High quality powerlifting olympic bar , $500 budget

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

Hello

As says in the title , I'm in the market for an high quality powerlifting olympic bar , budget is around $500 shipped
I'm located in a rural area in Canada , where you can only find absolute **** on Craigslist , so used is not an option , I know what type of ridicules deals you lucky Americans can find on your Craigslist , but here is a ****hole , you won't find ANY gym equipment , let alone high quality .

As of now , I'm considering the Ivanko OBX-20KG , which is a bar I remember from the time I trained in a commercial gym , this bar is great , top notch knurling and perfect thickness .
Problem is it's seems impossible to order it in Canada , even though there is one dealer I found on Ivanko website called "NATIONAL FITNESS PRODUCTS
" , they are either out of business or just absolute clowns , not returning emails and their website is useless .
I have no issues ordering it from the USA , except getting nailed with brokerage bull**** , I actually received a quote today from Iron Company , seems like a very decent dealer but I'm not sure they gave me the best price out there , I'm going to keep trying getting quotes from other dealers , feel free to suggest good ones , I will appreciate very much .

Other then this Ivanko bar , I can't think about any other good option at this price range .
There is a "cheap" Eleiko model on Rogue website , but it's way more expensive then the Ivanko even with the shipping , and I don't really like the Eleiko warranty wording (must dropped only on Eleiko platform and use Eleiko plates bull****) .

Any suggestions are very welcome , not only regarding bars and models , but I also need recommendations on good dealers in the USA .
Thanks

[Andrew_WOT]

Hello

As says in the title , I'm in the market for an high quality powerlifting olympic bar , budget is around $500 shipped
I'm located in a rural area in Canada , where you can only find absolute **** on Craigslist , so used is not an option , I know what type of ridicules deals you lucky Americans can find on your Craigslist , but here is a ****hole , you won't find ANY gym equipment , let alone high quality .

As of now , I'm considering the Ivanko OBX-20KG , which is a bar I remember from the time I trained in a commercial gym , this bar is great , top notch knurling and perfect thickness .
Problem is it's seems impossible to order it in Canada , even though there is one dealer I found on Ivanko website called "NATIONAL FITNESS PRODUCTS
" , they are either out of business or just absolute clowns , not returning emails and their website is useless .
I have no issues ordering it from the USA , except getting nailed with brokerage bull**** , I actually received a quote today from Iron Company , seems like a very decent dealer but I'm not sure they gave me the best price out there , I'm going to keep trying getting quotes from other dealers , feel free to suggest good ones , I will appreciate very much .

Other then this Ivanko bar , I can't think about any other good option at this price range .
There is a "cheap" Eleiko model on Rogue website , but it's way more expensive then the Ivanko even with the shipping , and I don't really like the Eleiko warranty wording (must dropped only on Eleiko platform and use Eleiko plates bull****) .

Any suggestions are very welcome , not only regarding bars and models , but I also need recommendations on good dealers in the USA .
Thanks

Good luck deadlifting with OBX-20KG 12" unknurled center area. Rogue sells an excellent Westside Power Bar http://www.roguefitness.com/westside-power-bar.php, this is the best you can get today for power lifting. The second would be Texas Power Bar, but shipping to Canada would kill the deal plus sleeves design and finish are not that nice.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

Good luck deadlifting with OBX-20KG 12" unknurled center area. Rogue sells an excellent Westside Power Bar this is the best you can get today for power lifting. The second would be Texas Power Bar, but shipping to Canada would kill the deal plus sleeves design and finish are not that nice.

"12" unknurled center area" - really not sure what you talking about , this bar definitely got some good center knurling , the knurling on this bar absolutely perfect .
What exactly is the Texas Power Bar ? who is the manufacturer and why the shipping would kill the deal ? is there any thing special about the Texas Power Bar that would make the shipping more expensive comparing to other olympic bars ?
Regarding the Westside Power Bar - who makes it ? Rogue ? whats the warranty on the bar ? what makes it the best (better then Eleiko and Ivanko???) power lifting bar out there ?

Thanks

[jormone]

Hello



As of now , I'm considering the Ivanko OBX-20KG , which is a bar I remember from the time I trained in a commercial gym , this bar is great , top notch knurling and perfect thickness .
Problem is it's seems impossible to order it in Canada , even though there is one dealer I found on Ivanko website called "NATIONAL FITNESS PRODUCTS
" , t
Thanks

These Edmonton guys list a lot of Ivanko stuff:

http://www.drivenfitness.ca/store/category/ivanko-bars

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

These Edmonton guys list a lot of Ivanko stuff:

Never heard about them , no listed on Ivanko website either
Either way , regardless how much I hate the UPS brokerage bull**** , I definitely prefer to deal with serious dealers in the USA rather then wasting time with bums and clowns here in Canada , all the Canadian gym equipment dealers I tried so far (and I tried a lot of them) were absolute bums , even ones that represent high end commercial equipment manufacturers were useless .
Is it possible to get a decent deal directly from Ivanko or they sell only at MSRP ?

[davidoff1974]

I got my IVANKO OBX-20KG from sorinex.com and they can facilitate international orders. Customer service rocks and I can refer you to the salesperson who assisted me if you want.

Bar is U$570.00 freight to the Philippines U$270.00 + taxes and duties. Overall I'm very pleased with it.

No website sells it at U$500 that includes international shipping.

Ivanko doesn't sell directly, they will also refer you to authorized dealers.

[Northernmoris]

Good luck deadlifting with OBX-20KG 12" unknurled center area. Rogue sells an excellent Westside Power Bar http://www.roguefitness.com/westside-power-bar.php, this is the best you can get today for power lifting. The second would be Texas Power Bar, but shipping to Canada would kill the deal plus sleeves design and finish are not that nice.

What's wrong with the finish on a TPB? I have not seen anyone complain and a lot of people here have one.

[CBoxer]

What's wrong with the finish on a TPB? I have not seen anyone complain and a lot of people here have one.

Just got mine a couple weeks ago and it's perfect. I tested the straightness the way Mark Rippetoe did in a video and it appears to be flawless.

[Northernmoris]

Just got mine a couple weeks ago and it's perfect. I tested the straightness the way Mark Rippetoe did in a video and it appears to be flawless.

I just got mine last week also. I think it is a great bar. Mine is flawless. The knurling is awesome. I personally like how the knurling digs into my hand with heavier weight.

[Andrew_WOT]

"12" unknurled center area" - really not sure what you talking about , this bar definitely got some good center knurling , the knurling on this bar absolutely perfect .
What exactly is the Texas Power Bar ? who is the manufacturer and why the shipping would kill the deal ? is there any thing special about the Texas Power Bar that would make the shipping more expensive comparing to other olympic bars ?
Regarding the Westside Power Bar - who makes it ? Rogue ? whats the warranty on the bar ? what makes it the best (better then Eleiko and Ivanko???) power lifting bar out there ?

Thanks

This, as you can see the distance between center unknurled sections is 12 5/8" which is not enough for proper deadlifting stance, your shins will be cheese grating against knurling. OBX is the same except there is also knurl in the center.

[Andrew_WOT]

What's wrong with the finish on a TPB? I have not seen anyone complain and a lot of people here have one.

Black oxide and raw steel sleeves are not as rust resistant as zinc plating on Rogue, that's it. Also it uses pinned sleeves when Rogue snap rings, which provide slightly better spinning. Steel seems to be the same but Rogue 0.5mm thicker, 29 vs 28.5 TPB, in theory it should make it stiffer. TPB is a better value though if you don't mind little maintenance.

[Vmango]

Check out roguecanada.ca

Look at the Westside powerbar, the rogue bar, or rogue power bar.

There's also a Canadian company that orders and sells the Texas Power Bar. I have their link but it's at work...maybe try and google them.

[Maxsuzaka]

Black oxide and raw steel sleeves are not as rust resistant as zinc plating on Rogue, that's it. Also it uses pinned sleeves when Rogue snap rings, which provide slightly better spinning. Steel seems to be the same but Rogue 0.5mm thicker, 29 vs 28.5 TPB, in theory it should make it stiffer. TPB is a better value though if you don't mind little maintenance.

Rogue Power Bar is 28.5 mm.

[trnk1001]

Rogue Power Bar is 28.5 mm.

I think he's referring to the Westside Power Bar (and possibly Econ Westside Power Bar). The Rogue Power Bar isn't really a power bar, it's just a regular Rogue bar with center knurl and powerlifting mark.

[Andrew_WOT]

Rogue Power Bar is 28.5 mm.

I think he's referring to the Westside Power Bar (and possibly Econ Westside Power Bar). The Rogue Power Bar isn't really a power bar, it's just a regular Rogue bar with center knurl and powerlifting mark.

Yep, sorry that was the only Rogue I mentioned in my previous post.
For the other standard and Power Rogue bars (not Westside) I'd personally go for Pendlay HD Nexgen (better steel, collars machined from single piece of metal, better build overall) unless you absolutely need center knurling or black finish. But none of those is a specialized power bar more like good all around with more emphasis on oly lifts.

I should probably throw in Hampton Power Bar if you don't mind 32mm bar. It's awesome, build is impeccable, 32mm combined with 165K steel make it virtually indestructible, feels great on shoulders too.
http://www.hamptonfit.com/shop/produ...&CurCatalogID=

[dumb.bell]

Although I'm not a fan of deadlifting with the Ivanko OB or OBX-20kg due to how narrow the non-knurled center portion of the bars is, It would still be my choice of all the bars listed.

Plus you've used it before and already know that you like it.

[Vmango]

Here it is. Garage iron in Hamilton they have the Texas Power Bar for 399. Only two left.

hxxp://xxx.garageiron.com/

[Northernmoris]

Yep, sorry that was the only Rogue I mentioned in my previous post.
For the other standard and Power Rogue bars (not Westside) I'd personally go for Pendlay HD Nexgen (better steel, collars machined from single piece of metal, better build overall) unless you absolutely need center knurling or black finish. But none of those is a specialized power bar more like good all around with more emphasis on oly lifts.

I should probably throw in Hampton Power Bar if you don't mind 32mm bar. It's awesome, build is impeccable, 32mm combined with 165K steel make it virtually indestructible, feels great on shoulders too.
http://www.hamptonfit.com/shop/produ...&CurCatalogID=

I have that Hampton bar also. Came in a bulk buy. I used it for months but just switched to a TPB. It's a nice bar, no complaints.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

davidoff1974 - I will try Sorinex , but it's seem like you got raped there a little bit .
The regular price of the bar at Iron Company is $519 and the UPS shipping to Canada was about $90 .
Once UPS deliver , they will rape me with brokerage fees that can reach 10% of the bar value , plus 12% tax , so I'm looking at about $700 total .


Andrew_WOT - It was a very long time since I used this bar , but I don't remember any major issues with deadlifting , I used the bar mostly for benching and it was perfect , way better then all the bars they had in the gym , and they had good ones like York .
Thanks for the Hampton suggestion , but I hate thick bars , especially for benching .


Whats the warranty on the Rogue bars ? who makes them ? Rogue makes them in house or they made by York like the B&R bar ?
Rogue is a good company , I ordered from them few times and everything was good , but I hate how little info they got on their website regarding specs and official warranty on each item

[Andrew_WOT]

davidoff1974 - I will try Sorinex , but it's seem like you got raped there a little bit .
The regular price of the bar at Iron Company is $519 and the UPS shipping to Canada was about $90 .
Once UPS deliver , they will rape me with brokerage fees that can reach 10% of the bar value , plus 12% tax , so I'm looking at about $700 total .


Andrew_WOT - It was a very long time since I used this bar , but I don't remember any major issues with deadlifting , I used the bar mostly for benching and it was perfect , way better then all the bars they had in the gym , and they had good ones like York .
Thanks for the Hampton suggestion , but I hate thick bars , especially for benching .


Whats the warranty on the Rogue bars ? who makes them ? Rogue makes them in house or they made by York like the B&R bar ?
Rogue is a good company , I ordered from them few times and everything was good , but I hate how little info they got on their website regarding specs and official warranty on each item

Only B&R is made by York, Pendlay used to make other bars for them, now not sure, dumb.bell must have more information on that, try to PM him. You can also get some more info on Rogue bars here http://board.crossfit.com/, Rogue representatives are always lurking there to assist. And you can find a lot of information, including warranty on Rogue web site.

On thick bars I guess it's just matter of getting used to it. I found thicker one much easier on hands when benching. Have Hampton PowerBar and Pendlay HD, the only use for Pendlay are power cleans and front squats (no center knurling), prefer everything else with Hampton.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

On thick bars I guess it's just matter of getting used to it. I found thicker one much easier on hands when benching. Have Hampton PowerBar and Pendlay HD, the only use for Pendlay are power cleans and front squats (no center knurling), prefer everything else with Hampton.

What Hampton bar are you talking about ?
I checked their website and there are quite a few models , are you talking about model - IB-86-15CE ? if that's what you talking it's actually not a regular olympic bar , it's a 50lbs bar and in terms of tensile strength it's about 40,000PSI below the Ivanko , so it really doesn't look like a very good option unless it's significantly cheaper then the Ivanko

Regarding US Ivanko dealers , which ones should I check other then Iron Company ? I want to get at least 2 quotes from different dealers

[dumb.bell]

Regarding US Ivanko dealers , which ones should I check other then Iron Company ? I want to get at least 2 quotes from different dealers

I'd try Gtechfitness.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

I'd try Gtechfitness.

Thanks , I will try them , their shipping policy says they only ship inside US , but I will still give it a shot , there is nothing to lose

[nflan113]

Although I'm not a fan of deadlifting with the Ivanko OB or OBX-20kg due to how narrow the non-knurled center portion of the bars is, It would still be my choice of all the bars listed.

Plus you've used it before and already know that you like it.

I agree with this... I wouldn't say deadlifting with the OBX is great, but I do LOVE this bar, and the OB counterpart. I think if OP has fond memories of the bar, and enjoyed lifting with it prior, he cannot go wrong getting it.

That being said, this is from Ivanko's website regarding authorized dealer locations in Canada:

CANADIAN DISTRIBUTORS:
The following are non-stocking, commercial dealers. These dealers may or may not be willing to accommodate smaller orders. However, for easy on-line ordering with shipping to Canada, see our authorized web dealer www.ironcompany.com -- please note: minimum order requirements may apply.

ALBERTA.
GO-MANGO FITNESS EQUIPMENT

www.gomangofitness.com


ONTARIO.
NATIONAL FITNESS PRODUCTS

www.nationalfitnessproducts.com



QUEBEC.
CARDIO EXTREME

www.cardioextreme.com




[Andrew_WOT]

What Hampton bar are you talking about ?
I checked their website and there are quite a few models , are you talking about model - IB-86-15CE ? if that's what you talking it's actually not a regular olympic bar , it's a 50lbs bar and in terms of tensile strength it's about 40,000PSI below the Ivanko , so it really doesn't look like a very good option unless it's significantly cheaper then the Ivanko

Regarding US Ivanko dealers , which ones should I check other then Iron Company ? I want to get at least 2 quotes from different dealers

I have posted link to Hampton bar in my post above. Neither Ivanko or Hampton PowerBar are "regular" olympic bars in a sense of meeting IWF or IPF specification. One has non standard knurling and another one thicker than max (29mm for IPF) bar diameter, which on the other hand makes it perfect *training* power bar as increases point of contact area thus lessening pressure on hands during press movements and back on squats. The strength and stiffness of the bar is a combination of diameter and tensile strength, 165K (which is not a low tensile strength by any standards, e.g. Rogue Power Bar (not Westide) is 155K) combined with 32mm is virtually indestructible with barely any give or play.
Here's the excellent write up on Oly bars steel tensile strength and other aspects of build to consider.
Read it, it's well worth it.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...#post859116233

For your reference, here's the extract from IPF rules regarding bars accepted:

(a) The bar shall be straight and well knurled and grooved and shall conform to the following
dimensions:
1. Total overall length not to exceed 2.2 m.
2. Distance between the collar faces is not to exceed 1.32 m or be less than 1.31 m.
3. Diameter of the bar is not to exceed 29 mm or be less than 28 mm.
4. Weight of the bar and collars are to be 25 kg.
5. Diameter of the sleeve not to exceed 52 mm or be less than 50 mm.
6. There shall be a diameter machined marking or the bar taped so as to measure 81 cm between
marking or tape

As you can see the distance between unknurled center spots is 430mm or 16.9", whooping 4.275" wider than Ivanko OB-20. You can check Starting Strength board http://startingstrength.com/resources/forum/forum.php where Mark Rippetoe expressed on multiple occasions what he thinks of that "unconventional" Ivanko knurling which renders otherwise an excellent bar useless for any pull from the floor lifts.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

I have posted link to Hampton bar in my post above. Neither Ivanko or Hampton PowerBar are "regular" olympic bars in a sense of meeting IWF or IPF specification. One has non standard knurling and another one thicker than max (29mm for IPF) bar diameter, which on the other hand makes it perfect *training* power bar as increases point of contact area thus lessening pressure on hands during press movements and back on squats. The strength and stiffness of the bar is a combination of diameter and tensile strength, 165K (which is not a low tensile strength by any standards, e.g. Rogue Power Bar (not Westide) is 155K) combined with 32mm is virtually indestructible with barely any give or play.
Here's the excellent write up on Oly bars steel tensile strength and other aspects of build to consider.
Read it, it's well worth it.


For your reference, here's the extract from IPF rules regarding bars accepted:


As you can see the distance between unknurled center spots is 430mm or 16.9", whooping 4.275" wider than Ivanko OB-20. You can check Starting Strength board where Mark Rippetoe expressed on multiple occasions what he thinks of that "unconventional" Ivanko knurling which renders otherwise an excellent bar useless for any pull from the floor lifts.

Thanks Andrew , appreciate your help
I used the Ivanko bar about 6 years ago , while I remember it as a top notch bar for benching , I didn't really do a lot of deadlifts back then due to an injury , so even if the bar can be a real pain in the ass for deadlifts , I can't say I remember

Do you have any idea how much the Hampton cost ?

[Andrew_WOT]

Thanks Andrew , appreciate your help
I used the Ivanko bar about 6 years ago , while I remember it as a top notch bar for benching , I didn't really do a lot of deadlifts back then due to an injury , so even if the bar can be a real pain in the ass for deadlifts , I can't say I remember

Do you have any idea how much the Hampton cost ?

No problem. BTW, the bar weight is 44lb not 50 as you mentioned.

This is one of the reputable vendors that sells it
http://www.ironcompany.com/olympic7i...b-86-15ce.aspx

This one has it for $226
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hampton-Fi...469730&veh=cse
I don't know where you are though.

And I would give some serious thoughts to Westside Power Bar from Rogue
http://www.roguefitness.com/westside-power-bar.php
or even their Econ version http://www.roguefitness.com/econ-wes...r-bar-2051.php

And if you are after big names and have extra money, this Eleiko
http://www.roguefitness.com/new-blac...aining-bar.php
which from what I've collected is more of a hybrid oly/powerlifting bar with some flex and needle bearing.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

No problem. BTW, the bar weight is 44lb not 50 as you mentioned.

Are you sure ? I just mentioned what I saw on Hampton website - "IB-86-15CE / 7' International Bar 1500 LB TEST - 32 mm, 165,000 psi. Wt: 50 lb."

Yeah , I see it listed 44lb on Iron Company website , so I'm not sure wtf is going on here .

[trnk1001]

Are you sure ? I just mentioned what I saw on Hampton website - "IB-86-15CE / 7' International Bar 1500 LB TEST - 32 mm, 165,000 psi. Wt: 50 lb."

Yeah , I see it listed 44lb on Iron Company website , so I'm not sure wtf is going on here .

Must be either a typo on Hampton part or the shipping weight (bar + packaging), 44lbs (20kg) shoud be the correct number.

As for the black Eleiko bar that Andrew mentioned, it's just an Olympic lifting bar with 4 bearings/sleeve instead of 5 and a black coating. It's not what you want for powerlifting though.

[MYWAYORHIGHWAY]

Thanks for all the replies
I considered all options and came to conclusion I will probably go with the Ivanko , there is no such thing as the 'perfect bar' but the Ivanko is probably as good as it can get at this price level
The Hampton seems like a very solid bar as well , and much cheaper than the Ivanko , but I absolutely hate thick bars , I hate benching with thick bar , I hate squating with thick bar , I hate doing pull ups on a thick bars , and there is no doubt that I will also hate it for deadlifting as well , so I will have to pass .
As for the Rogue bars , they might be fine but as I stated before I hate how little amount of information and reviews I can find about them , I don't even know who actually makes them , I don't know whats the warranty policy , and honestly , I don't even know if they worth a damn , Rogue are a pretty new company and if I spend $400-500 on a bar which I expect to last a lifetime, I want something with a good track record
Rogue are good company as far as dispatch speed and shipping goes , but from my experience it's an absolute waste of time and pain in the ass to get solid and definite answers from them , at least via email .

I'm planning to ship the Ivanko to the BC\WA border and pick it up , because there is no way I'm paying the scumbags at UPS their bull**** brokerage , which can easily add $150 on top of the bar .
As for the dealer , I must say Iron Company were the best by far , the rep was good and very easy to deal with , so I will definitely go with them .
Gtechfitness didn't even respond to my email , I guess they have too much business already so they couldn't care less about some "merely" $500 transaction .