Tokelos, no I've never used a steel trace to target barbel small or big and I don't think I will ever. I bought those traces once but asoon as I handled them I chucked them aside as I didn't like the 'feel' of it but that doesn't mean that it doesn't work. I know of a couple of guys who use it and with good results. Here is a link http://www.sealine.co.za/view_topic.php?id=49017&forum_id=64 of a post that was posted not long ago regarding a barbel steel trace and it's success they have with it.