U Bar Split Squat

I really like this peice of equipment for several reasons.  It has some advantages over straight bars as well as trap bars. It has added another component to the tream's training because it allows me take components of several different exercises and combine them.  One could argue that the lifts performed with the U bar are hybrid exercises.  These hybrids allow me to combine the positives of straight bars and trap bars.

Trap bars are great because they place the lifter into a good lifting position.  The weight of the bar is more in line with the lifter's center mass.  The lifter is not leaning forward over the weight like one would do in performing a straight bar deadlift. Also placing the load in the hands rather than across the shoulders places more load on the shoulder girdle musculature.  In addition, trap bars help the athletes avoid the shoulder position of external rotation and abduction such as in a straight bar back squat. This is important for those with marginal thoracic and shoulder mobility. 

The advantage of straight bars over trap bars is that straight bars allow for single extremity training like split squats, rear foot elevated squats, and 1 leg straight leg deadlifts.  Obviously these exercises can not be performed easily with the trap bar because they completely surround the lifter.

The U bar or 'super deadlift' bar is great because it allows for the positives of both the trap bar squats and the straight bar squats.  Its U shape allows for the split stance, rear foot elevated position, or for the back leg to extend rearward as would be done in a 1 leg SLDL.  Also, it allows for the weight to be held at the sides with the same hand placement as a trap bar allowing for good ergonomics.

I have done some experimenting with the U bar facing both forward and backward.  It seems like facing the U backwards may actually allow for better alignment and a more upright torso posture.  This could be the way to go for those with long femurs.