Are you so busy that you can’t find time to go to the gymnastics? Don’t worry! There are many alternative ways to do exercise, not necessarily going to the fitness center.
With the help of a specific bar for pull-ups, you can enjoy a variety of intense workouts for your upper body. In addition to its convenience, this equipment is far from expensive to buy.
Check our top 9 best pull up bar reviews and do not forget the comprehensive guide to help you pick up the most suitable one!
Top 9 Best Pull Up Bar Reviews
The industry of fitness is booming, which leads to a wide range of sports equipment on the market nowadays. When you go into the market without any prior preparation, the likelihood is that you waste a huge amount of money into something unsuitable for you later.
Going through several reviews is an excellent idea to start your process of getting the right bars. Here are the top 9 best pull-up bar reviews Nogii have researched over an extended period.
Stud Bar – Ceiling or Wall Mountable Pull-Up Bar
One of the best pull-up bars we would like to introduce first is the Stud Bar which can be mounted to either wall or high ceilings. Therefore, it should be the most suitable option if you are looking for equipment at garage gyms or home.
This bar is very strong and can handle up to 600 pounds. There are three separated heights of the ceiling for this pull-up bar: 8-foot, 9-foot, or 10-foot. They are different from each other regarding the riser length.
With high enough ceiling, you can expect this riser height to offer space so that you can perform muscle ups or kipping pull-ups. These exercises are impossible if you use doorway pull-up bars.
There are two height settings in the large and standard models, so you can get the ultimate reach as well as a range of motion which is suitable to your own height.
Unfortunately, the Stud bar does not offer any padding for the grip, just like most pull-up bars for ceiling on the market. You may find it uncomfortable as your hands can slip off the bar. To deal with this problem, the recommendation is to make use of weightlifting gloves.
Meanwhile, it is surprising to find out that this lack of foam is also beneficial in some ways. You do not need to be concerned about wearing out or unwanted movement during the workouts.
Pros
- Quick installation
- Offer various pull-up height settings
- Handle up to 600 pounds
- Can be used for ceiling or wall
- Solid feel and stable
Cons
- No padding for grip
- The process of switching between height settings can be time-consuming
KIT4FIT Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar
This bar is multifunctional fitness equipment that can help you perform workout efficiently, no matter where you choose to mount it.
Its primary material is heavy duty steel, so the durability and stability are guaranteed with the solid construction.
Once you have this bar, you can enjoy a variety of exercises, including pull-ups, dips, push-ups, chin-ups, or the mix of them at the same time.
The manufacture also pays attention to the comfort of customers, so they provide padded arms and customizable backrest to help your spine and elbow suffer from less pressure. Besides, your upper body, including your chest, waist, or abdomen, will feel more comfortable as well.
There are 8 different grip positions, and you can make more muscles work better in various exercises and longer period.
With all benefits, the bar remains very compact in design so that you can use it almost anywhere at home. The assembly is straightforward with full and specific instructions.
On the other hand, some users on Amazon complained that this bar could not hold too many pounds.
Pros
- Multifunctional fitness equipment
- Comfortable and stable
- Combine a lot of different exercises
- Offer complete parts for the core exercises
Cons
- The capability of handling too many pounds is questioned
CAP Barbell Power Rack Exercise Stand
CAP Barbell is a well-known brand in this industry for its variety of fitness products, most of which are suitable for the home gym. Power racks, including this product, are very common for dedicated weightlifters as well as those who are interested in full workouts.
Power racks can do more than a few exercises of pulling ups and downs, but regarding its function as a pull-up bar alone, CAP barbell power rack deserves to be one of the best pull-up bars.
This power rack comes from gauge steel, which is the reason why it is very strong. The manufacture welds the steel tubes together by using mounting plates, so everything is very secure. Mini gussets in these mounting plates minimize the risk of collapsing, so you do not need to worry about accidents when doing these exercises.
The most striking feature is that the power rack can handle 300 pounds. Its versatility is incredible as you can perform deadlifts, squats, or bench press, in addition to pull-ups.
What can be wrong with this product?
The power rack has big foot print, so you may need to spend much more space on it than other similar bars in this list.
Besides, if you want to perform other types of workout, you also need to get separated tools, such as bar, plates, or bands. They are not included in the power rack.
Pros
- Durable steel
- Can handle around 300 pounds
- Various colors
- Serve many different workouts
Cons
- Does not offer additional devices, such as plates or bar
- Take much space
Stamina Power Towers
Considering its power, Stamina power towers are the best for your budget, not to mention many other benefits. With this product, you can enjoy different exercises in a relatively small footprint right inside your house.
This model has a significant advantage when it offers foam hand grips. They help to improve the comfort and security for your exercises, reducing the risk of slipping off the bar. Besides, your hands will not be injured during the workout.
With these power towers, you can do pull not only ups but also many versatile workouts, such as triceps dips, chest, arms, or back.
Slips and caps of the tower make it suitable for those who even weigh 250 pounds. Several users claimed that it could even handle more than that figure. However, for safety reasons, you should follow the guidelines from the manufacturer.
You have to assemble it on your own, but it is shown very specifically in the instructions. And all pieces are included.
What are the complaints about this product? The most common drawback we have heard is flimsy and unstable construction. However, it is still controversial as others found it very sturdy even for the most intense workout.
Last but not least, you will get a 5-year warranty for the frame and 90-day for parts. So, even if problems happen, you still get the guarantee from the manufacturer.
Pros
- Foam padding
- Excellent warranty
- Compact design
- Versatile for many workouts
- Best power tower for budget
Cons
- Possible flimsy construction
Titan Fitness Wall Mounted Pull-Up Bar
If you care so much about the quality and durability of pull-up bars, you can choose the Titan Fitness bar as the best option. The bar can handle up to 500 pounds, so you can get enough support when doing pull-ups.
It is possible to install the bar vertically or horizontally, so it saves a lot of space for your home.
The construction is solid as it comes from heavyweight steel to make sure that it offers you the best stability during the workout. Also, it is coated with matte black powder, which helps improve the durability of the bar over time. Even the most hardworking athletes will find this bar durable after many years of using.
However, some users claimed that they had difficulty assembling this bar as the instructions are quite poor. Perhaps the manufacturer has to work on this disadvantage shortly. But, if Nogii consider its price and benefits, it is still a fantastic investment.
Pros
- Weight capacity of 500 pounds
- Solid construction
- Mounting hardware makes it more versatile
- You can install horizontally or vertically
- Adjustable according to the ceiling height
Cons
- Poor instructions
Ultimate Body Press Ceiling Mounted Pull-Up Bar
Its elevated pull-up position is one of the most significant characteristics of this bar. With this model, you can benefit from different options of grips, from narrow to wide, depending on what muscles you want to work on. Also, you will get parallel bars which allow you to isolate shoulder and back muscles.
The capacity of this bar is around 300 pounds, which is strong enough to handle most intense exercises.
Besides, the Ultimate Body Fitness provides customers with countless accessories to make workouts more diverse, such as gymnastic rings, push-up rings, or abdominal straps. You can get and install them within minutes to improve your experience of workout with this bar.
Like most other bars, you can assemble this model quickly and effortlessly. The company is well-known for its equipment of high-intensity workouts.
What do we love most about this bar? Its durability is excellent. There have been no reports of flexing or failing to handle the user’s weight so far.
Nevertheless, it has several drawbacks, apparently. The first one is the bolts which many users found quite cheap and unreliable. To cope with this problem, you can get a new and heavy-duty one at the nearest hardware store.
Secondly, it is possible for your feet to hit the wall when you use the bar. You can do controlled pull-ups to avoid it or another solution is to mount it above your doorway. In this case, you will have enough clearance.
Pros
- Different options of grips
- Elevated positions to maximize the range of motion
- Quick installation
- Solid construction
- The company offers so many additional tools
Cons
- Not enough clearance
- Cheap bolts
- Some complained that the bar does not fit the doorway, so you should check it carefully before making a purchase
Iron Age Pull-Up Bar
Another fantastic option for those who are not willing to spend a huge amount of money on bars is the Iron Age Pull-Up Bar. It works as efficiently as other bars, but comes at a very reasonable price. Moreover, it is one of the best options if you are a beginner.
It can hold up to 440 pounds, not too much compared to other models in this list but strong enough for most users. Besides, the manufacturer claims that the bar is around 6 inches higher than most other models, so it is very special for tall people as they do not have to flex the knees.
You can hang it on the door frame and it will stay there firmly during the whole workout. In some circumstances, you can remove it to do other exercises, such as push-ups or dips.
Steel and plastic are the primary materials for this bar. You will get everything you need when assembling the unit, even a hex open wrench. Another interesting thing you get along with this product is a complete guide of workout and nutrition.
Typically, you only need around 5 minutes to install or remove the bar. No customers have complained about damage to their walls or door frames, so you can be relieved about that.
Foam grips are available for standard or wide pull-ups. But many customers also found these parallel grip handles quite small and improperly placed.
What most people do not like about the product is that its plastic elements may snap as a consequence of heavy use.
Pros
- Reasonable price
- Versatile
- 440-pound capacity
- Quick installation or removal
- Smart hook technology
Cons
- Plastic parts can snap
Ikonfitness Pull Up Bar Max with Ergonomic Grip
Some bars can make your feet hit the wall because of their limited height. If it is your biggest concerns, you can try Ikonfitness bar.
Its design can help you raise the bar around 8 inches higher than most opponents, so there is no need to worry. Tall people now can enjoy different exercises, including ones which demand more space.
Besides, many people praised its intelligent design along with cushioning to help reduce the risk of door frame damage.
The comfort and reliability of the product is maximum thanks to its soft foam grips.
If you are worried about mounting the bar, the good news is that it is very straightforward. You even do not need any other equipment to get it done.
Pros
- Very convenient for tall people
- Handle up to 440 pounds
- Soft foam grips to offer more comfort
- Guarantee of 100% satisfaction
- No damage to the door frame
Cons
- May be unsuitable for short people
Garren Fitness Maximiza Pull Up Bar
The Garren fitness Maximiza pull-up bar offers the best possibility to help you strengthen and tone your abs, back, and arms. This bar is so versatile as you can make use of it for a variety of workouts, including hanging leg raises, crunches, or chin-ups.
The heavy-duty chrome steel is used to produce the bar and it is even framed to improve the durability. There are three different sets of mountings to help users choose their desired height.
The manufacturer determined its safe capacity of around 440 pounds, and it provides maximum support when you do exercises. Its cushioned pads set you free from worries of damage to your door frame.
What’s interesting about this product is that you do not need to assemble. It is ready to use immediately, so you just need to hook it into your doorframe and enjoy the workout.
Are there any complaints? Yes, some people reported that the bar might rotate when you grip to perform pull-ups. It may come from the lack of a locking mechanism to make it tight. You had better think a lot about the place where you will install the bar to minimize this disadvantage.
Pros
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Ergonomic design
- Maximum comfort and durability
- No need for assembling
- Hold 440 pounds
Cons
- Possibly rotate
- Does not have any locking mechanism
What You Need to Know When Choosing It?
With so many benefits mentioned above, are you excited to get a pull-up bar immediately? Don’t rush to the market before knowing what you need to take into consideration. The process of choosing the right pull up bars can be very confusing unless you are clear about what to look for.
Here are some factors you have to think about when it comes to pull-up bars.
Know Your Doorway
The first step is to know that your doorway is suitable for pull-up bars. It is a very clear fact, but many people ignore it or take it for granted. In fact, many doorways cannot hold the bar, which causes a waste of money or even injuries after you purchase and use the bar.
When you have doubts or are uncertain about your doorway, the recommendation is to ask a professional.
Portability
Perhaps the best thing we love about pull-up bars is the fact that we can bring it and do the workout anywhere. As a result, you should pay attention to the portability of the product.
For several pull-up bars, you do not need to have permanent supports, which means that there is no necessity to damage the door frames or walls.
Some bars even do not even require brackets, like the case of Sunny Health & Fitness Pull-Up Bar. However, these bars usually have lower secure leverage than other models.
Portability is a fantastic addition, but you should not sacrifice other great advantages only for convenience. You may get yourself to be threatened and injured.
Versatility
Versatility is another significant characteristic that you need to consider when buying pull-ups bars. Some bars offer various grip options that enable you to enjoy a variety of exercises. For example, you can get 5 grip positions from the Iron Gym Extreme Edition.
Therefore, in addition to price, features, and style, it is essential to count on the versatility to determine whether the bar is worth investment or not.
Compact and Sturdy
One of the most interesting advantages of pull-up bars is to be able to hold your massive body weight, but still compact. Typically, the weight of pull-up bars is around 10 pounds or lower, but they can stand about 300 pounds. You should be aware of these numbers when choosing the bars.
Best Choice
With all the products, Nogii have reviewed above, all of them share many similar advantages, though each one presents several drawbacks.
From our perspective, if you are serious about this exercise, the Stud Bar should be the best option. Although its price may be higher than most other models, it offers so many undoubted benefits which are good for you in the long term.
Benefits When Using Pull Up Bar
Pull-ups are straightforward, but have transformative effects on a variety of muscles, including arms, chest, back, and shoulder. This exercise provides many benefits, which makes it become one of the favorite workouts of the US Marine Corps to measure the strength of our upper body.
20-25 per time is a sign of excellent condition, while under 3 pull-ups mean that you have to work a lot harder. And now, with a pull-up bar, you can train it almost anywhere and improve your strength daily.
Pull-up bar is a combination of strength training and cardio as you have to use large muscle groups. Besides, your heart rate will increase as well, only for a short while.
In addition to convenience and flexibility, here are some other advantages of pull-ups that may make you desire to take part in it immediately:
Improve Grip Strength
Grip strength plays an essential role in our daily life, and one of the most effective ways to improve it is to do pull-ups. Just imagine that once your hands can hold up all body weight, you can do anything with your hands, from mountain climbing to weightlifting. Perhaps it is not struggling to open a stubborn jar anymore.
Also, pull-ups are beneficial for your ability to transfer strength to other types of exercises, such as weight training ones. When you do pull-ups regularly, you will find it easy to adapt to pulldowns, curls, or rows than other people.
Enhance Posture and Back
Pull-ups have significant impacts on your core and back muscles, which allow you to have better posture as a result. When you have proper posture, it will make you look leaner and younger before others.
Stronger back muscles also help you stay away from back pain, which is a nightmare for all of us. If you have already had pain in the back, the recommendation is to start with some basic pull-up exercises to improve its muscles.
Lose Fat
All exercises contribute to the loss of fat, which is very meaningful for obese people. But pull-up is something suitable for everyone thanks to its ease. Besides, it is still a type of intense training which helps you burn so many calories.
It aims to help you get rid of fat in some stubborn areas, such as your arms, waist, or back. Therefore, it is an excellent idea to start doing a pull-up for your fitness goal today.
For those who are looking for V shape in their body, the pull-up is an appropriate exercise as well.
Better Mood
Last but not least, in addition to benefits on your health, your mood also becomes better thanks to pull-ups. We should know that whatever type of exercises also stimulates the brain’s release of chemicals, such as serotonin.
It is responsible for the feeling of happiness and the prevention of depression and anxiety. So, do more exercise, and you will feel better not only in physical condition but also mental well-being.
Pull-Ups Exercise
If you have ever done exercise, perhaps pull-up is no longer strange to you. You must have tried it at least once in your life. Nevertheless, it is surprising to find out that even a pull-up can be challenging for some people.
Human beings are not familiar with lifting their own weight with arms. Our legs take most responsibility when we walk, jump, or run.
Modified Pull-Ups
We all can do pull-up easily, but the truth is we don’t perform it often, so we find it quite difficult, especially at the beginning. Therefore, you do not need to begin the pull-ups with the whole body weight.
In this case, you can try several modified pull-ups with the help of a chair or box under for you to stand on. These items will reduce the weight you have to suffer during the workout.
Kipping Pull-Ups
Another way to help you finish pull-up is kipping, in which you do upward bucking thrust to make things easier. This technique is quite common for CrossFit practitioners who want to make higher repetitions.
How Much Weight Can Pull-Up Bars Hold?
Pull-up bars can be a fantastic way to do exercises right at your home without too much space. However, everything can be tricky if your weight goes beyond 250 pounds. In such a case, choosing an unsuitable bar can be a disaster as it may not handle your weight and lead to the destruction of your wall or doorway.
All pull-up bars on the market come with a weight limit which the manufacturer has claimed for safety reasons. This limit is designed to protect you from injuries and accidents, so do not play with it!
Each bar has its own limit of weight capacity, and you can identify it based on the types of bar.
- Telescopic Bar: is the simplest and most economical type, and it also has the lowest weight capacity, only around 250 pounds.
- Door Frame Mounting: is suitable for people who weight under 300 pounds. It is stronger than telescopic bar as they usually hang from your door frame’s top. To make sure that it does not cause any damage to your door, you should check several times before doing the workouts.
- Stud Mounted Bar: This is the strongest bar as it can handle up to 600 pounds. It also requires you to check its structural integrity carefully. When you are not certain about integrity, you should ask a professional for advice.
Do Pull-Up Bars Work?
Pull-up bars bring a new and exciting experience of fitness to your home. As long as you perform it properly, it is beneficial for your health and shape.
However, the efficiency of pull-up bars also depends much on how you use them.
If you are new to fitness, it is essential to contact your doctor in case you have some health concerns. Pull-up is a simple exercise, but it has some requirements that need to be addressed.
Remember that you are doing so to improve your health, not to make it worse. Do not push yourself too much!
Besides, you always need to check the bars to see whether it is well set up. It is even more crucial in case you want to perform kipping pull-ups. Safety is always the first factor you need to consider; otherwise, you may end up being hurt and damaging your own house at the same time.
What Is the Best Height for A Pull-Up Bar?
Height is one of the most significant factors when you install a pull-up bar. It has to be high enough so that you perform pull-ups without being interfered by your legs, but at the same time, it needs to be low enough, so there is no need to jump to reach it.
To have correct pull-up posture, your arms need to be straight and not locked when you hang from the bar. In case of overhand pull-ups, use the fingers which face away from the face to grip the bar before bending the arms to pull-up the body until the chin goes above the bar.
If you perform underhand pull-ups, your fingers which face your face and do the same.
You need to consider legs as a big issue when it comes to pull-up bars. It is essential to make your legs comfortably bent when you do exercises. You need to remember this when choosing the height of pull-up bars.
Another recommendation to get the right height is that you should place the bar outside your door frame. It helps you have headroom to the ceiling, rather than the door jamb only. You should also choose a doorway which does not serve many other uses. Too busy doorways can be inconvenient for your workout.
How to Build A Pull-Up Bar?
Here is a quick guide to help you understand how to build a pull-up bar on your doorway or wall within a few minutes:
- You may consider installing the bar on the ground level as it is easier
- Check the placement first to make sure that it is square
- Then, get a galvanized steel pipe of 18 inches and threat it into an end of a galvanized elbow. Do the same with the other pipe
- Make two steel pipes tightened into a new galvanized elbow’s end
- Two flanges should be threaded into the other ends of two pipes
- You need to flip the bar over and rest it on the floor to make sure that it is square. When it is not square, you may need a pipe wrench to tighten or loosen the elbows
- In the next step, you have to identify the position of support beam before pre-drilling some lag screw holes
- Later, the bar should be positioned, and 4 holes should be marked for flanges. With the help of a socket wrench, the bar needs to be attached to the wood lag by 8 lag screws
- Then, you repeat the same process so that the wood is attached to your ceiling with the other lag screws
Final Word
Pull-ups are such a beneficial workout, no matter whether you are a beginner or professional athlete. With specific bars designed for this type of workout, everything is so easy now when you can do an exercise right at the door.
Grab one from our best pull-up bar reviews to enhance your strength from today! If you have any interesting experience, do not hesitate to share with us.
