As a lifelong fitness buff, I spend a lot of time at the gym, but I’m also looking to get in workouts from home whenever I can.
Finding a piece of home equipment for pull-ups and chin-ups that not only works, but works this well, seemed impossible. Everything I tried before was overly complicated, never fit right or had me paranoid I’d be falling and got returned almost immediately.
The Upgraded Kakiclay Doorway Pull-Up Bar changed all that. It’s awesome. Easy to set up, easy to use, solid and I’m getting a great workout. Plus, there are so many other exercises I’m using it for.
IMPRESSED RIGHT OUT OF THE BOX
When I first unpacked the Upgraded KAKICLAY Doorway Pull-Up Bar, the first thing that struck me was its solid construction.
With other doorway bars I tried, I always felt like I was walking on eggshells. I had that sour feeling in the pit of my stomach that I was going to tear the door frame down or one side was going to give and I was going to fall hard.
This one feels different. The upgraded design uses a reinforced steel frame and the moment you grab it, you just know it’s built to last.
The first set of explosive pull-ups I did, the bar stayed locked in place without that uncomfortable shifting you get with most doorway bars.
When you start to pull, the last thing you want to worry about is whether the bar is going to hold. Take my word, this one does.
Sets Up In Seconds
I was amazed. No screws, no drilling, no mess. No assembly at all. Just fold the side handles up.
The Upgraded Kakiclay Doorway Pull-Up Bar hooks right onto the top of the door frame. I just tightened the secure grip brackets to the sides of the frame and it was super solid.
Smart Design Protects Your Door Frame
Door frame damage is one of the biggest gripes I hear from people when it comes to doorway pull-up bars. And generally, I piggyback right on their story with one of my own.
But I’m impressed, here. The Upgraded Kakiclay Doorway Pull-Up Bar features a clever design and thick, durable padding that does a great job protecting the frame while keeping everything secure.
Let’s Talk Pull-Ups
Pull-ups have always been one of my favorite exercises.
A good pull-up builds back strength, grip power, shoulder stability, core control and mental toughness.
But if you don’t have access to a gym or can afford the membership, what do you do?
With the Upgraded Kakiclay Doorway Pull-Up Bar in your home, suddenly one of the most powerful upper-body exercises becomes available anytime you walk past a doorway.
The first night I put it up, I ended up doing a few sets while dinner was cooking. That’s when I realized how convenient it is. When the bar is right there in the doorway, it’s hard not to grab it for a quick set.
The Power Of The Grip
One of the best features here is the multiple grip positions which is perfect because different grips target muscles differently.
My personal favorite? Wide Grip Pull-Ups. My absolute go-to for building upper back width and impressive lats.
Next on my list? Close Grip Pull-Ups. Perfect for hitting the lower lats. Then Neutral Grip Pull-Ups, which are friendlier on the shoulders and Chin-Ups, fantastic for making those biceps pop.
I can still hear my first training partner say, you can’t build a strong, balanced back by using the same grip every time.
With the Upgraded Kakiclay Doorway Pull-Up Bar, switching grips is quick and natural. The handles are spaced in a way that encourages you to mix it up.
Also, the grips are made of thick, dense foam that feel secure without being overly soft. You’ll appreciate that during longer workouts.
Good grips mean less hand fatigue and better control. And better control means better reps. You get the picture.
Bonus Exercises Beyond Pull-Ups
While pull-ups are the main attraction, a good doorway bar should support a variety of exercises. This one absolutely delivers.
Pull-Ups and Chin-Ups are the classics. Then, I’m all about Hanging Knee Raises, Hanging Leg Raisesand L-Sits to really hit the core.
You can decompress the shoulders and strengthen your grip with Dead Hangs, plus get a full flex arm blast with Triceps Extensions and Doorway Push-Ups
And I was always struggling to find something to keep my feet steady when doing Sit-Ups. Another amazing bonus here!
For people without a lot of space for a home gym, this single piece of equipment unlocks a tremendous range of training options.
Perfect For Beginners and Pros
Another thing I appreciate about the Upgraded Kakiclay Doorway Pull-Up Bar is that it’s friendly for all fitness levels.
Just starting out? You can begin with assisted pull-ups using resistance bands. Throw in some negative pull-ups. And do some dead hangs to build grip strength.
Then as you start to get the feel for it, increase the number of reps you’re doing per set.
For the pros out there, I like adding weighted pull ups. Secure a 45-lb plate to your belt if you have one around, or you can find some other way to improvise. Explosive chest-to-bar reps will give you a great burn. And you’ll love the isometric holds, too.
No matter where you are on your workout journey, this bar is perfect for you.
Motivation Built Into Your Doorway
Getting and staying motivated is half the battle. I joke a lot that sometimes just getting to the gym is the win. But now, you can get the win without even getting to the gym.
The upgraded KAKICLAY Doorway Pull-Up Bar quietly motivates you in the background. It’s there when you wake up, get home from work or just when you need a quick mental reset.
And sometimes, grabbing that bar for just a minute can change the entire tone of your day.
Seconds To Take Down And A Storage Space Saver
Since it only takes seconds to set up, it also only takes seconds to take down. A few simple adjustments and it’s off, safely and easily. If I had my way, I’d leave it up all the time, but my wife gives me that look when we’re having company over.
And it conveniently folds up, so you can hang it right in the closet or fit it right under the bed.
Final Thoughts From A Fitness Fiend
Since I took it out of the box, I have used it almost every day. And I can say it’s one of the best pieces of equipment of its kind that I’ve seen.
I especially like the thoughtful design, solid feel and different grips.
You won’t be able to get a full gym workout with it, but you’ll appreciate the convenience it offers, the variety of exercises you can do and how easy it is to get in a quick workout.
And for the price, from my perspective, it’s going to be hard to find another bar that comes close to offering what the upgraded KAKICLAY Doorway Pull-Up Bar.
BIO – Anthony Vion is a fitness guru from Long Island, NY who has been training twice a day for 30+ years. Over the decades, he has belonged to numerous gyms and tested many pieces of home fitness equipment and is constantly reshaping his workout routine to maximize gains and performance.
(Disclaimer: The review is for informational and educational purposes only. Before starting any fitness routine, be sure to check with your medical provider.)
