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Resistance bands are versatile pieces of fitness equipment. There are a variety of accessories, including bars, that can make workouts with these tools more interesting.
Resistance band bars are especially useful for exercises where you want to put resistance on your back. Additionally, this accessory can just make a variety of resistance band exercises more comfortable on your hands.
Best resistance band bars top picks
- INNSTAR Home Gym Workout bar
- KAHITE Resistance Band Bar
- Bodylastics Collapsible Resistance Bands Curl Bar
- DASKING Detachable Resistance Bands Bar
- CTRL Sports Resistance Band Bar
- MALOOW Portable Exercise Bar Kit
- WeluvFit Pilates Bar Kit with Resistance Bands
Most of the options above are separate resistance band bars without any resistance. To be able to use these you also need bands.
For this, resistance bands with handles, also known as resistance band tubes, are typically the best/only choice.
A different option is getting an entire workout kit that includes both a bar and resistance bands like the MALOOW Exercise Bar Kit. One thing to keep in mind with these kits is that they often do not contain that much resistance.
As you can see, it is not possible to create one perfect ranking for every individual. Sometimes picks lower on the list will be better for your personal preferences, training goals, budget, existing fitness equipment collection, etc.
How we selected our top picks
Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of resistance band bars. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:
- Material, weight capacity, bar padding, types of band holders, etc.
- User reviews
- Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
- Price
- Brand trustability
If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.
7 Best resistance band bars reviewed in depth
The short list of top picks can help you make a quick decision. Additionally, you can look at each of the best resistance band bars reviewed in depth to confirm you are making the right choice.
1. INNSTAR Home Gym Workout bar
Our top pick when it comes to the best resistance band bars is the INNSTAR Home Gym Workout bar. There are two models of this bar but both are a solid pick.
The non-detachable model is more budget-friendly but only has padding on the outsides, does not come with carabiners, and is as the name implies just a straight bar.
You can also get the detachable model which can be taken apart into two 19″ (48.3 cm) pieces. Additionally, this second option has full padding and comes with two carabiners to make it easy to attach multiple resistance bands.
Both models have a relatively high weights capacity of 800 pounds (362 kg). Even for heavy lifters this should be more than enough for most exercises.
Pros
- Resistance capacity of 800 pounds (362 kg)
- Swivel rings to anchor resistance bands
- Length of 38 inches (96.5 cm)
- Also available in a detachable model
- Very positive ratio of customer reviews
- A lot of happy customers
- 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- 1.3″ (3.4 cm) diameter rings of the non-detachable model may require extra attachments to fit all your resistance bands
The length of both of the bars is 38″ (96.5 cm). This should again be enough for most people but one individual does mention he/she would prefer a slightly longer bar.
Additionally, if you get the non-detachable bar you may need to get separate carabiners to be able to attach multiple resistance bands. The 1.3″ (3.4 cm) diameter rings alone are likely not enough.
That being said, these are only small potential downsides when it comes to resistance training and the second one is easy to solve with separate carabiners.
All in all, the INNSTAR Home Gym Workout bar is definitely one of the best resistance band bars. If something does go wrong you still have the 2-year limited warranty to fall back on.
2. KAHITE Resistance Band Bar
The KAHITE Resistance Band Bar is slightly more budget-friendly than the previous option but something to keep in mind is that a few customers do not find this resistance band accessory as sturdy as claimed.
In the product description is stated that this bar has a 500-pound (226 kg) capacity. However, a few customers mention their bar bends around 200 – 300 pounds (90.7 – 136 kg).
For individuals who don’t lift as heavy, the KAHITE model can be a budget-friendly option with a lot of great features. Heavier lifters likely want to stick to the previous model.
Pros
- Mentioned resistance capacity of 500 pounds (226 kg)
- Rotating sleeves to anchor resistance bands
- Total length of 43 inches (109.2 cm) but you can also leave out the middle piece
- Detachable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Some customers find their bar bends at around 250 pounds of resistance
One of these great features is that you can detach the bar into 3 pieces and re-attach only 2 of these if you want a shorter bar. For resistance band squats you may prefer the long bar but for something like bicep curls the short version.
In total, the long bar has a length of 43 inches (109.2 cm) with padding in the middle and on the outsides.
Additionally, this resistance bar has the relatively standard rotating sleeves to anchor resistance bands too. This makes your resistance band exercises go more smoothly.
3. Bodylastics Collapsible Resistance Bands Curl Bar
This next resistance band bar is a bit unusual compared to the other options in the sense that this is a curl bar.
The main benefit of a bar with bends like this is that it can be more comfortable on your wrists during bicep and tricep isolation exercises.
For individuals who don’t plan to do these exercises, the Bodylastics Collapsible Resistance Bands Curl Bar is likely not worth it. You could put the bar on your shoulders but the design is not that great for this.
Something else to keep in mind is that while this option is of high quality, it is also pricier than most of the other resistance band bars. For specific individuals this can be worth it. Most people want to stick to straight bars.
Pros
- Resistance capacity of 750 pounds (340 kg)
- Swivel rings to anchor resistance bands
- Length of 43.5 inches (110 cm)
- Detachable
- Rubber grip
- Comes with carry bag
- Very positive ratio of customer reviews
- A lot of happy customers
Cons
- Not everyone needs a resistance band curl bar
- Pricier than most of the other resistance band bars
If this resistance band bar aligns with your training goals and preferences it is a great choice. The resistance capacity is relatively high at 750 pounds (340 kg).
In total the length is 43.5 inches (110 cm) which is on the longer side. However, you can still store and transport this bar relatively easily because it is detachable and comes with a handy carry bag.
On top of that, the rubber grip and turning anchor rings can make your workouts more comfortable.
This resistance band bar is not the best option for everyone but could be the one for you. In any case, many customers are very happy with their Bodylastics Collapsible Resistance Bands Curl Bar.
4. DASKING Detachable Resistance Bands Bar
This next resistance band bar stands out in that it simulates the feel of a regular barbell better than the other options. Instead of foam padding, you get a steel bar with knurling (edges in the bar).
Whether you want to choose the DASKING Detachable Resistance Bands Bar or foam options is mostly a case of personal preference.
The DASKING model can be a bit less comfortable for something like resistance band back squats. On the other hand, in exercises like deadlifts, shoulder presses, and bicep curls, the sturdy grip could be more to your liking.
One downside is that this resistance band bar is a bit pricier than other options. If you don’t like the knurling instead of padding some of the other options will offer more benefits for a lower investment.
Pros
- Resistance capacity of 500 pounds (226 kg)
- Swivel rings to anchor resistance bands
- Comes with two carabiners
- Knurling instead of padding
- Available in 3 different sizes
- Detachable
- Comes with carry bag
Cons
- Pricier than most of the other resistance band bars
Besides the knurling, this resistance band bar from DASKING is a relatively standard but solid pick. A resistance capacity of 500 pounds (226 kg) is enough for most people.
The swivel rings and included carabiners make your workouts a lot more convenient. With the carry bag, storing and transporting becomes easier.
Individuals who like the option of getting two different resistance band bar lengths in one model want to choose the longest option. For other people, one of the two shorter options could be enough and save a bit of money.
If you don’t have any suited resistance bands yet you can also consider the full resistance band bar set from DASKING.
5. CTRL Sports Resistance Band Bar
The CTRL Sports Resistance Band Bar is another more standard yet solid resistance band bar. Heavy lifters may find the resistance capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg) a bit lacking but most people will be okay with this.
Something else to remember if you plan to get close to this capacity is that you may need to invest in separate carabiners. The swivel rings can hold a few resistance bands but potentially not all the bands you want to use.
If you don’t mind these things this resistance band bar from CTRL Sports is another top pick. One of the things it positively stands out is the detachable design.
You can take it apart into three pieces and choose to only use two of these if you want a shorter bar.
Pros
- Resistance capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg)
- Swivel rings to anchor resistance bands
- Total length of 44 inches (111.7 cm) but you can also leave out the middle piece for a 30-inch (76.2 cm) bar
- Detachable
- Available in different colors
- Very positive ratio of customer reviews
Cons
- You may need to get separate carabiners to attach all of your resistance bands
Another nice addition is that this model is available in three colors.
The CTRL Sports Resistance Band Bar does not have that many customers yet but so far the reviews are very positive about this model.
6. MALOOW Portable Exercise Bar Kit
This next option from MALOOW is the first full resistance band bar kit on the list. The kit is more aimed toward beginners and intermediates but these people can get in many good workouts with this option.
One thing customers do find a bit annoying is that the resistance bands are a bit long. However, you can resolve this issue somewhat by standing on the middle of the resistance bands instead of the ends.
Besides the 4 resistance bands and 2 extra handles, this is a somewhat standard resistance band bar with a low resistance limit. It is detachable, comes with rotating anchors, and comes with a carry bag.
Pros
- Includes 4 resistance bands
- 2 resistance bands of 40 pounds (18.1 kg) and 2 bands of 60 pounds (27.2 kg) (and combinable)
- Also comes with 2 handles and 1 carry bag
- Rotating resistance band anchors
- Detachable
- Available in different colors
- Budget-friendly
- A lot of happy customers
Cons
- Resistance capacity may not be enough for experienced individuals
- Resistance bands could be a bit long but you can work around this
One nice addition that won’t really influence your resistance band workouts is that you can get this bar in different colors. Additionally, the kit is relatively budget-friendly.
Resistance training beginners and intermediates can use this kit as a budget-friendly way to build up some strength and grow some muscles. If you lift heavier you want to consider one of the other best resistance band bars.
7. WeluvFit Pilates Bar Kit with Resistance Bands
The WeluvFit Pilates Bar Kit with Resistance Bands is another option for individuals who are less experienced with resistance training. This time even more so than the previous option.
With the resistance bands included in the bar kit you can reach a resistance of 120 pounds (54.4 kg). For certain individuals and exercises, this can be enough to grow and strengthen muscles. For many others this will be insufficient.
If the resistance is enough this can be a solid yet budget-friendly resistance band bar kit. One of the things that stand out is that you can adjust the “length” of the resistance band to the foot anchors for your personal height.
Pros
- Includes 4 resistance bands
- 2 resistance bands of 20 pounds (9.1 kg) and 2 bands of 40 pounds (18.1 kg) (and combinable)
- “Length” of the resistance bands is adjustable
- Total length of 38.8 inches (98.6 cm) but you can also leave out the middle piece for a 25.9-inch (65.8 cm) bar
- Also comes with a carry bag
- Rotating resistance band anchors
- Detachable
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Resistance capacity may not be enough for experienced and intermediate individuals
Besides that, this model from WeluvFit has relatively standard but valuable features. Some of these included the rotating resistance band anchors, detachable design, and included carry bag.
You can switch between the long bar of 38.8 inches (98.6 cm) and the short bar of 25.9 inches (65.8 cm) for different exercises and individuals. On top of these things, the price is also relatively budget-friendly.
How to choose a resistance band bar
You may still be uncertain about what resistance band bar is the best for your situation. By thinking about what you want in the following important features it can become easier to make a choice:
- Weight capacity: One of the most important aspects of a resistance bar is that it is strong enough to carry the resistance you put it under. How much it needs to be able to hold varies from person to person and exercise to exercise. A strong man doing a one-rep max deadlift will need a lot more capacity than an elderly person doing wrist curls.
- Padding: Many of the options in this article come with some type of foam padding. This padding can vary in bar placement, thickness, grip ridges, etc. What you want when it comes to this feature is mostly a case of personal preference.
- Bar length: Resistance band bars come in different sizes. A longer bar is typically more challenging when it comes to balance and less convenient to transport. You can even take apart some models for transport. For this feature your choice depends on training goals. Having to pay more attention to balance can be both great and suboptimal depending on the training goal.
- Price: Investing into your health can be a great decision but often you can get more benefits for a similar or lower price. The best resistance band bars will be high-quality and at least somewhat budget-friendly.
- Other kit components: Some resistance band bars come with a variety of resistance bands and accessories. By getting all of these in one kit you can save some money compared to getting each component separately. At the same time, many people don’t need these extra things and don’t want to pay more for them.
Once you know what you want/need when it comes to the features above it should become clearer what resistance band bar is the right one for you.
Are resistance band bars good?
Resistance band bars are especially good for resistance band exercises where you use a lot of weight and exercises like back squats where you want to put a lot of resistance on your shoulders. Additionally, they can make a variety of exercises more isolated and can simply be good for comfort.
Can you use a bar with resistance bands?
There are a variety of bars you can use with resistance bands. For example, you could use a barbell in combination with resistance bands. One thing to keep in mind is that the resistance bands could slip when doing this. There are also specific resistance band bars that don’t have this issue.