What kind of barbell do I really need?

[preyes715]

I have never done weight lifting in my life but I have recently gotten into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wanted to do something that would help me increase strength on the days I don't have class.

I am planning on starting with the StrongLifts 5x5 program and see how that goes. I have gotten some items already: SFID325 Bench, Rogue Hi-temp Bumper Plates (260 lb), Troy 2.5 and 5 lb change plates, and a Magnum Multi-rack that I pick up next week.

My question is: Considering I am not going to start lifting large amounts of weights, should I spend $230-275 on a bar or would something like the $130 Cap bar work fine? That money I don't spend on the bar could go towards some kettle bells.

The bars I have been considering (besides the Cap): Bomba Bar V2, Again Faster Team Barbell, Rogue Bar 2.0 and Lynx Hyrid Bearing Bar. ( I don't think I NEED a bearing bar but it falls within that price range that seems to be the "entry good quality" range.

[cmarti063]

The CAP OB-86B is the best value on the market for a general purpose barbell. Many of the Equipment Forum regulars have one. If you "upgrade" in the future, the bar still makes a fantastic beater bar.

[Detrus]

You can use the ~$150 CAP OB-86. As a total beginner you'll be fine with even a cheap crap $40 bar. But they tend to feel crappy, have crappy knurl texture. Will still be useful for rack pulls later on, since you don't want to waste a good bar on those.

[Cartr1dgeBased]

I have never done weight lifting in my life but I have recently gotten into Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and wanted to do something that would help me increase strength on the days I don't have class.

I am planning on starting with the StrongLifts 5x5 program and see how that goes. I have gotten some items already: SFID325 Bench, Rogue Hi-temp Bumper Plates (260 lb), Troy 2.5 and 5 lb change plates, and a Magnum Multi-rack that I pick up next week.

My question is: Considering I am not going to start lifting large amounts of weights, should I spend $230-275 on a bar or would something like the $130 Cap bar work fine? That money I don't spend on the bar could go towards some kettle bells.

The bars I have been considering (besides the Cap): Bomba Bar V2, Again Faster Team Barbell, Rogue Bar 2.0 and Lynx Hyrid Bearing Bar. ( I don't think I NEED a bearing bar but it falls within that price range that seems to be the "entry good quality" range.

rogue castro - great steel barbell for powerlifting and oly lifts. all rounder (rogue bar is similar, but with zinc coating making it rust less and and the 2.0 looks great)
Burgener & Rippetoe bar and texas power bar are great powerlifting bars
cap ob-86b like others mentioned is great quality bar for the money. ideal starter bar.
rep fitness excalibur bar is a great olympic bar and made from a smaller company but great value if you ever get into olympic lifting

if you live somewhere dry i would recommend a bare steel barbell. i don't think any bar feels as good as those when they are broken in. but that's pretty subjective i guess (or is it?)

cheers!

edit: also, great start on your gym man! you did it right! post it when you have it all up and running

[GarageIron]

Cap OB86B. Why bumpers? Just curious.

Congrats on the BJJ. My two boys are right into it and I'm about to make a return to the mats myself. Just finished setting up their basement battle zone.

[Cartr1dgeBased]

Cap OB86B. Why bumpers? Just curious.

Congrats on the BJJ. My two boys are right into it and I'm about to make a return to the mats myself. Just finished setting up their basement battle zone.

your a cool dad. i hope im a cool dad if i have kids and have **** like that in my house.

[preyes715]

Cap OB86B. Why bumpers? Just curious.

Congrats on the BJJ. My two boys are right into it and I'm about to make a return to the mats myself. Just finished setting up their basement battle zone.

Reason for the bumpers: I am attempting to not make too much noise, I didn't want to worry about rust (It seemed every deal I saw on metal plates were for cheap ones, all the "nicer" ones were more than I wanted to pay) and I got a really good deal on them. $335 for 260 lb

That is awesome - I just also got some Dollamur Tatami roll-up mats to do drills on off days. If/when I have kids I definitely would like them to get into it as early as possible.

Thanks for all the help guys. I've put my order for the OB-86B. I think I will be getting some plywood and a couple more mats to make a platform.

[rwil23]

Cap OB86B. Why bumpers? Just curious.

Congrats on the BJJ. My two boys are right into it and I'm about to make a return to the mats myself. Just finished setting up their basement battle zone.

First rule of fight club: don't talk about fight club.
Second rule of fight club: don't post pics of said fight club...

Seriously - how awesome, though?

Reason for the bumpers: I am attempting to not make too much noise, I didn't want to worry about rust (It seemed every deal I saw on metal plates were for cheap ones, all the "nicer" ones were more than I wanted to pay) and I got a really good deal on them. $335 for 260 lb

That is awesome - I just also got some Dollamur Tatami roll-up mats to do drills on off days. If/when I have kids I definitely would like them to get into it as early as possible.

Thanks for all the help guys. I've put my order for the OB-86B. I think I will be getting some plywood and a couple more mats to make a platform.

Thought you might end up doing that - I've done a ton of reading and seems as though most end up with that bar if not looking to totally break the bank. Let us know what you think..