Buying my First Bar: TPB or WSPB

[SasquatchScotty]

So I am assembling my home gym and hope to have it done by christmas, can post pics once its complete. I can also tell you guys the equipment I will be putting in, if anyone would like to know now.

So originally I had planned to get the B&R Bar from Rogue but after seeing very many negative reviews I have decided to look elsewhere. I'm already a tad over budget for the home gym (buying it all myself) so for the bar it should really be around $300.

I am looking at the Texas Power Bar by Buddy Capps and the Econ Westside Power Bar. Something to note, I will be competing in powerlifting so this bar will be getting used with heavy weights(500lb+) at least 3x a week, if that is important to note.

EDIT- this will be used for all 3 of the big lifts and the less whip the better.

[cmarti063]

The TPB is one of the most commonly used bars in meets, especially those that only allow a single bar (IPF/USAPL for instance). I recommend you pick up the Buddy Capps.

[SasquatchScotty]

The TPB is one of the most commonly used bars in meets, especially those that only allow a single bar (IPF/USAPL for instance). I recommend you pick up the Buddy Capps.

Leaning towards the TPB because I just found it for $285 which is even cheaper than the B&R bar I was originally looking at.

[zalcrux]

So originally I had planned to get the B&R Bar from Rogue but after seeing very many negative reviews I have decided to look elsewhere.

What did you read about the B&R bar?

[SasquatchScotty]

What did you read about the B&R bar?

Poor sleeve construction, and most people receive and ship back 2-3+ bars before they get one in good condition due to shipping so I would rather just not waste my time. Rippetoe also said on his forum its more of an entry level bar that should be replaced after you reach around 600lbs on a lift. Main concern is just regarding shipping and I would rather have a bar close to what I will use in meets.

[cmarti063]

Leaning towards the TPB because I just found it for $285 which is even cheaper than the B&R bar I was originally looking at.

Also, FWIW, my wife has the female version of the B&R and it is excellent. The issues you read about were probably from the first run where the sleeves didn't fit very well. They got that sorted out. The knurl is pretty fine while the TPB is aggressive. The B&R has plenty of grip, though, since it is a bare steel bar.

[SasquatchScotty]

Also, FWIW, my wife has the female version of the B&R and it is excellent. The issues you read about were probably from the first run where the sleeves didn't fit very well. They got that sorted out. The knurl is pretty fine while the TPB is aggressive. The B&R has plenty of grip, though, since it is a bare steel bar.

Thank you I was unaware of that, but the shipping issues I keep hearing about are turning me away from the bar and it seems the TPB is most likely what I will see at meets.

Can anyone comment on the whip of the bar? Would rather be happily surprised after working with a stiffer bar at home than see my lifts drop at a meet because of the bar change.

[zalcrux]

Poor sleeve construction, and most people receive and ship back 2-3+ bars before they get one in good condition due to shipping so I would rather just not waste my time. Rippetoe also said on his forum its more of an entry level bar that should be replaced after you reach around 600lbs on a lift. Main concern is just regarding shipping and I would rather have a bar close to what I will use in meets.

Found what he said. "When your squat gets to 600, you'll be ready for a stiffer bar. So, chances are the B&R will be the last bar you ever have to buy."

Lol, got to love the guy.

[cmarti063]

Found what he said. "When your squat gets to 600, you'll be ready for a stiffer bar. So, chances are the B&R will be the last bar you ever have to buy."

Lol, got to love the guy.

Yeah, Rip is awesome.

Anyway, how stiff a bar feels is primarily a function of diameter - the greater the diameter the stiffer the bar. The B&R is 29 mm, the TPB is 28.5 mm, and the most popular Ivanko bar for meets, the OBX-20KG, is 28 mm. The specs for the IPF call for 28-29 mm. Some federations use a 27 mm deadlift bar and 30+ mm squat bars.

After saying all that, I still think the TPB is your best bet for reasons stated in my first post.

[Bench905]

Pretty impressive. 14 years old, 150 pounds and 600+lb lifts!

[SasquatchScotty]

Yeah, Rip is awesome.

Anyway, how stiff a bar feels is primarily a function of diameter - the greater the diameter the stiffer the bar. The B&R is 29 mm, the TPB is 28.5 mm, and the most popular Ivanko bar for meets, the OBX-20KG, is 28 mm. The specs for the IPF call for 28-29 mm. Some federations use a 27 mm deadlift bar and 30+ mm squat bars.

After saying all that, I still think the TPB is your best bet for reasons stated in my first post.

Thank you very much, I wish I had a higher rep power to rep you with. You have been very helpful, looks like the TPB it is. Seems as the TPB is the perfect diameter and has everything I am looking for.

Pretty impressive. 14 years old, 150 pounds and 600+lb lifts!

Ha, I wish. Also stats are very old, was sitting at around 175 before I had to stop lifting from a torn muscle in my back couple months ago. I have to buy all my own equipment so I am just looking for a bar that will last as far as I do in the sport. Going for state records this march that would put would put me over 500 on DL so I am not that far from the 600's, maybe 2 years or so.

[maltralson]

Leaning towards the TPB because I just found it for $285 which is even cheaper than the B&R bar I was originally looking at.

If you are getting it from XL Athlete for 285 be aware it takes a long time to receive it and they don't give you tracking info, or they didn't when I ordered mine from them.

[cmarti063]

If you are getting it from XL Athlete for 285 be aware it takes a long time to receive it and they don't give you tracking info, or they didn't when I ordered mine from them.

Everywhere but Lifestyle Sport drop ships from Buddy. Lifestyle buys them by the pallet and has then in stock, you'll get it in about a week instead of 4+ weeks.

http://www.lifestylesport.com/mobile....aspx?id=37623

[Jason2459]

First question if you plan to use this bar to train for powerlifting is what Fed do you plan to mainly compete in?

Second question, do you plan to hook grip or over/under alternate grip your deadlifts?

Third, do you plan on doing any kind of olympic type lifts with it?

[SasquatchScotty]

If you are getting it from XL Athlete for 285 be aware it takes a long time to receive it and they don't give you tracking info, or they didn't when I ordered mine from them.

Everywhere but Lifestyle Sport drop ships from Buddy. Lifestyle buys them by the pallet and has then in stock, you'll get it in about a week instead of 4+ weeks.

http://www.lifestylesport.com/mobile....aspx?id=37623

Thank you I will take that it into consideration.

First question if you plan to use this bar to train for powerlifting is what Fed do you plan to mainly compete in?

Second question, do you plan to hook grip or over/under alternate grip your deadlifts?

Third, do you plan on doing any kind of olympic type lifts with it?

1- USAPL
2- I stick with DOH unless necessary. If its not DOH, I use hook grip. I do A LOT of grip accessory work so my grip is usually on par with my lifts.
3- No. I am currently learning them with a PVC pipe, then will get a cheap technique bar, and then get the Pendlay HD Olympic Bar (will probably come back on here for recommendations when the time comes.)

[Jason2459]

1- USAPL
2- I stick with DOH unless necessary. If its not DOH, I use hook grip. I do A LOT of grip accessory work so my grip is usually on par with my lifts.
3- No. I am currently learning them with a PVC pipe, then will get a cheap technique bar, and then get the Pendlay HD Olympic Bar (will probably come back on here for recommendations when the time comes.)

Well, here's my input then for what it's worth. I wouldn't go with the TPB or the WSPB based on #2 and potentially #3. You may also have in consideration using a single bar for #3 unless competing in weightlifting will become a goal then a separate bearing bar would be nice.

For a single multi use bar I would look at something like the Rogue B&R bar, Rep Fitness Excalibur, or the Rogue Chan bars.

USAPL does allow 28-29 and you'll mostly find either the Ivanko 28mm or an Eleiko 29mm. If money wasn't an object I'd get an Eleiko.

For cost savings I'd go with either the B&R or the Excalibur. If you will be in a very humid environment then the Excalibur.

I like going with as thick of a diameter shaft as possible as it will make training harder and it will be easier to go to a meet and lift with either the same or smaller diameter bar. I'm a huge fan of the Jesup power bar at 32mm but being that you plan to hook grip that takes that bar out of the picture. The TPB is a fine bar but the knurling will eat up your hands hook gripping. Same with the Westside Power bar which I like better then the TPB.

So, with all that said if I were you I'd go with the B&R Bar. 29mm max thickness for USAPL. Very high Tensile and yield strength so will take a beating in training. Good price point for some strong steel. The knurling is not aggressive so hook gripping can be done without instant shredded up hands but the knurling is grippy still so benching and squatting is not an issue. Only negative I have with the bar is that it does have some give on the sleeves but with the pinned ends will not go anywhere. The sleeves still spin decently and can be used for the olympic type lifts.

Here's a review of some bars I currently have.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showth...highlight=bars

[zalcrux]

The TPB is a fine bar but the knurling will eat up your hands hook gripping. Same with the Westside Power bar which I like better then the TPB.l]

Usually when I hear of people tearing up they're hands or shins, the TPB is involved. I've never understood why such aggressive knurling is desired. Could someone explain this to me?

[Jason2459]

Usually when I hear of people tearing up they're hands or shins, the TPB is involved. I've never understood why such aggressive knurling is desired. Could someone explain this to me?

Good for benching and squatting. And it's not just the aggressiveness but the sharpness as well. Most deadlift specific bars still have moderate to aggressive knurling but the tips are usually rolled or filed off.

[Bench905]

Well, here's my input then for what it's worth. I wouldn't go with the TPB or the WSPB based on #2 and potentially #3. You may also have in consideration using a single bar for #3 unless competing in weightlifting will become a goal then a separate bearing bar would be nice.

For a single multi use bar I would look at something like the Rogue B&R bar, Rep Fitness Excalibur, or the Rogue Chan bars.

I have both a TPB and a Rogue Chan bar. The Chan was my do-everything bar for a while. I may be absolutely crazy, but the TPB seems much stiffer...but they should both be 28.5mm and high-quality steel. The Chan has some whip and the TPB has none.

[twodog]

Here's something else to think about as a second bar. Aside from the PL bar, getting a CAP OB-86B http://www.walmart.com/ip/CAP-Barbel...eeves/19866874 would be an excellent choice for basic Olympic lifting, technique , and overhead lifting. It's a lot less expensive than most quality bars, and would be excellent for this use, as it has some whip, it's highly recommended on this site. Eventually you could move on up to a Pendlay, or the equivalent, if you find the need.

Good luck picking a power bar.

[SasquatchScotty]

Well, here's my input then for what it's worth.

Originally, my first choice was the Rogue B&R Bar but I have heard so many negative reviews and complications in getting the bar I was just turned off completely. I really liked the idea of it being 29mm because I like thicker bars as I have rather large hands and am always looking for ways to increase my grip strength.

Eventually, perhaps as my reward for myself after I squat 500 I would like to get an Ivanko OBX-20KG. Eleikos are just way out of my price range in the future and especially now ($300). I don't like the sound of the Exacalibur because I am looking for a stiffer bar so that the whippier bars I am likely to experience at a meet are easier. I will look into the Jesup bar as possibly a second bar thats deadlift specific due to the thick diameter and stiffness. Hook gripping is really more of a back up and I would only use it when working very, very close to my 1RM or going for a PR so ripping my hands up like that is not a big deal for me. Also, I could change to mixed grip in the future.

As far as my future with olympic lifting, as of right now I have no idea. After competing in powerlifting I may look into competing in weightlifting but for the time being I think going for the best bar I can afford right now that is powerlifting specific would be the best choice. This way I am working with the best possible tools to achieve my current goals in the while I develop a better budget and skills for OLY when/if I do decide to take OLY lifting seriously.

I appreciate your post very much and you have certainly left me with quite a lot to think about. Thank you very much for taking the time to make that post.

[Jason2459]

Here's something else to think about as a second bar. Aside from the PL bar, getting a CAP OB-86B http://www.walmart.com/ip/CAP-Barbel...eeves/19866874 would be an excellent choice for basic Olympic lifting, technique , and overhead lifting. It's a lot less expensive than most quality bars, and would be excellent for this use, as it has some whip, it's highly recommended on this site. Eventually you could move on up to a Pendlay, or the equivalent, if you find the need.

Good luck picking a power bar.

The 86B is a good training bar and cheap. I do love the knurling on it. Only issue I have with them is that they don't hold up well to a lot of the stuff you may see in powerlifting type training like rack pulls, suspended bench press, press from pins, Suspended GMs, etc. where the bar will take a lot of impact on pins, straps, chains, etc. That's where I highly recommend the Jesup bar.

[Jason2459]

Originally, my first choice was the Rogue B&R Bar but I have heard so many negative reviews and complications in getting the bar I was just turned off completely. I really liked the idea of it being 29mm because I like thicker bars as I have rather large hands and am always looking for ways to increase my grip strength.

Eventually, perhaps as my reward for myself after I squat 500 I would like to get an Ivanko OBX-20KG. Eleikos are just way out of my price range in the future and especially now ($300). I don't like the sound of the Exacalibur because I am looking for a stiffer bar so that the whippier bars I am likely to experience at a meet are easier. I will look into the Jesup bar as possibly a second bar thats deadlift specific due to the thick diameter and stiffness. Hook gripping is really more of a back up and I would only use it when working very, very close to my 1RM or going for a PR so ripping my hands up like that is not a big deal for me. Also, I could change to mixed grip in the future.

As far as my future with olympic lifting, as of right now I have no idea. After competing in powerlifting I may look into competing in weightlifting but for the time being I think going for the best bar I can afford right now that is powerlifting specific would be the best choice. This way I am working with the best possible tools to achieve my current goals in the while I develop a better budget and skills for OLY when/if I do decide to take OLY lifting seriously.

I appreciate your post very much and you have certainly left me with quite a lot to think about. Thank you very much for taking the time to make that post.

Then with that input I would recommend this bar

The Quest Power bar.
http://www.quest-nutrition.com/store...p?idproduct=96

[Garage Rat]

Scotty,
You can't go wrong with the texas power bar from cap.
Ive had one for over ten years use it almost every session and it's still going strong.
I can't think of one negative thing i don't like about it.
I also have a couple of bars from elite fitness.
Years ago i talked with Dave Tate on the phone and he told me their bars were made by cap.
Im not sure if this is still the case but elite fitness has always given me quality equipment.
Got with Texas PB IMO.

[Jason2459]

Scotty,
You can't go wrong with the texas power bar from cap.
Ive had one for over ten years use it almost every session and it's still going strong.
I can't think of one negative thing i don't like about it.
I also have a couple of bars from elite fitness.
Years ago i talked with Dave Tate on the phone and he told me their bars were made by cap.
Im not sure if this is still the case but elite fitness has always given me quality equipment.
Got with Texas PB IMO.

Yep, they still sell Cap bars and have a few custom made for them.

[SasquatchScotty]

Then with that input I would recommend this bar

The Quest Power bar.

Interested, but can't find much information about it online.

Scotty,
You can't go wrong with the texas power bar from cap.
Ive had one for over ten years use it almost every session and it's still going strong.
I can't think of one negative thing i don't like about it.
I also have a couple of bars from elite fitness.
Years ago i talked with Dave Tate on the phone and he told me their bars were made by cap.
Im not sure if this is still the case but elite fitness has always given me quality equipment.
Got with Texas PB IMO.

Thank you, I am leaning towards the TPB and possibly a Jesup as a deadlift specific but am also intrigued by the Quest now. I appreciate your input.

[Jason2459]

Interested, but can't find much information about it online.



Thank you, I am leaning towards the TPB and possibly a Jesup as a deadlift specific but am also intrigued by the Quest now. I appreciate your input.

Quest is a USAPL/IPF sponsor and that QPB is the same specs but pinned ends as their IPF approved Q Bar.

If you go this route then I would get the Jesup if you don't plan on hook gripping and use it for everything and get a second bearing bar (I have no input on those) for your fast lifts (oly type lifts). If you want to use a hook grip to deadlift then do not get the Jesup bar for deadlifting.

[cmarti063]

Interested, but can't find much information about it online.

Thank you, I am leaning towards the TPB and possibly a Jesup as a deadlift specific but am also intrigued by the Quest now. I appreciate your input.

Stasher1 has the quest bar. FWIW, I believe he said he'd preferred to have picked up the TPB. I still think that for your budget, that's the bar you should get and not worry about the dozens of options there are.

[SasquatchScotty]

Alright I think I have decided to go for the TPB and a Jesup after the rest of the Home Gym is complete. After I compete in March I will look into OLY bars. Thank you all very much for your input. Will get anyone I missed in this thread on recharge! Goal is to have the home gym complete by Christmas so I will make a thread when it is. Happy Lifting!

For anyone that is interested, Texas Strength Systems sells it for' $235+$50 shipping but they are out of stock currently, Capp sells it for $299 with free shipping which is likely where I will order it from.

[Jason2459]

Alright I think I have decided to go for the TPB and a Jesup after the rest of the Home Gym is complete. After I compete in March I will look into OLY bars. Thank you all very much for your input. Will get anyone I missed in this thread on recharge! Goal is to have the home gym complete so I will make a thread when it is. Happy Lifting!

For anyone that is interested, Texas Strength Systems sells it for' $235+$50 shipping but they are out of stock currently, Capp sells it for $299 with free shipping which is likely where I will order it from.

That will be a great combo. The TPB is time tested and that Jesup will take any kind of beating you throw at it. And if it doesn't it was cheap and you can keep using it as a beater bar...