a classic strongman event where you lift a cumbersome dumbbell from the floor to your shoulder. For this purpose TITAN offers four different Circus dumbbells in diameters of 10"-12" and empty weights ranging from 67 Lbs. to 94lbs. TITAN does not recommend dropping these from overhead on the floor, so you might also want to invest in some crash mats for a full setup. These dumbbells are big and cumbersome, as they should be, and provide you with the necessary equipment for this event. The full specifications are:

10" 2" Handle

- 1.9” Tube allows for Olympic Weights under 10” in diameter to be placed inside the circus dumbbell to easily increase weight.

- 2” diameter handle.

- 10.75” loadable sleeve length.

- Comes with a pair of weight retainers.

- Empty Weight: 77 LB

- Length: 30.125”

- Loadable Sleeve Length: 10.75”

- Dumbbell Diameter: 10”

- Handle Diameter: 2”

10" 2.5" Handle

- 1.9” Tube allows for Olympic Weights under 10” in diameter to be placed inside the circus dumbbell to easily increase weight.

- 2.5” diameter handle.

- 10.75” loadable sleeve length.

- Comes with a pair of weight retainers.

- Empty Weight: 78 LB

- Length: 30.125”

- Loadable Sleeve Length: 10.75”

- Dumbbell Diameter: 10”

- Handle Diameter: 2.5”

12" 3" Handle

- 1.9” Tube allows for Olympic Weights under 12” in diameter to be placed inside the circus dumbbell to easily increase weight.

- 3” diameter handle.

- 10.75” loadable sleeve length.

- Comes with a pair of weight retainers.

- Empty Weight: 94 LB

- Length: 30.125”

- Loadable Sleeve Length: 10.75”

- Dumbbell Diameter: 12”

- Handle Diameter: 3”

12" 2.5" Handle

- 1.9” Tube allows for Olympic Weights under 12” in diameter to be placed inside the circus dumbbell to easily increase weight.

- 2.5” diameter handle.

- 10.75” loadable sleeve length.

- Comes with a pair of weight retainers.

- Empty Weight: 67 LB

- Length: 30.125”

- Loadable Sleeve Length: 10.75”

- Dumbbell Diameter: 12”

- Handle Diameter: 2.5”

With these bis dumbbells you can train and get better to move cumbersome weights which is one of the main requirements in strongman competitions. It is also a rather cheap option for a loadable dumbbell compared to other models which come in around $300 to $600.

Pros of the TITAN Circus Dumbbell

The pros of the TITAN Circus dumbbell are:

Low price
Fits the requirement
Loadable

This is one of the cheapest possible ways you can get into the strongman sport. Circus dumbbells are in my opinion a bit easier to get overhead than axle barbells and also provide a different experience from anything else you usually move around in the gym. Especially if you have been looking for a loadable dumbbell for a while, this might be a cheaper option compared to a full adjustable dumbbell system and a bit more fun. Compared to Atlas stones they are a lot less hassle to get ready.

Cons of the TITAN Circus dumbbell

Cons of the TITAN Circus dumbbell are:

Warp easily
Do not fit most Storage units
Con only be loaded with smaller plates

The main point against these dumbbells is that they warp quite easily when dropped from overhead. Original circus dumbbells are usually solid an round at the end. Therefore they are not adjustable, but virtually indestructible. That you have to take a little more care with these circus dumbbells is a bit counter intuitive. All you want to do when this beast is overhead is to drop it, not gently put it back down to avoid damage. Be prepared to get a thick gym mat together with your purchase for lasting fun.

Another disadvantage is that you will most likely not be able to fit these dumbbells on any rack you already have. If your gym is very spacious that is not a huge problem. If you crammed your gym into your home, every inch counts and these dumbbells do not help your space management if you already have plates, kettlebells and some bands lying on the floor.

The last thing is that if you want to go heavy, you might need some specialist plates. With heavy I mean strongman heavy around 100kg and more. For mere mortals the weight of the Circus dumbbell itself might already be enough to work with.

Alternatives to the TITAN Circus dumbbell

Alternatives to the TITAN Circus dumbbells are:

TITAN Loadable dumbbell
Rogue Loadable dumbbell

TITAN Provides loadable dumbbells which range from 15" to 36" in length and $45 to $75 in price per piece. As they do not have an outer rim like the circus dumbbells you can use most of your plates with these. The lifting experience is more convenient and close to what you are used to with normal dumbbells. If you put big plates on them they feel a little more like circus dumbbells depending on your preference. They are also easier to store.

Rogue also provides loadable dumbbells on 10" and 15" length which cost around $135 a piece. These loadable dumbbells are shortened versions of the classic Rogue Ohio barbell and feel more than a shortened barbell rather than just a loadable dumbbell. Rogue also provides special bumpers that have been made for the loadable dumbbells. If you want to save space in your gym while still having a full dumbbell rack, this is a very space efficient, yet pricey way of getting there. They also look really stylish.

Conclusion for the TITAN Circus Dumbbell

The TITAN Circus dumbbell are a cheap entry point to strongman overhead lifts. Especially if you already have the space and mats available they can be a fun addition to your regimen. If you are a serious contender for strongman competitions who weighs more than 100kg or even 140kg than you might go for the solid core circus dumbbells instead. These are more expensive and less suited for the mass market, but simulate the real life event closer. For smaller athletes or every day training to spice things up they are still a good alternative to most loadable dumbbells you can get, if you have the space and some protection for the floor.