Great video. For me these kind of handles only really work for pulling/rowing excercises. Didn’t even like the curls with them. I personally replaced them with a solid pair of handles, the kind you would find at any cable tower at the gym with a big carabine hook. Curls are great with them. For pushing I still prefer a bar or the fat gripz or gloves.
I have similar handles but without the plastic/rubber grip and have been using them for quite some time. The cons you mentioned for instance regarding the loop length for bend over row or chest press can easily be fixed with a change of setup. Like using you door anchor at chest height and push or row in a standing position and adjusting the distance so you start with a prestretched band to get the tension and resistance you need. Also for isolation excercise use the grips with the door anchor for triceps push downs with the grips.
Yes all these were tested with the handles. I try to avoid using the door as much as possible as I've had bands get stuck (including door anchors) and my door opens the wrong direction and does not lock. All of the exercises are performed with the band stretched, but the ones I mentioned have a reduced range of motion. Also, standing rows are not a good exercise imo. I'd rather sit on the ground for stability as standing takes away from the back as you have to stabilize yourself. Eventually the pull of the bands will be too much and you will go forward.
A way to fix some of them is for an example bent over rows. Keep the band slack in-between your feet so you can get more of a stretch and then the bands won't go slack as easy since by keeping slack in-between your feet it essentially makes the bands on both sides a shorter length. It's the only fix I have found
fat grips are also an interesting accessory. because they go into the band so you are basically holding the band but with the grips on them. especially for accessory movements.
Mission accomplished so I took the comment down. Amazed at your ability to handle criticism. Most would have told me to f-off. Good to find maturity on youtube! I'm Subscribing.
Always appreciate your content! Fat Gripz work ok but also start bending with heavier bands. I have a pair of the Garage Fit brand handles and they are a little better as the distance between the handle and loop is not as long. Robert Baraban also has great heavy duty band handles but they are really expensive. Thank you for all the great content
The brand of bands I use also come in pairs so for overhead presses I put each foot through the bottom of the loop and each handle goes through the top of loop I also use the inn star bar this way.
I use 1 band and 1 handle for each hand like if you were using dumbbells....1 handle and 1 band on the left,1 handle and 1 band on the right. My left and right foot anchors the bands.
I am glad I found your channel. Clearly you are an expert on the bands since they seem like a major part of your daily training. I myself have a phobia of bands because several of them snapped in use and it was very unpleasant. However, I keep seeing a different sort of bands which, rather than being rubbery, have more cloth-like feel and are said to be much more durable than the rubbery ones. What are your thoughts on these cloth-like bands?
I have seen those as well. I have not tried them yet for the main reason that they length is always going to be fixed (can single vs double loop). Which brands of bands snapped on you in the past?
Great review, I saw these handles in Amazon, and I was wandering if they will be versatile tool for training or not . I will be waiting for your future videos about them.
Might have just had a decent pump at the time. Sometimes the b-roll shots are taking one after the other causing a decent pump when I get to certain exercises. However, I will take that compliment ;)
Hi Darrik, just like you I'm looking for a more minimalist alternative to the bar for travel. My ideal case would be some kind of grips (like the middle part of a dumbbell) without creating any more slack in the bands like these handles here. From an engineering standpoint I would think of two half pipes that connect with some kind of hinge to insert the band and then close for a 360° grip. TRX has a product that comes close (TRX Bandit, a plastic handle) but would be too small for the bigger resistance bands. Do you know of any product that can be used with resistance bands? Thanks :)
I have not found any yet, but I agree it would be great. The closest would be the Clench handles, but I personally didn't like them in the end. Check them out though as I made a review on them here: th-cam.com/video/Xq_Nb3Vzsu0/w-d-xo.html
Hi! I don't understand why you needed to remove your platform when using the loop handles because you stated using the loop handles with the platform would snap the band, but as I see it, the loop handles would effectively ADD length to the bands?
It will only snap some exercises (or I can't even get into position). For example, the overhead press with the plaform would most likely stretch the bands too much and snap them. That is why I single-loop the band for that exercises. In short, anything above my waiste I single-loop the band with the bar. If an exercise does not go above my waiste, I double loop it.
I have a brand of these handles that are not nearly as long as thoughs and the hook part is rectangular and not curved like those. They still fall short for me because when used with bands under serious tension, the handles tend to tilt on an angle as the bands lean to one end of the metal loop section. This really puts unnecessary and uncomfortable stress on the wrists. Another thing that would be great would be a rotating sleeve on the grips to allow for natural rotation of the wrists. Resistance band training is VERY hard on the wrists and fixed handles can add to the vulnerability. You can overcome much of this by REALLY STAYING FOCUSED on the proper motion and working each rep slow and deliberate. There are still some pulling exercises though that are just better with a handle that has a rotating grip sleeve or collar, period.
I actually had a talk with my wife about the wrist turning and how that could make for awesome handles if they implemented it. It is part of the bar setup, so why not allow the handle to turn as well as you go through the range of motion? Maybe I'll develop my own :)
@@GamerBody I did find easy solutions. All I did was purchase a curl bar (Solid Steel) designed for cable gyms. It is WONDERFUL! Not only does it have the rotation I coveted but the weight of the bar is such a great feeling with the band resistance. I liked it so much I then bought a Cable gym tricep bar and EZ curl bar. They all have the rotation by default. It rotates from the connection point at center.
@@ToddDolce Take a look at my INNSTAR resistance bands bar. I wish the handles had the rotation as well. Here is the video I have on it: th-cam.com/video/bvu4aCptTkU/w-d-xo.html
yeah grabing ruber band is not comfortable. however, its still can anticipated using a pair of gloves. maybe it will have a same tension with barehand.
You could, just know that each arm will now work independently. In terms of results, it will most likely be the exact same. I do wish the handles turned like the bar does as you go through the range of motion.
Found an interesting way to remove tension from the band when standing on it. Cheap ankle straps, put them on your feet and loop the band through the metal loops. I even could have it further back on my foot so didn't push in any "soft foot parts" 😂 However doesn't work for all exercises. Used it for zercher squats but was uncomfortable for my forearms.
Can you like, loop the band around multiple times around the handles, so as to reduce band length, for greater resistance at the bottom, for movements like squats? Does that work?
What? You stretch the band about 4 times to its original length? (Overhead curl part) 😯 I am already nervous when I stand inside the loop, and pull its other side over my head. This way I stretch it to about twice its original length.
Right after I watched this video I saw another short video from Gopher pe where they show there handles. I think they were called beast handles. Or something like that. Have you seen these? They look interesting. I hope you can check them out and give your opinion.
If you google Gopher PE the home page shows a bunch of stuff for a PE class for school kids. Put in the search bar beast handles and it’s the first thing to come up. It says brawn band snare handles. I hope this helps and i get your thoughts on them.
I got the TRX Bandit after first trying the Bear & Hammers Pocket Dumbbells and Robus GymBars. Avoid the Pocket Dumbbels, getting a small band in and out is a huge pain, a medium-large one is impossible with these. The GymBars are good but very expensive. Go for the TRX Bandit, they're awesome! You should make a video about the Bandit @GamerBody
I am! I recently purchased the Yes4All handles as well as the grip area rotates, but they are too heavy. You can see that comparison here: th-cam.com/video/IKYMEzRyxr4/w-d-xo.html
With the bands under the platform it will pre-stretch the bands about 4 inches (height of the platform). Depending on the exercise and your height, it could snap them.
I don't do that, check out the rest of my setup with the platform and bar as it is far better imo than wrapping around your hands. It is also easier to standardize and track progression.
All of that can be fixed if you put the bands under a plate. That way you won’t loose tension in the bands. Also dude you need to upgrade to serious steel bands. Undersun bands are great but they’re extremely light.
Yup, the handles are more for traveling but I do plan on implementing them as I do with my bar and the platform to standardize the exercises and keep tension. As for the bands, I do love the UnderSun, but I have received quite a few requests for the Serious Steel Bands so I'll have to check them out.
@@GamerBody dude I promise you you’ll absolutely love them. They’re the best bands in the industry and so much heavier than the undersun bands. Makes you wonder weather or not the x-heavy band really is 120 pounds because the green Serious steel band feels every ounce of 120lbs .
@@GamerBody yeah well the undersun bands lack to provide the resistance needed to grow properly. They’re great quality, but not enough tension for me personally
The large loop was a deal breaker for me, as it cuts into the useful range of motion. The all metal handles I got from China had an overly aggressive knurling, not so hand friendly. I ended up getting U shape handles fabricated out of stainless tubing. I use them for pulling exercises like deadlifts, rows, calf raises. EZ curl bar for biceps curls and zercher squats. All other exercises I do without. No gloves - grow some callouses, wear them with pride...
I do have to limit the range of motion a bit, but it's not too bad. I may look into developing a handle that is a little shorter and the handle turns as you go through the range of motion. Something I am looking into, but also looking to see if anything exists already.
What makes the resistance bands better? I took a peak and they look like tube style bands which have a lot less resistance to work with from my older testing. Maybe I am missing something though.
@@GamerBody Sorry about the long reply but those are way more stable and have different levels of resistance for each band. I use them alot and can focus on stregth and hypertrophy training.
Great video. For me these kind of handles only really work for pulling/rowing excercises. Didn’t even like the curls with them. I personally replaced them with a solid pair of handles, the kind you would find at any cable tower at the gym with a big carabine hook. Curls are great with them. For pushing I still prefer a bar or the fat gripz or gloves.
I have similar handles but without the plastic/rubber grip and have been using them for quite some time. The cons you mentioned for instance regarding the loop length for bend over row or chest press can easily be fixed with a change of setup. Like using you door anchor at chest height and push or row in a standing position and adjusting the distance so you start with a prestretched band to get the tension and resistance you need. Also for isolation excercise use the grips with the door anchor for triceps push downs with the grips.
Yes all these were tested with the handles. I try to avoid using the door as much as possible as I've had bands get stuck (including door anchors) and my door opens the wrong direction and does not lock.
All of the exercises are performed with the band stretched, but the ones I mentioned have a reduced range of motion. Also, standing rows are not a good exercise imo. I'd rather sit on the ground for stability as standing takes away from the back as you have to stabilize yourself. Eventually the pull of the bands will be too much and you will go forward.
A way to fix some of them is for an example bent over rows. Keep the band slack in-between your feet so you can get more of a stretch and then the bands won't go slack as easy since by keeping slack in-between your feet it essentially makes the bands on both sides a shorter length. It's the only fix I have found
That's crazy, I saw these the other day and thought it was something Gamerbody would find interesting. And now a video is out on them! o.O
fat grips are also an interesting accessory. because they go into the band so you are basically holding the band but with the grips on them. especially for accessory movements.
Fat grips just aren't rigid enough under really intense tension and are useless with the wider bands since they cant wrap around them.
I made a video on the fat gripz and loop bands here: th-cam.com/video/praSFQwVmyY/w-d-xo.html
Mission accomplished so I took the comment down. Amazed at your ability to handle criticism. Most would have told me to f-off. Good to find maturity on youtube! I'm Subscribing.
Always appreciate your content! Fat Gripz work ok but also start bending with heavier bands. I have a pair of the Garage Fit brand handles and they are a little better as the distance between the handle and loop is not as long. Robert Baraban also has great heavy duty band handles but they are really expensive. Thank you for all the great content
I got the garage fit ones too because I looked up the shorter distance ones
Hmm I'll have to take a look at those. Shorter ones would be nice as long as they don't dig into your wrists.
The brand of bands I use also come in pairs so for overhead presses I put each foot through the bottom of the loop and each handle goes through the top of loop I also use the inn star bar this way.
@@josephvendetti1330 i dont quite comprehend you do it with one big band and 2 handles on one band
I use 1 band and 1 handle for each hand like if you were using dumbbells....1 handle and 1 band on the left,1 handle and 1 band on the right. My left and right foot anchors the bands.
Giant 4" D Carabineers work awesome for this and are much more compact to reduce that loss of tension you get with the longer handle
Take a look at this setup with the bar and triangle links: th-cam.com/video/bvu4aCptTkU/w-d-xo.html
I am glad I found your channel. Clearly you are an expert on the bands since they seem like a major part of your daily training. I myself have a phobia of bands because several of them snapped in use and it was very unpleasant. However, I keep seeing a different sort of bands which, rather than being rubbery, have more cloth-like feel and are said to be much more durable than the rubbery ones. What are your thoughts on these cloth-like bands?
I have seen those as well. I have not tried them yet for the main reason that they length is always going to be fixed (can single vs double loop). Which brands of bands snapped on you in the past?
Great review, I saw these handles in Amazon, and I was wandering if they will be versatile tool for training or not . I will be waiting for your future videos about them.
Decent so far. I wish they were a little shorter and the handles were free to turn, but better than gloves and bare hands for my standard exercises.
Great video. Very informative. I think I can see that your arms are bigger than in the earlier videos of yours that I was watching the other day.
Might have just had a decent pump at the time. Sometimes the b-roll shots are taking one after the other causing a decent pump when I get to certain exercises. However, I will take that compliment ;)
This dude doesn’t have enough subs. More gamers need some sort of fitness in their lives.
@Jaleesa H. you came to the right channel then.
Gains come with hard work and hgh.
Seems useful but the only Main Con especially if we want those results and that good engagement is loosing tension
Agreed. I also wish the handles turned after some more testing. You can keep tension on most exercises, but some lose the band tension pretty quickly.
Hi Darrik, just like you I'm looking for a more minimalist alternative to the bar for travel. My ideal case would be some kind of grips (like the middle part of a dumbbell) without creating any more slack in the bands like these handles here. From an engineering standpoint I would think of two half pipes that connect with some kind of hinge to insert the band and then close for a 360° grip.
TRX has a product that comes close (TRX Bandit, a plastic handle) but would be too small for the bigger resistance bands.
Do you know of any product that can be used with resistance bands? Thanks :)
I have not found any yet, but I agree it would be great. The closest would be the Clench handles, but I personally didn't like them in the end. Check them out though as I made a review on them here: th-cam.com/video/Xq_Nb3Vzsu0/w-d-xo.html
Hi! I don't understand why you needed to remove your platform when using the loop handles because you stated using the loop handles with the platform would snap the band, but as I see it, the loop handles would effectively ADD length to the bands?
It will only snap some exercises (or I can't even get into position). For example, the overhead press with the plaform would most likely stretch the bands too much and snap them. That is why I single-loop the band for that exercises. In short, anything above my waiste I single-loop the band with the bar. If an exercise does not go above my waiste, I double loop it.
I have a brand of these handles that are not nearly as long as thoughs and the hook part is rectangular and not curved like those. They still fall short for me because when used with bands under serious tension, the handles tend to tilt on an angle as the bands lean to one end of the metal loop section. This really puts unnecessary and uncomfortable stress on the wrists. Another thing that would be great would be a rotating sleeve on the grips to allow for natural rotation of the wrists. Resistance band training is VERY hard on the wrists and fixed handles can add to the vulnerability. You can overcome much of this by REALLY STAYING FOCUSED on the proper motion and working each rep slow and deliberate. There are still some pulling exercises though that are just better with a handle that has a rotating grip sleeve or collar, period.
I actually had a talk with my wife about the wrist turning and how that could make for awesome handles if they implemented it. It is part of the bar setup, so why not allow the handle to turn as well as you go through the range of motion? Maybe I'll develop my own :)
@@GamerBody I did find easy solutions. All I did was purchase a curl bar (Solid Steel) designed for cable gyms. It is WONDERFUL! Not only does it have the rotation I coveted but the weight of the bar is such a great feeling with the band resistance. I liked it so much I then bought a Cable gym tricep bar and EZ curl bar. They all have the rotation by default. It rotates from the connection point at center.
@@ToddDolce Take a look at my INNSTAR resistance bands bar. I wish the handles had the rotation as well. Here is the video I have on it: th-cam.com/video/bvu4aCptTkU/w-d-xo.html
yeah grabing ruber band is not comfortable. however, its still can anticipated using a pair of gloves. maybe it will have a same tension with barehand.
Huh? Not sure what you mean, but it is still uncomfortable for me even with gloves.
Try testing out the clench fitness handles
Here is a review I made of them: th-cam.com/video/Xq_Nb3Vzsu0/w-d-xo.html
I love these things! So happy I got a pair!
Can you replace the innstar bar for this handles? Looks way more practical for travel and to use with more widther band 😊
You could, just know that each arm will now work independently. In terms of results, it will most likely be the exact same. I do wish the handles turned like the bar does as you go through the range of motion.
Found an interesting way to remove tension from the band when standing on it. Cheap ankle straps, put them on your feet and loop the band through the metal loops. I even could have it further back on my foot so didn't push in any "soft foot parts" 😂 However doesn't work for all exercises. Used it for zercher squats but was uncomfortable for my forearms.
Trying to visualize that. can you use just 1 band for it, or do you need 2 of the same resistance?
@@GamerBody I was using a lighter loop band through both the feet metal loops. With 2 I bet it will be too loose and not provide enough resistance.
Curious about when you decide to "get rid" of equipment, as you mention probably will do so with the gloves. Do you discard the equipment or sell it?
Sometimes return or sell depending on how long I have had it. I also gave some to Good Will before I moved.
Can you like, loop the band around multiple times around the handles, so as to reduce band length, for greater resistance at the bottom, for movements like squats? Does that work?
You could, but not sure if it is really needed and may make it harder for the bands to settle in place when getting into the exercise.
What? You stretch the band about 4 times to its original length? (Overhead curl part) 😯 I am already nervous when I stand inside the loop, and pull its other side over my head. This way I stretch it to about twice its original length.
So far so good for me. Luckily I've only had 1 band snap, but it was the X-small band and it was replaced right away as a defect.
How do I get in touch with you to see if you’re interested in testing products out?
email darrikm@gamerbody.com - I will warn you I rarely test any products that are emailed to me, but maybe you will be the exception.
Right after I watched this video I saw another short video from Gopher pe where they show there handles. I think they were called beast handles. Or something like that. Have you seen these? They look interesting. I hope you can check them out and give your opinion.
Do you have a link to them? I searched Google but what I saw doesn't really fit the description.
If you google Gopher PE the home page shows a bunch of stuff for a PE class for school kids. Put in the search bar beast handles and it’s the first thing to come up. It says brawn band snare handles. I hope this helps and i get your thoughts on them.
Interesting design. While I don't think they will work for most of my exercises, they could work for some unilateral work if that's what you prefer.
I wrapped the handle with hockey stick tape. Much smoother and more comfortable.
This looks interesting. What do you think of TRX bandit?
Might work. Just make sure multiple bands can fit through the slit.
I got the TRX Bandit after first trying the Bear & Hammers Pocket Dumbbells and Robus GymBars. Avoid the Pocket Dumbbels, getting a small band in and out is a huge pain, a medium-large one is impossible with these. The GymBars are good but very expensive. Go for the TRX Bandit, they're awesome!
You should make a video about the Bandit @GamerBody
@@davidg1363 Do you know if something like the UnderSun bands will fit in the slit with the handle? Would multiple bands fit in them?
@@davidg1363 yes I've got them
In order to use this handles I had to buy 32 inch bands from Serious Steel or else l didn't feel any tension. I'm the same height as you.
event when mid-full extension? Did you add multiple bands together? You should definitely feel a lot of tension if the band is stretched.
Year later. Are you still using these?
I am! I recently purchased the Yes4All handles as well as the grip area rotates, but they are too heavy. You can see that comparison here: th-cam.com/video/IKYMEzRyxr4/w-d-xo.html
With the rows, could you just add another band to increase the resistance despite the lack of band stretch?
And other compound novenas that is.
Yes you can, but you will still have to limit the range of motion overall.
Why would the bands snap when using these with a platform? Don't they add length to the band?
With the bands under the platform it will pre-stretch the bands about 4 inches (height of the platform). Depending on the exercise and your height, it could snap them.
Would the handles alarm tsa? Going on a trip soon.
Not sure...I have not tested it, but I wonder if anyone else watching the video has tried it before.
Looks like a good product, but as you said; the loops/hooks are just too big. They would be perfect if they were closer to the handle.
Where can I buy the handle
I got mine on Amazon here (affiliate link): amzn.to/34CX6fY
Hi, thank for your fast response.
Apart from the exercises with the door anchor at the top, I don't see a need for these over step plus bar.
Just another option if you don't have money for the bar setup, or if you are traveling. I would use the bar setup otherwise.
It's defeats the purpose of using bands, where you can increase tension by wrapping another loop around your hands.
I don't do that, check out the rest of my setup with the platform and bar as it is far better imo than wrapping around your hands. It is also easier to standardize and track progression.
I thought the bar comes with carabineer
The ones they provide are terrible and will not fit loop bands well. If you use loop bands, get the triangle links.
Ok thanks
All of that can be fixed if you put the bands under a plate. That way you won’t loose tension in the bands. Also dude you need to upgrade to serious steel bands. Undersun bands are great but they’re extremely light.
Yup, the handles are more for traveling but I do plan on implementing them as I do with my bar and the platform to standardize the exercises and keep tension.
As for the bands, I do love the UnderSun, but I have received quite a few requests for the Serious Steel Bands so I'll have to check them out.
@@GamerBody dude I promise you you’ll absolutely love them. They’re the best bands in the industry and so much heavier than the undersun bands. Makes you wonder weather or not the x-heavy band really is 120 pounds because the green Serious steel band feels every ounce of 120lbs .
@@amelandsusu112 I get what you are saying, but remember bands do not have weight, they only provide resistance, and variable resistance at that :)
@@GamerBody yeah well the undersun bands lack to provide the resistance needed to grow properly. They’re great quality, but not enough tension for me personally
The large loop was a deal breaker for me, as it cuts into the useful range of motion. The all metal handles I got from China had an overly aggressive knurling, not so hand friendly.
I ended up getting U shape handles fabricated out of stainless tubing. I use them for pulling exercises like deadlifts, rows, calf raises. EZ curl bar for biceps curls and zercher squats. All other exercises I do without.
No gloves - grow some callouses, wear them with pride...
I do have to limit the range of motion a bit, but it's not too bad. I may look into developing a handle that is a little shorter and the handle turns as you go through the range of motion. Something I am looking into, but also looking to see if anything exists already.
Lifeline fitness has better resistance bands.
What makes the resistance bands better? I took a peak and they look like tube style bands which have a lot less resistance to work with from my older testing. Maybe I am missing something though.
@@GamerBody Sorry about the long reply but those are way more stable and have different levels of resistance for each band. I use them alot and can focus on stregth and hypertrophy training.
Get a job in construction
No thanks :)
@@GamerBody It will sort your hands out 👍