B&R Bar Got In!

[PaulWog]

I finally got my Burgener & Rippetoe barbell (men's version, of course). I know there was one person asking me to give my opinion on the bar once I got it, so here's my initial opinion. I can provide any short video, pictures, or further descriptions if anyone is shopping for a barbell and wants to know more about this one.

I've never reviewed a barbell before, so I'm just pointing out what comes to mind. :)

Knurl:
The knurl on this thing is very functional. It's not something I'd write home about, though it's quite effective. It's a very passive yet grippy knurl. I'd say it's definitely great for power lifts, though if used purely for powerlifting, just a tad bit more aggressiveness to the knurl could be desired (only a tiny bit). The knurl is surprisingly more grippy than you'd think when you add more weight to the bar and start going heavier, whereas other knurls I've used in gyms that feel like they're grippy end up being less grippy as more weight is put on. As far as o-lifting goes, my lack of experience wouldn't make for a good analysis of the knurl for that.

Out-of-the-package:
When I took this out of the package, it was all greased up. In fact, I still have black hands and grease on me right now... there was a fair bit of it. The sleeves currently make a sound (can hear the grease in there as they spin). I had to wash the thing down thoroughly... and I think I need to go at it one more time to get the rest of the grease off.

Overall Feel:
After getting most of the grease off, this bar feels nice and solid. I haven't had time to put any weight on it yet, but I'm doing my chest day today: it starts with the bench press. So I'll get a good feel for the bar as far as that lift goes. The bar is pretty much perfectly straight too which is great. Running my hand along any part of the bar, it all feels really well put together... there's no "this seems kind-of cheap" feeling to it which, of course, a lot of cheaper barbells have to them.

Problem(s):
So upon inspecting the bar, one of the 2-inch sleeves shifts by 2mm up and down the shaft, whereas the other sleeve does not shift at all. This causes the spin to be a little less smooth on one side... I have yet to find out if this actually matters when weight is put on. I've contacted Rogue Fitness to see if there's any self-fix to this imperfection, and to see if this is just common in these bars (since I'm unsure if the one sleeve shifting means it's loose and will fall off with heavier usage). I'll get back on what they have to say about the sleeve shifting (hopefully it won't effect functionality long-term, and doesn't rattle with lifts).

I identified a second problem as well. The video and pictures for both problems are below (post #4 for a link to the video, and the pictures are easy to scroll down to see).

[BIgOrange865]

Thanks for the review. I've been waiting for your input since your first post about choosing a bar. I'm currently looking into the pendlay HD, the York needle bearing, or the B&R.

Repped

[matrix563]

pics :)

[PaulWog]

Thanks for the review. I've been waiting for your input since your first post about choosing a bar. I'm currently looking into the pendlay HD, the York needle bearing, or the B&R.

Repped

Hope I helped somewhat.

Here's a video to the "problem" (I don't know if it's an issue, Rogue will review the video and determine whether it's a manufacturing defect or just normal): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTDofjykN4E

Overall I quite like the bar.

There is one other weird thing that I will post as well. I like to get all the defects or imperfections posted whenever I review something just because a lot of other reviews skip over all the finer details. Basically if I don't mention something, it's probably really nice. I hone in on the negatives or the things that are just okay, and then anything I leave out is usually exceptional when I review something. Makes me seem like a negative person... I'm really not though!


pics :)

Will do right now :)

[flyingscot1]

i got my b & r bar a while back,i personally like the raw finish and for the money it cant be beat,very little flex in this bar so i wouldnt use it for o lifts but there are plenty other bars out there for that,while not the smoothest action ive ever seen on a bar sleeve its not the roughest either and it has no adverse effects when moving weight,if your looking for a rolex buy a rolex,like i say it cant be beat for $300

[PaulWog]

http://i52.tinypic.com/6en97k.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/6en97k.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/28a2puw.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/nbdon.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/244o4mp.jpg
http://i54.tinypic.com/nlpts3.jpg
http://i51.tinypic.com/x3zcxk.jpg
http://i53.tinypic.com/348kos5.jpg

[PaulWog]

http://i52.tinypic.com/33f52jk.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/311kpk1.jpg
http://i52.tinypic.com/28taukz.jpg

[PaulWog]

Alright! There's the pics.

The last few pics are of another defect which I picked up on. I'll be checking with Rogue if that's an issue as well (chipping metal at the base). It came that way and feels like nothing is going to chip any further, but it makes me wonder. That effect is at about 2 or 3 points on both ends of the bar.

Please do ignore the placement in my room though. My room is in a transitionary phase. The whole thing is going to be rearranged a fair bit (I've done the schematics). I won't get into the details as I'm saving that for a couple weeks from now when I'll do a post with pics when it's mostly finished.

[Accutron]

I have the same bar, same issues.

The little cracks around the sleeve are "normal", its a two piece construction, mine is chipped pretty much all the way around. One of my ends wobbles horizontally to and from the cap, my bar is kind of pitted, the other sleeve forms an ellipse when I spin it since I guess it wasn't drilled squarely.

Overall it was a bad purchase on my end, I don't want to be too negative here, just saying.

Currently I use the bar exclusively for DLs, it just stays on the floor attached to a pair of 45s...if I had to use it for presses, bench, squats it would make me mad just looking at it.

Im still looking to get a TPB, or if not that, something with better fit and finish.

[PaulWog]

I have the same bar, same issues.

The little cracks around the sleeve are "normal", its a two piece construction, mine is chipped pretty much all the way around. One of my ends wobbles horizontally to and from the cap, my bar is kind of pitted, the other sleeve forms an ellipse when I spin it since I guess it wasn't drilled squarely.

Overall it was a bad purchase on my end, I don't want to be too negative here, just saying.

Currently I use the bar exclusively for DLs, it just stays on the floor attached to a pair of 45s...if I had to use it for presses, bench, squats it would make me mad just looking at it.

Im still looking to get a TPB, or if not that, something with better fit and finish.

Wish you were around to help me out before-hand! I was contemplating the Rogue Power Bar and just by a hair this one won my heart when I was ordering.

If it doesn't effect the usability, then I'm honestly fine with it. It feels great and lifting with it it's nice (though curls suck on this bar, it makes an oily sound every time I curl with it lol). But this makes me want to stay away from Rogue Fitness in general, and to tend toward companies like Pendlay, Texas Power Bar (not sure if that's the company name or just their product name), Ivanko, Eleiko, etc.

I have no excuse right now to go out and buy a third bar. I have a cheapy 600lb limit one, and this one. When I start having a steady income again (summer time when I'm out of college for a bit) I may consider a third bar... but I mean... it'd just be to collect and to have different kinds of knurls to use. Kind-of ridiculous. I'll have lots of time to think on that idea though.

[Accutron]

Rogue Fitness is actually pretty good, if you aren't 100% with the bar they will take it back no issue, both the US and Canada side have excellent service.

But these B/R bars ship directly from York, so you cant really blame Rouge for packaging or fit and finish.

Id think 3 bars is a bit much, I like having 2 so one bar can sit with 135, and one bar in the rack, but to get a 3rd bar just to replace one you aren't happy with is kind of a waste...when you could get a specialized bar or something else instead.

Hope it works out for you bro good luck!

[PaulWog]

Rogue Fitness is actually pretty good, if you aren't 100% with the bar they will take it back no issue, both the US and Canada side have excellent service.

But these B/R bars ship directly from York, so you cant really blame Rouge for packaging or fit and finish.

Id think 3 bars is a bit much, I like having 2 so one bar can sit with 135, and one bar in the rack, but to get a 3rd bar just to replace one you aren't happy with is kind of a waste...when you could get a specialized bar or something else instead.

Hope it works out for you bro good luck!

Honestly so long as these defects are just aesthetic and not functional, I'm pretty happy with this bar. I wish it were a bit cheaper (I feel like $350 is a premium for a bar, and shouldn't have these sorts of issues), but it's quite nice.

I don't even have space in my room to have a bar sitting with two 45's on it all the time. Hahaha. I basically work in the rack and a little bit around it, and that's my space for freeweights.

[twodog]

I have the same bar, same issues.

The little cracks around the sleeve are "normal", its a two piece construction, mine is chipped pretty much all the way around. One of my ends wobbles horizontally to and from the cap, my bar is kind of pitted, the other sleeve forms an ellipse when I spin it since I guess it wasn't drilled squarely.

Overall it was a bad purchase on my end, I don't want to be too negative here, just saying.

Currently I use the bar exclusively for DLs, it just stays on the floor attached to a pair of 45s...if I had to use it for presses, bench, squats it would make me mad just looking at it.

Im still looking to get a TPB, or if not that, something with better fit and finish.

Hey Accutron,

As far as the TPB goes, I just got the Troy model for $279 inc/s&h. http://www.homegymdeals.com/troy-aob-2000b-texas-power-bar.html The fit and finish of this bar also leaves a little to be desired, and the shippnig packaging from Troy was horrible as it was a flimsy cardboard tube and broke apart in transit causing scraches and small dings on the sleeves. But the reason that I even mention it is because the only thing that I use it for is DL's, which it's great for because of it's aggressive knurling. For my Squat, BP and bench bar I use a Cap Bar that I got from CFF http://www.christiansfitnessfactory.com/index.php/Power/Cap-1200-lb-Olympic-Power-Bar for $150 (picked up), it's got a great feel and is nissing the center knurling (which I don't like for squatting anyway). Ironically, the tube that the Cap bar came in was about 3x the thickness of the Troy TPB bar.

Anyway, if I bought another TPB, it would probably be a Buddy Capp bar http://www.wwfitness.com/index.html as I've heard good things about them.

[jshpark]

I have this bar and I love it.. I've been using it for maybe 3+ years now. Mine was built in 2006 though. There is a very slight shift on both sleeves and I have not even noticed it until this morning's workout after reading this thread. Personally, it is absolutely not a problem at all as I've been using the bar just fine for every purpose for a countless number of workouts..

I do no maintenance at all and the sleeves still spin pretty well. The bar does have black discoloration but still looks great.

I agree that I would prefer a more aggressive knurl but I knew that the York knurling was not super aggressive to begin with. The knurling on the B&R is very smooth but provides a good grip.

My bar does not have any open space around the sleeve though as in your picture.. perfectly solid all the way around. I could imagine using this bar for another decade or longer but I do want a bar with more aggressive knurling..

[twodog]

Hey Paul,

After watching your video and then checking my bars, I would worry more about the side that doesn't have play (because of binding), than the one that does. All of my bars including my TPB seem to have that play in them

[gp92089]

PaulWog,

I have this bar and love it. The only problem is that you need to clean it or it will rust.

[NoKittyNo]

I have this bar and I absolutely love it, LOVE IT. I had debated between this and a few Rogue bars, but unlike other people I wanted a knurl in the centre so this is what swayed me. I did have a mix-up on the initial shipping, and some minor errors in the packaging/arrival: Posted here:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=130990073
Pic: http://i1233.photobucket.com/albums/ff395/NoKittyNo/2011-01-25200604.jpg

But I really am a fan of Rogue. Yeah, companies may have flaws and flacks in some aspects but amidst all the downs they usually strive to compensate and make you a satisfied customer. So far i've bought this from them:




B&R Bar, Mens
Nike Romaleos Olympic Shoes
Rogue Clamps (Love them - bought 2 pairs, super quick and secure)
Rogue Knee-Length Socks for Deads and what not
Bison Chalk

I am also possibly looking into their GHR in the Future and possible a Rogue bar this time 'round for separate stuff like T-Baw rows and basically to supplement my laziness in setting up my equipment.

[fishingeek]

Beautiful bar guys!
Good stuff.

[animalfan]

I am also possibly looking into their GHR in the Future and possible a Rogue bar this time 'round for separate stuff like T-Baw rows and basically to supplement my laziness in setting up my equipment.

dude, the rogue bar is very nice. i played a little with both of these bars (b&r and rogue) the last time i was there- i went with the rogue and don't regret it, though the b&r is awesome too. knurling felt about the same, i was just worried about my laziness stopping me from wiping the bar down enough. i don't think you could go wrong with either bar.

i just wanted to say that you would make the rogue bar sad if you hooked it up and did tbar rows with it.

[keyboardworkout]

Saw this posted on another site:


I was informed by the folks at Christian's Fitness Factory that York Barbell had changed hands recently and their quality control was slipping.

[PaulWog]

Beautiful bar guys!
Good stuff.

:) Absolutely is.

I hope no one gets me wrong when it comes to my complaints / pinpointing any problems. I felt I had to include that information in the review, to give a full overview. If Rogue gets back to me and tells me it's all fine, then I presume it should be all fine.

As far as using the bar has gone: It's AMAZING! The knurl is far better than I originally had pointed out. It grips like no other. Deadlifts are a breeze to hold onto. Man.... I love the knurl on this bar. It's just... well... it's *that* good.

[PaulWog]

An Update:

Rogue Fitness got back to me and explained that it's normal for the bar to have uneven sides, and to have chipping in the metal. They said that the "chipping" is a result of the press-fit which is done in every bar: the person describing this wouldn't exactly explain why other bars don't have this chipping though. He did, however, assure me that my bar is fine and that everything is normal. So I thanked them.

Later on (today) I got an email from a different Rogue representative who told me they'll be sending me out a new barbell, and that I can use this one until they get me the new one.

So all-in-all... I'm confused if there was some miscommunication within Rogue that they assured me the bar is fine, then told me they're shipping out a new bar.

So the end-result:
I was satisfied with the bar after they told me everything is fine, though I'm somewhat glad that they're sending a different bar as it may mean I get one with even sides (I'm OCD about that... I wouldn't have demanded it though as I did tell them I was satisfied after they told me nothing was wrong). I didn't ask them to send a new bar over to me though (they just initiated it today on their own).

Rogue has treated me exceedingly well and replied within 24 hours of any email, so they've been very straight-forward and professional about everything.

If anyone wants to know more about the bar, or about the matter, just ask me. I brought up the issues, so I just want to clarify that Rogue is VERY quick to remedy any problems, and very quick to answer and clarify any questions and concerns.

[Accutron]

An Update:

Rogue Fitness got back to me and explained that it's normal for the bar to have uneven sides, and to have chipping in the metal. They said that the "chipping" is a result of the press-fit which is done in every bar: the person describing this wouldn't exactly explain why other bars don't have this chipping though. He did, however, assure me that my bar is fine and that everything is normal. So I thanked them.

Later on (today) I got an email from a different Rogue representative who told me they'll be sending me out a new barbell, and that I can use this one until they get me the new one.

So all-in-all... I'm confused if there was some miscommunication within Rogue that they assured me the bar is fine, then told me they're shipping out a new bar.
s.

Yeah they are probably used to replacing a lot of these bars by now. Im on my second one, its not much better than the first...

[skione]

Doesn't say much for QC......quite disappointing....

[dumb.bell]

Yeah they are probably used to replacing a lot of these bars by now. Im on my second one, its not much better than the first...

What kind of issues have you had with your bars? I was considering one of these, but with the mediocre customer service I got on a previous bar purchase from York, I've been a little hesitant.

I purchased a Pendlay Bearing bar today and am hoping their QC is better.

[miloica]

My B&R bar arrived on October 7th and so far I don't have any complaints. However, I'm curious about the meaning of the inscription "B&R 32006"? Is it some kind of a serial number or you have the same number on your bars?

[kbdub]

32006 is the model number.