What’s the most overatted barbell you’ve ever used?
While the built-in collars work incredibly, and it truly does make for a better experience, it’s hard to recommend the Allrounder from Gungnir for $799. There are too many $200-$300 barbells that perform just as well or better (not including the built-in collars) for this to be considered by the masses. The spin is average and the coating has not held up extremely well.
The built-in- collars are innovative at their finest though in this industry.
What’s the best way to get rust off of a barbell?
The Hybrid Athletics 360 Barbell Brush has been the best way to maintain and also clean up large areas of rust. With a flexible wrap-around grip, you can get deep into the knurl to clear out whatever may be hiding in there. For bare steel bars, you’ll want to use the option with steel bristles and for those with other coatings, the nylon bristles will be a bit more gentle.
You can actually use the promo code GGE10 to save 10%.
Does the Scout Hyper Rock?
While it doesn’t feel as though it’s going to tip over, there is some wobble that seems to begin around 140 lbs. It’s also important for this to be on a flat surface. It will begin to sway before that if not on at least a “near flat” area.
Nevertheless, there are a lot of unique benefits to the Scout Hyper, but it also comes with a few limitations, and this is most likely the largest. Nevertheless, it’s still an easy recommendation for most home gym owners tight on space. It’s still most likely the #1 choice for most.
Are Kabuki Bars Worth it?
For the average person building out their home gym on a budget, they are probably not. They are fundamentally an item for very serious strength athletes, those dealing with injuries/flexibility issues, or gyms/personal trainers with clients that need a ton of variety.
However, if budget or space is not a concern, anyone can benefit from these tools and they should last a lifetime. The majority of us would call these “dream items,” but there is no doubt they would be used often in most home gyms if available.
What type of Horse Stall Mats should I get?
Avoid the diamond plate ones if you can, but it’s most likely not an absolute deal-breaker. If you already have these, it’s probably not worth going out and getting a new set.
However, when a barbell is on the floor, it can be difficult to keep it lined up

What’s an adjustable dumbbell set that can be used for more than just curls and presses (talkin’ snatches)
There aren’t any that are great for movements like snatches. Most are too bulky or fragile. Options that could be looked at are the Rogue DB-10s or 15-inch loadable dumbbells from Titan, but those aren’t perfect either. Plus, they get pricey when adding in the weight.
The recommendation for most would be to buy a few pairs of regular hex dumbbells that you’d use often.

What’s the best cardio machine for a home gym?
Whatever you think will be used the most or complement your training the best. This answer will vary widely. It really just depends on your preferences. For most, that will likely be a Concept 2 Rower or Rogue Echo Bike. Don’t sleep on the SkiErg, though!
Deadlift Platform or Horse Stall Mats?
Deadlift platforms tend to limit the overall versatility of the gym. Unless you’re performing a considerable amount of time on the platform or want to bolt your rack to it, the best option is going to be stall mats for most. An even floor throughout is ideal.
While deadlift platforms may provide more protection to the ground, stall mats should do the job for 99% of this world.
Here are a few types of people that should consider a deadlift platform, though:
- You are not lifting on concrete.
- You’re consistently dropping a heavy barbell overhead and not using like Crash Cushions to catch the blow.
- Often drop 500+ pounds with iron plates.

Is the REP AB-5200 bench stable?
Yes, the AB-5200 is extremely stable, and there is no movement when in use. If you take your hand to the back and wiggle it, there will be some side-to-side play, but it does not impact the performance of the bench.
When is the best time to buy gym equipment?
Black Friday is easily the best time to buy gym equipment. However, it’s doubtful that you’ll ever find incredibly huge discounts during that time. 5-10% off or free shipping is pretty typical from most of the larger companies. Therefore, it’s probably not worth waiting months until a product you want potentially goes on sale.