My favorite squat bar is no longer available, but it still sets the standard for what a specialty squat bar should be. The Kabuki Duffalo Bar has become the primary way I squat, and for good reason. Even though it can only be found secondhand now, it remains one of the best lower body training tools ever made. There are still alternatives on the market, but there is also one major issue you need to solve before using any buffalo style bar effectively.
The Duffalo Bar is a buffalo style bar, meaning it uses a large curved camber across the shaft. It measures 96 inches long, weighs 55 pounds, and uses a 32 mm shaft. The defining feature is that deep curve, which dramatically reduces stress on the shoulders and elbows when getting into a back squat position, especially for low bar squatters. High bar squatters may notice some benefit, but low bar users tend to appreciate it the most.
Because of the camber, your hands can sit lower and slightly farther forward than they would on a straight bar. That small change makes a major difference in comfort. If you have ever dealt with cranky elbows, irritated shoulders, or tight wrists during squats, this type of bar can be a game changer.
Another major advantage is stability on the back. Once the Duffalo Bar is set into position, it tends to stay locked in place. The multiple contact points across the upper back create a secure feeling that many straight bars cannot match. Combined with Kabuki’s excellent knurling, the bar feels glued to your back throughout the lift.
The knurling itself is one of the best features. It strikes a rare balance of being aggressive enough to grip well without tearing up your hands or shirt. That combination of grip and curvature is a big reason the bar feels so good to squat with.
Some lifters also use buffalo bars for bench pressing. The curved shaft increases range of motion and can create a more comfortable wrist position. Personally, I do not use it for pressing because my arm length already gives me plenty of range of motion, but many people enjoy it for that purpose.
What this bar does not do is unlock new exercises. It enhances existing movements rather than creating new ones. That said, if you want to discover equipment that does unlock new training options, GymSmith can help. GymSmith lets you build your home gym in a true one to one layout, using real equipment dimensions from a growing catalog of over 1,000 products. You can compare layouts, analyze exercise coverage, and see what equipment fills gaps in your training, all for free.
Now for the main issue with buffalo style bars: standard J-cups are not ideal. Because of the curved shape, the bar wants to rotate downward when racked. Roller J-cups are even worse because they increase instability. The best solutions are purpose built camber blocks or custom angled inserts that let the bar rest naturally at its curved angle.
Once that issue is solved, the bar becomes much easier to unrack and rerack confidently.
Since the Duffalo Bar is discontinued, two strong alternatives remain. The first is the Rogue CB-4. It is slightly larger, heavier, thicker, and deeper in camber than the Duffalo Bar. It is premium priced, but very robust. The second is the Fringe Sport Longhorn Bar, which is likely the better value for most people. It closely mirrors the Duffalo Bar’s dimensions and feel while costing less.
The Kabuki Duffalo Bar remains my favorite squat bar because it preserves the feel of a straight bar while removing much of the discomfort that often comes with heavy squatting. If you love squatting but hate what it does to your joints, a buffalo style bar may be the best upgrade you can make.