This piece is EXCELLENT for training kids/teenagers. When my kids graduated from the aluminum small diameter bar to a full size bar, the diameter was difficult for them to handle. It’s not about being tough, their backs are just not as developed as their legs, so squatting is painful. This pad is smaller and softer than a Manta Ray which makes it fit children PERFECTLY. I only deducted points because it will sometimes fall off the bar when it’s not under load. If you train kids, or ever plan to introduce kids, preteens or young teens to lifting, buy it and keep it just in case. It can be the difference if a kid pursues lifting or doesn’t.

My 45s are Powergainz by Signature Fitness. They are very wide, but have proven to be very durable during axle work, including some missed reps that were dropped from a decent height. They have a few small chips, but nothing serious.

I tried bullet pulley, and am not a fan. Thankfully I have a lot of Petzl pulleys, webbing and dyneema cordage. I would not waste money on gym specific pulley systems when a few inexpensive climbing pulleys will work much better

There’s really no substitute. These are inexpensive, more durable than I am able to understand, and excellent for rehab.

You have to rate these as what they are. They are cheap foam tiles that are an ok choice while you save up for something else. Now that I’ve replaced mine with stall mats, they live behind my DB rack as knee/lumbar pads for various exercises. They dent/rip permanently and easily. I found they don’t stay interlocked well, but there is a decent hack. A layer of these under a Tractor Supply 1/4” rubber mat makes a nice, durable stretching area.