This is the hardest thing to recommend when people ask me b/c so much of it is personal preference. I think we need to launch an official barbell sommelier certification.
Great video! I've been lifting for 30 years and I've never had anyone explain the different knurls to me... thank you very much for the excellent explanation!
Coop, I sincerely hope one of your future reviews will be the Rogue Cave vs Rep PR 5000 with Ares vs whatever Sorinex rack/system that is similar to the Cave. PLEASE
Training my wife 6 months ago on barbell training, using my Rep Powerbar EX Deep Knurl, and to this day she calls the Knurl "the ouchie". She's not wrong
I want to see a barbel with straight knurling instead of the typical diamond pattern. I worked as a machinist for some time and this was always my favorite type of knurling.
We love the stache look brother. Great vid. Just put heat and insulation in our garage (it's a big 28x32' garage), about to build out the home gym. Using your videos for guidance. Peace brother
I personally love my rogue aggro 2x bar it’s like a more aggressive volcano knurling and love the look of it too plus it’s stainless by far my favorite.
The Elitefts Power Bar & The Westside Power Bar are my go to for training. Can't beat the feel of a mountain knurling (elitefts) but the sticky grippy volcano knurling (westside power bar) is outstanding 👍💪
For the benefit of any British or European lifters, the deep volcano knurling on the ATX Ram Bar 2.0 feels fantastic in the hand. Don't even really feel the need to use chalk and I have sweaty hands. I haven't used a Rogue bar but visually it looks similar to the knurling on the Ohio power bar except the volcano peaks don't seem to be chopped off quite as much. Black oxide finish seems to help the grippy feeling.
The Okie Deadlift Bar shreds for sure! It was the first deadlift bar I ever used. It was pretty old but I'd like to see what a brand new one feels like
Coop I feel like you undersold mountain knurls. Yes some of them can be overly aggressive, but they can also be done well. American Barbell power bars have mountain knurls with shallow cuts and dense peaks so they don’t feel sharp. I would also argue the Kabuki is more mountain than volcano. The tops have been rounded off but they’re not cut like a volcano
I use a Rep Power Bar with volcano knurling for most things, but a Rep Power Bar EX with mountain knurling for deadlift day, or as a backup when a roommate is using the volcano knurling bar. Also have a very passive technique bar for coaching or accessory lifts, and tbh love all three for their own reasons
Always wondered about these different options, I guess they all have their place depending on what your attempting and at what level your at with your training. Thank you Tom W
I kept hoping that Coop would mention what kind of knurling is best with gloves. I wear gloves for all of my medium and heavy lifting, as otherwise my hands just get too messed up-like, bleeding onto the bar-regardless of the presence or type of knurling. I used to work out at gyms that had a lot of serious bodybuilders and weightlifters, and many of them wore gloves and straps, too. In any case, I still enjoyed the video and learned something yet again from Coop’s enthusiastic thoroughness.
I do my pressing with a Hudson Steel bar that has hard chrome over hill knurl. I do my cleans, snatches and pulls with a Rogue Pyrros bar that's uncoated stainless steel with a fine mountain knurl. The knurl is sharp but not coarse, I'm guessing that it might render about the same ratio of 4 : 1 compared to a coarse mountain knurl, since the peaks are shorter and closer together than a power bar knurl. It feels great. Uncoated steel makes any knurl more effective than the same knurl on a coated bar.
I love mountain bars. EliteFTS made an "American Fat Bar" with sharp mountain knurl, and on a 2" bar, it doesn't feel too bad since it's dispersed across a greater section of your hand.
I like “aggressive “ powder coat like the kabuki Swiss bar, I like the knurling on their trap bar as well, for high reps I like the Ohio stainless steel bar.
Rep Stainless Power Bar EX Deep Knurl. Good grip, no rip, but slightly less aggressive than I imagined. Also have a rogue 2.0 bar and it feels passive. My hands have calluses from work and lifting, so that factors in too.
That 1 inch barbell would probably make more sense since, like you said, you could use the dumbbell weights on it too. With what you laid out benching would end at 155 lbs, but with a 1 inch bar and 4 25 lb plates plus the dumbbell plates a person can lift up to a bit over 200 lbs. That would give the person more time to save more cash for upgrades or finding deals on Craigslist or marketplace.
Had an OPB which was great but upgraded to a used Eleiko Powerlifting Competition bar and although it is less sharp than the OPB it feels just as secure during max deadlifts with chalk.
Coop can you please talk about the best power lifting barbells, as in what is better for the bench the squat and the deadlift. As in can you break down what barbells are best for some one that wants to compete and get used to every single bar in al those three lifts. There hasn't really been a video where one talks about what bar should some one get if they want to practice for competing as in for the bench and other lifts!!!
Coop: how did you avoid discussing the American Barbell knurling. It really is a different take on knurling. I am not aware of other bars that have that combination of "won't tear your hands up" and grip.
Rogue ohio power bar got mine for around one week ago and absolutely love it. Got the cerakote one. Have a little problem with bad spin but else its amazing used a coated ziva before also good but nothing in compare with rogue ohio power bar
Somewhat related question. Is anyone in the GGR community aware of a power bar that doesn't have knurling all the way to the end? Coop mentioned the blunting of knurling because of the J-cups and I'm sure we all have experienced that. Unless you plan on doing snatches or snatch grip exercises, I kinda wonder if it would be beneficial to not have knurling where the J-cups go on some bars? Especially if you're a powerlifter and prioritise the big 3 and variations of. Happy to hear any counter arguments on the matter.
I have an elitefts power bar and I love it. I do prefer a more passive knurl for Olympic lifts which is why I bought a Synergee barring bar. Coop what do you think of the Pyrros bar from rogue?
I only have a Rep Excalibur at the moment. I like it well enough, not actually even sure what kind it is, maybe mountain knurling? Feels somewhere in the middle compared to others I've used.
I Mountain for my concentration movements where I really focus on form and M.M.connection like rows it reminds me to not squeeze the bar and pull with my lats
Hill is my favorite. I don't need that much aggression on the bar. It hurts when the weight is higher if the knurl is too sharp. I'd be fine with just a flat bar with no knurling on it.
After having trained with hills (worn down Texas Power Bar) and touching a OPB, good knurling is addictive. AND THEN Rogue comes out with 2x and 3x? I got to touch both. I like both. I think 3x is novel but I think that would get tiring after a while. For me, 2x is primo.
Hey coop, how do you clean the eva black plastic from a colored barbell. We have the rogue Cherokee green/black bar and I don’t want to wreck the finish.
Coop your the man and I respect your opinion but I feel like you go overboard on the EliteFTS power bar knurl. I have Ohio Power Bar and EliteFTS Power Bar, I end up using my Elite bar all the time. Like you said it’s how you train and what your preferences are but the knurl is just aggressive but never hurts when I’m doing Deads or pressing.
Always preferred deeper knurling, "mountain". My Okie DL bar sticks to your hands lol. But I also have 11inch hands and super thick skin on my hands so it never bothered me from a discomfort perspective
@@Ringleader3rik 6'3", but I have crazy big hands and long ass thumbs lol, been in an 2xl glove for football since junior high. A buddy of mine is a legit giant/ogre of a human (6'9" 350+lbs) and his fingers are longer, but my hand is wider and my thumb is longer.
@@Ringleader3rik yeah, it's how hand size is measured in the majority instances. In the NFL my hands would be the top 1% or probably (considering how many smaller dudes play corner) higher for hand size lol.
Everyone has little things they like and don't like. I feel Eleiko has the best bars and knurling. I do think they need to get broken in before they really shine. . I also have an OHio Bar. Itss nice but doesn't spin as nice as the Eleiko bar. My Eleiko bar is just so damn smooth. TIP: Eleiko bars will get better the more you use them.
Can you do a video on PUNCHING BAG (🥊 boxing) , i want one but i don't have any idea what are the types or filling in the bag ... I thought who would be better than you to explain about it..... Think about it.....
Hey Coop. Did Mac partner with Texas Power Bar? What’s the story behind that? I actually think I might own one of those bars. Having a hard time identifying it though. I want to be sure before I claim what it is. Thanks. Aroostook Barbell.
Why does coop ignore the fact that bells of steel exists?!?! My naked power bar is amazing, and is an arm and a leg cheaper than the "competivitly priced" Rogue WL bar. would love to see some honest reviews of their equipment, and all their bars.
I've seen fitness equipment websites list their barbells with "standard" or "aggressive" knurling. How do you interpret that? Is standard knurling "volcano" and aggressive knurling "mountain"? I've also seen a couple websites that state an actual knurl measurement, like 1.2mm knurl. Again, I don't know how to frame that. Is 1.2mm a standard knurl and is a standard knurl volcano? Lastly, are you seeing certain knurl standards change from barbell to curl bar to trap bar?
My personal Sorinex power bar feels better compared to the rogue OPB that I’ve used at a public gym. Maybe because wear of many users. At first Sorinex felt sharp, but I quickly grown used to it. Not for olys though! The Sorinex oly bar feels like a Bella bar. So, I like SHARP for deads and squats.
with regards to bar whip. specifically for the non strong as f people out there. is there any merrit to having a whippy bar (if there are any that whip at sub 150keg weightz)? as u here some strongmen speak highly of how ur core is working more etc.... would a 15kg oly bar be what ome might concider?
how are bars cheap if they have hills? The differences are there for a reason "comfort" not for "cheapness"..I personally dont like the pointy knurling. No reason to hurt your hands more than we do.
I own the rogue Chan bar and I really like the nurling on it. Not sure how it compares to any other bar besides my cheap Chinese made bar that I bought when I was 20 from dicks sporting goods. 600 grit sand paper feels more aggressive than it’s nurling
I actually get insulted when a knurl is terrible. I have a Titan football bar and the “knurling” is so passive I get annoyed every time I use it. I ended up putting hockey stick tape on it so I can grip it better
This is the hardest thing to recommend when people ask me b/c so much of it is personal preference. I think we need to launch an official barbell sommelier certification.
It's true. So much depends on their training too.
Would cerakote be the equivalent of boxed wine?
@@fencingrocks3 nah box wine is cheap
@@fencingrocks3 I second Sir Francis Bacon. Either stainless or bare steel all the way
@@fencingrocks3 more like a flavored whiskey. In theory sounds good, but ends up taking away more than it adds.
Brandon's logo/motto on your shirt eh. Very fitting for the video.
Yeah, that shirt weighs 35... ounces haha
Frankly I think everything should be knurled - all gym machine handles, doorknobs, and even toothbrushes. If it can be held, it can be knurled.
You're not wrong...
...everything? 👀
@@zano9291 "Knurled for her pleasure..."
@@FunFactOfTheDay 😂😂😂
Great video! I've been lifting for 30 years and I've never had anyone explain the different knurls to me... thank you very much for the excellent explanation!
I love how passionate Coop is about Knurling! I love the videos!
Crossfitter here. American Barbell is my favorite regardless of price. I Oly lift almost every Workout. Heavy and cycling.
Coop, I sincerely hope one of your future reviews will be the Rogue Cave vs Rep PR 5000 with Ares vs whatever Sorinex rack/system that is similar to the Cave. PLEASE
Training my wife 6 months ago on barbell training, using my Rep Powerbar EX Deep Knurl, and to this day she calls the Knurl "the ouchie". She's not wrong
I want to see a barbel with straight knurling instead of the typical diamond pattern. I worked as a machinist for some time and this was always my favorite type of knurling.
Rogue Ohio Power Bar is the GOAT.
Volcano knurling for me! Perfect grippiness without feeling like deadlifting heavy with it is a medieval torture method.
We love the stache look brother. Great vid. Just put heat and insulation in our garage (it's a big 28x32' garage), about to build out the home gym. Using your videos for guidance. Peace brother
This was great. I just got my Rogue Ohio Power bar and i now understand what you mean. GREAT BAR!!!
Based Brandon shirt. Garage/Basement crossover ??!!
I'm like Pennywise trying to get Coop to come down to the sewer.
@@BasementBrandon We ALL float down here.🤡
American barbells knurl is something else. Never lost grip with it on my mammoth and wl bar, yet never felt uncomfortable in training
I personally love my rogue aggro 2x bar it’s like a more aggressive volcano knurling and love the look of it too plus it’s stainless by far my favorite.
Never knew there was a difference. Always wondered why my hands bled after using barbells. Those of us with thin skin thank you
U need to toughen up your hands
The Elitefts Power Bar & The Westside Power Bar are my go to for training. Can't beat the feel of a mountain knurling (elitefts) but the sticky grippy volcano knurling (westside power bar) is outstanding 👍💪
Have you tried the Kabuki bars?
My very first bar had hill knurling. Still have it but also have the Ohio power bar with E-coat. Love love love that bar and it's knurling.
For the benefit of any British or European lifters, the deep volcano knurling on the ATX Ram Bar 2.0 feels fantastic in the hand. Don't even really feel the need to use chalk and I have sweaty hands. I haven't used a Rogue bar but visually it looks similar to the knurling on the Ohio power bar except the volcano peaks don't seem to be chopped off quite as much. Black oxide finish seems to help the grippy feeling.
The Okie Deadlift Bar shreds for sure! It was the first deadlift bar I ever used. It was pretty old but I'd like to see what a brand new one feels like
Coop I feel like you undersold mountain knurls. Yes some of them can be overly aggressive, but they can also be done well. American Barbell power bars have mountain knurls with shallow cuts and dense peaks so they don’t feel sharp. I would also argue the Kabuki is more mountain than volcano. The tops have been rounded off but they’re not cut like a volcano
I use a Rep Power Bar with volcano knurling for most things, but a Rep Power Bar EX with mountain knurling for deadlift day, or as a backup when a roommate is using the volcano knurling bar. Also have a very passive technique bar for coaching or accessory lifts, and tbh love all three for their own reasons
Love my okie deadlift bar
Raw Ohio Power bar and Ohio bar are what I use most often
Always wondered about these different options, I guess they all have their place depending on what your attempting and at what level your at with your training.
Thank you Tom W
The knurling on the cerakote Ohio bar is perfect for me. I wish they'd make a pull up bar with identical knurl.
I kept hoping that Coop would mention what kind of knurling is best with gloves.
I wear gloves for all of my medium and heavy lifting, as otherwise my hands just get too messed up-like, bleeding onto the bar-regardless of the presence or type of knurling. I used to work out at gyms that had a lot of serious bodybuilders and weightlifters, and many of them wore gloves and straps, too.
In any case, I still enjoyed the video and learned something yet again from Coop’s enthusiastic thoroughness.
At 8:36 IN I was really getting the Jesse "The Body" Ventura vibe. Nice!
Sweet vid Coop!
Nice shirt....great job giving a shout out to Basement Brandon
I see knurling, I click
I’m a simple man
Got Kabuki power bar - really good !
I do my pressing with a Hudson Steel bar that has hard chrome over hill knurl. I do my cleans, snatches and pulls with a Rogue Pyrros bar that's uncoated stainless steel with a fine mountain knurl. The knurl is sharp but not coarse, I'm guessing that it might render about the same ratio of 4 : 1 compared to a coarse mountain knurl, since the peaks are shorter and closer together than a power bar knurl. It feels great. Uncoated steel makes any knurl more effective than the same knurl on a coated bar.
I love mountain bars. EliteFTS made an "American Fat Bar" with sharp mountain knurl, and on a 2" bar, it doesn't feel too bad since it's dispersed across a greater section of your hand.
I like “aggressive “ powder coat like the kabuki Swiss bar, I like the knurling on their trap bar as well, for high reps I like the Ohio stainless steel bar.
Rep Stainless Power Bar EX Deep Knurl. Good grip, no rip, but slightly less aggressive than I imagined. Also have a rogue 2.0 bar and it feels passive. My hands have calluses from work and lifting, so that factors in too.
That 1 inch barbell would probably make more sense since, like you said, you could use the dumbbell weights on it too. With what you laid out benching would end at 155 lbs, but with a 1 inch bar and 4 25 lb plates plus the dumbbell plates a person can lift up to a bit over 200 lbs. That would give the person more time to save more cash for upgrades or finding deals on Craigslist or marketplace.
Had an OPB which was great but upgraded to a used Eleiko Powerlifting Competition bar and although it is less sharp than the OPB it feels just as secure during max deadlifts with chalk.
Great education bro
@GarageGymReviews / Coop
Will you soon be making the MX Select Barbell System review?
Coop can you please talk about the best power lifting barbells, as in what is better for the bench the squat and the deadlift. As in can you break down what barbells are best for some one that wants to compete and get used to every single bar in al those three lifts. There hasn't really been a video where one talks about what bar should some one get if they want to practice for competing as in for the bench and other lifts!!!
Can you guys do more videos on basics plz?
This is Coop, thanks for watching and stay big...I mean..Peace (snap)
Coop: how did you avoid discussing the American Barbell knurling. It really is a different take on knurling. I am not aware of other bars that have that combination of "won't tear your hands up" and grip.
The best knurl I’ve used is the Rogue B&R 2.0 bar closely followed by the Ohio Bar Bar.
Nice shirt!
need to see a review of that hand pressed bar!
Best shirt!!!!
I Love my aggro 2X it is sharp but not as bad as the 3x. It feels like it is connected to you when you lift with it.
Rogue ohio power bar got mine for around one week ago and absolutely love it. Got the cerakote one. Have a little problem with bad spin but else its amazing used a coated ziva before also good but nothing in compare with rogue ohio power bar
Team, what’s the ETA for the functional trainer comparison video? Some of us are putting off making a buying decision until we see that video!
Somewhat related question. Is anyone in the GGR community aware of a power bar that doesn't have knurling all the way to the end? Coop mentioned the blunting of knurling because of the J-cups and I'm sure we all have experienced that. Unless you plan on doing snatches or snatch grip exercises, I kinda wonder if it would be beneficial to not have knurling where the J-cups go on some bars? Especially if you're a powerlifter and prioritise the big 3 and variations of. Happy to hear any counter arguments on the matter.
I have an elitefts power bar and I love it. I do prefer a more passive knurl for Olympic lifts which is why I bought a Synergee barring bar. Coop what do you think of the Pyrros bar from rogue?
I only have a Rep Excalibur at the moment. I like it well enough, not actually even sure what kind it is, maybe mountain knurling? Feels somewhere in the middle compared to others I've used.
Any bars available with no knurling at all that you know of?
I wear lifting gloves, so the grip is to the glove, is it uncommon to wear gloves? If so is there any reason?
@@Farquad76.547 sounds like bro science
I actually like thr mountain knurling, because I like to wear weight-lifting gloves, and the mountain gives me the best grip with the gloves
Ayo my man looking sickly af
I’d like to see a review of the power bar from Batll Performance.
Not sure what knurl it is, but my favorite is the Texas Deadlift bar (2015) idk if they changed it since.
I Mountain for my concentration movements where I really focus on form and M.M.connection like rows it reminds me to not squeeze the bar and pull with my lats
Hill is my favorite. I don't need that much aggression on the bar. It hurts when the weight is higher if the knurl is too sharp. I'd be fine with just a flat bar with no knurling on it.
Found CNC machined stainless steel knurled valve stem caps on Amazon.
Could you do reviews on some power towers please?
After having trained with hills (worn down Texas Power Bar) and touching a OPB, good knurling is addictive.
AND THEN Rogue comes out with 2x and 3x? I got to touch both. I like both. I think 3x is novel but I think that would get tiring after a while.
For me, 2x is primo.
How fast do knurlings wear down?
Hey coop, how do you clean the eva black plastic from a colored barbell. We have the rogue Cherokee green/black bar and I don’t want to wreck the finish.
Coop your the man and I respect your opinion but I feel like you go overboard on the EliteFTS power bar knurl. I have Ohio Power Bar and EliteFTS Power Bar, I end up using my Elite bar all the time. Like you said it’s how you train and what your preferences are but the knurl is just aggressive but never hurts when I’m doing Deads or pressing.
Always preferred deeper knurling, "mountain". My Okie DL bar sticks to your hands lol. But I also have 11inch hands and super thick skin on my hands so it never bothered me from a discomfort perspective
11in. hands? Are you 7ft tall?
@@Ringleader3rik 6'3", but I have crazy big hands and long ass thumbs lol, been in an 2xl glove for football since junior high. A buddy of mine is a legit giant/ogre of a human (6'9" 350+lbs) and his fingers are longer, but my hand is wider and my thumb is longer.
@@THEJavelinX oh you mean pinky to thumb, not length. Still impressive.
@@Ringleader3rik yeah, it's how hand size is measured in the majority instances. In the NFL my hands would be the top 1% or probably (considering how many smaller dudes play corner) higher for hand size lol.
Everyone has little things they like and don't like. I feel Eleiko has the best bars and knurling. I do think they need to get broken in before they really shine. . I also have an OHio Bar. Itss nice but doesn't spin as nice as the Eleiko bar. My Eleiko bar is just so damn smooth.
TIP: Eleiko bars will get better the more you use them.
Without a doubt for me OPB stainless steel!
Do a review on Gym Pin
I want a phone case that has volcano knurling
Do you recommend chrome or stainless steel for the sleeve finish?
Can you do a video on PUNCHING BAG (🥊 boxing) , i want one but i don't have any idea what are the types or filling in the bag ...
I thought who would be better than you to explain about it.....
Think about it.....
When they gonna do the rings with the Aggro knurling?
Do a review for the bodycraft rft
Hey how do you store your safety squat bar? I have the Titan v2.
Hey Coop. Did Mac partner with Texas Power Bar? What’s the story behind that? I actually think I might own one of those bars. Having a hard time identifying it though. I want to be sure before I claim what it is. Thanks. Aroostook Barbell.
Why does coop ignore the fact that bells of steel exists?!?! My naked power bar is amazing, and is an arm and a leg cheaper than the "competivitly priced" Rogue WL bar.
would love to see some honest reviews of their equipment, and all their bars.
Hey Coop! Do you have a recommendation for a barbell pad for hip thrusting? (About 500lb)
Is that a Basement Brandon shirt?
It me!
My favorite Knurling is straps lol
I've seen fitness equipment websites list their barbells with "standard" or "aggressive" knurling. How do you interpret that? Is standard knurling "volcano" and aggressive knurling "mountain"? I've also seen a couple websites that state an actual knurl measurement, like 1.2mm knurl. Again, I don't know how to frame that. Is 1.2mm a standard knurl and is a standard knurl volcano? Lastly, are you seeing certain knurl standards change from barbell to curl bar to trap bar?
1.2mm is just the width of knurling
@@beteayao5422 Do you know if there's a way to measure the depth (or height) of a knurl?
Hey guys this is POOP! Waiting for him to finally say it.
My personal Sorinex power bar feels better compared to the rogue OPB that I’ve used at a public gym. Maybe because wear of many users. At first Sorinex felt sharp, but I quickly grown used to it. Not for olys though! The Sorinex oly bar feels like a Bella bar. So, I like SHARP for deads and squats.
If you think they are bad on your hands, put it on your back when doing heavy squats
Anyone know what type of knurling the barenaked powerlifting bar from Bells of Steel uses? Thinking of getting that as a budget powerlifting bar.
Mine is volcano, but it's a very shallow one, so feels more sharp than something with a deep volcano
@@BasementBrandon Good to know! Thanks Brandon! Good luck at your meet in 4 weeks or so!
with regards to bar whip. specifically for the non strong as f people out there. is there any merrit to having a whippy bar (if there are any that whip at sub 150keg weightz)?
as u here some strongmen speak highly of how ur core is working more etc....
would a 15kg oly bar be what ome might concider?
An "Eleiko" tramp stamp would look great with one of those knurled rings.
If the sharp knurling imbeds itself into the palm of your hand, that will increase lifting capacity by at least 5%.
My wife makes fun of how often I use the word "knurling" lol
how are bars cheap if they have hills? The differences are there for a reason "comfort" not for "cheapness"..I personally dont like the pointy knurling. No reason to hurt your hands more than we do.
I prefer mountain knurling.
Man hands unite!
Gonna be a lot of time until I’m strong and wealthy enough to worry about this. Really cool information though
I own the rogue Chan bar and I really like the nurling on it. Not sure how it compares to any other bar besides my cheap Chinese made bar that I bought when I was 20 from dicks sporting goods. 600 grit sand paper feels more aggressive than it’s nurling
Kitchen aid appliances have knurling on their handles.
Eleiko knurling is about as good as it gets for me. Good grip but not to the point it tears my calluses out of my hands
I actually get insulted when a knurl is terrible. I have a Titan football bar and the “knurling” is so passive I get annoyed every time I use it. I ended up putting hockey stick tape on it so I can grip it better