We compared 12 top deadlift bars in 20 quality categories and singled out the 6 picks most worthy of your buck.
I poured all I’ve learned over the last 2 decades of coaching and owning a gym into this, but we shaped the knowledge into objective ratings.
It’s weighted ratings based on data, personal experience, and testing.
The goal was simple: trim the fat and present a lean selection that covers all needs, budgets, and skill levels.
Let’s see if we did a good job…
Related
We’ve been using, testing, and reviewing barbells for decades. For more versatility, check out our guide on the best power bars here, and, for a safer way to deadlift, you’ll wanna look at our top 5 picks for best trap bars.
Editor’s note:
This guide was last updated in January 2025. We tweaked the ratings to stress aggressive knurling, so some new bars popped above the line.
As a result, Rogue Ohio Power replaced the classic Ohio because it’s better suited for deadlifts. We also simplified the list, and ISF Conventional was the “victim” of that.
Compare the best deadlift bars
Best for | Overall | Runner Up | Budget | Sumo | Trap bar | Powerlifting |
Rating (*) | ||||||
Quality | 93% | 93% | 84% | 89% | 90% | 95% |
Versatility | 68% | 68% | 68% | 68% | 74% | 88% |
Brand & reputation | 93% | 90% | 84% | 86% | 82% | 95% |
Price | 68% | 68% | 83% | 73% | 79% | 67% |
Bar type | Deadlift | Deadlift | Deadlift | Deadlift | Trap | Powerlifting |
Bushing/ bearing | Bushing | Bushing | Bushing | Bushing | Bushing | Bushing |
Bar diameter (mm) | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 29 |
Length (") | 90.5 | 92.5 | 90.5 | 90.9 | 59 | 86.5 |
Loadable sleeve length (") | 15.5 | 15.5 | 15 | 15.5 | 9.7 | 16.25 |
Knurl | Aggressive | Aggressive | Medium | Aggressive | Light | Aggressive |
Knurl Marks | Single | Single | Single | No Marks | N/A | Single |
Center knurl | No | No | No | No | N/A | Yes |
Shaft coating | Black Cerakote | Red Cerakote | Black Powder Coat | Bare Steel | Black Oxide | Bare Steel |
Sleeve coating | Black Cerakote | Chrome | Black Powder Coat | Grooved Steel | White Zinc | Bare Steel |
Tensile strength (k PSI) | 190 | 190 | 165 | 180 | Unknown | 205 |
Rackable? | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 3-year | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Bar weight (lbs) | 44 | 44 | 45 | 44 | 47 | 45 |
Sleeve diameter (") | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.9 | 2 |
Price | $$$$ | $$$$ | $$ | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
Our testing and selection process
We always use a 5 step process in our reviews:
- We start as the buyer – most of our team have bought loads of deadlift bars before. As mentioned earlier, I own an 8,000 sq ft gym with dozens upon dozens of bars.
- We do a ton of research – we collect information on as many deadlift bars as possible and insert it into a spreadsheet.
- We rate each deadlift bar using our exclusive ‘weighted’ rating system. You can learn more about this in the section below.
- We use data to decide our top picks rather than personal biases toward brands.
- We get our hands on as many of the top picks as possible. Our community is great at helping with this.
You can read more about this process in our review guidelines.
Below is an overview of how we reached the score and ranked the deadlift bars.
Specifically, it lists factors in the rating formula and their gravity (how important they are).
I grouped them 4 chunks for simplicity:
- Quality (40%) – anything related to the materials, design, and manufacturing.
- Versatility of the deadlift bar (8%) – can anyone use the barbell, and for which lifts?
Versatility in this case plays a lesser role than usual, because a deadlift bar is, by definition, a specialty bar (and it’s not about versatility). Still, there’s some meat on that bone… - Reputation & reviews (15%) – conclusions about the brand based on our databases of user satisfaction (both about these specific barbells and their track record with other products).
- Value for money (37%) – looks to award the gems with the most bounce for the ounce – deadlift bars that meet the top criteria without breaking the bank.
- Tensile and yield strength of the steel (7%) – points of fracture and permanent deformation….companies typically only list the tensile strength.
If it’s too low, it affects the bar’s longevity. If it’s too high, it affects the flex and defeats the purpose of building a specialized deadlift bar.
The ideal neighborhood is 190K PSI, with some cheaper bars like Valor going as low as 165K PSI.
- Weight capacity (2%) – low-impact factor because companies lie about it and it’s almost impossible to determine.
We judge it and award points based on personal experience combined with the tensile strength (and yes, they can lie about the PSI; it’s easier to measure, so it’s done less).
Lies aside, any barbell listed at 1,200+ lbs is likely good. - Whip/flex (10%) – we rate the mechanical advantage and how it affects the lift. Most non-elite lifters will want a “whippy” bar that won’t feel too bouncy…and that’s a fine line.
- The rating is a mix of factors – the distance between the weights, steel elasticity, and shaft thickness.
- Knurling (7%) – you want aggressive, even knurling with clean termination and precise markings. It should change with time and not be significantly affected by the finish.
This factor rates how much of those boxes a bar ticks.
- Finishes (4%) – rates the balance between resistance and the effects on the knurl. Ideally, it should protect the deadlift bar without making it slippery.
To date, I don’t know why there are so few stainless steel deadlift bars… I guess people aren’t prepared to pay the big bucks for a one-trick pony.
- Spin (3%) – not a massive factor because there’s no sudden acceleration on a deadlift.
Still, I firmly believe that sleeves should rotate because the bar doesn’t only ‘travel’ in the frontal plane, especially in those with imperfect deadlifting techniques. - Tolerances (4%) – how tightly the parts fit together. High tolerance implies meticulous manufacturing and directly affects the longevity of a deadlift bar.
- Attention to detail (3%) – separates top-of-the-line bars like Rogue Ohio from cheaper bars like Valor
Deadlift bars are not built to be versatile…at least not in the traditional sense of the word.
You won’t be doing CrossFit with it.
Still…not all are created equal, and some are more versatile.
The “versatility” of a deadlift bar comes down to the following:
- Body types and skill levels of lifters who can comfortably use it.
- Types of deadlift you can use it for.
- Whether it can (reasonably) be used for other lifts.
Versatility and body type
Some of the longest bars are a limitation for shorter lifters.
The extreme flex means the weight stays on the floor for too long. Sure, it also means you can lift more because there likely won’t be much muscle stimulation.
Remember the “built-for-deadlift” guy?
My tip: if you’re unusually tall or short and attend meets or compete, train with the bar you’ll be using on the day.
Versatility and skill level
Longer bars are whippier, which is a good thing…in theory and up to a point.
In practice, extreme length can mean a “bouncy” bar and a challenge for your technique.
Advanced lifters can handle it, while we mortals might struggle with bars like the Cerberus (just shy of 95 inches).
My tip: If you’re a beginner to intermediate deadlifter, stay in the 90-92” length range.
Versatility and type of deadlift
Some deadlift bars are specialized within an already narrow niche.
Two examples are sumo and trap bars.
Versatility for other lifts
I’ve seen plenty of people bench press with a deadlift bar.
I don’t know why, but I’ve seen it…
It’s impractical, risky, and tough on the shoulders. To put it bluntly – stuff like that is how pec-tears happen.
Anyway, the shorter and more rigid bars are better suited for the madness.
This group of factors is comprised of 4 sub-factors:
- Current user satisfaction with the bar (8%).
We break this down even more and look at details like the percentage of 1 and 2-star reviews, but I won’t bore you with that here. - Historical satisfaction and trends (2%).
We look for any inconsistencies and research whether they mean a change in quality – good or bad. - Customer service – mystery shopping and response times (2%).
We send out pre and post-purchase emails and record the responses’ speed, thoroughness, and clarity. - Warranties (3%).
Awards the lifetime warranties with little to no fine print.
We started with a higher gravity for this but lowered it because all the better bars are covered for a lifetime under similar terms (usually against bending).
We create price towers and award the bars that cost less for the same features.
In other words…
We look for blind spots that will have you paying for a label instead of paying for quality.
Find the perfect deadlift bar for you
Overall | Runner up | Budget | Sumo | Trap bar | Powerlifting
1. Best deadlift bar overall – Rogue Ohio Deadlift Cerakote
Rogue Ohio finished in Cerakote is the head honcho of the marketplace, because it’s the top value among true deadlift bars – it treads the line between close-to-ideal geometry, top-tier build, and price.
Quality (40%)
Versatility (8%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (37%)
Main praises – what I like
- I’m loving the whip – it doesn’t feel bouncy; you might even say it’s rigid compared to the Texas bar. I prefer it.
- I like the shaft length and the distance between plates – it’s a peg shorter than most deadlift bars (59.5”), and I feel that’s a good balance with the slinky shaft.
Still, I think the ideal spot (for most people) is between 60 and 61 inches – a bit longer than this, a bit shorter than Texas, and significantly shorter than the newest Kabuki.
Main grievances – what could be better
- You don’t get as much mechanical advantage as with Kabuki or Texas – so, if the sole purpose of getting a deadlift bar is breaking PRs, you’ll want to skip this one.
- I miss a stainless steel version, for the stickier grip alone – I understand it would cost more, but having options is always good.
Pros
- Knurled in Rogue’s signature pattern – if you’re used to the Ohio bar, the knurling will feel better.
- Superior finish and attention to detail – a Rogue bar just looks better on the rack and feels better in hands than most bars.
- Three color choices – you can choose which of these combos works best for you: all-black, red-black, and green-black.
- Knurling is very aggressive – it might take getting used to but it’s dulled slightly with the Cerakote finish to make it more comfortable.
Cons
- Expensive – typically, you’d spend more on a Rogue bar than similar bars from other brands.
- Less whip than the Texas bar – it won’t “help” you as much when it comes to lifting heavier.
Rogue Ohio Deadlift is the top-rated bar for 3 main reasons:
- The geometry has a mechanical advantage but doesn’t throw you off – speaking from experience, the flex of extra-long bars like Kabuki can be distracting if you’re not an experienced powerlifter.
- It’s reasonably priced for what you get – cheaper than Kabuki PR and in the same price range as the Texas bar, with slightly better finishes and attention to detail (I prefer Rogue’s Cerakote).
- The knurling is aggressive enough not to compromise the lift-off or lockout, but not in a shred-palms-question-life kind of way.
It’s less aggressive than the Ohio Power bar…for reference, I’d say it feels similar to the Chan bar.
Note: For simplicity, I’ll refer to Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar as RODB in the rest of the guide.
The Rogue Ohio Deadlift bar just about took our top spot against our criteria… The main reason it took the top spot is simply because it’s the most popular bar on the market.
You may think that’s not a reason to be top spot…
But it’s because the bar is every bit as good as the Texas Deadlift bar.
You can see this more clearly when we take out the price from our data…
And the customer service at Rogue is second to none.
When you combine this with the thousands of testimonials you can be sure this really will last you a lifetime.
When a lot of people have a bar you will hear about the bars that break or the brass bushings that crack (as I’ll show you with the Texas bar later).
It’s almost impossible to find these negative reviews about the Ohio Deadlift bar.
Combine this with the fact that if anything goes wrong with it Rogue will sort it out for you, it gives me confidence in recommending this bar above the others.
This bar is a version of the Ohio bar designed specifically for deadlifts. It’s longer and the knurling is more aggressive.
That’s why if you ask many fitness enthusiasts “what bar is best for deadlifts”, you will hear “the Ohio Bar” as the answer.
Rogue fans will find all other bars inferior in terms of precision finish and knurling.
Do bear in mind, though, that the knurling of the Rogue Ohio deadlift bar is noticeably more aggressive than that of the power bar.
It is a close call between the Texas bar. The two main areas where it dropped points against the Texas bar are:
- Collar-to-collar distance
- Sleeve length
I’ll explain more about this in the Texas bar section below. However, the other nuances to our data meant the Rogue Ohio rose to the top.
NOTE: There are other versions of this deadlift barbell with different coatings. I decided against including these as separate bars so I’ll just mention them here.
The e-coat version scored a high 65 out of 100 and it would be in the top 5 on its own if I included it as a separate bar.
The black zinc and e-coat are fairly new to the market and we need more data for accurate ratings.
2. Best deadlift bar for meet preparation – Texas Deadlift Bar
Texas deadlift bar is THE deadlift bar for breaking PRs without spending a fortune…if you don’t mind the extra whip.
Quality (40%)
Versatility (8%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (37%)
Main praises – what I like
- I’m a fan of the slick recessed sleeves – unlike the competition’ end-caps, Texas bars are held together by pins. It allows them to recess the ends, which looks slick…love it.
- I like the knurling – it’s a touch less aggressive than on the RODB, but it feels sticky and doesn’t bite in with increased weight (RODB does a bit).
Main grievances – what could be better
- The high elasticity calls for advanced control – the flex will emphasize any technique imperfections.
Pros
- Longer bar and greater distance between the weight plates – it will be easier to lift with, especially at higher weights.
- Resistant coatings – it won’t chip, flake, or rust nearly as bare steel would. It also needs less maintenance.
- Higher weight capacity – you can confidently pack on weight.
- Multiple color choices for the shaft – you can choose your favorite color or one that works with your home gym.
- Other coatings are available – you have the option to go for something cheaper like bare steel.
- Comes from a reputable company and it’s US-made – Buddy Capps
Cons
- On the pricy side – will make a 10-30% bigger dent in your budget than most other deadlift bars.
The 5 main takeaways about the Texas Deadlift Bar (TDB for short) are:
- TDB is whippier than RODB, but calmer (and much cheaper) than Kabuki PR.
- The distance between loaded plates is 0.5 inches outside my preferred range, which adds to the whip/flex and might feel bouncy.
- They now offer it in a Cerakote finish (which wasn’t the case up until a few years ago).
- The knurling termination is now close to the donut – there used to be a 7-8 gap of slick metal, which was a problem for wide-grip deadlifts (snatch-grip).
- The loadable sleeve length is now the same as RODB’s – used to be about an inch shorter.
They did it by making the whole bar 1.5 inches longer, which means no whip was sacrificed.
Points #3, 4, and 5 tell a story – the already slim gap between the two most popular bars has narrowed.
It now comes down to details – the TDB* being longer and slightly whippier.
*TDB – Texas Deadlift Bar
If you purely look at the bars without taking popularity into account, the Texas Deadlift bar comes out on top…
It comes from a company with a storied 40-year-long tradition – Buddy Capps.
They don’t make a zillion bars, but the ones they do make dominate their respective categories.
What puts it ahead when you exclude popularity?
Four main reasons:
- It’s 2″ longer than Rogue Ohio
- The knurling is as aggressive and grippy as Rogue’s
- The sleeves are the longest among the top picks (second-longest overall)
- The distance between the weights is 2“ greater (61.5 vs 59.5 “)
The last point above is crucial because it affects the whip the most. More whip means you’ll cush those PRs more easily.
No matter what anyone else tells you… there are 2 main factors in the whip of a barbell:
- Shaft diameter (the thinner the better… why deadlift bars are 27mm compared to Oly bar’s 28-29mm)
- Distance between the weights (outside of collars)
It also boasts the highest weight capacity…
The downside is the pricing point – there is little difference between Ohio and Texas deadlift bars in terms of price.
And also the fact that some people find it hard to get through to customer support.
When you drop a few hundred dollars on a bar, you don’t want to take that chance.
On a more personal note, I love the unique color choices available for the Texas bar. Especially the Bazooka Green!
3. Best budget deadlift bar – Valor Fitness OB-DL
This Valor is significantly cheaper than the competition (50-100%) and has no deal-breaking issues for moderate, home gym use.
Quality (40%)
Versatility (8%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (37%)
I don’t have first-hand experience with the Valor bar. I’ll update this section with insights when that changes…probably soon.
Pros
- Budget-friendly – the Valor deadlift bar will make less of a dent in your budget.
- Highest collar-to-collar distance (61.5 “) – this means more whip and more whip means easier lifts.
Cons
- Not the most durable finish – the sleeves might start to chip with long-term daily use. This makes it a non-starter for commercial use.
- Knurling is not as aggressive as Rogue or Texas – the grip won’t feel as secure.
I can see the reasons behind the popularity of this Valor.
It ticks all the key boxes of a good deadlift bar, but saves you hundreds for other gym goodies…or food for your kids…if you’re into that kind of alternative stuff.
The main trade-off is longevity – the zinc finish isn’t great and will chip and rust.
Valor OB-DL is not a great bar. It is a good bar that costs less than most. It’s here because we made a special effort to diversify our picks and find something affordable.
Even though it’s a cheap deadlift bar, it found its way to the top for one main reason – it shares the top spot in the collar-to-collar distance.
At 61.5 “, it’s a tie between this bar and TDB.
Compared to the Rogue Ohio bar, that’s 2 full inches more.
The Valor deadlift bar might be for you if… you’re looking to save money and you won’t be using it daily.
It’s not for you if… you’re looking for a robust bar for daily use, especially if we’re talking commercial gyms.
It’s also not for you if you’re lifting heavy and prefer an aggressive knurl.
4. Best sumo deadlift bar – Strongarm Sumo
Sumo bar choices are slim picking, and this StrongArm stands alone as the top value.
Quality (40%)
Versatility (8%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (37%)
Main praises – what I like
- The value proposal is right up there with the best – I’d put it in the top 10%.
This especially applies to the knurling because you typically see makers slacking at lower prices.
Not StrongArm…it’s even and aggressive.
Main grievances – what could be better
- Finish options for the shaft (or the lack of options) – bare steel is fine and provides the best tactical feedback. Still, adding one or two options like chrome or zinc would be tremendous.
- One extra hair-splitting comment: I’d love to see the sumo bar marked to make centering easier.
Just a notch or something would do…
Adding tape or drawing on the bar is an easy fix…but that’s not the point. The point is I hate paying money and then improvising. Hair. Split.
Pros
- Less force exerted on the lumbar spine – lower chances of lower back injury than a conventional deadlift.
- Shorter range of motion – more comfortable for people with shorter arms.
- It doesn’t rub against your shins – you won’t need high deadlift socks.
- Allow you to change up the deadlift angles – a more intense workout for the quads, inner thigh, and gluteus.
Cons
- Less activation of some main deadlift muscles – the different angles and the shorter range of motion mean you won’t hit your hamstrings and back as intensely.
- Shorter than a conventional deadlift bar – less whip will lend less help at higher weights.
- The shaft is bare steel – it’s more likely to corrode (can be a positive due to better grip).
StrongArm rules the narrow niche of Sumo bars.
I say “narrow” because there’s little competition.
- EliteFTS’ bar was the main competitor for years but seems to have been discontinued.
- A few bars ship from Europe (like ATX or Bullrock), with a shipping cost higher than the bar itself.
So, the StrongArm Sumo bar has no real competition unless you’re buying second-hand.
With hard chrome sleeves and a bare steel shaft, this old-school bar is the only sumo deadlift bar we’re comfortable recommending.
It’s a hefty piece of gear that easily ‘eats up’ to 1500 lbs of weight.
Standard vs. sumo deadlift bars
Ultimately, the choice of this vs. other bars on the list will be the choice of a classic vs. sumo deadlift. Unless you want both in your arsenal.
The mechanics of the two movements are very different and, with regular bars, most people will lift a bit more from a sumo stance.
That’s because of the shorter range of motion (you can see it measured and explained well in the video below).
There are two main differences between a conventional and a sumo deadlift bar – the knurling and the length.
Knurling placement
The knurling placement of the deadlift bar types is common sense.
The center of a conventional type deadlift bar is smooth and the sides are knurled. With sumo bars, it’s the other way around.
Shorter and less whip
If you’re using a deadlift bar, however, the lower range of motion will be offset by less whip. The Strongarm Sumo bar is 4-6 shorter than standard deadlift bars.
Lower tensile strength
Because the momentum is not as great, the tensile strength of a sumo bar will be lower compared to a standard deadlift bar of the same capacity.
This bar is rated for the same weight as Rogue Ohio (1,500 lbs) but has a much lower tensile strength (190K vs. 110K PSI).
5. Top-rated trap deadlift bar – Bells of Steel 3.0
The BOS 3.0 trap bar is our top trap bar pick because it easily rivals some that cost 3 times more.
Quality (40%)
Versatility (8%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (37%)
Main praises – what I like
- I love the jack stand – makes (un)loading easy and protects the floors.
- I feel that going with bushings instead of fixed sleeves was a good decision – it feels less stressful on the wrists.
- They did a good job of making the geometry work – specifically, reconciling an open cage with stability…I know the mechanics, so I know this is a massive design problem.
For you, it means convenience without instabilities.
Main grievances – what could be better
- I’d add 2-3 inches to the sleeves, or at least offer a version with longer sleeves.
Pros
- Budget-friendly – you’ll spend less than you would on most trap bars.
- Open-ended – it’s the more versatile design- you can use it for more exercises than if it were enclosed.
- The sleeves rotate – this makes the movement smoother and puts less stress on your joints.
Cons
- Relatively short sleeves – you can’t lift over 700 because it only fits 5-7 plates per sleeve, depending on the thickness.
- The built-in jack isn’t as stable as those of Eleiko and Kabuki deadlift bars – you’ll need to be cautious when loading the bar.
If you wanna deadlift and spare your spine, a trap bar is THE way to do it.
If you wanna a trap bar, BOS 3.0 is the best value for money out there.
You can see our other picks (including some premium options) in this guide on best trap bars.
The best deadlift bar in the trap (hex) category is the Bells of Steel 3.0. More accurately, it’s the top value out of the 50 trap bars we looked at. It scored an 18 out of the max 23.75 in the hex bar category.
It’s all that and a bag of chips – open-ended, conservatively priced, finished with resistant black zinc, and features rotating sleeves.
It’s the ONLY trap bar out there with rotating sleeves.
Is it the absolute best?
No.
If the price wasn’t an issue, you could argue that the Kabuki deadlift bar and similar adjustable bars are more diverse and that premium bars like Eleiko are more robust.
In the day-to-day, Bells of Steel does it all at a much lower price point.
This trap bar is not for you if you’re deadlifting over 700 lbs because the sleeves are too short for that (9.7 inches).
Short sleeves are not a design blunder
The dimensions were planned so that the bar could be shipped for less.
As Andrew Ponsler (the owner of Bells of Steel) explains, if the bar was any longer, it would be shipped as an oversized item. That alone would add about $100 to the price.
In the 4.0, I do expect to see longer sleeves because that would round the Bells of Steel offer nicely – the 3.0 for most people and the 4.0 for heavy lifters who need the extra sleeve space.
Well played.
6. Top power bar for deadlifts – Rogue Ohio Power Bar
The Ohio Power bar is stiff and offers no mechanical advantage on the deadlift, but it’s much more versatile…a big plus if you only have a budget for one barbell.
Quality (40%)
Versatility (8%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (37%)
Main praises – what I like
- I love how Rogue executes the knurl, and this one’s my favorite of all time…yes, on any bar, ever, in any universe.
- The stiffness pairs with the knurling perfectly – and it all translates to a calm bar.
Main grievances – what could be better
- The IPF-approved variant only comes in black zinc and costs more than the classic.
Pros
- More versatile – better for moves beyond the deadlift.
- Available in stainless steel – grippier than Cerakote, much more resistant than bare steel.
Cons
- No mechanical advantage – the thick, short, and stiff shaft has no flex…meaning no deadlift advantage and no PRs for you.
Rogue Ohio Power has no real flaws and costs less than barbels of similar quality (Eleiko Competition and Chewy from American Barbell).
Opposed to true deadlift bars, it’s thick and stiff, which means 2 things:
- It’s not a plus for breaking deadlift records, apart from the aggressive knurling.
- It’s better for bench pressing and squatting, which makes it a much better candidate for your main barbell.
Choosing between it and a “real” deadlift bar will come down to 1 question: How badly do you want to break that personal record?
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is a powerhouse in the powerlifting category, delivering exceptional performance for lifters who prioritize versatility and durability.
It’s the gold standard for bars with bare steel finishes, offering a raw, no-frills experience that advanced lifters love.
Combine that with aggressive knurling and a 190K PSI tensile strength – and you get a bar that’s built to handle the heaviest lifts.
Is it perfect?
Not quite. Bare steel isn’t for everyone–it demands care to prevent rusting. But if you’re after unmatched grip and don’t mind a bit of upkeep, this bar is a nice option for you.
Who is this bar for?
This bar is for anyone training for meets, especially if you’re already used to bars without center knurl marks.
Who should skip it?
If you’re working out in humid conditions or need a bar for a commercial gym, the maintenance might feel like too much hassle.
Compared to cheaper deadlift bars like Valor OB-DL, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar offers far superior build quality and performance.
However, if you’re purely focused on deadlifting and want maximum whip, you might prefer a specialty deadlift bar like the Texas Deadlift Bar.
To create this list, we carried out an in-depth research and selection process. We used the following criteria:
- Quality (40%)
- Versatility (8%)
- Brand reputation & reviews (15%)
- Value for money (37%)
- ISF Conventional Deadlift Bar – good bar with knurling that’s gonna be too aggressive for 1 in 10 people.
- Rogue bar 2.0 – used to be the top pick. As feedback and stat-pool grew, we realized the Ohio Power bar is a better compromise because it’s better for deadlifts (more aggressively knurled) and more versatile.
Which bar is best for deadlifts?
A specialized deadlift bar, such as the Rogue Ohio deadlift bar, is best for deadlifts.
Compared to a conventional bar, the deadlift bar lends a better grip and has more whip/flex because it’s thinner and longer.
Compared to hex bars, it works the back muscles better because there’s less leg activation.
Is a longer bar better for deadlifts?
Yes, a longer bar is generally better for deadlifts.
A longer bar such as the Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar allows you to lift more weight while performing deadlifts.
While it may take a bit of time to learn how to implement the benefits of using a deadlift bar, the benefits are undoubtedly there.
How much is a deadlift bar?
A deadlift bar costs $280-450 on average.
The main difference between the bars in that range is the finish. It ranges from bare steel to highly resistant Cerakote.
How much does a deadlift bar weigh?
Deadlift bars weigh 40-47 lbs almost without exception.
Case in point, the Ohio Rogue Deadlift Bar weighs 44 lbs.
An important aspect to consider regarding deadlift bar weight is to make sure that the bar weight is divisible by 5, as this makes it slightly easier to calculate your reps.
How does knurling on deadlift bars impact performance?
The knurling on deadlift bars significantly influences performance by enhancing grip, allowing for a more secure and controlled hold on the barbell.
A well-defined knurling pattern provides tactile feedback, aiding lifters in maintaining their grip even with sweaty hands, ultimately reducing the risk of slipping during heavy lifts.
The knurling’s aggressiveness can affect comfort, influencing the lifter’s confidence and performance during deadlifts.
The bottom line
I spent over 40 hours on this guide, but it was worth it because you should know more about choosing a deadlift bar than 99% of people out there.
To summarize, I’d recommend the Rogue Ohio Deadlift bar for most people.
Finally, it costs less.
If you’re not a Rogue fan, go for the Texas Deadlift bar. And if you’re looking to save some money, consider the Valor Fitness OB-DL.
There are two things to do now:
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Stay strong and smart.
HI Steve,
Do you have any plans to update this article to include the new Kabuki PR deadlift bar?
It’s controversial because it was introduced “ambush style” at the 2021 IPL DT worlds — with no advanced notice, and not even provided in the warm-up area! Nonetheless, since it’s the new official standard for IPL and USPA, it’s an important bar that people need to know about. It’s very long and very whippy.
Everybody either loves it or hates it.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for letting us know, we’ve added this to the list for the future update. We’re constantly creating and updating content and research to keep things up to date. It’s super helpful when people point out other types of equipment like this we may not have found.
On some of the reviews for the Texas DL bar there are complaints about the cerakote being very thin/fragile. Any insight on this?
It certainly is thinner than some others, but it’s just personal preference really. A thinner coating (cerakote in this case) means the grip is better (arguably the main thing to look for in a deadlift bar). It may scratch slightly easier but if you treat it well it will be totally fine.
It’s another reason why the Rogue Deadlift bar comes out on top though.