What’s up guys, Tanner here with BarbarianBody. Today I’m reviewing a unique strength training product I’ve had for a couple of years now called the X3 Bar.
It’s a portable muscle-building system consisting of a bar and resistance bands of varying resistance levels.
I’ll give you an overview of what comes with it, how it works, and my thoughts after using it extensively for 30 straight days.
X3 Bar Complete Specifications
The X3 Bar is built with portability and convenience in mind. Overall, the equipment is not too heavy and can be carried around in a duffle bag, which is especially great because I travel frequently for video shoots.
Here are the complete product details of the X3 Bar set of equipment according to their official website.
| Dimensions | Anchor plate: 10″ L x 19″ W x 1″ H & 7 lbs (25.4 cm x 48.3 cm x 2.54 cm & 3.2 kg) Bar: 21.5″ L x 1.25″ D & 4 lbs (55 cm x 3.175 cm & 1.8 kg) X3 White Band: 41″ L x 7/8″ W x 7/32″ H (104 cm x 2.22 cm x 5.5mm) X3 Light Grey Band: 41″ L x 1 1/8″ W x 7/32″ H (104 cm x 2.86 cm x 5.5 mm) X3 Dark Grey Band: 41″ L x 1 13/17″ W x 7/32″ H (104 cm x 4.6 cm x 5.5 mm) X3 Black Band: 41″ L x 2 1/2″ W x 7/32″ H (104 cm x 6.35 cm x 5.5 mm) X3 Elite Band (sold separately): 41″ L x 3 3/8″ W x 7/32″ H (104 cm x 8.6 cm x 5.5 mm) |
| Weight | 17 lbs/7.71 kg (19 lbs/8.61kg with Elite Band) |
| Total resistance | 300 lbs (600 lbs with Elite Band) |
| Materials | Anchor plate: Machined-alloy steel X3 Bar: Machined-alloy steel Bands: Layered latex |
| Band resistance levels | X3 White Band: 10 – 100 lbs (4.53 – 45.3 kg) X3 Light Grey Band: 25 – 160 lbs (11.33 – 72.57 kg) X3 Dark Grey Band: 50 – 240 lbs (22.67 – 108.86 kg) X3 Black Band: 60 – 300 lbs (27.21 – 136 kg) X3 Elite Band (sold separately): 110 – 600 lbs (49.98 – 272.15 kg) |
| Price (exclusive discount code below) | X3 Bar set: $549 USD X3 Elite Band: $99.99 USD |
How Do the X3 Resistance Bands Compare?
They seem pretty comparable to me even after 30 days of extensive use. According to the X3 website, the bands last up to 7 years due to 15 layers of natural latex that prevent snapping or breaking, unlike cheaper resistance bands.
Honestly, other bands work just as well too, but they come with a 1-year warranty so you might as well use them and keep your extras as backup.
Price: $549 (X3 Bar, 4 X3 Bands, Anchor Plate)
Discount: $50 OFF with code BARBARIAN
Promotion: 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
Thoughts on the X3 Bar Itself
The bar is the most unique part of the system. It's extremely well-built with a super stiff 31mm diameter shaft and very grippy knurling. I love using it for deadlifts and shoulder presses. It has a smooth spin thanks to the rotating collars. Overall, this bar is a beast!
My Experience Using the X3 Bar for 30 Days
I used the X3 Bar system extensively for 30 straight days. Here were my main takeaways:
The bands were tougher than expected. It took me a couple of weeks to really get the mind-muscle connection down and push to full fatigue vs. just feeling a pump. But once it clicked, I saw great results in both strength and muscle growth.
There was some wrist and shoulder discomfort at first from the knurling and band tension. I had to tweak my form a bit early on. But my body adapted quickly.
While I missed throwing around actual weights at times, the X3 Bar gave me an efficient, hardcore workout anytime, anywhere. I could get in a solid training session in as little as 10-20 minutes.
How the X3 Bar System Could Be Improved
While I'm a fan of the X3 Bar, a few small changes could make it even better:
- Improve the cap fittings so they don't fall out
- Add rollers to the footplate for smoother band tension
- Offer a longer bar for tall users or those with shoulder mobility restrictions
- Provide more band resistances for lighter and heavier users
Overall though, it's a well-designed system as-is.
What's the Philosophy Behind the X3 Bar?
The idea behind the X3 Bar is that you can build a complete home gym with just this single device. The makers claim you can get just as strong and muscular using the X3 vs. a garage full of equipment.
After trying it myself and seeing the insane transformations from people online, I believe it. The X3 lets you train every muscle in a minimalist, straightforward way. I love the simplicity.
Their training style is different though. You do single sets to complete muscular failure using higher rep ranges, progressively moving up to heavier bands over time. This can shock your body in new ways versus rigid set/rep schemes.
Why Use the X3 Bar Over a Typical Home Gym?
Based on my personal experience using the X3 Bar, here are some of the key benefits to using it instead of a typical home setup with barbells, dumbbells, machines, etc.:
- All-in-one efficient workout: No need to store and change out multiple pieces of equipment.
- Resistance bands challenge muscles in new ways: Bands provide accommodating resistance that forces muscles to work harder where they are strongest. This leads to new growth.
- Small footprint: It can be stored easily and used anywhere, with no bulky equipment required.
- Time saver: You can get in a complete workout in as little as 10-20 minutes. No loading plates, changing attachments, etc.
- Progressive overload: The varying band resistances allow you to gradually increase intensity over time.
- Lower cost: For $500-600 you get an entire gym's worth of training capability, which would otherwise cost upwards of $2000.
For efficiency, versatility, and strength/muscle-building potential, the X3 Bar packs a lot of punch in a small package!
The Verdict After 30 Days of Testing
The X3 Bar is not without its flaws and the price point might be repulsive to some. However, after using it for 30 days consecutively, its durability, portability, and versatility have earned the X3 Bar my ironclad approval.
The unique resistance bands allow for strength gains you just can't replicate with fixed weights alone. Moreover, the grip on the bar is impeccable, and the minimal footprint allows me to do a full-body workout quite literally anywhere.
I hope this comprehensive X3 Bar review was helpful! Feel free to drop any questions below. I'd recommend the X3 Bar for anyone looking to train from home with minimal equipment and maximum workout efficiency.
Try it out yourself and let me know what you think! Don't forget to use code BARBARIAN at checkout to save $50 on your order from their website!
FAQ
What is the X3 Bar?
The X3 Bar is a strength training system that uses resistance bands instead of traditional weights like barbells or dumbbells. The idea is that bands provide more resistance at the top of a movement versus a regular barbell which offers the same resistance throughout the entire range of motion.
This allows your muscles to work harder where they are strongest. The "X3" name comes from the claim that you can build muscle and strength 3x faster than with fixed weights.
What Comes With the X3 Bar System?
When you order the X3 Bar, you get all the equipment you need for a complete home workout:
- The X3 Bar itself
- A foot plate to anchor the bands
- 4 resistance bands of varying resistance levels (see above section)
- Access to the X3 Bar workout app
- X3 Bar starter's guide
The Elite band that exceeds 600 lbs (272 kg) is sold separately for $99. Then again, if you're a veteran lifter, it goes without saying that heavier weights equals to heftier prices. For the average person, the four resistance bands that come together with the bar are sufficient.
How Do You Use the X3 Bar?
Using the X3 Bar is simple:
- Thread the bands through the foot plate
- Attach the bands to the hooks on the bar
- Adjust band tension as needed
- Grab the bar and start lifting!
You can use single bands for less resistance or loop bands through the plate for more resistance and shorter range of motion.
What Does the X3 Bar Cost?
The X3 Bar system retails for $549. For that price, you get the complete training system including the app, bands, and bar. You also get access to their full exercise database and training programs. Use my code BARBARIAN at checkout to save $50 on your order from their website!
