Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
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Have shoulder issues, trap discomfort or other mobility issues when squatting? The safety squat bar helps solve problems.
Being able to have your hands in a more natural anterior (in front of your body) position takes the stress out of trying to reach back and hold the bar in place, so you can focus your attention on the muscle group that should be concentrated on. Reducing the amount of stress on your shoulders, elbows, and hands can help get over the mental hump that a lot of people have when approaching the squat bar.
We've come up with the 4 best safety squat bars on the market that can help take your training to a whole new level; safely and comfortably.
4 Best Safety Squat Bars
- Overall Best: Titan Safety Squat Bar V2
- Runner Up: BellsofSteel SS3
- Amazon Pick: Synergee Safety Squat Bar
- Premium Pick: Marrs Bar
SFS Pick
Titan Fitness
SFS Runner-Up
BellsofSteel SS3
SFS Amazon Pick
Synergee
1. Overall Best Safety Squat Bar: Titan Safety Squat Bar V2
The Titan Fitness Safety Squat Bar sits at the top of our list of the best safety squat bars.
Coming in with a bar diameter of 38mm, this gives you a 10mm thicker bar than an Olympic bar so having a barbell whip (when the barbell is loaded with heavy weight, usually 220 lb or more, and the bar bends and then "whips" on a quick change of direction) won't be an issue. The 22° camber angle is paired with a 5-inch drop to create a balanced feel to the weight.
You will find yourself hard-pressed to outlift this bar with a weight capacity of up to 1500lb. There is plenty of room for Olympic plates on the 16 inches, 49mm diameter, chrome-plated sleeve. The plated sleeve helps keep this bar looking great because it doesn't run into the issue of chipping and other cosmetic issues that powder-coated sleeves tend to run into.
The bar length measures 90.5 inches with a sleeve-to-sleeve measurement of 48 inches. The Titan Safety Squat Bar weighs in at a solid 61 lb.
The Titan Fitness Safety Squat Bar has taken inspiration from one of the most well-known and priciest safety squat bars and made it much more affordable. The padding is made from a thick piece of carpet padding, that is built to last so you will not have to worry about it thinning and becoming uncomfortable to use. On top of the padding is a durable vinyl cover that is comfortable and helps keep the bar in one spot.
This safety squat bar has handles that are removable, in case you want to use your safety bar for something other than traditional squats, like overhead press, JM press, or Hatfield squats for some examples. That being said, there have been some reviews saying that the handles have twisted during use, and not by the user doing it on purpose. But figuring out the correct hand position should help negate this.
If you are looking to buy a bar that costs 22% less than the bar it was inspired by, then the Titan Safety Squat Bar is a great budget safety squat bar that might fit your requirements. Currently listed for $299, this bar costs much less than it could be priced at.
Pros
- 16-inch sleeves
- Single piece neck pad that prevents movement
- Removable handles
Cons
- Chrome coating may rust after some time
- Only a 1-Year warranty
The new and improved Safety Squat Olympic Bar is the safe way to max out your squats and progress your workout to more weight...
2. Runner-Up Best Safety Squat Bar: BellsofSteel SS3
The BellsofSteel SS3 comes in as our second-place finisher for the best safety squat bar title.
Designed with the ideal 22° camber angle, this bar keeps the weight where it needs to be. The 32mm diameter shaft is coated with a black zinc finish, and the 11.4 inches long sleeves are coated with a white zinc finish, giving this safety squat bar a very sharp look that would be a compliment to anyone's home gym.
The 86.6-inch long bar has a rackable length of 47 inches which will fit on any BellsofSteel rack. It is noted by the company that any racks with J-cups wider than that will experience the bar not racking evenly or even inward pushing of the J-cups, so making sure your squat rack is the proper width is essential.
This safety squat bar weighs 47.5 lb and has a maximum weight capacity of 1500 lb which is more than enough to accommodate even the most advanced lifters.
The SS3 has a 190,000 PSI tensile strength rating, which puts it firmly in the territory of a high-quality piece of heavy-duty fitness equipment. The sleeves will fit standard and Olympic plates.
The SS3 is one of the most versatile specialty bars with the included safety squat bar attachments.
The standard handles are what most people would be familiar with on a safety squat bar, with a tight handle spacing that will let you relax your upper back a bit on the way up, and use a little bit of arm strength to make the push up to the top of the rep.
The second set of handles are the chain handles. These are the most challenging handles to use by far. The movements are far less forgiving while using these handles, so keeping your upper body tight and in position is a must. Pushing through with your arms is not possible with these handles, so you will really be working your lower body during your safety squats. If you are looking for a challenge, then these are the handles for you.
The third set of handles are the extended grip handles. The extended grips are great for people that experience shoulder pain and have an issue reaching up. These grips also act as a counter-weight, making it a little easier to get the movement correct for people that might not be as advanced with a safety squat bar squat. Also having your arms out in front of you naturally will help keep your core engaged and ensure your upper body is upright.
The thick padding is made from a single piece of high density foam that sits comfortably on your upper back. The build quality seems like the padding will not deteriorate and keep you doing good mornings comfortably for a long time.
Coming in at $349.99 USD, you will be paying for a top quality bar but not break the bank and be getting the equivalent of three bars with the included changeable handles.
Pros
- Free shipping within the United States
- Three included handles
- High tensile strength - 190,000 PSI
- Tough zinc coating
Cons
- Bar might not sit correctly on weight racks wider than 47 inch J-cups
- Camber drop shallower than other safety squat bars
The Bells of Steel Safety Squat Bar (SS3) helps build your quads and posterior chain, without shoulder/upper body flexibility or injury...
3. Best Safety Squat Bar On Amazon: Synergee Safety Squat Bar
The Synergee Safety Squat Bar is one of the best safety squat bars you can buy on Amazon.
With a 38mm shaft diameter and 55 lb weight, this bar feels absolutely solid when picking it up. Performing upper body exercises with the bar feels comfortable with a better weight dispersal in your hands than a thinner bar.
The shaft runs 48 inches before getting to the camber angles, with a total length between the sleeves measuring 59.4 inches. The 48-inch run is long enough to fit into most rack J-cup set-ups.
The sleeves are 50mm in diameter, perfect for Olympic plates. They are 11.25 inches long and have a weight capacity rated for 1000 lb, which is more than enough for even the most serious lifters in their home gym. The bar itself measures in at 86.5 inches, which is approximately the same as a standard Olympic bar.
The once-piece pad can be removed by the Velcro strap on the back of the neck. This means you can change pads between users or forgo the shoulder and arm pads completely. The handles measure a total length of 14.75 inches from the shaft, with a healthy diameter of 30mm.
The bottom 4.75 inches of the handles are a 1.2mm deep diamond knurling for a sure grip. This safety squat bar has its handles set apart at a distance of 11.5 inches for a convenient grip that will feel comfortable for all sizes of users.
The bar is available in two finishes, either a black phosphate or chrome. It should be noted that black phosphate seems to measure a little bit better on the oxidation scale. Meaning rust is less likely to appear on it than a standard chrome finish.
This beautiful safety squat bar is priced at $429.95 and has the added benefits of free shipping, and being able to utilize Amazons customer service.
Pros
- Knurled grip
- Available in two finishes
- Removable shoulder and arm pads
Cons
- Arm and shoulder pads could be higher quality
- High price for a product that does not offer anything extraordinarily unique
The Synergee Safety Squat Bar is outfitted with so many ergonomic features, it’s hard to keep count! The cambered bar allows for the bar to sit high on your back...
4. Best Premium Safety Squat Bar: Marrs Bar
The Marrs Bar is not your traditional safety squat bar.
This premium safety bar has the unique design of having the weight distributed over the shoulders rather than the neck. Rather than the standard design of a yoke bar, the arms are curved over, which positions the weight lower on your body.
One of the major benefits of using the Marrs Bar is that the load of the bar is not carried across your cervical spine, making it a great choice for people that may be rehabbing from injury.
The distinctive design makes using the bar for other exercises a dream. Performing a front squat feels a bit different than on a standard barbell, mostly due to the weight placement being in a different spot than normal (think more lower back from the weight sitting a little more forward). Other exercises such as lunges and step-ups feel secure, with more focus on the muscle rather than trying to keep the weight balanced on your shoulders.
The Marrs Bar weighs in at a hefty 64 lb and has a solid one-piece construction. This means there are no removable parts, and gets shipped to you the same way. That being said the price of shipping is a considerable added cost to an already expensive product due to needing to be sent freight.
The bar measures at 89 inches in length, with 52.5 of those inches shaft length. The sleeves measure 16.25 inches and a 49mm diameter making them compatible with Olympic weight plates. The weight capacity of this safety squat bar is rated at 1,200 lb and has a tensile strength of 190,000 PSI.
The shaft is finished with a silver zinc finish, and the sleeves are finished with a black oxide. The black oxide finish looks great at first, but does have a tendency to chip and scratch due to the metal on metal contact.
The camber angles measure in at 45°, and with the design of the of the specialty yoke, make the weight feel closer to carrying a heavy back pack than what you would normally think of for a squat. People have reported that they can lift heavier weights than on a normal squat bar due to where the load is situated.
The harness itself is made from a single piece of high-quality foam that molds to your body. The handles are at a very comfortable 11 inches apart and in between the padding will adequately fit even the largest of necks of a powerlifter.
This bar truly is a premium bar with a price tag of $679 and shipping costs around $59, putting the total over $700. But if you are looking for a unique bar that provides a lifting experience unlike any other safety squat bars and have the money to spend, you can't go wrong with the Marrs Bar.
Pros
- Unique design places load lower avoiding pressure on the neck and spine
- High-density foam harness
- Silver zinc finished shaft
Cons
- High price tag
- No covering on the harness
The Marrs Bar SAFELY allows lifters of any age and skill level, to produce strength and power without the fear of injury from improper technique...
4 Best Safety Squat Bars Comparison
Check out the chart below that compares our top safety squat bar picks. We hope this helps you hone in on the perfect bar for your needs.
|
Product Name |
Price ($-$$$) |
Size |
Warranty |
Weight Capacity |
Features |
Average |
|
$$ |
90.5” L 61 lb |
1-Year Warranty |
1500 lb |
Chrome Coated shaft and sleeves 5 inch camber drop |
369 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.9
|
|
|
$$ |
86.6” (L) 47.5 lb |
Limited Lifetime Warranty |
1500 lb |
Black Zinc Coating on the shaft, white zinc coating on the sleeves Three handles - Standard, Chain, & Extended (Spider) |
105 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.8 |
|
| Synergee Safety Squat Bar | $$ |
86.5” (L) 55 lb |
1 Year Warranty | 1000 lb |
Knurled Grips Choice of Black Phosphate or Chrome Finish |
4 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.7 |
|
$$$ |
89”(L) 65 lb |
Lifetime On Manufacturer Defect |
1200 lb |
Unique “Backpack” Harness Design Foam Molds To The User’s Body |
5 Reviews ☆☆☆☆.6 |
Benefits Of Safety Squat Bars:
Now why would someone choose to use a safety bar, rather than a traditional straight bar or Olympic bar? One of the biggest differences in doing a safety bar squat rather than a traditional back squat is how the weight feels. On a straight bar the weight sits directly on your cervical spine and traps (depending on where you usually position the bar), on safety squat bars, the weight actually sits higher up, and is a bit more comfortable with the thick padding that is on the yoke.
Let's look at the benefits of using a safety squat bar.
1. Reduces Stress On Lower Back
The bar being higher up actually helps keep your body more vertical, which in turn reduces the stress on your lower back while simultaneously keeping your core tight.
The verticality of your body will also help put more of the load on your glutes and quads, getting you more out of your reps. Imagine it as taking the leaning or deadlift-esque movement out of the exercise, rather than trying to muscle up the weight like you are doing a good morning and using your back as a lever, you are pushing through your quads and glutes maximizing muscle activation. An added benefit is the relief on your knees and hips as they can open a bit easier, putting you in an advantageous squatting position.
2. Good For People With Shoulder Issues
Safety squat bars also have the advantage of taking shoulder mobility out of the equation. Finding the correct arm positioning, even for advanced lifters, can be strenuous if their shoulders are tight, or if they just had an intense bench workout the previous day.
If you can not get proper shoulder external rotation (think bringing your hand up with your elbow at a 90° angle), then your elbows will work their way back, collapsing your upper body forward and risking injury. Safety squat bars eliminate that factor by having the grips out in front of you. That is why safety bar squats are go-to exercises for people recovering from upper body injuries such as shoulder or wrist surgeries, or even pec-related issues. Once you get the weight properly seated and have the correct technique, you may not even need to use the handles at all like on a Hatfield squat.
3. Build Strength
Safety squat bars have the benefit of getting you strong. Because the bar puts you in the correct upright position, your upper back and lats will be working hard to keep you that way. Being able to perform a front and back squat with this bar will help put serious work into your anterior and posterior chain, which will help in other exercises such as deadlifting and a traditional straight bar squat. Having your body in the ideal position will get you to where you want to be strength-wise quicker.
As you improve on the safety squat bar, it will translate to better form on a straight bar squat. Your core will get strong enough that it won't be as much of a struggle staying upright with a normal squat, as well as the challenging front squat.
4. Great For Lower Body Exercises
Safety squat bars are also revered for being versatile specialty bars. Using one of these safety bars during other lower body exercises such as lunges can help keep you in a safer position. With your hands in front of you, balancing and keeping the weight where it needs to be is a more natural feeling.
Other than lunges, some other exercises that can be performed with a versatile safety squat bar are:
- Zercher Squats
- Hatfield Squats
- Split Squats
- Front Squats
- Good Mornings
- Box Squats
- Seated Good Mornings
- Walking Lunges
- Overhead Press
- Triceps Press
- Step-ups
As you can see the applications are plentiful and can bring some much-needed variation to a workout routine.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A SAFETY SQUAT BAR:
Now that you have seen everything that traditional safety squat bars can offer, the next step is trying to figure out what you need from the bar for the perfect fit.
1. Camber Angle
This is probably the most important aspect to consider when considering buying a safety squat bar. There are multiple components that factor in the build quality.
Camber angle is is how the bar is bent and where the load of the weight is put relative to that. With a proper camber angle, you should be able to take your hands off of the handles almost completely and the weight will stay balanced.
Different camber angles accomplish different things. Some put the bar in position so you are actively fighting the weight to keep upright, engaging your upper back and keeping your core tight. Other angles will more closely mimic a traditional back squat. So if you are looking for a close replacement or something that is going to activate other muscles more significantly figuring out the right angle for you should be a top priority.
2. Materials
Figuring out what you are looking for in terms of what the bar is made of is an important factor as well. Are you looking for a traditional steel bar, or one that is made from an alloy steel. In general, alloy steel is a stronger type of steel, which in general would be a better choice especially when talking about a piece of equipment that is going to inevitably get banged around.
What type of finish you are looking for on a bar is a large factor as well. If you are going for a certain look over functionality (which no judgment here, since you are the one that is going to be looking at it in your home gym), then something flashy might appeal to you more than something considered more "practical". The finish of the bar affects more than just the look of it, it can also affect the grip.
3. Safety Squat Bar Finishes
Some common finishes from least corrosion resistance to most are:
- Bare steel: As you would guess, this bar does not have any type of finish on it at all. The steel is made differently than a bar made from stainless steel (which we will get to shortly), mainly the absence of chromium in the steel alloy mixture. The lack of coating gives what some would consider the best grip of any bar, but on the flip side of that, it also requires the most maintenance to keep looking its best.
- Black Oxide: Black oxide finishes provide a good-looking black coloration with mild corrosion resistance. That means that it will start off looking great, but will eventually start to rub off and become somewhat ineffective. This is another finish that requires a fair amount of upkeep to have it looking in top condition. that being said, bars with a black oxide finish have a grip similar to bare steel but with the benefit or a little corrosion protection.
- Hard Chrome: A hard chrome finish is made by an electroplating process. The bar has a layer of chromium put on it by being submerged in a chromic acid solution bath. A lot of people will recognize this shiny silver finish that is common in a lot of gyms. While the finish is durable, it can also become slippery and difficult to keep a grip on when your hands get sweaty.
- Black Zinc: A black zinc finish produces a similar look as the black oxide finish, but with a better oxidation protectant process. Black zinc has been known to start off looking like a fantastic deep black color but start to fade to a more green tint. It also is a possibility that the finish can wear off completely over time. That being said, the maintenance requirements on this bar are pretty minimal. Similar to hard chrome, if your hands start to get sweaty, the grip will become an issue.
- E-coat: An Electrocoat finish is pretty much what it sounds like it would be. An electrically applied coating. Mostly well known for its uses in the automobile industry, it has been lauded for its adhesion, great uniform coverage, and corrosion resistance. As of late, it has also been commended for being more environmentally safe than other methods of coating. Producing virtually no Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), you can see why this is considered a greener option.
- Cerakote: This coating was initially developed for firearms to provide superb abrasion and corrosion resistance, which are both highly desirable in a piece of equipment that is going to see some use and abuse. The ceramic-based coating can be put on in a very thin coat, which will not affect the feeling of the knurling. The color of Cerakote can be customized to pretty much any color you want, which can allow you to personalize your home gym.
- Stainless Steel: The most corrosion-resistant, stainless steel is not actually a finish. The steel alloy has chromium in it which is naturally resistant to rust. You get corrosion protection that will not wear out over time. The grip on a stainless steel bar is generally good. Legitimate stainless steel will develop a patina eventually, but that doesn't affect anything other than aesthetics. Due to the high manufacturing costs, these bars come in at a premium price.
4. Sleeve Diameter
Every Olympic barbell should have a sleeve diameter of 48mm to 50mm (approximately 2 inches). Being conscious about the diameter will save you headaches down the line. Safety squat bars with smaller diameter sleeves will need some sort of weight collar to make sure your plates stay right where they are supposed to. Awareness about this might end up saving you some money down the line.
Another thing to note on the topic of sleeves is the total loadable sleeve length which will determine how many plates the bar can hold. Look for bars that have Olympic sized sleeves longer than 15 inches.
5. Handles
All handles are not created equal. Especially when it comes to a safety squat bar. Something to think about it the diameter of the handle. Is a massive tube that feels like you are holding onto a can of soda, or a small twig? Finding the best diameter for your grip will make sure you get the most out of you safety squat bar.
What kind of grip are you looking for in the handles? Knowing if you want foam grips, a hard rubber, or knurling will greatly steer which safety squat bar is going to be right for you.
What style handle are you looking for? Figure out if the standard straight handles meet your needs, and if they do, how far apart is comfortable for you? Someone with a narrower frame might not enjoy using handles that are spaced somewhat far apart.
If straight handles are not going to work for you, due to preference, injury, or any other factor, would spider handles fit your needs? Having handles that extend farther down can be a relief for someone with severe shoulder mobility issues, or just might be a better feel in general.
If there are multiple people that are going to be using the safety squat bar and all have different hand placement preferences, then a bar that has interchangeable or removable handles might be the best safety squat bar option.
6. Weight Capacity
How much weight are you planning on moving is a good indicator of the limitations of the safety squat bar you should consider. The average gym goer might not need a 1500 lb weight allowance, but there is something to be said about knowing that ceiling is there. If someone knows they are working with a weight around 650 lb, then buying a bar that is rated for 700 lb would seem like tempting fate, rather than going for a higher-rated safety squat bar.
7. Padding
Something that all the best safety squat bars have in common is great padding. Due to the way that the weight sits on a safety squat bar (a bit higher on the neck), it is imperative that the padding is top-notch.
People working out with higher weights will most likely gravitate towards a safety squat bar that has a one-piece pad, due to less likelihood that the pad will slide around during use. Someone using relatively lightweight might not consider that an issue at all. Being able to remove the padding can also be useful for performing movements other than a standard squat.
8. Usage
Knowing why you want a safety squat bar over a standard Olympic barbell will greatly influence which bar you choose.
If you are an athlete that is looking to take your training to the next level, your demand out of a safety squat bar will be different than someone coming out of shoulder surgery. Figuring out if a safety squat bar is going to be something that you are going to be incorporating short-term or long-term should play a part in which bar you decide to buy.
It doesn't make sense to spend a huge amount of money on specialty bars that are going to be used once or twice and then end up as room decorations.
9. Warranty
If you are going to be spending a significant amount of money on a product like this, then you should be sure it is going to last, and if something does go wrong, you want to know the company you bought it from will make it right.
Make sure to read the fine print in the warranty to see what is covered and what isn't. You don't want an unpleasant surprise if you think you're covered but don't fit the criteria.
10. Reviews
We cannot stress enough, READ THE REVIEWS! Don't just read the positive ones either, see what the negative or lower-scored reviews are saying. Seeing what people loved about the safety squat bar, or didn't like about it, will only save you a headache in the future.
Safety Squat Bar FAQ:
Is a safety squat bar worth it?
Think of a safety squat bar as similar to a front squat without the discomfort of trying to hold the bar up in front of you. People with shoulder, elbow, and wrist problems will find that squatting doesn't have to be a miserable upper body experience anymore.
The Best Exercises You Can Do With a Safety Squat Bar
What makes a good safety squat bar?
A good safety squat bar has comfortable padding, properly spaced handles, and a camber angle that puts the weight in the correct position.
Who Makes Best Safety Squat Bars?
We chose the Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 as our favorite bar thanks to the design, build, warranty and price. Coming in close was the BellsofSteel SS3. However, the other bars on our list above should fit the needs of most lifters.
That said, there are other great bars on the market including the Rogue safety squat bar, Kabuki Transformer bar, Elitefts SS yoke bar, Rep Fitness safety squat bar and the TDS safety squat bar.
Which bar is best for squatting?
It depends on what type of squatting you are trying to do. A safety squat bar is great for someone recovering from injury or has poor shoulder mobility. If you are talking about a front squat movement, a safety squat bar will also do that with minimal upper body discomfort. Someone that is training for a powerlifting competition might find training with an Olympic bar to be more beneficial for them.
Are safety squat bars heavier?
A safety squat bar is usually heavier than a standard barbell due to the yoke portion of the bar. A standard bar weighs approximately 44 lb and a safety squat bar can get up to over 60 lb.
SUMMARY
If you are looking for a solid bar to take your training to the next level or want to get back to some lower body work after recovering from upper body injury, then a safety squat bar might be a wise investment for you. As mentioned before, bringing in a safety bar squat into your workout regime could help you bust through some plateaus not just with your squats, but deadlifts as well. Expect to see results in your posterior and anterior chain when you start incorporating the multitude of exercises that you can perform.
We have provided six different safety squat bars, each bringing something unique to the table. Whether you want the handle variety provided by the BellsofSteel SS3 , the one of a kind positioning you get with a Marrs Bar, the top rated geometry of the Titan Safety Squat Bar V2 or the variety of finishes on the Synergee, all the bars on this list would make an excellent addition to your home gym equipment. From beginners to advanced lifters, the safety squat bar should be part of your workouts.
More Best Equipment Round Ups:
Tyler DiGiovanni
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