Question about chains...

[mvmaxx]

Ok, after checking out EFS's site (thanks jcp2) I found the chains for sale and have been contemplating doing that for a while. I think it may help my core lifts and get me past 505 on DL's and 405 on bench.

Now should I just be buying the "chains complete set"
And does it include two straps, one for each side of the bar?

http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/frames.asp?cid=105


Who here has used chains and what's your opinion on them?

 

[grafixLSUalum]

i like bands more than chains, they are smoother

 

[70w30]

Those prices are brutal...measure up your equipment and make em yourself.Good post mvmaxx....I,ve heard of this ...through west sides site thanks for the pics .I,m off to the supplier tomorrow ...
I can post a meterial list as well as prices......
Cad plated links don,t rust by the way

 

[DADAWG]

70s advice is good our bands are jumpstretch brand , but our chains are homemade sets using chain from lowes hardware , we just use a small piece of rope to loop the chains over the bar , you just change the length of the rope depending on whether you are benching squatting etc. the chains should be just barely dragging the ground at lockout and almost completely on the floor at the bottom , ACCELERATE through the weight increase

 

[mvmaxx]

70s advice is good our bands are jumpstretch brand , but our chains are homemade sets using chain from lowes hardware , we just use a small piece of rope to loop the chains over the bar , you just change the length of the rope depending on whether you are benching squatting etc. the chains should be just barely dragging the ground at lockout and almost completely on the floor at the bottom , ACCELERATE through the weight increase

Awww thanks for the clarification, I was wondering about that. I'm going to go to Lowe's on Thur and do some shopping.

Another ? - when it says 5/8 chains on the Elite site are they saying the chains are 5/8"? Do I go to Lowe's and find 5/8" chains? Also, what lengths are they? They said it was 50lbs total but I'm not sure if I can find a scale to weigh those bad boys while at Lowe's.

 

[DADAWG]

Awww thanks for the clarification, I was wondering about that. I'm going to go to Lowe's on Thur and do some shopping.

Another ? - when it says 5/8 chains on the Elite site are they saying the chains are 5/8"? Do I go to Lowe's and find 5/8" chains? Also, what lengths are they? They said it was 50lbs total but I'm not sure if I can find a scale to weigh those bad boys while at Lowe's.

5/8 thickness , we guessed on the length and made them about 4 fet long but they are just a little long 44 in would probably be good but start with 4 feet you can cut some off later if you need to, the thickness and weight of the chain you use doesnt matter just figure out how much each length weighs and add chains until you get the desired weight . in other words 1/2 " would work or 3/8" for that matter just add more chains per side until you get the desired weight . the most important thing is adjusting the length which can be done with the rope or strap used to attach chains to the bar if the rope is to long the too much of the chain will remain on the ground [ no weight increase as you lockout ] and if the ropes to short the chains will swing free at lockout and mess up your balance [ adjust the rope so that the chains are barely on the ground at lockout so they dont swing around ]

 

[eastarr69]

i like bands more than chains, they are smoother

I am with you bro..i did not buy any, but i have borowed bands at the gym from some bros, and i find them smoother, plus easier to use on just about every exercise, and quiet as a mouse...

E

 

[DADAWG]

I am with you bro..i did not buy any, but i have borowed bands at the gym from some bros, and i find them smoother, plus easier to use on just about every exercise, and quiet as a mouse...

E

im not concerned with quiet , the bands have their place but according to simmons it is easier to overtrain with bands if used to often but you could use chains pretty much indefinately . my own experience gives me the same opinion

 

[mvmaxx]

DADAWG - I went to Lowe's and only found 3/8". That was the thickest they had. I also pulled out about 4' worth and held it up and it didn't feel like it weighed over 10lbs. That means I'd have to get like 3 sets per side. I'm going to Home Depot today or tomorrow to check and see if they have any bigger ones.

 

[DADAWG]

DADAWG - I went to Lowe's and only found 3/8". That was the thickest they had. I also pulled out about 4' worth and held it up and it didn't feel like it weighed over 10lbs. That means I'd have to get like 3 sets per side. I'm going to Home Depot today or tomorrow to check and see if they have any bigger ones.

3/8 would be fine it doesnt matter if you use 4 or 5 chains per side it would make it easier to adjust how much weight of chain your using , i have experimented with as much as 100 pounds total chain weight

 

[mvmaxx]

K, another dumbass question, mainly because I've never even see anyone use chains before and I workout at an upscale sissy gym. Do you just use rope to tie the chains to the bar and adjust it accordingly so all the chain is on the ground at the bottom of the lift?

 

[DADAWG]

K, another dumbass question, mainly because I've never even see anyone use chains before and I workout at an upscale sissy gym. Do you just use rope to tie the chains to the bar and adjust it accordingly so all the chain is on the ground at the bottom of the lift?

a small rope works fine you will need different lengths for the different excercises . the chains should barely touch the floor at lockout , just enough to keep them from swinging freely. and at the bottom they should be almost all on the floor but be careful not to have the rope to long and leave to much slack

 

[eastarr69]

can i borrow some of the extra rope to hang my girl........sorry...just some post hopping venting...chicks can drive you completely insane....

E