Basement Brandon's Reviews (222)


(5.00)
1/21/2026
These are great for what they are... but they get little to no use in my gym. If you are really into grip training, or get a good 2nd hand deal they might be worthwhile, but otherwise I'd suggest holding off.
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Value
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(3.33)
1/21/2026
This is a great bar to have in your collection, but it's probably the least desired of all the Iron Wolfe bars. It's 29mm but has extremely long sleeves which makes it weigh 50lbs. I believe my copy is stainless but many of these bars were built to order, so it's hard to compare across the board. They're very sought after, which drives up the price.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(3.00)
1/21/2026
This used be a solid option a decade ago when there weren't many combo options on the market. However these days I think its age is showing. While it's quite portable for meets, this leads it to feel very loose and unstable while in use. You also don't get any finer touches like UHMW protection. This ships with metal rollers which chew through bars like nobody's business and the pad is one of the least liked in the community.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(4.67)
1/21/2026
These are the best plates of their kind on the market to me. There are several brands in this style but I've found the Xmaster to have the highest quality. Some cheaper brands down offer both KG or LB options, lack 25kg/55lbs, and the color striping can come off. These are extremely hard to handle however and will be a fingerprint magnet.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(5.00)
1/21/2026
These things compete with my Rogue Aluminum collars for most used. On some bars they're extremely hard to close, but I'd rather have them too tight than too loose. They're priced reasonably well too, so worth a consideration.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(4.00)
1/21/2026
These are some slick looking dumbbells. They can get a bit pricey and the front plates can get some scratches somewhat easily, but the aesthetic is top notch. While expensive, they're not as pricey as Watsons. The 5lbs versions of these are a bit wonky with a super thin handle and heads.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(4.00)
1/21/2026
These classic bars are a great value. Often available for around $100 and offering decent specs, they give you that old school iron feel without paying the vintage premium. Knurl on these ranges from decent to passive, but a nice addition to any collection.
Performance
Value
Build Quality

(4.33)
1/21/2026
I had the bare steel version of this bar and it was as close to a Texas Deadlift Bar as you could get. At the time it was less expensive which made it very attractive.
Performance
Value
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222 total