Rep Fitness Stainless Steel Power Bar Review

[Domicron]

Even with the marks being off by 3" I think this bar is a better purchase than the Cap OB-86 Bar for an all around bar, especially given what the price of the Cap Bar has gotten up to.

the marks being off by 3" would bother me, but it's personal preference. the value seems there and it appears to definitely be a better bar than the OB-86B.

the thing about the CAP is that when it's between 99-120, there is no better bar you can buy new at that price. i think when you get to 140-160 you get into the price range to compare with better bars and it starts falling off in terms of value.

[twoforme2]

the marks being off by 3" would bother me, but it's personal preference. the value seems there and it appears to definitely be a better bar than the OB-86B.

the thing about the CAP is that when it's between 99-120, there is no better bar you can buy new at that price. i think when you get to 140-160 you get into the price range to compare with better bars and it starts falling off in terms of value.

Very true...for a c-note the Cap is hard to beat. You can overlook/sacrifice things for that price. At current price it puts it into a category price wise that I am not sure its reputation or quality justifies.

[ShockDaMuscles]

Great review!! I'll be interested in the version with more aggressive knurl. I have the v1 defect bar, and it is indeed a beautiful bar, only thing I'd want is a sharper knurl.

[C123C]

Either way that’s a nice bar for <$200

Agree - this is a rock solid bar and if one isn't competing and "ultra particular" it's hard not to pick it up. Been very impressed with REP recently. Wish they were around when I was buying more in the past.

These days I'm considering adding a DL bar, either Texas or Rogue, so not in the main market.

[bobcat255]

I did weigh the bar (photo below and attached). It's perfect. I may try to squeeze it into the review, but I had a hard time deciding where to put it. As for the knurling compared to OPB, I don't notice much in the way of the Rep being wider. If it is, it seems minimal. Totally agree with you on the sleeves! They're really beautiful.

Sweet, thanks! Keep in mind, scales round once you're within certain limits. Looks like your scale is good to within ~50g (<2oz); not competition spec "perfect," but certainly accurate enough for everything else.

Anyway, I was curious because many bars are marketed as 45lbs and they're anywhere between 44-45, so good to see that this is actually 45lbs.

Thanks again for confirming!

[dparty82]

Anybody have any idea how many of these bars are left? Would like to get a rough idea on how soon I should jump on one.

[urbanlifter]

My inventory notification says there are less than 5 bars left, but then again it's just a magic eight ball so take that with a grain of salt....

[dparty82]

My inventory notification says there are less than 5 bars left, but then again it's just a magic eight ball so take that with a grain of salt....

Such a helpful lad you are. Maybe I could put one on layaway until next week Friday.

[urbanlifter]

Such a helpful lad you are. Maybe I could put one on layaway until next week Friday.

OR, you could try PM'ing Duke or calling REP directly to ask

[thejosef]

Anybody have any idea how many of these bars are left? Would like to get a rough idea on how soon I should jump on one.

They have 121 bars remaining. Don't ask me how I know, but you should be good to wait for bit, if needed.. though I'd buy one asap if you want one. You never know when some gym will buy up a ton of them. Really a phenomenal deal if you don't care about the knurl mark placement thing.

[dparty82]

Just placed my order for this bar. Can't wait to try it out!

[GamecockLifter]

Just placed my order for this bar. Can't wait to try it out!

Awesome, man! Let us know what you think.

[dparty82]

So I finally received my stainless bar from RF yesterday. The tube it was in was broken in a few places causing it to be quite floppy but the bar itself came undamaged. The bar is beautiful to look at and the stainless feels oh so great in the hands. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but the knurling feels almost identical to the bar I just purchased from Hampton a couple months back. Not aggressive but with a decent bite. Other than the knurl grip marks being 3 inches off I noticed that the center knurl on my bar is less than adequate for the quality this bar was supposed to be. On one side the knurl has a bad run off (fades gradually) instead of a nice edge and the center knurl is also double tracked thru the whole section. I know center knurling isn't very critical but it is noticeable. Other than that this bar is great.

[tombro]

Guys who own this stainless bar do me a favor please. Rack the bar weightless and see how much each sleeve moves from right to left and if both sides are the same. Some are way way off

[dparty82]

Guys who own this stainless bar do me a favor please. Rack the bar weightless and see how much each sleeve moves from right to left and if both sides are the same. Some are way way off

My bar sleeves move about an 1/8".

[Domicron]

OP did you buy this bar or was it provided for a review?

Nice review! I can certainly relate to the comments regarding the 'flawless' condition, my REP V1 knurling and sleeves were in perfect condition and it's a testament to the quality REP is producing these days on their barbells. I would have bought one if I didn't want to experiment with a more aggressive knurling, but this looks like 'THE' bar to buy right now if you want a 'Stainless Steal' (pun intended bwhaha). Hopefully they sell out soon so I don't talk myself into needing a third barbell LOL.

i tried to Neg you for the pun, but you're on spread.

[Zuman1988]

Guys who own this stainless bar do me a favor please. Rack the bar weightless and see how much each sleeve moves from right to left and if both sides are the same. Some are way way off

Mine moves mabe about 3/16" or a little less.

[dparty82]

Does anybody that owns this (or one with snap rings) tell me if its normal for the sleeves to move side to side? I have 3 bars from Hampton (curl, commercial Olympic, 6' Olympic) and they have absolutely no play in the sleeves at all. I can sometimes feel the sleeves move while racking a weighted bar which I've never experienced before. Also, after using this bar for a few workouts the knurling is definitely on the mild side compared to the Hamptons. Its just really flat and doesn't have that grab I was hoping to have with a new bar. Mind you, I've owned the same bar for 16 years so I don't have much to compare to bar wise.

[Jason2459]

Some play can be normal.

https://youtu.be/8-aVRgT2YLE

[Jason2459]

Guys who own this stainless bar do me a favor please. Rack the bar weightless and see how much each sleeve moves from right to left and if both sides are the same. Some are way way off

Curious if you had 2 snap rings on the sleeve that moved side to side the most. If the inner was missing that could explain excessive play.

[urbanlifter]

You wan't to post a video of the sleeve movement (Dparty82)? I have the REP V1 bar, a Texas Power Bar, and a CAP Deluxe curl bar and none of them have excessive side-to-side movement in the sleeves. And I honestly can't say I have ever experienced what you are describing so it would be interesting to see a video.

[GamecockLifter]

OP did you buy this bar or was it provided for a review?



i tried to Neg you for the pun, but you're on spread.

Sorry, just seeing this. I purchased the bar.

[GamecockLifter]

Does anybody that owns this (or one with snap rings) tell me if its normal for the sleeves to move side to side? I have 3 bars from Hampton (curl, commercial Olympic, 6' Olympic) and they have absolutely no play in the sleeves at all. I can sometimes feel the sleeves move while racking a weighted bar which I've never experienced before. Also, after using this bar for a few workouts the knurling is definitely on the mild side compared to the Hamptons. Its just really flat and doesn't have that grab I was hoping to have with a new bar. Mind you, I've owned the same bar for 16 years so I don't have much to compare to bar wise.

Mine definitely has some play, but I don't feel it while lifting. It's very minimal - I feel it mainly when I'm loading and unloading the plates. As for the knurl, it's for sure not aggressive. I don't use it on deadlifts, but I like it for squats and bench. I can't speak to the knurl problems that you have with the double-track or the run-off, as mine is perfect throughout.

I'm anxiously awaiting the aggressive bar in a few months.

[tombro]

This bar is crap. My issue is not only with the fact that the sleeves move side to side but the fact that one sleeve literally moves three times as much as the other one. That’s not even quality control that’s just Chinese crap to let that pass the assembly line

[GamecockLifter]

This bar is crap. My issue is not only with the fact that the sleeves move side to side but the fact that one sleeve literally moves three times as much as the other one. That’s not even quality control that’s just Chinese crap to let that pass the assembly line

I'd contact them and have them send you another one or get a refund. Mine isn't nearly as bad as you're describing.

[dparty82]

You wan't to post a video of the sleeve movement (Dparty82)? I have the REP V1 bar, a Texas Power Bar, and a CAP Deluxe curl bar and none of them have excessive side-to-side movement in the sleeves. And I honestly can't say I have ever experienced what you are describing so it would be interesting to see a video.

Sorry urban...I cannot post a video. The play is more of a spring type play. Pushing the sleeve side to side hard it feels like the end has a spring type washer on the end. NOT a sloppy type of play. The video that Jason posted is fairly accurate play that mine has. Like I said, my Hampton Olympic has absolutely NO play no matter how much force I apply to the sleeve side to side. I'm sure its fine since its just a different type of an assembly just wondering if its normal. If I push on the end cap of the REPss the cap moves in and the sleeve then has no play.

Mine definitely has some play, but I don't feel it while lifting. It's very minimal - I feel it mainly when I'm loading and unloading the plates. As for the knurl, it's for sure not aggressive. I don't use it on deadlifts, but I like it for squats and bench. I can't speak to the knurl problems that you have with the double-track or the run-off, as mine is perfect throughout.

I'm anxiously awaiting the aggressive bar in a few months.

After reading your review a little closer and what you describe the knurl as is pretty spot on. I am just surprised that the center knurling is pure crap on mine as to how it was machined. Maybe I should send REP a statement and see if they will do anything about it. I will post a picture of my knurling tomorrow and get an opinion on it.

[GamecockLifter]

Sorry urban...I cannot post a video. The play is more of a spring type play. Pushing the sleeve side to side hard it feels like the end has a spring type washer on the end. NOT a sloppy type of play. The video that Jason posted is fairly accurate play that mine has. Like I said, my Hampton Olympic has absolutely NO play no matter how much force I apply to the sleeve side to side. I'm sure its fine since its just a different type of an assembly just wondering if its normal. If I push on the end cap of the REPss the cap moves in and the sleeve then has no play.



After reading your review a little closer and what you describe the knurl as is pretty spot on. I am just surprised that the center knurling is pure crap on mine as to how it was machined. Maybe I should send REP a statement and see if they will do anything about it. I will post a picture of my knurling tomorrow and get an opinion on it.

yeah, that's a bit surprising. I'll post a photo of my center knurl later.

[thejosef]

This bar is crap. My issue is not only with the fact that the sleeves move side to side but the fact that one sleeve literally moves three times as much as the other one. That’s not even quality control that’s just Chinese crap to let that pass the assembly line

It almost sounds like they forgot one snap ring somewhere on that one side.

[Zuman1988]

Mine moves maybe 1/8 or 3/16 just eyeballing it. Great bar though. Can’t wait to see the updated version.

[dparty82]

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).

HAMPTON 1.jpg
REPSS 1.jpg
REPSS 2.jpg
REPSS 3.jpg
REPSS 4.jpg

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.