Specs for the OBSB ELITE Q91

• Price: 330€ (regularly for sale at ~260€)
• Length: 230 cm
• Weight: 30 kg
• Loadable sleeve length: 40,5 cm
• Curvature angle: 22°
• Distance between pads for the neck: 20cm
• Loading capacity: 1000 kg

Adheres to the standard Safety Squat Bar dimensions

First things first. Like many other lifters, I think EliteFTS set the standard when it comes to regular safety squat bars (SSB). Therefore, I believe that a SSB should match their design closely. UNLESS they bring some serious ingenuity to the field, like the Kabuki Transformer bar. The EliteFTS style SSB is famous for its balance. It allows the user to focus on their squats and not on keeping the bar in balance.

The Sqmize SSB adheres to this standard by having a one-piece thick neck pad. It weighs ~30 kg and has a 22° curvature angle. The one-piece thick neck pad is essential because it reduces pressure. It also distributes the weight over a larger area of your shoulders. The heavy weight of the bar and the curvature angles makes the bar very well balanced. Lighter SSBs have a tendency to be a bit to lively on heavier squats

Sqmize has continuesly improved on the smaller details on this bar since they initially released it. For example the handles now seem to be knurled steel as standard (mine are rubber). Also, they have added end caps. They made the bar from steel with a quality that allows them to rate the loading capacity at 1000 kg. This rating is significantly higher than most budget SSBs. Of course, these details do not affect the function of the bar for most lifters. But they are nice touches that help set it apart in the budget category.

Great price to quality ratio

As the table below showcases, the Sqmize SSB is very competitive pricing to quality ratio compared with other similar SSBs available in Europe. Notice that the Strengthshop and Fitness360 SSBs are on the lighter side in terms of weight. Something that can affect the balance, especially at higher weights.

I have had my Sqmize SSB for over 6 months, and I have used it once weekly. The finish and padding barely shows any signs of use after 6 months. Functionally, I have zero complaints. It does absolute what I expect from a SSB without leaving anything to be desired at that price. The pads are firm enough at higher weights and I have even been able to let go of the handles without having the bar drop from my neck (but do not try this at home!).

Brand	Weight rating	Bar weight	Ships to	Produced in	Price (excl. shipping)
Sqmize OBSB ELITE Q91	1000 kg	30 kg	Europe	Asia	330€ (often on sale for ~260€)
REP SSB	680 kg	30 kg	Europe	Asia	335€
Fitness360 SSB	350 kg	24 kg	Denmark	Asia	200€
Strengthshop SSB	350 kg	21 kg	Europe	Asia	260€
Cerberus SSB (comes with 3 sets of different handles)	680 kg	25 kg	Europe	Asia	600€
Lacertosus	350 kg	29 kg	Europe	Italy	325€ (often on sale for ~280€)

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sqmize SSB is a great SSB that will not leave you wondering if you paid too much for it. The weight of the bar, the loading capacity and its balance are highlights. But, if money is not a factor for you, I would skip all the SSBs in the table above. Instead, consider the Kabuki Transformer Bar. They have just released the new Transformer bar X. It will most likely soon be tested by all the American equipment reviewers (GGR, Glucks Gym, Basement Brandon). Additionally, it will be tested by Kraft Kniff from Germany.