So I have created my garage gym. Rack, 2 barbells and about 400+ lbs in plates I've somehow collected over a few months. I love it so much, I stopped training myself at the gym I was head trainer at. My own music, rack always available, bars are always available and it's become a meeting place for all the fit folks in the neighborhood. It's been really fun.

Since barbells were scarce, I was able to purchase a Bells of Steel Utility bar with zinc coating. Why? It was the only bar I could find and once I got the notification that it was available again, I immediately bought it. Has power lifting and Olympic markings and a center Knurl. The Knurl is passive though. I'd rather it be a bit more aggressive. I've also noticed that the zinc coating combined with the passive Knurl mean I have to chalk up more or it can be slippery, especially when it's hot out. The other bar is a standard Troy bar. It's a cheaper bar and one a friend had. But it's fine and gets the job done.
My goal, get the Ohio Power Bar. Seems to get great reviews. Will buy it once it's available. Supposed to have a more aggressive Knurl with a unique "volcano" finish that, per reviews, doesn't cut into your hands as bad as the Texas Power Bar by Buddy Capps. I've used Tx Power bars at gyms and the Texas Dead lifting bar as well and am well aware of the Knurl. Hasn't been an issue but it sounds like the OPB might be a bit better. My biggest question is bare steel which can easily corrode or e-coating which is better on the corrosion scale. Which should I get? I am pretty OCD so I can easily oil and brush it and even will store it inside the house when not lifting. But i am a little nervous of a coating now that I see how slippery the zinc makes the bar (granted, with a very passive Knurl). Saw that B&Rs were available this week on Rogue's site but decided that if I am going to get a bare steel bar, save the $30 or so bucks and wait for the OPB as, per most reviews, is a "better" bar and cheaper. B&Rs are sold out now again.

What are some of your favorite barbells to train with? Why?

I have the All American Bar by Texas power bar and I really like it. I wanted the Ohio bar too, but couldn't get it. The All American Bar is similar to the Texas Power Bar, but the knurling isn't as harsh. It's been fine for my little baby hands.

aggiespartan said:

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I have the All American Bar by Texas power bar and I really like it. I wanted the Ohio bar too, but couldn't get it. The All American Bar is similar to the Texas Power Bar, but the knurling isn't as harsh. It's been fine for my little baby hands.

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Yes, saw that as well. And the Starting Strength bar by Buddy Capps. I have used the SS bar recently and really liked it and wondered if the AAB is the same or slightly different.

I have the Wonderbar from Fringe Sport. It was the first reasonably priced bar I could buy, so that's what I got. It's fine, but I would prefer the knurling to be a bit more aggressive. I would have purchased a Rogue bar, but couldn't get one, was never available during the entire time I was searching for equipment.

Also, I've noticed that 29MM seems to have replaced 28.5MM as the standard diameter for power lifting. I do a combo of both strength training and hypertrophy, so I am not sure if it even matters.

Capitol Ag said:

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aggiespartan said:

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I have the All American Bar by Texas power bar and I really like it. I wanted the Ohio bar too, but couldn't get it. The All American Bar is similar to the Texas Power Bar, but the knurling isn't as harsh. It's been fine for my little baby hands.

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Yes, saw that as well. And the Starting Strength bar by Buddy Capps. I have used the SS bar recently and really liked it and wondered if the AAB is the same or slightly different.

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It works for me. It's less aggressive than the TX bar, but it's a little more aggressive than the Ohio Bar that my gym had, but that could be due to so much use. I haven't used a Starting Strength bar. I went with the AAB because I had seen some reviews that said the knurling was less than the TX bar and I was a little worried about getting a bar that would completely tear up my hands.

I use the SS bars whenever I get the chance at my gym. Great bars. If I build my own gym, that's what I'm going with.

I grabbed an Ohio Power Bar over the summer when I got an in-stock alert. With black zinc coating. I wanted a coating simply because I live in a humid area and this stays in the garage. I wouldn't say it's slippery. When my hands aren't sweaty it's fine and doesn't cut into my hands. My hands sweat a lot though so I use chalk. But it's a great bar. Looks nice too.

Just lurking and learning from you guys. We're building a house and the plan is to get a rack and platform setup in the garage. Hoping to participate in my first powerlifting meet next year, just for the hell of it - I ain't breaking records. I'm not super picky about the bars I've used at gyms in the past but I believe a medium knurling would be best. I've used some aggressive and my hands get ripped up on deadlifts. I also like to OHP so having some grip on the narrow part of the bar would be preferred.

Do you guys have a rec for best budget bar? $150-250?

I'm thinking of getting either a titan fitness economy or atlas bar.

I just got a titan x3 power rack and for the money I don't think I can get a better rack. It's solid. I wonder if the barbells are the same.

If there's a piece of your equipment you shouldn't cheap out on it's the bar. Spend some money on a good bar or you'll hate it and end up not using it.

Cap Ob-86 is a good budget bar, or was. Bought mine two years ago for $110 and it is now $238

Sweet Kitten Feet said:

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If there's a piece of your equipment you shouldn't cheap out on it's the bar. Spend some money on a good bar or you'll hate it and end up not using it.

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I believe you. My current barbell is the Olympic barbell that came with the set I bought from Dicks Sporting Goods.

It's a 45lb barbell but has a weight limit of 300lb. ??? I'm no heavy lifter but obviously you can't Deadlift with that bar and when I do there is bend to it. Plus the sleeves don't spin that well.

So def need a new bar but once again I'm no power lifter so I don't need the best bar. Just something right in the middle. I'm impressed with the stuff I have purchased from Titan so I'm thinking their lower/mid tier bars might be what I need.

For a good budget bar, keep an eye on Rogue's Boneyard bars. Small blemishes and you typically have to go with whatever sleeve and finish they have available, but they are very solid Ohio bars for the price.

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-28-5-mm-boneyard-bars

I was able to snag a black cerakote OPB this summer (using Rogue Stock Bot and Distill) when building my gym, and it's a perfect bar. Knurling isn't too aggressive, but i still use chalk on DLs. Looks really really nice too. Worth the money, in my mind. I was about to pull the trigger on a Texas Power Bar when mine came in stock. I would recommend those as well.

Agreed on the X-3. I got the tall flat foot and it's been great. I can tell you that the random items I've bought from them have been high quality (plate pegs, spotter arms, barbell wall hanger, cable system) but I have no idea on their bars.

Also, if anyone wants a low pulley system for the X-3, they can have it. I wasn't thinking when i bought it. The flat foot X-3 doesn't have cross bars to attach the low pulley.

Fringe sport's Wonder Bar has been a great budget bar for me.
https://www.fringesport.com/collections/barbells/products/mens-olympic-wonder-barbell-20kg

Just got an in-stock alert on the Ohio bar.

https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-ohio-bar-black-oxide

CoolaidWade said:

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Do you guys have a rec for best budget bar? $150-250?

I'm thinking of getting either a titan fitness economy or atlas bar.

I just got a titan x3 power rack and for the money I don't think I can get a better rack. It's solid. I wonder if the barbells are the same.

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Spend the extra and get the Ohio bar with the black zinc coating. You won't regret it. I bought a Rogue echo bar at the the beginning of the pandemic and it has a stainless steel coating. Almost completely rusted out in 6 months.

Ended up having to buy the zinc bar so I had something available while trying to get all the rust off the stainless steel Rogue bar.

The cerakote option is great. I've had mine for over 6 months and it looks brand new.

Gumby said:

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CoolaidWade said:

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Do you guys have a rec for best budget bar? $150-250?

I'm thinking of getting either a titan fitness economy or atlas bar.

I just got a titan x3 power rack and for the money I don't think I can get a better rack. It's solid. I wonder if the barbells are the same.

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Spend the extra and get the Ohio bar with the black zinc coating. You won't regret it. I bought a Rogue echo bar at the the beginning of the pandemic and it has a stainless steel coating. Almost completely rusted out in 6 months.

Ended up having to buy the zinc bar so I had something available while trying to get all the rust off the stainless steel Rogue bar.

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Stainless or bare steel. Stainless should be the top of the line regarding corrosion. Tell Rogue, they may replace it for you. I've heard really good things about their customer service. A stainless steel bar should fully rust like that unless it's really really humid.

Prophet00 said:

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The cerakote option is great. I've had mine for over 6 months and it looks brand new.

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And you can customize some of the bars with maroon cerakote as well and even personalize it if you'd like.

Maroon/Black cerakote Ohio bar is actually in stock too if anyone has been holding out for one.

Capitol Ag said:

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Gumby said:

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CoolaidWade said:

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Do you guys have a rec for best budget bar? $150-250?

I'm thinking of getting either a titan fitness economy or atlas bar.

I just got a titan x3 power rack and for the money I don't think I can get a better rack. It's solid. I wonder if the barbells are the same.

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Spend the extra and get the Ohio bar with the black zinc coating. You won't regret it. I bought a Rogue echo bar at the the beginning of the pandemic and it has a stainless steel coating. Almost completely rusted out in 6 months.

Ended up having to buy the zinc bar so I had something available while trying to get all the rust off the stainless steel Rogue bar.

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Stainless or bare steel. Stainless should be the top of the line regarding corrosion. Tell Rogue, they may replace it for you. I've heard really good things about their customer service. A stainless steel bar should fully rust like that unless it's really really humid.

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Its in my garage in DC area near the coast. Humidity is around 70-80% in there. I got the Castro bar which they list as having the least amount of rust resistance. Was the only bar available at the time.

I may call them to ask how to get rid of the rust.

I have the rogue echo (also bought it at the beginning of the pandemic) and it is starting to rust, although it is still solid.

Gumby said:

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Capitol Ag said:

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Gumby said:

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CoolaidWade said:

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Do you guys have a rec for best budget bar? $150-250?

I'm thinking of getting either a titan fitness economy or atlas bar.

I just got a titan x3 power rack and for the money I don't think I can get a better rack. It's solid. I wonder if the barbells are the same.

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Spend the extra and get the Ohio bar with the black zinc coating. You won't regret it. I bought a Rogue echo bar at the the beginning of the pandemic and it has a stainless steel coating. Almost completely rusted out in 6 months.

Ended up having to buy the zinc bar so I had something available while trying to get all the rust off the stainless steel Rogue bar.

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Stainless or bare steel. Stainless should be the top of the line regarding corrosion. Tell Rogue, they may replace it for you. I've heard really good things about their customer service. A stainless steel bar should fully rust like that unless it's really really humid.

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Its in my garage in DC area near the coast. Humidity is around 70-80% in there. I got the Castro bar which they list as having the least amount of rust resistance. Was the only bar available at the time.

I may call them to ask how to get rid of the rust.

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How to restore a rusty barbell

I am in the market for an olympic bar and bumper plates. I think that is the right term. I want a bar and a bunch of rubber plates for floor based lifts. Figured I could get into this for sub $500 versus jumping right in to a rack and bench for a couple grand.

Ragoo said:

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I am in the market for an olympic bar and bumper plates. I think that is the right term. I want a bar and a bunch of rubber plates for floor based lifts. Figured I could get into this for sub $500 versus jumping right in to a rack and bench for a couple grand.

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It kind of depends on how many bumper plates you want, but that's probably going to be a low budget.

I've been trying to get bumper plates locally for a few months. Hard to find right now.

The Pilot said:

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I've been trying to get bumper plates locally for a few months. Hard to find right now.

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am I right that these are rubber plates? Something that you can drop to the ground without concern for damage.

Bumper plates, yes. Runner, bounce, won't damage your concrete in most cases. But I've still got stall mats down, and I don't drop from over head. Chest height is as high as I go on a drop. If you do a lot of that type of lifting or are dropping really heavy weights, it's not hard to build yourself a platform though.

Sweet Kitten Feet said:

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Bumper plates, yes. Runner, bounce, won't damage your concrete in most cases. But I've still got stall mats down, and I don't drop from over head. Chest height is as high as I go on a drop. If you do a lot of that type of lifting or are dropping really heavy weights, it's not hard to build yourself a platform though.

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i will get mats from tractor supply and will mostly do power clean and OH press and shoulder/back type lifts. I don't intend to drop but don't want cast iron plates.

Yeah you want bumpers. Get on the in stock alert lifts. I finally was able to order 4x45 and 2x25 rogue echo a few weeks back. Better to buy local and save on shipping, but with availability the way it is I just ate the shipping. I've got 10s 5s 2.5s in iron. IMO you really don't need bumper plates for those. I already had 4x45 and 2x25 iron. Will get more bumpers eventually, but we're ok right now.

If you are looking for weight equipment (bars, bumpers/plates, racks etc), then you need to get familiar with the Reddit r/homegym "In Stock" thread. In addition to alerts via the thread when items come in stock, there are some really good auto alerts via Discord that the FAQ in that thread will help you set up. Various Rogue bumpers and bars come in stock almost daily but you have to act fast. I ended up with a Raw Boneyard Ohio Bar (used indoors and I oil somewhat regularly) and Rogue Fleck bumpers after a few weeks of trying. Some of the people in that thread get hooked on buying stuff because of the high they get when it comes in stock. I have to admit it was kinda fun, but I stuck to my needs.

I've got an AB Elite and I love it - no slop between the shaft and the sleeves and the knurling is great. Also - no rust!

https://americanbarbell.com/collections/bars/products/american-barbell-elite-power-bar