Bar/plates (UK)

[ngu]

I'm looking for a 7ft bar and 120kg-150kg of plates.

I'm currently looking at the strength shop black oxide bar (strengthshop.co.uk/bars/olympic-bar.html) or the Gym Ratz black oxide bar (gymratz.co.uk/7ft-black-oxide-olympic-bar).

For plates, I was looking at the York plates on the Gym Ratz site (gymratz.co.uk/cast-iron-olympic-plates/?&fbrand=12). However, I don't know if these are actually York Barbell plates (as it says on the site) or York Fitness. I have heard there is a big difference in quality between the two brands. I thought that, if these are indeed York Barbell, they would be better quality than the Bodymax or Bodypower ones from Powerhouse Fitness/Fitness Superstore?

Does anyone have any advice based on that?

[owasM]

I have 2 of the black oxide bars,
One has sharp knurling , one is non existent ... so they're good if you get a good one.

[wgpa]

I've only bought a few add ons for my power rack from strength shop (fit my one fine) and the quality has been great. That said, based on the above poster I would be a little anxious about ordering a barbell now.

In terms of plates, I've always been of the opinion that weight it weight. I wouldn't pay too much over the odds for branded stuff especially if it's entry level brands. Have you looked locally at Gumtree/Ebay?

I've found some great deals on Amazon previously and I usually have vouchers I can use.

I wrote an article ( http://www.peckmeout.com/best-value-olympic-weight-set/ ) that reviews the Bodymax offerings which are fine if buying new and on a budget. Personally I've got some cheap plates I found.