Manta Ray Rear Squat Harness Support

I love this product. I always squated in cage with no smith machine with a bar pad and got up to 635lbs, then the injuries started. After borrowing another weight lifter's Manta Ray I felt no upper back and neck pressure. The downside is that the Manta Ray messes up my center of gravity from where I've always had it using free weights in the squat cage. The upside is that it works beautifully in a smith machine for squating because the center of gravity control is not a factor. I've recovered quite good from the injuries now. I feel great after 3 weeks slowly adding the weight back to where I used to be before the injuries and so far I have not felt the pain, which was my biggest concern. I'm doing something I love again. If this is your story also, then the Manta Ray is a must have.

I hated doing squats because of shoulder problems...but the Manta Ray changed the pain into gain (and I was able to increase my weights). The device does distribute weight much more evenly. Of course, it needs to fit you properly -- probably no way to know 100% unless you can try one out yourself at a gym or a local store. I purchased one and won't use a foam collar for squats again.

Quite a good easy to use item. Better than wrapping a towel or foam around the bar. I found that it helps keep a good posture but is quite rigid so if you are lifting big weights it feels quite hard across the contact area. If they made a model with a softer rubber padding under the base it would be great. Overall though a handy piece of gym kit.

This really is an amazing piece of equipment. It holds the bar so effectively that the hands just keep it in place rather than supporting weight. So it feels very secure. And it distributes the weight forward so that there is no so much weight pressing down on the upper back/lower neck area (which I tend to strain if I'm not careful).

Unfortunately, it didn't fit my physique exactly. And you need and exact fit for it to be comfortable. In my case there was a small ridge that pressed down very uncomfortably and sharply on my collar bone. Same with two other guys at my gym. It's so uncomfortable, it's unusable.

The product is so effective that I would gladly pay three times the asking price for a custom fit. The manufacturer might also look at cutting out the collar bone area since this seemed to be where the extreme discomfort was.

UPDATE. . . November 30, 2007

My last review pointed out a problem with the Manta Ray. But I have been using it for the last few months with great results. The only thing needed to make it perfect is a gym towel. Just fold a hand towel over a couple of times and place it around the neck. Then slide under the bard and up onto the Manta Ray. It completely eliminates the sharp spots.

I've gone from squatting 135 pounds on my last post to 315 pounds for the last couple of weeks. I went over to another gym to work out with a friend. No Manta Ray at the new gym. The bar sitting on my traps was excruciating. I stopped on my third set after two reps because it hurt so bad. The Manta Ray is as indispensable as straps are for back work. It allows you to work with significantly more weight for more reps.

Tell your gym to get this piece of equipment!!! It's definitely worth the money if you have to spring for it yourself.

I cannot believe the difference that the manta ray makes for my workout. It evenly distributes the weight. It is totally comfortable. I haven't had a bruise since I started using this. I also like having my own to use at the gym. My gym has the foam ones that smell pretty bad. You can't go wrong with this device.