A classic powerlifting competition collar. You would never have a use for these if you don't compete in powerlifting though. They are pretty expensive as far as collars go, but they do weigh 2.5KG and they really are specific to competition. My one gripe on these is the secondary tightening method has a tendency to get locked up on these and its really hard to get that loose once it's locked up. It's probably mostly user error from gym members doing dumb things with these.

They don't make this anymore, but some other companies have tried to copy it, so you can buy one of those alternatives. I've used this at Juji's gym and at Gunnar Peterson's gym. It really does attack that part of the posterior chain unlike any other machine I've used. The movement feels a little different compared to any other machine I have used. These are usually way too expensive when you find them used now. Big demand.

The bar is made well, and it's a fair price. It may be the right choice for some people (depending on what you want to use it for) but I have some critiques based on what I'm looking for with a bar like this. This bar would be best used for accessory movements. Like bicep curls or tricep extension, or a few others. I don't love it for bench, for a couple of reasons. It's a smaller diameter than most "normal bars". And it weighs 31 pounds. The sleeve length is also pretty short. The knurling is fairly passive, but It's not a problem.

For the price it's not bad. The thumb screw knob might as well come pre-broken off to save everyone a step. Certainly works to Viking press!

I'm sentimental about this DIY Belt squat because it was something we got at Massenomics Gym almost 10 years ago when we were just getting the place started. And to members (Sgt Anderson and Thick Nick) designed and built this together for the gym. This thing is a tank. Built to withstand a nuclear bomb. And the aesthetic of it is super cool with the wood platform. But functionally I never liked it that well. I think maybe I just don't like the feel of lever belt squats. It always felt off in my knees and hips.