Recently Precision commissioned two new "Generation 5" slant rigs completed in . Another two, still under construction, will be classed as "Generation 6." They are expected to be field ready within first quarter (Table 4).
Are you interested in learning more about Slant Rig? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!
"The rigs have remotely controlled tubular-handling systems, masts that can tilt from vertical to 45 degrees in 1.5 degrees increments, and reversible single or dual-speed top drives," said Precision Drilling engineer Ron Isinger, who has been involved in rig design and operations since .
"One key advantage to starting a well at a sharp incline is the reduction of wellbore build rate from vertical to horizontal-a reduction in dogleg severity-during the drilling of very shallow horizontal wells," he said.
The use of programmable logic controls (PLCs), which had already been a feature of these rigs, has increased in the latest generations. PLCs control the disc brakes and provide an auto-drilling function. In addition, the PLCs simplify the communications systems-such as those for the accumulator system-and improve data acquisition.
On these rigs, two operators-the driller and the derrickman-use remote controls to accomplish the handling of all tubulars. The system requires no roustabouts or roughnecks to physically move tubulars from racks to the catwalk or to manipulate them on the rig floor.
Removing personnel from hazardous environments and heavy, repetitive work typically involved in tubular handling has resulted in a significant improvement in rig floor and catwalk safety statistics associated with these rigs.
"It's much safer," Miller said, "than the days of spinning chains and swinging tongs; they were just more things to get people hurt."
The derrickman operates a hydraulic power wrench for tubulars makeup and breakout, and the carrier for positioning it. He also controls a tubular kicker and indexer system that can index tubulars from the catwalk, individually, into the tubular-handling boom, or kick tubulars out of it onto the racks or tables for storage.
Using the automatic controls, he places all tubulars in the hydraulically activated tables and racks. When he moves the desired tubular to the catwalk, the hydraulic tubular-handling boom lifts it to the rig floor. Once the tubular is on the rig floor, the derrickman remotely operates the power wrench for makeup. Similarly, when coming out of the hole, the tubulars are laid down and returned to the racks or tables via remote control, without any manual intervention.
The driller remotely operates air-powered tubular slips for drill tubulars and hydraulic catheads for use with manual tongs when a power wrench is not applicable. He also operates the hydraulically powered, pull-down system for inducing artificial gravity on long-reach, horizontal well sections and a single or dual-speed, reversible top drive with integral traveling block and orientation lock.
The rig has reduced connection times, to 30-45 sec for this slant rig compared with 3-5 min for conventional, telescoping double, or other single slant rigs.
"Using the longer drillpipe is a timesaver going in," said Miller, "You have a third less connections when you're drilling the hole. Over a couple thousand meters of hole-say it was 150 connections-if you have to trip the bit, you have to make the connections going both ways. It certainly adds up."
Fewer and faster connections make trip times comparable to that of a double-stand rig at 2,200 m well depth. During drilling of more-conventional vertical wells, the operational efficiency compares with conventional single or double-stand rigs.
"The one thing that really saves time on these rigs," said Miller, "is they lay all the drill pipe down when they come out of the hole. With the hydraulic arm, the pipe is all laid down every trip.
"On a conventional rig, when you come out of the hole, you stand all the drill pipe in doubles in the derrick. And then, if the well is deemed to be a good well, you then have to run all the pipe back into the ground, circulate and condition the hole, pull all the pipe back out, lay it down and then pick your casing up and start running it in the hole. This could be anywhere from 5 to 10 hr of rig time.
"With the top-drive rig, with the pipe already laying on the ground, after you've got your logs, if it's a good well you just pick up casing. You don't have to run the pipe all back into the well to lay it down; it's already down.
"Now, when you have to trip the bit, the super single has to break connection every 13 m, but the double would only have to break connection every 18 m, so he would gain a little on that trip. But then, when you get the TD of the well, the double [rig] stands all the pipe in the derrick and has to do that whole run-in-the-hole, circulate, pull out and lay everything down, whereas the super single has already got that done."
Operators have achieved drilling rates of 185 m/hr-with mechanical downtime held to less than 0.5%-and trip speeds of 300 m/hr.
The drilling system is designed around the use of:
The fluid-containment system, designed to accommodate drilling at any angle, reduces drilling fluid loss in the cellar area below the rig floor.
"It [the system] is bigger-probably 100 bbl bigger-than a conventional single, but it's similar to what a double would be," said Miller.
The driller uses a remotely controlled hydraulic system to set the blowout preventer (BOP) at the correct angle for the wellhead, and the fluid containment system keeps to a minimum any fluid loss due to the angle of the BOP while maximizing fluid head for fluid transfer to the shale shakers.
"These features are important especially in environmentally sensitive areas," said Isinger.
The latest generation of these rigs incorporates PLC systems to achieve more efficient, safe, and precise equipment control.
During a drilling operation, the driller has the option of selecting a value for the autodrilling function-either weight on bit (WOB), rate of penetration (ROP), or differential pressure. The drilling system will automatically make adjustments to maintain the desired parameter.
By presetting safety limits on other operating parameters, the control system is programmed to sound alerts and keep the drilling system operating within safe limits while the driller analyzes any deviations and takes corrective action.
"The autodrilling mode allows the system to make fine adjustments without manual intervention, similar to the manner in which modern aircraft fly 'by wire,'" Isinger said.
The increased use of PLCs also makes possible operations such as the crown and rig floor protection systems. Using sensors on the drawworks, the PLCs automatically monitor the position of the traveling blocks and prevent damage to the crown and rig floor.
"The rig's "crown saver"* setting automatically decelerates the traveling block as it approaches the crown block," Isinger said, "applying the disc brakes as the traveling block approaches a preset stopping point and not allowing the traveling block to go past that point without a manual override."
Similarly, the "rig floor saver" decelerates the traveling block as it approaches the rig floor and prevents movement past a stop point without a manual override.
To govern braking operations under load conditions, the PLCs use the known capabilities of the braking system, the measured load on the drawworks, and the position of the traveling blocks to adjust the distance needed to safely decelerate the blocks, depending on the load. These automatic controls minimize the chance of human error.
Incorporating PLCs into the various rig systems also simplifies parts of the rig infrastructure such as communication harnesses.
"On a conventional rig," Isinger said, "some BOP control systems require a separate control line for each function, resulting in large bundles of control cables. PLCs, on the other hand, reduce the many control lines to one, on which the signals for the various rig systems are multiplexed. The result is a simpler system that can be rigged up and down more quickly."
The engineers designed the controls and system displays to provide a safe, functional working environment for control operators. And the proximity of the control stations enables good communication between the operators.
Data management is simplified. Critical systems measurements are displayed in real time while they are being digitally recorded.
In many pad-drilling situations, some wells start out vertical, and others start out slanted at different angles. Having a rig that can handle all the requirements for the differing well types-from vertical to slant to horizontal-improves the overall efficiency of a drilling program.
These variable-position drilling rigs have some features uniquely suited to their diverse roles. Applying enough bit weight can sometimes limit extended-reach and horizontal drilling in shallow reservoirs. Typically the drill string in the vertical portion of a well, less frictional force, generates the WOB.
"But in shallow directional or horizontal wells, there is very little vertical section," Isinger said, "and in the case of a slant well, there is none. In the super single, a hydraulically powered 'pull-down' system allows the driller to add extra axial force to the drill string to help overcome the forces of downhole friction."
The system also plays a key role in the versatility and efficiency of this particular rig. The top drive can rotate in both directions and has been used in counterclockwise rotation to drill short, shallow sections for directional control.
"We had some top drive problems initially, with the earlier models," said Miller, "but they beefed the top drive up on the later editions. But one thing we're doing now that we haven't done before-we're now taking [wells] down to the 2,000 m mark. Whether that will cause more stress on the larger top drives, I don't know.
"The common sense aspect of it says that turning a piece of pipe that is 2,000 m long instead of 1,200 m or 1,500 m long may carry more torque back to the top drive. That may cause some failures later on; we'll have to see. Other operators have gone deeper than I have. I think Amoco [Canada Petroleum Co.] went to 2,200 m."
Isinger said the rig has a depth capacity of 3,000 m.
Designers of the new-generation slant rigs incorporated a modular design to improve the logistics of rig movement. They designed the rigs for quick well-to-well moves in a pad environment and for fast moves from pad-to-pad or for individual wells in a variety of road conditions.
"It is not uncommon in Canada for pads to contain 20 or more closely spaced wells," Isinger said. "A simplified rig-trailer configuration allows the drilling module to move as one unit."
It may take as little as 2 hr to rig down on one well and up on another. One of the slant rigs in Venezuela was modified to move itself with a hydraulic jacking system. The rig, which can move 5 ft longitudinally and 4 in. laterally at the same time, uses a jacking set of support pontoons and literally "walks" from well to well.
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From the Knees Over Toes Guy to the Tib Bar Guy to the Slant Board Guy, there are a lot of guys on the internet promoting strengthening your knees. It's all the rage, and there are plenty of pieces of home gym equipment on the market used to strengthen the muscles around your knee'quads, hamstrings, and calves.
One piece of exercise equipment that is bundled with tib bars and Nordic benches is the slant board. Quite a simple piece of equipment, a slant board is basically an angled board that adds an incline or decline to your foot stance, depending on the direction you stand on it. A decline shifts the weight forward in a squat, focusing on the quad muscles surrounding the knee. The incline allows for good stretching in the leg joints.
Our team of testers at Garage Gym Reviews took top brands and tested out slant boards to bring you this list of the best slant boards. As certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and lifelong athletes, our testers know what to look for in fitness equipment. For these slant boards in particular, we noted aspects according to our fitness equipment testing methodology, including the boards' durability, grip, and performance.
Good for: Anyone looking for a solid slant board with good versatility and value
Best Overall
GGR Score: 4.6
Check PriceSlant board constructed with high-quality plywood
Adjustable to 5 positions
Available in Regular and Extra-Large sizes
Features anti-slip safety treads on the surface and bottom as well as handles for easy transport
Designed to aid in stretching and rehabilitation
Weight capacity of 350 pounds
This adjustable slant board features anti-slip treads, handles for easy transport, and a 350-pound weight capacity. Designed to help with stretching and rehab exercises, it can also be used for strength exercises such as heel raised squats.
Our top pick for best slant board is the StrongTek Professional Wooden Slant Board, because it does so many things well. The board is lightweight but still has a solid weight capacity, it has five adjustment angles, the anti-slip tape on the top is incredibly grippy, and the board performs extremely well. And at $60, this has some of the best value among top slant boards.
GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele tried out the StrongTek board and felt the grip was great, rating it a 5 out of 5. She says, 'The grip on the tape is what skateboard surfaces are made out of. It's super grippy and I didn't slide at all, even when I had the board at its highest angle and was holding weight for goblet squats.'
The board is incredibly stable as well, as Lindsay jumped up and down on the board and shifted her weight on the board, and it remained stable despite her rocking and hopping on it. The slant board can shift between five angles, ranging from 15 degrees to 35 degrees. It remained stable at every angle, receiving another 5 out of 5 for its stability, as well as its adjustability.
While the slant board performed very well, one complaint was that the board seemed narrow, docking its performance to a 4 out of 5. At 12.5 inches wide, the board might be a little narrow for larger users. 'Looking at other boards, the width is in line with other slant boards, but is still on the narrower side,' Lindsay explains. Fortunately, for broader athletes like myself, StrongTek does offer an XL version of the board, albeit for $20 more.
Price$59.95Dimensions16' L x 12.5' W x up to 12' HMaterialLauan wood and grippy tape surfaceAdjustable?Yes, 5 positions from 15 to 35 degreesWeight8 lbsWeight capacity450 lbsGood for: Those wanting a durable, stable slant board that still provides some adjustability
Most Stable
GGR Score: 4.2
Check Price2-in-1 design with two slant boards and adjustable angles (7, 13, or 20 degrees)
Supports up to pounds
Anti-slip recycled rubber provides stability
Claimed to have ample space for comfortable squats and knee-over-toes exercises
Secure locking mechanism
Although it is expensive, the SquatWedgie Stack is a versatile, high-capacity slant board with a 2-in-1 design, anti-slip recycled rubber covering, and a secure locking mechanism.
If you're worried about losing your balance on a slant board, look no further than the SquatWedgiez Stack. Lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele says, 'This board is so stable. It almost feels like a tire; it's not moving anywhere. The slant board won't even slide around on different surfaces. Concrete, plywood, or carpet'it stays put on it all.' This slant board receives top marks of 5 out of 5 for stability and grip.
One unique feature of the SquatWedgiez Stack is that the board is actually made of two separate pieces that can be stacked together'hence the name. The blocks are slightly different thicknesses to allow for three different angles: 7 or 13 degrees with individual boards, or 20 degrees when stacked together. This was great to do a variety of exercises: calf stretches, dumbbell calf raises, and deadlifts.
The stability comes from the material of the boards, which is an anti-slip recycled rubber. The two boards interlock together, too, remaining stable when the slant boards are stacked. While this makes it one of the most stable slant boards we tried out, it's also one of the least portable. Even though it's fairly compact, the board weighs 24 pounds. It's not as easy to pack away in your gym bag as other slant boards on this list, earning only a 3.5 out of 5 for portability.
This is also one of the pricier slant boards available at nearly $140. It's incredibly stable and durable, but it may not be the best option for someone searching for budget home gym equipment.
Price$139.99Dimensions14' L x 20' W X 4.5' H (fully stacked)MaterialAnti-slip recycled rubberAdjustable?Yes (7, 13, or 20 degrees)Weight24 lbsWeight capacity1,500 lbsGood for: Lifters wanting a grippy surface for VMO squats and stretching
Best Traction
GGR Score: 3.9
Check PriceWooden slant board with anti-slip tape surface
Comes in 4 differents colors
Made to help improve flexibility and mobility while reducing knee pain
Lightweight and portable
Built out of a durable wood construction, the Slant Board from SlantBoardGuy provides an angle for squats which builds a stronger VMO muscle which supports the knee and other nearby muscles. The surface is covered with an anti-slip tape to provide grip while in use.
As the name suggests, SlantBoardGuy focuses on making slant boards, and making them high-quality. Our pick for the best traction slant board is their classic slant board, made of a solid structural wood and with the surface covered by a grippy anti-slip tape. A nice touch is the neat logo, which can be purchased in blue, teal, or black.
On its grippiness, Lindsay gives a score of 5 out of 5, saying, 'The grip tape is the type you'd see on a skateboard; it was incredibly grippy, and I never budged while using it for squats or stretches.' The board is stable as well, boasting a weight capacity of up to 880 pounds.
RELATED: The Best Mobility Exercises
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With that said, there are a couple of factors that may deter you from this particular slant board. At $115, it's a pricier slant board. While it's not outside of a typical slant board price range, we typically see boards in this price range offering more functionality, such as angle adjustments or the ability to stack boards.
The SlantBoardGuy Slant Board doesn't offer adjustability in any way, scoring just a 2 out of 5. Lindsay adds, 'You typically don't see slant boards over $75 unless they offer versatility or are bundled with another accessory.' Still, if money isn't an issue, the SlantBoardGuy Slant Board offers great grip and solid durability.
Price$115Dimensions19.6' L x 12.6' W x 5.9' HMaterialStructural wood with anti-slip tapeAdjustable?NoWeight6 lbsWeight capacity880 lbsGood for: Those needing a quality slant board for a budget-friendly price
Best Budget
GGR Score: 4.2
Check PriceMade in the USA
Tested with weight up to 700 lbs
Used to increase strength, lessen knee pain, and more
Can be used at home and in commercial gyms
Invented to strengthen the VMO muscle, the Tib Bar Guy Slant Board is constructed with USA-made plywood and grip tape so your feet won't slide while in use.
If you're looking for budget-friendly prices, then the Tib Bar Guy Slant Board has you covered. It's priced pretty competitively at just $65. While there are some slightly cheaper slant boards available, this board boasts a 19-inch width for wider squats.
Additionally, the board is solidly made of ultra durable injection molded plastic with custom non-slip tape covering the surface. While the first part of that statement might leave you a little lost on what exactly the material is, just know it's very solid. 'Even when I placed this on concrete and tried to move around from side to side, it barely budged,' lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele says.
'When I was using the board my feet didn't move at all from the top surface and stayed sturdy in place throughout the entire movement,' Lindsay adds, giving the board a 5 out of 5 for stability. The board is also rated to hold up to 1,000 pounds, while only weighing 5 pounds.
It doesn't have the versatility of other slant boards, as it doesn't adjust. However, the slant board is fixed at 26 degrees, which is fairly standard for most slant boards. Most boards are somewhere between 20 and 30 degrees.
For those who want to add versatility, stack boards can be purchased separately, and they're compatible with the Tib Bar Guy Slant Board. These flat blocks can add height to the slant board for exercises like lunges or step-ups, as well as make stretching more comfortable.
By itself, it may not have all the bells and whistles of other slant board options, but this board provides great stability and durability at a competitive price, plus the option to add adjustability and versatility to the product.
Price$65Dimensions19' L x 11' W x 5.5' HMaterialUltra durable injection molded plastic with anti-slip tapeAdjustable?No, fixed at 26 degreesWeight5 lbsWeight capacity1,000 lbsGood for: People wanting to perform a wide range of exercises on a slant board at different angles
Best Adjustable
GGR Score: 4.3
Check Price6" step platform designed to enable a variety of ATG training exercises
Claimed to improve range of motion, reduce injury, and help develop explosiveness
Include free flexibility training plan
500-lb weight capacity
Based on ATG training philosophy popularized by KneesOverToesGuy Ben Patrick, the slant board created by Shogun Sports is a high-quality slant board made to target the VMO through a variety of stretches and exercises. Although a bit pricey, the metal framework of the board makes sure it's a durable piece of equipment.
Shogun Sports has created several different pieces of equipment, such as the Shogun NORD-EX, all built with quality in mind and to strengthen the knees, quads, and hamstrings.
The Shogun VMO Slant Board is made of high-grade steel, and also allows for four different adjustable angles'20, 30, 35, and 40 degrees. It has a weight capacity of 450 pounds, which remained pretty stable in our testing.
GGR lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele notes, 'It's really stable. When I jump on it, you can see some flex in the bar that runs in the middle, but it went right back to normal. Also, when we loaded it with a lot of weight, the bar remained sturdy and stable.' The slant board receives a 4.5 out of 5 for its durability.
One thing to note is that at its highest angle of 40 degrees, the top of the board became less grippy, letting Lindsay's feet slip a little bit. 'But our feet remained in place on the board at the lower angles,' Lindsay adds, giving the grip a 4 out of 5.
At just under $100, this is another premium-priced slant board. However, it does come with some accessories, like an exercise mat, a roll of grip tape, and a cleaning cloth. So for some, that may be well worth the price.
Price$99.95Dimensions15.5' L x 14' WMaterialHigh-grade steelAdjustable?Yes, (20, 30, 35, and 40 degrees)WeightNot disclosedWeight capacity450 lbsGood for: Larger athletes or people who prefer squatting wide
Best for Wide-Stance Squats
GGR Score: 4.4
Check Price
The VersaLifts VStack is a uniquely designed slant board consisting of multiple boards that can be stacked to increase an angle from 15 to 30 degrees. Use the VStacks to bring a new dimension to squatting. Constructed with .75-inch plywood and a grip-tape surface, VStacks can support heavy loads. The non-slip grip take ensures feet are secure on the board preventing unintended injuries. Sold as a pair, each purchase comes with two boards.
GGR readers get an exclusive discount on VersaLifts VStack, too: Save 10% right now with code '
garagegymreviews' on vlifts.com.
The VersaLift VStack is an innovative, high-quality slant board providing angles from 15 to 30 degrees. Change up your squat, or even perform variations of push-ups, with this tool.
For larger athletes like me, some slant boards are going to feel narrow, or even downright claustrophobic on our legs. For the lifter who likes some breathing room during squats, there are the VersaLifts V-Stack boards, a pair of slant boards that can be stacked vertically or locked in place next to each other, providing over 30 inches of width for your squat stance.
RELATED: Proper Squat Form According to an Olympian
Lindsay Scheele, GGR lead reviewer, used the slant boards side-by-side for goblet squats and then stacked them vertically for knee-over-toe stretching. She felt very secure to the board while in use, saying, 'No matter how I stacked or connected them, the V-Stacks felt very stable.' She does add, 'I could see these wanting to slide around on concrete, although I didn't experience that myself.' So word of advice: Use an exercise mat underneath the boards if you're worried about a slick surface.
In addition to stacking on top for a higher angle of 30 degrees, you can also flip one block around and connect them that way, for a 6-inch high block. Because of the versatility this can add, Lindsay ranked the performance a 4.5 out of 5.
At $110, this is a pricier slant board. However, you're essentially getting two slant boards with one purchase, meaning you're paying about $55 per slant board. From that perspective, the value is pretty good for this product, earning a 4 out of 5.
Price$109.99Dimensions15.25' L x 15.5' W x 6' H (each board)Material3/4' plywood and anti-slip tapeAdjustable?Yes, stackable blocks that can adjust to 0, 15, or 30 degreesWeightNot disclosedWeight capacityNot disclosedGood for: Those wanting versatile slant blocks for squats, lunges, stretches, and more
Best Two-Piece Board
GGR Score: 4.6
Check PriceAdjustable heel height and stackable design holding up to 1,000-pounds
Heel height ranges from 0 to 15-degrees
Made from high-density material with grippy texture and built-in grooves
Extra-large slant board are still compact and lightweight (2-pounds)
Comes with QR code for access to exclusive exercise tutorials and workouts
SquatWedgie XL SquatWedgiez slant boards are a solid choice for anyone seeking an adjustable heel height board, high weight capacity, and portability. They are both affordable and high-quality.
Our pick for the best two-piece slant board is the XL SquatWedgiez. These 15-degree squat wedges are perfect for getting both feet angled during different exercises, like deep lunges or wide squats. Plus, the wedges have grooves for added grippiness that can also lock the pieces in place for a flat block.
RELATED: Expert Tips On How to Back Squat
While the website is a little vague about the material used'saying it's made out of a 'grippy, high-density material''the slant boards are incredibly stable, with a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds.
The XL SquatWedgiez earn a 5 out of 5 on stability and grip. GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele says on the blocks' build: 'This board is incredibly stable. There's no move or give to the blocks while in use. Even when I loaded up the two 100-pound dumbbells and 5 weight plates on the wedges, it didn't leave any sort of dent in the material.'
One thing to consider is that the blocks aren't adjustable. They'll be fixed at 15 degrees, or you can stack them for a flat block. Still, at $50, these blocks are a great value, providing great versatility with the use of two blocks.
Price$49.99Dimensions12' L x 6' W x 3.5' HMaterialGrippy, high-density materialAdjustable?No, fixed at 15 degrees (can be stacked for a flat block)Weight2 lbsWeight capacity1,000 lbsGood for: Those using a slant board and bands for their resistance training
Best with Exercise Bands
GGR Score: 4.1
Check PriceWooden slant board with anti-slip tape surface
Comes in 4 differents colors
Made to help improve flexibility and mobility while reducing knee pain
Lightweight and portable
Built out of a durable wood construction, the Slant Board from SlantBoardGuy provides an angle for squats which builds a stronger VMO muscle which supports the knee and other nearby muscles. The surface is covered with an anti-slip tape to provide grip while in use.
Need some resistance training in the form of exercise or resistance bands? The Flex 2.0 from SlantBoardGuy offers a unique design that allows users to lock exercise bands in place to the board, allowing for easy resistance training for those who prefer not to use dumbbells or other free weights.
Each side has three hooks, allowing for different positions of the resistance bands to be applied, depending on the exercise. GGR lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele gives the workout performance a 4 out of 5, saying, 'The use of resistance bands on this slant board really makes it a unique product, giving it another level of versatility. For anyone interested in quad-dominated squats for VMO or knee-over-toe training, this is a great option.'
The board isn't adjustable, with a fixed angle of around 30 degrees, according to Lindsay. The lack of adjustability gets it a 2 out of 5. It's a mid-range slant board, which makes it pricy, especially with a lack of adjustments.
Still, Lindsay remarks on its value, 'This is a unique product; there aren't a ton of slant boards out there with hooks for resistance bands. Because it's so unique, there's still good value, despite a higher price.' She ranks the value a 3.5 out of 5. Additionally, the board can be bundled with their resistance bands for only $20 more, making that an even better value.
Price$99Dimensions11.25' L x 18.4' W x 5.4' HMaterialMetalAdjustable?NoWeight6 lbsWeight capacity450 lbsAlthough they may just appear to be angled boards, there are quite a few different slant boards out on the market, each offering different specs and strengths. Not every slant board made our list of top picks, so here are a couple of others we researched and tested that we think are worth mentioning.
Like any other fitness equipment we test at Garage Gym Reviews, we extensively tested each slant board after heavy research to find top brands and the best value. For our slant boards, we did a variety of lower body workouts, involving squats, hip thrusts, lunges, and more. In addition, we used the boards for static stretching, focusing on the knee, ankle, and hip.
For these slant boards, we noted and scored on the following:
As Ben Patrick, ATG's Knees Over Toes Guy, likes to say, slant boards can help 'bulletproof' your knees. What this means is that it can help strengthen your knees and joints, alleviating joint pain and helping improve your mobility and increase range of motion in deep squats.
The angled position of a slant board shifts the majority of muscle stress on the quads, primarily the vastus medialis oblique, or VMO muscle, which runs above the inside of the knee and is responsible for knee stability during squats. A weak VMO muscle is the most common cause of patellar tracking issues, according to a review from October . Strengthening this muscle helps strengthen the knee joint, helping reduce the risk of injury.
A stronger knee also helps alleviate joint pain. Studies2 have shown that physical therapy involving slow eccentric movements on a decline board'like a step-down as opposed to a step-up movement'has been shown to reduce knee pain related to patellar tendinopathy.
A recent study from October showed that the angle may not be as important for injury recovery, so long as the angle is at a decline. In particular, the study tested the effects of recovery from patellar injuries with 17-degree boards and 25-degree boards. Both boards helped patients with their injuries, but there was no significant difference between the two.
Strengthening the knee joint can help increase your range of motion in a deep squat. Additionally, it can help improve your mobility in the Achilles tendon. A study from April compared wall stretching with incline-board stretching, particularly how it increased the flexibility of the triceps surae, or the calf muscle.
The study showed that calf stretches done with the slant board were much more effective than wall stretching at helping an excessively tight calf muscle. The calf stretching could also potentially help alleviate ankle ailments such as plantar fasciitis.
Looking for the ideal slant board for your home gym? Here are a few things to consider while shopping around.
The best degree of a slant board for you will vary depending on the types of exercises you're performing. A lower angle will be helpful in squatting with an emphasis on the quads, while a higher angle might be more conducive to stretching and mobility exercises. What's preferable to you will depend on your ankle mobility, as well.
Generally, most slant boards range between 20 and 30 degrees, with some going as low as 10 degrees, and others as high as 40 degrees.
If you're looking to raise your heels while in a squatting position and don't have a slant board readily available, one of the easiest alternatives in a home gym would be weight plates. Putting a 5- or 10-pound weight underneath each heel will help raise the heel and give you the slight angle of a slant board, with thicker weights providing a higher angle.
Additionally, you can invest in a pair of weightlifting shoes, which will raise the heels as well, creating a more comfortable squatting position for most athletes.
The best slant board for you will provide proper stability in each exercise you use the slant board for. Some will have adjustable angles to add versatility, and others are made of durable material to provide stability and good grip as well. Here are our top picks for the best slant boards.
-Best Overall Slant Board: StrongTek Wooden Slant Board
-Most Stable Slant Board: SquatWedgiez Stack
-Best Traction Slant Board: SlantBoardGuy Slant Board
-Best Budget Slant Board: Tib Bar Guy Slant Board
-Best Adjustable Slant Board: Shogun VMO Slant Board
-Best Slant Board for Wide-Stance Squats: VersaLifts V-Stack
-Best Two-Piece Slant Board: XL SquatWedgiez
-Best Slant Board with Exercise Bands: SlantBoardGuy The Flex Slant Board 2.0
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Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.
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