The Best Resistance Band Footplate? Harambe, X3, Clench, DIY

Going over pros and cons of various resistance band footplates (platforms) that I've tried. This is simply my opinion in messing around with various platforms, but I tried to highlight notable differences. I'm fairly new to using these set ups, but have grown to greatly love them mostly in how certain specific exercises feel going at a slow tension with a bar. I'll cover the X3 Bar Platform, Harambe Footplate, Clench Fitness Footplate, and a DIY one my neighbor Mac made.

0:00 - Intro
2:07 - Harambe Footplate Pros
4:18 - Harambe Cons
5:48 - Clench Fitness Footplate Pros
7:12 - Clench Cons
9:03 - X3 Footplate Pros
11:42 - X3 Cons
12:46 - DIY Footplate Pros
14:30 - DIY Cons
14:51 - Other Footplates / Platforms
15:12 - Points to Consider in choosing
15:45 - Low Cost Options
17:19 - Gloves
17:41 - If I had to choose one

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[cameronwall]

I’m sure you have heard this before but a lot of people have used a cutting board similar to the dimensions of the x3 plate and have put hockey pucks on the bottom. Spent around $30 bucks for everything. Works perfectly.

[onpoint]

Made my own foot plate with a heavy duty food chopping board and 4 hockey pucks for the feet. It took my resistance band training to another level.

[MrMCSS]

Very nice review. I just found your channel and am enjoying it. I have several of the boards you mentioned as well as a few of the systems mentioned. I have the Harambe, clench, Rockafit, and the first generation X3 plastic board. My favorite board is the Harambe and the least favorite is the X3 board.

My Clench board is one of the first runs of the board and the fit and finish is subpar for what I paid and it had sharp edges opposite of the channels which I ended up sanding down. Because of these things, I rarely use it. The newer ones look way better and people say there are no sharp edges.

The Rockafit board is the same size as my X3 board and way better made and is what I take with my X3 bar when I travel by plane. The first generation X3 board is junk. You can buy the current X3 board independently if you are a past X3 owner. The price is about $150 and I wouldn't pay that amount for that board even though I wouldn't mind trying it out because I already have the Rockafit board.

The band, board, and bar system I like the best is the Harambe system. The bars are much better made than X3 and there is just more versatility with their different lengths of slings. The motion of the rollers on the bars is much smoother than the X3 bar. I also like longer bars because the X3 bar always pinches my shirt and skin at the shoulders and makes some exercises uncomfortable.

[Ephesiansblogspot]

Mike,

Another great review. I've been eying up the harambe board for sometime. But this review and your review of the CLENCH FITNESS Platform turned me off from the wider boards. I don't know how Dr. Jaquish figured it out, but it seems to me like the 20 inch barbell and 20 inch platform is the PERFECT SIZE for HIT resistance band trainings. It literally keeps everything in your 'power zone" so to say and probably limits injuries as well.

What's next for you? Well, start saving your money and get a GH Accelerator from X3! I'm telling you, this thing is a GAME CHANGER! Right now, it's like $1, 400. I picked it up for $1, 000 during the anniversary sale. Honestly, that was a great price, even $1, 400 for a vibration plate. REAL vibration plates are not cheap. AND, it has a lifetime warranty. You cannot beat that. IT's built like a tank too, weighs like 45 pounds. I'm guessing they will have another sale on it during Black Friday time. Who knows? Also, consider googling vibration plate therapy for all the benefits. It'a amazing science. Mixing vibration plate therapy and an intense X3 workout is heavenly.

Thanks again for your great videos and may your channel continue to grow and grow! -Bryan

[edwardnilsson]

I've been using the Innstar bar with a wood plate for years now (even sold a few), might get the X3 bar someday but a longer bar seems more flexible since you can just loop it inside without using carabiners or hooks.

Can you please review Harambe's K-Bar vs T-Bar?

Also I have a hard time combining this type of setup with a total gym and dumbbells. I find myself doing one setup per workout since it takes so much energy to jump from one to another.

I like where this channel is heading! Keep it up!

[thatdude]

I vote clench fitness.
Resolution to negatives:
1. You can scratch the plastic with sandpaper to stop the bands from sliding.
2. You can scratch the top surface with sand paper to prevent feet from sliding or use grip tape
3. The nice thing about plastic is you can use a file and add your own taper then sand it down.

[robinradema]

Thanks this was very helpful. As a woodworker I know exactly what to do now. 😅

[montuckyman]

Regarding the slipping of the bands. They are SUPPOSED to slip or slide on the bottom side of the board. Because as you stretch the band it will actually That is also why they sell various band lubes.

[Craneguy]

Great review, I have had the Clench and the Floyd Reed plates for a while and just picked up a GrabbyBar and already had Quantum Bands. Since I already had most of the components it made sense just getting that bar, specially in Canada but if buying all at the same time the X3 is prob much cheaper overall then buying one of these plates, then a bar and bands.

[MarkKurowski]

On the Harambe board, bands that have been "oiled" don't slip, rather they slide smoothly as a band should. :-)

[larryseibold]

Interesting point that you see the band slipping at the base as a problem / negative. I have not used these, but would have thought exactly the opposite, that smoothly sliding the latex would make for more of a uniform tension ramp, and less wear and tear. I will have to check that out.

[outtrigger]

clench is the best board, i use the side holes all the time

[eladmitchell]

nice mike, i like the x3 unit.more compact no slipping.kind of sharp on the edges, the wooden one is a good choice put the grip tape on it.another great video in the books.god bless😊

[captain]

Dangit you got me wanting one of these lol. Love your videos man! Keep it up.

[kamilwysocki]

When I see all of these people's damaged bands on YouTube when using X3, I am afraid of using X3 ground plate although I have the X3 set. I use it with harambe or clench footplate. X3 ground plate doesn't only have a problem in the corners, but mainly under the plate in the channel where metal goes over metal creating sharp edges on both sides of the channel

[mrsh]

I would use one of these on the road in our RV where limited space is available,

[azoto]

I bought a used X3 on OfferUp for $200. I also happen to win a clench fitness footplate from a giveaway on another YouTube channel. I did not mind the X3 footplate but I once accidentally lost my balance an the top of a front squat rep and it launched the footplate into my knee. It always felt a little small for my frame. I really appreciate the fact that the clench fitness plate is so versatile and is a wider more sturdy footprint. Being heavier and wider makes it feel safer to use. It just works much better for me. I have not tried the Harambe plate yet but a lot of people love their system. X3 also makes a longer bar(sold separately) that I would like to try at some point.

[TheTurtlesrockz]

Thank you for the video! Amazing production and quality! Though decision on what should be the move, I want something for legs since I can’t visit a commercial gym for back squats rn

[captainguns]

I bought the j Bryant bar just to use with 32inch bands. I have black & yellow bands which I’m too big to fit in with x3 style chest for example. Not arrived yet so hope my plan works out

[bobg]

Platforms still seem too expensive. When I do resistance band deadlifts or squats, I just put the total gym leg press attachment on a carpet floor. It's fairly stable and the bands don't seem to rub much.