I’ve used this bar extensively. It is expensive, but I plan to use it the rest of my life. Also, get ready to wait a few months if you want one. One advantage it has over many specialty bars that was not mentioned is it takes regular collars. I’ve never noticed the sleeves move at all once there is weight on them - never been a problem at all for me. I do check the sleeves every time I use it to make sure they haven’t rotated and might slip out on me. This only happens when not loaded on my rack. They sometimes rotate when I move it around and put it back in my bar stand - not a major problem but something you need to keep an eye on for safety. Since I’ve had major cervical spine issues in the past, I find this bar is much easier on me for squats than a regular barbell. If all you want to use is the SSB position, I agree it’s better to get a regular SSB. Great video.
I looked at the Transformer Bar but opted for a Belt Squat. Yes it's not a perfect soltuion or feasible in terms of space but it works for me. Similar movements with added benefit of deloading my back.
I’ve had it for a year and a half now, I agree with most of what you said except the part about fixing the sleeves… the different positions change the center of gravity and thus back position so it’s a different effect than just loading more or less weight. Also I really like the goblet position for a very upright, quad dominant squat. Probably not going to be doing 300+ lb goblet squats with a dumbbell, lol.
Agree. The “easier/harder” is more so how dramatic (for lack of a better word) it makes the movement rather than just how heavy it feels. And even if you could theoretically do 300lb goblet squats with a dumbbell imagine trying to hold that in place lol. Even holding a 100lb dumbbell in that position my ability to hold it fatigues much faster than my legs or core do.
I don't disagree, but I still don't think the effect is as significant as you could also change the setting which would then also change the center of gravity.
@@JohnSmith-cz3us Still use it but honestly doing it over I would probably just go with the Rep at this point. I still think the goblet position is useful but using the Rep bar (or elitefts, etc.) backwards you get pretty much the same effect (pushes the weights up and forward so you then keep your torso much more upright to balance, and your knees go farther forward resulting in more quad dominant movement overall).
First, love this style of video! I had a feeling that your delay in putting this video out was going to lean towards not a glowing recommendation for everyone. I use mine for months at a time to try and get a squat bar off my back and find the variations of settings challenge me in different ways. Appreciate your thoughts on the bar and how you apply it to your training as well.
Thanks Joe, I think it's more just I have way too many "review" videos to do and not enough time or want to talk about this bar... which is surprising considering I just rambled on for 10 min about it lol
I just purchased this bar after I got injured on my left shoulder. I'm 5'7 and I agree that the handles are a little long but after a few workouts I got used to it pretty quick. Maybe an inch or 2 shorter would be perfect. it does what it's supposed to do and I don't have all the mobility to do low bar squat or front squat. This helps me do the movement without learning a new skill. it is not perfect but I don't need it to mimic the real movements perfectly to make great gains. I never had an SSB before so I'm not sure how this feel compare to one, but I plan to use this for life so it is to me a decent investment. The only complaint is that I have a small frame so it sits on my collarbone in certain movements, I have to lift the bar up a bit using the handle. I can't find a narrower SSB so that's just how SSB are I guess unless I make one just for me. It's great but $700 for a squat bar is still a lot for a bar unless you have some spare money to spend on it. I paid this price thinking it's the best bar for me not because I have a lot of money. So I agree that a regular SSB is still more valuable to most people and recommend it over this unless you cant do the movements without this bar. I think you can do front squat with a regular SSB too but it requires some practice. Great honest review.
Glad you released this review because I was wondering how you felt about this bar. I should be getting this bar delivered in a few weeks. It'll be my first SSB, and the main reason I ordered it was because I'm very uncomfortable with front squats and low bar squats but I want to include them in my routine.
I think you’ll love it but honestly if those are your primary reasons for getting it the Marrs-Bar might have been the best option for you. Those are the two movements it was specifically designed for.
Love my Transformer. Lets me do "front squats" even with my awful mobility (which I need to fix). I've also ever put it on anything other than the hardest setting. Also do find that my arms get in the way. I have to flair them to get depth. I'm short, not sure how that affects this.
I had the same problem with arms getting in the way (I'm also short). For this reason, I wish Kabuki knurled the handles all the way to the top as gripping the top of them gets rid of this issue, but holding onto smooth handles and pulling hard on them while performing a low bar squat is extremely difficult with heavy weight.
Good review. Although, I disagree about just leaving it in the 4 hole and using lighter weights. The difference between 1 and 4 are almost totally different stimuluses. Like SSB setting on level 4 is like using a Marrs Bar and on level 1 it’s like a standard SSB. I find it’s a great bar for lighter days, where that ability to slightly adjust the position reduces overuse injuries. IMO
I just think with the angle of the adjustment you could maybe put it on a different setting and get a similar position to where adjusting the storage peg would put you.
I think Gluck just reviewed the Kabuki Transformer Killer. It's some unholy amalgamation of steel and black magic dreamed up in a mad scientist's lab...
@@BasementBrandon It's definitely not for me, but maybe a conjugate guy would get off on it? Just imagine all the weights and bands you could hang from that thing! 😅
I pretty much agree with your main takeaway here: since I don't compete and have no intention of ever competing, I bought this bar around a year and a half ago and replaced my HB barbell squat with this exclusively. I find this so much more enjoyable to use and seriously use it every session. I also have horizontal barbell holders in my rack up high and just keep my TB up there out of the way. I also agree that the handles are definitely too long, but I've found that this issue can be at least partially mitigated by instead grabbing the handles up higher at the first camber. It's just too bad that there's no knurling up there though.
well this is helpful and couldnt be more perfect timing. I was looking as this bar as a alternative to barbell squats for when I started doing some PL training Because my shoulders are absolute garbage for squats unless I got some way to go wide like a Mono or something. So this made perfect sense to me because of the variations and I was looking forward to your take as powerlifter. So I appreciate you coming out with this video.
We have this bar at our gym along with a Titan V2 SSB. The Transformer Bar sits in the corner collecting dust. I've went through phases where I've used it in my training and tried all the settings but none of them actually feel like what it says they are supposed to IMO.
Thanks Brandon for your insight, I was looking forward to that one ! i have mixed feelings about mine but i appreciate it overall, especially for good mornings. I also have a bit of a gripe about the handles lenght, however they do sell screwable knobs which make it a shorter handle bar (for those who have the new updated version with removable handles), doesn't get in the way too much I guess but it's still more money to spend again. I wish it was easier to switch the difficulty level and between the different settings. it's a pain when you have to remove all the weight to adjust one side and the other. changing a setting even with a minimal amount of weight throws off the balance and causes the other side to be even more annoying to switch to the same setting. nature of the beast though I guess, i don't think that Kabuki could work around it.
I have one. I like the SSB and goblet settings. The high bar is ok but not a fan of the low bar setting, have to really hold it tight because it wants to roll down my back and pull me backwards which only causes me to use lower weight. If someone is looking for a shoulder saver to mimic low bar, I would recommend the Marrs Bar. I have no regrets buying the Transformer Bar and I like it and use it every week but in hindsight I probably would have been better off getting a Marrs and the Titan SSB.
I’ve honestly regretted replacing my EliteFTS SSB Yoke bar with the Kabuki since about a week after purchasing the kabuki. In my opinion, the novelty and idea behind it is very cool. I believe it could be a useful tool for people who may have issues with regular movement patterns on barbell squats, but even then, it is a poor replacement for anything other than SSB. The front squat setting, for instance, I think undermines half of the purpose and benefit of true front squats if you have the mobility to do them. The upper back and core hypertrophic effect were definitely lessened for my friends and I who used this bar in place of front squats for a block. Does it hit the legs well and in a most likely similar fashion? Probably. But for me it was more valuable to have the benefit of balance, power and mobility developed alongside it.
Thanks for the video! This answers the questions I had. I have an EliteFTS Yoke Bar and a flat Safety Squat Bar and wanted to see if this would be better for me than a Marrs Bar. Looks like I should go with the Marrs Bar instead of ditching the other two and getting this one. The part at 8:11 was what needed. Great video!
Hey Brandon. Been waiting for this video for a while. I got the elitefts on a sale and I love it, but a part of me wondered if I should’ve just spent double (lol) to get the Transformer Bar. I eventually got over it after thinking it through and my conclusion really matches up to everything you said in the video, so thank you! How do the pads compare the two though?
I am going on week 21 waiting for this bar to ship. The worse thing is by far the wait, the second worse is paying for it up front. I am excited about the bar because my shoulder mobility sucks. This will be my squat and good morning bar.
I had the v2 a few years ago. It’s was a great bar but it was very cumbersome to change and after a while I ended up just leaving in the ssb setting and changing it to the low bar squat setting whenever my shoulders were feeling beat up. Eventually got rid of it and went with titan and used the difference towards a pair of iron master dumbbells. The idea is very cool but I don’t really miss it.
All your points were valid and exactly the conclusion I came up with. I can do all my lifts with all the equipment I already have. Another thought would be maybe this bar would be a great investment if I was just starting out building my gym.
Since the current kabuki transformer bar is V4 and we all know V1 was the take the nut off and very sharp, I am trying to find out what was the V2 and V3 options that made it better for the V4? I am trying to make sure I do not get taken on the used market but so far not sure what the V2 to v3 to v4 difference is on this bar?
From what I recall the only real differences in the pop pin designs are that the V2 had non removable handles and a stamped logo on the pad. V3 had removable handles (easier to ship) and a patch on the pad.
You look awesome and lean with your shirt off at 4:00! That’s the first time I’ve seen you with your shirt off. I think you should include more shirtless sets. It’s a challenge to stay lean and you’re doing great sir. It also helps to buck the stereotype that all powerlifters are fat, and this promotes good health too. You’re muscular but not silly large, so it’s also motivating to people to think that your strength is attainable for a reasonable physique. (Realistically, very few will get as strong as you but you know what I mean.)
I do agree the long handles get in the way for pretty much every position besides the low bar and hinge setting. I’ve had mine for about a year and would buy it again in a heart beat. I use every setting but the SSB setting
I ordered mine back at the beginning of March. It should be shipping out next week or the week after! I am extremely excited about getting this bar and the anticipation will be well worth it I think. I plan on utilizing this bar for replacing more than just all my barbell squat variations but also because of the hinge position I plan on using it a lot for goodmornings. I understand the gripe with the sleeves, but the reason you want that is because changing how far the sleeves are from the shaft alters the moment/torque on the lifter. Chris is an engineer and wouldn't have included this functionality in bringing this bar to market if it wasn't just as useful as the pop pin allowing you to alter the variation of squat you're able to mimic.
Equipment these days are getting fancier and fancier but are they really worth the money and necessary? LOL. The old school guys like Franco and Arnold stuck with the basics with basic equipment and built great strength and physique! (Yes I know they're enhanced but nattys can train like them and also get great natty results).
Reasons to buy it: 1. It looks super cool. 2. The fin' Rock has it. 3. It's good for lunges and split squats. Bonus reason: Basement Brandon told us not to get it and we do the opposite of whatever he says.
Considering my shoulders are completely messed up and my knees are too, ive never actually squatted or tried to at a normal gym because of anxiety and people judging me for it (I am a big boy and look like i could throw some seriously heavy weight around but im not that strong lol). Bodyweight squats are hard enough let alone having to deal with all the holding of a barbell or dumbell etc. The fact that this covers the various different types of squats ensuring the loads are targetting different types of squats is just amazing.. it seems like all i have to do is hold onto the handles and squat so i dont have to even attempt to try and figure out the various positions of how and where the bar has to go on my back and where my hands should be. Looking forward to getting this if and when im able to build a home gym
@@BasementBrandon Appreciate it bud, and yeah agreed but its potentially me just being overly worried bout it considering its always the big ass dudes or women with impeccable form in the squat rack/power rack areas and i feel bad for hogging up equipment to experiment instead of actually working out
Damnit Brandon you’re turning into Mark Rippetoe Lol. “All you need is a barbell and some weights, you don’t need all that other S#*+, and don’t even get me started about your “coorrrrrre”. “ kidding bro but I’m starting to notice similarities! Thanks for the in depth analysis and looking forward to that in depth review of the Rogue CB-4 (once you get one that isn’t crooked!)
@@ExpeditionaryRanger good point. The man knows what works for him and really if you think about it, once you have some of the best equipment in the world there’s not a lot that is going to impress you. His bench was like $1700? Glute and Hamstring machine was $2200? Add the Prime pulldown rack and the rest is just putting in the work. Although if the transformer bar was cerakoted white and had black sleeves, black handles, and the black padding said “bar don’t lie”, well it might get more love ;-)
As much as I don't care for Rip he's right on that one. People spend way too much on stuff that isn't really needed. I'm thinking about selling my deadlift bar because I just don't use it anymore. And honestly I would rather have some money to put towards a matched set of plates or something for my growing rifle collection than a bar that gathers dust.
@@bmstylee dude no lie there’s a guy on RU-vid that is pretty jacked and his main tool for strength is his chuck norris total gym lol. Just proves that where there’s a will there’s a way… but I like having cool stuff ;-)
Hah I look at this way, in the past people thought I was a shill for overly positive reviews. I try to take a more balanced approach now. Talk about what's good, what's not so good, and who I think the bar is for. Oh and GET OFF MY LAWN.
Felt the same way I tend to like to keep things simple and stick to the regular SSB however it’s a fantastic bar and Kabuki is a fantastic company. Chris and the people he employs are always so great to deal with. Shouts out to Charley she is amazing, sorry if I’m spelling your name wrong!
I'm in the same spot where I primarily use this bar to front squat. If I had known how much you have to hold onto the handles for dear life when using the low bar setting, I probably wouldn't have picked it up tbh.
@@BasementBrandon I remember seeing Coop review a bar that is fixed in the low back position, have you tried that one to see how it compares? If I remember correctly when he demonstrated he didn't even have to hold the handles to keep it in position. The pad sits much lower on the back than this one.
@@mikesmith379 It's the Marrs bar. It looks funky to me and I'd actually prefer to be able to move it around some so you could do more than just low bar back squat.
I have not used a Marrs bar. What I hear is that it's a good replacement for low bar squats. My issue would likely be that I can low bar squat without issue, so I want something that changes the lift more.
@@BasementBrandon Yes, exactly.. Most people do high bar because of mobility issues but why would you since they're awful. The low bar squat is far superior.
I just got mine in yesterday. I plan to use the multiple settings vs just one setting. I’ll have to see how it goes with the handles as they are longer than what I’m use to. I tried just with no weight and definitely noticed I had to flare my elbows a bit more than what I’m use to. Maybe with more use in training I’ll find my groove with it. One thing I noticed is adjusting the sleeves. They don’t just pop in easily and I have to mess with them to get them in.
How do you feel about the bar? The length of the handles really ruin the bar. Rom is compromised because the stupid handles get in the way with pretty much every movement
I tried it out but it is super heavy and expensive and a pain to get in place! Love the features and helps with shoulder issues but my back is more sore doing squats than regular squat bar since it puts more load on middle and lower back.
Not gonna lie I’ve had this bar almost 2.5 years now and with how much i spent on it I’m really disappointed. I got rid of my titan SSB bar and replaced it with the transform bar and regret it so much. For $800-$900 they could have put wayyyy more quality into it. The sleeves are so loose on the ends that i have to use clips so the weights don’t fall off. The most aggravating part though is how STUPID long the handles are. Cannot do full ROM on anything because this ridiculously long handles constantly are in the way. Biggest regret i have as far as gym equipment goes.
Yea…….it feels kinda hype-y. Awesome bar don’t get me wrong, but this one was never super enticing. Thanks for the look at it though I always enjoy your breakdowns!
@@BasementBrandon that is very fair. The bar is beautiful and top notch. I just would not make full use of its versatility. Calling it hype-y might be unfair. I would just agree with you that it’s premium would have to be justified through its use to its full potential. Also- I value my life and my wife is on high alert for home gym purchases currently!
You can do a front squat on an EliteFTS yoke bar too. You put it in the rack “Backwards” and unscrew the handles. It feels just as horrible as normal front squats did lol. I have horrible shoulder mobility from injuries now so I can’t do either front squats or even a straight or buffalo bar back squats without shoulder pain. I use my EliteFTS spider bar for normal back squats and use the yoke bar for SSB and rare front squat movements. I also have a regular cambered bar from Titan that I got for $189. I know everyone hates Titan but that bar is just as good and the same quality as a $300 version. In fact my EliteFTS spider bar has TERRIBLE welds and powder coating on it and it was like $500. I’ll also say that the Titan wagon wheels have been flawless and so has the landmine. The landmine handles are straight garbage though. I had a weld split on the wider grip handle and had it repaired and reinforced.
The MARRS ssb is better in my opinion because it does everything great! Front squat with the MARRS bar is a dream! I sold my transformer bar because the only movements I used were front squat and SSB setting. Back squats were VERY uncomfortable for me (transformer bar)
I have yet to use it so my opinion might change, but it just looks a bit funky to me. I would worry you can't change the weight distribution as easily since the hands wrap around and don't seem to allow you to push up or pull down. Any insight?
Great review but I just can’t really agree that it doesn’t do multiple things “well”. I find both front squats and high bar squats amazing (high bar likely would feel a bit weird with the weight horn at 4 like you have it though). For someone like you who is going to compete with a straight bar I get it, but for “most people” I think it does both of those movements well enough to not even have to squat with a straight bar ever again 🤷🏻♂️. I also realize you sorta mention that at the end of your video.
Appreciate the feedback. To me while it's passable as a high bar, it's still different enough from an actual straight bar. Agree with you on front squats though.
I use for ssb, front squat, and good mornings. I have the black widow ssb and the old transformer (v3) and this is light years better I have severe arthritis in both hips and with the ability to extensively adjust this bar I can get in a pain free position to squat which I can no longer do with normal bars. I can use the rhino and transformer to keep variety in my routine and hopefully push off my hip replacement for years down the road
I use the SSB as my primary squat. I used the transformer for a few months in different variations during my last meet prep and it just feels....weird? I've had several clients say the same. Idk, it's an awesome idea, but between the long ass handles/padding feels weird the way it wraps/odd positioning....just not worth paying that kinda money.
Cancelled my order for this and ordered a regular SSB. The comment about the handle length and having to flare elbows sealed it for me. I have a Marrs Bar which is great to use right now because I have shoulder issues from a labrum repair and it hurts to have a straight bar on my back, but the length of the Marrs handles also forces my elbows into my legs at heavy weights. I don't need an SSB that does that when the main reason I use an SSB is to build upper back stability.
Who is Adam and what's his channel? Great review on the bar. Having it for a year really gives a trustworthy perspective on the pros and cons. Also, do you kettlebell much? I haven't got any, and I am debating whether they are worthwhile or a long term use injury waiting to happen.
I just used one the other day for the first time. Imo it’s very much a luxury and not a need. I’d never buy one just because I don’t think it’s very necessary. Also the one I used the pad seemed to already by separating and worn down and the bar was uncomfortable on my back because of it.
The Jack of all trades phrase you say is incorrect. A Jack of all trades is a master of none but oftentimes better then a master of one. Which I would concur the transformer bar is a Jack of all trades better then a master of one as it allows for front squats high bar low bar without ease on the shoulder or shoulder mobility. For strongman this bar is brilliant.
Been using one for a bit now. Saves the elbows from wear and tear from low bar. I found that high bar through goblet squat is amazing, low bar is awkward if you dont gave it on the lowest difficulty. And i rarely use hinge
Brandon - Transformer vs Marrs bar. Which one is better for a heavy squatter? I can no longer straight bar squat as it is tearing up my neck/traps pinching nerves.
I have not used the Marrs but hear a lot of people like it. One of my concerns with it is that most say it is very close to a low bar back squat, which for me doesn't have as much value since I can do that already, but may be right up your alley.
I have the latest version and use it for SSB, Goblet, Front, and Good Mornings. The only thing I do not use it for is high bar squat. I have never done low bar squat.
My buddy gave me his old version after he purchased the new version. I’m into it for zero,my teen sons love it and I like it too--probably not for 230 dollars shipping though!
Please don't let these crypto scammers steal your channel. It's happened to like three big youtubers I watch. Don't want to see this great content go away.
Like most of Kabuki Strength'a stuff, I think it's really cool, but not cool enough to justify their massive proce tag. That being said, i bought the transformer and I do like it, but I only bought it because i had disposable income and wanted a cool new toy.
I have the blem version of the newest model. The removable handles are not great because you can accidentally twist one loose during a set. I might just use the bar without them. Still a cool piece in whole, but it’s odd that it carries with it issues that should be easy fixes
In my humble opinion, I love mine and you can't load front squats or goblets as heavy without it. And it is definitely easier on the neck doing good mornings (which I love)
I like this bar. That’s it. I’ve had it for over a year and I have no major complaints. That said, I had a SS Yoke bar for several years before owning a Transformer Bar and I miss it more than I like the TB. In the beginning I loved the versatility, but over time I found I only used the SSB setting. Also, the SS Yoke padding is far better. Also, I agree with your complaints about the handle length. Who knows …mine may be on the market in the future. Great content, as always.
Had mine for over a year. The day it got delivered I had covid and the next two weeks I was sick as a dog so I didn’t even get to try it out right away, Been using it since February this year and using it today actually
I had this ssb for about 2 years the clear coat is coming off and some rust on the handles. Got mine during the cov times dk if the craftsmanship affected it. But I don't like the sleeves, they rust as well. The harder position throws your to much forward. Also hit my elbows on my knees. Lastly I feel it sits to far back unlike the fts yoke I have upright posture for proper ssb.
do you think this "jack of all trades" issue will be the same for the maverick bar? or do you think that one is so versatile and cost effective that it overcomes that issue?
I watched @glucksgym video and it looks interesting, but too funky for me. Maybe if you don't have the need/want to buy multiple bars it could fill a niche. It also has a low weight rating IIRC
Well done, and thanks for doing it! One recommendation- if you could pause a little longer on the part that has the adjustment for goblet etc., it wasn’t long enough for me to read the options, and when I paused the video to try and read, it was too blurry. Just a recommendation not a criticism, if I was that interested I could just go to the Kabuki website.
I completely agree regarding the handles. I have the v3 Transformer and I've gotten into the habit of setting it up upside down just so I can keep them out of the way. I originally got the bar when I was having issues with pain in my hip when I squat. I found that the more forward I had the weight in the squat the less pain I had. So during the rehab process I started in the goblet equivalent and moved the weight back over time.
