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Description
The Kensui Swissies are patent-pending, portable neutral grip attachments designed to transform any standard straight bar into a multi-grip powerhouse. Whether you are training in a home gym or a commercial facility, Swissies provide the ergonomic benefits of a Swiss bar in a compact, travel-friendly format.
Swissies Features & Technical Specifications
Universal Compatibility
Swissies are engineered to attach instantly to a wide variety of equipment:
- Barbells: Olympic, standard, and axle bars.
- Pull-up Bars: Doorway bars, wall-mounted racks, and outdoor calisthenics parks.
- Cable Machines: Integrated carabiner eyelets allow for use with lat pulldowns and rows.
- Resistance Bands: Secure anchoring for banded rows or face pulls.
Key Innovations
- DualLock™ Technology: A unique hook design that creates a wedge on the bar, preventing rotation or sliding during heavy sets.
- Rubber Lining: The interior of the hook is lined with high-density rubber to protect your barbells from scratches and ensure a slip-proof connection.
- Joint-Friendly Ergonomics: By facilitating a neutral (palms-facing) or angled grip, Swissies significantly reduce strain on the wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Comparing Kensui Swissies V2 and Swissies Max
| Feature | Swissies V2 | Swissies Max |
|---|---|---|
| Material | High-strength Nylon Fiberglass | Premium Aluminum / Reinforced Polymer |
| Grip Design | 32mm Knurled Cylinder | Ergonomic Fin-Shaped Palm Support |
| Weight Capacity | Tested up to 800 lbs | Tested up to 800 lbs |
| Max Bar Diameter | Up to 50mm or 2" | Up to 64 mm or 2.5" |
| Attachment | Integrated Carabiner Eyelet | Integrated Carabiner Eyelet |
| Primary Benefit | Maximum Portability | Enhanced Lat Activation & Comfort |
My Review of the Kensui Swissies
I’ve spent the last decade chasing a bigger back, but that pursuit usually came with a side of "golfer’s elbow" and nagging shoulder impingement. Every time I reached for a heavy set of weighted pull-ups or seal rows on a straight bar, my joints would scream before my muscles did. I recently integrated both the Kensui Swissies V2 and the Swissies Max into my rotation to see if they lived up to the hype. Here is my breakdown.
First Impressions: Swissies Build Quality
When you first hold the Swissies, particularly the V2, you might be surprised by how light they are. Don't let the "nylon fiberglass" label fool you; these things feel industrial. They have zero flex. The Max version, with its fin-shaped support, feels like a piece of high-end equipment you’d find in a specialized powerlifting gym. The knurling on the handles is "goldilocks" territory - grippy enough for sweaty hands but not so aggressive that it tears your skin.
My Experience Training with the Swissies
The most immediate change I noticed was on the pull-up bar. Most commercial gyms and calisthenics parks don’t have a neutral grip pull-up station at the right width for my frame. With the Swissies, I can set my grip exactly where my shoulders feel strongest.
The "Fin" Factor: I was skeptical about the "fin" design on the Max version. However, during heavy cable rows, I found that the palm support allows you to "hook" the weight more effectively. It shifts the tension away from the biceps and onto the lats through what Kensui calls "muscle irradiation." Basically, because your hand is in a more natural, supported position, you can squeeze the target muscle harder.
Portability: The Ultimate Gym Bag Staple
The biggest win for me is the portability. A traditional Swiss bar (or Football bar) is a $300 investment that takes up half a garage rack. The Swissies weigh about 1.5 lbs as a pair. I’ve started tossing them into my bag for gym sessions or when I head to the calisthenics park. Being able to turn a standard lat pulldown bar into a neutral-grip row attachment in literally three seconds is a game-changer.
Security and Safety of Using Swissies
Safety is always a concern with "clip-on" accessories. I’ve tested these with 135 lbs of added weight on pull-ups and 215 lbs on barbell rows. The DualLock system works; once the weight is applied, the rubber lining bites into the bar and they don't budge. I never felt like the hook was going to slip or snap.
My Final Verdict on the Swissies
Are they perfect? Almost. If you use a bar thicker than 2", the V2 might be a tight fit, so you’d want to opt for the Max. And while they aren't the cheapest accessory on the market, you have to weigh that against the cost of a physical therapist.
If you’re a lifter who struggles with joint pain or someone looking to optimize back development through better grip angles, the Swissies are a no-brainer. The V2 is perfect for the minimalist, but if you do a lot of heavy pulling, the ergonomic support of the Max is worth the extra few bucks.
Pros:
- Eliminates joint pain during pulling movements.
- Instant setup on any bar.
- Extremely high weight capacity for the size.
- Fits easily in any gym bag.
Cons:
- V2 might not fit "fat bars" over 2".
- Initial learning curve for hand placement on the "Max" fins.
Overall Score: 9.5/10 — A mandatory addition for any serious lifter’s kit.
