Horizontal Bar VS. 3Play | Your Gymnastics Questions Answered!

What are the major differences between and Adjustable bar and 3Play Bar? 


Adjustable Horizontal Bar 3Play Bar (Double Bar)
Gymnast Weight Limit 70 Lbs 125 Lbs
Gymnastics Level Level 1 to Level 3 Level 1 to Level 4
Weight of Equipment 50 Lbs 100 Lbs
Versatility 1 Bar only, no conversion kit available 2 Bars, either can be removed to become 1 single Horizontal Bar – Can be adjusted to become parallel or uneven bars
Adjustments Adjusts 3-5ft in heightAdjusts 3-5ft in height – Adjusts 1-1/2–3ft between bars
Shipment Ships in 1 box Ships in 2 boxes
Width 4ft wide 4ft wide, *w/ 5ft wide option
ExtensionsRecommended after 70 lbs, increases the bar weight limit to 100 Lbs Base extensions included, no extra parts necessary

What kind of skills can be performed on your bars? 

Gymnastics equipment is strictly for working on basic skills such as the ones listed below;

  • front hip circle
  • single leg squat through
  • forward stride circle (mill circle)
  • back hip circle
  • underswing dismount
  • cast
  • leg cut
  • single leg basket swing
  • pullover

Can I convert my Single Horizontal Bar to a Double Bar or 3Play Bar? 

The Simple Answer, No. A single bar cannot be converted to a double bar, however, our 3Play (Double Bar) has the versatility to adjust in height, width, and has the option to remove bars.

Can my gymnast transition from bar to bar on the 3play Bar? 

Competitively, No. 

If your gymnast is small enough to swing from bar to bar, he/she should not be practicing anything over a basic skill from Level 1 to Level 4 at home without the supervision of their coach.

For fun? Yes!

You can use these bars in multiple ways, not just for practice! Have a little bit of fun and use them as a set of monkey bars!

What are the benefits of having a 3Play (Double Bar) at home?  

A double bar is great for any conditioning your gymnast may want to do at home. Though he or she should not be transitioning from bar to bar outside the gym, you can use this double bar in many other ways. Placing the bars at a parallel height and doing forearm dips is one of the best ways to get some good upper-body strength conditioning in! Get creative! The 3Play bar can be adjusted in height, width between bars and has the option to remove a bar. There are many great uses for this bar outside of gymnastics!

Is the 3Play Bar (Double Bar) available in a larger size? 

Our 3Play bar is a smaller version of Uneven / Parallel Bars. Any bar that is larger or adjusts higher than a Nimble Sports bar should not be used at home due to safety and practice concerns OUTSIDE of the gym. Your gymnasts should not be practicing routines outside his or her gym without the supervision of their coach unless approved otherwise. 

In home gymnastics equipment is strictly for working on basic skills such as the ones listed below;

  • front hip circle
  • single leg squat through
  • forward stride circle (mill circle)
  • back hip circle
  • underswing dismount
  • cast
  • leg cut
  • single leg basket swing
  • pullover
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