Rows

[reggc]

Are barbell rows superior to dumbbell rows.

[Myka]

I believe barbell rows tend to work on the "bulk" of the muscle...while dumbells recruit extra and smaller muscles...

[pelly789]

^^agreed dumbells incorporate more of the stabilizing muscles that keep the movement straight and flowing just like newkid said hope it helps good luck man

[RuhlFreak55]

if you're talking about superior in respect to muscle activation, obviously it's my opinion, but one-arm dumbell rows are probably my most favorite exercise of all. I feel them alot more than bent-over barbell rows.....just my opinion of course

[novastepp]

IMO barbell will get your back wider...

[taiboxa]

imo lifting is lifting.. u row u get bigger back
just change it up as the body adapts

[Warrior]

Two different movements all together...

Use dumbell for a greater stretch and contraction. Use the barbell to move a heavier load using the more compound (more back muscle involved) movement.

Basically, the barbell allows you to put a heavier load on the back - thus resulting a greater muscle fiber activation. The dumbell rows allow you to utilize the iso lateral (one arm) defecit specifically on the lats... resulting in a targeted heavy load...

Soooo... IMO, your heavy compound movement should be done first (Barbell Rows, T-Bar Rows, yada, yada...) then movements that allow for a greater stretch and/or single arm movements...

[gnew70]

Thanks for the help

[Papi93]

It depends. If you are looking to develop great stabilizing strength in the lower back, as well, then barbell rows are superior. On the other hand, if you are looking to have the arms work independent of each other and take your lower back out of the exercise, as a stabilizer, then the unilateral db row would be superior.
Overall, the barbell rows will stimulate more muscle mass throughout the entire body. I would go with barbell rows for this reason.