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The Duffalo Bar

$ 619.99

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Specs   |  Testimonials  |  Plating  |  Team/Biz Sales

 

Highlights

    • The Duffalo Bar has become a staple barbell found in serious weight rooms and training facilities around the world - from garage gyms, to commercial facilities, to the top collegiate/professional sports teams
    • Proprietary bend encourages proper joint centration and reduces rotational demand on the shoulder
    • Improves scapular retraction and lat engagement in the press and squat
    • Manufactured in the United States at Kabuki Strength Lab in Portland, Oregon

Important Notes

    • Please allow 2-3 weeks for order fulfillment and shipping.
    • Have a question? Click the grey "Question?" button above to go to the Q&A section
    • International customers, email us for an accurate shipping quote.

SPECS

The Duffalo Performance Squat and Bench bar is the ultimate bar for squatting and bench pressing, correctly, safely, and for performance. Today, there are thousands of Duffalo Bars located in gyms and S&C facilities all around the world - making it one of, if not THE, most popular specialty bars on the planet. Dozens of professional teams in the MLB, NFL, and NBA have Duffalo Bars in their strength training facilities. We honestly believe that outside of competition, every lifter would benefit from using the Duffalo Bar over a standard barbell. This is a bold claim to make, we know, but we hope you'll continue reading on... 

 

DUFFALO BAR FOR THE SQUAT

Our proprietary bends allow for improved scapular retraction and reduces stress on the easily-irritated biceps tendon in the shoulder, while eliminating the counter-productive center peak on similar bars. Reducing this direct strain on the bicep tendon and allowing increased back rigidity + proper joint centration via scapular retraction is incredibly important for strength and injury prevention. Additionally, our bar can improve your ability to generate core stability due to the reduced mobility demands of the shoulders allowing you to avoid excessive spinal extension and maintain neutrality in a back squat rack position . Many athletes and lifters report immediate improvements in their ability to brace and maintain spine neutrality.

 

FITS LIKE A GLOVE

The proprietary multi-radius bend of the Duffalo Bar means it can sit on your back in an extremely comfortable and stable manner. Think about it…the back is not flat, it has contours and is round. If you haven’t had the chance to try it, let us know and we’ll find someone close to you to let you take the bar for a spin! But seriously, we’re certain that this is the most comfortable barbell on the planet to have on your back.

  

   

You may also notice that the sleeves on the Duffalo Bar are slightly angled up rather than parallel. Why is this? We found that by adding a minor variation to the sleeve angle we could reproduce a similar center of gravity to a straight bar. What does that mean for you? Using the Duffalo Bar will feel very similar, if not identical to a straight bar when you are squatting. You can get all the benefits of a straight bar without any of the downsides, while also taking advantage of the Duffalo Bar's unique benefits.

 

Many are surprised that the bar can be used not only for high and low bar positions, but in the front rack position for front squats. Interestingly enough, in the front rack you’ll find the bar sits more comfortably and doesn’t cause as much strain and pressure on the collarbones compared to a straight bar. For more information on the squatting with the Duffalo Bar, watch this ~9 minute discussion video of Chris Duffin and Jesse Burdick of PowerWOD.

 

BRACE BETTER. IMPROVE IAP

Here at Kabuki Strength, bracing is one of the core pillars behind our movement methodology. The ability to create IAP and utilize the body’s stability mechanisms to create a rigid torso through which force can be transferred is an essential characteristic of all strength-based and athletic movements. The Duffalo Bar allows for easier scapular retraction, lat engagement, and consequently a better position from which to brace and stabilize.

 

 

REDUCE SHOULDER IMPINGEMENT

Let's be honest, the squat requires a fairly mobile shoulder capsule, and some of us have shoulder/bicep issues that prevent, or make it painful to be in that position. The extreme, externally-rotated position required by a straight-bar back squat frequently causes chronic or acute shoulder impingement and bicep issues for a large number of lifters, especially the heavyweights! Save your shoulders, use the Duffalo Bar.

  

DUFFALO BAR FOR THE BENCH

 

Our proprietary bends optimize the wrist angle when held in the pressing position. This positioning cues proper joint centration in the shoulder, while also improving both lat and scapular engagement. Despite the increased ROM of the press, users report significantly reduced or completely eliminated shoulder pain while gaining an increased training effect from the additional range of motion. These improvements groove correct pressing patterns, automatically ensuring the proper engrams are programmed.  

  

  

Athletes and lifters all over the world have programmed and implemented the Duffalo Bar into their training in countless ways. Some choose to substitute the Duffalo for their competition bench until a few weeks out of competition, others choose to use it as an accessory movement on top of their regular pressing. For more information on the bench pressing with the Duffalo Bar, watch this ~8 minute discussion video of Chris Duffin and Jesse Burdick of PowerWOD.

 

TESTIMONIALS

Here's what some of the top athletes and lifers in the world have to say about the Duffalo Bar: 

 

 "I wanted to share with you guys the X-factor during my training routing. The [Kabuki Strength] Duffalo Bar. Yes, Duffalo....not buffalo."

- Yasmani Grandal, MLB Baseball Player for LA Dodgers

 

 

"This bar is AMAZING!!!  Wrist and shoulder feel great, weight is right in the pocket (over center of gravity) which reduces lower back strain and puts everything on my muscles I'm training as intended!" 
- Stan RHINO Efferding, Worlds Strongest Bodybuilder
   
"My primary goal purchasing the Duffalo bar was to get a piece of equipment for our team of 40 lifters to use to lessen stress on the elbow during the squat for lifters that have struggled over and over with elbow pain and wanted another option closer to a low bar squat. I was initially hesitant. Our last buffalo bar was poorly made, bendy, whippy, and no one on the team used it for the two plus years we've had it. Since we've gotten the duffalo bar our lifters are using it throughout the week to lessen strain on the elbows or take a break from low/high bar squats. It's made incredibly well, incredibly heavy duty, and delivering in every way we were told it would and more. It's benefitting our team from beginners to the most seasoned all-time top lifters in their respective weight classes and now we need another bar soon because everyone seems to want to use it on team squat days." 
- JP Price, 1000lb RAW Squatter
  

All of this adds up to removing pain, injury risks, and allows you to focus on the lift itself. Over time you will see increased performance and increased longevity of your lifting or athletic career. If you train the squat in your athletic development, this bar is an absolute must!  Even if you compete in barbell sports which require a straight bar, you should be using this bar up till the final weeks of training for a meet to preserve your shoulders.

 

"The Duffalo bar is THE primary bar we use in training with out team and I highly encourage its use year round up till the final 3-4 weeks prior to a meet." 

- Donnie Thompson, Champion Powerlifter + Movement Guru

    

Reviews

GARAGE GYM REVIEWS - DUFFALO BAR

The Duffalo Bar is the best specialty bar available. There's no question in my mind (I even put it ahead of my previous favorite EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar.) GARAGE GYM BUILDER - DUFFALO BAR

 

GARAGE GYM BUILDER - DUFFALO BAR

The Duffalo Bar will promote longevity. Using it will allow you to squat more comfortably and with better body positioning. It will also enhance your bench press and overhead pressing, providing a fuller, more natural range of motion.

 

BODYBUILDING.COM - IN-DEPTH USER REVIEW

This bar lives up to the hype. All short comings have either been addressed or are minor. The more I worked with the bar, the more I noticed immediately improvements in both lessening of pain & benefits to my bench press. I cannot name another bar that will do both or can really work as a dedicated squat & bench bar. (Please note that this review is from 4 years ago for the original iteration of the Duffalo Bar) 

 

MORE TESTIMONIALS 

Here's what some of the strongest and most well-known bench pressers in the world have to say about the Duffalo Bar.

 

"This bar is AWESOME!  It is so comfortable on the the shoulders I love it!  I use it for for my heavy work and my speed work I love the bar so much." 
- Ryan BENCHMONSTER Kennelly, World Champion Bench Presser 
"The Duffalo Bar allows me to push the envelope without trashing my shoulders. It has been key to my training to return to the platform after shoulder surgery." 
- Rob Luyando, World Champion Bench Presser
 
"I very rarely fall in love with new equipment but I'm in love with this bar! I might just have an affair with it.  It has numerous uses and has immediately made an impact on my performance." 
- Leroy Walker, Champion Raw Bench Presser
 

"I simply won't use any other bar than the Duffalo bar to train with for myself or my athletes given the choice. In combination with the ShouldeRok it has been a 'Game Changer' in this Olympic training cycle."

- Reese Hoffa, 3x Olypmian in the Shot Put

 

 

 

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Duffalo Bars are made on state-of-the-art machines and hand-assembled by passionate Kabuki Strength team members right here at Kabuki Strength Lab in Portland, Oregon. Each bar includes a custom, stamped end cap with our famous squat face logo as well as the name, weight, and origin of the bar. Bars are shipped securely in a sturdy, custom box and come with a card hand-signed by the Kabuki Strength employee who assembled your bar.

 

PLATING

All Duffalo Bars are plated for corrosion resistance purposes. Below you will find more information about our 3 different platting options.

This is a premium finish. Nickel Plating is used in engineering applications where high wear, corrosion resistance, and hardness are needed.  Nickel plating is both more cosmetically appealing than stainless steel as well as significantly more corrosion resistant in like products than stainless steel! Nickel plating is more durable than chrome and will retain it's warm, mirror smooth polish for years until worn through.  In our application we believe Nickel plating to be both superior to Stainless steel in Cosmetic Finish, Corrosion Resistance, Surface Hardness, as well as maintaining the desired strength and material characteristics of our bar. Nickel is our favorite plating option, and in our opinion also the best looking.

 

The same corrosion resistant coating as the Shoulderok. Shiny and bright on arrival with a bluish-silver hue that fades to a gunmetal grey color over time. As the bar is used this coating will develop dull, gunmetal grey patina. The default, least expensive and a very durable option.

 

Black oxide or blackening is a conversion coating for ferrous materials, stainless steel, copper and copper based alloys, zinc, powdered metals, and silver solder. It is used to add mild corrosion resistance, for appearance and to minimize light reflection. We particularly like the gunmetal black finish it gives to the Duffalo Bar. It just looks badass in our opinion!

 

Included

  • 2 full months of FREE access to kabuki.ms 
  • Hundreds of videos to Move Better, Train Smarter, and Get Stronger

 

Customer Reviews

Based on 92 reviews Write one!

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Ask a Question

  • Do you guys ship to Melbourne, Australia?

    We do ship to Australia, however we can't send the bar via USPS priority mail international as they do not take items of that length. In order to ship to Australia you would need to select UPS worldwide expidited shipping.

  • I have question about the duffalo bar: I was thinking of buying a cambered bar, because of the longer range of motion. Does the duffalo bar do the same thing, or is it any better than a cambered bar?

    If you're looking for a cambered bar I may go with the Transformer Bar, which gives you the loading capabilities of a cambered bar/saftey squat bar/plus many other loading variations. There is a bit of lead time for this bar, while the Duffalo is a great piece of equipment it will not provide the same stimulas as a cambered bar. Hope this helps.

  • Is the raw finish no longer an option on the Duffalo bar? I no longer see it.

    We are no longer have the raw steel Duffalo as an option.

  • Is it good for Olympic style ass to grass squatting also. Mainly see people using it for low bar squatting.

    Hello,

    The Duffalo bar can be used for all types of squatting. High bar, low bar, front squats, ect. The curve of the bar sits well over the traps and still reduces stress on the shoulder joint while minimally changing the way the bar loads the body compared to a straight bar.

  • Hey Chris! I've been contemplating this bar for a while now on my squat and bench. However, is there any application for military press or deadlifts?

    Hello,

    There are absolutely military press applications. I've personally used it for that reason and find that you get the same shoulder centration effect. The deadlift, less so. It would put the wrists in position that would actually be the opposite of what it normally does and have unpleasant effects up the chain. 

    Hope this helps,

    Brady Cable
    Kabuki Strength Coach
    Operations Manager

    Agreed it is great for military press and incline pressing!  It is used quite freqently for both.  Some people use it for rowing as well by hanging chain weight in the center to make stay in the downward postion.  This will improve scapular rectraction and range of motion in that movement.  But for deadlifting it would not provide an advantage other than being similair to doing a small block pull.  If the hands are to far out it would also negativily affecte the wrists as Brady noted.  Orlando Green does like to use it for single arm deadlifts however.

    Duffin

  • What kind of oil is best to use when oiling the bar for future protection?

    Hey Colin,

    a 3 in 1 oil works best for the care of the bare steel/black oxide bars

  • Can the duffalo bar be stored upright?

    Yes it can

  • What's the best way to care for the bare version of this bar? I've had mine for a little while now and just want to know how to safely keep it clean and relatively rust free for years to come.

    The best way is to coat it with a thin layer of oil.

  • Can I use this during a meet Prep? Shoulders are banged up and would probably help to have this but is it too different from a straight bar to use leading up to a meet?

    You can definitely use this during a meet prep!

  • Are there any black duffalo bars ready for shipment ? If not when will they be ready ?

    Black Oxide bars are plated on an order-by-order basis. After you place your order it may take between 1-2 weeks for us to get the bar plated and shipped out to you. 

  • Hello, Are there plans to update the Duffalo bar with the materials used in the new power/squat bars?

    We''re changing the mounting system to snap rings just to consolidate part requirements but other than that there won't be any changes

  • Is the plating done before or after the bar is assembled with the bushings?

    The plating is done before.

  • Can I avoid shipping charges by picking up bar in person?

    Absolutely! Anyone is welcome to stop by The Lab and pick up their order in person! If you do so, wait until you get here and we'll place the order for you manually. 

  • What finish to do you recommend if someone lives in a sub tropical environment? I live in QLD in Australia and it gets extremely humid. My Rogue Monster Lite Rack handles the weather like a dream but my main bar that I purchased form another company started to corrode within a matter of a couple weeks. Thanks to our terrible exchange rate with the US the Duffalo bar will set me back close to $1000 shipped...just want to make sure it lasts well.

    Hey Mark,

    The clear zinc and electroless nickel plating options will be the most corrosion resistant and will prevent the bar from rusting. The black oxide will prevent rust to a degree but is prone to rusting in more humid environments especially if there is not some type of oil on the bar to create a seal over the finish.

  • Who would normally workout with a 55lb weightlifting bar and can you by them from a regular sporting goods store? How can you tell the difference between a 45lb weightlifting bar and a 55lb weightlifting bar? Is it possible that the average person works out with a 55lb weightlifting bar?

    The standard weight of an average barbell is 45 lbs, but plenty of specialty bars vary. Generally bars made specifically for squatting are 55 lbs. Really the only way to tell what a specific bar weighs is to weigh it.

  • does the bar sit fairly well on regular j hooks?

    The bar definitely works just fine in regular J hooks. We use it in racks like this often and the only thing is that it has a propensity to slide to one side or another and can be adjusted before putting it on your back. If you have the style of J hooks that swing out to one side and pull straight out, if you swap the side of hte rack they are on (so that the hooks would swing in toward the center of the rack before removal) they will tilt and perfectly accomodate the curve of the duffalo bar

  • Does this bar fit kg Olympic plates . I know it fits pounds

    Yes, it's a standard diameter sleeve for an olympic bar. It should fit regular plates as well as competition olympic plates. 

  • Do you ship to Scotland in the U.K.

    We do ship there. As noted on the product page for the Duffalo bar however we are unable to send it via USPS and can only ship it via UPS (worldwide expedited) being the cheapest option generally. 

  • Which coating on the buffalo bar will prevent rusting?

    The clear zinc and electroless nickel finishes are both extremely corrosion resistant and shouldn't rust. The black oxide is but to a lesser degree. Clear zinc and EN are both plating finishes where the black oxide is actually an oxidation that they apply to the bar. It's recommended to oil the bar from time to time to seal the finish in and it will stay nicer over time that way. 

  • Could you send the bar to Hawaii? What would the cost be for shipping? And what coating would be the best for a humid climate even tho the bar will be indoors?

    We do ship to Hawaii, contact info@kabukiwarrior.com for a shipping quote. For that particular climate I'd suggest the Zinc or Nickel finish.

  • What is the lead time on the black duffalo bar?

    For lead times on all products, please check the product pages.  If a product has a lead time, it will be listed under 'Important Notes' near the top.  Those manufacturing lead times are evaluated and updated once a week.

  • Is there an experience level you recommend moving to a speciality bar from a standard straight bar? My BS 1rm is 255lbs. Will I see a benefit from adding a speciality bar?

    This is a very case dependent question.  There is not necessarily a specific strength level at which someone should use a specialty bar and the goals and history of the individual play a large part.  If you're someone who wants to compete in powerlifting, you need to be able to lift on a straight bar. So, the answer would change versus someone who does not wish to compete and is able to use a specialty bar - especially if it affords them relief from their pain or allows them to get into a more ideal position.  While no bar will inherently make you stronger, if you're able to use a specialty bar and do more total work within a week than you would otherwise because of eliminated pain, then that is a good avenue for getting stronger (doing more total work).

  • Does the camber of the Duffalo bar work the spinal erectors more than a straight bar similar to how a Safety Squat Bar does?

    The camber of the Duffalo Bar is much less exaggerated than a safety squat bar and is designed to load the individual as similar as possible to a straight bar, with lessened negative stressors on the shoulders. That said, the more you hinge in your squat, the more you will feel that slight camber and it will work your erectors slightly more than a normal bar, but not nearly to the degree a safety squat bar does.

  • Do the bearings in the sleeves come pre-oiled/greased or do you recommend greasing them upon receipt? If so, weight/type?

    They are oil impregnated, so you shouldn't have to grease them.  As the bar spins, the bearings will be self greased.

  • What is the length of the bar between the inside collars? The reason I'm asking is because of my left shoulder issue and the size of the racks at my gym I can't grip a regular no name squat bar from the inside of the rack so I have to use a SSB but I'm looking for a bar that I can grip with my hands on the outside of the rack.I'm praying this bar is long enough!

    The length of the bar between the collars is roughly 55 inches.

  • Are there any benefits to using this bar for exercises other than squat or bench? I’m thinking specifically of overhead press. I feel like it might decrease the ROM a little (less deep at the bottom), which might spare my shoulders a bit, but might not be ideal for getting stronger. Thoughts?

    Thank you for your inquiry.  We have seen people overhead press with the Duffalo Bar. However, the effects are probably negligible compared to a straight bar.

  • Would like to know what is the drop of the camber and how thick is the bar itself?

    The depth of the camber is approximately 2.5 inches and the diameter of the Duffalo bar is 32mm.

  • Which coating is best for garage gym life? I also take it to and from my regular gym.

    The zinc or nickel finish are both corrosion resistant.  However the nickel will hold it's shine longer, as the zinc dulls over time.  

  • I live in the Portland area is it possible to swing by the gym to purchase a Duffalo Bar?

    Yup! Drop by during business hours (8am - 5pm) Monday - Friday and we'll get you squared away. If you see a lead time disclaimer at the top of the product description, please email info@kabukistrength.com prior to coming out just to make sure we have stock of your desired finish.

  • I am in Wilsonville 15 miles from your gym. So we have exactly the same weather. For a garage gym, 60 yr old lifter. What finish do you recommend?

    I would recommend the zinc finish. We have black oxide bars in our non climate controlled gym and they are just fine, but the zinc finish will ensure you don't have to deal with rust issues. 

  • What is the total sleeve length (not only the loadable part)?

    the total sleeve length in 17.5 in

  • Hi! How long does this take to ship? I’m going to order closer to Christmas, but definitely need it here prior. Thank you!!

    For questions regarding shipping please contact us at info@kabukistrength.com

  • When will the new duffalo bar with end caps and snap rings be available?

    The updated vesion is currently live

  • I would need the exact cardboard package size of the transformer bar and the duffalo bar. Thanks a lot!

    For any information regurding shipping questions contact us as info@kabukistrength.com

  • good morning, how quickly could i acquire 2 bars? thanks!

    You can contact customer service at info@kabukistrength.com they can help you out with that

  • Hi, whats the shipping rate to Adelaide, South Australia for a duffalo bar? an estimation please

    We slove to help with this question, email us at info@kabukistrength.com

  • Hi, would you be able to export your barbells to India?

    We can, email us to get an accurate shipping quote
     info@kabukistrength.com

  • Why do the sleeves have threaded holes in them?

    Those are for the pins that hold the sleeves to the bar. We are updating the bar soon so they use snap rings and end caps

  • I live up in Vancouver BC Canada ...I have a home garage gym... I would like to purchase the black oxide coating ... will it weather ok up here ... similar weather to Portland ...

    As long a bar with Black Oxide finish is in a climate controled environment there should be no issues. If that's not the case I'd suggest the Zinc or Nickel finish.


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