The best budget barbell?

[BigAlexG]

I'm looking for a new bar to use in my rack. My generic bar is bent and I've gotten tired of it rolling and constantly having to make sure the curve is aimed up. I've got a nice bar for weightlifting, and I've got a bar for deadlifting, I just need something for my rack to use for back squats and bench press.

It seems like the Cap OB86B isn't made any more. Searching for it leads to a bunch of different Cap bars, with different specs. They list an OB86B, but it isn't the same as it used to be. That part number leads to some 700lbs max bar with a 30mm grip.

I need something that is either 28, 28.5, or 29mm shaft. I'm not overly picky other than that. Chrome, black, whatever, as long as it's cheap.

I'm thinking about ordering the X-Mark Lumberjack for $156:

https://www.xmarkfitness.com/lumberj...osphate-shaft/

Does anyone have any other recommendations in the price range?

[keyboardworkout]

Boneyard Ohio bar for $195

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-2...-boneyard-bars

[jamalfudge]

I have a wonder bar https://www.fringesport.com/collecti...r-barbell-20kg

Keep an eye on it weekly and eventually they'll have a sale for under $200 and free shipping.

[radrd]

If it were me, I'd look at Vulcan Strength, Rep Fitness, and Fringe Sport for Black Friday deals. Cheapest aggressive knurl bar would be the one I'd buy.

If you don't mind a more medium knurl, then it's even easier and cheapest bar with whatever other specs you desire will work.

[cwcmac]

If you don't mind a softer knutl I'd go with this rep stainless clearance at $199 (not sure how much shipping will be):

https://www.repfitness.com/sale-item...r-bar-closeout

[BigAlexG]

Speaking of Rep Fitness, does anyone have experience with this Gladiator bar?

https://www.repfitness.com/bars-plat.../rep-sabre-bar

For $150 it's looking like a winner.

[cwcmac]

Speaking of Rep Fitness, does anyone have experience with this Gladiator bar?

https://www.repfitness.com/bars-plat.../rep-sabre-bar

For $150 it's looking like a winner.

My opinon: 28MM is pretty small for your in rack bar. Not sure I would want to squat and bench with a 28MM bar but that's personal preference. I use a 29 MM power bar but honestly prefer even thicker bars for squatting and benching (but can't justify getting a different bar - bring on the negs for not justifying another bar)

[BigAlexG]

My opinon: 28MM is pretty small for your in rack bar. Not sure I would want to squat and bench with a 28MM bar but that's personal preference. I use a 29 MM power bar but honestly prefer even thicker bars for squatting and benching (but can't justify getting a different bar - bring on the negs for not justifying another bar)

I prefer a 28mm bar for everything. I wouldn't be opposed to a 29mm bar, because that's what I'd use if I ever do another powerlifting meet, but everything I have currently is 28mm.

[ermaxinc]

Boneyard Ohio bar for $195

My friend has one. He doesn't like it.

[ampire]

If I was looking to buy one, I'd get a used York off craigslist, see them around $50-150 occasionally in this area.

[BigAlexG]

If I was looking to buy one, I'd get a used York off craigslist, see them around $50-150 occasionally in this area.

I got the 1 and only York split sleeve bar that I've seen posted in this area in the last 2 years. Unfortunately it was bent and in terrible shape when I got it. I restored it as well as I could, but it's now a wall decoration because of the bend.

[sera310]

My opinon: 28MM is pretty small for your in rack bar. Not sure I would want to squat and bench with a 28MM bar but that's personal preference. I use a 29 MM power bar but honestly prefer even thicker bars for squatting and benching

Same here, 31mm power bar for me, the extra diameter really spreads out the load in the hand and on the back: https://wright-equipment.com/collect...-power-barbell

I use a 28mm bar for pulling movements. the difference between 28 & 31 mm is huge, both ways, IMO

[chadsalt]

I got the 1 and only York split sleeve bar that I've seen posted in this area in the last 2 years. Unfortunately it was bent and in terrible shape when I got it. I restored it as well as I could, but it's now a wall decoration because of the bend.

How bad can it be bent? My 50's York is .250+ TIR, clearly visible bend. Still use it couple times a month, people pay big bucks to use buffalo bar. Vintage York FTW!!

[BigAlexG]

How bad can it be bent? My 50's York is .250+ TIR, clearly visible bend. Still use it couple times a month, people pay big bucks to use buffalo bar. Vintage York FTW!!

I haven't measured it. It's bent to the point that it's basically a half buffalo bar. It can't be used for the snatch, cleans, front squats, etc, and it has to be perfect for back squats. If you catch it or set it wrong, it rolls hard. But it looks good hanging up as a decoration. It was worth $40, and the time to restore it, but not worth much as a barbell.

[BigAlexG]

Well, I was going to get some more feedback and wait for more recommendations before I made a purchase, but then I was informed that X-Training Equipment was having a flash sale, so I took a look.

They had their X Training 20KG Olympic Barbell on sale for $119 delivered, so I took a chance. It's en route as of this morning. I'm sure it's worth $119, if the specs are accurate and true.

I'll do a review of it when I get a chance to use it. With Black Friday coming up, they'll have more on sale.

https://www.xtrainingequipment.com/X...4aAqfbEALw_wcB

[radrd]

EliteFTS is another one to look at. They are putting a lot of stuff on sale at 'better than black friday' prices. I'd skip anything that doesn't qualify for free shipping though. Their shipping rates have always been insane for me.

[daniel327]

They had their X Training 20KG Olympic Barbell on sale for $119 delivered, so I took a chance.

I don't think you're taking much of a chance. That barbell looks like it's easily worth 120 dinero.