When starting to collect equipment for a home gym, there are only a few pieces that are considered fundamental. Portable dip stations are one such piece of equipment.
The best dip bars should be sturdy, versatile additions to any home gym. Accommodating a wide array of exercises, a portable dip bar can be even more useful than other bodyweight exercise equipment, like a pull-up bar.
This article will review 10 of the best dip bars for home gyms, highlighting the unique features and benefits of each. We'll then provide a buyer's guide for all the most important things to look for in a good portable dip bar.
1. Ultimate Body Press Dip Bar Fitness Station
Summary
These dip bars from Ultimate Body Press have a couple of advantages over some of their competitors. The first is that these bars are adjustable from 19 to 24", allowing you to target different upper body muscles as desired. This flexibility also allows users of different limb lengths to comfortably train on the dip station.
These dip bars also pop apart quickly, allowing you to fold and store the dip station in a cupboard or under the bed between uses. When home gym equipment is so often bulky and in the way, this is a great feature.
The Ultimate Body Press dip stand can be further upgraded when you're ready to advance your training, with the resistance band dip belt.
- Dimensions: 24" x 36" x 36"
- Product Weight: 17.8 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs.
Pros
- Adjustable width for focus on chest or triceps
- Folds up for easy storage
- Angled grips reduce wrist strain
Cons
- Not the ideal dip bar for individuals with long legs
Takeaway
This Ultimate Body Press dip bar has an adjustable width and nicely angled handles to reduce the strain on your forearms. It also folds away quickly for easy storage - a big plus for home gym equipment.
2. Titan Fitness HD Dip Station
Summary
The Titan Fitness HD Dip Station provides a heavy-duty frame in one single piece. It is perfect for those worried about adding weight to their dip bars. The massive weight capacity of up to 750 lbs means this dip station will support your heaviest workouts.
While the single-piece design adds strength to the frame of this dip bar, it means that it's not able to be folded easily between workouts. That being said, its lightweight design makes it portable enough to move around easily.
If the 20" handle width is suitable for your frame, this is one of the best portable dip bars if you want something heavy-duty for weighted bodyweight sessions.
- Dimensions: 31" x 34" x 39"
- Product Weight: 19 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 750 lbs.
- Very sturdy with heavy weight capacity
- Value for money
- Fully covered foam grips
Cons
- Not adjustable or foldable
Takeaway
This Titan Fitness dip bar is a heavy-duty dip station and has one of the largest weight capacities for those looking to add some serious weight to their workout with a belt or vest. If you're happy to leave this dip bar in place between uses, it will handle anything you can throw at it.
3. Trademark Innovations Fitness Training Dip Station
Summary
This portable dip station from Trademark Innovations is another single-piece dip bar for solid support under your dips and bodyweight exercises.
A nice inclusion from Trademark Innovations with this dip bar is the long-strap suspension trainer foam handles. These attachments hang from the top bars, allowing you to perform suspended push-ups.
These will greatly improve your core strength and balance, as well as strengthening the smaller stabilizing muscles of the shoulders. This in turn will improve your dip strength even further.
An all-around, solid portable dip bar with a unique addition that gives it some extra versatility.
- Dimensions: 35" x 23.5" x 33.5"
- Product Weight: 17.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: Unknown
Pros
- Comes with additional suspension trainer handles
- Lightweight - easily portable
- Rubber stops to protect flooring and balance dip station
Cons
- No adjustable width or disassembly
Takeaway
The Trademark Innovations Fitness Training Dip Station offers a unique feature not included with any other dip bars on this list. That is the suspension handles that allow you to perform the challenging suspended pushup. A lightweight and functional dip station with a nice bonus!
4. ProsourceFit Dip Stand Station
Summary
This dip stand station is great for being able to adjust and adapt to different users and situations. Not only can it be extended horizontally, but it also has a four-inch vertical range to accommodate different heights.
If the width still isn't enough at its widest setting, you can simply separate the two bars, and place them as wide as you like. This also makes these dip bars portable and easy to store.
The ProSource Fit dip station comes in black, red or yellow, to give it a little flair for your home gym. Some of the best portable dip bars in their price range.
- Dimensions: 16" x 24" x 31"
- Product Weight: 23.5 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs.
Pros
- Adjustable height and width
- Can be used as two separate bars
- Comes in a range of colors
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other options
Takeaway
One of the most versatile dip stations in this review, the ProSource Dip Station can adjust in height, width, even into two separate bars to accommodate any user. And it comes in multiple different colors to put your own personal touch on it.
5. Lebert Fitness EQualizer Total Body Strengthener
Summary
These heavy-duty steel dip bars come as two separate pieces. Rather than attach to each other, they have opted for stability with extra-wide bases.
This unattached approach allows for greater granularity in adjusting each dip bar to your needs - particularly in regard to different angles for your wrists and grip.
The dip bars come in two different versions. The standard version is small and compact, with the XL variant built with extra weight and height for taller individuals. Both versions are heavy-duty, supporting a weight capacity of up to 400 lbs.
The EQualizer dip station comes in different colors such as green, pink, and yellow, too, if you feel like brightening up your home gym.
- Dimensions: 25" x 28.5-31"
- Product Weight: 16-27 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs.
Pros
- Standard and XL options for taller trainers
- Range of funky colors
- Easily portable and packable
Cons
- Not attachable for extra stability
Takeaway
The Lebert Fitness EQualizer standard and XL models accommodate lifters of all shapes and sizes. The dual stainless steel bars make for a highly versatile and durable set of dip bars for any occasion.
6. Rogue Formed Parallette Set
Summary
These parallette bars from Rogue are a little different than the other dip bars on this list. Being a lot shallower than a traditional dip station, they can be placed on the floor, or on boxes to raise them higher.
The benefit of the smaller size is that they weigh about half that of other dip bars, making them the most portable dip bars out there. And don't let the size fool you. These bars are 14 gauge steel and can handle dips, handstand push-ups, L-sits, and anything else you can throw at them.
The grip on these dip bars is provided by a black powder coat finish rather than foam pads. This makes it easier to clear the bars when you double them as agility drill hurdles!
- Dimensions: 14.5" x 23.5" x 13.5"
- Product Weight: 14 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs. +
Pros
- Best quality materials and finish
- Highly portable and versatile
- Textured powder coat finish provides grip
Cons
- Requires a box or platform to acquire height
Takeaway
These parallettes from Rogue are a little different than the other dip stations in this review. But what they lack in height they make up for with absolute ease of transport, versatility, and the highest quality hardware and finishes in the industry.
7. RELIFE Rebuild Your Life Dip Station
Summary
Another classic adjustable dip station, these RELIFE dip bars can be set from 31 to 35 inches in height, and to four different widths with the connecting rod.
The RELIFE dip station can also be used as two single bars, for exercises such as inverted rows, bodyweight curls, or tricep extensions. A single bar can be placed on its side for slightly elevated push-ups as well.
This dip bar has single center foam grips for a good balance of friction and padding for your hands during your workout. An easy-to-use, adjustable dip bar that is easy to assemble and transport.
- Dimensions: 29.5" x 22.8" x 31-35"
- Product Weight: Not specified
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs.
Pros
- Adjustable height and width
- Base caps adjust to uneven surfaces
- Bars separate for storage
Cons
- Not the highest weight limit for heavy lifters
Takeaway
A simple, cost-effective portable dip bar with all the adjustment capabilities to make it versatile and easy to pack up and transport. The connecting bar and rotatable caps make it stable and rigid on any surface.
8. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6507 Dip Station
Summary
The large adjustment knobs of the Sunny Health dip bar make it easier than ever to adjust the width of the bars. Other dip stations can be finicky to change with their small press buttons.
This Sunny Health portable dip bar is at the lower end of the spectrum both in height and in the weight it can handle. If you need the most heavy-duty dip bar fitness station, there are other options.
If you want lightweight easily adjustable dip bars for home, then these will do the job just fine.
- Dimensions: 46" x 26" x 29.5"
- Product Weight: 18.1 lbs.
- Weight Limit: 250 lbs.
Pros
- Adjustable width and height
- Detachable for portability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Lower end weight capacity
Takeaway
The high-quality foam grips and extra-large adjustment knobs distinguish this dip station from other similar models in this mid-price range. Might not be the best portable dip bar for you if you're taller or have longer limbs with its 30-inch height.
9. Fuel Pureformance Deluxe Dip Station
Summary
Now for the biggest, baddest dip bar on this list! This deluxe product from Fuel puts lightweight dip stations to shame with its heavy-duty build and great extras.
This is one of the tallest and heaviest dip bars in this review, so it's perfect for taller and larger trainers or those who want to add weights to their exercises with a belt or vest.
The included Olympic rings with the deluxe edition add elevated push-ups and chest flys to your training arsenal; they can also be removed and attached to an overhead bar for ring dips or pull-ups.
- Dimensions: 29.9" x 24.8" x 38.6"
- Product Weight: Not specified
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs. +
Pros
- Most heavy-duty frame on the list
- Comes with Olympic rings
- Reinforced triangular steel base
Cons
- Relatively heavy and bulky - not easy to store or move
Takeaway
The best portable dip bars for your home gym if you want to go hard and heavy. These dip bars aren't the easiest to pack up and move, but if you want to feel secure even in the most heavyweight bodyweight sessions, this is the dip bar for you.
10. GoBeast Dip Stand
Summary
Finally, we have the portable dip bar from GoBeast. This dip bar is adjustable in both directions, with a useful maximum vertical height of 35 inches for taller users.
The easy release lock pins make it quicker than ever to adjust this dip bar, and they come out to the side to stay out of the way during leg movements.
The detachable two-piece design again makes it easy to perform dozens of upper body exercises, making this an indispensable piece of equipment for any home gym.
- Dimensions: 16-24" x 24" x 31-35"
- Product Weight: Not specified
- Weight Limit: 330 lbs.
Pros
- Easy release lock pins for adjustment
- Adjustable height, width, and separate bars
- Decent weight capability
Cons
- Foam padding is narrow for larger hands
Takeaway
A great all-around portable dip bar with easy release lock pins, making this one of the best dip bars for quick disassembly and transport or storage.
Conclusion
We hope this list of portable dip stations has been informative and maybe helped you decide which could be the best portable dip bar for your home gym.
Next, we'll take a look at some important considerations for home gym portable dip bars, and provide you with some of the most effective exercises you can do on this equipment.
Buying Guide
How to Choose the Best Portable Dip Bars?
1. Strength and Stability
A high-quality dip bar is made of heavy-duty steel, with a powder-coated finish. You want the bars to feel sturdy and secure under your bodyweight.
If a dip bar is not sufficiently well-made, you may risk the bars moving or toppling while you're in the middle of an exercise, which could lead to injury.
A dip bar can be made more stable by connecting the bars with a centerpiece. One-piece bars connect the dip bars, making them more secure.
While a stronger, heavier steel made dip bar might be a little heavier, they will ensure the device will last a long time and keep you safe as you exercise.
The Fuel Pureformance Deluxe fitness dip station is the most heavy-duty dip bar on the list. The Titan HD dip station stand also has a very high maximum weight capacity should you want to add extra weight to your exercises with a dip belt.
2. Design and Portability
You'll also need to consider how and where you want to use your dip bars. The weight of the bars, as well as their ability to come apart into two separate pieces, will determine how easily you can pack up, move, or store your equipment.
Several bars on this list have the ability to separate, including the RELIFE dip station, the GoBeast dip stand, and others. Others come only as two separate bars, like the Rogue parallettes, which are very lightweight compared to other dip bars. They do this without compromising any strength, however.
A final design feature of dip bars is the diameter and angle of their handles. This will affect the strength and comfort of your grip as you perform your exercises.
2. Adjustment and Versatility
Finally, your dip bars will need to be the right size for your build and height. Check the maximum height of the dip station you're looking at to make sure. The tallest dip station in this review is the Fuel Pureformance, at 38.5".
If multiple people will be using the bar, adjustability is a great feature that means you can change the height and width when different people are training with the bars.
A versatile dip bar means you can do a wide range of exercises. This is where adjustable bars or bars that can be separated also come in handy. Different bar settings can change the difficulty of bodyweight exercises like elevated push-ups or rows.
Portable Dip Bars Exercises
1. Dips
Although dip bars are capable of a wide range of exercises, surely a good dip bar workout has to start with dips!
To perform dips on this exercise equipment, simply grab the center handles and support your weight with your hands, tucking your heels off the floor.
Lean forward slightly and slowly lower yourself down until your upper arms are parallel to the floor. Then squeeze your chest and triceps as you push up and lock your elbows out at the top.
2. Inverted Rows
An upper body workout needs to balance the pushing movements with different exercises for other muscle groups. One of the best exercises for the upper back and biceps is the inverted row.
Also known as the Australian pull-up, this exercise is perfect for a dip bar workout. Sitting between the dip bars, reach up and grab the handles from the underside.
With the feet shoulder-width apart, lift the hips until your body is straight. For an easier version, bend the knees. Pull your chest up between the bars, and make sure to avoid letting your hips drop. Slowly lower to the starting position and repeat.
3. Knee Raises
Another popular body weight exercise on the portable dip bars is knee raises. This exercise will add some core training to your upper body workout on the dip stands.
To perform knee raises, place your hands on the grips and bend the knees to lift the feet off the floor. From a straight body position, engage the abs and tuck your knees up towards your chest. In a slow, controlled manner, lower your knees back down until there is a straight line from your head to your knees.
Keep the elbows locked straight and the shoulder blades depressed down during this exercise to strengthen the supporting muscles of the shoulders and trunk.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to use a dip station?
Dip bars can be used in any home gym as an effective accessory for bodyweight exercises. There are exercises for every muscle group that can be done with a dip bar. Some examples include elevated push-ups for the chest and shoulders, inverted rows for the back and arms, leg raises for the core, and Bulgarian split squats for the legs.
The great thing about dip bars too is that you can take them anywhere to work out; your home gym, the backyard, even out at the park.
Are portable dip bars worth buying?
A portable dip bar is one of the most effective, versatile pieces of equipment you can get for a mobile workout. A dip bar is relatively cheap compared with many other pieces of exercise equipment, and they can be used for dozens of bodyweight exercises.
A dip bar is also one of the only things you can use to perform one of the most effective pushing exercises available. They are more comfortable on the wrists for many people than other moves like push-ups.
What muscles do dips workout?
Dips are an upper body, compound movement. They are what is known as a closed chain exercise, with the hands being anchored while the body moves as resistance.
The prime movers in dips are the pectoralis major, the anterior deltoids, and the triceps of the upper arm. A handful of synergistic accessory muscles in the trunk and shoulders also aid in the movement to keep the body rigid.
When setting up on the dip bar, the width of the dip bar affects which muscles take the most resistance. A wider grip targets the chest, a narrow grip focuses on the triceps.