Rep Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar Review

[GamecockLifter]

I've attached some pics of my REPss bar and one of my Hampton bar to compare the knurl run-off and quality. REPSS 1 shows the double track and the difference in the run-off. REPSS 2 shows the fading run-off which is very faint compared to the left side. REPSS 3 is from a distance which shows the run-off difference the best (just a haze at a distance). REPSS 4 shows the sleeve which you can see the grease marking as to how far the sleeve moves along the shaft (typically moves about an 1/8" with no weight and 3/16" with weight).

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I do like using the bar but the way the sleeves move with more weight added is pretty noticeable. But it sounds like others are having the same issue as well.

Thanks for sharing. To me it looks like you got a bar that should have been caught in QA/QC. When I get home tonight I'll post up some pics of my center knurl.

[Jason2459]

So....................

When's this more aggressive SS power bar coming out????

[GamecockLifter]

So....................

When's this more aggressive SS power bar coming out????

Sometime this summer is my understanding. Another 3-4 months out most likely.

[magicmatt]

For anyone that has or has used the bar. Does the center knurl match the rest? I've read that it's passive and/or double tracked? True or no?

[dparty82]

For anyone that has or has used the bar. Does the center knurl match the rest? I've read that it's passive and/or double tracked? True or no?

I believe the center knurl does match the rest of the bar but the one I received is double tracked. The knurling isn't really as aggressive as I would've liked. I have an OPB on my wish list to try next.

[magicmatt]

I believe the center knurl does match the rest of the bar but the one I received is double tracked. The knurling isn't really as aggressive as I would've liked. I have an OPB on my wish list to try next.

Thanks! Did you contact them about it? Did they rectify it?

[Jason2459]

Still awaiting aggressiveness....

[MGM711]

For anyone that has or has used the bar. Does the center knurl match the rest? I've read that it's passive and/or double tracked? True or no?

On my V1 Defect Bar, the center is the same as the rest of the bar.

[MGM711]

Still awaiting aggressiveness....

Same here, however, my feeling is that REP just doesn't seem to have the right people in their corner to make decisions like this. Since they're basically a small box, Crossfit type outfitter, their best bet is to just try and copy a knurl pattern like a TPB or older Ivanko OB-84 just to be safe instead of going outside the box and trying to really develop something that takes a lot of know-how to develop.

[dukenukem7777]

Still awaiting aggressiveness....

Still on the way. It just takes a while to get the boat turned with production.

Same here, however, my feeling is that REP just doesn't seem to have the right people in their corner to make decisions like this. Since they're basically a small box, Crossfit type outfitter, their best bet is to just try and copy a knurl pattern like a TPB or older Ivanko OB-84 just to be safe instead of going outside the box and trying to really develop something that takes a lot of know-how to develop.

It's not quite like that. On this bar we specifically -did not- want an OPB level of knurl because more than a few people said they didn't like that for everyday training. Now, we're expanding the line to offer another knurl option, and the only difficult thing about it is the tooling capable of going deep enough on stainless. We've got it though, and it's in production.

The reason products have taken longer to come out with than we'd like is that we've been struggling with extreme growth for the past few years, coupled with improving processes overseas to eliminate the criticisms that everyone associates with Chinese-made fitness equipment. I'm currently at our steel shop for the next 10 days with a team of people to get better processes put into place on several fronts. Things everyone who has bought something made in China has experienced: Parts that were damaged before being put into the box, rust, metal shavings, paint chips, half-assed packaging, missing parts. All should be easily solvable for minimal extra costs. We've continually worked on these issues for a long time, and been lucky to partner with a factory that is the right size for us--we've grown to become 50% of their business, and so we work together to grow and improve. I expect some really great improvements this year with a new paint line, packaging process, and in-house QA/QC department along with our outside inspection team.

We also actually do ASTM safety testing at an independent lab in the states rather than spew out product as quickly as possible and risk people's safety. Probably something we should start advertising harder these days...But it does add to production times.

One final reason I'd say the process for some of these niche items is slower is simply because we've been working on, and released, a lot of other mass market items that simply sell better. Stuff people here don't get excited about, but sells 10:1 versus a stainless power bar. We can't help but prioritize there.

[krlafont]

is that we've been struggling with extreme growth for the past few years, coupled with improving processes overseas to eliminate the criticisms that everyone associates with Chinese-made fitness equipment. .

Lets hope this never happens!! I am still blown away that a manufacturing plant can produce a couple hundred pounds of steel (power rack), ship it half way across the world, and bring it to market for half the cost of US manufacturing. Its not even cheap labor anymore as this stuff is being produced by robots!!

[Jason2459]

OPB I really don't feel is overly aggressive at all. It's annoyingly gritty though.

[dukenukem7777]

Lets hope this never happens!! I am still blown away that a manufacturing plant can produce a couple hundred pounds of steel (power rack), ship it half way across the world, and bring it to market for half the cost of US manufacturing. Its not even cheap labor anymore as this stuff is being produced by robots!!

Yeah the increase in automation has led us to look into producing some high-end items locally. The problem is still vertical integration, and not having access to the cheaper laser cutters, robots, etc...A shop in the US might have laser cutting, but not for tube steel. They outsource that. Or they have a tube laser, but not robot welding or powder coating, etc...lots of gaps in the production that lead to higher costs. That, and they use the name brand machines like Trumpff that cost $1.5M for a tube cutter, when a less precise but perfectly serviceable off brand will sell for $400k. But the $400k model is hard to find outside China, with English instructions and access to parts, etc...

[Zuman1988]

OPB isn’t aggressive In my opinion, it’s more corse. I think the TPB is sharp, I just wish they’d update it to 29mm at least.

[magicmatt]

On my V1 Defect Bar, the center is the same as the rest of the bar.

Is the v1 defect the one with the heat treating issues?

[Jason2459]

Is the v1 defect the one with the heat treating issues?

The one available right now just has the knurl marks off by 3" total.

[leonard1]

Very interested in the aggressive knurl all stainless bar when it comes out.

[MGM711]

OPB isn’t aggressive In my opinion, it’s more corse. I think the TPB is sharp, I just wish they’d update it to 29mm at least.

The OBP can feel different based on finish, at least from my encounters. I don't think the OPB is black zinc is overly sharp or in your face aggressive. The OPB in bare steel felt more aggressive and sharper, especially in the center knurl than it needed to be. Now that said, the knurl would have dulled a bit more over time, but just saying I think finish plays a role in this. The TPB likely feels sharper because of the black ox finish. I bet the black zinc bars now don't feel as sharp. The sharpest of them all was the Westside V1...that thing was just over-the top!

[Zuman1988]

Anyone know why exactly they quit making the V1 Westside? I’ve seen it only in pictures and it looks perfect to me. Just curious

[Jason2459]

Anyone know why exactly they quit making the V1 Westside? I’ve seen it only in pictures and it looks perfect to me. Just curious

They brought all bar manufacturing in house. The B&R v1 is one of my favorites due to the York semi split sleeve. I have the v1 Westside to and it is the sharpest bar I've used. It's awesome. I don't like the v2. It's the Ohio powerbar with black sleeves. Black zinc shaft and sleeves. But it reduces cost.

[Restomod]

Hey everyone, I just published a review of the Rep Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar if anyone is interested in reading. Overall, I'm definitely a fan of the bar. I doubt I'll use it much on deadlifts, but I like it a lot on squats and bench.

Great review, thanks.

[thejosef]

Still on the way. It just takes a while to get the boat turned with production.

It's not quite like that. On this bar we specifically -did not- want an OPB level of knurl because more than a few people said they didn't like that for everyday training. Now, we're expanding the line to offer another knurl option, and the only difficult thing about it is the tooling capable of going deep enough on stainless. We've got it though, and it's in production.

The reason products have taken longer to come out with than we'd like is that we've been struggling with extreme growth for the past few years, coupled with improving processes overseas to eliminate the criticisms that everyone associates with Chinese-made fitness equipment. I'm currently at our steel shop for the next 10 days with a team of people to get better processes put into place on several fronts. Things everyone who has bought something made in China has experienced: Parts that were damaged before being put into the box, rust, metal shavings, paint chips, half-assed packaging, missing parts. All should be easily solvable for minimal extra costs. We've continually worked on these issues for a long time, and been lucky to partner with a factory that is the right size for us--we've grown to become 50% of their business, and so we work together to grow and improve. I expect some really great improvements this year with a new paint line, packaging process, and in-house QA/QC department along with our outside inspection team.

We also actually do ASTM safety testing at an independent lab in the states rather than spew out product as quickly as possible and risk people's safety. Probably something we should start advertising harder these days...But it does add to production times.

One final reason I'd say the process for some of these niche items is slower is simply because we've been working on, and released, a lot of other mass market items that simply sell better. Stuff people here don't get excited about, but sells 10:1 versus a stainless power bar. We can't help but prioritize there.

Thanks for the info Duke! Always great to hear about the processes. Looking forward to the new power bar.

[dparty82]

Thanks! Did you contact them about it? Did they rectify it?

I just use the bar as is and enjoy it for what it is. I hate b!tching so I did not contact them about it.

[leonard1]

I just use the bar as is and enjoy it for what it is. I hate b!tching so I did not contact them about it.

I'd personally give them the shot to rectify it, before airing publicly. Just seems a more balanced perspective on the situation.

[magicmatt]

I just use the bar as is and enjoy it for what it is. I hate b!tching so I did not contact them about it.

I don't exactly see paying for a product, receiving a defective product and bringing up the issue with the seller "b1tching" but ok.

At the very least, I'm sure they'd like to know that this happened

[Jason2459]

Hey look almost half way through May...

[MGM711]

Hey look almost half way through May...

Still waiting for my wide replacement pad from my initial purchase of the comp bench a well....

[twoforme2]

Still waiting for my wide replacement pad from my initial purchase of the comp bench a well....

I know that feeling....

While initially I really liked this bar. The Rep Fitness bar has been replaced with the Stainless OPB in my world. Maybe I am just partial to a more agressive knurl. Its likely the next time the Rep bar comes out of the gun rack will be the last time.

[Jason2459]

Defect bars are finally sold out.
https://www.repfitness.com/bars-plat...teel-power-bar

[tanksoldier]

I just use the bar as is and enjoy it for what it is. I hate b!tching so I did not contact them about it.

Any other time you’d be happy to not get what you paid for I’d be happy to sell you something.