The Solo Tib Bar has made its way to the garage gym.
So after using it for a while it’s time for a detailed review.
Up to this point, the only other unilateral tib bar I had used was the IsoTib.
It’s built different so I was excited to try it out.
Let’s check it out!
UPDATE
Table of Contents
- 1 UPDATE
- 2 New Strapping System
- 3 Chrome Weight Horn
- 4 Dumbbell Clamp
- 5 Unboxing (First Generation Solo Tib)
- 6 Solo Tib Bar
- 7 Assembly
- 8 Specs
- 9 How To Use The Solo Tib Bar
- 10 Solo Tib Bar Exercises
- 11 Knees Over Toes Guy Equipment
- 12 What I Like
- 13 What I Don’t Like
- 14 Solo Tib Bar Discount
- 15 Solo Tib Bar Review
- 16 Solo Tib Bar
As shown in the video above, the Solo Tib Bar has now been upgraded with a different strap, weight horn, and dumbbell clamp.
Below I’ll highlight some of the differences between the first and second version of the Solo Tib Bar.
For your reference I’ll leave the old information just so you can see how it has evolved.
New Strapping System
The second generation Solo Tib comes with two velcro straps: one for the top of the foot and one for the heel.
Adding the heel strap makes it much more secure and allows for exercises like leg curls.
Chrome Weight Horn
Another change that was implement on the second generation Solo Tib is a chrome weight horn.
This gives it a cleaner look and also prevents it from getting scratched easily
Dumbbell Clamp
And the third improvement on the Solo Tib is the ability to use dumbbells with the dumbbell clamp.
Of course I can still use weight plates, the additional clamp just gives me more versatility.
The clamp attaches to the weight horn by twisting the knob on top.
And the dumbbell attaches to the clamp by twisting the knob below the weight horn.
Here’s what it looks like when with Nuobell dumbbells.
Check Out The New Solo Tib Bar Here
Unboxing (First Generation Solo Tib)
When I first opened the box I wasn’t expecting a travel case so that was cool that the Tib Bar Guy includes that.
This is what the travel case looks out of the box.
Inside the case there’s three pieces.
A detachable weight sleeve, the Solo Tib foot plate, and a clamp.
Solo Tib Bar
The foot plate feels well built.
It almost looks like a metal flip flop.
It has grip tape to prevent your foot from sliding.
The Solo Tib Bar uses a ratcheting strap to secure itself to your foot.
Looks very similar to the ratcheting mechanism used by MonkeyFeet.
The buckle has a dual purpose…
The bigger buckle tightens the strap and the smaller buckle releases it.
The other side also has a strap but I’ve never used it.
I’ve only used the right side strap and haven’t had a problem just using that side.
The padding that gos on top of my foot feels very comfortable even when I put it on real tight.
And the stitching on the padding seems legit.
So far I haven’t had any tears on the vinyl.
The bottom of the Solo Tib Bar is all metal.
There’s a screw-like knob that sticks out at the front.
This is where you screw the weight sleeve to the foot plate.
Assembly
The weight sleeve fits 2″ Olympic weight plates.
It has a rough texture to it which should help the weight clamp grip the sleeve better.
On the bottom you can see there’s threads to screw on to the knob on the foot plate.
And here’s what it looks like once it’s on.
Flipped right side up, this is what it looks like.
Specs
- Construction: Steel
- Strap: Ratcheting mechanism
- Weight sleeve: 6″ long, compatible with 2″ Olympic weight plates
- Weight capacity: 100 lbs
- Padding: Vinyl cover
How To Use The Solo Tib Bar
First thing I do before putting on the Solo Tib is add weight to it.
It’s easier to load the weight first, then stick your foot in.
Get the weight plate on and secure the weight clamp so there’s no slack on the plate.
I then stick my foot in as far up the plate as I can.
The ball of my foot usually ends up right at the angle where the foot plate curves.
Then tighten the strap until it feels snug around the top of my foot.
Solo Tib Bar Exercises
Tib Raises
The main use for the Solo Tib is to strengthen the tibialis anterior muscle.
To do this, let your foot hang off the edge of a bench pointing down.
Now raise your foot up towards you and you’ll feel the shin muscle working.
Keep repeating the same movement then switch to the other foot.
Ankle Inversion
To strengthen ankle inversion, I start with my leg sideways with little toe pointing down.
Then turn my ankle up towards the ceiling.
Ankle Eversion
For ankle eversion, I do the opposite of inversion.
Start with my leg sideways with my big toe pointing down.
Then turn my ankle up towards the ceiling.
Hip Flexor Raises
To work my hip flexors, I do high knee raises.
Start standing on one leg and raise my thigh as high as I can with knee bent.
Leg extensions can also be done with the Solo Tib but I prefer to do them with my Freak Athlete Hyper Pro leg developer cause I can really load it up.
Knees Over Toes Guy Equipment
If you follow the Knees Over Toes Guy program, Ben Patrick recommends strengthening the anterior tibialis muscles and hip flexors.
The Solo Tib is one of many tools I have in my garage gym to train those muscles.
What I Like
- Comfortable: The strap that goes over my foot and heel feels comfortable even when it’s real tight
- Two straps: Two strap system keeps the Solo Tib securely on
- Build – all metal construction makes the Solo Tib durable
- Portable – detachable weight sleeve and travel case make it easy to travel with
- Dumbbell clamp – I can use dumbbells as well as weight plates
What I Don’t Like
The Solo Tib Bar has been updated with a heel strap.
This was something that was missing on the first generation and something I didn’t like.
Now that it’s been added to the second generation Solo Tib, it’s solid and doesn’t have any exercise limitations.
Solo Tib Bar Discount
As of this writing the Solo Tib is currently reduced to $119
I’m gonna hook you up with an exclusive coupon code to slash that price down even further.
Click here and use coupon code SHREDDED for a 10% discount.
Solo Tib Bar Review
I love having different options when it comes to training.
The Solo Tib is another tool to strengthen my shins and ankles.
I like its solid metal construction and tight, yet comfortable strap.
Check Out The Solo Tib Bar Here
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews
Excellent write up for The Solo Tib Bar. Thank you for taking the time to give an honest review. Much love – The Tib Bar Guy
Thanks for an great review!
You’re welcome!
How does this compare with HGG ISOTIB LT?
thanks
The Solo Tib Bar is more compact than the HGG IsoTib LT but the HGG has an adjustable loading bar that can be moved from the front to the middle of the foot.
Hi, it looks like a good piece of kit BUT: why do you not have the option to attach non olympic size weight plates?. My home gym has only 1″ plates because in the UK they are cheaper.
Most of the market for this product is in the U.S. so they cater mostly to people who own Olympic sized plates.
Great review. How does the new strapping system accommodate different size feet/shoes compared to the hgg isotib-lt where you can position the top strap?
The front of the foot stays the same. The back of the foot just sticks out more and you’ll use more of the adjustable back strap to accommodate for the extra length.