5+ Best Safety Squat Bars for Progress to Heavier Weight | Unrivaled Guide 2023

The Safety Squat Bar is a specialized piece of weightlifting equipment that has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to provide a more comfortable and secure squatting experience. By allowing for a lower center of gravity and reducing stress on the shoulders and neck, the Safety Squat Bar can help you target your lower body muscles more effectively and with less discomfort. But with so many options available on the market, how do you know which one to choose?

Safety Squat Bar Vs Regular

The safety squat bar is a specialized piece of weightlifting equipment that differs from a regular barbell in a few key ways. First, it has a unique design with a bend in the weight sleeves that lowers the center of gravity and shifts the weight load to the lower back, glutes, and legs. This can help reduce stress on the shoulders and neck during squats, making it a more comfortable option for lifters with shoulder or neck injuries.

Additionally, the padded grip on a safety squat bar provides more comfort and reduces the risk of slipping during heavy lifts. However, safety squat bars are generally more expensive and less widely available than regular barbells. Ultimately, the choice between a safety squat bar and a regular barbell depends on your individual fitness goals, preferences, and budget. If you’re looking to add variety to your leg day routine or reduce discomfort during squats, a safety squat bar may be worth considering.

Best Safety Squat Bars

In this article, we will be discussing the Best Safety Squat Bars on the market, taking into account factors such as durability, comfort, and overall effectiveness. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or a beginner looking to step up your leg day routine, we’ve got you covered with our expert recommendations.

Best Safety Squat Bars | Comparison Table 2023

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Best Safety Squat Bars | Reviews 2023

Product Overview:

Product Overview:

The Popsport Fitness Safety Squat Olympic Bar is a durable and high-performing piece of equipment designed for weightlifting. Constructed from 30mm solid high-tensile steel, it can handle any weight up to 700 lbs, making it a must-have for any commercial or home gym. The safety squat bar is designed to enable you to perform squats without putting the entire load on your lower back. The 30-degree angled camber allows for the bar to fit nicely on your shoulders.

The Olympic safety squat bar is built with padded shoulders using foam rollers and covered with vinyl for comfort. Shoulder support with hand grips and a cambered solid bar design helps maintain your squat form. The special skid-proof design improves stability, while the handgrips and bent bars can help you control your center of gravity. The comfortable PVC pads can help your shoulders and arms from being hurt.

This safety squat bar barbell can work with squad stands, rack, and bench presses, which enriches your training diversity for commercial or home gym. It's perfect for rack pulls, lifting, and other movements to contract and develop your muscles. The barbell is easy to use, and designed for both men and women.

Product Overview:

The HVUE Olympic Safety Squat Bar is a sturdy and high-performing piece of equipment for weightlifting. Constructed from 30mm solid high-tensile steel, it can handle any weight up to 1000 lbs, making it a must-have for any commercial or home gym. Its scientific design is designed to protect you from hurting your neck, shoulder, and back during workout squats. The squat is efficient at growing muscles and is a very effective way to burn more fat. The barbell squats this action mainly exercise the muscles of the legs and buttocks.

The bar is designed to be easy to use and stable. Hand grips allow you to control the bar during lifting and keep you in control. The comfortable pad is made of NBR/PVC and decorative chromium and equipped with premium Q235 steel construction, it is durable and designed for long-lasting use. This high-quality material ensures that your trap bar will last you a lifetime. The bent bar lowers the weight plates to stabilize your center of gravity. Fits 2" Olympic Plates.

The safety squat bar is an extremely versatile fitness equipment that, in addition to back squats, can also be used for Front Squats, Walking Lunges, Zercher Squats, Good Mornings & Box Squats. Whether you need it for lifting at home or the gym, this barbell is ideal for you. The padded shoulder and arm pads increase your comfort level at higher weights. The body will always change, this barbell is ideal for you. Fits 2" Olympic Plates.

Product Overview:

The Synergee Safety Squat Bar is a versatile and comfortable piece of equipment designed for weightlifting. It is constructed from steel and comes in chrome or black phosphate coating from end to end. The bar is outfitted with several ergonomic features that make it easy to use and comfortable to hold. The cambered bar allows for the bar to sit high on your back and the weights at a lower position for an upright squatting position. The handles provide a comfortable grip for the shoulders and wrists. And the neck and shoulder padding reduces uncomfortable rubbing!

The bar is expertly welded to provide a smooth cambered form: the craftsmanship provides 48” of a straight bar that sophisticatedly slopes down to 11.25” of loadable sleeve length on either side of the bar. The two 14.75” handles extend from the center of the bar and are set 11.5” apart to fit your shoulders and provide a comfortable upper body position during squats, lunges, good mornings, and more! The final 4.75” of each handle is knurled to provide a comfortable grip that keeps your bar securely in place.

The Synergee Safety Squat Bar is 86.5” in length. Each sleeve has 11.25” of loadable length and is 50 mm in diameter. The bar sleeve diameter is 38 mm across the inner 48” bar, and 2 handles with a 30 mm diameter extend from the bar.

Product Overview:

The Kweetle Olympic Safety Squat Bar is a durable and versatile piece of equipment for weightlifting. It is constructed from steel, which gives it a max capacity of 700 lbs/317.51 kg and long-lasting and durable use. It has a special skid-proof design to improve stability and the handgrips and bent bars can help you control your center of gravity.

The safety squat bar attachment is designed to be comfortable for the user, with three comfortable pads on the bar for the standard bar. These pads are designed to protect your shoulders and arms from hurting during exercises. Two hand grips also allow you to control the bar during lifting and the U-shaped padding protects the user's neck and shoulders from discomfort caused by heavy bars.

The Kweetle Safety Squat Bar is great for a wide range of exercises including rack pulls, bench presses, back squats, front squats, Zercher squats, good morning, single-leg good morning, and many more. The bent bar lowers the weight plates to stabilize your center of gravity and fits 2" Olympic plates.

How To Choose The Best Best Safety Squat Bars | Ultimate Guide 2023

Benefits of the Safety Squat Bar

Why choose a safety bar over traditional bars or Olympic bars? One of the main differences between safety bar squats and traditional back squats is the way the weight feels. With a straight bar, the weight is directly against the cervical spine and trapezius muscles (depending on where you normally place the bar), whereas, with a safety bar squat, the weight is actually higher and a little more comfortable because of the thick padding on the stirrups.

Let's look at the advantages of using a safety squat bar

 Less strain on the lower back

Because the bar is higher, the body is kept vertical, which reduces the strain on the lower back and also tightens the core.

The vertical body also allows more load to be applied to the glutes and quads, allowing you to complete more reps. Instead of trying to lift weights by using your back as leverage, like a halo, you are focusing on your quads and glutes to maximize muscle activation. An added benefit is that your knees and hips will open up more easily, giving you an advantage in the squat.

 Recommended for those who suffer from shoulder stiffness

The safety squat bar also has the advantage of eliminating shoulder mobility. With stiff shoulders or heavy bench training the night before, finding the correct arm position can be difficult, even for advanced exercisers.

If the shoulders cannot be externally rotated correctly (remember to raise your hands so that your elbows are at a 90° angle), your elbows will bend backward and your upper body will fall forward, putting you at risk of injury. The Safety Squat Bar eliminates this factor by placing the handles in front of you. This is why the safety bar squat is the exercise of choice for people recovering from upper body injuries, such as shoulder or wrist surgery, or from pectoral muscle problems. If the weight is set correctly and the technique is developed, the use of handles may no longer be necessary as in the Hatfield squat.

 BUILD STRENGTH

A safe squat bar has the added benefit of making you stronger. When you assume the correct upright position on the bar, your upper back, and lower back muscles work harder to maintain that position. Performing front and back squats on this bar will give your front and back chains a serious workout, which will help you with other exercises such as deadlifts and traditional straight bar squats. By getting your body in ideal shape, you will reach your goal of muscle strength faster.

As your barbell squats improve, so should your straight bar squat form. Your core will become stronger and you will no longer struggle to maintain an upright position in a regular squat or front squat.

Great for lower body exercises.

The Safety Squat Bar is also known as a versatile specialty bar. This safety bar can be used for lower body exercises such as lunges. By keeping your hands in front of you, you can naturally balance and put your weight where it needs to be.

What to look for when buying a safety squat bar

Now that you have seen all that a safety squat bar has to offer, the next step is to try to determine what you need in a bar for a perfect fit.

 Camber Angle

This is probably the most important point to consider when purchasing a safety squat bar. There are many components that affect the quality of construction.

The camber angle is how the bar is bent and where the weight load is placed in relation to it. If the camber angle is correct, weight balance should be maintained even when the rider takes his or her hands almost entirely off the handlebars.

Different camber angles achieve different things. Some allow you to place the bar so that you are actively fighting the weight to stay upright, work the upper back, and maintain core strength. Other angles are more similar to the traditional back squat. So if you are looking for a familiar substitute or one that will activate other muscles to a greater degree, determining which angle is best for you should be a top priority.

 Material

Determining what you are looking for in a bar's material is another important factor. Are you looking for traditional rebar or one made of alloy steel? In general, alloy steel is a stronger type of steel and is a better choice, especially with respect to equipment that will inevitably be subjected to heavy use.

Also important is what kind of finish you are looking for on the bar. If you prefer a certain look over functionality (which you will see in the gym, so that is not a factor in your decision), then something flashier may be more appealing than something more "utilitarian." The finish of the bar affects not only its appearance but also its grip.

 Safety Squat Bar Finish

Here are some common finishes, in order of decreasing corrosion resistance

Bare Steel

As you might imagine, this is a bar that has not been treated in any way. This steel is made in a different way than stainless steel bars (more on this later). This is mainly because the alloy mix of steel does not contain chromium. Because it is not coated, it has the best grip of any bar, but on the other hand, it is also the bar that requires the most maintenance to keep it in tip-top shape.

Black Oxide

Black oxide finishes have a beautiful black color and slight corrosion resistance. This means that while it may look beautiful at first, it will eventually fade and become somewhat ineffective. This is another finish that requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best. However, bars with a black oxide finish have the advantage of having a grip similar to that of bare steel, but with a bit more corrosion protection.

Hard Chrome

Hard chrome-plated finish is obtained by galvanizing. These bars are dipped in a bath of chromic acid to coat them with a layer of chrome. You may recognize this shiny silver finish found in many gyms. This finish is durable but can be slippery and difficult to hold when your hands get sweaty.
Black Zinc The Black Zinc finish has a similar appearance to the Black Oxide finish, but with better oxidation protection. Black zinc is known to start out deep black and fantastic looking but gradually changes to a greenish hue. It is also possible for the finish to become completely polished away over time. Nevertheless, the maintenance requirements for this bar are fairly low. As with hard chrome, sweaty hands can cause the grip to become ineffective.

E-coat

Electrocoat finishing is, as the name implies, an electrodeposition coating. It is a coating that is applied electrically. It is mainly known for use in the automotive industry, where it is valued for its adhesion, high uniformity, and corrosion resistance. Recently, it is also valued for its environmental friendliness compared to other coating methods. It is found to be considered a more environmentally friendly method as it contains almost no hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cerakote

A coating developed for firearms, Cerakote has excellent abrasion and corrosion resistance and can withstand severe use. Ceramic-based coatings can be applied very thinly and do not compromise the feel of the knurling. The color of the Cerakote coating can be customized to any color you want, allowing you to personalize your home gym.

Stainless Steel

The most corrosion-resistant stainless steel actually has no finish. The alloy steel contains chromium, which is inherently rust resistant. You get corrosion protection that will not wear off over time. The grip on a stainless steel rod is generally good. Regular stainless steel will develop a patina over time, but this does not affect anything other than aesthetics. Due to high manufacturing costs, these rods sell for a high price.

 Sleeve Diameter

All Olympic barbells should have a sleeve diameter of 48-50 mm (about 2 inches). Paying attention to the diameter will save you headaches in the future. Safety squat bars with smaller sleeve diameters will require some sort of weight collar to hold the plates securely in place. Being aware of this may save you money.

Handles

Not all handles are created equal. Especially when it comes to safety squat bars. The diameter of the handle is something to think about. Is it a huge tube holding a soda can or a small twig? Finding the best diameter for your grip will help you get the most out of your safety bar.

What kind of grip do you want for the handle? Knowing whether you need foam, hard rubber, or knurled grips will help you choose the right safety extension bar for you.

What style of handle are you looking for? Find out if a standard straight handle will meet your needs, and if so, how far apart it is best suited. Thinner people may not want to use a handle with a slightly wider separation.

If a straight handle does not fit your needs, either because of preference or injury, how about a spider handle? The handle extends downwards and is more comfortable to use, as well as more secure for those with shoulder mobility problems.

If more than one person will be using the safety squat bar and each person's hand placement will be different, a bar with interchangeable or removable handles would be the best option for a safety squat bar.

weight capacity

The weight you plan to move is a good indicator of the limit of the safety squat bar you should consider. The average gym user may not need a 1500 lb. weight capacity, but knowing that the ceiling is there is something useful. If someone knows they are working with a weight of about 650 pounds, it seems tempting fate to buy a bar that is rated at 700 pounds rather than opt for a safety squat bar that is better rated.

 Padding

Safety squat bars commonly use superior padding. Safety squat bars must have the highest quality padding because the weight is applied slightly higher than the neck.

People who train with high weights are attracted to safety squat bars with integrated pads that do not slip off during use. Those who use relatively light weights may not see this as a problem at all.

USE

Knowing the reasons for choosing a safety squat bar over the standard Olympic bar will greatly influence your choice.

An athlete looking to take their training to the next level will have different requirements for a safety squat bar than someone coming off shoulder surgery. You should determine whether the safety squat bar is something you will incorporate in the short term or long term before deciding which bar to purchase.

It makes no sense to spend a huge amount of money on a dedicated bar that will only be used once or twice and become a decoration in your bedroom.

 Warranty

If you are going to spend a lot of money on such a product, you want to be sure that it will last a long time and that the company you purchased it from will repair it if something goes wrong.

Be sure to read the fine print on the warranty to see what is covered and what is not. You don't want to feel bad about not meeting the criteria when you thought you were covered.

Best Safety Squat Bars | Video Explanation

FAQs

Is the safety squat bar worth it?

Yes, the weights are placed in a technically advantageous position for athletes who want to remain upright on the safety squat bar. It is not a dramatic improvement, but it is well worth considering if you use the load capacity and lower box height.

What is the purpose of the safety bar on the squat?

The safety bar allows you to grip the barbell with the forward handles, so you are not restricting shoulder movement. Second, the safety bar allows you to maintain a high posture and relieve tension in your lower back. This is good news for those who regularly perform barbell squats and suffer from lower back discomfort.

Is a safety squat bar better for the lower back?

Researchers have found that the safety bar squat reduces the strain on the lower back of competitive powerlifters more than the standard back squat. Safety bar squats may be better suited for people with back problems.

How much does the Safety Bar Squat weigh?

It varies by brand and model, but the Rogue Fitness Safety Squat Bar weighs 70 lbs. The average squat bar weighs between 44 and 70 lbs.

Is it difficult to squat with a safety bar?

To obtain an effective training stimulus, the safety bar can be used with less weight than with a regular barbell. This is because the bar holds the plates in an offset position, making this exercise more difficult (but no less effective).

What is the point of using a safety squat bar?

Lower body strength is one of the primary KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) of almost all programs, and I think it is worthwhile to use the safety squat bar to improve leg training. Frankly, the bar can help athletes stay upright if used correctly and can assist with the range of motion of a well-trained athlete.

Is squatting with a safety bar easy?

No strain on the back.
Hecker and colleagues (2019) found that in competitive powerlifters, safety bar squats place less strain on the lower back than traditional back squats. For those with back problems, safety bar squats may be better.

Are Safety Squat Bars Heavier?

Safety squat bars (SSBs) are typically heavier than traditional straight bars used for squatting. This is because SSBs are designed with a unique shape and construction that adds weight to the bar.

SSBs feature a thick, padded yoke that sits on the lifter's shoulders, which adds weight to the bar compared to a straight bar. Additionally, SSBs often have a cambered or curved shape that redistributes the weight of the barbell, which also adds to the overall weight of the bar.

The exact weight of an SSB can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific design of the bar. However, it is safe to say that SSBs are generally heavier than straight bars. This extra weight can provide additional resistance during squats, making them a popular tool for strength training and powerlifting.

What Is The Heaviest Safety Squat Bar?

Can You Lift More With The Safety Squat Bar?

How Much Does The Average Safety Squat Bar Weigh?

The weight of an average safety squat bar (SSB) can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific design of the bar. However, most SSBs weigh between 50 and 70 pounds (22.7 to 31.8 kg).

The weight of an SSB is typically higher than that of a standard barbell used for squats, which usually weighs around 45 pounds (20.4 kg). The added weight of an SSB is due to its unique construction and shape, which includes a padded yoke that sits on the lifter's shoulders and a cambered or curved shape that redistributes the weight of the barbell.

It is important to note that the weight of an SSB can impact the overall resistance during squats and may require some adjustment to the amount of weight used when training with a traditional straight bar. It is always recommended to start with lighter weights when using new equipment and gradually increase weight as needed while maintaining proper form and technique.

Are All Squat Bars 20kg?

No, not all squat bars weigh 20kg. While a 20kg (44lb) barbell is the standard weight for men's Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting competitions, there are other types of squat bars with different weights.

For example, women's Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting competitions use a 15kg (33lb) barbell. Additionally, there are specialty squat bars such as the Safety Squat Bar (SSB) and the Cambered Bar, which can vary in weight depending on the manufacturer and specific design.

Some SSBs weigh between 50 and 70 pounds (22.7 to 31.8 kg) due to their unique shape and construction, while some Cambered Bars can weigh up to 100 pounds (45 kg) or more.

It's important to note that the weight of the barbell can impact the overall resistance and difficulty level of the exercise, so it's important to choose an appropriate weight based on your strength and fitness level.

How Many Kg Is A Safety Squat Bar?

The weight of a safety squat bar (SSB) can vary depending on the manufacturer and the specific design of the bar. However, on average, an SSB weighs between 22.7 to 31.8 kg (50 to 70 pounds).

The weight of an SSB is typically higher than that of a standard barbell used for squats, which usually weighs around 20 kg (44 pounds). The added weight of an SSB is due to its unique construction and shape, which includes a padded yoke that sits on the lifter's shoulders and a cambered or curved shape that redistributes the weight of the barbell.

It's important to note that the weight of the barbell can impact the overall resistance and difficulty level of the exercise, so it's important to choose an appropriate weight based on your strength and fitness level. It's always recommended to start with lighter weights when using new equipment and gradually increase weight as needed while maintaining proper form and technique.

Is It Better To Squat With A Safety Bar?

How Much Does A Powermax Safety Squat Bar Weigh?

The weight of a Powermax Safety Squat Bar can vary depending on the specific model and design. However, according to the PowerMax website, their Safety Squat Bar weighs 72 pounds (32.7 kg) with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds (454 kg). It's important to note that the weight of the barbell can impact the overall resistance and difficulty level of the exercise, so it's important to choose an appropriate weight based on your strength and fitness level.

Can You Squat More Highbar Or Low Bar?

Whether you can squat more with a high bar or low bar position can depend on your individual body type, technique, and strength. Generally, a low bar squat position allows you to lift heavier weights because it places the barbell closer to your center of mass, reducing the moment arm and decreasing the torque on your knees and hips. This position also shifts more of the load to your posterior chain muscles (hamstrings, glutes, and lower back) and less to your quadriceps.

On the other hand, a high bar squat position places the barbell higher up on your traps and places more emphasis on your quadriceps, which can make it more difficult to lift heavier weights. However, this position allows for greater knee flexion and a more upright torso, which can be beneficial for lifters with longer femurs or limited ankle mobility.

Ultimately, the best position for squatting depends on your individual goals, body type, and lifting experience. Both high-bar and low-bar squatting can be effective for building strength and muscle mass, so it's important to experiment and find the position that works best for you.

How Much Should I Safety Bar Squat?

The amount of weight you should use when performing a safety bar squat can depend on your individual strength and fitness level, as well as your training goals. It's always recommended to start with lighter weights when using new equipment and gradually increase weight as needed while maintaining proper form and technique.

If you are new to squatting or are using a safety bar for the first time, it's recommended to start with a weight that you can comfortably perform for 8 to 12 repetitions. As you become more experienced and your strength improves, you can gradually increase the weight and decrease the number of repetitions per set.

Ultimately, the amount of weight you use during a safety bar squat should challenge you while still allowing you to maintain proper form and technique throughout the exercise.

Is The Safety Bar Squat Harder Than A Back Squat?

Can You Lift Heavier With A Low Bar Squat?

Generally, lifters are able to lift heavier weights with a low bar squat compared to a high bar squat. The low bar squat position involves placing the barbell lower on the back, typically resting on the rear deltoids and upper back muscles. This position creates a shorter lever arm between the bar and the hips, reducing the moment arm and decreasing the torque on the knees and hips.

With a reduced moment arm, the low bar squat allows the lifter to handle more weight while experiencing less stress on the lower body joints. This is especially advantageous for powerlifting and strength training, where the goal is to lift the heaviest possible weight.

Furthermore, the low bar squat shifts more of the load to the posterior chain muscles, including the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back. These muscles are typically larger and stronger than the quadriceps, which are emphasized in high-bar squatting. As a result, the low bar squat allows lifters to utilize their posterior chain muscles more effectively, leading to the ability to lift heavier weights.

However, it's important to note that lifting heavier weights comes with a greater risk of injury if proper form and technique are not maintained. It's essential to work with a qualified trainer or coach to learn proper form and progress gradually to heavier weights.

How Heavy Is The Texas Squat Bar?

The weight of the Texas Squat Bar can vary depending on the specific model and design. However, the Texas Power Bar, which is commonly used for squatting, weighs 45 pounds (20.4 kg) for men's bars and 35 pounds (15.9 kg) for women's bars.

The Texas Squat Bar, which is designed specifically for squatting and features a longer and thicker shaft, may weigh more than the Texas Power Bar. According to the Texas Strength Systems website, the Texas Squat Bar weighs 65 pounds (29.5 kg) and has a load capacity of 1,500 pounds (680 kg).

It's important to note that the weight of the barbell can impact the overall resistance and difficulty level of the exercise, so it's important to choose an appropriate weight based on your strength and fitness level. Additionally, the Texas Squat Bar, like any specialty bar, may require some practice and adjustment to get used to its unique design and handling characteristics.

How Much Does An Olympic Squat Bar Weigh?

Is A Squat Bar Heavier Than A Bench Bar?

The weight of a squat bar and a bench bar can vary depending on the specific design and manufacturer. However, in general, squat bars are often heavier than bench bars.

Standard Olympic weightlifting barbells, which are commonly used for bench pressing, squats, deadlifts, and other exercises, typically weigh around 20 kg (44 pounds) for men's bars and 15 kg (33 pounds) for women's bars. However, specialty bars such as safety squat bars and cambered bars can weigh more than this.

Squat bars are designed to be more durable and sturdy than bench bars, as they need to support heavier weights during squatting exercises. This can result in squat bars being thicker and heavier than bench bars, which are designed for lighter loads during bench pressing exercises.

In summary, while the weight of a squat bar and a bench bar can vary, squat bars are often heavier than bench bars due to their design and intended use.

Conclusion

For those looking for a solid bar to increase their level of training, or for those recovering from an upper-body injury and wanting to get back into lower-body training, the best safety squat bars may be a wise investment. As mentioned above, incorporating a squat safety bar into your training program may help you break through plateaus not only on the squat but on the deadlift as well.

Matt Storace

Hi, I am Matt Storace and I am a former personal trainer and founder of Beast Biceps. We had to find ways to train at home. When I started looking for the equipment I needed, I quickly realized that there were no good resources online. So I created Beast Biceps. It is a treasure trove of information developed from my experience and research. Read More Here