Manta Ray attachment for conventional squats

[Far from massive]

Hello all,

Does anyone else here use the "manta ray" clip on attachment to help stabilize the bar on your shoulders while doing conventional squats? As my name says I am an ecotmorph and also have some old neck problems from a myriad of accidents when I was racing motocross and road bikes. Because of these two factors I have never been comfortable squating and wrapping the bar with a towel or pipe insulation only makes it worse. Since using the clip on support I have zero pain and the bar is so stable I can do a squat barely holding onto the bar.

I guess my question is do you feel this takes anything away from the benefits of the squat or is there any other reason not to use this other than the occasional guy who snickers..

FFM

[GetItHot]

I borrowed one from my buddy just to try it out. I cant really comment on the benefits, but I do like how it seems to distribute the load over the traps and shoulders better. They also make one for front squats.

[Wolv256]

My old gym had one. It's awesome. My new gym doesn't and I hate it. I always wonder how/why people never use pads or the manta thingy when they squat. It'll make your neck look like Kunta Kinte.

[trschnei]

Ive used it, didnt really care for it.. i feel like if you find the right placement of the bar you wouldnt worry about neck props, it doesnt come up on my neck at all.

[Renesis]

I have never had any issues with the bar hurting my neck, plus the stupid pad makes the bar feel so unstable. I tried the manta ray and it hurt more than a loaded bar so out that went.

[gixxerboy1]

i agree the manta ray felt like crap to me.

[aportinastorm]

If it feels comfortable for you then use it, shouldnt negatively affect the benifits of squats one bit.

[castiron]

try low bar squats