Best Rogue barbell – Top 10 Picks and Buyer’s Guide

Yesterday was leg day. Today it’s find-a-Rogue-barbell-without-spending-a-fortune day.

Many of the 50+ barbells I own are Rogue.

I’ve accumulated the collection over the two decades of being a weightlifting trainer and owning a gym. I know how they compare to one another and similar barbells from other brands.

And there are nuggets of experience on this page that will surprise you.

And it’s not all good…believe you me.

To choose the best, we compared ALL Rogue barbells in 17 quality categories and tried to make the choices versatile…choose a barbell for you, whatever your needs and budget…big or small, classic or specialized.

Related

We test, rate, and write about all things home gym – if you swear by Rogue, you’ll also be interested in the guide on the best Rogue squat racks. If you change your mind and want to spend less, see our picks for best budget barbells here (spoiler alert: there’s still some Rogue fairy dust sprinkled in there).

Editor’s note:

This guide was last updated in January 2025. We cut down the number of picks from 11 to 10 because our female readers weren’t really interested in the Oly 25 mm bar and preferred the Bella as the more versatile option.

We also tweaked the ratings to put more emphasis on versatility – upped the gravity of that factor group from 25 to 33.

Compare the best Rogue barbells

	Overall Ohio Check price	Euro Check price	Ohio Power Check price	Ohio Deadlift Check price	Bella 2.0 Check price	C-70S Check price	Curl Bar Check price	SB-1 Check price	TB-2 Check price	MG-3 Check price
Best for	Overall	Olympic WL	Powerlifting	Deadlift	Women	Short	Curl	Safety Squat Bar	Trap Bar	Swiss Bar
Rating (*)
Quality	93%	97%	94%	93%	89%	90%	91%	91%	90%	90%
Versatility	92%	74%	85%	66%	82%	74%	66%	49%	60%	70%
Reviews & reputation	94%	88%	95%	90%	90%	87%	93%	84%	84%	82%
Value for Money	71%	49%	77%	63%	76%	77%	80%	55%	60%	71%
Bar Type	Multipurpose	Olympic WL	Powerlifting	Deadlift	Women	Short Multipurpose	EZ Curl	Safety Squat Bar	Trap	Multi-Grip
Bushing/ bearing	Composite Bushings	Needle Bearings	Bronze Bushings	Bushings	Bronze Bushings	Bushings	Bushings	N/A	N/A	N/A
Bar diameter (mm)	28.5	28	29	27	25	28.5	28.5	38.1 - Shaft; 25.4 - Handles	48.5 - Shaft; 34 - Handles	31.75
Length (")	86.75	86.6	86.52	90.5	79.13	72	54.5	93	88.5	82
Loadable sleeve length (")	16.4	16.25	16.25	15.5	13	8.88	10.5	16	16	14
Knurl	Multi	Olympic	Agressive	Aggressive	Multi	Multi	Multi	N/A	Medium	Medium
Knurl Marks	Dual	Single	Single	Single	Dual	Dual	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Center knurl	No	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	No	N/A	N/A	N/A
Shaft coating	Cerakote	Stainless Steel	Black E-Coat	Cerakote	Cerakote	Cerakote	Black E-Coat	Black Cerakote	Black Powder Coat	Black Powder Coat
Sleeve coating	Cerakote	Stainless Steel	Bright Zinc	Cerakote	Chrome or Proprietary Matte Black	Bright Zinc	Bright Zinc	Black Cerakote	Black Powder Coat	Black Powder Coat
Tensile strength (k PSI)	190	215	205	190	190	190	110	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown
Rackable?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No	Yes
Warranty	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime construction warranty	Lifetime	5-year	Lifetime	Lifetime	Lifetime
Bar weight (lbs)	45	45	45	45	33	33	30	70	17	43
Sleeve size (")	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2
Price	$$$	$$$$$	$$$	$$$$	$$$	$$$	$$	$$$$$	$$$$	$$$

Our testing and selection process

How we test and score the Rogue bars

We approached the task from the position of 2 buyer groups:

1. Those who want the Rogue logo on their barbell but don’t want to splurge.
2. Those who want the logo and don’t care about the price.

We crafted a rating formula of 17 factors which fall into 4 groups: quality, versatility, reputation/reviews, and value for money.

Below is a breakdown of the stuff we tested and rated.

Quality of the Rogue barbells (29%)

• Durability and longevity (8%)
  • Steel used (0.5%) – an elusive factor that comes down to tensile strength and some industry gossip about the % of the 11 elements that make up steel (from Carbon, Manganese, and Chromium as a plus for hardening to Phosphorus and Sulfur as negatives).
    
    Takeaway for you – along with Eleiko and Kabuki, Rogue uses some of the best steel in the industry. It’s a minor factor that we use internally to geek out.
  • Tensile strength (4%) – higher tensile strength is an indicator of top-grade steel but also lower oscillations and whip. All Rogue barbells are in the 190-215K range (190-200 is the sweet spot for multi-use bars).
  • RWH treatment (1.5%) – the Coca-Cola recipe of the fitness industry – no one outside Rogue knows what it is exactly, but everyone knows it’s a good thing.
    The RWH-treated bar is more resistant to drops…Rogue says 3 times more.
  • F score (2%) – combines a bunch of factors to describe durability. It ranges from F1 to F16-R (the R marks use of RWH).
    
    In simple terms, the higher the F score, the more durable the barbell (and typically more expensive).
    
    Should you be chasing RWH and high F scores?
    
    I’d only obsess over it if I was doing CrossFit and dropping barbells.
    
    But you don’t really have a choice here because most top barbells are in the F6-R to F10-R range.
    
    Below is a reference graph to illustrate the F score and RWH.

• Weight capacity (1%) – Rogue doesn’t list the weight capacity, probably to stand out from the cheap barbells and lesser brands.
  
  We “guess” it for internal use and add a sliver of that to the rating.
• Finishes of the shaft (4%) – we award the more resistant shaft finishes like hard chrome, Cerakote, or stainless steel.
  
  You can see the range of resistance illustrated below.

• Sleeves of a Rogue barbell – resistance, and noise-dampening (3%) – this factor compares the sleeves and awards those more resistant to wear/corrosion and those that make less noise (tight fit and minimal tolerances in the bushings/bearings).
  
  * The 3rd factor would be the surface (grooved or smooth), but we didn’t award points for it because neither is universally better.

• Attention to detail (2%) – awards minor stuff like laser etching instead of labels.

Versatility of the Rogue bars (33%)

• Dimensions – length and thickness (10%) – because we’re a home gym website, we gave a slight advantage to barbells that are ~87 ” long with a 28.5mm shaft diameter, and 16+ inches of loadable sleeve space.
  
  Two groups don’t match those numbers: specialty and women’s barbells.

• Whip/rigidity of rogue barbell (9%) – awards medium whip because it’s best for home gyms.
  
  It comes down to 3 things: tensile/yield strength, shaft thickness, and barbell length.
• Knurling (8%)
  • Aggressiveness – low-gravity rating in terms of our math, but makes all the difference for you. The most versatile bars are grippy but not abrasive (like Ohio multipurpose).
    
    But Rogue also carries the beastly 2 or 3x Aggro for powerlifters with calloused palms who aren’t afraid of the shred (close-up below).
  • Central knurl (3%) – no points awarded but it deserves a mention. Most multi-use Rogue bars have no center knurl, except the Chan and Echo.
  • Knurl markings (3%) – the dual markings are convenient for general use and make a barbell more versatile. We awarded it.

• Spin mechanism – for most people, composite bushings will be best, closely followed by bronze.
  
  For Oly lifts, you want more spin that comes from the needle bearings.
• Grip (how the finish affects the knurling) – we awarded finishes that don’t affect the grip, like stainless or bare steel.

Brand reputation & reviews (14%)

Because we’re looking at one brand, this group comes down to 5 things:

1. Current ratings of the barbell (7%) – a fairly self-explanatory factor.
2. Historical ratings and trends (2%) – we filter the results and look for trends of improvement or decline. When they’re conclusive, we award or deduct points.
3. The seriousness of the issues in the 1 and 2-star ratings (3%) – a rating that looks to offset/emphasize the negative experiences. It’s most useful when analyzed simultaneously with #2 above – because it shows if they pay attention and adapt.
   
   In other words – it’s not the same if most people have an issue with the end-caps color or the aggressiveness of the knurl.
4. First-hand experiences and use (2%) – our own and that of other professionals in the industry.

*Because we get a lot of the data from the “horse’s mouth,” (Rogue website) we add an adjustment factor.

That’s not because we think Rogue is deleting negative reviews, but because it makes it easier to compare to barbells from other brands (especially those from Amazon).

Worth mentioning (5th factor) – mystery shopping and response times (0%)

We test the waters by sending out pre and post-purchase emails and recording stats about the responses

It’s 0% in this guide because we’re only looking at one brand…with industry-leading customer service.

Personal note: Based on a hunch, I’ve tested the hypothesis of Rogue having “tiers” and prioritizing the more expensive products in customer service. I’ve found no proof of it…’twas but a bad hunch.

Value for money (24%)

Much lower gravity for value (typically 35+ percent) because we’re looking at one premium brand.

We create meaningful price ranges based on 3 things:

1. What most people need.
2. What the extra money gets you.
3. The point of diminishing returns.

There is a price line where you start paying for stuff you probably won’t notice.

Among multipurpose bars, I’d put that line at 350-400 bucks.

Let’s look at some numbers to illustrate:

1. The price bump between the Ohio bar finished in black zinc or oxide and stainless steel is 20-25%.
   
   There’s no doubt you’ll notice the difference – in grip (short term) and resistance (long term).

But you won’t pop that $400 barrier.

2. The price bump between a regular Ohio Cerakote and the Chan bar will also be 20-25%.
   
   But the differences will be more subtle – a fine center knurl, the all-black look and a greater distance between the knurled sections.
   
   Yet, it will take you over the 400-bucks ceiling.

Does that make sense?

Find the perfect Rogue bar for you

Best Overall | Olympic Weightlifting | Powerlifting | Deadlift | Women | Short | Curl | Safety Squat Bar | Trap Bar | Swiss Bar

1. Best men’s multipurpose bar from Rogue – Ohio bar

Overall Best Rogue Bar

Ohio

Quick specs

Length – total and loadable sleeves – 86.75 / 16.4”

Diameter – 28.5 mm

Tensile strength – 190K PSI (200K PSI for the stainless steel)

F Rating* – F8-R (F10-R for stainless steel)

Check price

Rogue Ohio has the best balance between price and CrossFit-oriented characteristics.

91/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

93

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

92

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

94

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

71

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I’m a fan of the balance between steel hardness and knurling – hardened ETD150 steel with a medium knurl feels sticky and crisp but not sharp. That’s what you want from a multipurpose bar.
• The spin feels well-balanced and the mechanism needs no maintenance – the composite bushings are spinny enough for snatches and cleans, yet calm enough for power lifts.

Main grievances – what could be better

• I’d like to see a mild center knurl – it wouldn’t take anything away but would be a plus for squats.

Pros & cons

Pros

• High rating on the Rogue durability scale (F8-R) – it can take more abuse (read: drops).
• Shaft treated with Rogue Work Hardening (RWH) – lasts much longer than untreated shafts (three times longer if we take Rogue’s word on it).
• Cerakote finish – makes the shaft corrosion-resistant, and it takes color better than any other finish.
• The tensile strength of the steel is 190K PSI – the sweet spot range between hardness and flexibility.
• Composite bushings on the sleeves – spin is as good as that of bronze with far less maintenance.
• Optional sleeve coating (Cerakote or hard Chrome) – you can prioritize higher resistance of Cerakote or smoother plate slide of Chrome.
• Medium knurl with dual marks – the standard knurl has a grippy bite without a “grate-y” feel. Basically, you’ll get plenty of grip without ripping the skin off your hands.

Cons

• Cerakote slightly dulls the knurling – it’s less grippy than a bare shaft.

Bottom Line

Rogue Ohio Bar is probably the best-known barbell in the home gym community…and with good reasons.

• It’s the most versatile barbell Rogue makes.
• It’s just as good as some barbells that cost twice as much (like Eleiko XF).
• It has a slight (or not-so-slight) edge over any competitor in its price range (like the REP Colorado).
• It’s substantially better than any cheaper barbell I know – from build and materials to details.

Read more about the Rogue Ohio

If you made a list of everything that stands out about a Rogue barbell, the Ohio bar is all that and a bag of chips.

You start with ETD150 steel, harden it, knurl it precisely, finish it off with Cerakote, and you get a barbell that’s next to impossible to improve on.

The best part is the price tag!

Going back 10 years you would never imagine you’d be able to get a bar like this for this price.

Its durability rating on the Rogue’s scale is F8-R, which is as high as it gets for a multipurpose bar. The R indicates that it’s been treated with Rogue Work Hardening – nobody outside of Rogue knows what that means exactly, but it makes a bar 3 times more durable (or so they say).

In plain terms, the higher the score, the longer the projected lifespan under duress. For home gym use, Rogue Ohio is an indestructible bar.

If you did the “drop-math” for a Crossfit gym, it comes out to about two and a half million drops. Bite my tail and call me an apple ’cause that’s insane. It’s basically the last bar you’d ever buy.

One question remains still… Do you need a bar like that?!

Do you need a bar you can drop two million times?

No?

What if it was bright red??

In all seriousness…you probably don’t “need” it. But when’s the last time “need” got in the way of “want” for an iron-pumping buff?

To sum it all up, all the talk about rabid durability isn’t about bending the bar. For a home gym owner, it indicates how the bar will “behave” over the years… that’s where the rubber meets the road.

In those terms, Rogue Ohio is a home gym heirloom.

Check the Rogue Ohio price and overview here.

2. Best Rogue bar for Olympic weightlifting – Euro Bar 28 mm

Best Olympic Rogue Bar

Euro Bar

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 86.75 and 16.4 “

Knurl type – standard/medium

Tensile strength – 215 PSI

F Rating* – F6-R

Check price

Euro is the top value among the 4 men’s Olympic barbells from Rogue (Olympic, 28mm Olympic Weightlifting, Pyrros, and Euro).

88/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

97

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

74

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

88

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

49

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I love how “springy” it is. It’s the whippiest of any Rogue bar I know or have tested but somehow never feels like it’s pulling you.
• And I’ve seen it happen way too often with elastic barbells like this (yes, even some IWF-certified bars).
• The clean and minimal design reminds me of Eleiko – polished chrome with no frills gets the right message across – “Time for work.”
• Although spinny, the Euro feels calm in hand – minimal side-to-side play and smooth, with no “catches” or rough spots in the rotation.
• It’s impressively quiet on drops – this isn’t about the noise, but about what the quiet says about the needle bearings and the tolerances between the shaft and the sleeves.

Main grievances – what could be better

• The knurling is a peg less aggressive than most Oly bars I know – it’s a subtle difference that most lifters won’t notice unless they’re transitioning from a more aggressive bar.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Higher tensile strength (215K PSI) – can handle more weights without bending.
• The sleeves are friction-welded – more precise than other joining methods. That increases the structural integrity of the sleeves and makes them (practically) change-proof.
• F6-R score on the durability scale – high resistance to drops and a long lifespan.
• Thinner shaft (28 mm) – easier to grip (especially for a double overhand grip) and whippier, making it more suitable for Olympic lifts.
• IWF certified (approved for weightlifting competitions), which means no surprises come competition day.
• Ten needle bearings in the sleeves – smoother spin means lower the stress on your wrists.
• The center is knurled for extra traction and easier alignment between you and the barbell.

Cons

• One of the most expensive Rogue bars – costs about 70-80% more than an Ohio bar.

Bottom Line

In my opinion, the Euro beats the Rogue Oly WL bar by a thin margin.

The main reasons for that are:

• Higher tensile strength of the steel (215 vs 200 K PSI) and different composition.
• It’s a bit whippier (although you’ll see people saying they’re the same…that’s how small the difference is).

The trade-off is its place on the F scale, which is F6-R for the Euro and F8-R for the Oly WL.

That’s a negligible difference that’s not really relevant for home gyms.

For reference, here’s what it means – if you dropped the two bars 274 times every day (~10.000 times a year), the Euro would last about 18 years, and OLY WL approximately 6 years longer.

In more practical terms – both bars will last FOREVER in a home gym.

Outside of the Rogue brand, some bars cost more but aren’t better in any meaningful way.

For example, the Eleiko Olympic competition costs about twice as much.

3. Best Rogue bar for powerlifting – Ohio power bar

Best Rogue Powerlifting Bar

Rogue Ohio Power Bar

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 86.52“ and 16.25“

Shaft thickness -29mm

Knurl type – deep/aggressive

Tensile strength – 205 PSI

Check price

Rogue Ohio Power bar is the best value among powerlifting barbells, and that goes beyond the Rogue brand.

86/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

94

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

85

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

95

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

77

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I feel the rigidity is just right and the bar feels very calm in hand.
• Knurling on the Ohio Power is grippier than most, especially if you get the stainless steel shaft – it’s easily comparable to bars that cost 2-3 times as much.
• For the money, I dare say it’s my favorite on the market.

Main grievances – what could be better

• The basic version is not IPF-certified, but there’s a 20kg version that is. That one exists separately on Rogue’s website but doesn’t come with stainless-steel sleeves.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Volcano knurling – yields a better grip than standard without being overly aggressive.
• Thicker shaft – makes for a more rigid barbell than “regular.”
• E-coat of the sleeves – highly corrosion and wear-resistant
• Available in IPF-approved specs – weighing 20 kg ~ (44.09 lbs)
• Tensile strength in the sweet spot for a power bar (205K PSI) – strong but flexible
• High durability rating on the Rogue scale (F8-R) – paired with Rogue Work Hardening makes the bar resistant to drops.

Cons

• E-coat dulls the knurling of a peg – it might feel passive if you’re transitioning from super-aggressive barbells (like a stainless or bare steel bar)
• Not the most rigid power bar out there – if you’re looking for zero flex or whip, you can do better with outlier bars like the Kabuki New Generation (250K tensile strength)

Bottom Line

Rogue Ohio Power Bar is the top value among powerlifting bars.

Barbells that are better in some small ways, like the Chewy by American Barbell or Eleiko Competition, cost 2 and 3 times more, respectively.

The main difference between Ohio and Chewy is the knurling, but I don’t think there’s one person out there who’d say, “Yes, I definitely need more tips on the knurl, let me pay double for it.”

On the other hand, power barbells that cost less aren’t close to Ohio…primarily in terms of finishes, knurling, and spin.

4. Best Rogue bar for deadlifting – Ohio Deadlift

Best Rogue Deadlift Bar

Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 90.5“ and 15.5“

Shaft thickness – 27mm

Knurl type – deep/aggressive

Tensile strength – 190K PSI

Check price

Rogue Deadlift is the only true deadlift bar from the brand, but it’s the top value on the market.

80/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

93

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

66

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

90

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

63

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

I haven’t used the Ohio Deadlift, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ll come back and report the hands-on experiences when I do.

Pros & cons

Pros

• It’s thinner and whippier – the 27-mm is more flexible, has more whip, and is easier to grip. If you’ve never used a deadlift bar before, you’ll likely blast through a PR or two, primarily because you lose less strength getting the bar off the ground.
• It’s longer – this puts the plates further apart and adds to the whip. Again, you might lift a lick more than with a standard bar.
• Longer shaft, shorter sleeves – same reasoning as above – to house the weight further apart.
• Knurling is a bit deeper than in a standard Ohio bar – it’s the same pattern made more aggressive by a touch of extra depth. Pair it with a thick shaft, and this one’s not slipping.

Cons

• It’s noisy on drops – not a big deal for a home gym, but it does make a ruckus when dropped. It’s probably because the spin is not critical, so the bushings might not be machined as precisely (more space between the parts).
• It’s a thin-shafted bar – if you’re used to pulling bars that are 28-32mm thick, at first the 27mm will feel like a pencil! You’ll quickly get over this though.

Bottom Line

Rogue only makes one classic barbell dedicated to deadlifts – this one. So, there’s no in-house competition.

The only real competitor is the Texas Bar by Buddy Caps.

These two have the same tensile strength, shaft thickness, and sleeve length.

The Texas bar is 2 inches longer, so there’s a subtle difference in the whip. The knurling feels similar at lower weights but Rogue’s is more “bitey” as you move up.

I would say (and this might raise some eyebrows) that Rogue’s Zinc is superior in the long run. I’m basing that on conversations I had with friends who own both bars.

5. Best Rogue barbell for women – Bella 2.0

Rogue Bar For Women

Rogue Bella 2.0

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 79.13“ and 13“

Shaft thickness – 25mm

Knurl type – deep/aggressive

Tensile strength – 190K PSI

Check price

The second version of the Bella bar is a premium multipurpose barbell for women – it’s pricey but much better than the cheaper options.

85/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

89

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

82

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

90

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

76

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

I obviously haven’t used the Bella, my conclusions are based on talking to female friends from the industry who own it.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Highly resistant Cerakote finish and RWH-treated – likely to last a lifetime in-home gym conditions (F6-R on the Rogue durability scale).
• Stunning colors – you can choose a combo to match the aesthetics of your gym or your favorite colors.

Cons

• Premium price point – Cerakote costs 10-20% more than other versions of the Bella bar.

Bottom Line

Rogue makes two multipurpose bars for women – the Bella and the Operator.

For the life of me, I can’t find a substantial difference between the two apart from the colors. I emailed Rogue customer service about this and am still waiting for a response.

It seems to me that the Operator is Bella, only finished in military-themed Cerakote.

It looks cool but isn’t worth the extra bucks unless that’s precisely the look you’re going for.

If it is, splurge away!

6. Best short rackable bar from Rogue – C-70S

Best Rogue Short Bar

Rogue C-70S

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 72“ and 8.875“

Shaft thickness – 28.5mm

Knurl type – standard/medium

Tensile strength – 190K PSI

Check price

C70-S is a short but rackable hybrid bar that can be a massive plus if you’re working with limited space or want more control on bicep curls, tricep extensions, or lunges.

83/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

90

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

74

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

87

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

77

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I like the added feeling of stability – certain moves just feel unnatural with a classic bar.
• I love how it feels on curls and extensions – the added control goes beyond the length. The uniform, balanced spin is what separates this from cheaper shorty bars.
• The added maneuverability is awesome – navigating around racks with the option to rack the bar if I want is liberating.

Main grievances – what could be better

• I feel we deserve hard chrome sleeves for this price – Zinc will chip faster.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Shorter than a standard bar (72″ long compared to 86″) – makes a massive difference in tight spaces.
• Rackable with a generous 52 inches of collar-to-collar distance – this makes it more versatile and user-friendly – you can use it for anything, from squats to bench presses.
• Sleep spin similar to the Ohio bar – reduces your risk of injury without becoming too clunky (common in sub-par shorties).
• Cerakote finish – it’s more corrosion-resistant than any short bar from other brands.

Cons

• Shorter sleeves (8.875) – can’t take as many plates as a standard barbell.

Bottom Line

Two comparisons make sense here:

1. In-house – compared to the Original C-70.
2. The whole market – to cheaper shorty bars like GetRXd or Titan.

In-house comparison

For most home gyms, the C70-S is better than the Original C-70 because it’s rackable.

It’s not as short (72 vs. 69 inches) but that’s a much lesser issue than moving it in and out of corners.

Compared to GetRXd shorty

Although 2 inches longer and not as polished, GetRXd is the better value.

The tensile strength is the same, but GetRXd has longer sleeves finished in hard chrome.

I’ll put it like this – C70-S is the better bar, but it shouldn’t cost double.

Compared to other cheaper shorties

Comparing the C70-S to the likes of Titan 60” doesn’t make much sense because they exist in different quality plains.

Titan’s bar is 3-4 times cheaper, but made of inferior steel (110K PSI) and covered in basic chrome.

It will chip before you can say Jack Robinson.

In my opinion, the only real use for it is deciding whether you need a shorty bar in the first place.

7. The classic Rogue curl bar

Best Rogue Curl Bar

Rogue Curl

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 54.5“ and 10.5“

Shaft thickness – 28.5mm

Knurl type – medium

Tensile strength – 110K PSI

Check price

The non-rackable version of the Rogue curl bar is our top pick because it costs about 50 bucks less.

83/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

91

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

66

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

93

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

80

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I feel that the ergonomy is spot on and feels natural, both on narrow and wide grips.

Main grievances – what could be better

• It’s not rackable…but there is a longer, rackable curl bar from Rogue.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Ergonomically angled grip – will feel more natural for some exercises (like preacher curls) and lower the risk of a wrist injury.
• Increases muscle activation compared to dumbbell and straight bar curls (as per this study) – you can isolate the biceps more effectively.

Cons

• Rogue curls bars cost more – you can get a decent EZ bar for 30-50% less.

Bottom Line

The classic non-rackable version of the Rogue EZ bar is top-rated by a thin margin because it costs less.

About 20-40% less, depending on the finish you chose.

In my experience, Cerakote feels very similar to an e-coat.

So much so that 50% of lifters couldn’t tell the difference if their life depended on it – that’s my estimate.

E-coat affects the knurling a bit less and feels sharper.

But it is less resistant to corrosion.

Three key points are:

• If you’re an advanced lifter, you’re probably better off with a grippy stainless steel bar like the REP EZ Curl.
• There’s little chance of making a mistake by choosing one over the other finish.
• If you have the space and the extra bucks, go with the rackable bar.

If you want to explore what other curl bars the market offers at the moment, be sure to check out our best curl bar article.

8. Rogue SB-1 Safety Squat bar

Best Rogue Safety Bar

Rogue SB-1

Quick specs

Total length – 93”

Handle thickness – 1”

Finish – Cerakote

Check price

Out of the 3 safety squat bars Rogue sells, only the SB-1 actually carries their logo…it’s also much cheaper than the other 2 (Kabuki Transformer and Marrs-Bar).

74/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

91

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

49

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

84

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

55

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I like the build and the finish – the shaft thickness, the camber depth, the Cerakote…all right on the money.

Main grievances – what could be better

• The padding should be better…scratch that, it MUST be better.
  
  It’s closed-cell foam but I feel there should be more of it. Or there should be a layer of something more elastic over the foam. In a word – it needs more rigidity.
  
  As is, the weight distribution feels off and there’s too much neck pressure.
• I feel this one’s built for guys bigger than me…the handles are too far apart.

Pros & cons

Pros

• Robust metal construction ensures long-term durability.
• Premium Cerakote coating provides enhanced protection and aesthetic appeal.
• Precision engineering with fully welded joints.

Cons

• Prone to surface scratching on the sleeves and the frame.

Bottom Line

There are better camber bars, but not in the Rogue universe.

If you’re a Rogue fan and not an advanced lifter, the SB-1 probably won’t disappoint.

I still feel it could use a padding upgrade.

For that reason alone, I’d recommend other camber bars over it:

• Titan V2 or Bells of Steel SS4 if you wanna spend conservatively.
• Kabuki Transformer if you’re a lucky SOB who can afford it.

9. Rogue trap bar recommendation – the TB-2

Best Rogue Trap Bar

Rogue TB-2

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 88.5“ and 16“

Handle diameter – 1.34”

Distance between handles – 25”

Width (front-to-back) – 28.5”

Check price

Rogue makes two trap/hex bars and TB-2 is the better option for most people because the extra handles make it more versatile.

79/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

90

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

60

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

84

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

60

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• I like the powder coat…now there’s a sentence I rarely say.
• I’m generally not a fan of powder coats, but Rogue’s is more resistant than your average cheap stuff.
• It feels comfortable – it’s wide enough to never think about scraping your shins on the way up (and that’s a common issue with trap bars).
• I love the knurl – probably the best on the hex-bar market, grippy but not sharp.

Main grievances – what could be better

• None!

Pros & cons

Pros

• Dual handles for versatile lifting heights.
• Rackable for expanded exercise options.

Cons

• Powder-coated sleeves may chip over time.

Bottom Line

The difference between Rogue’s trap bars (TB-1 and TB-2) is the extra set of handles.

Two sets are far more convenient and easier on the back, especially for the taller folk.

It can also be a tool to overload because you can pull more with the upper handles (or a regular bar).

On the other hand…

The classic in-line TB-1 allows for a greater range of motion…

10. Best Rogue multi-grip bar – MG-3

Best Rogue Multi-Grip Bar

Rogue MG-3

Quick specs

Length, total, and loadable sleeves – 82“ and 14“

Handle thickness – 1.25”

Handle spacing – 10, 20 and 28.5 “

Weight – 43 lbs

Check price

Even with all the updates to the MG-4, the MG-3 is still the superior bar for most people.

82/100 Overall Score We score Rogue barbells based on objective data and testing by our team of certified personal trainers and experts. Our 22 scoring factors are weighted based on importance to showcase the best product. Click here to read our full review guidelines

90

Quality (29%) Looks at details that separate the bars like RWH treatment, place on the F scale, and finishes.

70

Versatility (33%) Awards the multipurpose and (some) power bars - those that make for a good main barbell and work for all lift types.

82

Reputation & reviews (14%) Looks beyond the generally flawless Rogue reputation and nitpicks at experiences with specific barbells.

71

Value for money (24%) Awards high-end materials and builds at lower price points. Finding true value in the Rogue line-up is tricky but absolutely possible.

Summary of personal experiences, tests, and opinions

Main praises – what I like

• It feels overbuilt and I like it because the weight and size are balanced. If you’re new to multi-grip bars, the extra size might take getting used to.
• I like how the finishes feel and look, especially the welds.

Main grievances – what could be better

• I know it would cost more, but I’d like to see standard Olympic sleeves (like on the new MG-4).

Pros & cons

Pros

• Multiple grip options for versatility.
• Knurled handles for a secure grip.

Cons

• Powder-coated sleeves wear over time.
• Non-Olympic sleeves need specialty collars.

Bottom Line

The MG-3 is still the best multi-grip bar from Rogue, even in the new lineup with the 3 versions of the MG-4.

It’s the most robust and beautiful in its simplicity.

MG-3 is proof that, if executed well, fixed handles on a multi-grip bar aren’t a downside.

IT IS NOT the best value on the market.

It costs 50-60% more than the Arch Nemesis by Bells of Steel or Valor’s OB-Multi.

You can see our complete list of the best multi-grip barbells here.

The bottom line

I spent well over 50 hours to complete this research on the best Rogue barbells.

As always, though, the info I share in this article is as accurate as it is insightful.

For the vast majority of men looking for a multipurpose bar for a home gym, the Rogue Ohio bar is the way to go.

The Bella Bar 2.0 is the queen of the women’s bar domain. Again, the finish that stands out is Cerakote.

You can skip back to the table with all our top picks by clicking here.