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Rogue Fitness is known for making some of the best barbells in the world. However, not every bar is the best for you training, which is why I want to detail the best Rogue barbells. Rogue use US-sourced steel, make them in Columbus, Ohio, and have a dedication to great specs, customer service, and lifetime warranties. I have now used every barbell they make and wanted to provide an honest assessment and review on each one.
Rogue Fitness is known for making some of the best barbells in the world. However, not every bar is the best for you training, which is why I want to detail the best Rogue barbells. Rogue use US-sourced steel, make them in Columbus, Ohio, and have a dedication to great specs, customer service, and lifetime warranties. I have now used every barbell they make and wanted to provide an honest assessment and review on each one.
Why You Should Trust Us
Rogue Bar 2.0
There are few, if any people that have used a wider variety of barbells than I have(I try to say that with humility, in the end, it’s just steel so there’s not much to brag about, but I believe the statement holds water.) I own over 100 different bars (not 100 of the same bar, but all different varieties) from Olympic Barbells to specialty bars, have visited Rogue Fitness to see, touch, and use what they had on display, and am one of the few people who have seen, in person, the manufacturing of Rogue barbells in Columbus, Ohio. Rogue barbells aren’t the only barbells worth considering, there are many from competitors like Eleiko, Kabuki Strength, Buddy Capps Texas Power Bar, Uesaka, DHS, and a myriad of other companies that are worth researching. But, for most people, a Rogue Barbell with a lifetime warranty and a high standard of customer service is a hard barbell not to recommend.
Best Value Bar
Rogue Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
- Barbell made in the USA
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Multiple composite bushings
- 28.5 mm shaft diameter
- Dual knurl marks for Olympic lifts or powerlifting
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Made in the USA
- Multiple composite bushings
- Good value
- 28.5 mm diameter with dual knurl marks for versatility
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Black zinc coating can fade over time
- Passive knurling
Bottom Line
The Rogue 2.0 Bar is a good barbell with great value. With a good tensile strength and versatile use, this is a great multipurpose bar for the home gym.
Best Powerlifting Bar
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Product Highlights
- Volcano knurl provides a great grip
- IPF-approved
- Lifetime warranty
- Four coating options: bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, and stainless steel
- 205K PSI tensile strength
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value
- Volcano knurl
- Fantastic grip
- IPF-approved
- Lifetime warranty
- Four coating options: bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, and stainless steel
- Made in the USA
- 205K PSI tensile strength
- F-8R rating
- Self-oiling bronze bushings
Cons
- 205K PSI tensile strength is not the strongest on the market
- Some may feel the knurling is too passive
- Bare steel Version rusts quickly
Bottom Line
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is the power bar we recommend most often. You cannot spend less and get a better bar. You can spend more, and depending on your preferences get something maybe better, but even then, it's debatable.
Best Weightlifting Bar
Rogue Pyrros Bar – 28MM
Product Highlights
- IWF-certified barbell co-developed with 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Pyrros Dimas
- Made in the USA
- 20KG Olympic Bearing Bar (International Weightlifting Federation standards)
- Stainless steel or chrome finishes
- 28-mm diameter
- 5 needle bearings per sleeve
- Tensile Strength of 200,000 PSI
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High tensile strength
- Needle bearings
- IWF-certified
- Tight tolerances
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Expensive
- Knurling can be too aggressive for some
Bottom Line
The Pyrros Bar is the best Olympic Weightlifting Bar that Rogue offers. Its price reflects it's quality and it should be compared to the many top options available before purchased. However, Rogue has other options that are both cheaper and still receive great reviews. If you are shopping on a budget, look somewhere else. If you're a dedicated Olympic Weightlifter and want the best American made barbell, this is it.
Best Value CrossFit Bar
Rogue Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
- Barbell made in the USA
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Multiple composite bushings
- 28.5 mm shaft diameter
- Dual knurl marks for Olympic lifts or powerlifting
- Lifetime warranty
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Made in the USA
- Multiple composite bushings
- Good value
- 28.5 mm diameter with dual knurl marks for versatility
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Black zinc coating can fade over time
- Passive knurling
Bottom Line
The Rogue 2.0 Bar is a good barbell with great value. With a good tensile strength and versatile use, this is a great multipurpose bar for the home gym.
What’s the knurling like: Being designed for a variety of movements, and specifically movements performed with wide rep ranges, the knurling on this bar is pretty passive. I wouldn’t consider it passive as there are much smoother knurlings out there, but it feels nothing like a power bar, which can be a good thing for some movements, and not as good for others.
Why it’s great: The Rogue Bar 2.0 should be Rogue’s Flagship barbell. I say that it should be and not that it is because the Rogue Ohio Bar takes that spot. However, I think the Rogue Bar 2.0 isn’t advertised as much or has as many options for shaft coatings is because it’s at a lower price than the Ohio Bar with essentially the same specs. So, for about $30 less, you get the same specs, including warranty as the Ohio Bar with a different name.
I’ve had this bar for nearly 5 years. In that time, I’ve used it in my garage gym with various humidity and temperature levels (as high as 105°F and as low as -5°F.) In addition, it’s been used in my personal training studio by people who care about the equipment much less than I do and been dropped overhead more times than I can count. Despite all of this, the bar is still straight as an arrow, spins better than the day I got it, and although there’s fading to the black zinc shaft and some surface rust, with some brushing and a little oil, it looks good enough to take out to dinner.
I really do think this is the best value barbell on the market. There are bars with better features like colored Cerakote shafts, deeper knurling, and faster spinning sleeves, but for something that gets the job done and will do so for decades at a price anyone starting a home gym should be able to afford, this is my pick, and not just from Rogue, but from everyone in the market.
Flaws, but not dealbreakers: Here’s the problem with a catch-all barbell like the Rogue Bar 2.0, or any product for that matter, it’s going to be serviceable for everything, but not as good as the specialty items for a certain niche. For example, although it works great for back squats, there’s no center knurl so it doesn’t grip the shirt and doesn’t feel as safe as a power bar. Although it’s great for the classical lifts like the clean and jerk and the snatch, it’s not as whippy as a dedicated Olympic Weightlifting Bar because it has a 28.5MM diameter shaft instead of 28MM and bushings instead of needle bearings. Although the black zinc is nice to guard against corrosion, stainless steel blows it out of the water.
So, the Rogue Bar 2.0 definitely has flaws, but they’re pretty much all inherent in the price point and goal of the bar. If you want ONE barbell in your gym and don’t want your bar to limit the movements you can perform, then this is the one (I’d just suggest you buy more than one.)
What are the alternative options: By no means is this bar the only one worth looking at from Rogue or others in the general purpose/CrossFit barbell realm.
The Rogue Ohio Bar is the closest bar to this one. I prefer the Rogue Bar 2.0 because it’s basically the same, but at a lower price. I would only suggest the Ohio Bar if you want colors that come with Cerakote, or want a stainless steel shaft and are willing to pay for it.
The American Barbell Training Bar is a bar we’ve reviewed with much praise in the past and still find it to be an excellent alternative. It’s made in the USA, has a great knurling, similar specs, and has been in my possession and bar rotation for more than 5 years.
The Fringe Sport Wonder Bar V2 is honestly close to being a better value. It’s at a lower price point, has a great knurling, spins well, and comes with a lifetime warranty. It’s not made in the USA and has black zinc sleeves, but is a good bar nonetheless. If you want something of high-quality, but at a lower price, this is a great option.
The Synergee Games Bar is one we recently recommended and although it features many more expensive options like Cerakote and bearings in the sleeves, we didn’t love the knurling and don’t like Cerakote on the sleeves. This is a good option that’s available on Amazon, but not one we’d recommend over Rogue.
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Best Power Bar
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Product Highlights
- Volcano knurl provides a great grip
- IPF-approved
- Lifetime warranty
- Four coating options: bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, and stainless steel
- 205K PSI tensile strength
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great value
- Volcano knurl
- Fantastic grip
- IPF-approved
- Lifetime warranty
- Four coating options: bare steel, black zinc, Cerakote, and stainless steel
- Made in the USA
- 205K PSI tensile strength
- F-8R rating
- Self-oiling bronze bushings
Cons
- 205K PSI tensile strength is not the strongest on the market
- Some may feel the knurling is too passive
- Bare steel Version rusts quickly
Bottom Line
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is the power bar we recommend most often. You cannot spend less and get a better bar. You can spend more, and depending on your preferences get something maybe better, but even then, it's debatable.
Who’s it for: The obvious audience for the Ohio Power Bar, affectionately referred to as the OPB amongst those that “know” is powerlifters. The OPB excels in the squat, bench press, overhead press, deadlift, and similar ancillary lifts.
What’s the knurling like: This isn’t the sharpest knurling of any power bar on the market (that would go to the EliteFTS Power Bar which is way too sharp in our opinion,) but it is aggressive enough to not worry if it’s going to fall out of your hands when you’re trying to lift the weight of the world for a PR on a deadlift. What’s unique about it is they take multiple passes to create what’s been dubbed the ‘Volcano Knurl’ thanks to Chris Duffin of Kabuki Strength. This means there are more points and therefore more surface area of hand being attached to points on the bar. It’s honestly our favorite knurl on the market.
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What options are available: As with all popular bars that Rogue Fitness sells, the Ohio Power Bar is starting to have more options for coatings. Here’s what is currently available:
- Bare Steel Shaft/Bare Steel Sleeves
- Black Zinc Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Black E-Coat Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft/Stainless Steel Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft/Chrome Sleeves
- Cerakote in 4 different color options
- 20KG Black Zinc Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- 20KG Stainless Steel Shaft/Chrome Sleeves
In addition to these there is a Zeus Rogue Ohio Power Bar and there used to be a Thor Ohio Power Bar that has since been discontinued.
Why it’s great: The Ohio Power Bar combines all of the features that a decade ago would have been found on a $1,000 bar, if found at all, on a bar that is under $300, and it’s made in the USA to boot. In my opinion, and the opinion of most others, this is the bar that everyone else is chasing. There’s a reason so many bars today have a similar gripping pattern and are pretty much all now 29MM and it’s thanks to the OPB.
If you compete in powerlifting, it’s likely that this is the bar you’ll be using as it’s IPF Approved and it also comes in a myriad of shaft options including Cerakote and my favorite stainless steel (it’s also available with stainless steel sleeves. If you’re on a budget, the bare steel option is great as well, just don’t expect it to remain silver.
Flaws, but not dealbreakers: The main flaw we see is that the knurling pattern may be too aggressive for some (we think it’s fine for most.) We think a bar designed for lifting maximal weights should have aggressive knurling and the way this one is cut makes it comfortable without being overly sharp.
What are the alternative options: There are many power bars that vie for the place of the Ohio Power Bar in racks.
The first and most obvious competitor is the Texas Power Bar from Buddy Capps. This bar is arguably the most legendary power bar ever made and despite being pretty much the same as it was two decades ago, it’s still a fantastic option. We prefer the Ohio Power Bar over the Texas Power Bar, you can read all about that here, but, you can’t go wrong with a TPB.
Another bar that we like and don’t think gets enough credit is the American Barbell Mammoth Bar. This is a fully stainless steel shaft bar that then has Cerakote sprayed over the top (I’d honestly prefer if Cerakote wasn’t even used, but I digress…) The knurling is much finer and more passive than the OPB, but it’s still excellent and worth looking at.
The Kabuki Strength New Gen Power Bar is one of my favorite power bars currently being made. It’s more expensive, uses extremely hard steel, and has long lead times, but there’s no doubt that it’s among the best power bars on the market. If you don’t mind spending more than double, you won’t be disappointed with the NGPB, but don’t expect as big of a difference between a cheap hex nut bar and the OPB and the OPB and the NGPB.
The REP Fitness Power Bar EX is one of the most pleasantly surprisingly good bars to come on the market within the past few years. It’s fully stainless, meaning the sleeves and shaft use stainless steel, has knurling eerily similar to the Kabuki NGPB, and comes in at a pretty good price point, all things considered. It is the only imported bar on this list, but it’s good enough to be compared.
You can find our full, in-depth review of the Rogue Ohio Power Bar here.
Rogue Pyrros Bar
Rogue
Rogue Pyrros Bar – 28MM
Product Highlights
- IWF-certified barbell co-developed with 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist Pyrros Dimas
- Made in the USA
- 20KG Olympic Bearing Bar (International Weightlifting Federation standards)
- Stainless steel or chrome finishes
- 28-mm diameter
- 5 needle bearings per sleeve
- Tensile Strength of 200,000 PSI
Pros & Cons
Pros
- High tensile strength
- Needle bearings
- IWF-certified
- Tight tolerances
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Expensive
- Knurling can be too aggressive for some
Bottom Line
The Pyrros Bar is the best Olympic Weightlifting Bar that Rogue offers. Its price reflects it's quality and it should be compared to the many top options available before purchased. However, Rogue has other options that are both cheaper and still receive great reviews. If you are shopping on a budget, look somewhere else. If you're a dedicated Olympic Weightlifter and want the best American made barbell, this is it.
Who’s it for: This bar is specially designed for those that train for Olympic Weightlifting. I would not suggest using this bar for anything but the snatch and clean and jerk. If you want to use it for back squats, you can, but I’d suggest using something else to prevent wear on the knurling.
What’s the knurling like: The Rogue Pyrros Bar has a specific knurling pattern that was most liked by those on the USA Olympic Weightlifting Team as well as Pyrros Dimas. It’s more aggressive than Rogue’s other Oly Bars (which I actually think are a bit too passive) and grips the skin of your hands well. It’s a stainless steel shaft, so the knurling is as the designer intended without any coatings or platings between the hand and steel.
There is a center knurl on the bar that is more passive, which is as it should be in my opinion. American Barbell does something similar and it makes holding the bar in the front rack much more comfortable on your neck.
How’s the spin: Due to a less viscous lube that’s used on the bearings, it’s a much more controlled spin. Here’s what one of our Home Gym Community Members had to say, “I have it and love it. I also have the Rogue Oly bar and prefer the Pyrros. The spin isn’t fast like the Oly bar it’s more controlled which I like much more.”
Why it’s great: This bar has a pretty cool story. While Pyrros Dimas, an Olympic Gold Medalist from Greece was at Rogue Fitness with the USA Olympic Weightlifting Team (he’s a coach of some sort for the team now.) While there, Rogue was testing some new bars to figure out which should become a new bar. Pyrros checked them out, gave his opinion on the knurling, spin, and other specs. Rogue then put what he requested into a bar, and when asked what he thought, Pyrros replied, “It’s perfect. You should call it the Pyrros Bar.”
The difference between this bar and other Oly bars that Rogue sells is that it uses a stainless steel shaft (many of their higher-end bars are using a clear Cerakote now,) has a more aggressive knurl (something I, and most people prefer in an Oly bar,) as well as a more viscous lubricant to slow down the spin and make it more controlled. Honestly, other Rogue bearing bars spin faster than I prefer, so this is a great way to make it smoother.
This is by far Rogue’s best, and most expensive bar. It uses great components, has a tremendous knurl, is made in the USA, and has a lifetime warranty. Despite all of this, it’s about half the price of a comparable Eleiko bar, yet is still IWF approved and uses a Cerakote paint instead of a sticker to show that off (which is vastly superior in our opinion. I hate stickers.)
Flaws, but not dealbreakers: The only flaw that we see is the F-Rating of the bar. The F-Rating is a method Rogue developed for telling how long a bar will last before it becomes deformed permanently. This bar is not work-hardened like many of the other Rogue bars, probably to increase the whip, so, therefore, has an F2 Rating. We don’t think this will really matter as this bar will likely be treated better than a bar at a CrossFit gym (those poor, poor barbells,) but it’s still worth mentioning.
What are the alternative options: There are many Olympic Weightlifting Bars at this level and lower worth considering.
The gold-standard for Olympic Weightlifting Barbells is the Eleiko WL Training or Competition Bar. I have one of the training bars in my garage and have used it extensively. For a period of about three years, I trained pretty much exclusively for Olympic Weightlifting and this was my main bar. It still performs like it did on day one with an amazing spin, beautiful knurl, and the legendary feeling that Eleiko is known for. Although I like the Pyrros Bar, there’s just something about an Eleiko that is hard to compare.
If you want something unique, Uesaka is where I would look. Uesaka barbells use a unique way of applying the knurl that is pressed in, instead of cut out.
For something at a similar price point, the American Barbell Stainless Steel Bearing Bar has a more passive knurl, but it is an excellent bar. We did a full, in-depth review on the AB Stainless Steel Bearing Bar that you can find here.
Rogue Ohio Bar
Rogue
Rogue Ohio Bar
Product Highlights
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- Multipurpose bar with great versatility
- Lifetime warranty
- Bushing sleeves
- Snap ring design
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Made in the USA of US-Sourced Steel
- Somewhat passive knurling
- Grips with chalk
- Great for a variety of training styles
- Dual knurl marks
- 28.5-mm shaft
- Bronze bushings
- Lifetime warranty
- Coatings include stainless steel, Cerakote, black zinc, and more.
- 190K tensile strength
Cons
- Not outstanding for powerlifting or weightlifting in comparison to more specialized bars
- Expensive
- Diameter doesn't meet IWF standards
- No center knurl, which may matter to some
Bottom Line
The Rogue Ohio Bar is one of the most iconic barbells in the world. It's been used at the CrossFit Games by some of the fittest athletes in the world and is just as well suited in your garage gym. The Ohio Bar is priced well despite its features and being made in the USA. Although we prefer the Rogue 2.0 Bar for its price, we don't blame you if you decide to spring for the Ohio Bar, although we'd suggest getting the Stainless Steel or Cerakote version.
Who’s it for: The person who wants a barbell that can do it all. This is their premier bar that comes in a variety of colors, coatings, and features including a Zeus Custom build option.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling on the Rogue Ohio Bar is medium depth. Compared to a power bar or dedicated Oly bar, it’s quite passive, but if your main use for the bar is to use it for CrossFit or just general training, then you’ll find the knurling to be enough. It does have dual knurl marks at both IPF and IWF standard lengths, but no center knurl. This makes it perfectly suited for high rep Olympic lifts like what are often seen in CrossFit.
What options are available: This by far has the most options available of any Rogue bar. Although they sometimes use different names, they’re typically just a Rogue Ohio Bar with a different spin.
Here are the options currently available for the Rogue Ohio Bar:
- Cerakote in 16 different color options.
- Black Oxide Shaft/Black Oxide Sleeves
- Black Zinc Shaft/Black Zinc Sleeves
- Black E-Coat Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft/Chrome Sleeves
In addition to these labeled as the Ohio Bar, there are a few other bars that have the exact same specs as the Ohio Bar with a unique spin on them. These are:
- Rogue Zeus Ohio Bar (custom option)
- Rogue Freedom Bar (American Flag Cerakote Shaft)
- Rogue Athlete Cerakote Ohio Bar – Fraser (the Froning Edition has been discontinued)
- Rogue The Castro Bar (Bare Steel Shaft/Bare Steel Shaft that is the same as every other Ohio Bar in every other way)
- Rogue Operator Bar 3.0 (uses composite bushings and Cerakote in military-inspired colors and camos on shaft with a black Cerakote finish on the sleeves.)
What we like: The Ohio Bar is one of the best multi-purpose training bars in the world. Every part of it has had a lot of attention to detail paid to it, and it’s the reason it bears the “Ohio” nomenclature. You can’t go wrong with the Ohio Bar
What we don’t like: I don’t like that it’s pretty much the same as the Rogue Bar 2.0 for quite a bit more money, which is why we suggest the Rogue Bar 2.0 over the Ohio Bar. If you want a bar with a special option like stainless steel or Cerakote, go with the Ohio Bar, but if you just want the basic model with a black zinc shaft and bright zinc sleeves, just go with the Rogue Bar 2.0, it’s the same.
You can find our full, in-depth review of the Rogue Ohio Bar here.
Rogue B&R Bar 2.0
The Starting Strength Barbell
Rogue B&R Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
Version 2.0 of the B&R Bar is built to the specifications of the bar’s original designers–strength training coaches Mike Burgener and Mark Rippetoe–with some enhancements from Rogue’s in-house manufacturing team.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: This bar was originally designed as a collaboration between Mike Burgener of CrossFit Weightlifting fame and Mark Rippetoe of Starting Strength as a bar that was great for powerlifting and Olympic Weightlifting…aka a bar for CrossFit. It’s since had an increase in the shaft diameter from 28.5MM to 29MM and is now made by Rogue instead of York. In reality, this is basically a Rogue Ohio Power Bar with a passive center knurl.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling on the B&R Bar 2.0 is more in between the Ohio Bar and the Ohio Power Bar. Meaning does have some aggressiveness to it, but not at the level of the OPB. The unique feature is that it has a more passive center knurl. It’s also bare steel so there’s no coating to dull the knurl, which is great for grip, bad for fighting off rust.
What we like: I’m a big fan of the Rogue B&R Bar 2.0. It’s no longer endorsed by Rippetoe (he now sells a Starting Strength Bar made by Buddy Capps at Texas Power Bars,) but it’s an excellent bar for the squat, deadlift, bench press, and overhead press. If you don’t mind the bar developing a patina and don’t want as aggressive of a knurl as what is featured on the OPB, then this is an excellent choice. I also really like the passive center knurl; I wish it was an option on the OPB.
What we don’t like: This is honestly a very popular bar which makes it unfortunate that they don’t offer it in other options like stainless steel. The original reason they didn’t offer a coating is that Rippetoe didn’t like coatings, but now that SS is so prevalent, that’s no longer an issue and I think it should be offered.
You can find our full, in-depth review of the Rogue B&R Bar 2.0 here.
Rogue Chan Bar
Rogue
Rogue Chan Bar
Pros & Cons
Pros
- The Chan Bar has a stainless steel shaft with a 200,000 PSI tensile strength that both looks great and resists corrosion extremely well.
- The black Cerakote color spray over the stainless steel gives the Chan Bar a very unique look, especially with the Samurai logo.
- For the quality of the product and because it is made by Rogue, the price is a great deal. You could easily spend more than double on other barbells that aren't any better than the Chan Bar.
- Dual knurl marks and a center knurl make it easy to find and keep your grip no matter what lift you are performing.
- It was co-developed with Crossfit Games Athlete Matt Chan and designed for Crossfit athletes. As
- The center knurl is pretty passive, while the outer knurl is more aggressive (even more aggressive than the Rogue Ohio and 2.0 Bars.)
- A Lifetime warranty with Rogue customer support and service on your side. There is also a lifetime guarantee against bending.
- It is manufactured in Columbus, OH rather than being farmed overseas.
- The outer knurling starts a bit wider out than a standard barbell which helps prevent scarring on the shins.
Cons
- If you're a powerlifter, purchase a bar with more aggressive knurl and less whip.
- The wider knurling is ideal for taller lifters and could give shorter people an issue.
Bottom Line
The Rogue Chan Bar is a great all-around bar and would be perfect for CrossFit or high rep lifting. While it's not made for really heavy powerlifting, it would serve that purpose when needed because of the Chan Bar's great versatility. At a great price and with the features mentioned above, we would endorse this product for anyone who plans on training for CrossFit or wants a bar that can work for just about any movement.
Who’s it for: Although designed by a former CrossFit Games Athlete, the Rogue Chan Bar, named after Matt Chan, is great for CrossFit as well as any other style of training. This is honestly the most versatile barbell in Rogue’s lineup.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling on the Chan Bar is similar to the Rogue B&R Bar 2.0, albeit a little bit more passive. The center knurl is extremely light providing just enough texture to know it’s there, but not enough to scrape your chest when in the front rack. This is honestly one of my favorite knurl combinations.
What we like: I love the Chan Bar. It not only looks extremely cool, but it’s features are very unique. Featuring a stainless steel shaft with a Cerakote coating over top, this bar looks tough and is the most corrosion-resistant bar in the world…probably. The knurling is spaced out 21” from each starting point versus 17.38” on the Ohio Bar. This makes it less likely to scrape your shins on deadlifts and cleans.The logos, although they may be gaudy to some, really stand out and look great to me. They offer the bar with either Cerakote or Chrome sleeves (we would suggest going with the Chome sleeves.)
What we don’t like: I love the look of the black Cerakote, but I would prefer an option for the knurling to not be coated and left as raw stainless steel. It would look cool and have the benefit of a knurling without any coating.
See my full review on the Rogue Chan Bar here.
Rogue Echo Bar 2.0
Rogue
Rogue Echo Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
- 190k PSI tensile strength
- Rogue’s most affordable 20kg barbell at under $275
- Highly durable barbell
- Uses the same bronze bushings as the Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Features everything that the more expensive Rogue 2.0 Bar has
- 190K PSI Tensile Strength
- No center knurl
- 28.5MM shaft
- F-8R Rating
- Designed and built in the USA of US-sourced steel
- Standard knurl
- One of Rogue’s least-expensive barbells
- Bright zinc coating on the shaft and sleeve
- Uses bronze bushings
Cons
- 1-year warranty
- Knurling is a bit passive
- Bar lacks a center knurl
- Features single IWF standard knurl marks
Bottom Line
The Rogue Echo Bar 2.0 is the most budget-friendly barbell Rogue offers. For most people, we'd suggest going with the Ohio Bar or Rogue Bar 2.0 over the Echo Bar due to the longer warranty and not much higher price. However, if you don't care for a longer warranty or just don't want to spend more, the Echo Bar 2.0 is a great option for those on a budget or just starting into working out at home.
Who’s it for: Trainees on a budget that still want a Rogue-level barbell and don’t care much about features or a warranty.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling is the same as what is used on the Rogue Bar 2.0 and the Rogue Ohio Bar except it has one knurl ring mark instead of two that’s set at the IWF standard, not IPF. It also has no center knurling. This makes it a medium/passive knurl great for most types of training.
What we like: The Rogue Echo Bar 2.0 is the cheapest barbell that Rogue sells, making it great for those on a budget. Despite the price though, it has the functionally high-end features Rogue is known for including a great knurl, 190K Tensile Strength Steel which is the exact same as the Ohio Bar, and a bright zinc shaft and sleeve which I actually prefer over black zinc. Black zinc turns green and wears away over time whereas bright zinc can look great for decades.
In addition to this, the Rogue Echo Bar uses work-hardened steel and has an F8-R rating which makes it one of the most durable bars on the market.
What we don’t like: The only reason I tell people to stay away from the Echo Bar is that it has a 1-year warranty instead of a lifetime warranty. For $60 more, you could get a Rogue Bar 2.0 with a lifetime warranty that is one of the best in the industry. For most people, I think the piece of mind that accompanies the warranty is worth it.
You can read my full, in-depth Rogue Echo Bar 2.0 review here.
Rogue Bella Bar 2.0
Most Popular Women
Rogue Bella Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
- High-performing multipurpose 15KG barbell
- Versatile; can be used in weightlifting, for CrossFit, and for powerlifts
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- 25-mm shaft diameter
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Endless options for the finish
- 190K PSI tensile strength
- 25mm shaft
- Dual knurl markings
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Knurling is pretty passive
- Black zinc coating will fade over time
- No center knurling
Bottom Line
The Rogue Bella Bar is a top-of-the-line 15-kilogram bar ideal for people who need a multi-purpose barbell.
Who’s it for: Women or those with small hands that want a high-quality, do it all 25MM, 15KG/35LB Olympic Barbell.
What’s the knurling like: The Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 uses the same knurling as the Rogue Ohio Bar, but on a thinner shaft.
What options are available: Despite being a bar made for women, which is generally a much smaller amount of barbell users than men, it still has quite a few options.
Here are the options currently available for the Rogue Bella Bar 2.0:
- Black Zinc Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Black E-Coat Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft/Chrome Sleeves
- Cerakote in 11 Different Color options
In addition to these labeled as the Ohio Bar, there are a few other bars that have the exact same specs as the Bella Bar 2.0 with a unique spin on them. These are:
- Zeus Bella Bar 2.0 Custom
- Rogue 25MM Freedom Bar
- Rogue Athlete Cerakote Bella Bar – Davidsdottir and Toomey Editions
- Rogue 25MM Womens Operator Bar
What we like: This is the most popular women’s barbell in the entire world. If you go to a CrossFit gym and they have women’s bars, it’s likely that this is the one they’re using. It’s made to the same standards as other Rogue bars with a 190K PSI tensile strength steel shaft sourced in the USA, dual knurl marks, bronze bushings, and a good knurl. The difference is it’s thinner and lighter than a men’s bar.
If you’re a woman and want a good, multi-purpose bar, for your garage gym or elsewhere, this is the one we suggest.
What we don’t like: There’s little to like about this bar. It’s priced less than the equivalent men’s bar which could have been easy for Rogue to do, it’s proven by the fittest women in the world in the CrossFit Games to last and it just works.
Rogue Westside Power Bar 2.0
Louie Simmons Approved
Rogue Westside Power Bar 2.0
Product Highlights
Co-developed with powerlifting legend and strength coach Louie Simmons, Rogue’s redesigned Westside Power Bar is now fully machined and assembled in Columbus, Ohio–just down the road from Simmons’ renowned Westside Barbell training facility.
The Westside Power Bar 2.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: This bar is made for powerlifters that want a stiff bar with similar specs to the OPB except for black zinc sleeves, and a slightly more aggressive knurl.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling on the Westside Power Bar 2.0 is very similar to the Ohio Power Bar, but slightly more aggressive. If you want a sharper knurl than the OPB (not sure why you would, to be honest) then this is a great option. It also includes a center knurl for back squats.
What we like: I like the fact that it’s basically a OPB with a Westside Barbell logo on the end cap. It used to be unique in that it had green composite bushings, but they’ve since replaced those with bronze bushings.
What we don’t like: I don’t like the fact that you’re paying a premium for a bar with a black zinc coating that will look worse than bright zinc after one workout and that they removed the green composite bushings. I would only recommend this bar to die-hard Louie Simmons fans or who just want something a bit unique. Everyone else should just go with the OPB.
Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar
Basic Oly Barbell
Rogue Olympic WL Bar
Product Highlights
Combining a new 215K PSI steel shaft with quality needle bearings and friction-welded sleeves, this latest version of the Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar ranks among the best in the industry for feel, durability, and performance. Each 20KG bar is machined and assembled in Columbus, OH, and includes an exclusive Rogue knurl pattern that’s precision-cut for a firm grip without the sharpness or abrasiveness of many import bars.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: This bar when released was the best Olympic Weightlifting Bar ever made in the USA. Rogue now makes superior bars, but this one is still great. This, along with a couple of other top Rogue Weightlifting Bars are now IWF Approved, making them ready for the Olympic stage.
What’s the knurling like: This is not an ultra-aggressive knurling pattern like a competition Eleiko, but you know it’s there. If you want something more aggressive from Rogue, go with the Pyrros Bar.
What options are available: The Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar is one of Rogue’s most popular barbells and comes in a variety of options. These options include:
- Bright Zinc Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft/Chrome Sleeves
- Stainless Steel Shaft w/ Black Cerakote Center/ Chrome Sleeves
- Black Cerakote Shaft/Chrome Sleeves
In addition to these options, the bar comes in a variant that uses steel for the shaft sourced from Europe instead of the US called the Rogue Euro Olympic Weightlifting Bar. The goal with this bar was quite obvious when released—make a bar that uses the same, or at least as close to the same steel as what is used in Eleiko’s top weightlifting bars. This bar or the Pyrros Bar are my favorite from Rogue for weightlifting. This one does have a clear Cerakote finish, which I prefer stainless steel, and I do think it spins a bit faster than needed.
What we like: This is quite possibly the best weightlifting bar for the money. The knurling is great, although a bit passive for my liking. It spins like a demon out of hell, which is honestly a bit faster than I prefer. It’s available in various finishes, is IWF-approved, and has a lifetime warranty all for right around $500. That’s obviously still a lot of money for a barbell, but not when you compare it to the competition who’s bars are on a similar level.
This bar is also available in 25MM with various options for women, and it’s just as good.
What we don’t like: This bar honestly spins a bit too fast. It sounds kind of silly, but it’s the fastest spinning sleeve I’ve ever used and fast isn’t always what you want. More so, what you want is consistent, which is why they have started to use more viscous lube in the Pyrros Bar.
Rogue 28MM/25MM Training Bar
Rogue
Rogue 28MM Training Bar
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: If you’re on a budget, but still want a dedicated Oly bar, the Rogue Training Bar is the best option they offer.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling is the same as the Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar, albeit with a black zinc or Cerakote coating over the top.
What we like: The price on this bar is great. This is essentially the Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar, but with bronze bushings. Seriously, pretty much everything else is the same, making this an excellent bar for the price if you don’t mind the slower spinning bushing as opposed to needle bearings. For most people, we suggest spending a bit more and get a true Oly bar that includes bearings.
What we don’t like: I don’t love bushings on an Oly Bar. If you’re trying to fill a facility with bars, these are a great option due to their price, but the black zinc will wear and look unsightly.
Rogue 28MM/25MM Russian Bar
The Russian-Inspired Barbell
Rogue 28MM Russian Bar
Product Highlights
While it’s inspired by a unique Olympic barbell design originally developed by the Soviets, our Men’s 28MM Russian Bar is proudly designed, machined, and assembled at the Rogue Factory in Columbus, Ohio U.S.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: People that like gimmicks/cool barbell historical items or want a collar that locks tighter than any else out there.
What’s the knurling like: The Rogue Russian Bar has the same as the Rogue Olympic Weightlifting Bar.
What we like: It’s a cool piece of history relived and can secure a plate very well.
What we don’t like: Honestly, for the price there are many other bars we’d recommend. It’s cool, but not very practical for most people in my opinion.
Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar
Our Favorite Deadlift Bar
Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: Powerlifters who want a slinky, 27MM, dedicated deadlift bar.
What’s the knurling like: The knurling on the Rogue Ohio Deadlift Bar is quite sharp. It uses the same volcano-type knurling, but is a bit deeper cut. Combined with the thinness of the shaft, it’s as sharp as I can foresee anyone wanting (besides Dave Tate as evidenced by the EliteFTS Power Bar which is insanely sharp.)
What options are available: This deadlift bar has the most options available on the market by far. These include:
- Bare Steel Shaft/Bare Steel Sleeves
- Black Zinc Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Black E-Coat Shaft/Bright Zinc Sleeves
- Cerakote Shaft in 3 different colors with Black Cerakote Sleeves
What we like: This is the best deadlift bar on the market, bar none. We’ve tested Crain’s Okie Deadlift Bar (see our review here) as well as the Buddy Capps Texas Deadlift Bar amongst others. The knurling is very similar to the OPB, but is cut a bit deeper making it sharper. Combine this with the fact that it’s on a very thin 27MM shaft, I don’t think you’d want the knurling any sharper.
In addition to a thin shaft, the bar itself is 90.5” long which is just within pretty much every powerlifting federation standards. These features make for a whippy bar that allows the inner plates to break off the floor before those on the outside, thus allowing the lifter to be more vertical and extended during a deadlift. If you haven’t used a deadlift bar, you’ll find it to be an enjoyable experience when you do. However, I would be careful to use it if you plan to lift in a federation that doesn’t use a deadlift bar, like the IPF.
What we don’t like: Honestly, the only thing I’d like to see on the Ohio Deadlift Bar from Rogue is a stainless steel shaft option to go along with the 32MM Squat Bar and Ohio Power Bar.
You can find our full, in-depth review of the Rogue Deadlift Bar here.
Rogue 32MM Squat Bar
Crazy Stiff Squat Bar
Rogue 32MM Squat Bar
Product Highlights
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Thick and stiff bar for squatting
- 32mm shaft diameter
- 200K PSI tensile strength
- Stainless steel shaft
- Aggressive knurl runs along entire bar
- Bronze bushings
- Made in the USA
- Full, lifetime warranty
Cons
- Extremely specialized bar
- End caps scratch easily
Bottom Line
The Rogue 32MM Squat Bar is the Cadillac of squat bars. In review, it's a fully stainless shaft bar that is thick, has an aggressive knurl and is made for one thing, squatting heavyweight. If you're not squatting a ton of weight and don't get a lot of flex on a traditional power bar, then we don't see much reason getting this one other than you just want it, as we do. It's a high-quality, made in America bar that will last for decades.
Who’s it for: The Rogue 32MM Squat Bar is designed for one thing, and one thing only. Squatting massive amounts of weight. Honestly, if you’re not squatting above 600, you’re not really even going to notice much benefit from this bar other than the fact that the thickness and knurl feel good on the back.
What’s the knurling like: This bar uses the same volcano-type knurling that’s found on the Ohio Power Bar across the entire shaft. This is an aggressive knurl and will absolutely tear up your j-cups and your t-shirts, which is exactly what you want when squatting world record loads.
What we like: Thanks to the high tensile strength and 32MM diameter shaft, this bar is as stiff as it gets. We tested this bar with 700 LB squatters and it barely bowed. It’s that strong. In addition, the knurling marks along with a center knurl mark for centering the bar is a nice benefit.
Lastly, the shaft is made using stainless steel which will prevent rust from building up as quickly and also doesn’t require a coating which dulls the knurl.
What we don’t like: The only thing we don’t like about this bar, and don’t like about a lot of Rogue bars is that they use end caps with stickers that easily chip from the snap rings. This is incredibly minor, but I would like to see it fixed on their bars.
You can find our full, in-depth review of the Rogue 32MM Squat Bar here.
Rogue C-70 Bar
Rogue
Rogue C-70 Bar
Product Highlights
The Rogue C-70 Bar is a shorty 35LB version of the Ohio Bar. Designed for competition use in the CrossFit Games, the barbell’s shorter overall length (69″) allows athletes to be spaced closer together.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Who’s it for: For those that are short on space, but still want a nice barbell, the C-70 is a great option. We see these used in apartment home gyms quite a bit. The only issue is you may have difficulty racking it on a standard power rack.
What’s the knurling like: The same as the Ohio Bar. Medium to passive.
What we like: The Rogue C-70 Bar is nice for those with small spaces; yet despite being short, it’s still a fully capable barbell. There aren’t many bars of this size on the market and of those that are, most do not have high-end specs like a strong tensile strength, great knurl, or sleeves that spin. The C-70 has all of these and more.
What we don’t like: Due to its size, it’s not rackable on most standard squat racks (we suggest independent squat stands for these.) This is kind of just the nature of having a short bar, but we think it’s important to be aware of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best CrossFit Barbell for most people from Rogue?
The Rogue Bar 2.0
What’s the best Powerlifting Barbell for most people from Rogue?
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Should I buy a Rogue Boneyard Bar?
If you don’t feel you’ll ever use the warranty. Personally, I like the peace of mind and the resale value of a new bar. If you don’t ever plan to sell it and don’t care about a lifetime warranty (I do) then a Boneyard Bar is a great option.
What Rogue Barbells are IPF Approved?
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar
What Rogue Barbells are IWF Certified?
The Rogue Olympic WL Bar, Rogue Pyrros Bar, and Rogue Euro Olympic Weightlifting Bar
What’s better for a garage gym–stainless steel or Cerakote?
I prefer stainless steel and although Cerakote does do well for corrosion resistance, in my experience, stainless steel is superior.
Further reading
Lifting weights used to be largely a male-dominated activity. That’s no longer true. Fitness platforms like CrossFit have introduced hundreds of thousands of women, teenagers and even kids to the barbell, and I couldn’t be happier about it. The more people we have committed to health and fitness, the better.But, we need to get the right equipment into the right hands. Literally. So when looking at the Rogue Bella Bar 2.0, which has a smaller grip than the barbells I use, I needed to turn to the very people who use it.That’s why I partnered up with Garage Gym Reviews senior editor and CrossFit gym owner Kate Meier for this Rogue Bella Bar review. Another staff writer here, Amanda Capritto, is a certified personal trainer and CrossFit L1 trainer. She also tested the Bella.The Bella Bar 2.0 is undoubtedly one of the most popular 15kg barbells on the market. You can find it in many CrossFit gyms and garage gyms alike. It’s built for people with smaller hands, which is why it’s often marketed as a women’s bar. Kate and Amanda are here to vouch for why this bar just might be a great addition to your home gym equipment.My Favorite Things: Versatile enough for weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit and general purpose workDual knurl marks15kg and 25mm grip ideal for small hands190,000 PSI tensile strengthCoating options for more durabilityMade in the USAMy Callouts: Black zinc coating fadesKnurling may be passive for someNo center knurlPrice starts around $225 Read more
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Rogue Fitness is known for making some of the best barbells in the world. However, not every bar is the best for you training, which is why I want to detail the best Rogue barbells. Rogue use US-sourced steel, make them in Columbus, Ohio, and have a dedication to great specs, customer service, and lifetime warranties. I have now used every barbell they make and wanted to provide an honest assessment and review on each one. » Read more about: Rogue Fitness Barbell Reviews: An Honest Assessment » Read more
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