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When it’s strength training day at the gym, what muscle groups do you focus on? If you’re like most people, you answer with things like arms, chest, back, shoulders and legs.
What about your neck?
Neck strengthening equipment frequently is used by athletes who are boxers, MMA fighters, football players, polo players or bodybuilders.
However, building a stronger neck is important for everyone.
Stronger neck muscles can protect you from an injury or help you to heal from an injury that you suffered in the past.
Of course, some people just want to train their neck so that they have a more solid and muscular build from the neck down.
If you’re thinking about training your neck, then it’s time to learn about neck strengthening equipment.
Here are the top neck strengthening equipment we’ll be reviewing:
What is a Neck Harness?
By far the most common piece of neck strengthening equipment is the harness.
Usually made with neoprene straps, these harnesses have adjustable closures that secure the harness to the user’s head.
Typically, the harness is fitted with at least two rings on the sides of the head. To these rings are attached a chain from which a plate can be suspended.
Alternatively, some people hook their harness directly up to a cable machine or a resistance band.
After hooking up, they are ready to perform flexion and extension exercises that target the muscles of the neck.
Are Neck Harnesses Effective?
Although using a neck harness is not absolutely necessary, many athletes and average people swear by their use.
In fact, people frequently claim that using a neck harness is the best way to build a massive neck and even get bigger traps.
For those who are trying to build a more toned and proportional body, strengthening the neck is a “must do.”
Too many new weightlifters get really focused on things like arms, shoulders and legs while neglecting the neck.
The result is super-sized arms and legs and a skinny, disproportionate neck.
The way to fix this is by regularly using a neck harness in your workouts.
Are Neck Harnesses Easy to Use?
One of the best reasons to choose a neck harness as your go-to piece of neck strengthening equipment is that it’s portable.
You easily can take it with you to the gym or pack it in your suitcase when you go on vacation. If you’re working out at a home gym, you’ll find that a neck harness is easy to store.
Aside from that, a neck harness is easy to use. You just strap it on your head, add weight and you’re ready to lift. Just be sure that you start with light weights and build up slowly.
You definitely don’t want to strain anything in your neck.
What to Look for in Neck Strengthening Equipment
You’ll quickly find that there are numerous neck harnesses on the market. A lot of these look similar to each other, but don’t be fooled. Some of these models are much better than others.
What should you be looking for?
Durability
You need your neck harness to be a tough piece of equipment that stands the test of time.
Accordingly, it’s wise to look for a model that has double stitching and is made of tough neoprene.
Comfort
The last thing you want in the middle of a tough workout is a chin or forehead strap that digs into your skin or rubs a raw spot on your face.
This means that you’ll want to look for a harness that is made from high-quality material and includes plenty of padding so that you’ll be protected throughout your workout.
Adjustability
The best neck strengthening harnesses have fully adjustable sizing. This means that you can customize the fit to conform to the unique contours of your head.
If you aren’t feeling any slipping and sliding, then you know that you’ve got the straps adjusted exactly right.
Plenty of Attachment Options
If you want to have the ultimate in versatility, then it is wise to look for a neck harness that offers a variety of attachments.
Most models are equipped with only two D-rings at the sides of the head, but better products also have attachment points at the back of the head.
This gives you the best opportunity to work your neck muscles from all angles.
An Included Chain
A chain is an indispensable accessory for a neck harness. Usually, it’s what you hang a plate from so that you can get a more challenging workout.
A 30-inch chain is common, but a slightly longer chain is desirable for more versatility.
The Best Neck Strengthening Equipment
After extensive research, these are the five best options for neck strengthening equipment on the market today.
RIMSports Neck Harness
The RIMSports Neck Harness is a durable and versatile option as it comes with a 40-inch stainless steel chain as well as two robust metal carabiners for attachments.
In all, there are four side attachments and two dog ears so that the harness can be clipped to all sorts of weights, bands or a sled.
The harness itself is made from soft webbing and breathable neoprene, which makes it comfortable to wear even during the toughest of workouts.
With hook and loop fasteners, the straps on this harness fit most people with ease.
The RIMSports Neck Harness appears to be really well made, and the back and side D-rings make it a winner because it means that it’s possible to attach weights from almost any angle.
The fastening stays perfectly tight even during the most strenuous of workouts.
This may not be the most comfortable harness for the chin, but it is otherwise outstanding.
In fact, most people believe that they have never used a more comfortable harness for neck workouts.
Pros:
- Durable and versatile
- Attachments on all sides
- Made from high-quality, comfortable materials
Cons:
- Some users remark that this harness isn’t so comfortable on their chins
Iron Neck
The Iron Neck is a neck strengthening equipment that will appeal to people who like high-tech products.
The starter version of this model is perfect for home fitness and rehabilitation purposes. It’s even suitable for student athletes.
Billed as a device for strength training and concussion prevention, the Iron Neck provides both isometric and eccentric training from all angles.
Using this machine helps you to train for extra stability while also helping you to recover from any injuries.
The manufacturer even recommends using this device to relieve the symptoms of tech neck.
Iron Neck has “AirFit Technology” that enables it to fit the precise dimensions and contours of your head.
Back and front pads are provided in varying sizes so that multiple family members can comfortably use the same device.
Rotational resistance also is variable on the device if you spring for the Pro model.
Otherwise, the Starter model offers no resistance. You simply clip the device to a cable to begin your workout.
Users like that they can vary the tension simply by standing closer to or further away from the anchor point, but many complain that this device is way too expensive.
Pros:
- Uses AirFit Technology
- Has interchangeable front and back pads
- Offers isometric and eccentric training
Cons:
- Expensive
> > Check Out Our Full Review of the Iron Neck Here < <
DMoose Neck Harness
With saddle stitching for extra durability and heavy-duty D-rings, the DMoose Neck Harness is an inexpensive option for neck strengthening equipment.
The straps are made of nylon, and thick padding helps to make this harness more comfortable even when piling on the weight.
This product also comes with a 30-inch steel chain.
The manufacturer refers to extra effort being made to ensure a balanced fit that does not pull more on one side than the other.
This helps to keep your neck and spine safe throughout your sweat session.
Despite being really inexpensive, the DMoose Neck Harness is surprisingly sturdy and seems designed to stand the test of time.
However, some critics have remarked that the neck strap actually is a little too bulky, which can be uncomfortable for the throat.
This model also is limited because it only has two D-rings at the sides of the head, which means that you don’t get a full workout from all angles.
Pros:
- Saddle stitching
- Affordable
Cons:
- Neck strap too bulky
- No D-rings on the back
VIKINGSTRENGTH Neck Harness
Here’s another affordable option for neck strengthening equipment, and the VIKINGSTRENGTH Neck Harness comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Instead of having D-rings, this model has V-rings, which can easily be attached to weights or a cable machine.
The straps are made of neoprene that is padded for extra comfort, and each of the straps for the head, chin and forehead are fully adjustable to ensure a safe and comfortable fit.
Thanks to heavy-duty double stitching, you don’t have to worry about this harness falling apart after a few uses.
The VIKINGSTRENGTH Neck Harness does come with a chain, but it seems shorter and less heavy-duty than those that come with competing brands.
Also, people who have larger heads sometimes remark that the straps on this model just are not quite long enough.
This means that you may have a hard time getting a secure and comfortable fit on your head.
That’s bad news if you’re planning to lift some serious weight to really train those neck muscles.
Pros:
- V-rings instead of D-rings
- Fully adjustable straps
Cons:
- Short, kind of wimpy chain
- Straps may be too short for some people with larger heads
Hawk Sports Neck Harness
The Hawk Sports Neck Harness comes with a lifetime warranty. This harness comes with two D-rings and adjustable side hooks.
The head and neck straps close with hook and loop Velcro, which means that this harness can fit pretty much anyone, and the product is packaged with a 30-inch long adjustable chain.
The straps are constructed of four-millimeter neoprene that is padded for extra comfort.
However, more than one critic states that this harness doesn’t come with the best chain.
There seems to be some issues with the weight plate getting unbalanced on the chain while exercising.
Moreover, some users discovered that the chain on the Hawk Sports Neck Harness had sharp pieces that actually cut them during use.
These instances are rare, but it may be wise to shave away any sharp projections or cover them with duct tape.
Pros:
- Lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive
- Durable
Cons:
- The chain is not very high quality and may have sharp points
Final Thoughts
After testing each of these models and others, I can safely recommend that you try any of these suggestions.
However, I feel that the runaway winner in this competition is the Iron Neck.
Hands down, no other model was as comfortable to wear, and that is truly critical when you’re getting serious about training your neck.
You’re just not going to do it if your harness doesn’t fit right or isn’t comfortable.
The beauty of the Iron Neck is that its straps are long enough to accommodate pretty much any head size no matter how big or small.
However, what really makes this product a winner is the number and configuration of carabiners.
Thanks to having rings placed on the sides and back of the harness, you can work absolutely any of your neck muscles from any angle. No other product on the market offers that.
