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After spending several months conducting research to find the best versatile dip bars for a home gym, I've come to realize the importance of recommending equipment that allows you to target multiple muscle groups efficiently.
While I often advise my clients in this regard, it's worth noting that you don't need to break the bank with a full-size Smith machine.
A simple piece of equipment like a dip station might be the cheapest and one of the best investments you can make.
But be careful with some of these products.
We’ve seen a few that were nowhere near safe enough for proper use.
So, check out our test results for these best dip bars.
Best Dip Bars For Home Workouts (September 2023)
1 - XMark Fitness Dip Station (Editor's Choice)
Our best testing results came with this high-quality dip stand made of heavy-duty steel. We had several heavier bodybuilders try it out, and it showed no signs of wobbling or vibrating.
The angled grips make this a good option if you do exercises that require your hands to be at different distances apart.
- Weight capacity : 500 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 36"L x 23"W x 53"H
- Offers 21” and 23” separation to better suit men and women
- Many positive comments about the solid design
- It’s easy to assemble without DIY skills
- The foam padding is thick and comfortable for better grip
- The finish may chip if you knock other heavy exercise equipment off it
The only downside is that the powder coating could be a bit better quality to avoid chips and scratches.
2 - Lebert Fitness Equalizer Total Body Strengthener
This set of dip bars comes as two pieces of equipment that may give you much more flexibility for the exercises and intensity levels you might want to achieve.
They may also be the most portable dip bars, making them easy to store. And they should support up to 400 lbs body weight, which is possibly the highest limit you’ll find for these types of dip stands.
- Weight capacity : 400 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 28.5"H x 25"W
- The two separate bars offer the most flexibility from beginner to advanced
- Available in two different height options
- Ideal for storing away after training
- May not be suitable for taller athletes
However, I found that these dip stands aren't suitable for taller people.
3 - AmazonBasics Dip Fitness Bar
We’ve seen a few Amazon-branded dip stations, but these seem to be their most heavy-duty dip bars so far.
You’re unlikely to get anywhere near the 600 lbs limit, which should reduce the chances of wobbles.
I also liked that the thick rubber feet helped avoid slipping even on smooth surfaces.
- Weight capacity : 660 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 34"L x 33"W x 38"H
- High weight limit makes this a sturdy option
- Angled frame may reduce risks of bumping into it during workouts
- Non-slip rubber floor pads may reduce the chance of accidents
- It’s not fully foldable for easier storage
While these are portable dip bars, they don’t seem easy to fold up and store.
4 - XL Parallette Bars
I particularly liked the solid design of this portable dip station as it reduces the bars flexing under pressure.
They’re also suitable for any people who might have limited home gym space as it’s not a one-piece design.
- Weight capacity : 300 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 19"L x 14.5"H
- Heavy-duty and stable design may reduce chances of wobbling
- Ideal for home use as they might be easier to store away
- Powder coated to reduce slipping on the handles
- They could limit the types of exercises you do due to the height
Just be aware that you can’t adjust the height, which might limit you to fewer exercises.
5 - BalanceFrom Multi-Function Dip Stand
This is possibly one of the most adjustable dip stand options we found, and we liked that changing the height doesn’t require tools.
That should allow you to make quick adjustments to vary your set a bit.
You might also like the additional handles on the bottom of the frame that you could use for added range of motion during push-ups.
- Weight capacity : 500 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 30"L x 28"W x 51"H
- Best option for height adjustability and more training flexibility
- Solid design should reduce wobbles and vibrations
- Includes push-up handles on the base of the frame
- It’s not suitable for folding down and storing
The only thing we’d say is that this would require some dedicated space as it’s not a foldable option.
6 - Relife Dip Station
Here’s another portable dip station, but this one may provide the added bonus of being height-adjustable. Not only might that help taller athletes, but you’ll gain some more flexibility in your workouts.
We also thought that the cushioned grips might reduce how much your hands move around to give more security.
- Weight capacity : 300 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 30"L x 23"W x 35"H
- One of the few portable dip stations that are height adjustable
- Offers a good range of exercises by lying it sideways
- Comfortable grips in the center for more secure training
- Adjusting the height requires tools and may disrupt your training routine
While it has an adjustable height, you’ll need a tool to do this, which may disrupt your training.
7 - Fuel Pureformance Deluxe Dip Station
We liked these portable dip bars because of the angled design that should give you more training options without bumping into the frame.
Many people think that the thicker steel tubing might give you some more stability, especially if you do some weighted dips.
- Weight capacity : 300 lbs capacity
- Dimensions : 27"L x 22"W x 36"H
- 14 gauge steel frame makes this very sturdy
- Optional rings might give you some extra workout choices
- Powder coated finish does a good job to protect it from dents and scratches
- May not be wide enough for some male bodybuilders
8 - Titan Fitness HD Dip Station
Here’s a dip stand with an impressive weight capacity of over 700 pounds.
I know that people won’t get anywhere near that, but what this might mean is fewer risks of shaking or wobbling during intense bodyweight exercises.
Many people also commented about the easy assembly, as it should only take 15 minutes to get it ready for action.
- Weight capacity: 750 lbs
- Dimensions: 31"L x 35"W x 39"H
- Pros:
- Has one of the largest weight capacities
- Thick rubber feet ensure that it doesn’t slip
- Takes only minutes to assemble
- It’s portable but not easy to store out of the way
Just keep in mind that for storage purposes, you might need to partially take it apart as it’s got an awkward shape.
9 - Ultimate Body Press Dip Bar Fitness Station
The Ultimate Body Press dip stands might be a good choice if you need something that has an adjustable width and height.
The design made it easy to put together and fold up when I was not using it.
- Weight capacity : 350 lbs
- Dimensions : 24"L x 36"W x 36"H
- Easy to adjust both height and width
- Folds up easily enough to keep it out of the way after training
- Many positive comments about the grips providing better support
- Might not be the most stable for heavier athletes
We just noted a few comments from heavier athletes who thought there might be a bit of flex in it.
10 - Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6507 Dip Station
Our final recommendation is another portable dip station with good adjustment options and an easy storage design.
It might not look like some of the fancier fitness equipment, but our testing results showed that it was sturdy and might offer better safety from the foam grips.
- Weight capacity : 250 lbs
- Dimensions : 46"L x 26"W x 30"H
- Seems to be easy enough to store
- Making adjustments doesn’t require tools
- Soft foam handles may provide a good grip
- The weight limit is a bit low for some bodybuilders
Just be aware of the lower weight capacity, which some heavier bodybuilders might get close to.
Buyer’s Guide
These are the four areas that you need to consider in your buying decision.
1. Height Adjustment
If you want flexibility in your workout routines, then adjustable height settings are a must. The further off the ground you can get, the more flexibility you have to get your legs out of the way.
I’ve seen this as a big frustration for taller people who might just give up on dips because their legs become distractions. This could lead them to become unmotivated with their workouts as a result.
Another benefit of having more height adjustment features for this piece of equipment is the comfort it provides in the long run.
2. Weight Capacity
Don’t be tempted to buy anything other than heavy-duty steel construction. Even if you don’t need a huge weight capacity, only stainless steel will provide the least amount of wobble and flex that could become a safety issue.
As you grow stronger, you might increase the speed or add a weighted vest, which would both put more strain on the frame.
This is simply not something worth compromising.
3. Storage
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a large home gym where nobody would complain about yet another piece of equipment.
I’ve heard of a few marriages coming under pressure, and let’s face it, a dip stand isn't worth that.
If you have little space to spare, then find a stand that is easy to move or fold up. You might not need it every day, and being able to move it around might also give you the opportunity to get some other equipment.
4. Multi-Stand Design
If you want maximum flexibility for upper body workouts, then maybe consider some of the models that come as two stands.
Some of our clients believe these are the best dip bars because they allow them to create a wider distance to target more specific muscles.
“Regardless of which kind you have access to in your gym, the cool thing about parallettes [dip bar] (low or high) is that you can use them at any fitness level. While the tough moves influencers are doing are super inspiring, you actually don't have to do anything crazy difficult to benefit from using them.”
- Julia Malacoff, Writer at Shape.com.
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FAQs
Are Home Dip Bars Worth It?
Yes, home dip bars are worth it, as they provide a means to exercise multiple muscle groups. Even amateurs can use them effectively.
How Tall Should a Home Dip Bar Be?
A dip bar should be tall enough for you to raise your feet off the ground, with your knees having enough clearance to complete a full dip. For other exercises, including leg raises, you might need a taller one to gain more flexibility.
What Muscles Do Home Dip Bars Work?
Home dip bars work the upper body muscles, specifically the triceps, pectoralis major, and the front deltoid. You can fine-tune the effect by adjusting the distance between your hands.
Are Dips Better Than Push-Ups?
Yes, dips are better than push-ups, especially if you want to target muscle groups like your triceps and pecs. Once you build enough strength, dips can be a better option to reduce the reps.
What's The Best Home Gym Dip Bar?
I honestly believe that every home gym should have an XMark dip station. It has a high-quality frame that didn’t show signs of flexing.
And with the angled design, you also have some flexibility in how far apart your hands are.
Order yours today and make sure you join us on social media to discuss how to get the most out of it.
Our #1 Recommendation
XMark Fitness Dip Station
- Offers 21” and 23” separation to better suit men and women
- Many positive comments about the solid design
- It’s easy to assemble without DIY skills
- The foam padding is thick and comfortable for better grip
- The finish may chip if you knock other heavy exercise equipment off it
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