I've had most of my set (in terms of the number of plates) for over a month at the time of this review. Overall, I think these are great bumpers. The lip on the edge makes them super easy to move. They are much thinner than my previous crumb bumpers (the 45s are about an inch thinner), and they have a really cool look to them. I did get a good deal on the 460lb set when I purchased it, but I had to send back most of my 45s twice unfortunately. The first round had 6 out of 8 bumpers have significant QA issues, like divots or even cuts into the bumper. I sent them back. The second set had to have 4 out of the 6 sent back because of issues as well. Finally, on the last round, I have my complete set of 8 45s and the 10s, 15s, and 25s pairs. Fringe was easy to work with on the returns, but it was frustrating that I had to send back plates during a second go-around. Maybe I was being too picky on a few of them, but you still have to send back a pair even if only one has issues. Because of these issues, I did have to reduce the ratings, but I still like the plates overall. When they come as they should, they are great plates.

I use these often to either add a bit of height to my deadlifts or to add deficits. Additionally, they're great for whatever strongman stuff I'm doing when I don't want to bring concrete or my equipment. When first starting my gym, I also used this to deadlift because I didn't have any other mats at that point. They have held up very well for over 6 years.

One consequence of tearing your tricep tendon (perhaps unsurprisingly) is that your grip suffers in all forms. I've been using my rice bucket at least twice a week to help rehab and strengthen my forearms and elbows. I have noticed that it does help, so if you have any sort of elbow problems, maybe give the rice bucket a try. It's low impact but can really pump up your forearms.

I picked this bar up used from someone who's had it for two years. Besides a few cosmetic things here and there that would be expected, the bar feels like it is pretty much new, so the build quality is already shown to be great. Compared to my Bells of Steel Bare Steel power bar, this is just about the same aggressiveness in the knurling, but everything else is just a bit better. Ironically, my BoS magnetic collars fit better on this bar than the BoS power bar. I also like the wider sleeve end compared to the BoS bar as it makes it easier to unrack the weights. It's still fairly aggressive with a hook grip, just like the BoS bar. For being only roughly $60 more than the BoS bar, I'd take this one new now that I've used it. However, I did knock down the value a bit because, even though it's cheaper initially, bare steel bars do require more maintenance overall compared to bars that have a coating.

This is a cool piece if equipment that I'm really weak at. Definitely a different stimulus from other grip strength, so don't go into thinking you'll be good.