To choose the 5 best powerlifting barbells, we compared 40+ in 12 quality categories – from strength and finishes to minor stuff, like the available colors.
We found some new winners and a few popular bars to avoid.
Some of it was honestly surprising.
And if I’m surprised after 2 decades as a trainer and a gym owner, there’s a good chance you’ll be too.
One thing is for sure – whatever your budget and taste, your next power bar is likely on this page.
Besides powerlifting bars, we test and review other equipment and barbell types – you can see our guide on best multipurpose and Olympic barbells here, a selection of best weight benches and our picks for top 9 knee wraps for powerlifting here.
Editor’s note: This guide was last updated on June 09, 2024. to account for new arrivals and a changing market. We saw a seismic shift at #2, with the Chewy rating higher than Kabuki. This is the first update ever to find the legendary Kabuki Power below the red line, which speaks volumes about the Chewy.
Compare powerlifting bars
Best for | Overall | Premium | Popular | Runner Up | Budget |
Rating (*) | |||||
Quality | 93% | 98% | 89% | 90% | 73% |
Versatility | 86% | 86% | 85% | 85% | 82% |
Brand & reputation | 93% | 93% | 91% | 90% | 79% |
Value for money | 73% | 45% | 74% | 73% | 94% |
Bar Type | Powerlifting | Powerlifting | Powerlifting | Powerlifting | Powerlifting |
Bushing/ bearing | Bronze Bushings | Composite Bushings | Bushings | Bronze Bushings | Bronze bushings |
Bar diameter (mm) | 29 | 29 | 28.5 | 29 | 29 |
Length (") | 86.52 | 86.6 | 86 | 86.6 | 86.6 |
Loadable sleeve length (") | 16.25 | 16.3 | 15 | 16.3 | 16.25 |
Knurl | Aggressive | New Aggressive 20 TPI | Aggressive | Deep Mountain/Very Agressive | Mountain, Medium |
Knurl Marks | IPF | IPF | IPF | IPF | IPF |
Center knurl | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Shaft coating | E-Coat | Stainless Steel | Bare Steel; Black Zinc; Chrome | Cerakote; Stainless Steel | Chrome |
Sleeve coating | Bright Zinc | Hard Chrome | Chrome or Bare Steel | Duracoat®; Hard Chrome; Stainless Steel | Chrome |
Tensile strength (K PSI) | 205 | 190 | 200 | 200 | 165 |
Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 1-year |
Bar weight (lbs) | 45 | 45 | 44 | 44.1 | 45 |
Sleeve size (") | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 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 a dozen powerlifting barbells before. As mentioned earlier, I own an 8,000 sq ft gym with multiple bars.
- We do a ton of research – we collect information on as many powerlifting barbells as possible and insert it into a spreadsheet.
- We rate each powerlifting barbell 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.
Our approach to rating power bars is based on testing, experience, and data…a lot of data…some in our team would say too much.
Anyway…
Below is a breakdown of how our power-bar rating works.
It tells you two things:
- How we got to the recommendations you’re seeing.
- What to do if you don’t like any of them.
Here we go…
We rated 12 criteria, which can be split into 4 groups – Quality, Versatility, Reputation & Reviews, and Price/Value.
- Steel used for the power bar (10%) – higher tensile strength means less oscillation. Paired with thicker shafts, it makes for stiffer bars with little whip – and that’s what you want from a good power barbell.
I’ll break that down
If deadlifts are your go-to and you’re buying one bar, avoid the extremes, stay in the 200-210K PSI range (go with the likes of Rogue Ohio).
If deadlifts are a priority and you chase PB numbers, things get real’ simple – go with a dedicated deadlift bar.
Most people will prioritize stability when bench pressing and squatting (over whip on deadlifts), and a high-tensile strength bar like the Chewy will be just what the doctor ordered.
- Treatment/manufacturing, tolerances and attention to detail (8%) – rates the manufacturing processes (like Rogue Work Hardening or Kabuki’s “proprietary” alloys) and the precision of the build (like knurling termination).
It’s about using strong steel without making the bar brittle or susceptible to permanent bending (yield strength), and crafting the parts precisely.
It’s somewhat subjective because parts are based on my experience with the bars.
- Knurling (7%) – you want an aggressive knurl that won’t cut your palms.
That usually means creating extra contact points by ”biting off” the sharp tips. This turns a “mountain” into a “volcano” knurl – grippier but not as sharp.
- Center knurl – the cross-hatched part in the middle helps you align the power bar and prevent it from slipping off your back. All good power barbells have it, so we didn’t award points for it.
- Spin mechanism (5%) – power bars “run” on bushings because they’re not as spinny as bearings. The differences come down to the materials (brass, bronze, composite) and maintenance.
Composite bushings score higher because they cost less, live longer, and need zero maintenance. - Finish (resistance and feel), 5% – stainless steel is the Holy Grail of power-bar finishes.
It’s the pinnacle of corrosion resistance and doesn’t dull the knurling.
It‘s also the most expensive.
All other finishes are a compromise in 1 of the 2 departments – grip or corrosion resistance.
– Bare steel doesn’t affect the knurl but offers no resistance.
– Black oxide has minimal effects on the feel but only offers basic protection (the kind you get with black screws/fasteners).
– Cerakote and e-coat are resistant but affect the feel – making it less grippy.
– Hard chrome and zinc thread the lines between feel, resistance, and price.
If you’re primarily a powerlifter, you’re not looking for versatility in your barbell.
You want one that performs well for squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
And you probably have another for Oly lifts.
If the power bar will be your main barbell, you want one that treads the line between power and other lifts.
We chose our winners to bring you the best of the 2 worlds.
If you’re in the latter of two groups, consider this:
- Spin (smoothness and duration) – you want a calm bar for power lifts, which means less spin than Olympic or multi-use.
Some of my favorite power bars have a very short spin (like the new Kabuki Strength Next Generation), which makes them a poor choice for your main bar.
If you’re looking for a versatile power bar, the spin will be between a multipurpose bar and the likes of Kabuki.
That spells out C-H-E-W-Y.
- How the spin stops – I prefer smoother transitions from full-spin to no-spin. It should feel like a buttery-smooth halt rather than an instant stop.
- Knurl markings – you typically get only IPF markings on a dedicated powerlifting barbell. No points are awarded for it.
For this rating, we extract data from our base and contact customer support.
We look at the following:
- Current ratings of the specific power bar (6.5%) – tell us if the owners like it. When possible, we segment this pool of data to powerlifters and “average” home gym owners.
- Historic ratings of the bar (HRB for short), 1.5% – look at changes and fluctuations in the ratings, and tell a story about the brands’ reliability.
For example, it hunts down the brands that try to skimp by outsourcing to sub-par China facilities but still charge a premium price. - Overall ratings of all the brands’ products (in our database), 1% – a minor factor that’s tricky to assess.
For example, a power bar might come from a “mid” brand but actually be top-tier, which is the case with the Titan Series. - Results of mystery shopping (2.5%) – we contact the brands with pre and post-purchase questions about the power bars and rate the speed and clarity of their responses.
- Warranty (3.5%) – an indicator of quality, especially if it’s for a lifetime. Sometimes, it’s tweaked by adjustment factors because of weird brand policies (again, talkin’ about Titan).
We weigh the price of the power bars against all other factors, and that allows us to pinpoint VALUE in the market.
One of our core principles is that exercise doesn’t have to be expensive.
That’s why the weighed gravity of the price is so high.
What it means for you
Two takeaways for you are:
- The best value in the power-bar market lives in the $250-400 range.
Titan Series is on the low, and Rogue Ohio Cerakote is on the upper end of that. - You should only pay over $400 in two scenarios – if you’re a powerlifter or you’re buying a power bar to be your main barbell. The Rogue Ohio stainless steel and the Chewy both fit that criteria, but Chewy costs 200 bucks more.
Find the perfect powerlifting barbell for you
Overall | Premium | Popular | Runner Up | Budget
1. Best powerlifting barbell overall – Rogue Ohio Power
Since its launch back in 2014, Rogue Ohio has been the top-rated power bar because it remains the best value, despite the new arrivals.
Quality (35%)
Versatility (15%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (35%)
Main praises – what I like
- The knurling is the one thing that stands out, it feels a touch more aggressive than most. Still, it never feels sharp and, if you’re new to it, might even seem passive…until you add the plates.
- The thick shaft makes it feel stiffer and less whippy than your average 28.5 mm bar.
(I’m aware of how talking about thick and stiff shafts sounds…but c’mon…grow up…)
Main grievances – what could be better
- It’s noisy when dropped. The brass bushings clang against the shaft, but it’s the nature of the beast and not a real problem for home gyms.
Pros
- Volcano knurling – aggressive and grippy knurling that is comfortable because it isn’t really sharp.
- The price – it’s hard to find any power bar for this quality and this price.
- Range of finishes – you can buy the e-coat or zinc (both with bright zinc sleeves) options if you look after it and want to save a bit of money. Or you can upgrade to the cerakote (with chrome or cerakote sleeves) or stainless steel (with chrome or stainless steel sleeves) options.
- 205K PSI strength – it can cope with any weight you’ll be able to lift and won’t deform unless you mistreat it.
- Rogue Work Hardening & F8-R F Scale rating – proprietary technology used by Rogue to make this bar extremely durable.
- 29mm diameter – more rigid and our preferred diameter for a power bar over the thinner 28.5mm options.
Cons
- Not ideal for PB deadlifts – it uses a 29mm diameter, which is harder to grip than 28mm or 28.5mm bars. It may actually help for competitions (depending on the bar used) as you’ll need to train with a more rigid torso!
Rogue Ohio lives at the intersection between value, high-grade materials, and premium build.
It’s more rigid than the Texas Power bar, cheaper than the Chewy, and better overall than any from the REP line-up.
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar (OPB) has become known as the overall best power bar in powerlifting circles. It was also only one of three bars to score a perfect 12 out of 12 against our criteria.
It has a 29mm diameter shaft.
This makes the bar more stiff than 28.5mm bars (like the Texas Power Bar) and more ideal for slow lifts like the squat and presses.
It may not seem like much but the diameter of the bar is probably the most important factor in how much “whip” a bar has. And whip is not a good thing for the bench press and squat.
One of the best features of the OPB is the volcano knurling.
It is very aggressive, making it ideal for grip during those heavy deadlifts. But it is not sharp like the mountain design seen on other bars (again like the Texas Power Bar). Each knurl has four contact points with the hands, which makes it a comfortable bar to lift.
The 205k PSI tensile strength allows you to lift any amount of weight possible.
Using the proprietary technology called Rogue Work Hardening (RWH) it supposedly lasts 3 times as long as other bars not using this (according to Rogue).
We don’t actually know what happens to bars using RWH (as they won’t tell anyone!)… but we do know this is coming from a company that has spent $2million and 5 years in research and testing. #justsaying
It also means this bar scores higher on the F Scale than any other bar on this list…
In reality, all you probably want is a bar that lasts a long time and feels really good to lift. I’m just showing you this to say the F Scale is not the reason it’s our top pick, it’s just a factor to be aware of.
The OPB also comes in a range of finishes, including cheaper (but still resistant) zinc or e-coat and the more pricey (but extremely resistant) cerakote. There is even the premium stainless steel option.
Bars made from stainless steel don’t need a “coating” or “finish” as this is regarded as the most corrosion-resistant steel to prevent rust.
Sure there are arguably “better” bars made by Eleiko, Kabuki or Uesaka. But in all honesty, it really is a coin toss between any of these as the “best of the best”. It’s subjective! The thing the OPB has going for it is the price…
It is about half the price of any of the other bars mentioned above!
The main factor for most people will be the price as long as you can lift the weight you need and it feels good, and doesn’t deform or rust! And that is why the OPB is our top pick for most powerlifters.
2. Money-no-object pick – Chewy bar by American Barbell
If price isn’t a factor, Chewy is THE power bar to get in 2024.
Quality (35%)
Versatility (15%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (35%)
Main praises – what I like
- I absolutely love the double packaging. If you’re paying this much, you don’t want dings on your bar.
The knurling is probably the best balance between grip and palm protection I’ve seen.
I’m not sure how to describe it…it’s similar to a traditional volcano knurl but feels less “bitey.” Compared to my other power bars, it seems the tips are closer together but less of each tip is removed.
That does two things – it increases the contact surface and gets rid of the sharp bits. - I like the composite bushings. They’re quiet and low-maintenance (from what I can tell thus far).
Having them recessed is a smart design detail that serves a purpose – less gunk build-up. - The build precision and attention to detail are impeccable. I had to go looking for flaws to find them…and I’m hard to please when it comes to barbells in this price range.
Main grievances – what could be better
- Anything that comes to mind would be forced hair-splitting…I won’t do that.
Pros
- Knurl – The Chewy bar features an aggressive knurl, designed to be grippy without being overly sharp. This offers a secure hold during lifts and is praised by many users for its comfort.
- High-Quality Materials – Made from high-quality steel with a 205k PSI tensile strength, the Chewy bar is incredibly durable and can handle even the heaviest weights.
- Lifetime Warranty – American Barbell offers a lifetime warranty on the Chewy bar, giving you peace of mind for your investment.
- Multiple Finishes – The Chewy bar comes in various finishes, including e-coat, zinc, cerakote, and stainless steel. This allows you to choose the option that best suits your budget and preferences.
- American Made – If you value American-made products, the Chewy bar is a great option.
Cons
- Price – While the Chewy bar isn’t the most expensive barbell on the market, it is a high-end product and may not be suitable for all budgets. And that’s all I got in terms of cons for this one…
The Chewy is an expensive barbell that’s worth every cent.
How it compares to other competitors (aka. why it’s better)
The in-house competitor from American Barbell is the Mammoth.
At least it used to be.
When writing this, I couldn’t find the Mammoth on their website, so I asked customer service about it.
It turns out it’s discontinued.
It’s a shame, but not really (if you know what I mean).
Moving on…
- Compared to Rogue Ohio, it offers the same grip with less bite and greater attention to detail (and I rarely say this about Rogue’s stuff).
- Compared to the legendary Texas Original bar, Chewy’s main advantage is the stainless steel and, again, a more balanced knurl. It also costs almost 3 times as much…so there’s that.
- Compared to Eleiko’s stuff, Chewy is the more sensible choice for home gyms because of the lifetime warranty and the lower price.
- Compared to Kabuki Power, it’s cheaper, not as overbuilt, and more resistant.
In other words, an average lifter won’t really notice the insane 250K PSI of the Kabuki, but they’ll notice the sharp knurl and the non-stainless steel finish.
The American Barbell Chewy Bar has garnered attention as a top-tier choice for serious lifters in 2024.
Known for its impeccable build quality and attention to detail, the Chewy Bar stands out in a crowded gym.
The Chewy Bar meets the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) specifications with a total length of approximately 7’3” (87 inches) and a shaft diameter of 29 mm.
This design ensures minimal whip, making it ideal for slow, controlled lifts like squats and presses. The bar’s tensile strength is an impressive 190K PSI, ensuring durability and reliability under the heaviest loads.
One of the standout features of the Chewy Bar is its knurling. The knurl density is 20 teeth per inch (TPI), striking a perfect balance between grip and comfort.
The knurling is reminiscent of a traditional volcano design but with a unique twist – the tips are closer together with less material removed.
This results in a knurl that offers increased contact surface while eliminating sharp points, providing a secure yet comfortable grip during heavy lifts.
Overall, the American Barbell Chewy Bar is an expensive investment, but one that is worth every cent for serious lifters. Its superior knurling, high-quality materials, and meticulous craftsmanship make it a standout choice in the powerlifting community.
3. Texas power bar (the Original)
Texas Original remains a solid budget choice for the old-school lifter because it oozes badassery.
Quality (35%)
Versatility (15%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (35%)
Main praises – what I like
- I love the legendary, pumping-iron aura.
- It’s a bargain. They deserve a hat nod for not joining the pricing madness.
Main grievances – what could be better
- It’s high time they added a stainless steel version.
Pros
- Aggressive knurling- helps to grip the bar better, especially on heavy deadlifts.
- 28.5mm diameter- slightly thinner than 29mm bars, which helps to grip it for deadlifts.
- 190k PSI tensile strength- strong enough to hold any weight you will throw on the bar.
- Price- it’s hard to find power bars of this quality for this price.
Cons
- Sharp mountain style knurling- can feel extra sharp especially compared to volcano style knurling.
- 28.5mm diameter- it can be a pro or a con. The thinner bar means it will have more whip, which is not ideal for squats and presses (but helps for deadlifts).
The Original Texas Power Bar is for the lifter who wants a budget bar handmade in the US.
For reference, the bare-steel-and-chrome combo currently costs about 30% of what you’d pay for the Chewy.
If you go with a Cerakote Finish, you’d spend about 10% more.
One thing to bear in mind – we’re looking at an aggressive mountain knurl here.
This deep in the powerlifting woods, there are no fancy “volcanoes” or extra tips to protect your precious baby hands.
This thing bites.
The Original Texas Power Bar is the third and final bar to score the perfect 12 out of 12 against our criteria.
This is probably the most popular bar in powerlifting circles. It’s been used to break more world records than any other bar and it does everything you would want a power bar to do.
There are two things that make this bar stand out to any other on this list:
- The 28.5mm diameter
- Aggressive “mountain” style knurling
Both of these things really help with grip for beating your deadlift personal best. This may explain why it’s helped so many people achieve world records with this bar!
However, the mountain style knurling is much more sharp in your hands than the volcano knurling of the OPB or Kabuki. If you are hard as nails, then this probably won’t matter for you!
But if you would like to use this bar for training and use it for a wide range of lifts, it is sharp and can tear those calluses off if the bar twists in your hands.
The 28.5mm diameter used to be the standard power bar dimension. But the more common modern approach is a 29mm diameter which makes the bar more stiff and rigid, which is better for squats and pressing lifts.
To sum it up… the Texas Power Bar has aggressive mountain knurling and a thinner bar. If you are looking to achieve personal best lifts (especially deadlifts) this bar will be perfect for you.
4. Runner-up value pick – REP Double Black Diamond
Double Black Diamond is the best power bar REP’s ever made and an awesome premium alternative to Kabuki and Rogue (for less money, too).
Quality (35%)
Versatility (15%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (35%)
Main praises – what I like
- Absolutely loving the detail – the end caps,sleeve bevels and the laser-etched logo on the sleeve bring it home.
- I love how close the plates get to the sleeves – friction welding leaves no scabs (extra pieces of metal) so the plates “sticks” to the sleeves.
- This calms the bar because there’s no space for rattle.The mountain knurl feels great – grippy in a non-shredding way – this is probably the most palm-friendly mountain knurl I know.
They did that by making the tips smaller and packing more of them in (higher TPI).
To give you some context – it’s a peg sharper than a volcano knurl but not as aggressive as your typical mountain knurl…the kind you’d see on Rogue Aggro.
Main grievances – what could be better
- I’d prefer a milder center knurl that doesn’t pull strings out my t-shirt.
Pros
- Highly resistant to corrosion – This bar will endure the years and serve you for a long time to come.
- Perfect tensile strength – at 200k PSI, this bar is ideally optimized for powerlifting.
Cons
- Price – the price of this bar is bordering expensive, depending on the various coating options you pick
This is a premium power bar comparable to Kabuki New Generation and Rogue Ohio.
Based on my experience, I’d say it’s not as good as those two but comes darn close.
I’m assuming the steel is not as high-grade, but that’s conjecture based on my experience with the brands.
To simplify it all…
The difference in quality comes down to details and where it’s made.
The difference in price is substantial…almost double.
You can save even more by going with the Black Diamond (instead of Double Black).
These two are identical barbells except for the price and knurl.
The Double Black costs 10-15% more and its knurl is a peg more aggressive (high-density mountain vs. volcano knurl, shown in the close-up below).
The REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar steps into the ring as a serious competitor for lifters seeking top-notch performance at a more budget-friendly price compared to big names like Kabuki.
This bar boasts impressive specs, with a high tensile strength of 200k PSI and a static weight rating of 1,500 pounds. It features a 29mm diameter shaft, the current industry standard for stiffness and stability during squats and presses.
The real star of the show, though, is the knurling. REP describes it as “mountain” style but with a twist. They’ve packed more, smaller ridges together (high TPI) to create a secure grip that’s friendly to your palms.
It provides a noticeable step up in grip from a “volcano” knurl but isn’t quite as aggressive as the sharpest “mountain” knurling on the market.
While people rave about the secure grip on deadlifts and the overall quality feel, some mention a slightly more abrasive center knurl that might not be ideal for exercises where you rest the bar on your shirt.
Similarly to our winner – the Rogue Ohio Power, the REP Double Black Diamond Power Bar offers exceptional performance for powerlifters at a competitive price.
It stands as a strong alternative to top brands, delivering a near-premium experience without the premium price tag.
5. Alternative budget pick – Titan Performance Series Power Bar
Titan Series is the best powerlifting barbell they make (by far), and it’s solid value for money.
Quality (35%)
Versatility (15%)
Reputation & reviews (15%)
Value for money (35%)
I’ve never used the Titan Performance Series power bar. I’ll update this section when I get my hands on one.
Pros
- Great price – this one’s among the cheapest decent power bars you’ll find, great value if you’re a beginner-to-medium level weightlifter.
Cons
- Lack of user reviews – we couldn’t find too many reviews for this bar, so our ability to gauge this bar based on real-world experience was limited…
Titan Series is the brand’s horse in the race with Rogue Ohio and REP Black Diamond.
Compared to Rogue Ohio
Titan Series costs about the same as Rogue Ohio with a zinc finish.
It’s not as polished or quiet, but the hard chrome sleeves are more resistant because Ohio is all zinc.
Compared to REP Double Black Diamond
Titan costs about the same as REP Double Black with a Cerakote shaft and Duracoat Sleeves, and 10-30% less if you’re comparing it to hard chrome and stainless steel finishes.
What I would do
If you gave me $300-400 to buy a power bar, I’d get the REP Black Diamond finished in stainless steel – you can skip back to its analysis here.
Don’t be confused by me choosing Black Diamond over the top-rated Rogue Ohio. I’m talking about a fixed budget here, plus our ratings go beyond my opinion.
The Titan Performance Series Power Bar enters the weight room as a budget option for powerlifters seeking a dependable barbell without breaking the bank.
It boasts a tensile strength of 200k PSI and a 1,500 lb capacity, making it more than capable of handling your heaviest lifts.
The 28.5mm diameter shaft offers a good balance between whip for squats and presses and stiffness for deadlifts.
While the current industry standard leans towards a 29mm shaft, this slightly thinner diameter can be a benefit for some lifters who prefer a bit more feel in their squats.
One of the key features of this bar is the hard chrome finish on the sleeves, providing excellent durability.
While it might not be as quiet or polished as some higher-priced options, the focus here is on functionality and long-lasting performance.
Overall, the Titan Performance Series Power Bar is a solid budget option for powerlifters who prioritize function and value.
It delivers a solid foundation for your workouts with a durable build and a price tag that won’t break the bank.
If you’re a budget-conscious lifter looking for a dependable powerlifting bar, the Titan Performance Series is your best option.
Check the Titan Performance Power bar price and overview here.
In order to create this list, we carried out a meticulous research and selection process. We used the following criteria:
- Quality of powerlifting bars (35%)
- Versatility (15%)
- Brand reputation & reviews (15%)
- Price/Value of power bars (35%)
A powerlifting barbell is going to have slightly different characteristics than an Olympic weightlifting bar or a barbell used for CrossFit.
We aimed to be detailed and helpful, delivering the key points as concisely as possible.
You can find out all the ins and outs of our selection process here.
What is the best powerlifting barbell?
The best powerlifting barbell for most people is the Rogue Ohio Power Bar. It costs around $300 and has everything you want from a power bar.
205k PSI tensile strength, smooth-spinning sleeves with bronze bushings, and grippy aggressive volcano style knurling which isn’t too sharp in your hands.
Do powerlifters use deadlift bars?
Powerlifters cannot use deadlift bars at competitions. The IPF competition rules state the barbell must be between 28mm-29mm in diameter.
As a deadlift bar is 27mm it cannot be used at meets but could be used to train to lift a higher weight thanks to having a better grip.
What are the key features to look for in a powerlifting bar?
For powerlifting, your barbell needs to be reliable and match your lifting style.
Look for aggressive knurling to grip the bar during heavy deadlifts and rows.
Choose a shaft diameter – either 28.5mm for more feel in squats or 29mm for added stiffness.
Finally, make sure the tensile strength is over 190k PSI to handle your increasing weights.
- Kabuki Power bar – an awesome bar with a best-in-the-industry tensile strength of 258K PSI. This is the first update that finds it outside of our top picks, just below the Chewy bar in the premium category.
The main difference between the 2 is the “stickier” (yet palm-sparing) knurling on the Chewy. - REP Sabre – this used to be our budget pick and fell below the red line with new arrivals, mainly because of the sub-standard tensile strength (150K PSI).
- American Barbell Grizzly – good power bar with an impeccable build and the poor fortune of competing against the Rogue Ohio and Chewy.
- American Barbell Mammoth – Good but discontinued. It used to be a decent power bar that’s too expensive to compete with the Rogue Ohio.
Powerlifting barbells – resume and key takeaways
There are 5 main factors to consider about a power bar before making a purchase.
- Tensile strength
- Knurling
- Finish
- Diameter (which affects whip)
- Sleeves rotation system
After running over 40 power bars through our tests we found that the Rogue Ohio Power bar is the best bar for most people. The price for the 205k PSI steel and aggressive but not sharp volcano knurling makes this bar hard to beat!
However, the Chewy Bar by American Barbell is our recommended upgrade pick.
If you want to see all the info for the best powerlifting in one place, jump back to our top picks table.
Make sure you check our ultimate guide to building a home gym. You’ll find the best tips and tricks to save space and money, while creating a high quality gym that suits you.
Hey there! I’m on the hunt for someone to test out the Ceros Power Bar from Gorila Fitness. Would it be possible to add it to your list? Thanks!
Thanks for the recommendation we’ll look into it thanks.