Dualbell Dumbbell Converters for Bench Press: A Trainer's Test Part II

“It Feels Like a Tsunami Bar”: A Trainer’s Take on Bench Press with Weight Under the Bar

When experienced lifters compare equipment to a tsunami bar, it’s worth paying attention.

During the second bench press clip from his Dualbell trial, personal trainer Michael Marguilies shared an unexpected reaction after a few reps.

“I feel like I’m using more muscle fiber. It feels like a tsunami bar.”

For those unfamiliar, tsunami bars are often used in powerlifting and high-level training environments to introduce controlled instability, forcing greater muscle engagement throughout the lift. They’re known for demanding more from stabilizers without changing the fundamental movement pattern.

Why Weight Placement Matters

In a traditional bench press, plates sit rigidly at the ends of the bar. In this setup, the weight sits slightly under the bar, introducing subtle movement that requires constant control.

Michael immediately felt the difference.

Instead of distracting him, the movement increased engagement. He had to stay locked in throughout the press, recruiting more muscle fiber to stabilize the bar path and control the load.

More Demand Without Changing the Lift

What stood out most was that the bench press itself didn’t change.
The setup did.

The bar path stayed familiar.
The pressing motion felt natural.
But the demand increased thanks to the loaded Dualbell dumbbell converters.

That’s exactly what Michael meant when he compared it to a tsunami bar — not chaos, but controlled challenge.

A High-Level Comparison

Comparisons like this don’t come lightly from a trainer with decades of experience. Michael has worked with countless tools over the years, and his ability to recognize familiar training effects speaks volumes.

When a setup reminds a seasoned coach of specialized powerlifting equipment, it suggests the stimulus is real — not just perceived.

Another Layer to the Trial

This second bench press clip adds depth to Michael’s overall Dualbell trial, which already includes squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, shrugs, and rows.

Across each movement, the feedback has been consistent: subtle changes in load behavior can meaningfully change engagement, focus, and effort.

The Takeaway

When a bench press feels familiar and more demanding, you’ve found something interesting.

Michael’s tsunami bar comparison highlights how placing weight under the bar can activate more muscle fiber — without reinventing the lift.

Sometimes, the smallest changes create the biggest training effect. Ready to give Dualbell a try?