I bought the Ohio Power Bar in bare steel because it gives me a ridiculous excuse to cancel plans at the last minute if I don’t want to go out anymore...”Sorry I gotta clean my barbell or else it’s gonna rust.”
depends on where you live. i live in s. Florida and got a bare steel DL bar. I had to sell it after 2 months since it required so much maintenance. sometimes spending more up front will save you money over time.
I have owned the stainless steel OPB for a year and a half. I use it in an unfinished basement gym, at least 3 days a week. I don't abuse the bar, but I also have never cleaned the bar. To this day the bar looks like new, the knurling is still just as sharp/fine as the day I received it from rogue. Absolutely zero oxidation or rust and it doesn't look like there will be anytime soon. I would say it is well worth the extra money, if it fits your budget!
I picked up the bare steel OHP and figured rust could be an issue (the beach is 5 min. away from my house, near SF). I oiled it straight away and after several months got lazy. Fortunately, maybe due to putting 3:1 oil on so much in the beginning, I haven’t seen any rust buildup and its been about 5 months since I last oiled it. Something about the bare steel bar makes me nostalgic and it takes me back to all the time I spent lifting in my highschool football program. Then again, I know whatever bar I used in highschool was NOT nearly as nice as this one! I think it’s sugar coating my memories a little :)
I’ve owned bare steel, black zinc, and now a cerakote OPB and surprisingly the cerakote and bare steel are very similar in feel. Black zinc is one of the thickest coatings and dulls the sharpness of the knurl quite a bit.
I got a black zinc OPB about 6 months ago. At the time it was the only thing available and I was lucky to snag one. Back then I wanted either a stainless or raw steel. Now I am glad it worked out the way it did. I have zero complaints. I have never had to use chalk, and the finish is holding up just fine in a non climate controlled midwest garage. I saved money over the stainless version and I have not had to worry about it oxidizing like a bare steel might have. I am sure that at some point the finish will wear off and I will end up with a bare steel bar. But by then the steel should slowly develp a patina so the upkeep should be minimal. Either way it's a fantastic bar and I doubt anyone will be disappointed with it's performance regardless of the finish.
i grabbed the black zinc bar, but its my first. i may upgrade in the future but after a year of using the bar 4-5x weekly, its still looks brand new. love it
personally a fan of the black zinc one because its slick and feels almost the same as the stainless steel. way better value for essentailly the same thing(ive used both and cant really tell a differnece). i would say its really hard to wipe off the black zinc. been using mine for half a year now and no signs of wear on the black zinc :)
I started with the black zinc OPB when I bough my home gym in 2015. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Much like others have said, the coating has worn off, but considering im on the east coast, and summers are humid, its held up quite well. I did snag a stainless OPB when the restocked a few weeks ago. And its definitely a high end upgrade over the zinc. I really thought about listing the old one on marketplace and recouping some of the cost of the new one, but decided instead to hold onto it for rack pulls and other variations that could potentially damage a bar. Also, most of the coating has worn off of the zinc version, but it did it over time, so I didn't notice a "night and day" difference between that and the stainless.
My first rogue bar was a black zinc opb, I got a bone yard stainless opb 20kg and immediately sold my black zinc, eventually I ordered the 45lb opb in stainless/chrome and sold my boneyard 20kg and still have my stainless opb today, best feeling bar by far.
I bought the black oxide version because it was available. My new garage is very well insulated. I also bought a B&R bar. Neither have developed any rust in the first month. My Troy plates sure have rubbed off a lot of the black paint onto the sleeves...I use to have a bare steel OPB but i don't mine the slight difference with the black oxide. But then again I don't use anywhere as much weight as you or the normal powerlifter...
@@BasementBrandon Oh my Troy plates don't fit my Westside scout reverse hyper weight sleeves. Plus they fit very tight on my barbells and bind easily when pulling them off along with leaving black paint on the sleeves of my bars
I have owned black zinc and currently own the stainless version. I found the black zinc knurling felt sharper but the stainless feels gripper. I prefer the feel of the stainless
I actually like the black zinc bar better BECAUSE of the zinc coating and how the knurl feels. Not that the OHP is a super aggressive knurl, but the zinc coating makes the grip nice and comfortable.
I have 2 stainless, 1 black and 2 bare steel and I really like the stainless finish. At our gym, some girls and newer lifters like the black one more because it's less agressive.
You've more or less sold me on the stainless steel with that. Not that I'm afraid of being called girly or a noob. I sang Barbie Girl out loud in public while carrying the groceries home today. But because I've had trouble with hilltop knurling being too passive. I don't want that similar feeling when lifting. I have pretty well-calloused hands and I don't mind a tough bar, so long as it's volcano and not mountain-top.
I have a WS Power Bar and same story there. Color is gone but adds this cool factor (to me) of being used hard. I would agree depending on your environment the SS version is the best with the BS being a close second.
I have a bare steel OPB and I clean it once a year. 4 years old and it looks very good. It’s kept in a garage that regularly goes about 70% humidity in the summer. Bare steel takes very little maintenance, oil once a year seems to do the trick.
Black zinc because its cheaper and there is still some protection. But I brush/clean 4x a week and oil weekly. I have found my Rogue OPB to wear off more than my other Titex bar even though they're both black zinc.
@@RobertPaulson87 Sleeves are black zinc,zinc is rubbing off somewhat but I don’t mind too much.But I still think it’s prob the best bar out there for the cost.
Thank you so much for all the help in determining if I should get the credit or exchange for a new bar for the damaged bar from rogue. Wanted to say thanks over youtube so everyone can see. Looking forward to using this power bar.
I have several Rogue bars and agree stainless steel > bare steel > black zinc. I also have 2 eleiko stainless steel bars, kabuki in nickel, bare steel Texas power bar and the Ohio Power Bar in stainless steel is my favourite.
@@bmstylee It's cool how they have a serial number right on the shaft of the bar and they're packaged with a personalized name tag, the steel also looks really nice. Is that enough to justify the price? Probably not.
I got the black zinc OHP first but then I got the rogue lat pull down which came with the stainless steel lat attachment and I just loved the feel of it and knew I had to get the stainless steel OHP
I have both the Ohio bar and Ohio power bar in stainless. I didn't want to deal with rust, scratches, chipping slipping, etc. I had the Ohio bar in cerakote although it felt fine, I didn't want it to scratch up.
Love my black zinc OPB, but after four years, the finish is starting to wear off (not as bad as the TDLB though). I’m going all in on a stainless steel OPB w/ stainless sleeves when it comes in stock, but it’s been “coming soon” since before COVID, so we’ll see. Thanks for the great content!
@@fko1 Nah. The Eleiko power bar is excellent, but it is bare steel with chrome sleeves, about $950. The Ivanko OBXS-20KG-29MM is ALL stainless steel (shaft & sleeves), $1259. Both are IPF certified.
Great breakdown Brandon! So is black zinc applied to bare steel? So the more it wares off then the more aggressive the knurl would be..? I don't have to worry about rust..
With bars in mind, do you use a cheaper (beater) bar in your landmine attachment? That said, corrosion aside, I still prefer bare steel. The maintenance keeps me in touch with the equipment (figuratively and literally), a real meditative moment or two. The patina is cool and I don't think any other finish feels as good.
I got black zinc boneyard in 2020 and cleaned it for the first time 40 months later. Had a tiny bit of rust on the chrome sleeving I mostly got off with a wire brush wheel
Thanks for this video bro I bought an off brand black zinc bar for i think 180$ 18 months ago. I've used it leas than a dozen times, i hate it honestly I'm just gonna pony up for the stainless Ohio power bar. Thanks for the advice
@@BasementBrandon basically what you stated in your video. The knurling is so smooth almost non-existant IMO also the spin of the sleeves is so much I didn't expect, i think i need a power bar. I wanted to do some olympic lifts but I simply can't due to lumbar spine issues from manual labor mistakes. I can do sumo and hex bar deadlifts, but i can not do anything from a conventional stance 💔
Although not an ohpb I did buy the rep deep power bar recently and love the all stainless. Waiting on rogue to stock up their fully stainless Pyrros bar for oly lifts now too. Living in Florida and working out outside I don’t think any other choice is worth it rn
I just bought the black zinc one. No choice since as of 12/22/20 that’s all that was available. Some day I’ll get the stainless steel one but for now I’ll get what I can during the pandemic!
I saw the durability rating on the stainless steel barbell was lower than the other options. Of course for the average buyer this isn’t an issue, what about otherwise? Need to buy one soon.
I have the Ohio Black Zinc bar. You mentioned in the video about cleaning the bar. Do you have a video on how to clean the bar. Thanks Brandon. I look forward to your postings. Many thanks.
My black zinc ohio powerbar has faded a lot, though had it for 3 years and it has been in my garage with very varying temperatures. I am planning on getting a stainless steel ohio powerbar, but they are sold out. I bought a strengthshop bastard power bar in stainless steel, which is alright and a good alternative, but I prefer the rogue ohio powerbar a lot more.
@@BasementBrandon It's not a bad bar. Very good for the price, but I think i'd pay the extra and get a rogue. My rogue ohio powerbar in black zinc is my favorite of the 2.
If it had been more available I definitely would have gone with the Stainless steel Ohio Power Bar. Given that when I was buying barbells were hard to come by I went with e-coat as that was one of the first I managed to snag. Of course the sleeves are bright zinc, and my Ohio Bar already has some scratches in the coating. I have both a Ohio PB and an Ohio Bar. I also briefly had an Cerakote power bar from another maker, but got rid of it due to serious quality issues. So what did I learn about coated bars? Coatings scratch, reduce the knurl feel, and wear away with time and abuse. This destroys their corrosion protection in the long run anyway. So in 2021 I will likely be swapping out for a couple of stainless steel bars, though I am not in a huge rush.
I've had a black zinc Ohio bar for probably close to a decade now - it's had pretty good use in my garage the whole time and even though the coating is wearing off A LITTLE, it's still in good shape and zero oxidation/rust. The summers are hot and sometimes pretty humid but again, ZERO oxidation. Unless you're living in a very humid environment or leaving stuff outside a lot and/or are using the bar in heavily trafficked gym, the zinc coated bar likely is going to last longer than you.
The problem is it isn't the case for all. My black zinc Rogue Westside bar had this happen in under a year. I talk to a lot of people and it's a lot more common than you'd think.
@@BasementBrandon It started to rust or the zinc just wore off? If it started to rust, I'd say that's probably uncommon but I believe it I guess. People just seem (compared to yester years) a little (imho overly) concerned about cosmetics.
So I just purchased a all stainless Ohio Power Bar and when I checked it with my magnet it didn’t stick to the sleeves (which is what I expected from stainless) but it did stick to the bar. Concerned, I reached out to Rogue and they said that was normal due to a stainless alloy. Was wondering if your stainless does the same?
Yes it does. Magnet test is pretty inconsistent across stainless in my experience. Rogue will sometimes stamp the end of the shaft under the endcap as SS as well.
What are your thoughts on the ecoat? I have one but still find the knurling aggressive enough even though many people complain. Then again I was used to crappy commercial gym bars.
what is the width between each grips in the center? I currently have a chan bar and the smooth center area is too wide that I can't really do much narrow pressing movements so i'm thinking about upgrading to the OPB?
@@drjdchan I have a ss rep power bar and love that. For my cerakote ohio bar... Yeah I do regret buying it because I bought a black shaft/chrome sleeves and could have saved money if I got black zinc/ecoat. I just had the expectation that cerakote would last. Wouldn't mind it if it looked the way it did after 2 years or so. I am grateful I got the chrome sleeves, those still look pretty good lol
Would you recommend a Ohio power bar bare steel, rogue 2.0 bar or a rogue echo bar? Echo bar gives more resistance to oxidation without black oxide coming off over time (like the 2.0 bar) but loses IPF markings. Bare steel gives IPF and won't discolour over time. I'm largely keeping equipment inside in a spare bedroom gym (for context about oxidation)
It doesn't really matter if part of the zinc coating wears off. The exposed steel is still receives cathodic protection against corrosion from the remaining zinc coating.
@@BasementBrandon Ok cheers, yeah I like the look of the blue one. All out of stock at the moment though. I may reconsider and get black zinc potentially. Thank you for answering!
Hey Brandon. What about getting a bare steel bar and then cold bluing it? I’m thinking about doing that for my first bar so I can get a little better oxidation protection than bare steel while maintaining much of the feel of a bare steel bar. Thoughts?
Is stainless steel actually more corrosion resistant than cerakote? I know that's what the Rogue scale says, but I've seen some corrosion tests on firearms (salt chamber) that make it look like cerakote is best of all. Would love to see a comparison of cerakote vs. stainless barbells, as the two most premium finishes.
What about Westside Power Bar (black zinc) vs. SS Ohio Power Bar? I bought the former in March when everything else was out of stock, but I love the look of a nice stainless/chrome bar. Oxidation is also a major concern with a garage gym in South Florida
I have a e coat opb! From what I've gathered some people say it's more grippy/sharp than a zinc, some say it's slightly less. Wish I could compare them lol. Or j be rich enough to get a ss haha
Finally was able to nab the OHP stainless, should be getting here today. I’ve been saving and planning for the home gym stuff for two years now. Was going to spring for stainless sleeves, but that cost just hurts too much for me. What sleeves did you get on yours and what do you think of them?
I'm trying to decide between the OPB and Rep Double Black Diamond (both in SS). Both look like equal and fine options, but I'm leaning towards the OPB because of it's reliable long term history and USA made. What say you?
Have not used the new REP but many have told me it's similar to the old power bar EX. Both great bars, but I prefer made in USA when other things are equal.
@@BasementBrandon thank you for replying! I'll go with the OPB then, and especially considering it's not much more in price than the Rep DBD for USA made.
I have a black zinc 20kg out of the boneyard. I'm not like you deadlifting 1000 POUNDS!!!!!!! But it doesn't leave me wanting more grip. Even the Cerakote on my Ohio Deadlift Bar doesn't make me need more grip. My Ohio Bar 2.0 a stainless version would be appreciated because it's to passive with the black zinc.
This was a nice comparison. Very informative. I would, however, think that a guy who takes pictures of the knurling on his bars wouldn’t be too lazy to oil a bare steel bar.
@@BasementBrandon with my system., i can use one of my greatest bar on rack ...1300 $ each.... for technical mov....like jerks on racks....maxi Front squats...snatches falls... with sensations of usual bar ( not for back squats of course)
Cerakote dulls it pretty good IMO, but it offers some cool looking options. The certakote on the sleeve will get beaten up pretty bad however. For e-coat no first hand experience but I've heard it's similar to black zinc but lasts better.
@@BasementBrandon the chromate, which is applied to the barbell in the post plating process, will wear of over time. Thats why the black colour fades away... The Zinc plating which is applied first is still there and gives rust protection. Maybe my first comment wasnt detailed enough.
![Gunna - HIM ALL ALONG [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/w7Wf0h1Q8a4/mqdefault.jpg)
I bought the Ohio Power Bar in bare steel because it gives me a ridiculous excuse to cancel plans at the last minute if I don’t want to go out anymore...”Sorry I gotta clean my barbell or else it’s gonna rust.”
Haha need to use that.
COVID has become my go to excuse.
Works wonders.
Thats actually brilliant
My heart says stainless steel but, my wallet says bare steel 😂
Haha I know that struggle.
Fair call.
My wallet says stainless, but my heart says bare steel
depends on where you live. i live in s. Florida and got a bare steel DL bar. I had to sell it after 2 months since it required so much maintenance. sometimes spending more up front will save you money over time.
I live in a dry ass climate so i can get away with bare steel pretty easily lol
I am waiting for the SS OPB when it gets SS sleeves. I’m sure the chrome sleeves are fine but I would like it to be 100% Stainless.
I think it would be nice, but the one I have actually has bare sleeves and haven't had any issues!
I have owned the stainless steel OPB for a year and a half. I use it in an unfinished basement gym, at least 3 days a week. I don't abuse the bar, but I also have never cleaned the bar. To this day the bar looks like new, the knurling is still just as sharp/fine as the day I received it from rogue. Absolutely zero oxidation or rust and it doesn't look like there will be anytime soon. I would say it is well worth the extra money, if it fits your budget!
Appreciate the first hand feedback
How are the chrome sleeves holding up on your barbell? Have they chipped at all?
I just got mine (with stainless steel sleeves) last week, & this thing is a work of art!
I picked up the bare steel OHP and figured rust could be an issue (the beach is 5 min. away from my house, near SF). I oiled it straight away and after several months got lazy. Fortunately, maybe due to putting 3:1 oil on so much in the beginning, I haven’t seen any rust buildup and its been about 5 months since I last oiled it. Something about the bare steel bar makes me nostalgic and it takes me back to all the time I spent lifting in my highschool football program. Then again, I know whatever bar I used in highschool was NOT nearly as nice as this one! I think it’s sugar coating my memories a little :)
Glad to hear!!
Do you live in a humid climate?
Do you use chalk when you lift?
I’ve owned bare steel, black zinc, and now a cerakote OPB and surprisingly the cerakote and bare steel are very similar in feel. Black zinc is one of the thickest coatings and dulls the sharpness of the knurl quite a bit.
I found the cerakote OPB to have the fullest feel to me. Appreciate the perspective!
I got a black zinc OPB about 6 months ago. At the time it was the only thing available and I was lucky to snag one. Back then I wanted either a stainless or raw steel. Now I am glad it worked out the way it did. I have zero complaints. I have never had to use chalk, and the finish is holding up just fine in a non climate controlled midwest garage. I saved money over the stainless version and I have not had to worry about it oxidizing like a bare steel might have. I am sure that at some point the finish will wear off and I will end up with a bare steel bar. But by then the steel should slowly develp a patina so the upkeep should be minimal. Either way it's a fantastic bar and I doubt anyone will be disappointed with it's performance regardless of the finish.
Glad to hear!
i grabbed the black zinc bar, but its my first. i may upgrade in the future but after a year of using the bar 4-5x weekly, its still looks brand new. love it
Good to hear!
Got the bare steel about 2 months ago since I live in the desert. Glad I didn't spring for the stainless. It hasn't oxidized at all.
Yet... ;)
@@stefinatrix3426 i can clean a bar once a year. Haha
Nice!!
personally a fan of the black zinc one because its slick and feels almost the same as the stainless steel. way better value for essentailly the same thing(ive used both and cant really tell a differnece). i would say its really hard to wipe off the black zinc. been using mine for half a year now and no signs of wear on the black zinc :)
Interesting. I find the feel to be pretty drastic personally!
I started with the black zinc OPB when I bough my home gym in 2015. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Much like others have said, the coating has worn off, but considering im on the east coast, and summers are humid, its held up quite well. I did snag a stainless OPB when the restocked a few weeks ago. And its definitely a high end upgrade over the zinc. I really thought about listing the old one on marketplace and recouping some of the cost of the new one, but decided instead to hold onto it for rack pulls and other variations that could potentially damage a bar. Also, most of the coating has worn off of the zinc version, but it did it over time, so I didn't notice a "night and day" difference between that and the stainless.
Right on man, totally see your points. I sold my WPD when i got my first OPB and I regret it to this day!
I prefer eleiko. It’s worth the investment and they’ve been great with minimal upkeep
I've seen some of their bare comp bars rust really quick. I'd be annoyed if I spent that much and had to clean it all the time.
My first rogue bar was a black zinc opb, I got a bone yard stainless opb 20kg and immediately sold my black zinc, eventually I ordered the 45lb opb in stainless/chrome and sold my boneyard 20kg and still have my stainless opb today, best feeling bar by far.
Sounds like a pretty similar story to mine!
I grabbed a used OPB blackZine 2yrs ago and it’s my “beater bar” now. she’s a tad used by she’s still better then anything at a local chain gym 🤘🏼
Right on!
Just got an OPB with SS shaft and sleeves. The price was obnoxious, but every time I wrap my hands around it I feel like it's totally worth it.
I can imagine, my stainless shaft has bare sleeves lol.
I bought the black oxide version because it was available. My new garage is very well insulated. I also bought a B&R bar. Neither have developed any rust in the first month. My Troy plates sure have rubbed off a lot of the black paint onto the sleeves...I use to have a bare steel OPB but i don't mine the slight difference with the black oxide. But then again I don't use anywhere as much weight as you or the normal powerlifter...
Thanks for the feedback Ron! Glad to hear the new place is up and running
@@BasementBrandon Oh my Troy plates don't fit my Westside scout reverse hyper weight sleeves. Plus they fit very tight on my barbells and bind easily when pulling them off along with leaving black paint on the sleeves of my bars
I have owned black zinc and currently own the stainless version. I found the black zinc knurling felt sharper but the stainless feels gripper. I prefer the feel of the stainless
Interesting take!
I got the black cerakote a few months ago. Would have gotten stainless had it been available, but options were limited. I'm very happy with it anyway.
Fantastic bar still
I went with black zinc, just because it was available and the stainless steel OPB hadn’t been in stock.
Fair enough!
I bought stainless steel and I love it , it has a great feel when I’m deadlifting and pressing.
Right on
I actually like the black zinc bar better BECAUSE of the zinc coating and how the knurl feels. Not that the OHP is a super aggressive knurl, but the zinc coating makes the grip nice and comfortable.
Right on, appreciate the response.
I have 2 stainless, 1 black and 2 bare steel and I really like the stainless finish. At our gym, some girls and newer lifters like the black one more because it's less agressive.
Good point!
You've more or less sold me on the stainless steel with that. Not that I'm afraid of being called girly or a noob. I sang Barbie Girl out loud in public while carrying the groceries home today. But because I've had trouble with hilltop knurling being too passive. I don't want that similar feeling when lifting. I have pretty well-calloused hands and I don't mind a tough bar, so long as it's volcano and not mountain-top.
I have a WS Power Bar and same story there. Color is gone but adds this cool factor (to me) of being used hard. I would agree depending on your environment the SS version is the best with the BS being a close second.
I miss my WSPB but had the same discoloration/wear issues.
I have a bare steel OPB and I clean it once a year. 4 years old and it looks very good. It’s kept in a garage that regularly goes about 70% humidity in the summer. Bare steel takes very little maintenance, oil once a year seems to do the trick.
Hmm most of my bare bares have required cleaning every month or so on average.
Black zinc because its cheaper and there is still some protection. But I brush/clean 4x a week and oil weekly. I have found my Rogue OPB to wear off more than my other Titex bar even though they're both black zinc.
Right on, appreciate the insight.
Bought the stainless several months ago,extremely happy with it.
Great to hear!
How are the chrome sleeves holding up on your barbell? Have they chipped at all?
@@RobertPaulson87 Sleeves are black zinc,zinc is rubbing off somewhat but I don’t mind too much.But I still think it’s prob the best bar out there for the cost.
Black zinc solely because I like the look lol
Plus you'll prob clean it after every use.
Thank you so much for all the help in determining if I should get the credit or exchange for a new bar for the damaged bar from rogue. Wanted to say thanks over youtube so everyone can see. Looking forward to using this power bar.
Any time!
I just bought a cerakote ohio bar because I really wanted a green bar. Somehow Rogue listed it available for once so I grabbed immediately.
Hope you like it man! Got a black cerakote opb a while back and really enjoy it
They def look awesome. Rain City Fit has some red ones that are pretty sharp!
I have several Rogue bars and agree stainless steel > bare steel > black zinc. I also have 2 eleiko stainless steel bars, kabuki in nickel, bare steel Texas power bar and the Ohio Power Bar in stainless steel is my favourite.
Are the Elieko bars really worth the obscene cost?
I love me some raw eleiko powder bars but hard to justify the price for bare steel.
@@bmstylee It's cool how they have a serial number right on the shaft of the bar and they're packaged with a personalized name tag, the steel also looks really nice. Is that enough to justify the price? Probably not.
I got the black zinc OHP first but then I got the rogue lat pull down which came with the stainless steel lat attachment and I just loved the feel of it and knew I had to get the stainless steel OHP
Ugh I want one of those.
I bought BoS bare steel. I don't mind the upkeep especially since you made a video on how to do it.
Good choice! They're coming out with a cerakote version I believe.
Really well put together... I like the new graphics at the end. 💪🏼
Thanks brother hope all is well
@@BasementBrandon Always! Keep grinding. :)
You guys should get together and do a show with Coop, give the fans what they want
@Alaska24 I'm sure Brandon and Coop will collaborate... I'm about 500k subscribers short... lol
@@TheFarrOutpost getting there
I have both the Ohio bar and Ohio power bar in stainless. I didn't want to deal with rust, scratches, chipping slipping, etc. I had the Ohio bar in cerakote although it felt fine, I didn't want it to scratch up.
Awesome. I have a SS Ohio bar as well!
Love my black zinc OPB, but after four years, the finish is starting to wear off (not as bad as the TDLB though). I’m going all in on a stainless steel OPB w/ stainless sleeves when it comes in stock, but it’s been “coming soon” since before COVID, so we’ll see. Thanks for the great content!
Yeah that seems to be an elusive buy for a few people!
Currently, 11/12/20 The Rogue 45LB Ohio Power Bar-Bare Steel is in stock for $265 for those who are interested.
nice!
Hey Brandon, how's about a review of the "Holy Grail" of stainless steel power barbells, the Ivanko OBXS-20KG-29MM?
I would love one but just can’t justify dropping $1k on one
I always thought the holy grail was the Elieko bar?
@@fko1 Nah. The Eleiko power bar is excellent, but it is bare steel with chrome sleeves, about $950. The Ivanko OBXS-20KG-29MM is ALL stainless steel (shaft & sleeves), $1259. Both are IPF certified.
Schnell is also ALL stainless steel and IPF certified, about &1400.
Might get one in the future. But for now I have two American barbell i have to wear out first. One is the grizzly bar, the other is the training bar.
Right on!
Great breakdown Brandon!
So is black zinc applied to bare steel? So the more it wares off then the more aggressive the knurl would be..? I don't have to worry about rust..
This is what I've found. However in a home gym it would take a lot longer to wear than say a commercial space.
With bars in mind, do you use a cheaper (beater) bar in your landmine attachment?
That said, corrosion aside, I still prefer bare steel. The maintenance keeps me in touch with the equipment (figuratively and literally), a real meditative moment or two. The patina is cool and I don't think any other finish feels as good.
I don't really care at this point b/c I have so many, I've used my $700+ Kabuki bar in one.
I got black zinc boneyard in 2020 and cleaned it for the first time 40 months later. Had a tiny bit of rust on the chrome sleeving I mostly got off with a wire brush wheel
nice!
I got both options. I am for Stainless. Feels better,looks better, sustains better.
agreed
Great video, is there a major difference between stainless steel with chrome sleeves vs all stainless steel
I haven't found it to be. sleeves dont oxidize as much since your hands/chalk/sweat doesn't touch them that often.
I have the stainless steel for like 1.5 weeks now and must say: it’s the best powerbar I’ve had access to so far.
awesome to hear! It's hard to beat.
@@BasementBrandon there are not many good alternatives in Germany as well, so that made the choice easier 😂
Thanks for this video bro
I bought an off brand black zinc bar for i think 180$ 18 months ago. I've used it leas than a dozen times, i hate it honestly
I'm just gonna pony up for the stainless Ohio power bar.
Thanks for the advice
That's one hell of an upgrade. What don't you like about the current one?
@@BasementBrandon basically what you stated in your video.
The knurling is so smooth almost non-existant IMO
also the spin of the sleeves is so much I didn't expect, i think i need a power bar.
I wanted to do some olympic lifts but I simply can't due to lumbar spine issues from manual labor mistakes. I can do sumo and hex bar deadlifts, but i can not do anything from a conventional stance 💔
Although not an ohpb I did buy the rep deep power bar recently and love the all stainless. Waiting on rogue to stock up their fully stainless Pyrros bar for oly lifts now too. Living in Florida and working out outside I don’t think any other choice is worth it rn
The Power Bar EX is solid.
I just bought the black zinc one. No choice since as of 12/22/20 that’s all that was available. Some day I’ll get the stainless steel one but for now I’ll get what I can during the pandemic!
Right on, makes sense!
I love the look of the black zinc and e-coat but I'm a powerlifter, Is the difference between knurl that noticeable? I would prefer the black color
I think this depends on the preference. The feel is still good assuming the knurl is cut deep, I just prefer the true intention.
before watching..... stainless.... If not I don't know who you are anymore
Obvious choice is obvious 🤡
@@BasementBrandon what do you have against black bars? You be scriminatin 🙌🏻
@@RickyR0zay lol
I saw the durability rating on the stainless steel barbell was lower than the other options. Of course for the average buyer this isn’t an issue, what about otherwise? Need to buy one soon.
Typically SS is a softer metal, but still should in theory last a life time if properly maintained.
isn't the knurl too sharp to train everyday or would it be better to go with the coated versions because the aren't as aggressive ?
I would say this knurl is aggressive without being sharp. I compare it more to grippy.
I have the Ohio Black Zinc bar. You mentioned in the video about cleaning the bar. Do you have a video on how to clean the bar. Thanks Brandon. I look forward to your postings. Many thanks.
Sure do! basics are get a good nylon brush and some 3 in 1 oil!
What about the sleeves, is stainless worth the extra over chrome?
the one i have actually has bare sleeves. Haven't found it to be an issue.
My black zinc ohio powerbar has faded a lot, though had it for 3 years and it has been in my garage with very varying temperatures. I am planning on getting a stainless steel ohio powerbar, but they are sold out. I bought a strengthshop bastard power bar in stainless steel, which is alright and a good alternative, but I prefer the rogue ohio powerbar a lot more.
Haven't got my hands on the strengthshop one in SS, I did own the nickel one however.
@@BasementBrandon It's not a bad bar. Very good for the price, but I think i'd pay the extra and get a rogue. My rogue ohio powerbar in black zinc is my favorite of the 2.
Have you tried any of the ecoat bars? If so what do you think? I have the SS OHP and I'm thinking of getting the e coat ohio bar
I haven't so I only go based off what feedback I get from people. Supposedly similar feel to zinc but lasts longer.
If it had been more available I definitely would have gone with the Stainless steel Ohio Power Bar. Given that when I was buying barbells were hard to come by I went with e-coat as that was one of the first I managed to snag. Of course the sleeves are bright zinc, and my Ohio Bar already has some scratches in the coating. I have both a Ohio PB and an Ohio Bar. I also briefly had an Cerakote power bar from another maker, but got rid of it due to serious quality issues.
So what did I learn about coated bars? Coatings scratch, reduce the knurl feel, and wear away with time and abuse. This destroys their corrosion protection in the long run anyway.
So in 2021 I will likely be swapping out for a couple of stainless steel bars, though I am not in a huge rush.
Yeah I hear that! I might eventually look to upgrade my OPB to complete stainless as right now the sleeves are bare but no rush.
Thanks! Exactly what I wanted to know!
Glad to hear it!
So now the next question is what knurling feels better: bare steel or stainless steel? I bet pretty much the same?
Will be the same but stainless will stay that way for a long time
Shouldn't feel any different IMO
I've had a black zinc Ohio bar for probably close to a decade now - it's had pretty good use in my garage the whole time and even though the coating is wearing off A LITTLE, it's still in good shape and zero oxidation/rust. The summers are hot and sometimes pretty humid but again, ZERO oxidation. Unless you're living in a very humid environment or leaving stuff outside a lot and/or are using the bar in heavily trafficked gym, the zinc coated bar likely is going to last longer than you.
The problem is it isn't the case for all. My black zinc Rogue Westside bar had this happen in under a year. I talk to a lot of people and it's a lot more common than you'd think.
@@BasementBrandon It started to rust or the zinc just wore off? If it started to rust, I'd say that's probably uncommon but I believe it I guess. People just seem (compared to yester years) a little (imho overly) concerned about cosmetics.
@@squatrx the zinc turned more greenish and started to fade completely in some spots. It's really common in the smooth parts of the shaft
So I just purchased a all stainless Ohio Power Bar and when I checked it with my magnet it didn’t stick to the sleeves (which is what I expected from stainless) but it did stick to the bar. Concerned, I reached out to Rogue and they said that was normal due to a stainless alloy. Was wondering if your stainless does the same?
Yes it does. Magnet test is pretty inconsistent across stainless in my experience. Rogue will sometimes stamp the end of the shaft under the endcap as SS as well.
Does a magnet stick to your stainless steel powerbar? I just recieved mine and a magnet sticks like solid steel.
I don't think the magnet test is always reliable as it depends on the type of stainless.
What are your thoughts on the ecoat? I have one but still find the knurling aggressive enough even though many people complain. Then again I was used to crappy commercial gym bars.
Haven’t owned one but based off feedback I’ve heard it’s compatible to zinc in feel but seems to hold up better.
Some nice knurl on knurl action
2 knurls 1 basement
@@BasementBrandon There can only be one knurl.
@@BasementBrandon
Ebony and ivory ...
Together in perfect harmony
what is the width between each grips in the center? I currently have a chan bar and the smooth center area is too wide that I can't really do much narrow pressing movements so i'm thinking about upgrading to the OPB?
Most barbells have the same spacing here.
Hey Brandon are you planning to ever pick up a pair or monster trolley arms? Would make for a great review I think.
I do want some to better compare them to reps offering. Just don't want to spend $1k
Brandon, have you had any issues with cerakote fading? How long does that coat last?
I've had my ohio cerakote since March and it's fading where the bar rests on the jcups. I have a rogue rack as well.
not on the shaft, but have seen it wear on the sleeves.
@@greasypeanut Do you regret getting the cerakote (rather get the stainless steel) or still think it's worth it?
@@drjdchan I have a ss rep power bar and love that. For my cerakote ohio bar... Yeah I do regret buying it because I bought a black shaft/chrome sleeves and could have saved money if I got black zinc/ecoat. I just had the expectation that cerakote would last. Wouldn't mind it if it looked the way it did after 2 years or so. I am grateful I got the chrome sleeves, those still look pretty good lol
Should I get the stainless steel bar with sericote sleeves or pay an extra $70 for stainless steel sleeves
I don't find stainless sleeves to be necessary personally
Would you recommend a Ohio power bar bare steel, rogue 2.0 bar or a rogue echo bar? Echo bar gives more resistance to oxidation without black oxide coming off over time (like the 2.0 bar) but loses IPF markings. Bare steel gives IPF and won't discolour over time. I'm largely keeping equipment inside in a spare bedroom gym (for context about oxidation)
I think it comes down to more of what you train for. if for powerlifting the OPB all day.
It doesn't really matter if part of the zinc coating wears off. The exposed steel is still receives cathodic protection against corrosion from the remaining zinc coating.
You'll find it bothers a lot of people.
@@BasementBrandon People that aren't busy lifting
Great video, Is there a Ohio Power Bar Cerakote version? Do you think it’s similar to the black Zinc bar performance wise?
There is. Personally I find cerakote mutes the knurl feel the most, but potentially looks the best if you're into colors.
@@BasementBrandon Ok cheers, yeah I like the look of the blue one. All out of stock at the moment though. I may reconsider and get black zinc potentially. Thank you for answering!
Would the comparison between cerakote and SS yield the same pros and cons differences between the two
I've found cerakote amount can differ greatly, but usually tends to fill in knurling in a similar way. The good news is it wont' wear as fast.
Excellent video. To the point. Well spoken.
Much appreciated!
Hey Brandon. What about getting a bare steel bar and then cold bluing it? I’m thinking about doing that for my first bar so I can get a little better oxidation protection than bare steel while maintaining much of the feel of a bare steel bar. Thoughts?
Don't have any experience with that, so can't really say!
Just got the ecoat cause it was available. What do you think about it Brandon?
From what I've heard it has a similar feel to zinc, but the finish will last longer!
Nice bar! I would put that to good use, that's for sure.
I think so too!
Is stainless steel actually more corrosion resistant than cerakote?
I know that's what the Rogue scale says, but I've seen some corrosion tests on firearms (salt chamber) that make it look like cerakote is best of all.
Would love to see a comparison of cerakote vs. stainless barbells, as the two most premium finishes.
I've seen more rust on cerakote bars than I have on stainless.
still a good option?
Still the best for most people IMO
I’ve only had the black zinc OPB a couple weeks and the black finish is already starting to come off where it rests on the rack, is this normal?
Def can happen
What about Westside Power Bar (black zinc) vs. SS Ohio Power Bar? I bought the former in March when everything else was out of stock, but I love the look of a nice stainless/chrome bar. Oxidation is also a major concern with a garage gym in South Florida
I regret selling my original WPB, but I had the same issues with the black zinc.
I have a e coat opb! From what I've gathered some people say it's more grippy/sharp than a zinc, some say it's slightly less. Wish I could compare them lol. Or j be rich enough to get a ss haha
From what I’ve heard it’s pretty similar in sharpness but holds up better long term!
@@BasementBrandon Nice to hear! It still rips my calluses open on deads lol
How does the blank zinc compare to cerakote?
Black zinc usually offers better feel of the knurl, but tends to wear.
Black zinc ist almost 460€ over here in Germany. stainless ist like 620€ or somewhere in that ballpark.
Ouch
Finally was able to nab the OHP stainless, should be getting here today. I’ve been saving and planning for the home gym stuff for two years now.
Was going to spring for stainless sleeves, but that cost just hurts too much for me.
What sleeves did you get on yours and what do you think of them?
I actually have bare sleeves on mine and they've been fine!
@@BasementBrandon
Brandon, we all know you like it raw, but why the bare sleeves and not the chrome it comes with?
I'm trying to decide between the OPB and Rep Double Black Diamond (both in SS). Both look like equal and fine options, but I'm leaning towards the OPB because of it's reliable long term history and USA made. What say you?
Have not used the new REP but many have told me it's similar to the old power bar EX. Both great bars, but I prefer made in USA when other things are equal.
@@BasementBrandon thank you for replying! I'll go with the OPB then, and especially considering it's not much more in price than the Rep DBD for USA made.
I have a black zinc 20kg out of the boneyard. I'm not like you deadlifting 1000 POUNDS!!!!!!! But it doesn't leave me wanting more grip. Even the Cerakote on my Ohio Deadlift Bar doesn't make me need more grip. My Ohio Bar 2.0 a stainless version would be appreciated because it's to passive with the black zinc.
Right on. I’ve heard a lot say they don’t like the bare or stainless OPBs but they bite just right to me!
This was a nice comparison. Very informative. I would, however, think that a guy who takes pictures of the knurling on his bars wouldn’t be too lazy to oil a bare steel bar.
You'd be surpised!
Does their difference in tensile strength make a difference on the whip/bend???
not at this level.
Stainless Steel supremacists in chat? 🙋🏻♂️
SS officer signing in
here we go...
Italy has left the chat
*2 hours later*
Italy has joined the chat
Italy: 'bout that SS bar though...
@@BasementBrandon he who controls the spicy comments, controls the universe! ⏳
Down here taking pictures of my knurling 😅😂
someone's got to do it!
Gotta love living in the desert. No rust on bare steel here, playboy
Nice!
Great detail
Thanks!
I put a good thick .leather layer on rack (hooks) for avoid contact metal vs metal and destroying Knurling of bar
nice!
@@BasementBrandon with my system., i can use one of my greatest bar on rack ...1300 $ each.... for technical mov....like jerks on racks....maxi Front squats...snatches falls... with sensations of usual bar ( not for back squats of course)
@@BasementBrandon ohio Power Bar is one of my favorite for Deadlifs Squats and Bench. I like this type of barbell. Nice and strong...GREAT.
So what about e-coat and cerakote. Could you compare those?
Cerakote dulls it pretty good IMO, but it offers some cool looking options. The certakote on the sleeve will get beaten up pretty bad however.
For e-coat no first hand experience but I've heard it's similar to black zinc but lasts better.
@@BasementBrandon thanks mate
the black zinc doesnt fade away over time. its just the colour and the corrosion resistance is still there.
Black zinc is a coating that can and will wear over time. If it was something like black oxide, which is a treatment, it would be a different story.
@@BasementBrandon the chromate, which is applied to the barbell in the post plating process, will wear of over time. Thats why the black colour fades away...
The Zinc plating which is applied first is still there and gives rust protection.
Maybe my first comment wasnt detailed enough.
I have zinc and it looks amazing and still does after a year
try 2 years. My black rogue bar is wearing. Its still in good shape but he's right, it won't last forever.
Nice!!
my lasted maybe maybe 3 months before it was very noticeable🤷♂️
Same, 2 years in and still looks black! Maybe because I'm in SoCal and very dry weather?
I love my rogue black zinc OHPB, though my shitty j cups are tearing it up quick.
I was having the same trouble with my new bar. I wound up making j-cup liners out of 1/8th inch UMHW. This saved the knurling and the j-cups.
You can buy UHMW and make your own padding.
Don't worry rogue does the same to the bar , you are not missing out on much
What type of plates are the more resistant to oxidation not including bumpers?
urethane, e-coat
Neither! The stainless steel deep knurl power bar from Rep!! Bad to the bone
I have that as well but find I prefer the volcano knurl to the mountain.
got my black zinc bar because of your first video 🤘
My man
How long does it usually take a black zinc bar to fade away?
If you read the comments, anywhere from a month to years.
Mine started fading within a few weeks in my Houston garage gym during the summer. That’s with regular maintenance.