Since I have extremely tight shoulders from years of heavy benching I’ve had to opt for various specialty bars to alleviate shoulder discomfort while still getting some decent squat training in. Here's my breakdown of what I feel are the pros and cons of different Specialty Bars.
The Safety Squat Bar provides a variety of benefits:
Average cost- $400
- It reduces shoulder stress since the bar can be held from the front.
- It forces you to stay upright since you’re going to be forced in whatever direction it goes thus recruiting the abs and low back to a greater degree.
- Can be used for numerous lower body movements.
- It’s safe, just like the name, since if necessary you could let go to grab the rack.
- My issue with it is that it pushes on my carotid and makes me pass out.
The Cambered Bar:
Average cost- $300
- Once again reduces shoulder stress since you can hold the bar on the sides.
- It once again forces you to stay more upright since it will force you in the direction it goes.
- It also swings creating instability making it more difficult, which is why some people don’t like it
- I personally like this bar since I can time it to help me swing forward with box squats
The OBB Power Handles
Average cost- $220
- Can attach to any size bar from a power bar to a mastodon
- They Are inexpensive
- Also reduce shoulder stress since you hold the handles from the front
- Also force you to stay more upright since you have to place the bar slightly higher
- Can be used for numerous exercises other than just squats