If you searched "American Barbell tgrip" and landed here, you're in the right place. Old closeout listings. A review from years ago. Coupon pages for a deal that doesn't exist anymore. Here's the straight story — no spin.
The Original Multi-Grip tgrip Bar
The tgrip bars were created by Timothy Fitz — known to some in the fitness world as "Tgrip Tim" — inventor, founder, and designer of the original multi-grip tgrip bars. Invented by a lifter, built for lifters: a patented design that lets you press, pull, curl, and row from multiple neutral-grip positions, so you can lift more with less pain. The bar works with your joints instead of against them.
Why tgrip partnered with American Barbell
In the beginning, as production volume kept climbing, the creator began outsourcing manufacturing — and that became a real challenge. The bars and the brand were growing, and tgrip's reputation was built on the founder's noticeable attention to detail. Tim is a perfectionist about this: no substitute for exceptional quality, zero tolerance for anything less than perfect.
He had known the founder of American Barbell from the very beginning. Mutual respect, like-minded on quality manufacturing. So the partnership made sense: American Barbell streamlined production of all versions of tgrip barbells and delivered the exceptional quality the designer was after. The tgrip bars were in perfect alignment with American Barbell's product lineup, and ABB was already well established at a much larger scale.
Under the agreement, American Barbell became the exclusive manufacturer of the tgrip brand of bars. Those American Barbell tgrip bars are the original tgrip-branded bars — genuine articles, made under the tgrip name.
The Tgrip Single Handle Bar from the partnership era — finished with hard chrome and black zinc.
What the partnership built
That arrangement helped tgrip barbells claim the title of the most versatile functional multi-grip barbells available today — above all the others trying to follow. And they will keep trying.
American Barbell's launch marketing for the tgrip bars — black, white, and pink.
American Barbell's club strength marketing featuring tgrip bars on the rack — headline updated to the tgrip club strength bars name.
"It's like the bicycle. Since the bicycle was invented, the overall design has been done a thousand ways — but the concept, the frame, the pedal placement, the handlebars will always mimic the original. Same with all multi-grip bars. Imitations prove the concept. They don't replace the inventor."
— Tgrip-Tim, founder of Tgrip Fitness
What lifters said
The reviews from the American Barbell era tell the story better than any marketing could. These are real verified-buyer reviews from americanbarbell.com, posted while the partnership was active:
Real verified-buyer reviews from americanbarbell.com during the partnership.
"This bar has saved my shoulders with the neutral grip. I can bench again and it has re-motivated me, thank you!!"
— Trevor, Verified Buyer
"I have a connective tissue disorder and using a straight barbell is not an option for me. I love the grips on this — it's the first time I've been able to do a bench press without feeling things grind together in my shoulder or suffering from pain after my workout."
— Verified Buyer, americanbarbell.com
"I can finally bench press without shoulder pain... I love this bar. It is beautiful, functional, and even though I'm only 5'4" with fairly narrow upper body, the width of the close set angled hand grips fit me pretty well."
— Sidelia R., Verified Buyer
"This bar is fantastic!!! 5 stars it really takes the pressure off the shoulders and elbows."
— Manuel A., Verified Buyer
That's the whole point of the bar, then and now: lift more with less pain.
The brand is back home
The partnership ran its course, ending on the same good terms as it began, and the tgrip brand is back home. No drama, no dispute — the brand returned to its inventor.
And to be clear: American Barbell tgrip bars are still approved by the tgrip brand. If you own one, you own the real thing. Questions about those bars? Contact tgrip directly.
American Barbell's marketing for the tgrip bars during the partnership era — the original tgrip-branded bars.
Get the real thing
Today there is one tgrip: independent, inventor-owned, and sold direct at tgrip.com. The current lineup — led by the tgrip pro bars — are the original multi-grip tgrip bars, followed by the shorty bar and lighter versions. Built to outlast your gym. For neutral-grip training beyond the barbell, the Maxx cable pulley kit turns any space into a cable station — and the farmer's walk remains one of the simplest full-body strength builders you can do.
The Tgrip Shorty Bar from the American Barbell era — the same lineage as today's lineup.
Don't take our word for it. Garage Gym Reviews put the bar through two months of pressing, pulling, and curls and called it "one of the best multi-grip bars available." Read the full review →
