Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar
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PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
- Feels like 3 bars in 1
- One of the only specialty bars on the market that weights similar to an Olympic barbell
- Knurled handles
- High-density foam padding
- Easily disassembled for easier transportation
Video Review
In-Depth Review
Kabuki Strength Transformer Bar V4 Review: The Ultimate Safety Squat Bar
Author: Cooper Mitchell, GGR FounderPros & Cons
What We Like...
- Highest quality and feature-rich safety squat bar on the market
- Feels like three different bars: Duffalo Bar, cambered bar, traditional safety squat bar
- Weighs 20 kg/44 lbs
- One of the only specialty bars on the market that weights similar to an Olympic barbell
- Knurled handles
- Fits Olympic plates
- High-density foam padding
- Pad cover is a durable synthetic leather
- Easily disassembled for easier transportation
- Made in Portland, Oregon
- Black oxide finish that prevents corrosion
What Needs Improvement...
- Pricey at over $600.
- Angle bracket and design isn’t the easiest to change
- Edges of the 12-point bracket aren’t rounded and could lead to you cutting your skin
Product Summary
The Transformer Bar is practically 3 bars in one. Using the first lever height, the bar’s mechanics act identically to a Duffalo Bar and allows for a similar squat movement pattern as a regular bar. The Transformer Bar also acts like a regular cambered bar, and of course it is a fully adjustable Safety Squat Bar (SSB) with an industry-first adjustable camber angle and lever height. It allows the lifter to control the height of the camber (4 different settings) as well as the angle (variable by 30 degrees all the way around).
The weight horn also allows for 4 camber heights. The first one (A) allows for a position similar to a straight bar on your back (due to the height of the pad, the center of the sleeve in position A almost aligns with the center of the center bar). In combination with the 12 camber angles, these 4 heights allow for a total of 36 different positions on the bar. Name one other bar that can be used 36 different ways in a single movement like the squat?
This feature is the bread-and-butter of the Transformer Bar. A proprietary 12-angle bracket allows for 360 degrees of variation (30 degree increments) in angle of the weight relative to the lifter. Why did we do this? So the bar could be used as both a regular cambered bar, and a safety squat bar while still allowing for lifters to experiment and train in ways they’ve never been able to before! Here at the Lab we are constantly experimenting different, more extreme positions of the Transformer Bar and will share with all users what we discover. For now, be aware that you can have a bar in your possession that allows for functions and training methods previously impossible – so be careful and tread wisely! It’s an exiting bar and who knows what uses and methodologies we’ll discover in the future utilizing this bar!
Specs
| Foam Type | High-density foam (30kg/m3) |
|---|---|
| Coating | Black Oxide |
| Made In USA | Yes |
| Bar Use | Specialty |
| Upholstery | Synthetic Leather |
| Bar Weight | 44 LB |
| Knurled | Yes |
| Sleeve Coating | Black Oxide |
| Loadable Sleeve Length | 16" |
| Bar Length | 87.5" |
Summary
There's little doubt that if price isn't factored in, the Kabuki Transformer Bar is the best safety squat bar on the market. However, when the high price is considered, the bar becomes less attractive. We love that you can adjust the angle of the sleeves and use it often, however, if you don't plan on using the feature, we don't suggest the bar. If you like nice things and expect a high level of quality, this is about as good a safety squat bar as can be made.
