using a manta ray

[frorider6.2]

Okay, so I'll be the one to throw out a positive review of the thing. I love mine. I couldn't squat over 185lbs without one because of how my neck and upper back are formed (not deformed, assh*&les). Anyway, after I started using it I got my squats up to the 350 range (yes, full range squats).

I've never had a negative comment or even a sideways glance when using mine. Maybe you'll get some eye rolling from a couple of the "tough guys" at the gym, but they're also the ones who will find something to feel superior about no matter what.

Bottom line - If you need it, use it.

 

[junglebrother]

wow, nice reply.

i tried using it again today and didnt really like it, but my buddy told me that he used to use one and alot of the guys he knew would use one too, and they could move some weight.

anyway, i appreciate the feedback.

 

[Lone Trooper]

Okay, so I'll be the one to throw out a positive review of the thing. I love mine. I couldn't squat over 185lbs without one because of how my neck and upper back are formed (not deformed, assh*&les). Anyway, after I started using it I got my squats up to the 350 range (yes, full range squats).

I've never had a negative comment or even a sideways glance when using mine. Maybe you'll get some eye rolling from a couple of the "tough guys" at the gym, but they're also the ones who will find something to feel superior about no matter what.

Bottom line - If you need it, use it.

Puss-puss.

 

[al420]

Puss-puss.

+1

 

[perp69]

Best way I can sum it up is "Less is better".

Perp

 

[Lone Trooper]

Best way I can sum it up is "Less is better".

Perp

Agreed. Squatting without traps is the best thing I've ever done.

 

[mudbone5150]

I'll admit that I tried the manta ray before just for the hell of it. I found that it puts the weight too high up near my neck. When squatting it screwed with my balance pitching me too far forward.

Your traps should form plenty of padding for the bar without the use of the manta ray.

Don't put the bar up high on your traps, put it a bit lower. There is a sort of groove there where the bar fits very comfortably with no pain on your spine.

If your traps are not thick enough yet, try moving your hands a little closer to your shoulders. This causes the traps to bunch up a bit in order to get the cushion you need between the bar and your spine.

 

[Creepusmaximus]

It's worse than wearing a tampon, it is right up there with wearing gloves in the weightroom, but not quite as bad as putting the Maxi-Pad on the squat bar.

Seriously, lol, I am expecting to be quoted by a supporter of gym wussiness, but if you're a normal, healthy, athletically-minded red-blooded male, there is NO reason you should need a Manta Ray or a Sting Ray for that matter....just live by the motto "DBAP" ....Don't Be A Pussy lol

I take offensive to the glove comment. Helps with grip and my hands don't end up looking like a lumber jack's.

 

[BiggT]

I take offensive to the glove comment. Helps with grip and my hands don't end up looking like a lumber jack's.

ha...no intentions to offend anyone, lol, my post was 50% serious/50% ass-hatted-ness (I'd wear gloves before I tried to figure out what the hell I'd do with 1 tampon, much less 2 of them)......... But, seriously, man, what will help with slippage is to chalk up, and what will really help grip is to actually build one by leaving the gloves at home. Also....I hear chicks dig lumberjacks, lol. Whenever I meet someone and shake their hand, they ask "what do you do for a living".....I just say "I lift weights" lol.

 

[Creepusmaximus]

ha...no intentions to offend anyone, lol, my post was 50% serious/50% ass-hatted-ness......... What will help with slippage is to chalk up, and what will really help grip is to actually build one by leaving the gloves at home. Also....I hear chicks dig lumberjacks, lol. Whenever I meet someone and shake their hand, they ask "what do you do for a living".....I just say "I lift weights" lol.

I have good grip so that's not a problem. I don't know that the chicks like it but it depends what chicks your after. One of my friends looks like a lumber jack type of guy and he has a totally different crowd of women coming after him. Pretty but more Tom girlish. LOL.