High Bar Squat vs Low Bar squats

[Worf]

So Ive always been a high bar squatter and have been thinking about trying low bar. Ive done it with lighter weight as an accessory. It's said by many of the great coaches that Low bar is better suited for powerlifters and high bar is better for everybody else. My question(s) for everyone is this.

-Is there many here who do both?
-Did you start high bar and switch? If so how difficult was it?
-Can you lift more on low bar?
-Is it worth the time it takes to switch and re learn?

 

[Perrin Aybara]

I do both quite often. After a meet I'll switch from low bar to high bar or front squat or SSB for a few months. I feel like it's good to get away from your regular comp lift and work on progressing other variations. Same with bench and deadlift. I'll also often do low bar as my main and then high bar as a squat variation. It's less taxing on the lower back, so definitely has a place in training just for that reason sometimes.

I did start with high bar like most. The switch wasn't so difficult. It was fairly early on in my lifting, so was still learning to squat properly in general.

I can squat more low bar. Not as much more as sumo deadlift compared to conventional, but more.
Best low bar with belt and knee sleeves 500lbs
Best low bar with belt and knee wraps 550lbs
Best beltless high bar in knee sleeves 475lbs

I think it's worth exploring to see if it suits you better, especially if you compete.

 

[Worf]

I def see the comparison with the DL from conventional to sumo. I mix in sumo to my training but use it as an accessory like trap bar or rack pulls. I cant go nearly as heavy.
I do like the idea of working on low bar and giving it a try with heavier weights. Ive only ever used it as an accessory and found bar positioning difficult.

No I dont compete, my lifts suck for my weight. I have a lot to work on

 

[Perrin Aybara]

Is it a shoulder mobility thing? Try a buffalo bar if you have access to one.

 

[Worf]

Is it a shoulder mobility thing? Try a buffalo bar if you have access to one.

no , I think its more torso positioning than anything. I felt like the bar was going to roll off my back, probably need to work on leaning forward a bit more. Ive had my hands just outside the power rings on low bar comfortably.

 

[Perrin Aybara]

It takes getting used to. Mark Rippetoe explains it in depth pretty well in Starting Strength and you can see it performed on some of his YouTube videos. They helped me a lot.

 

[Worf]

It takes getting used to. Mark Rippetoe explains it in depth pretty well in Starting Strength and you can see it performed on some of his YouTube videos. They helped me a lot.

Yes sir, been watching them the last few days. Gona be doin low bar with heavier weights this week