The Mini D handle bar is a cable attachment I’ve been wanting to try for a while.
It’s like a regular D handle bar that you use for cable workouts but smaller.
But don’t let the small size full you, I can still do a ton of exercises like I’ll see in this post.
I can hook up any handle to it at three different widths giving me plenty of workout options.
Let’s check it out!
Unboxing
Table of Contents
The Mini D handle bar is compact enough to fit in a small priority mail envelope.
Took about 3 days to get to me after the order was placed.
Once out of the envelope this is what it looks like.
I love the red powder coat on it.
There’s 6 different colors you can pick from when you order.
I picked the red to match my weight rack.
At 14.5″ long it is a smaller (hence the name Mini D handle bar) lat bar attachment than others I’ve used before.
And it’s also very slim.
Looking at it from this angle you can see it’s only 0.25″ in thickness.
But don’t let this fool you, this thing is made of 3/16″ solid steel that’s not going to bend or break.
There’s three 16 mm holes on each side that are 2″ apart from each other.
I can clip any carabiner through them or use attachments with thin straps like the Angles 90 grips.
The center hole can be connected to any home gym pulley system or cable machine.
I can even use it with resistance tubes that have carabiners when I’m traveling.
Specs
- Dimensions: 14.5″ L x 2.25″ H x 0.25″ D
- Weight: Weighs only 1.6 lbs
- Material: Made out of 3/16″ thick steel
- Adjustable: Three holes on each side for variable handle widths
- Powder Coat: Powder coated in different colors to protect the metal
Use Any Handle Attachment
The beauty of the Mini D handle bar is that I can use any handle attachment I want.
And I have plenty in my garage gym to show you.
Here I attached the Angles90 grips.
Because they use straps to anchor down, I’m able to rotate my forearms while exercising.
If you have joint pain or just want to move in a more natural way, these work well on the Mini D.
If I feel like adding more grip emphasis to my routine then I can add ninja warrior holds.
They clip on to the d handle bar with carabiners just like other handles.
Or I can just go with regular D handles that most home gym owners have.
In this pic I set them D handles in the second hole for a closer grip.
I also use these D handles with extra long straps.
These are made by Kynett and they come in handy for exercises like chest press.
And the last cable attachment I’ll show you is the triceps rope.
I like to use this one for hammer curls, overhead tricep extensions, and tricep pushdowns.
I’ll show you a few exercises shortly.
Variable Grip Widths
With three holes on each side, I have options to go very narrow or move out two more spaces.
Because the Mini D is just 14.5″ long I won’t be able to do very wide exercises.
And really the only thing I do that requires a wide grip is pull ups and for that I use my pull up bar.
So with the Mini D I’m able to do a ton of exercises.
Cable Workouts
Here I’m using long handles while doing tricep extensions.
Using D handles with a narrow grip for seated cable rows.
A couple of triceps ropes clipped on to the Mini D handle bar for overhead tricep extensions.
Using the Angles90 grips for face pulls
And lastly I’m using ninja warrior hand holds for lat pull downs.
These are just a few of the exercises you can do with the Mini D handle bar.
I’m sure you can come up with more.
Stores Easily
I’m huge on home gym storage and organization so I’m a big fan of how easy the Mini D stores.
Thought about adding magnets to it but then noticed I can hang it to the side of my rack.
So I just use a hitch pin to hold it and it’s out of the way.
Mini D Handle Bar vs Other D Handle Bars
IronMaster Ultimate Row Handle
Prior to owning the Mini D, I was using the Ironmaster Ultimate Row Handle.
The Ultimate Row Handle currently sells for $145.
It’s a great piece of equipment that has different grip options and grip widths.
But I don’t have the option to attach different handles to it and it is bulky compared to the Mini D.
I like the handle versatility I get the with the Mini D and the cheaper price point of $55.
GymPin Lite D Handle Bar
GymPin sells the Lite D handle bar which is 20″ long.
It’s wider than the Mini D and has more hole options but I don’t think all those holes are really necessary.
Most people will pick a narrow, medium, and wide grip.
The GymPin D handle bar sells for $66 and shipping to the U.S. is about $33 so it comes close to $100.
Another option with a center hole for landmine T bar rows is the GymPin Holey Bar.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile: The amount of exercises you can do is unlimited by your creativity
- Build: Made out of steel that won’t bend or break and powder coated for protection
- Compatibility: Compatible with many handles and anything with a carabiner
- Bilateral Exercises: Perform bilateral exercises without the need for a second pulley
- Inexpensive: Sells for $55 with free shipping
- Space Saver: At 14.5″ long and 1.6 lbs, I pin this to my rack without taking up any floor space
Cons
- No Extra Wide Grip: You won’t be able to do wide lat pulldowns
Buy The Mini D Handle Bar
Aaron from Curls In The Rack hand makes the Mini D from his garage gym.
It sells for $55 with FREE priority shipping.
Click here and choose from 6 different powder coat colors.
Mini D Handle Bar Review
The Mini D handle bar is a great cable machine accessory for most home gyms with a cable pulley system.
Combining the Mini D with different handles and different width options makes it very versatile.
Weighing in at 1.6 lbs and only 14.5″ long, the Mini D doesn’t take up much space.
Check Out The Mini D Handle Bar
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews