TITAN EZ Load hex bar vs Duffalo bar [Article, Video]
This a comparison between the TITAN EZ load hex bar and the duffalo bar. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the duffalo bar
The duffalo bar is probably the best bar in the market with a curve to make it easier on your shoulder and lower back for the bench and squat. Here are the pros and cons.
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The duffalo barbell has been designed by renowned strength coach and powerlifter Chris Duffin. The single idea was too reduce strain for lifters on their shoulders and back for the squat and bench press by forcing the into better movement patterns. The duffalo is the best of this kind of barbell currently on the market and Rogue attests to that by not copying the original design but rather letting the manufacturer seeking it on their online shop. The specifications of the duffalo bar are:
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Diameter: 32mm
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Overall Length: 96”
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Heat Treated and Cold Worked Alloy Steel – 195,000 KSI Tensile Strength
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Unloaded Bar Weight: 55 LBS
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Load Capacity: 1,500 LBS
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Three Options: Clear Zinc, Black Oxide, Bright Nickel
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Attachment point included for optional Band & Chain Handle Attachment*
Pros of the duffalo bar
Kabuki strength is a real American dream come true. This is a well-executed piece of engineering that gets the highest marks in most reviews. It has been designed by a pro for pros to protect them from injury and bring up their exercise volume. If you are serious about strength, look into this bar.
Cons of the duffalo bar
The price of the Duffalo bar is relatively high for a specialty barbell. It ranges in the realms of Eleiko and the top-line Rogue barbells. It is a good use piece of equipment but has fewer uses than these options in the gym.
The high specialization makes it almost exclusively interesting to powerlifters and strongman. It is definitely not the first buy for your home gym. Members of commercial gyms might even feel a little intimidated by this massive piece of steel.
Keep in mind that this bar will help to build volume in your training while doing less damage to yo ur body. You will still need to practice on a straight bar in your cycle to perform on stage.
Alternatives to the Duffalo bar
The camber bar has no curvage and places the weight for the squat closer to the center of your body. It also has a tendency to make the plates swing. If you want more activation in your squats this is a good bar but it is not for bench pressing like the duffalo bar.
The safety bar is the classic bar to have less strain on the spine for heavy lifting. The Duffalo bar is basically a combination of the ideas of safety and Olympic barbell. Compared to the duffalo bar you will save money. This is the better bar for a commercial gym. As an am I Tinnef home gym owner I would still go for the duffalo bar.
The earthquake bar is partly made of bamboo and okays with the idea of weights which shake uncontrollably when moved. While it can not take as much weight as the other bars and needs bands and kettlebells to function, this can be an interesting squat variation based on lovers of the west side method.
Summary of the duffalo bar
The duffalo bar is a very interesting second purchase of a barbell for very ambitious home gym owners who start to feel the pains of age but still lift very heavy.
Overview and review of the TITAN EZ Load Hex bar
The Titan EZ load hex bar will put you back about $150. TITAN is well known for their very good prices compared to their competition and will get you started on your home gym. This review was originally posted in “which barbell to get from TITAN”.
Overview of the EZ load hex bar
The
EZ load hex bar is a great tool for experienced athletes who want to train their grip or rehab patients who want to get into the deadlift to reap its benefits. The
EZ bar is raised from the floor which makes it easier to load plates. You stand inside the frame to lift the weight which makes it less taxing on your back. The features and specifics are:
EZ hex bar details:
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raised plate holders for easy loading
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3 different grip diameters, 1", 1.5", and 2" Just rotate to change grips!
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Knurled Handles.
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10" of loadable sleeve length
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Fits 2" Olympic Plates.
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Weight plates holders at 10" off the ground.
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Weight: 54 LB
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Length: 66.33"
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Width: 30.9"
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Height: 10"
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Sleeve length: 10"
A great bar to experiment and develop different types of strength.
Pros of the EZ hex bar
The
EZ hex bar is an innovative concept you do not find in every gym. Different options to train your grip can be especially interesting for Strongman athletes. Additionally, also the easy load option, as they usually have to get a lot of plates on their bar. Beginners will struggle less and still get the benefits of a
hex bar.
Cons of the EZ hex bar
There are moving parts which means that it is more prone to break after heavy use. This means gym environments with 100s of reps a day by inexperienced lifters or very, very big guys and ladies. As TITAN is known for shortcuts on their welding and finish this is something to be mindful about with this item.
Alternatives to the TITAN EZ hex bar
The
Titan hex bar would be an option with fewer moving parts which makes it more robust and less prone to quality issues.
The
Rogue trap bar would be an alternative which costs more and has no options for different grips. In return, the finish of Rogue is usually more consistent in quality.
If you want an easy to load trap bar with an inbuilt jacking system and different grips go for the
Trap bar from Kabuki strength. This will be top-notch engineering which comes with a price tag to reflect the craftsmanship going into this bar.
Summary for the EZ hex bar
A great addition for your arsenal, but probably get a normal
hex bar first.