Bandbell Earthquake Bar Review – 2024

Last updated on April 5th, 2024 at 10:06 am

There is something intriguing about benching with a bar that only weights 6lbs but can somehow hold 300lbs! I first saw the Bandbell Earthquake Bar when watching some Westside Barbell videos. They had kettlebells swinging around on bands, hitting 50+ reps in a set and I was equal parts confused and excited. What could this be? Why? I honestly do not understand what I am watching. I start digging and realize they are using a Bandbell bar. Their choice at the time was the original Bandbell bar, but the upgraded model is the Bandbell Earthquake Bar, which is what I bought.

What is the Bandbell Earthquake Bar?

The bar is made of composite resins, and resembles a solid PVC pipe. Toss on the end some slotted bamboo like “sleeves” and you have the general makeup of the Bandbell bar. Weighing in at only 6lbs, you can load this bar up with 300lbs and not worry. Well, you CAN load it up that much, but I’d be shocked at anyone but the strongest of benchers loading it up that much out the gate.

I have had friends come over to lift and if we bench this is almost always the first bar I use with them. The ONLY person who didn’t struggle was a personal trainer who did a lot of gymnastics work, rings work, and other stability stuff. Everyone else? They load up 50lbs and get SMASHED in the chest. They struggle to lift 20% of their 1RM as this bar absolutely terrorizes lifters that aren’t bracing properly from head to toe.

YouTube Review

More On The Bandbell Earthquake Bar

I’ve owned this bar since 2013. It has made every possible appearance in my lifting I can think of. Heavy 1RM bench, high rep bench, zercher carries, and more. My take away at this point is that I really enjoy this bar and I am glad I own it. If you have any glaring issues in your stability, it is going to highlight that IMMEDIATELY. Then it will continue to punish you until you fix them.

I like this bar better for higher rep work than lower rep work. I feel lower rep work tends to miss some of the benefits. It is NASTY for a hypertrophy focused bar. The need to squeeze and own the bar really forces a brutal mind muscle connection.

I like the Bandbell Earthquake Bar for anything that involves the shoulders or focuses on the core. I do not like it for squats, deadlifts, rows, curls, and other movements. I’ve tried it over and over again for these movements, and just can not find a benefit. So bench, overhead press, and carry variations are the real win.

You are going to need a decent chunk of bands, some kettlebells or 25lb plates, and some practice loading and unloading the bar. Once you get your basic rhythm with it, it doesn’t take much longer to load than a traditional bar. I like adding in chains as well for some added kinetic craziness.

You can grab a Bandbell Earthquake Bar from this link.

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