Looking to buy a bar

[makaveli284]

So I am looking to buy a new bar in the near future and want some feedback based on the following:

I typically use the bar for the following:
- Flat/Incline/Decline Bench Press
- Squats
- Deadlifts
- Clean & Press
- T-Bar & Bent Rows
- Military Press
- Heaviest I would need to go (for now) would be in the 300's for deadlifts, 200's for bench, 200's for squats, 100's for clean and press . .

I want a bar that I can use for years to come and not have to worry about replacing it. My budget is ~$250 . . .

So after some research, I have come up with the following possibilities:
- Troy Texas Power Bar 1500 lb Test $350
- York Black Oxide North American Bar 1500 lb Test - 32 mm $155 (roguefitness.com)
- Rogue Fitnes "Rogue Bar" 28.5mm $255 (roguefitness.com)
- Capp Texas Power Bar 28mm $230


Please chime in with your EXPERIENCES with the bars . . and what you think would be the best bet for MY needs . . .

Thank you

[Essexlad]

Out of those , or most others, I'd go Texas power bar, it can be had for substantially less than $350 from elsewhere though. Someone else here should be able to point you at it.

It's tough enough for nearly any application a full gym can throw it, it spins well enough for the moves you want, one thing to note is the knurling is pretty rough on your hands/shins, and if you get the uncoated version it rusts quickly if it's in a moist/humid area. A lot of the versions now are black oxide or zinc oxide coated now though.
If don't like vary aggressive knurling in a bar, get the York (or a better York if your budget wil reach), which is probably technically the weaker bar (but still more than strong enough) but has much gentler knurling that still gives fantastic grip.

Edit: Thinking about it at 32mm, I wouldn't buy that York personally, I'd get a different thinner one (28-29mm).

[jfindon]

www.wwfitness.com

Capps Texas Power Bar - Around $225.

[PuddleMonkey]

I use Hampton bars, have for years. Both the 700lb and 1500lb bars are high quality, avoid the 500lb bar as it lacks the same high quality bearings etc found in the other two.

[jrr]

www.wwfitness.com

Capps Texas Power Bar - Around $225.

X2 on the Capps TPB, its a good all around bar.

thanks for the link jfindon they have great prices on there bars....might have to get me a cambered bar if shipping it's to much!

[makaveli284]

Really leaning towards either the Capp Texas Power Bar, or the RogueFitness Rogue Bar.

Any experiences with the Rogue bar?

Just how rough are the knurlings on the Capp Texas Power Bar?

[jrr]

Really leaning towards either the Capp Texas Power Bar, or the RogueFitness Rogue Bar.

Any experiences with the Rogue bar?

Just how rough are the knurlings on the Capp Texas Power Bar?

Never used a Rogue bar, but the TPB I have has a very aggressive knurling and it is rough.
Better to squat with, it digs in and stays put. I have seen people lose calluses right off there hands while deadlifting with a TPB, because of the knurling, this is good though....IMO you want a bar with good knurling for deadlifing and squat.
Now I have the raw bar I'm not sure whether the TPB with a black oxide finish is any different on the knurling.

[jfindon]

I love the knurling on my TPB. It is rough, but that's how it should be in my opinion. I expressed concerns about not being able to try it before I bought it, and Bill from WWFitness told me I could use it for a few sessions and send it back for a refund if I didn't like it. I'll dig up my email with him:

This bar is the "choice" of most powerlifting organizations, particularly WABDL and the USPF.
The knurling is superb. I highly recommend it.
Use it for 1 or 2 workouts and if you do not like it, return it to me and I will refund the purchase price.

Bill

[kbdub]

Really leaning towards either the Capp Texas Power Bar, or the RogueFitness Rogue Bar.

Any experiences with the Rogue bar?

Just how rough are the knurlings on the Capp Texas Power Bar?

I lift on a Rogue bar every day and have access to a full arsenal bars (from $100 el cheapo up to $1300 Eleiko). I had input on the design of the Rogue bar so I may be biased, but it was designed to be a multi purpose bar.

The TPB knurling is very aggressive and is great for benching (WSBB uses this bar for bench, but nothing else). I would not recommend the TPB for any type of clean or other dynamic movement since the knurling is too aggressive.

The knurling on the Rogue bar is a compromise between the bite of a powerlifting knurl and the softness of an O-lifting knurl. It has a finer mesh knurl so your hands have more contact points on the knurl which helps make up for less bite (more contact points creates more area in contact) It has enough grip for deads/bench without chalk but is easy on the hands for cleans/snatches. The only better feeling bar I have used would be an uncoated B&R bar that has the old school York knurl that nobody can reproduce.

The Rogue bar also has dual knurling marks and a lifetime guarantee against bending.

[candt]

What is the difference between a womens bar and a mens bar? Is it just the diameter? Ive seen both listed on Rogue's website. I am also in the market for a bar, and noticed the York 7' North American 1000 lb test bar for $125. Does anybody have any experience with this bar? How is the knurling on it? It also says its a split sleeve design. What does this mean? Does anyone like the Rogue beater bar?

[animalfan]

I lift on a Rogue bar every day and have access to a full arsenal bars (from $100 el cheapo up to $1300 Eleiko). I had input on the design of the Rogue bar so I may be biased, but it was designed to be a multi purpose bar.

The TPB knurling is very aggressive and is great for benching (WSBB uses this bar for bench, but nothing else). I would not recommend the TPB for any type of clean or other dynamic movement since the knurling is too aggressive.

The knurling on the Rogue bar is a compromise between the bite of a powerlifting knurl and the softness of an O-lifting knurl. It has a finer mesh knurl so your hands have more contact points on the knurl which helps make up for less bite (more contact points creates more area in contact) It has enough grip for deads/bench without chalk but is easy on the hands for cleans/snatches. The only better feeling bar I have used would be an uncoated B&R bar that has the old school York knurl that nobody can reproduce.

The Rogue bar also has dual knurling marks and a lifetime guarantee against bending.

well, since it's christmas, you should hook me up. i've been wanting a rogue bar for a long time- sell me a demo bar? i'm coming to columbus monday- i'll pick it up?

can't blame me for trying, right?

[Andrew_WOT]

Out of those , or most others, I'd go Texas power bar, it can be had for substantially less than $350 from elsewhere though. Someone else here should be able to point you at it.

It's tough enough for nearly any application a full gym can throw it, it spins well enough for the moves you want, one thing to note is the knurling is pretty rough on your hands/shins, and if you get the uncoated version it rusts quickly if it's in a moist/humid area. A lot of the versions now are black oxide or zinc oxide coated now though.
If don't like vary aggressive knurling in a bar, get the York (or a better York if your budget wil reach), which is probably technically the weaker bar (but still more than strong enough) but has much gentler knurling that still gives fantastic grip.

Edit: Thinking about it at 32mm, I wouldn't buy that York personally, I'd get a different thinner one (28-29mm).

Has anyone had a chance to compare 1500 lb Hampton (32mm) vs Texas Power. Knurling and ease of spin in particular?

[BuckeyeROC]

I just bought a Rogue Bar. For all the different lifts I do, it seemed like the way to go. From what I've read, it should be a great "all-around" bar.

[makaveli284]

I just bought a Rogue Bar. For all the different lifts I do, it seemed like the way to go. From what I've read, it should be a great "all-around" bar.

Do keep us posted on how you like the bar.

[jrr]

I just bought a Rogue Bar. For all the different lifts I do, it seemed like the way to go. From what I've read, it should be a great "all-around" bar.

Does this bar have a center knurling? From the pic on there site it appears not to have a center knurl, IMO it might not be the best bar to squat with, without the center knurl.

[HardKore79]

Does this bar have a center knurling? From the pic on there site it appears not to have a center knurl, IMO it might not be the best bar to squat with, without the center knurl.

Pendlay has claimed that it's okay to squat with bars that are black even if it doesn't have the knurling. The black coating is not slippery and you need the knurling mostly when you have chromed bars.

[BuckeyeROC]

Pendlay has claimed that it's okay to squat with bars that are black even if it doesn't have the knurling. The black coating is not slippery and you need the knurling mostly when you have chromed bars.

That's what I heard too. I'll let you know what I think of it and how it feels while doing squats and other lifts. Due to my knees, I'm not a heavy squatter though.

[Essexlad]

What is the difference between a womens bar and a mens bar? Is it just the diameter? Ive seen both listed on Rogue's website. I am also in the market for a bar, and noticed the York 7' North American 1000 lb test bar for $125. Does anybody have any experience with this bar? How is the knurling on it? It also says its a split sleeve design. What does this mean? Does anyone like the Rogue beater bar?

A womens bar is 25mm diameter, 15kg weight (~34lbs), and shorter at 2010mm (2200mm for a mens).

[makaveli284]

I am currently debating between the Capp Texas Power bar and the Rogue bar. The only cons that I am aware of is the sharp knurling for the Capp TPB, and the lack of center for the Rogue bar.

[kbdub]

Does this bar have a center knurling? From the pic on there site it appears not to have a center knurl, IMO it might not be the best bar to squat with, without the center knurl.

The Rogue bar does not have center knurling. It hasn't prevented anyone from squatting over 500lb with it yet. The Rogue bar has a black oxide coating that has more grip to it than chrome plating.

[allisonforeman]

What is the difference between a womens bar and a mens bar? Is it just the diameter? Ive seen both listed on Rogue's website. I am also in the market for a bar, and noticed the York 7' North American 1000 lb test bar for $125. Does anybody have any experience with this bar? How is the knurling on it? It also says its a split sleeve design. What does this mean? Does anyone like the Rogue beater bar?

Men's and women's Olympic bars differ both in the overall length of the bar as well as the diameter of the shaft itself. Men's bars usually are at 2200mm (about 7 feet) and women's bars come in at 2010mm (about 6 1/2 feet). The men's bar should weigh in at about 20kg (about 45lb) and women's at about 15kg (a little better than 30lbs). Collar to collar distance should be the same, to fit on a rack, but the sleeve length will be shorter on a women's bar. Women's bars carry a smaller diameter shaft (25mm) than a men's Olympic bar (28mm).

Olympic bars differ from Weightlifting bars in that Olympic movements (snatch, clean & jerk) are ballistic, rotational movements where the bar goes through a 180 degree of rotation from start to finish - therefore, their sleeves must spin more readily under load than their weightlifting counterparts, which are slower, more linear movements such as the press, squat, or deadlift. The narrower shaft on an Olympic bar allows for more flexibility in the bar, called bar whip, which assists the lifter in the completion of the overhead movement. Same strength on a narrower shaft combined with increased need for sleeve spin causes Olympic bars to have higher production costs than their Weightlifting counterparts, with their 29mm competition specific shaft. Some manufacturers also offer a 30 or 32mm shaft on Weightlifting bars as part of their bar lineup (York offers 6 different Olympic bars, 5 different 7' 45lb Weightlifting bars, and a variety of 6', 5', and specialty bars), where a greater quantity of less costly materials are used to get the same strength - again, lower price overall. On the larger diameter weightlifting bars, less compression crush on pressing or squat movements, but larger diameter to hang onto for pulls. Hope this helps clarify the differences!

Shoot me an email if you'd like to get pricing or just talk shop on what would be best for your circumstance - promise lowest delivered!

Allison Foreman, York Barbell
614.785.9266 office, allisonforeman@aol.com

[BuckeyeROC]

That's what I heard too. I'll let you know what I think of it and how it feels while doing squats and other lifts. Due to my knees, I'm not a heavy squatter though.

After using The Rogue Bar for a few weeks on various lifts, I thought it was time to post my thoughts.

I bought this bar for and use this bar for all my lifts. I bought it to have a great "all-around" bar. And it has delivered.

I have 2 main workout partners that come over and lift with me, all 3 of us LOVE this bar. They both have their own home gyms as well, but mainly use my house, both are saving up to buy their own Rogue Bar. We've done everything from bench, squats, military, deadlifts, hang cleans, shrugs, etc etc with it, and it just feels GREAT on every lift. The knurling grips great without tearing up your hands.

As for no center knurling for squats, it hasn't been an issue at all for any of us.

I HIGHLY recommend The Rogue Bar for someone looking for a good multi-purpose bar.

[makaveli284]

After using The Rogue Bar for a few weeks on various lifts, I thought it was time to post my thoughts.

I bought this bar for and use this bar for all my lifts. I bought it to have a great "all-around" bar. And it has delivered.

I have 2 main workout partners that come over and lift with me, all 3 of us LOVE this bar. They both have their own home gyms as well, but mainly use my house, both are saving up to buy their own Rogue Bar. We've done everything from bench, squats, military, deadlifts, hang cleans, shrugs, etc etc with it, and it just feels GREAT on every lift. The knurling grips great without tearing up your hands.

As for no center knurling for squats, it hasn't been an issue at all for any of us.

I HIGHLY recommend The Rogue Bar for someone looking for a good multi-purpose bar.

Thanks a lot for coming back and providing a review of this bar.

[BuckeyeROC]

Thanks a lot for coming back and providing a review of this bar.

No problem. Did you end up making a purchase yet?

[makaveli284]

No problem. Did you end up making a purchase yet?

I have not purchased the bar just yet, but that is only because I recently purchased some new 300 lb olympic set of Body-Solid rubberized grip weights (got a great deal), and then a set of the Ironmaster Quick-lock dumbbells.

The Rogue bar will certainly be my next purchase for my home gym.

[JSK0703]

Anyone have experience with the NYBB bars? Tempted to pick one up for the price.

[gmaki]

I just bought (and received) last week a Rogue Beater bar. I can't give a very good review though since it is the only Oly bar I have ever owned or probably even touched. I just upgraded from my cheapo standard set.

I can tell you that it looks nice though, and I have no issues squatting with it, even without center knurling. The knurling is pretty mild in my opinion much finer than my standard bar was (again I have no oly bars to compare).

Most importantly it was very inexpensive at $165 shipped.

I have had one issue with it however, and it probably can be attributed to my own stupidity. The bar has pins on the end of the sleeves. The pins protrude slightly from the sleeve, enough that when right out of the box I could not even slide the weights on.

I pounded them in with a hammer and solved that issue. however they still protruded a tiny amount and even though the weights would slide on, spring clips would not.

I again went at them with a hammer and ended up with sleeves that don't rotate. I have since managed to free them up for the most part and am slowly filing down the pins. I can get spring clips on now with some force and a little jiggling, I just hope I have not screwed up the bar permanently by pounding the pins in too far.

[Accutron]

I just bought (and received) last week a Rogue Beater bar. I can't give a very good review though since it is the only Oly bar I have ever owned or probably even touched. I just upgraded from my cheapo standard set.

I can tell you that it looks nice though, and I have no issues squatting with it, even without center knurling. The knurling is pretty mild in my opinion much finer than my standard bar was (again I have no oly bars to compare).

Most importantly it was very inexpensive at $165 shipped.

I have had one issue with it however, and it probably can be attributed to my own stupidity. The bar has pins on the end of the sleeves. The pins protrude slightly from the sleeve, enough that when right out of the box I could not even slide the weights on.

I pounded them in with a hammer and solved that issue. however they still protruded a tiny amount and even though the weights would slide on, spring clips would not.

I again went at them with a hammer and ended up with sleeves that don't rotate. I have since managed to free them up for the most part and am slowly filing down the pins. I can get spring clips on now with some force and a little jiggling, I just hope I have not screwed up the bar permanently by pounding the pins in too far.

If youre having problems with the bar its defective or something was off when they built it - try to return it or ask for a replacement.

[gmaki]

If youre having problems with the bar its defective or something was off when they built it - try to return it or ask for a replacement.

Good advice. I emailed Rogue Fitness today. Let's see how they respond.

[Accutron]

Good advice. I emailed Rogue Fitness today. Let's see how they respond.

They pretty much have to take it back if it arrived that way, most times they just return it to the manufacturer who credits them, and send you a new one.

You can post on the CrossFit forum too, Bill of Rogue I think he is the owner posts there and checks a lot.
http://www.board.crossfit.com/forumdisplay.php?f=10

You said $165 made it an inexpensive bar, but its still a lot of money you must admit. Im 99% sure they will take it back/replace it even if you hammered it to try to fix it.