If you’re here chances are that you know a little about lifting wedges and you’re just looking for the best deadlift jack to add to your workout gear box.
Just in case you are not familiar with them, let us briefly go over the deadlift exercise and how the deadlift wedges come into play.
What Is a Deadlift?
Every fitness enthusiast from professional athletes to amateurs hitting the home gym understands just how important the deadlift is.
The exercise works the entire back as well as the muscles within and around it.
All that weight being swiftly hoisted straight up from the deck highlights raw power and strength. As long as the exercise is performed properly, anyone can reap the benefits that come with it. However, there is the obvious risk of injury with this.
As it works mainly the back, a lot of pressure is sent that way. When done wrong, the exercise can bring on a back complication or worsen a pre-existing one. Other than injury, general, unnecessary hassle can occur due to loading and unloading the bar.
Related: Guide to Buying the Best Olympic Barbells
What Are Deadlift Jacks (A.K.A Dead Wedges)?
Anyone that’s lifted over three plates understands the aggravation of having to remove or add more plates from the barbell, of having pinched fingers when trying to lift one side off the floor. It can completely kill the mood and flow of a set, especially a heavy one.
That is where dead wedges come into play. These wedges serve as a cost-effective, space-saving alternative to their pricier, heavier counterpart: the deadlift jack. Regardless, these tools help save time, energy, and even help in the prevention of back complications.
Who Do They Benefit?
Commercial gyms don’t typically have these jacks available. The larger jacks can be expensive, and even the mini ones can run well over $50. It is why dead wedges work as the perfect alternative. They are usually small enough to carry in any gym bag, so they do not take up any valuable space.
Even better is that they are very affordable. Use them in the home or take them to a commercial gym. Regardless of where they are used, they can make things a lot simpler so users can focus more on the actual exercise and less on anything else.
Related: Best Weight Lifting Chains
5 Highly Rated Deadlift Jack Wedges
There are many dead wedges out on the market today; this list has narrowed down some of the best and well-reviewed ones out there. Many things were taken into much consideration from cost, to portability, and to the durability of the wedge itself.
Both pros and cons have been raised to help users come to a decision on a specific choice. No matter what is decided, the reviews will hopefully prove how people can save on their energy, time, and reduce the risk of badly damaging their lower backs.
#5 – AbraFit Deadlift Barbell Jack Alternative Wedge
PROS
- Small, lightweight, and portable.
- A great economical choice compared to other products.
- Comes packaged with either one or two wedges to give users more of a choice.
CONS
- Lacks any grooves to further help keep plates in place.
This wedge is a good economical option for those that do not want to spend too much money. It’s made of quality, durable silicone, and its small size makes it easily portable. The wedge has been tested to work on common plate designs from bumper plates to hexagons. Also, they have holes so they can be hanged.
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#4 – Deadlift Barbell Wedges
PROS
- Can roll on/off on either side of the wedge.
- Extremely lightweight and durable.
- Great for those with lower back problems.
CONS
- Can appear slightly bulky when compared to other models.
These heavy-duty wedges come in a set of two, and they are designed so that users can load and unload from both sides.
Users find their lower backs more protected thanks to the roll on/off design. There is also a gap that gives ample space to continue adding more weight. Its intended use is for inner plates and discs to make loading/unloading outer discs easier.
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#3 – Deloadaz Rubber Deadlift Barbell Jack Alternative
PROS
- Designed so that it users can hang it up and out of the way.
- Works well for low friction removal of weight plates.
- Wider base helps keep the plates in place.
CONS
- Loading/unloading can be clunky due to having to move the wedge around to alternate sides.
Stack barbell plates with minimal effort on the angled loading ramp. The opposite end is raised to prevent weights from rolling off, and it comes with a hole designed for hanging. Made out of elastic rubber, this wedge can help users preserve energy needed for the actual lifting.
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#2 – Deadlift Wedge LIFT-EZ Portable Barbell Jack for Powerlifting
PROS
- Rounded, grooved base firmly holds plates so they don’t roll off.
- Stores in an average gym bag so users can transport anywhere.
- Ridges allow for each plate to load onto the jack separately and evenly.
CONS
- Gives off a strong, strange odor that can affect bags.
This wedge not only saves time, but it saves up on space and keeps more money in the wallet thanks to its affordable price. It has a great rounded base to hold plates in their proper place, and the width of the base is ideal for Olympic bumper plates.
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#1 – The (Best) Dead Wedge – Deadlift Jack Alternative from LIFT
PROS
- Loading groove provides additional support so plates don’t roll off.
- Gives just enough elevation to quickly swap plates in and out.
- Stays under a single plate to limit interference with other plates.
CONS
- Packaged as a single so users who want more than one have to purchase twice.
This wedge is ultra lightweight and portable. It is made out of a dense, strong rubber to prevent sliding, and it can hold up to 900 lbs.
The min-ramp design allows barbells to roll on/off without struggling. Meanwhile, the contoured loading groove keeps things safely in place.
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Parting Words
Dead wedges are a safe, affordable means of lessening the hassle that can come with deadlifts. These aren’t the only ones out there, but they are certainly some of the best. There’s less chance for the bar to move or plates to roll off with wedges, and loading/unloading is done smoothly.
In addition, wedges provide much-needed relief to the lower back. Transport them easily enough to a commercial gym in a training bag, or save up space by keeping them tucked off to the side in a home gym.
These wedges are a perfect fit no matter where one exercises.
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