Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Deadlifts have been a staple of any good gym program for as long as gyms have existed. Deadlifts recruit multiple muscle groups, improve functional strength and help to reduce injury.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
Starting our list of the best deadlift jacks is Barbell Jack Deadlift Jack. It’s made of high-quality plastic that is high-pressure injection-moulded material colored with GF and NYL combination that altogether ensures exceptional durability of the tool.
The deadlift movement is fairly simple to perform - you lift a weighted barbell off the ground until your legs are locked out whilst maintaining the correct form.
While the deadlift movement itself is pretty easy to master with practice, one of the main issues when increasing the bar weight is loading and unloading the weight plates.
The stronger you get, the harder it becomes to change the bar weight. This is where deadlift jacks come in. They elevate the bar with weight plates so you can change the bar weight easily and efficiently.
In this guide, I'll take you through 5 of the best deadlift jacks currently on the market.
Top 6 Best Deadlift Jacks Reviewed
1. Barbell Jack Deadlift Jack – Top Pick
Fed up with lifting a bar in one hand from the floor to load it with bulky plates? Have noticed that this process takes several minutes to complete? Upgrade your workout with a Barbell Jack that will become a critical piece of equipment for each training. You’ll see its efficiency just after the first try. You’ll save much time and effort to load and unload a barbell without hurting your back and still staying in a safe posture.
- Material: injection-molded nylon + GF
- Dimensions: 19”H/4”W/8”L
- Weight: 2.16 lb
- Weight limit: 550 lb (for each side)
- Items included: barbell jack, resistance loop band
- Color palette: black, orange
It’s made of high-quality plastic that is high-pressure injection-moulded material colored with GF and NYL combination that altogether ensures exceptional durability of the tool. This material is not worse than steel or wood-made alternatives.
The Barbell Jack can be used for most barbells with a diameter of 1.1-.1.25”. The jack’s jaw has a limit of 1.3” to avoid hooking at the sleeve in the place where plates are sliding in.
Why you should try this very barbell jack? Its major mission is to simplify your pre-workout meaning it optimizes your lifts by safe loading of weight plates in several seconds. Also, you’ll never get injuries and muscle strain with a simple hook-and-pull lifting system.
This barbell jack can always be with you whenever and wherever you want to train: it’s easy to transport in your bag which makes it perfect to use both for home and gym drilling. From now, changing weight plates becomes super easy.
All in all, considering the Barbell jack review, we highly recommend you have such an item at home or use it in the gym to relieve yourself from putting extra effort to prepare a barbell for weight lifting, and to accumulate strength and energy for performing intense deadlifts, power lifts, and hip thrusts with a focus on improving your technique.
Positives:
Firm construction & simple design
Lightweight
Can lift up to 550 lb on each side
Resistance band included in the package
Easy to use just from the first time, no manual needed
Could be better:
Uncomfortable to transport it in the gym bag, it’s better for gym usage
2. Rogue Deadlift Bar Jack - Runner up
Rogue is perhaps one of the most well-known gym equipment brands, being the main supplier for the fitness games, World's Strongest Man competitions, the Arnold Classic events, and the USA weightlifting team.
This means their equipment has been extensively tested at the highest level. Their deadlift bar loader is no different and gets my top pick, featuring at the top of the list.
- Weight: 28 lbs
- Length: 42", 37" Handle Length
- Width: 19"
- Weight Limit: 500+ lbs
- Steel Notes: 2x2" 11-Gauge Steel
- Grip Type: Metal
The Rogue deadlift bar jack offers a durable deadlift jack that's easy to use and available at a good price point. It's a lightweight jack that's easy to move around the gym to where you need it.
The jack is constructed from 2x2" 11-gauge steel that gives the jack a heavy-duty feel and means it's capable of handling a good amount of bar weight. Once lifted off the ground, the jack can keep the bar secure and function as an effective deadlift plate loader. The longer 34" handle allows you to lift the bar with ease without bending down.
The jack measures 42" long and 19" wide. The U-shaped bar handles are finished with UHMW plastic to protect the barbell's knurling, a nice feature that keeps the bar in good shape.
The jack is available in black and grey and features Rogue branding in white giving it a nice visual appeal. It comes at a decent price point of $195.00 and includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Positives:
Long 37 handle length
UHMW plastic U shapes
Lightweight jack
Could be better:
No wheels included
Founded in 2010, Yes4All is one of the leading home sporting goods brands. The brand states they sell experience by providing everything you need to get fit at home.
Their vision is to cultivate the world's innovation to offer the best innovative products to customers. They have the motto ‘Better quality, Lower price’.
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Length: 19.75"
- Width: 14.75"
- Weight Limit: 600 lbs
- Steel Notes: Alloy Steel
- Grip Type: Rubber
The Yes4All deadlift jack is one of the best barbell jacks available to buy online. It provides the same functionality as a bigger jack but with a smaller footprint. This makes it my runner-up deadlift jack choice.
The jack is manufactured using corrosion-resistant stainless steel that's able to handle up to 600 lbs of barbell weight whilst staying strong. It measures 21" long and 14.75" wide, giving it a durable, compact shape.
It features a non-slip rubber handle that's easy to grip and gives you something to hold whilst operating the jack, making unloading and loading plates much easier.
The UHMW padded barbell contact plate allows the barbell to rest comfortably whilst protecting the knurling and preventing the barbell from slipping and getting scratched.
It comes with a 1-year warranty and 60-day return policy.
Positives:
Small footprint
Great price point
Rubber grip handle
Could be better:
Need to unload each side separately
In my number 3 spot is another product from Rogue. This time it's the Mini Deadlift Barbell Jack.
With over 1400 team members globally, Rogue has a wide range of expertise when it comes to providing durable gym equipment. They aim to provide high-quality products to athletes at all levels at affordable prices.
- Weight: 9 lbs
- Length: 19"
- Width: 4.5"
- Weight Limit:
- Steel Notes: 2x2" 11-Gauge Steel
- Grip Type: Metal
The Rogue Mini Deadlift Jack is a space-saving, portable jack option that still provides similar functionality of a bigger deadlift jack. It measures 19" long, 4.5" wide, and 11.75" high, giving it a very small footprint.
The mini deadlift jack is made from heavy-duty 2x2" 11-gauge steel giving it a durable feel but weighs just 9 lbs, making it easy to move around the gym. The Rogue Mini Deadlift Jack is a great option for lifters who are looking for a portable deadlift jack that they can carry around in bigger gym bags but still handle a decent amount of weight.
The U-shaped handle features UHMW plastic to protect the barbell knurling and reduce noise when lifting the bar. Rogue states that the jack can lift any standard barbell off the floor to make loading and unloading easy.
The jack comes in black and is finished with white Rogue branding on the side. It's available to buy at a decent price point, costing $80.00 which includes a limited lifetime warranty.
Positives:
Space-saving jack option
Lightweight
UHMW plastic barbell handles
Could be better:
Still need to bend over
Each side needs to be unloaded separately
The Dead Wedge is manufactured by LIFT Co.. It offers one of the best deadlift wedges that can be used as an alternative jack option.
LIFT Co. prioritizes high-end gym equipment without the premium price points. They specialize in smaller gym accessories that are designed to fit easily into your gym bag including pre-workouts, knee sleeves, wrist wraps, weight lifting belts, and the dead wedge.
- Weight: 0.45 lbs
- Length: 9.25"
- Width: 1.75"
- Weight Limit: Any Weight Amount (Stated on the Website)
- Steel Notes: Durable Natural Rubber with Non-slip Design
- Grip Type: Rubber
The Dead Wedge is an extremely portable, space-saving alternative to a traditional deadlift jack that measures 9.25" L x 1.75" W. The contoured loading ramp allows you to roll the barbell onto an elevated platform, making loading and unloading much easier than on the ground.
The Dead Wedge is a simple thin piece of angled rubber that provides the user with similar functionality of a deadlift jack but fits into any gym bag with ease. It’s very easy to use - just place it next to the weight plates and roll the barbell up onto the rubber.
The Wedge features a non-slip design that's able to handle any amount of barbell weight according to the website. It's around the same width as a weight plate, meaning you don't need to worry about it slipping between the plates.
The Dead Wedge is compatible with hexagonal, polygonal, and standard-sized weight plates. It has the Dead Wedge branding indented into the middle and comes in bright orange.
Positives:
Easily fits into any gym bag
Small price point
Easy to maintain
Could be better:
Easier to trap your hands between the plates when changing them
Still need to bend down right to the floor
Synergee is a fitness company for people who are humans first and athletes second. The brand knows that a lifter's lifestyle can be hectic, with many commitments outside of the gym. They want to make it easier by providing reliable and affordable equipment to fit your unique lifestyle.
They aim for fitness to be convenient and to empower people to lead healthier, happier lives.
- Weight: 8 lbs
- Length: 20"
- Width: 4.5"
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs
- Steel Notes: Alloy Steel
- Grip Type: Foam
The Synergee Mini Deadlift Barbell Jack provides you with a compact, mini deadlift bar jack that features an easy-to-use jack handle.
The Synergee Barbell Jack is manufactured from stainless steel and weighs just 8 lbs, making it simple to move to where it's needed. It measures 20" long and 4.5" wide meaning it can fit into most bigger gym bags if you need to carry it around. When on the ground, the jack sits at 10" high.
Despite its small size and lightweight construction, it can handle up to 400 lbs of barbell weight, enough for most lifters. The Synergee jack features a simple design with a 4.75" foam handle that helps to lift the barbell off the floor.
The barbell holder is 2" wide and finished with padding to protect the barbell and keep it secure.
Positives:
Lightweight design
Decent weight capacity
Foam Jack handle
Could be better:
No wheels included
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Why use a Deadlift Jack?
1. Energy Saving
Chances are, you care about hitting PRs in the gym. Whatever your lifting experience, you need to conserve as much energy as possible between lifts so you have the best chance of being successful.
Tips From the Champ
Olympic Weightlifting Champion
2. Maintain Focus
Alongside saving your energy, focusing on your lift is very important. Besides having the strength to lift the bar off the floor, you need to lift with the correct focus and technique to ensure a smooth, efficient bar path.
When using a deadlift jack, you give yourself more time to sit down and focus on your next lift without having to focus on unloading the plates.
A deadlift jack allows you to keep your focus and stay in the lifting zone.
3. Cost
If you're on a budget when building your home gym, you may need to consider the cost of the various equipment vs the function it performs.
Deadlift jacks and wedges are available at smaller price points throughout the whole product range. Heavy duty, bigger jacks don't set you back much whilst smaller deadlift wedges are available for the price of a sit-down meal.
When considering the cost vs the function that deadlift jacks perform, they are a worthwhile investment.
How to Pick a Deadlift Jack?
When looking to purchase a deadlift jack, consider these key points:
1. Durability
The durability of a deadlift jack refers to its construction and the amount of weight it can handle. If it's made with thicker Gauge steel, it's likely able to handle bigger weight amounts.
Consider the amount of weight you want to lift and make sure the jack can handle that much.
2. Versatility
The versatility of a deadlift jack refers to the different functions the jack can carry out. When choosing a jack, first consider the size and whether you need to carry the jack around in your gym bag. If you need to carry one around, consider purchasing a deadlift wedge.
Next, some deadlift jacks come with or can be fitted with wheels. This allows you to move weight around the room with little effort. If you need to move your barbell around make sure you can fit wheels to the jack.
3. Effectiveness
Effectiveness refers to how easily the jack can perform its function. How easy can it lift the weight off the floor?
If you want something that lifts the barbell off the floor without bending over, consider a larger deadlift jack. If you want something that's portable and offers similar functionality, consider a deadlift wedge.
Alongside this, check the jack features. Most jacks come with padded U coatings that are designed to protect the knurling on your deadlift bar.
How to use Deadlift Jacks Correctly?
A deadlift jack follows the same principle as a simple lever. If you want to know how to use deadlift jacks correctly, follow these steps.
First, locate the U-shape that's designed to keep the barbell in place. These are sometimes padded to protect the barbell when moving it.
Next, simply slide the jack under the barbell and push the handle. The barbell should lift off the floor with little effort.
Once the barbell is off the ground, you can slide weight plates on and off as you need with little resistance.
If you're using a full deadlift jack you'll be able to unload both sides at once. If you're using a mini deadlift jack, you'll have to unload each side separately using the same principles outlined above.
Deadlift Jacks Vs Wedges
Whilst both are designed to make loading and unloading a barbell easier by lifting it off the floor, they have some key differences.
Deadlift Jacks Pros and Cons
Pros
You can attach wheels that make moving around large amounts of weight very easy
They save a significant amount of time when loading and unloading weight plates
They allow you to lift the barbell in an upright position
Mini deadlift jacks are small and easy to use
Cons
They are bulkier and heavier than deadlift wedges
They usually cost more
Deadlift Wedges Pros and Cons
Pros
They are very portable and can fit in most gym bags with ease
They usually cost much less than deadlift jacks
You need to bend down to the floor to use the wedge
Cons
They can’t handle as much weight as jacks
They don't have wheel attachment options
FAQ
Are deadlift jacks worth it?
Deadlift jacks are a worthwhile investment in any home gym setup. They make deadlifting much easier and more efficient whilst helping to conserve energy and time.
Most deadlift jacks are very reasonably priced, making them a great addition.
How do you Load a Deadlift Bar Without a Jack?
If you need to load a deadlift bar without a jack, you need to physically lift the weight whilst pushing the plate onto the bar. At heavier weights, this can be quite difficult and consume a lot of energy.
Sometimes you can use another weight plate to lift the bar slightly but again, this isn't the most efficient way and can be difficult on your own.
Which Deadlift Jack is the Best?
Purchasing a deadlift jack is a great investment. They help to conserve energy, help focus, and are available at a decent price point.
They are available as a small portable wedge that you can carry around in your gym bag or as a heavy-duty jack that makes a great addition to your home gym.
Barbell Jack Deadlift Jack is my top pick deadlift jack. It's durable, versatile, and available at a decent price.
Have you used a deadlift jack or wedge before? What do you think?
Also read:
References:
- 8 Benefits of Deadlifts You Probably Never Knew About // Health Line:
https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness/deadlift-benefits#bottom-line - How to Deadlift with Proper Form: The Definitive Guide // Strong Lifts:
https://stronglifts.com/deadlift/ - Photos made by Torokhtiy Media.
Why Trust Us?
- Author
- Reviewer
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.