I had used the SSB from the gym on base a few weeks before I bought this one from Vulcan. No idea what brand the one at the base gym is. I found the Vulcan SSB online and as an honorably retired US Marine I try to support those organizations run by veterans. I used the Vulcan SSB Saturday for the first time and found it comfortable and well made. The padding was plenty good for the weight I worked up to (300 lbs) I really look forward to my next leg day as I have no incorporated SSB lifts into each leg day workout thanks to Vulcan. I think this is just as good if not better than the SSB at the gym on base and a heck-of-alot easier on the pocketbook if one wanted to purchase.