The VHS Bar is great, I asked Dean to make me one knurled in matte clear coat with the outer handles angled. Works nicely for not only the moves listed in the vid, but the angled handles are nice for bench variety and can give the option of a semi supinated bench. My top 3 favorite pieces from Dean are the 2.5" fat rackable curl bar knurled, VHS Bar and the dog bone cable. attachment.
Very good review. Only thing that I would have liked to see is actual full ROM hammer curls where the bar goes around the hips as this is the only bar that can do so.
@@TheKurtlocker Feel you. I had to pop the plastic end caps out to make it work and it still slightly catches side of my pants sometimes, but doable. If you let the bar angle down in hands towards your pinkies while holding it hammer style like that, can get it to go over slightly narrower part of the hips. Worth a try tho to see if you can make it work as it's a unique movement this bar offers. You've got those strongman legs tho.
It's interesting to hear you compare the powder coat to MBPC. MBPC has the best grippy powder coat I've used. Still waiting for that Kratos Bar review!
@TheKurtlocker I had a custom deadlift jack made a few months ago from Black Widow. It turned out incredible (angry Raphael from TMNT was my custom logo). I may need to look at more of BW's gear.
Seems like a great specialty bar. Saw Flex post on his shorts a couple weeks ago but other than that haven’t heard about the bar so appreciate the review. Only downside I could see is using a 1.9” grip on the seal row makes it very grip dependent for a pulling movement. Of course straps are a thing but I feel like the seal row setup can be difficult depending on a persons home gym. Still tempting if I ever get tired of my arch nemesis
The seal row on the VHS is a huge improvement on ROM but is still limited by grip options. Cambered bars will allow for a neutral grip and an increased ROM
Hey Kurt, have you tried this bar on deadlifts or shrugs. I think it would be extremely useful to do shrug as it would not touch the "area" and the neutral grip is better imo.
Great video. Great product. Does this VHS bar allow you to do flat bench press without an awkward feeling? I just received the Elite FTS American Cambered bar today and I'm within my return window if this Black widow VHS bar does overhead press, flat bench press, skull crushers and seal row better than Elite FTS American Cambered bar? Cheers. Appreciate the feedback
I was thinking about an angled swiss bar and cambered row bar from black widow but the vhs bar might be a better compromise. I might ask him to angle the handles 15 degrees or maybe add extra handles. Kinda reminds me of how open trap bars allow you to do more variety. This vhs being open makes it more versatile
This is probably a open ended question but if you were gonna buy one multigrip style press bar from black widow do you think the VHS bar would be your top pick? (Assuming you didn’t own any others like a kadillac)
I think I’m probably gonna end up with a VHS soon then lol. Black widow has a great selection tho I’m still on the fence about committing to any single one
Clever! So I hope they continue to develop or improve it as other companies come out with similar designs, but I think that like most of the OGs that have been copied we will see the quality aspects of the companies like Black Widow. For instance the knurl quality, the powder coat grippiness etc
@@TheKurtlocker Absolutely! I'm all for innovation and competition in this space but blatant ripoffs are just annoying lol. For sure. The OG's will continue to focus on the quality that they built their name on while the copy cats will typically focus on the budget market to make a quick profit.
😮I am confused how this is considered a viking press bar. It simulates a log press bar more to me. Does it feel similar to one of your log press bars? How is the handle width. If so i want the bar to do headless log presses on my rack. My log bar is too large for my rep rack. So i have to use the rogue mg4cn to simulate it which feels great. But for a headless log press, i tried the vulcan ox bar but the handle width does not allow stacked joints for me.
@@TheKurtlocker Very interesting. How does it compare to your competition viking press setups with the landmine facing in and facing out? I have never viking pressed because I love log pressing so much. What feels different about it. To me the viking press strikes me as a much safer and easier lift due to the strength curve and provided stability. What bar would you reccomend for a headless log press accessory bar? I was debating on getting the rogue trap bar since I have seen Brian shaw and others use that bar specifically for it or I was curious if the rep with rotating handles would be better. Since my kabuki isnt truely rackable I have to rule that out unless I can get some sleeves custom made for it to make it rackable down the road.
@ArmedBatman Hey @ArmedBatman, Great questions! When comparing the Viking press setups with the landmine facing in and facing out, the primary difference lies in the angle and path of the press. With the landmine facing in, it mimics a more vertical pressing motion, which can be more challenging on the shoulders and triceps, similar to the mechanics of a log press. Facing out, the press feels more like a hybrid between a shoulder and incline press, often allowing for more control and stability. The Viking press does provide a different experience compared to log pressing. It tends to be safer and easier due to the strength curve and provided stability, as you've mentioned. The fixed path and handles reduce the need for stabilization, which can help in focusing purely on the pressing strength. For a headless log press accessory bar, the Rogue trap bar is a solid choice. Brian Shaw and others have had success with it due to its versatility and durability. However, the Rep bar with rotating handles can offer a more natural grip and reduce strain on the wrists and elbows, which might be beneficial for accessory work. Regarding your Kabuki bar, getting custom sleeves to make it rackable is a creative solution if you're attached to that bar. Otherwise, between the Rogue and the Rep, it really comes down to personal preference and specific training goals. If you prioritize versatility and a robust build, go for the Rogue trap bar. If you want ergonomic handles and a bit more comfort in your accessory work, the Rep bar could be the better option. Hope this helps!
@@TheKurtlocker Thanks for taking the time to provide a thoughtful answer with a detailed explanation. Would you reccomend this bar over getting a viking landmine handle attachment and going that route? I just tested the kabuki kadillac sleeves on the kabuki trap bar and it would of worked perfect if it wasnt for the width of the bracket frame hitting the rack. Granted I was only able to widen my rep rack to 41.5in currently with washers. I think even with a rogue inside width it wouldn't work 😢. I might be able to pick up the rogue one used on fb marketplace and would likely only use it for headless log press application. My worry is the width of the handles not being optimal for log pressing haha. I am not brian shaw size. I have a 100 dollar off gift card for rep but not sure how well the rotating handles work for shoulder pressing do they lock?
It’s taken me awhile to respond because that is a tough question and my answer is nuanced. If you’re a powerlifter, the Kadi is probably better because it better accommodates more bench press setups. If you are into general fitness or do anything involving overhead movements, the VHS is likely a better choice if you can only have 1
it’s cool to see things like this that I never knew existed before the home gym life! Always just had olympic bars in the commercial gym!
I do love me some specialty bar
I've had a clear coat knurled VHS for about 6 months now. Absolutely fantastic bar
That finish would be absolutely awesome to see.
How do you like it for benching? Better than a cambered bar?
@chaosstorm24 do you have any pics? Sounds sick.
@christanski2425 I still like my Kadillac bar, but at the moment find myself always reaching for the VHS
@clb121781 if so, I’d love to see them as well
The VHS Bar is great, I asked Dean to make me one knurled in matte clear coat with the outer handles angled. Works nicely for not only the moves listed in the vid, but the angled handles are nice for bench variety and can give the option of a semi supinated bench.
My top 3 favorite pieces from Dean are the 2.5" fat rackable curl bar knurled, VHS Bar and the dog bone cable. attachment.
All awesome pieces. Hoping to have more from Dean soon!
Very good review. Only thing that I would have liked to see is actual full ROM hammer curls where the bar goes around the hips as this is the only bar that can do so.
The handles would need to be wider to clear my hips
@@TheKurtlocker Feel you. I had to pop the plastic end caps out to make it work and it still slightly catches side of my pants sometimes, but doable. If you let the bar angle down in hands towards your pinkies while holding it hammer style like that, can get it to go over slightly narrower part of the hips. Worth a try tho to see if you can make it work as it's a unique movement this bar offers. You've got those strongman legs tho.
@jared.freedom.gym2021 my beefcake legs are a heavy duty set of Chevrolegs
Been looking at this bar, thanks for the detail in the review. Any recommend for good axle clamps if this will be the only bar I use them on?
@@GymCrafterBells of Steel magnetic collars is what I use on mine and they fit perfect
It's interesting to hear you compare the powder coat to MBPC. MBPC has the best grippy powder coat I've used.
Still waiting for that Kratos Bar review!
Bartos and Black Widow are tied in my book. Creating content can be really tough, Kratos bar review is still coming
@TheKurtlocker I had a custom deadlift jack made a few months ago from Black Widow. It turned out incredible (angry Raphael from TMNT was my custom logo). I may need to look at more of BW's gear.
@carlgibson7850 I know I am!
Great review. Great old school VHS intro.
That was actually Dean’s idea!
Been looking at this, Dean makes fantastic equipment!
Some of the BEST equipment. Thanks for watching!
@@TheKurtlockerit was a great review, good luck on your comp!
@redknight2470 thank you!
The VHS is at the top of my short list for specialty bars. I can’t say enough good things about Dean and BlackWidow!
Agreed! It’s a truly outstanding bar. I had so many people telling me to get one and I’m grateful to have it now
Great review - I definitely will pick one up at some point this year.
An awesome addition. Happy I could help
Heard great things about this one
It’s solid! You should snag one for the basement!
Seems like a great specialty bar. Saw Flex post on his shorts a couple weeks ago but other than that haven’t heard about the bar so appreciate the review. Only downside I could see is using a 1.9” grip on the seal row makes it very grip dependent for a pulling movement. Of course straps are a thing but I feel like the seal row setup can be difficult depending on a persons home gym. Still tempting if I ever get tired of my arch nemesis
That’s a fair critique. Typically you don’t want your grip to be the limiting factor in a strength based movement.
Appreciate the review and the bar looks awesome. Was curious if you prefer the vhs over other cambered swiss bars for the seal row functionality?
The seal row on the VHS is a huge improvement on ROM but is still limited by grip options. Cambered bars will allow for a neutral grip and an increased ROM
Hey Kurt, have you tried this bar on deadlifts or shrugs. I think it would be extremely useful to do shrug as it would not touch the "area" and the neutral grip is better imo.
You know, I didn’t try but I will. Watch my IG for a video in the coming days
Great video. Great product. Does this VHS bar allow you to do flat bench press without an awkward feeling?
I just received the Elite FTS American Cambered bar today and I'm within my return window if this Black widow VHS bar does overhead press, flat bench press, skull crushers and seal row better than Elite FTS American Cambered bar?
Cheers. Appreciate the feedback
I STRONGLY prefer the VHS to the the American Camber bar
I guess my American camber bar is not the only one with slag rattling around inside. I haven't had any luck removing the slag either
I remember that.
I was thinking about an angled swiss bar and cambered row bar from black widow but the vhs bar might be a better compromise. I might ask him to angle the handles 15 degrees or maybe add extra handles. Kinda reminds me of how open trap bars allow you to do more variety. This vhs being open makes it more versatile
Love those ideas, and Dean definitely does custom work
This is probably a open ended question but if you were gonna buy one multigrip style press bar from black widow do you think the VHS bar would be your top pick? (Assuming you didn’t own any others like a kadillac)
Accurate. The VHS has the most versatility IMO
I think I’m probably gonna end up with a VHS soon then lol. Black widow has a great selection tho I’m still on the fence about committing to any single one
@evilryutaropro there’s just so many! Gotta catch em all
I wonder when Bells of Steal (emphasis on “steal”) will come out with this 🤔😂
Clever! So I hope they continue to develop or improve it as other companies come out with similar designs, but I think that like most of the OGs that have been copied we will see the quality aspects of the companies like Black Widow. For instance the knurl quality, the powder coat grippiness etc
@@TheKurtlocker Absolutely! I'm all for innovation and competition in this space but blatant ripoffs are just annoying lol. For sure. The OG's will continue to focus on the quality that they built their name on while the copy cats will typically focus on the budget market to make a quick profit.
@RoryEllisMusic well stated
😮I am confused how this is considered a viking press bar. It simulates a log press bar more to me. Does it feel similar to one of your log press bars? How is the handle width. If so i want the bar to do headless log presses on my rack. My log bar is too large for my rep rack. So i have to use the rogue mg4cn to simulate it which feels great. But for a headless log press, i tried the vulcan ox bar but the handle width does not allow stacked joints for me.
The handles are narrower than my log and more similar to a Viking press feel because of handle placement and the headless bar path
@@TheKurtlocker Very interesting. How does it compare to your competition viking press setups with the landmine facing in and facing out? I have never viking pressed because I love log pressing so much. What feels different about it. To me the viking press strikes me as a much safer and easier lift due to the strength curve and provided stability. What bar would you reccomend for a headless log press accessory bar? I was debating on getting the rogue trap bar since I have seen Brian shaw and others use that bar specifically for it or I was curious if the rep with rotating handles would be better. Since my kabuki isnt truely rackable I have to rule that out unless I can get some sleeves custom made for it to make it rackable down the road.
@ArmedBatman Hey @ArmedBatman,
Great questions! When comparing the Viking press setups with the landmine facing in and facing out, the primary difference lies in the angle and path of the press. With the landmine facing in, it mimics a more vertical pressing motion, which can be more challenging on the shoulders and triceps, similar to the mechanics of a log press. Facing out, the press feels more like a hybrid between a shoulder and incline press, often allowing for more control and stability.
The Viking press does provide a different experience compared to log pressing. It tends to be safer and easier due to the strength curve and provided stability, as you've mentioned. The fixed path and handles reduce the need for stabilization, which can help in focusing purely on the pressing strength.
For a headless log press accessory bar, the Rogue trap bar is a solid choice. Brian Shaw and others have had success with it due to its versatility and durability. However, the Rep bar with rotating handles can offer a more natural grip and reduce strain on the wrists and elbows, which might be beneficial for accessory work.
Regarding your Kabuki bar, getting custom sleeves to make it rackable is a creative solution if you're attached to that bar. Otherwise, between the Rogue and the Rep, it really comes down to personal preference and specific training goals. If you prioritize versatility and a robust build, go for the Rogue trap bar. If you want ergonomic handles and a bit more comfort in your accessory work, the Rep bar could be the better option.
Hope this helps!
@@TheKurtlocker Thanks for taking the time to provide a thoughtful answer with a detailed explanation. Would you reccomend this bar over getting a viking landmine handle attachment and going that route? I just tested the kabuki kadillac sleeves on the kabuki trap bar and it would of worked perfect if it wasnt for the width of the bracket frame hitting the rack. Granted I was only able to widen my rep rack to 41.5in currently with washers. I think even with a rogue inside width it wouldn't work 😢. I might be able to pick up the rogue one used on fb marketplace and would likely only use it for headless log press application. My worry is the width of the handles not being optimal for log pressing haha. I am not brian shaw size. I have a 100 dollar off gift card for rep but not sure how well the rotating handles work for shoulder pressing do they lock?
@ArmedBatman I think the VHS makes a better bar for ease of setup and how well it mimics log and Viking press.
VHS 📼
This is the whey
Tough question: VHS or Kadillac?
It’s taken me awhile to respond because that is a tough question and my answer is nuanced. If you’re a powerlifter, the Kadi is probably better because it better accommodates more bench press setups. If you are into general fitness or do anything involving overhead movements, the VHS is likely a better choice if you can only have 1
I think that’s a very good answer. Thank you for taking the time to answer it!
@evilryutaropro thank you for taking the time to watch my content and ask a great question.