Vulcan Strength Stainless Steel Power Bar & Calibrated PL Plates

[Cleveland33]

So if one was to clean his barbell that voids the warranty? Are we to send the bar back to the manuf. just to get it cleaned?

Serious question.

really no reason to disassemble them.

I've got 30 year old York bars that there is no reason to pull the sleeve off.

[thejosef]

Man, didn't mean to start drama over the endcap/void warranty thing. Lol. You should NEVER have to take that endcap off, anyway. I just think it's dumb that they write it in huge letters. None of my other bars have ever said that on the end caps.

But really, nobody cares. It's a very minor detail. Bar looks outstanding. We have some fine power bars available now gentleman.. It's a great time to be lifting!

[GamecockLifter]

Awesome stuff, Jason! Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your post lifting thoughts.

[Jason2459]

Man, didn't mean to start drama over the endcap/void warranty thing. Lol. You should NEVER have to take that endcap off, anyway. I just think it's dumb that they write it in huge letters. None of my other bars have ever said that on the end caps.

But really, nobody cares. It's a very minor detail. Bar looks outstanding. We have some fine power bars available now gentleman.. It's a great time to be lifting!

lol itz da intawebz srs bidness

I just took it as just not liking the look.

Noticed that the Rogue WL bar uses the same style. Looked it up as one is on my local CL

[Jason2459]

Curious if the Eleiko nxg bars are still the same and looks like they changed again on some of the bars. Used to be a pressure pressed in cap and had to be drilled out. Then they switched to the screwed in ends. Now it's a pressed in for with a pressure ring and a couple holes that allow it to be removed easier then the original pressure fit ends.

Won't know until you pull off the sticker as it covers the holes.


All completely useless jeopardy trivia but I was just curious on their current state.

[thejosef]

Curious if the Eleiko nxg bars are still the same and looks like they changed again on some of the bars. Used to be a pressure pressed in cap and had to be drilled out. Then they switched to the screwed in ends. Now it's a pressed in for with a pressure ring and a couple holes that allow it to be removed easier then the original pressure fit ends.

Won't know until you pull off the sticker as it covers the holes.


All completely useless jeopardy trivia but I was just curious on their current state.

Here's some more info on the Eleiko NxG bars (I WANT ONE):

"The NxG bars have a significant improvement in the end caps and clips. The 2015 IWF Competition Weightlifting Bar had a threaded cap. This was a massive change from 1990-2010 era bars where the end caps were pressed in and a real pain to remove. Back then destroying the caps to service the bar was standard practice. The threads were an advancement, however what screws in screws out. Using Blue Loctite on the threads became the norm because the caps notoriously fell off. The NxG bars use neither of these methods. The new caps have a groove machined into them. With a snap ring fitted into the end of the sleeve, the cap is now pressed on and snaps in place. It’s the best of both worlds. Snaps in place to stay put but also makes it easily removable to service if the need arises. There are 2 access holes in the cap to allow the use of a tool to get the cap off. The bar label is also different. Before it was just a puffy sticker to identify the bar. Now, it’s a combination of a very thin plastic adhesive seal which covers the access holes and fits snugly in the end of the cap. Finally, an identification sticker is placed on top of that. After removing these stickers to check out the internals, they didn’t re-stick so I’ll have to get replacements. Their goal was to make the sleeve “sealed” to protect the internals. This is very important because sealing the end protects the bearings from dust and dirt that causes wear, ergo premature failure. End cap improvement is trivial, yet welcomed. It also means you can skip the Loctite."





from article:
http://averagebroz.com/eleiko-nxg-weightlifting-bar/

[Jason2459]

I got my bar home and removed the protective wraps...


So sweet looking
20180307_214652 by Jason, on Flickr

[Jason2459]

You can see they used some lock tight on the end caps
20180307_215519 by Jason, on Flickr

[Jason2459]

Seems pretty well with in spec for my basement gym.

Weighs in at 19.98kg. Tried taking pics. Was having a hard time not getting glare and then getting the LCD to even show up. And now it's not uploading the one pix I got to actually see the weight... maybe later.

The scale is calibrated. This caliper is not. No idea how accurate it is.
20180307_221138 by Jason, on Flickr


Edit: it finally got uploaded
Screenshot_20180307-223753 by Jason, on Flickr

[kevin3636]

Thanks guys for all the pictures and reviews! I'm contemplating getting rid of my OPB black oxide for one of these. Thoughts? I'm a bit of a new "equipment whore" and am probably just trying to justify a new bar. I started with the cap ob86, rep fitness defect v1, ohio bar, ohio bar cerakote, and now I'm with the OPB. I like this bar for bench and squat but I'm not in love with it, not sure why. Sorry for the the derail.

[Jason2459]

If you didn't mention whore I would say the OPB is just fine and since you have it why spend money when you have a perfectly fine powerbar. Fyi you probably have a black zinc not oxide.

But since you want to I think this absolute PB is a viable option. You could go the urbanlifter route and get a buddy capps trio of Texas power, squat, and DL bar. I personally don't like the feel of the OPB. I don't feel it's very aggressive just an annoying gritty feeling. The sleeves spin way to easy IMO too which is weird to say as it indicates a very nice bar but for a powerbar it could become an issue. Like if the bar shifts a little in the hands or back the weights keep turning for to long and as the weights get bigger you can feel it more and more. I experienced that when I was stronger then I am now and had over 500 on the bar.

[kevin3636]

You are right, definitely black zinc. My favorite of the bars I have had so far is the ohio cerakote bar. I felt I had a better grip with it over the OPB. Not sure if it was the 0.5 less diameter or the cerakote. I was thinking of possibly getting a cerakote OPB if they make one without athlete markings to try out. I've been following urban and his new texas experiment, going to keep a close eye on it.

[Jason2459]

My issues with cerakote or really any coating is two things which are they all come off in some fashion anyway and they all at some level fill in the knurling. Black oxide will also scratch if going metal to metal but at least it doesn't affect the feel at all. And even the scratches I put on my Jesup bar seem to still have some protection as they have never rusted. It can't be the steel as it's a cheep 32mm bar.

Then some coatings are worse then others for feel. I don't have any experience with cerekote so don't know exactly how it feels. But I know it chips off.

Diameter will effect grip capabilities even if you can't feel the difference especially the smaller the hands you have.

[bobcat255]

Is stainless THAT much of a Pro for everybody? Honest question. I've owned a few stainless bars now, and I still have to wipe them down anyway just to clean chalk or dead skin or whatever out the knurl anyway.. Personally, I'm just not sure I'm willing to pay the "stainless premium" any more when you can get the same quality bar often times 25-40% less in bare steel or another finish. Big caveat I guess is that my space is air conditioned/humidity controlled so that also helps my situation a good bit in keeping rust at bay.

I still see the bare steel Ohio Power Bar for $265-ish as quite a nice option.. and the Vulcan Absolute for $339 (black oxide) is probably my next one I'm looking at. "Made in U.S.A." still pulls at my heartstrings a bit on some of these. (No offense Rep!! You're putting out some great bars still.. lol)

I agree with you. I have zero problems with uncoated bars. Stainless is a nice to have, but not necessary for most. Having said that, in many cases the 'stainless premium' isn't much (especially with Rep, since you mentioned them). Obviously if the premium is excessive then I wouldn't pay for it.

That being said, Cerakote is an interesting coating. It's like a black oxide texture but it provides rust resistance and I'll admit the colors are cool. I'd like to see the techniques refined and applied to a OPB without interfering with the knurling. It also remains to be seen how durable it is.

The difference is, black oxide doesn't peel, it's an oxidized layer of the metal. That Cerakote doesn't look so nice/protect against rust once it's scratched/worn/etc. Having said that, I don't think the people that buy Cerakote are the type to beat up their equipment.

[snip]
I spoke too soon about the center knurl (3rd pic). After inspecting it some more and lifting with it, I think it's nice. It's not quite as mild as I made it out to be. It has a pretty good grip.

[snip]

Wow! The fact that the knurl is different in the center than the rest of the bar should be stated on the site! I was considering the Vulcan Powerlifting bar in the past and didn't realize the center isn't aggressive. Deal killer for me; disappointed

Unlike you guys, I actually looove the OPB knurl for squats and pulls. I front squat with my CAP OB-86B bar with no center knurl, it's perfect for it.

I'll probably be selling my Ivanko power bar and getting another power bar, but at this point there's no bar on the market which is what I'm looking for. Closest is the Eleiko Rack Bar NxG, but unfortunately the "knurling is milder and appropriate for a wider audience." Boo, Eleiko!

[Jason2459]

Ok, done with my first squat session and about to bench so some quick thoughts.

1. If you've never had an aggressive knurl you will think right away this bar was a mistake to get and to sharp. But as you use it it will feel great. I thought it felt pretty sharp earlier today. Half way through my session it just felt great. Sharpness feel melted away. Not putting up a lot of weight right now but some speedy 305lbs top sets felt very secure. Didn't even think about it. Felt good on the back and locked into place easy.

2. Sleeves spin is smooth but slow if that makes sense. Seems perfect for a powerba r.

3. Flatfins sounds well different. With my plates being pretty loose the 45s sound like their coming off a smooth sleeves and smaller plates have a muted zip depending how I take them off. I don't know if a plate with tighter tolerance on the hole would improve it.

[Jason2459]

Wow! The fact that the knurl is different in the center than the rest of the bar should be stated on the site! I was considering the Vulcan Powerlifting bar in the past and didn't realize the center isn't aggressive. Deal killer for me; disappointed

Unlike you guys, I actually looove the OPB knurl for squats and pulls. I front squat with my CAP OB-86B bar with no center knurl, it's perfect for it.
...!

Their website flat out sucks. No which way to put it. That's a big negative. Their CS has been awesome.

And I was with you about the center knurl. Still slightly disappointed it's not the same. But it will be good for those that don't want it to be aggressive.

BUT and that's a big BUTT in just this one session it's a very noticeable difference vs the OPB bare steel I have. I setup sliding under the bar popping the bar into the grove. It is much easier to do that with the OPB. Not so easy with this Absolute. It's gripping my back stronger then the OPB does.

And if you like the OPB I see no reason other then just because to get another PB. The Vulcan SS is right up your lane then. Aggressive knurl through out and bare. Felt absolutely great and I still miss it. I will probably end up getting it next black Friday.

[bobcat255]

Their website flat out sucks. No which way to put it. That's a big negative. Their CS has been awesome.

And I was with you about the center knurl. Still slightly disappointed it's not the same. But it will be good for those that don't want it to be aggressive.

BUT and that's a big BUTT in just this one session it's a very noticeable difference vs the OPB bare steel I have. I setup sliding under the bar popping the bar into the grove. It is much easier to do that with the OPB. Not so easy with this Absolute. It's gripping my back stronger then the OPB does.

And if you like the OPB I see no reason other then just because to get another PB. The Vulcan SS is right up your lane then. Aggressive knurl through out and bare. Felt absolutely great and I still miss it. I will probably end up getting it next black Friday.

Not just because. I want a bar that doesn't have knurl where the bar interfaces with the rack. My OPB is hacked up with electrical tape just so the bar can move once I re-rack it.

There are really only two bars available with that "feature": Iron Grip OB-7 is almost perfect, but their knurl marks aren't at standard distance. Eleiko states their knurl is mild (although I haven't used it).

[Jason2459]

Benching

1. Felt fabulous in the hands.

On to some more squatz

[Jason2459]

2nd verse same as the first. Squats felt great again. The bar sticks and my back is feeling a bit raw actually. Just from how I setup and how much more grippy this bar is it seems. Certainly eases my feelings on the lack of aggressiveness on the center knurl.

The center knurl is medium knurl with no sharpness to it and a deeper cut then the B&R bar and slightly more stick to it. Which I find the light knurling on the B&R bar surprisingly grippy already.

[Jason2459]

Ain't much to see but my top sets from my first session tonight with the new bar. Been focusing a lot on my squat technique lately. Next I'll be tackling my deadlifts.

https://youtu.be/_Bv2CemDnWg

[MGM711]

Thanks guys for all the pictures and reviews! I'm contemplating getting rid of my OPB black oxide for one of these. Thoughts? I'm a bit of a new "equipment whore" and am probably just trying to justify a new bar. I started with the cap ob86, rep fitness defect v1, ohio bar, ohio bar cerakote, and now I'm with the OPB. I like this bar for bench and squat but I'm not in love with it, not sure why. Sorry for the the derail.

There's nothing wrong with experimenting with different bars until you find the one you like. I owned a bare steel OPB and while the bar was perfectly fine, I wasn't wild about the knurl feel, especially the center knurl. There's so many options right now, if you can financially handle it, I say there's no reason to keep trying bars until you find the one or ones you like. For me, I keep circling back to TPB and Eleiko WL bars for some reason for my main bars.

[Jason2459]

Not just because. I want a bar that doesn't have knurl where the bar interfaces with the rack. My OPB is hacked up with electrical tape just so the bar can move once I re-rack it.

There are really only two bars available with that "feature": Iron Grip OB-7 is almost perfect, but their knurl marks aren't at standard distance. Eleiko states their knurl is mild (although I haven't used it).

Does your Jhooks have UHMW? If so take the plastic off. My bars slide side to side while twisting fairly easy. Over time the knurl will wear down and it gets even easier. My Jesup bar is about smooth right there. Or speed up the process with a file.

[Cleveland33]

Does your Jhooks have UHMW? If so take the plastic off. My bars slide side to side while twisting fairly easy. Over time the knurl will wear down and it gets even easier. My Jesup bar is about smooth right there. Or speed up the process with a file.

I think by and large we got a little over-zealous on the need to protect knurling - especially on an area of the bar most of us won't grip.

[thejosef]

Does your Jhooks have UHMW? If so take the plastic off. My bars slide side to side while twisting fairly easy. Over time the knurl will wear down and it gets even easier. My Jesup bar is about smooth right there. Or speed up the process with a file.

Impossible on my Kabuki power bar. Indestructible knurl, remember?



lol..

I've looked hard at that Eleiko NxG rack bar. 29mm with bushings.. Eleiko quality. But chrome, pretty much unknown "mild" knurl, no center knurl, and $699 (!!!). It's a pass for me. Wish I could see one in person though. I love Eleiko stuff.

[dailob]

Not just because. I want a bar that doesn't have knurl where the bar interfaces with the rack. My OPB is hacked up with electrical tape just so the bar can move once I re-rack it.

There are really only two bars available with that "feature": Iron Grip OB-7 is almost perfect, but their knurl marks aren't at standard distance. Eleiko states their knurl is mild (although I haven't used it).

i recall seeing a post with someone sharing an image where they used the tennis tape (the purple one) or some other tape to protect the knurl on their bar...

was that you?

[cmarti063]

I think by and large we got a little over-zealous on the need to protect knurling - especially on an area of the bar most of us won't grip.

Completely agree.

[chadsalt]

I think by and large we got a little over-zealous on the need to protect knurling - especially on an area of the bar most of us won't grip.

There are several subjects that have gone right past over-zealous straight into stupidity.

[bobcat255]

Does your Jhooks have UHMW? If so take the plastic off. My bars slide side to side while twisting fairly easy. Over time the knurl will wear down and it gets even easier. My Jesup bar is about smooth right there. Or speed up the process with a file.

OMG Blasphemy!! No way!

I've looked hard at that Eleiko NxG rack bar. 29mm with bushings.. Eleiko quality. But chrome, pretty much unknown "mild" knurl, no center knurl, and $699 (!!!). It's a pass for me. Wish I could see one in person though. I love Eleiko stuff.

Stay tuned, I was just given a heads up that there's something in the works to solve this issue!! I'm super excited!!!!

i recall seeing a post with someone sharing an image where they used the tennis tape (the purple one) or some other tape to protect the knurl on their bar...

was that you?

Lol... yeah, that was me. The thread is still around, but none of the pics work because photobucket now blocks it.

[Jason2459]

...

Stay tuned, I was just given a heads up that there's something in the works to solve this issue!! I'm super excited!!!!
...

prozac?

[Jason2459]

Just got done with some pulls. This bar bites. Said that before and it just sinks in and sticks. Like where ever it touches it just wants to stay there. Again felt sharp at the start and the bite melted away as I was warming up to my working sets. It's not a deep cut knurl but lots of peaks.

I think I have a single bar to train with again. It used to be my Jesup bar until I started pulling hook grip. It was to thick for that. I got the Westside v1 bar and it is to sharp for that. Much deeper knurl cuts then this Absolute PB.

Then I got the Excalibur and was perfect but 28mm. I wanted 29mm to be ready for that at a meet and got the B&R v1 bar. Perfect. Mild grippy knurl. Don't like the dual rings but whatever. Just didn't feel good squating with as it didn't feel secure to me on a low bar squat. Kept using the Westside.

Ohio PB bare steel came out and had high hopes to get that single bar for everything again. Great bar especially for the price. Knurl is grippy and not to aggressive. Great. Except I hate the gritty feeling of it. Kept using the B&R for pulls and rotated other bars for everything else.

And now the Absolute in hand it's quickly winning me over to keep using it for all lifts. it was nice having the single knurl marks to line up my feet to again.