The Official Barbells And Specialty Bars Showcase Thread

[Deep-Voiced-One]

I thought I'd make this thread as a main spot to show pics of the barbells and specialty bars out there in the weightlifting community since there's not a specific thread showcasing them.

Feel free to add the names of the bars as well as the stats if you want to be more specific in helping out the community.

Here's some pics of my humble three bar collection so far to start off this thread...

Buddy Capps Texas Power Bar







Reps Direct Football Bar







Biotest Dead-Squat Bar

[AttyGuy]

[bb5150]

That hexbar color is very cool and under your black light that along with the vintage York plates look amazing.

[BuckeyeROC]

My main bar is the Ohio Power Bar and I have some cheap bars I've acquired in deals. I'll be getting an Ohio Deadlift Bar soon. My specialty bar game is NOWHERE near as strong as many of you, but I'll put mine up for comparison's sake...

Elite FTS American Press Bar. I bought this to try out since I have a shoulder issue that flares up. It was a closeout special a few years ago and really cheap at the time. Well made, but the downsides are that there is no knurling on the handles and the sleeves don't spin. The knurling issue is more annoying than the sleeves.







Hampton EZ Curl Bar. I got this one in the best CL deal I've ever found. Made some money overall. It has bronze bushings, rubber end caps, and gets the job done. Much better than the CAP EZ curls bar I used to have.







Unknown brand tricep bar. Got it cheap when a small commercial gym was closing.

[turbolsxstang]

My current specialty bars,

https://imgur.com/6s88ndJ

Elitefts ssb
Titan football bar
Elitefts fat bar

https://imgur.com/a/Ydpwm

Ohio Deadlift bar

(Also have a rogue curl bar but don't have a pic of it.)

Next on the to buy list is a cambered squat bar and saving for a duffalo bar.

[Partyrocking]

American Barbell Grizzly Power Bar





Specs:

Weight: 20KG
Diameter: 29MM
Center knurl: Yes
Shaft Finish: Hard Chrome
Sleeve Finish: Hard Chrome
Tensile Strength: 190K
Made in the USA

The knurling is pretty light. I’ve only used it for RDLs so far, but I can comment further after deadlift day.

[Synthetickiller]

I'll update with better pictures once I actually have room to display the bars.


Bars not shown:
1. EliteFTS Cambered Squat Bar (Painted, extremely passive knurling, 28mm, 71 lb)
2. Iron Wolf Squat Bar (SS, Prototype, extremely sharp & deep knurling, 32mm, 55 lb)
3. Duffalo Bar (Raw, Original version, grippy, semi-aggressive knurling, 32mm, 57lb)
4. Rogue Boneyard Ohio Deadlift Bar (Raw, Fiasco bar, deep & aggressive knurling, 27mm) (Yes, I still have this bar, lol)
5. Cap Curl Bar (Chrome, passive knurling, nothing special, 28mm)
6. PDA SS Thumper Olympic Dumbbell Handles (SS, Pair, aggressive knurling (between duffalo & Rogue/Iron Wolf), 38mm, 19 lb each) (one of my prized bars/handles)
7. EliteFTS/Williams Strength Farmers Walk Handles (Powder Coated, Pair, 20 lb each)

Bars Shown: Back left to front right
1. "Rogue" 5kg technique bar (generic version, semi-passive knurl, 25mm)
2. BWTG Fat "Zig Zag" Curl Bar (Crinkle Powder Coat, 1.9")
3. EliteFTS Swiss Bar (original version, powder coat, 35lb)
4. CFF Fat bar (Chromed, Passive Knurl, 1.9", 37.5 lb)
5. Ivanko OBX-20kg (Black Oxide, Passive knurl for a "power" bar, 28mm)
6. Chinese Bar sleeve (going to use this for stone type loading)
7. Chinese Olympic Curl Handle
8. Custom Safety Squat Bar w/ short sleeves (powder coat, 1.9", 69 lb)


11 Bars
1 Dedicated Power Bar (Ivanko OBX)
1 Dedicated Squat Bar (Iron Wolf)
1 All purpose bar (Duffalo)
8 specialty bars

1.5 pairs of olympic dumbbell handles

1 pair of farmers walk handles


I can see picking up 3 or 4 more specialty bars, along with another power bar.

[DVG93]

Ive got a Cap OB-86B and a Titan Multigrip

I try to not let the excellence go to my head.

[Nebamartinez]

Bars & Specialty Bars

American Barbell Elite Power Bar: 29mm,length 7’, Stainless Steel, 44 lb

https://imgur.com/a/3rKpT

Troy EZ Bar & CrAP EZ bar:

https://i.imgur.com/mNGHtwy.jpg

Rogue DB-15:

https://i.imgur.com/G8MkbWp.jpg

Okie Deadlift Bar {27mm, 44 lb, 7’.5”}, TX Power Bar {28.5mm, 45lb, 7’’}, EFS Football Bar {45 lb, 7’}, EFS Cambered Squat Bar & Gerard XL Trap Bar:

https://i.imgur.com/yF4DjeC.jpg

EFS Safety Squat Bar {62 lb} & TX Squat Bar {32mm, 55lb, 8’}:

https://i.imgur.com/3s3Gr1O.jpg

Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar {27mm, 44 lb, 7’.58”}:

https://i.imgur.com/7bGcUOK.jpg

[MGM711]

I'll update with better pictures once I actually have room to display the bars.


Bars not shown:
1. EliteFTS Cambered Squat Bar (Painted, extremely passive knurling, 28mm, 71 lb)
2. Iron Wolf Squat Bar (SS, Prototype, extremely sharp & deep knurling, 32mm, 55 lb)
3. Duffalo Bar (Raw, Original version, grippy, semi-aggressive knurling, 32mm, 57lb)
4. Rogue Boneyard Ohio Deadlift Bar (Raw, Fiasco bar, deep & aggressive knurling, 27mm) (Yes, I still have this bar, lol)
5. Cap Curl Bar (Chrome, passive knurling, nothing special, 28mm)
6. PDA SS Thumper Olympic Dumbbell Handles (SS, Pair, aggressive knurling (between duffalo & Rogue/Iron Wolf), 38mm, 19 lb each) (one of my prized bars/handles)
7. EliteFTS/Williams Strength Farmers Walk Handles (Powder Coated, Pair, 20 lb each)

Bars Shown: Back left to front right
1. "Rogue" 5kg technique bar (generic version, semi-passive knurl, 25mm)
2. BWTG Fat "Zig Zag" Curl Bar (Crinkle Powder Coat, 1.9")
3. EliteFTS Swiss Bar (original version, powder coat, 35lb)
4. CFF Fat bar (Chromed, Passive Knurl, 1.9", 37.5 lb)
5. Ivanko OBX-20kg (Black Oxide, Passive knurl for a "power" bar, 28mm)
6. Chinese Bar sleeve (going to use this for stone type loading)
7. Chinese Olympic Curl Handle
8. Custom Safety Squat Bar w/ short sleeves (powder coat, 1.9", 69 lb)


11 Bars
1 Dedicated Power Bar (Ivanko OBX)
1 Dedicated Squat Bar (Iron Wolf)
1 All purpose bar (Duffalo)
8 specialty bars

1.5 pairs of olympic dumbbell handles

1 pair of farmers walk handles


I can see picking up 3 or 4 more specialty bars, along with another power bar.

How's the quality of that CFF Fat Bar? 2in Fat Bar is where it's at. I have the EliteFTS 3in with rotating sleeves, and it's a badass bar, but for benching, I've settled down on 2in being the preferred size. I'm ready to retire the 29mm for a 2in permanently for benching activities, it just feels better and more natural in the hands.

[matrix563]

i dont know when but ill post here. i promised dom lol

[Synthetickiller]

How's the quality of that CFF Fat Bar? 2in Fat Bar is where it's at. I have the EliteFTS 3in with rotating sleeves, and it's a badass bar, but for benching, I've settled down on 2in being the preferred size. I'm ready to retire the 29mm for a 2in permanently for benching activities, it just feels better and more natural in the hands.

I wrote a review: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=169477583

I would consider this bar to be a decent introduction into the word of fat bars. If you were simply interested, my recommendation would be to pick one up, since the price isn't terrible.
I typically use it for close grip pressing (competition grip bothers my wrists. 1.5" would be much more ideal for me) and overhead pressing.

My concern for you is that it's such a quality drop that you wouldn't be happy. The bar is 37.5 lb. If you care about the actual numbers & not just rounding up to 45, you need to load a pair of 1.25s & 2.5s every time you set the bar up. The Chrome plating is not up to snuff (it's a cheap Chinese manufacturing issue, but what would you expect?). The bar has very passive knurling, but it does grip if you just use some chalk. The bar is also 1.9" OD (since it's made from pipe). I'm not sure if that's a hair too small.

If you wanted a bar for strongman (not your interest, but I'm simply addressing it), I'd look elsewhere. It's always frowned upon to have knurling. There's cheaper options, like the hollow tub Econo Fat Bar from Elitefts ($106 right now), although it's only 19 lb.

I know EliteFTS (and to a greater degree, Williams Strength) have 2", 2-3/8", along with the 3" fat bar you have. They aren't cheaper, but the quality looks to be much higher. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. I just can't see you being happy with the quality, unfortunately.


Can you post pictures of the 3" and overall impressions. I'm curious to eventually get a higher quality 2" or splurge on a 38mm if anyone still makes them.

[rpark]

2in Fat Bar is where it's at. I'm ready to retire the 29mm for a 2in permanently for benching activities, it just feels better and more natural in the hands.

That's great to know, I'm going to try some fat bar benching soon.

So I've got Ironmind's Apollon Axle, for deadlifts and grip strength


A new custom black oxide knurled fat bar (I'll try this for bench and OHP) (this isn't my pic, but I did get this bar yesterday after a long shipping delay), It's 2"OD pipe with machined ends to fit 50mm Oly plates, not near as cool as MGM's 3" with spinning sleeves though


Also have the earthquake bar that sees some periodic use.

[MGM711]

I wrote a review: https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=169477583

I would consider this bar to be a decent introduction into the word of fat bars. If you were simply interested, my recommendation would be to pick one up, since the price isn't terrible.
I typically use it for close grip pressing (competition grip bothers my wrists. 1.5" would be much more ideal for me) and overhead pressing.

My concern for you is that it's such a quality drop that you wouldn't be happy. The bar is 37.5 lb. If you care about the actual numbers & not just rounding up to 45, you need to load a pair of 1.25s & 2.5s every time you set the bar up. The Chrome plating is not up to snuff (it's a cheap Chinese manufacturing issue, but what would you expect?). The bar has very passive knurling, but it does grip if you just use some chalk. The bar is also 1.9" OD (since it's made from pipe). I'm not sure if that's a hair too small.

If you wanted a bar for strongman (not your interest, but I'm simply addressing it), I'd look elsewhere. It's always frowned upon to have knurling. There's cheaper options, like the hollow tub Econo Fat Bar from Elitefts ($106 right now), although it's only 19 lb.

I know EliteFTS (and to a greater degree, Williams Strength) have 2", 2-3/8", along with the 3" fat bar you have. They aren't cheaper, but the quality looks to be much higher. I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. I just can't see you being happy with the quality, unfortunately.


Can you post pictures of the 3" and overall impressions. I'm curious to eventually get a higher quality 2" or splurge on a 38mm if anyone still makes them.

Thanks for that quick take on the CFF Fat Bar...probably not my thing.

I will have to take a pic of my bars soon.

My EFS 3in Fat Bar is really nice, it's actually overkill! At the time when I got it though, there wasn't a better Fat Bar, so I just decided to get it.

I personally think there's a hole in the market for well designed Fat Bars or really just oversized diameter bars for pressing. I'm not sure why there's not more talk about larger diameter bars for pressing in general. Almost everyone I know prefers a bigger grip for pressing. I always remember preferring to bench with 30-35mm squat bars, not just because of less bar whip, they just felt better in the hand. Donnie's bar seems to be on the right path, but at 90lbs, the weight seems both price and shipping prohibitive.

[Synthetickiller]

Thanks for that quick take on the CFF Fat Bar...probably not my thing.

I will have to take a pic of my bars soon.

My EFS 3in Fat Bar is really nice, it's actually overkill! At the time when I got it though, there wasn't a better Fat Bar, so I just decided to get it.

I personally think there's a hole in the market for well designed Fat Bars or really just oversized diameter bars for pressing. I'm not sure why there's not more talk about larger diameter bars for pressing in general. Almost everyone I know prefers a bigger grip for pressing. I always remember preferring to bench with 30-35mm squat bars, not just because of less bar whip, they just felt better in the hand. Donnie's bar seems to be on the right path, but at 90lbs, the weight seems both price and shipping prohibitive.

Could you give the specs of the bar (coating, type of knurl, spin the sleeve (not that it matters), construction, etc) and a general impression of the bar?
I've been looking for reviews, but none come up. You might be the only person on the forum w/ this bar.

[MGM711]

Here's most of my bars:



Fat Bar Pics:





Fat Bar Specs:

It's actually 2 1/2 or 2 3/8 wide, but either way, it's as big a fat bar as I've seen.
55lbs
Black Ox
Pinned Sleeves

The bar is like I said, totally overkill. To get an idea of the feel, it's basically the TPB of Fat Bars with a similar knurl feel maybe not quite as pointed or sharp at the top but basically the same depth and feel. While I really like this bar, I think I like a slightly thinner bar for pressing.

[Bmad16]

Rogue MG-1 bar
Rogue SSB
Rogue TB-2
Rogue Curl Bar
Rogue Junior Barbell
XMark Curl Bar

[Sboarder1964]

Well, you get the idea

[IronAbrams]

Finally, a thread after my own heart.



Gun Rack (top to bottom):
- BandBell Earthquake Bar
- Edge Fitness Systems Swiss/Football Combo Bar
- FringeSport 20kg Axle (red electrical tape added)
- EliteFTS Texas Deadlift Bar
- Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar (Electroless Nickel)
- Watson Gym Fat EZ Curl Bar w/Revolving Sleeves
- EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar
- EliteFTS Giant Cambered Bar



Platform (top to bottom):
- Watson Gym Animal Dumbbell Handles
- Intek Strength Functional Trap Bar
- BWTG Fat Grip Swiss Bar (tennis grip added)
- EliteFTS Deluxe 7' Fat Bar w/Revolving Ends (2 3/8" thick)
- CAP Barbell OB-86PBCK
- Watson Gym Lateral Tricep Bar

Not pictured:
- Rogue Westside Power Bar v1.0
- Watson Gym Bench Cambered Bar
- BWTG Giant Cambered Bar

Gun Rack Bars.jpg
Platform Bars.jpg

[Nebamartinez]

Finally, a thread after my own heart.



Gun Rack (top to bottom):
- BandBell Earthquake Bar
- Edge Fitness Systems Swiss/Football Combo Bar
- FringeSport 20kg Axle (red electrical tape added)
- EliteFTS Texas Deadlift Bar
- Kabuki Strength Duffalo Bar (Electroless Nickel)
- Watson Gym Fat EZ Curl Bar w/Revolving Sleeves
- EliteFTS SS Yoke Bar
- EliteFTS Giant Cambered Bar



Platform (top to bottom):
- Watson Gym Animal Dumbbell Handles
- Intek Strength Functional Trap Bar
- BWTG Fat Grip Swiss Bar (tennis grip added)
- EliteFTS Deluxe 7' Fat Bar w/Revolving Ends (2 3/8" thick)
- CAP Barbell OB-86PBCK
- Watson Gym Lateral Tricep Bar

Not pictured:
- Rogue Westside Power Bar v1.0
- Watson Gym Bench Cambered Bar
- BWTG Giant Cambered Bar

Attachment 8807011
Attachment 8807021

Nice assortment of bars 👍

[Nebamartinez]

Atty,
Besides functionality this has got to be the sexiest trap bar that I’ve ever seen. Love it

[IronAbrams]

Here's most of my bars:



Fat Bar Pics:





Fat Bar Specs:

It's actually 2 1/2 or 2 3/8 wide, but either way, it's as big a fat bar as I've seen.
55lbs
Black Ox
Pinned Sleeves

The bar is like I said, totally overkill. To get an idea of the feel, it's basically the TPB of Fat Bars with a similar knurl feel maybe not quite as pointed or sharp at the top but basically the same depth and feel. While I really like this bar, I think I like a slightly thinner bar for pressing.

Looks very similar to my bar which is 2 3/8" and 60 lbs. I'm sentimental towards it because it was the very first specialty bar that I bought but experience has taught me that 2" is the sweet spot for fat bars.

Nice assortment of bars ������

Thanks!

[MGM711]

Looks very similar to my bar which is 2 3/8" and 60 lbs. I'm sentimental towards it because it was the very first specialty bar that I bought but experience has taught me that 2" is the sweet spot for fat bars.

Probably the same bar. I actually thought mine was 65lbs but on EFS site it said 55lbs. It's such a beefy bar, like I said, total overkill! I got it at a time when all that was around really were axles, and I was looking for something better, and this was it and some more. I can't see myself getting rid of it either even though I would like to find a really nice 2in bar at some point.

[oldred]

Piedmont Design Associates stainless 2 3/8" bar on the bottom. Fat bar, thick bar . . . I can't remember what they called it. Company is no longer in business. The ends were available in 1.9?" or 2.0". This one came up somewhere for cheap so I bought it. The ends are 2.018" and very few of my plates fit it. The bar measures 2.378"; the knurling brings it out to 2.381.




You can see the knurling hasn't a clean edge. Probably wasn't done on one of these new fangled CNC lathes. Forty years ago I occasionally ran threads on an old lathe where you turned on the lateral feed with one hand and screwed in the tool with the other hand applying pressure with that same hand and then at the end tried to turn out the tool quick as you can. You had to do it over and over to get a good knurl pressed in. Overruns were not uncommon. The bigger the diameter the piece being turned the harder it was to do.




No sharpness to the knurling. Pictured next to a bare steel Ohio Bar.

[Synthetickiller]

Piedmont Design Associates stainless 2 3/8" bar on the bottom. Fat bar, thick bar . . . I can't remember what they called it. Company is no longer in business. The ends were available in 1.9?" or 2.0". This one came up somewhere for cheap so I bought it. The ends are 2.018" and very few of my plates fit it. The bar measures 2.378"; the knurling brings it out to 2.381.

Nice to see someone else with PDA equipment. I have a pair of the SS Thumpers (dumbbell handles). I need to dig up some pics.

Anyways, Did the guy know the name of the bar? PDA usually labelled one side of the bar (SS or possible the title) along with one side saying PDA.
My guess would be that you have the Ironhorse SS Hercules (SSHERC).

https://web.archive.org/web/20081006...catalogno=7.19
or
https://web.archive.org/web/20080915...ry=Long%20Bars




The owner (I can't recall his named) passed away many years ago & that caused the whole business to shut down. I actually really enjoy my dumbbell handles, down to the quality of the knurling (sharp, but not too sharp). I paid a bundle, $320, but I have used them for almost 10 years. I don't regret the purchase. They had some of the best knurling I've used. I'd have killed for a 1-3/4" diameter bar from PDA... I should have bought one.

[davidk131]

I believe these bars are called kong bars?

[oldred]

Took a look at the end of the PDA bar and there is the model name, 'SAMSON'.



The rest of my PDA SS collection. The standout is the Ironhorse Inch Dumbbell bar. I am never going to lift it loaded to Inch weight but I like using it. I also ordered what was a combo leverage bar/loading pin and was sent the unit with the ball on the end, no extra charge. John Szimanski, the owner, wrote me that they were out of what I ordered and that this was a better piece and to just buy myself an eye bolt to use it as a loading pin. I just bought a plain steel loading pin elsewhere.

[Hardgains88]

Shown in wall RackS

1) Safety Squat bar Elite Fitness
2) Generic 5' olympic
3) Troy Supra Curl Bar
4) Cap ob 86
5) BWTG Football Bar
6) Kabuki Duffalo
7) Troy Rack-able Curl
8) CFF Fat Bar
9) Generic Multi Bar
10) Cap ob 86
11) Titan Log Bar 8"
12) American Barbell T Grip Bar



Not Shown in floor rack
2 generic chines cur bars
2 generic chineese olympic bars
Cap Mega Hex Bar

Would like to get that watson tricep bar, better fat bar, good curl bar, Vulcan or Rogue probably, fat curl bar, good rackable hex bar with high handles '

[RestoringTally]

Shown in wall RackS

1) Safety Squat bar Elite Fitness
2) Generic 5' olympic
3) Troy Supra Curl Bar
4) Cap ob 86
5) BWTG Football Bar
6) Kabuki Duffalo
7) Troy Rack-able Curl
8) CFF Fat Bar
9) Generic Multi Bar
10) Cap ob 86
11) Titan Log Bar 8"
12) American Barbell T Grip Bar

Not Shown in floor rack
2 generic chines cur bars
2 generic chineese olympic bars
Cap Mega Hex Bar

Would like to get that watson tricep bar, better fat bar, good curl bar, Vulcan or Rogue probably, fat curl bar, good rackable hex bar with high handles '

Embedded pics for you.

I need to up my game. I don't have nearly enough specialty bars.

[AttyGuy]

Bars not shown:
1. EliteFTS Cambered Squat Bar (Painted, extremely passive knurling, 28mm, 71 lb)
2. Iron Wolf Squat Bar (SS, Prototype, extremely sharp & deep knurling, 32mm, 55 lb)
3. Duffalo Bar (Raw, Original version, grippy, semi-aggressive knurling, 32mm, 57lb)
4. Rogue Boneyard Ohio Deadlift Bar (Raw, Fiasco bar, deep & aggressive knurling, 27mm) (Yes, I still have this bar, lol)
5. Cap Curl Bar (Chrome, passive knurling, nothing special, 28mm)
6. PDA SS Thumper Olympic Dumbbell Handles (SS, Pair, aggressive knurling (between duffalo & Rogue/Iron Wolf), 38mm, 19 lb each) (one of my prized bars/handles)
7. EliteFTS/Williams Strength Farmers Walk Handles (Powder Coated, Pair, 20 lb each)

Bars Shown: Back left to front right
1. "Rogue" 5kg technique bar (generic version, semi-passive knurl, 25mm)
2. BWTG Fat "Zig Zag" Curl Bar (Crinkle Powder Coat, 1.9")
3. EliteFTS Swiss Bar (original version, powder coat, 35lb)
4. CFF Fat bar (Chromed, Passive Knurl, 1.9", 37.5 lb)
5. Ivanko OBX-20kg (Black Oxide, Passive knurl for a "power" bar, 28mm)
6. Chinese Bar sleeve (going to use this for stone type loading)
7. Chinese Olympic Curl Handle
8. Custom Safety Squat Bar w/ short sleeves (powder coat, 1.9", 69 lb)


11 Bars
1 Dedicated Power Bar (Ivanko OBX)
1 Dedicated Squat Bar (Iron Wolf)
1 All purpose bar (Duffalo)
8 specialty bars

1.5 pairs of olympic dumbbell handles

1 pair of farmers walk handles


I can see picking up 3 or 4 more specialty bars, along with another power bar.

You might have a shaft collecting problem...