Is there anything more rewarding than finally getting that heavy barbell off the ground after months of hard work? As you feel the weight of that barbell on your back, you know the hard work has paid off, and you’re ready to take your weightlifting game to the next level. Until the time comes to unload those plates and put them away, that is.
Once you’ve unbuckled the barbell collars, it’s a real challenge to get those pesky loading plates off the ground and onto the weight stand. But what if you had a deadlift jack to help you out?
Jump to:
In A Hurry? Here’s Our Best Picks
| 
| 
|
|
| Product's name | Our Top Pick NordicTrack EXP 7i | A Great Alternative Ader Full Bar Jack Weight Lifting Olympic Barbell | The Best Budget Option Yes4All Deadlift Jack/ Barbell Stand for Weight Training,... |
| Final Thought | The T-shaped jack handle is certainly one of the standout features of this product. | Though it's not exactly the most appealing, beautiful deadlift jack, it's certainly one of those hardware tools that make up for its lack of aesthetic appeal with its incredible strength and durability. | When it comes to affordable equipment for deadlift training, it’s hard to beat Yes4all's Deadlift Jack. |
| Size | 42.25″ x 17″ x 32.75″ | 42.5″ x 18″ x 35″ | 21.2″ x 4.7″ x 11″ |
| Weight Capacity | 800 lbs | 1000 lbs | 880 lbs |
| Build Quality | 4″x2″ 11-gauge steel crossmember | Heavy Gauge Steel | Alloy Steel |
| Grip Type | Rubberized | Rubberized | Knurled Rubber |
| Price | $$$ | $$ | $ |
| Learn more | See at Rogue | See at Amazon | See at Amazon |
Why Should You Trust BoxLife?
Throughout our quest for truly efficient and durable gym equipment, the BoxLife team has had its fair share of encounters with various fitness products. Some of us are experienced lifters that have had the pleasure of working out in our personal gyms at home, while others have been put through the rigors of commercial gym settings.
Through it all, we have come to know the sheer significance of having reliable gym equipment and what it really takes to make a good product – something that can deliver both performance and value. Not to mention the safety and stability that come with the use of such tools, given the heavier weights that are involved.
Who Is This Guide For?
While heavy-duty lifters could certainly benefit from having the best deadlift jack at their disposal, this guide is mainly for anyone interested in doing strength training and muscle-building exercises. In fact, they’re particularly useful for beginners who have yet to develop the strength and technique necessary to lift heavier weight plates.
When you have a jack with a decent weight capacity, it becomes a lot easier to unload and reload plates safely. You won’t need to worry about straining yourself while literally playing tug-of-war with the bar with weight plates. Not only that, but it’s a far better alternative to dropping the barbell onto the ground and potentially damaging the floor.
How We Picked the Best Products
When searching for the best deadlift jack, we had to take a selective approach to accumulate data. Of course, our investigative efforts led us to some of the Internet’s most coveted and no-nonsense social media sites, including Reddit and Quora. This gave us invaluable insight into how users rate their products and what their individual experiences have been like.
We also took a look at some of the most reliable fitness retailers, such as Amazon, Rogue Fitness, and Titan to look at consumer reviews and come up with a consensus about the products in question. People don’t typically skimp on their reviews for products they’re either particularly thrilled or disappointed with.
How We Rated Each Product
To come up with our ratings, we took into account several universal metrics that could apply to all durable jacks. Along with our own subjective opinion, we pinned each contender against the other across the following categories:
- Reliability – Your jack of choice has to be sturdy and dependable. Given the heavyweight requirements these tools have to meet, they need to be able to take a beating and still deliver in terms of performance.
- Size – While both full-sized and compact jacks can be useful in similar ways, they differ in the way they hold weight. The smaller version lets you hold up the bar weight on one side, while a full-size jack takes the brunt of the entire weight.
- Ergonomics – Believe it or not, ergonomics play a significant role in the build of a deadlift jack. You’re not supposed to bend over a lot to insert the plates onto the stand, so any tool that can make the whole experience a lot smoother is a plus.
- Construction Quality – It doesn’t matter if you’re into compact jacks or full-size ones, they must be crafted with high-quality materials like low-gauge steel with clean welds and a powder coating. This ensures maximum durability and a longer lifespan. The coating is particularly crucial as it helps protect the jack from rust and corrosion.
The Products
When all the necessary criteria were taken into consideration, we were able to calibrate our ratings to come up with an accurate assessment of our picks for the best deadlift jack. Not only was our selection process thorough and rigorous, but we also took great care to prioritize both performance and value.
Rogue HD Bar Jack – Best Overall
Starting off strong with an impressive entry by none other than Rogue Fitness, the HD Bar Jack is among the most trusted devices among serious weightlifters. After all, this fitness company has a long-standing reputation for providing genuinely reliable products with excellent durability.
Pros
- Long handle that offers sufficient leverage to raise the barbell
- Protective UHMW plastic lining across the bar cups
- Six embossed wheels at the bottom for extra stability
- Sturdy T-handle with a rubberized grip
Cons
- Higher price tag
- Users have to buy spinners to bolt the two parts of the jack together
Key Specs
| Machine Size | 42.25″ x 17″ x 32.75″ |
| Weight Capacity | 800 lbs |
| Build Quality | 4″x2″ 11-gauge steel cross member |
| Grip Type | Rubberized |
Why It’s Great
The T-shaped jack handle is certainly one of the standout features of this product. Not only does it make it easy to maneuver with one hand, but its rubberized grip ensures that you keep a firm hold on the bar without feeling fatigued or losing balance. It’s also quite long – 36″ to be exact – which means it offers superior ergonomic benefits.
Additionally, the UHMW Polyethylene plastic lining along the bar cups helps to protect your bar from scratches and dents, thus ensuring its longevity. As for the embossed wheels, they’re incredibly resilient even when placed on slick surfaces like tiles and hardwood floors.
Ader Barbell Deadlift Jack – Alternative Jack Option
This relatively basic, no-frills deadlift jack is a one-piece option from Ader Fitness, featuring a sturdy flat steel frame that holds up a massive 1000-pound capacity. While it definitely isn’t the most attractive product on the list, it hits the middle ground between a full-sized deadlift jack and a more compact one.
Pros
- Easy-lift handle for one-handed operation
- Simple yet effective design
- Sturdy construction and stable base
- Relatively low price point
Cons
- Slightly larger footprint compared to other models
- Only suitable for a flat weight bench or level surfaces
Key Specs
| Machine Size | 42.5″ x 18″ x 35″ |
| Weight Capacity | 1000 lbs |
| Build Quality | Heavy Gauge Steel |
| Grip Type | Rubberized |
Why It’s Great
Though it’s not exactly the most appealing, beautiful deadlift jack, it’s certainly one of those hardware tools that make up for its lack of aesthetic appeal with its incredible strength and durability. Its wide, flat frame design gives it a low center of gravity for greater stability, while the simple handle gives you the leverage you need to lift the bar off the ground.
It can also be assembled relatively quickly – with a few loose spinners to bolt the two parts of the jack together, and a quick-release lever for easy removal. If you’re not particularly fond of the fancy bells and whistles that come with other models, and you have the space for it in your home or garage, you’ll definitely find this option to be incredibly functional.
Yes4All Deadlift Bar Jack – Best Mini Deadlift Bar Jack
Offering a compact, budget-friendly alternative to the first option is Yes4All with its Deadlift Jack. Although it has a significantly smaller footprint, it packs a serious punch in a really small package. The brand’s innovative products and sleek design choices are definitely noticeable, with several features that set it apart from the competition.
Pros
- Built-in handle for greater convenience and control
- Lightweight jack design and portable profile
- Anti-slip UHMW plastic liners for extra grip
- Affordable price tag for a quality product
Cons
- Users have to mount each side to the floor separately
- Durability comes into question with more intensive usage
Key Specs
| Machine Size | 21.2″ x 4.7″ x 11″ |
| Weight Capacity | 880 lbs |
| Build Quality | Alloy Steel |
| Grip Type | Knurled Rubber |
Why It’s Great
When it comes to affordable equipment for deadlift training, it’s hard to beat Yes4all’s Deadlift Jack. It effectively solves the size issue without sacrificing its main function, which is to lift a standard barbell off the ground. The inclusion of a low-profile handle with a bumpy knob ensures that you maintain a secure grip without having to bend down too much.
The alloy steel construction is also quite impressive, with a dedicated anti-slip coating and an anti-rust finish. The ultra-durable contact point is lined with UHMW plastic and finger recessions, with two mounting points on each side, so you can secure the jack to your floor. All you have to do is slide the two levers up and use the handle to lift the barbell.
The Buying Guide
Even with all the major deadlift jack features laid out, your decision-making process has to take an analytical approach to ensure that you’re getting the right product for your needs. As such, you’ll need to consider the following aspects:
Durability and Maintenance
In general, the traditional deadlift jack features a heavy-duty steel frame construction, with several reinforced components, such as the lever arm and handle. But even so, not all models have equal weight ratings, so be sure to check the manufacturer’s specs for the maximum capacity.
Also, consider how easy it is to store the jack when not in use. Many models are designed for compact storage, but some options may require more assembly or disassembly before you can move them.
Versatility and Ease of Use
Weightlifting is inherently a versatile fitness activity, but even the best deadlift jack has its limitations. Think about where and how you’ll be using it, such as inside or outside. Depending on your environment, you may want to look for models that come with built-in wheels for easy transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a deadlift jack do?
It’s a weightlifting tool that slides underneath the barbell shaft to help you lift it off the ground safely and securely. This gives you enough leverage to load and unload the bar without having to strain your back or shoulders.
What are deadlift wedges for?
Deadlift wedges are small triangular pieces of foam or rubber that are placed directly beneath the barbell shaft. They help stabilize the bar and line up the barbell with the lifter’s center of gravity during weightlifting exercises.
Is deadlift for back or shoulder?
Given its multijoint movement, the deadlift is an effective exercise for developing both back and shoulder strength. In particular, it targets your glutes, hamstrings, lower back, and trapezius muscles. You can also use it to strengthen your core and improve posture.
