Best exercise collars according to redditors
We found 94 Reddit comments discussing the best exercise collars. We ranked the 52 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 94 Reddit comments discussing the best exercise collars. We ranked the 52 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I bought everything new.
Titan Power Rack + dip bars = $350
Tractor Supply Horse Stall Mat = $40
Body Solid 7ft Oly bar = $95
Cap Barbell clips = $8
I scored a full set of weights (2x45 lbs, 2x35 lbs, 2x25 lbs, 2x10 lbs, 2x5 lbs, and 2x2.5 lbs) for $150 from a local gym equipment supplier via Craigslist.
Here is a post I've seen before that had saved. Note: I have quite a bit of this equipment but there are many options out there. Find stuff similar to this.
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Here's the beginner sets I usually recommend:
That'll probably run you about $600 after taxes. But that will be everything you would actually need.
There's several other things I got along the way which I think you would find useful, but not necessary.
Additional items:
I made my homegym and I absolutely love it! It's my temple. Here's a note though.... you need to think long and hard on if you will use it. I work out 3-5 times a week. I stretch in there every day. Will you use it for 3 times a week minimum? Are you willing to move it when the time comes? Can you spare a 8x10ft area for this equipment?
Buy your own collars! I have a pair like this, but I’m sure you cold find them for a bit less. They’re much easier to use.
Most people rest between sets. When I work in with someone, I don’t usually worry about how long they (or I) take because we switch off and help change the plates if needed. I also sometimes just ask how many sets they have left and wait if it’s only a few, especially if they’re a lot taller than I am and I’d need to adjust the bar height.
I have them in yellow.
They're $25, not that expensive, seems like they updated them.
https://www.amazon.com/Lock-Jaw-Olympic-Barbell-Collar-Black/dp/B01FH1IHAQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491605985&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=lockjaw+hex&psc=1
Generic rubber handled spring barbell clips have an Amazon ship weight of 1.1 lbs. You could just use two sets of clips on each side, which would be 2.2 lbs. That's the only solution I can think of to keep you from buying plates, and you'll still be accurate to within 0.3 lbs, which isn't bad at all.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00X9OHZU2
Best thing you can buy for $10
Just order one. Look for a "squat pad" on amazon and you'll find them. I prefer the thick ones with velcro attachments... not the ones with a single line of velcro.
Both of the other types have a habit of twisting around and dumping the bar off of the padding, but the ones that let you cinch the velcro down tight keep the pad much more stationary.
I bought some $10 ones off Amazon similar to this and have never had an issue with movement on 500+ lb deadlifts or 400+ lb squats. Shouldn't take too much to be better than a chain gym's collars.
I believe Lockjaws were the collars holding the weight in place for Joe Sullivan's infamous barbell bend video.
Bring your own collar clamps to the gym with you
These are great.
In this order (more or less)
Get some horse stall mat as well to put down. Thick stuff (3/4" or thicker) - like this
I bring my own for this very reason! Also the spring ones are always an annoying grip exercise I don’t want to do when I’m changing plates. They’re really inexpensive.
Iron Lab - Olympic Barbell Collar - Pair of 2" Inch Pro ABS Locking - Set of 2 Black Clamps - Perfect for Pro Crossfit Strong Lifts and Olympic Training - Professional Quality https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DL2YVBM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ny81CbQX7D475
Have been using these barbell collars (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B018QPBPOU?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title) for a few weeks now and really enjoying them! Definitely better than spending 5 minutes every workout struggling to grip the spring collars from the gym hard enough to open them properly like I did before the collars.
Also got fractional (1.25lb) plates from Amazon and those have been super helpful too.
you can go and buy a set of plastic clamps on amazon for like $10, something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6A5032/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N6A5032&pd_rd_w=SHCkJ&pf_rd_p=733540df-430d-45cd-9525-21bc15b0e6cc&pd_rd_wg=tsMsm&pf_rd_r=3683MZ0FD377R5R2KQY2&pd_rd_r=97e2ae1e-5648-11e9-9cc9-7768f6408781
Here are the links for the products:
floor mats
barbell
255 lb weight set
power cage
clip collars
bench
weight tree
I bought these and they are awesome. They're solid. Huge improvement over the metal springs.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018QPBPOU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9Wh6Ab70VRV17
These are easier and safer than the metal springs. Consider this safety equipment and get a pair, you can't go wrong at $9.
Surprised you got such shitty answers so far. Someone commented the bar is 30mm but that doesn't matter, the sleeves are the same as any Olympic bar. For $25 you can get these, which should hold just about any weight you put on the bar, as seen here.
If you don't wanna spend that much, these also have good reviews and are only $9, would probably be fine for a long time as long as you're not doing a lot of dropping from overhead or something.
They should be fine, be cautious of course. I enjoy the clamping type myself. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Lock-Jaw-Collar-7642-Olympic-Barbell/dp/B000XUC11I
Smallest plates my gym has are 1.25 kg. My ghetto version of micro-loading is to put three pairs of collars on. If successful, next session I add 2.5 kg and don't use any collars.
On Amazon, these spring collars are 6.4 ounces each (12.8 for the pair). Another pair are listed as 1 lb.
Not sure how sustainable this is, though. Seems like it may eventually be a good idea to use collars while pressing, and not use them while benching (alone).
Edit: CHARTER MEMBER C C C C COMBO BREAKER
If you'd like to bring your own to the gym you can get cheap ones like this
https://www.amazon.com/Greententljs-Barbells-Weightlifting-Training-Neon-Green/dp/B01N6A5032/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1542142523&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=olympic+clips&psc=1
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much easier to move
I think that Rogue fitness has a lot of good quality stuff. You'll need an standard oly barbell, bench, squat rack/power cage, weights, collars for barbell and possibly a platform to deadlift on if you're wanting to do SL and not destroy your floor (not sure how much deadlifting is in SS since I don't do it). However, I will say this about Rogue: it can be quite expensive for someone on a budget. I would LOVE to have all Rogue equipment, but that's not a possibility for me in the near future and possibly not for you either depending on your finances (if you can afford it, def go with Rogue).
Otherwise, look into Craigslist in your area. Lots of people are trying to get rid of weights/racks all the time and usually at a pretty reasonable price. I think that what you should look for is someone who wants to sell between like $.50 and $.75 per lb of weight, obviously cheaper if you can get it! You should look for someone selling a set of probably around 300 lbs of oly plates (2 inch holes on the plates).
If you have the room, I'd suggest getting a power cage because they make lifting without a spotter (example: if your bf isn't home and you want to lift) a lot safer. You can fail your bench/squat and not have to worry about killing yourself, usually. Here is a decent cage for someone on a budget:
If you don't have room for something that tall, try going with this.
As for a bar on a budget, you can get one on Rogue for pretty cheap. I've heard good things about the men's economy bar.
or for something a bit cheaper.
Here is a good brand of collars.
Depending on your floor type, you may want to get some horse stall mats to put your rack on.
Good luck and happy lifting.
Edit: You will also need a bench...if you want to bench press at home. I personally do DB bench press because I feel like it activates the muscles better so I have kind of a cheapo bench. But here is one apparently rated for 500 lbs at an ok price. There are probably better ones out there but in the short term it could work alright.
Also, even if you don't do SL and do SS instead, SL is good at explaining the equipment and giving links to decent quality stuff.
They only have these guys, and they're pretty old and bent out of shape. I use them, but I'll have to try getting them even tighter.
https://www.amazon.com/Greententljs-Barbells-Professional-Crossfit-Weightlifting/dp/B018QPBO3C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1517529786&sr=8-3&keywords=weightlifting+collars
At my globogym there are 4 pairs of collars but some of the dedicated trainees bring in their own clips. No needing to hunt for clips. I've been meaning to get my own pair but I usually snag a pair as I'm walking in and throw my bag over them until I need them. Same thing with the #2.5 plates.
I'd get a pair of collars since sometimes the bumpers they have at globos don't stay together like good WL plates and the change will slide off when dropped since it's usually just rubber coated #5's or metal or rubber coated 2.5# plates. There are rogue echo bumpers which are better than the old beat to shit wright bumpers they used to have but still aren't like rogue/werksan/dhs plates.
I recommend collars, especially for doing doubles and triples and I hate bumpers moving around for 3-5 reps or anything beyond.
Things that helped me immensely:
I'll edit in anything I might have missed later.
Edit: Some things I missed:
I used a set like these(not the same brand, but the same design), and was pretty happy with how well they held. My issue with ones that look like your link are that they are difficult to open and close tightly and often (but I've never used that particular brand). Good luck with your search! :)
Not much saving required... they're $5
https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Standard-1-Inch-Collars/dp/B0029F62LU/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1487784837&sr=8-4&keywords=gym+clips
I have been watching other people post their gym spaces and others looking for advice on what to buy and thought I would share mine. FYI - I have to leave the majority of the space open for my wife to do Barre and other body weight workouts.
I have a Titan heavy equipment list:
Titan X3 squat stand with spotter arms (also have 2 pairs of the sandwich j-cups
Titan X3 half rack conversion with pipes (for potential future use)
Titan X3 jhook style plate holders
Titan v2 hefty bench
Titan weight tree
Titan bumpers (4x45, 4x25, 4x15)
Christian Fitness Factory rubber coated iron (4x10, 4x5 and 2x2.5)
Christian Fitness Factory micro plate set
Rogue B&R 2.0 bar
Titan mini bar jack
Ironlab barbell collars
3/4 inch plywood sheet for squats, OHP and deadlifts
3/4 stall mats in 2'x2' pieces to use as a mobile platform with plywood
A variety of mobility equipment (Triggerpoint core roller, the Orb ball, band set by UPOWEX)
Sleeves and wrist wraps by Stoic
Adipower squat shoes
Cap kettlebells (25, 35 and 45) from Walmart for less than $1 a pound
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Spring collars suck. I usually scope out the gym for one of the handful of good pairs. Although I'm considering just bringing my own because I'm tired of searching for the good ones....
Lock-Jaw Collars are good.
Muscle Clamps are good.
Quickie Collars work too, they just take some getting used to because they're different. Or maybe it's just me and it took me a while to figure out how they worked...
The ones I got were just under $10 on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Iron-Lab-Crossfit-Training-Professional/dp/B01DL2YVBM
I over estimated most of the prices, but these are things I figured I would need in a home gym if I ever build one. If you take out a few, you can make it fit your budget.
Home gym Equipments
Adjustable dumbells: $100 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0087T8UOE/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Power Rack + Bench: $310 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B01MR0BM7X/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_style_name=all)
Olympic Barbell: $101 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B005PGBFQW/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Weights: $264 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00ZKJ08I0/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_style_name=all)
Clips: $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000BJKWXK/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Weight Tree: $56 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000ASDXP6/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Mat: $44 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00KHT4L1I/ref=olp_twister_all?ie=UTF8&mv_color_name=all&mv_size_name=0)
Lat Pulldown/Leg Extensions/Leg Curls/Preacher curls/cable flys : $420 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00JGRBSS6/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Decline Bench/Ab crunch: $40 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0744FP4RF/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
dip accessory: $40 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00B29F5JE/ref=olp_tab_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Hanging knee strap: $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B00G8UGUAK/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Ab/ decline Bench: $750 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00U1WJCFQ/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
Treadmill: $3100 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0010XI81E/ref=dp_olp_refurbished_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=refurbished)
Seated Cable Row: $400 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000M0GWUK/ref=dp_olp_new_mbc?ie=UTF8&condition=new)
About $2629 without treadmill, and $5729 with treadmill. Another few hundred for some mirrors and paint.
Here's the details on the stuff:
Power Rack. Had this about 6 weeks and I'm extremely happy with it. Looks fine, feels very sturdy, no feeling of tipping or instability even when I hang from the bar at front. Paint scratches when you move and insert the spotter bars but what do you want for $350 shipped. It's held 215 on multiple occasions with no issues. If you lift significantly heavier than this (300+) you may want to read reviews first, or invest in a less-starter rack, but for many/most people this will be fine forever. It's dead easy to assemble if you have a socket set and if you don't, great opportunity to get one, they're cheap! Assembly can be done mostly solo but the final bits really need a second person to hold stuff in place while bolts are inserted. Rack comes shipped in 2 or 3 (can't remember) boxes which are pretty unwieldy and heavy.
I went with this CAP barbell. This suits my needs very well with great knurling and came without bend, and I'm unlikely to put a bend in it with my sub-300 deadlifts. The barbell ships in a fun 7 foot cylindrical tube which caused the dude at the mail place to nearly topple over because he expected it to be light for some reason.
I also got this plate tree which holds 2x 45# bumpers, 2x 45# plates, and 2x 25#, 2x 10#, 4x 5#, and 2x 2.5#. Does the trick but paint scratches off the pegs like crazy but is easily cleaned up. Single box, about 30 pounds.
The bench is this one by Marcy. I wanted a simple bench and that's what I got. Great bench for the price and I haven't had any instability problems. Had this for a year and used up to 70# dumbbells and 215# barbell with it (I'm 215). Most weight total that's been on it was a 270# friend benching 185# for sets and he found it fine.
Assorted stuff: got these puzzle mats which do the trick for the right price and are stowable unlike a permanent mat. As I mentioned elsewhere the 45# bumpers are meant to mitigate any floor impact, and I'm not terribly concerned with keeping this floor perfect anyway (it's 10 year old laminate on top of concrete, and the "path" is linoleum). The plates were from a sale at the local FitnessDerp store (not its real name) and were 85 cents a pound -- I never saw any on Craigslist for less than that in the month I looked. Finally just some collars.
The cat in the picture highly recommends this crinkle tunnel.
The clips are the things you put on the end of the bar so the weights don't slide off while you are lifting.
Clips/Collars example from Amazon
I have seen some people say they use the little ankle weights too.
Ankle weight example from Amazon
Are clamps like these https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B077TV5Q7Q/ref=sspa_mw_detail_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1 a save alternative to star locks on dumbbells?
My routine requires me to switch weights on every rep and I often don't finish that during the 60 second rest period.
I've already learned that spring clamps aren't considered save for Dumbbells as they can become loose and hold less weight as they age. But I wonder if using these clamps would help me save time for the sets in which the dumbbells are barely loaded.
I could still use the star locks on the dumbbells if they are nearly full.
They're a lot more expensive, but I prefer the Muscle Clamps, so much smoother and easier to use:
http://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Clamps-OC-11-Olympic-2/dp/B000BJKWL2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1405030421&sr=1-1&keywords=muscle+clamp
Be aware that that price is per clamp, not a set (they shouldn't show two in the picture).
Specialty bars (SSB, camber bar, football bar, etc) are often a little smaller than the full 2" olympic sleeves. If that's what you're looking for, I bought a set of these cheap collars on amazon and they work fine on my Crepinsek SSB. They will work on a 2" olympic sleeve as well.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MTOB70N/
This is the basics of my current set up. I recommend all these products (except titan bumpers as I don't own them but I assume they are similar quality to my no name bumpers).
Titan T-3 squat stand with dip bars and spotter arms
http://www.titan.fitness/squat-rack.html
Titan plate storage
http://www.titan.fitness/2-olympic-weight-plate-rack-tree-barbell-holder-organizer-stand.html
I bought my bumpers off craigslist but Titan has theres out now at a reasonable price.
I use 6x45lbs
http://www.titan.fitness/45lb-olympic-rubber-bumper-plate-black.html
2x25lbs
http://www.titan.fitness/25lb-olympic-rubber-bumper-plate-black-pair.html
2x10lbs
http://www.titan.fitness/10lb-olympic-rubber-bumper-plate-black-pair.html
Cap 2x45lbs 2x5lbs 2x2.5lbs iron plates
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000ATDSQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Cap OB-86PBck Barbell
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006R4EOXM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Valor Fitness DA-6 Flat Bench
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ME0JGW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Cap spring collars
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BJKWXK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
Total price- 1440.35 + shipping if necessary
Could always find plates or bumpers on craigslist for cheaper.
Pic of my setup-
Imgur
I'd go with the new rounder ones though I have never had a problem with my two pairs of originals. New seem to have a better fit and have steel pins so assume more durable. They are a bit harder to unclip from the bar, though not sure it is a bad thing.
Based on this link, it appears they only have black in old style, rest are the new version:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077TV5Q7Q/
Qualcuno sa quale e' il diametro di un bilanciere non olimpionico ?
Vorrei comprare https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Clamps-Olympic-Resistance-Barbells/dp/B018QPBO3C/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=barbell+clamps&qid=1566390167&s=gateway&sr=8-5
questi per tenere fermi i pesi, ma non so se il mio bilanciere e' di 1 o 2 inches e al momento non posso misurarlo
Something like these are really nice
Both of my recommendations are for later in BB, but you might want to get a pair of barbell collars later in the program, for making sure that your plates stay secure on the barbell. A lot of gyms have the metal clips that you have to squeeze in order to open them onto the barbell, which requires a lot of grip strength. I’ve also found that the clips/collars at my gym go missing all the time, so it’s easier to save myself the hassle and keep a pair in my gym bag.
I also love this squat bar pad . As the title suggests, it’s for use while squatting, but I also find it to be useful for keeping the bar from digging into my hips during hip thrusts.
As for running, I own a FlipBelt and love it. It’s basically a giant tube of fabric that you can fit anything in (I usually have a debit card, metrocard, ID, my keys, an iPhone 8 Plus and a 16 oz bottle of water) and it holds it tight to your body so nothing jiggles when you run. It doesn’t ride up or fall down, either.
Those work as I've used them in gyms. Alternatively, you could spend $10 and get actual collars that work well: Greententljs 2 Inch Barbell Clamps Quick Release Pair
Yeah, my gym has these and they work fine. They slip less that the spring ones on floor lifts like deadlift or certain types of rows.
I removed the twist in ones, and actually use something like this, i.e. generic spring collars (that aren't even matching) http://www.amazon.com/SPRING-COLLAR-2inch-ONE-PAIR/dp/B000BKV08U
as they are way more convenient. I assume it won't be an issue, maybe once it's 100lbs on the dumbbell it's worth considering.
I think I'm still at the point where I still think about working out too much on my off days because I use to do a bro split (gym 4-5 times a day).
Pick up a couple of your own to keep in your gym bag, they are pretty cheap on Amazon and then you'll always have a pair that work!
1 inch bar clamps:
https://www.amazon.com/Greententljs-Barbells-Professional-Diameter-Standard/dp/B01GLAX8TW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499269008&sr=8-2&keywords=Greententljs+1+Inch+Barbell+Clamps
2 inch bar clamps:
https://www.amazon.com/Greententljs-Barbell-Professional-Weightlifting-Powerlifting/dp/B01GL9TUX6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499269052&sr=8-1&keywords=Greententljs+2+Inch+Barbell+Clamps
You can get cheap albeit proper clips for a few dollars a set - don’t risk it with improvised stuff like that. https://www.amazon.com/CAP-Barbell-Olympic-2-Inch-Collars/dp/B000BJKWXK
Some kinds of barbell collars might be a worthwhile design to look into. The kind that wrap around the cylinder and provide a lever arm to pretension and lock it into place(like this) would be my choice. There's also the kind that slide onto the end and are tightened by a screw with a lever in it(like this).
Figure out what loads you need to support and try to estimate the clamping pressure required.
Anyone have any idea how much barbell lock collars weigh? They're definitely heavier than your standard barbell clip and my gym has 2 pairs that I sometimes use to microload slow lifts like OHP. I'm referring to something similar to these
https://www.amazon.com/Barbell-Collars-Pair-Strength-Training/dp/B07B44WDQD
I'm also wondering if any brings their own 1.25lb plates to the gym (my gym doesn't have any) to microload lifts - would this be weird?
I have seen 2 good options:
http://amzn.com/B000XUC11I
Clamps are most useful when you have lots of weight on the bar (deadlifts) but could be dangerous in the case of bench press where it is better to be able to lower one side and dump the weight if you get stuck.