I got the Strong Neck training device because I’ve always been one to neglect neck training.
The Strong Neck seemed simple and much cheaper than other neck strengthening devices I researched.
It’s basically a weight plate sleeve with a pad on the bottom.
Add a weight plate, place the pad on your head, and get to work.
Let’s dig in!
Unboxing
The device comes in a square box with some wrapping material.
Inside the box there’s a sheet of paper with instructions on how to use the device and a few exercises you can do.
They also included a condensed version of the exercises in a business card.
And of course, the Neck Strong training device.
First Impressions
I like that it’s made of glossy hard plastic and comfortable padding for your head.
From the side you can see the thickness of the padding.
It’s about 1/2″ in thickness and it’s glued to the base.
The weight sleeve fits Olympic sized weight plates (2″ center hole).
The bottom is rectangular and about 5″ long.
Long enough to place anywhere on your head and keep weight plates stable.
Specs
- Base: 4″ x 5 1/4″
- Padding: 1/2″ thick closed-cell polyurethane foam
- Material: Durable ABS plastic
- Compatibility: Fits Olympic sized weight plates (2″ center hole)
- Weight sleeve: 3 5/8″ tall
Benefits of a Strong Neck
Strengthening your neck has many benefits especially if you’re into physical activities like combat sports or football.
Having a strong neck also helps to decrease neck pain, improves posture, and prevents cervical spine injuries.
If you’re a fighter, wrestler, or boxer, a strong neck helps to absorb impact to the head.
And just like any other muscle, you can train it to look bigger if you’re just into bodybuilding or aesthetics.
Exercises With The Strong Neck
Neck Flexion
Start on your back with your head hanging off your weight bench.
Place the Strong Neck device on your forehead.
Tuck your chin to your chest bring the neck into flexion.
Neck Extension
Start on your stomach with your head hanging off the edge of a bench.
Place the Strong Neck on the back of your head.
Lift your head bringing the neck into extension.
Lateral Neck Flexion
Lie on your right side with your head hanging off the edge of a bench.
Place the Strong Neck on the left side of your head.
Lift your left ear to your left shoulder bring the neck into lateral flexion.
Turn around and repeat on the other side.
Neck Rotations
Lie on your right side with your head turned looking down off the edge of a bench.
Place the Strong Neck on the left side of your head.
Turn your head to the left until you’re looking at the ceiling to bring the neck into left rotation.
Turn around and repeat on the other side.
The Strong Neck vs Other Neck Exercisers
The Strong Neck vs Neck Harness
I’ve used neck harnesses in the past and one thing I don’t like about them is the swinging of the chain.
Naturally, the hanging weight will start to swing as you move through the neck exercises.
Lack of control is something I don’t like when training my neck.
With a neck harness it’s also uncomfortable to do rotations because the chain falls on top of your nose.
The Strong Neck keeps everything under control in every plane of motion so you can avoid injuries.
The Strong Neck vs 4 Way Neck Machine
4 way neck machines definitely have the control that a neck harness lacks but…
They’re bulky which means you’ll eat up a lot of home gym space and they’re also expensive.
The one you see above is $400 and has a footprint of 38″ x 26″.
Even a smaller version like Titan’s rack mounted neck machine takes up space and is over $100.
The Strong Neck is tiny in comparison to these two options and only $30.
The Strong Neck vs Iron Neck
The Iron Neck is the top of the line neck training device but it’s not cheap.
Their Starter bundle sells for $300, the Varsity bundle is $400, and the Pro bundle is $600.
Premium product with lots of versatility but the price is not optimal for most home gym owners.
One thing I would like to see Iron Neck improve on, is the ability to get an accurate resistance measurement.
It uses a resistance band so you step away from the anchor point to increase resistance.
You don’t get a precise number like when you use a weight plate with the Strong Neck.
The Mad Neck
The Mad Neck is a product by the makers of the Mad Spotter hooks and it’s similar to the Strong Neck but has some differences…
First, it has a threaded loading bar with a nut so that it secures weight plates in place.
Second, the bottom surface is concave so the product rocks on your head as you exercise.
And third, it can be used with Standard and Olympic sized weight plates.
Weight plates sit higher on this device so it does feel a bit top heavy.
What I Like
- Set up – takes a second to set up, nothing to strap to your head
- Cheap – At $30, it’s one of the cheapest neck training devices you’ll find
- Control – With the base on your head and your hand on the other end, you have complete control without swinging or jerking
- Measurable – Weight can be tracked accurately vs resistance provided by bands
- Space saving – At 5″ long and 3.5″ tall, you can store this anywhere and won’t eat up gym space
- Comfortable – 1/2″ thick padding feels comfortable on your head
What I Don’t Like
I can’t find anything that I don’t like about the Strong Neck.
It gets the job done, period.
No straps around my head, no swinging like chains, and I know exactly the amount of weight I’m using so I can track it accurately.
Where to Buy and Coupon Code
You can get the Strong Neck directly from their official website.
As it is, it’s a cheap device but I was able to get a coupon code to knock off 10% more.
Use coupon code SHREDDED at checkout for a discount.
The Strong Neck Review
I like the Strong Neck because of its simplicity and price.
Set up takes seconds since you don’t have to strap anything to your head.
You can strengthen your neck under control just like a 4 way neck machine.
And from all angles (including rotations) without paying Iron Neck prices.
Check Out The Neck Strong Here
The Strong Neck
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews