Finding an appropriate, high-quality barbell is crucial when building your first powerlifting home gym. However, not all powerlifting barbells are made equal.
I conducted thorough research to find the best powerlifting barbell for the home gym.
It took me over ten hours to figure out the ten best powerlifting barbells for the home gym according to certain criteria.
After reading the article, you will know everything about powerlifting barbells and find the one that suits your home gym best.
Our Top Powerlifting Barbells for Home Gym (September 2023)
1 - Rogue Ohio Power Bar (Editor's Choice)
Rogue Ohio power bar is built from stainless steel construction that resists corrosion and oxidation, making it durable [1].
Due to the Ohio power bar's stiffness and strong knurling, it is built to handle all the major lifts, such as heavy squats, deadlifts, and bench presses.
Out of all the powerlifting barbells I have used, the Rogue Ohio power bar knurling is my favorite since it is aggressive enough to dig into the hand without shredding them.
However, the Rogue Ohio power bar is slightly more expensive and may not be the best budget pick.
- Stainless Steel
- 200,000 PSI Tensile Strength
- 45 lb Power Bar Weight
- The quality and durability of the finish are great
- 100% secure with the Rogue HG 2.0 collars
- Fast shipping
- Knurling gives great grip without being too aggressive
- Little grooves on the ends of the power bar
2 - Rep Fitness Deep Knurl Power Bar EX
Rep Fitness Deep Knurl Power Bar EX is a fully stainless barbell with incredible knurling, similar to the more expensive power bars. It's the best budget powerlifting barbell on this list.
One of its stand-out features is its finish, or to be more specific, its lack thereof. In addition, the stainless steel knurling of this power bar is just outstanding since the 200k PSI tensile strength and stainless steel are so well paired with it [2].
The diameter of the power bar is 29 mm, making it excellent for hands during squatting and bench pressing. It feels almost like you are gripping a high-end barbell.
However, one downside is that the sleeve is smooth without any ribbing.
- 29 mm Diameter
- Stainless Steel
- Polished Finish
- Comes with a stainless shaft and stainless sleeves
- Aggressive deep knurl profile offers supreme grip and feel
- Sleeves are buttery smooth
- The knurl termination points need work to make this power bar truly refined
3 - PRx Performance Dakota Power Bar
PRx Performance Dakota Power Bar is one of the best for barbell exercises like heavy squats. [3].
It is similar to the Texas power bar and it features a bright zinc finish on the sleeves and a black one on the shaft [4].
These are excellent for protecting the power bar from getting damaged. A tensile strength of 190k allows you to drop this power bar from overhead or bail out of a heavy squat without worrying about damaging the bar.
Also, it comes with diamond knurling, making it an excellent choice for strength training, particularly beneficial for triathletes doing exercises like deadlifts and squats [5]. While using it, this barbell didn't slip off my hands.
Even though it is a fully stainless steel barbell, some parts are still prone to corrosion.
- 15" Loadable Sleeve Length
- 28.5 mm Grip Diameter
- 190K Tensile Strength
- Comes with an aggressive knurl
- Designed in accordance with International Powerlifting Federation (IPF)
- Lifetime warranty
- Lack of consistent knurling
4 - Rep Fitness Sabre Bar
Rep Fitness Sabre Bar comes with dual knurl markings, which are excellent for Olympic and powerlifting.
In addition, it comes with a 28 mm diameter, which is the best diameter for deadlifting. Also, you can choose the 20kg or 15 kg option, meaning it comes for both men and women.
Furthermore, a medium-depth knurl will give you a good and firm grip but won't tear your hands.
It's a barbell that fits right into my hands and provides a comfortable grip while performing.
One of the downsides is it doesn't come with a center knurl, which may not suit some lifters.
- 150k Tensile Strength
- 1000-lb Rating
- 28 mm (25 mm women’s) Diameter
- Zinc Coating
- No need to dust off the metal debris or sharp burs
- Performs awesome with bigger bumper plates
- Comes with an awesome rotation system
- A thinner diameter and missing center knurling may not be suitable for some heavy lifts
5 - Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar
Bells of Steel Barenaked powerlifting bar is an affordable barbell specifically designed to meet International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) standards, making it excellent for powerlifting exercises.
It comes with an aggressive knurl with a bare steel finish, which gives it a superior grip, and I could experience that during my deadlift bar sessions.
In addition, it has a total of 210k PSI tensile strength, making it able to handle up to 15000 lb.
Furthermore, it has a thinner block that allows for more weight plates to be loaded onto the power bar. However, knurling tends to be inconsistent in some areas.
- Alloy Steel
- 29 mm Grip Size
- 1500 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Great for deadlifts
- Solid and doesn't flex with weights on it
- Well-made, sturdy, and durable
- This power bar requires regular maintenance
6 - CAP Power Barbell the Beast
CAP Power Barbell the Beast has a tensile strength of 110000, and a weight-bearing capacity of 1000 lb, making it perfectly suitable for heavy lifts.
The knurling of the power bar is solid, giving you an adequate grip for lifting exercises such as deadlifts, which require you to hold the bar with your hand so that it doesn't slip.
The sleeves of this barbell have a very nice spin, which is great for reducing the tension on your shoulders and wrists. I noticed this product lives up to its usability terms and ensures a confident grip.
However, some metal shaving issues occur during the first couple of times you use the barbell.
- 30 mm Grip Size
- 1200 Pounds Weight Limit
- 15 inches Sleeve Length
- The spin of the sleeves seems very nice
- The knurl is flawless from one end to the other
- You can easily load the power bar with 315 and have no issues
- The finish on the power bar ends is cheap chrome
7 - Titan Fitness MAXXUM Stainless Steel Power Bar
Titan Fitness MAXXUM stainless steel power bar is a multifunctional bar with more tensile strength compared to the Ohio model.
That means you can use it to lift more weights without worrying about the power bar bending, getting damaged, or you getting injured.
In addition, it comes with a central knurling, which is perfectly suitable for doing back squats and a few other similar exercises.
Furthermore, the knurling offers a good grip on all possible spots on the barbell, which makes this barbell excellent for a wide variety of complex and unilateral exercises. I used it during squats, and I have to say the barbell's a treat.
However, the rotation system needs some improvement, and the bronze bushings are very basic for the price of the barbell.
- Stainless Steel
- 28 mm Grip Size
- 2000 Pounds Weight Capacity
- Offers good value for money
- Central knurling is perfect for cross-training
- It can be used outdoors without getting damaged
- Just 1-year warranty
8 - Hero Barbell Co. Cerakote Powerlifting Barbell
Hero Barbell Co. Cerakote powerlifting barbell comes with eight self-lubricating needle bearings, which enable smooth rotation of the bar during Olympic lifting.
The spin of this power bar is perfect for performing deadlifts, squats, and bench presses.
In addition, the 28 mm shaft performed great when doing Olympic lifts, such as snatch, clean and jerk, and so on. Furthermore, the knurl of the bar is moderate but still very grippy.
However, one of the downsides is that the ends of the barbell tend to wear off faster.
- Alloy Steel
- 28 mm Grip Size
- Chrome Finish
- The bar's ability to spin is amazingly smooth
- It can be placed outdoors and endure rain, sunshine & snow
- The needle bearing is a great upgrade over the typical bushing power bars
- The bar's blue paint is wearing thin after only a couple of weeks of use
9 - IVANKO OBXS-20KG Stainless Steel Powerlifting Bar
IVANKO OBXS-20KG Stainless Steel Bar includes both stainless steel shaft and sleeves that require minimal maintenance to keep the bar rust-free.
In addition, it features an awesome mountain-style aggressive knurl that is sharp but not overbearing. It has a tensile strength of 218k, making it stiff and strong.
Furthermore, the bar is ultrasonic, mag-tested, and X-ray tested, showing the company's efforts to satisfy quality control. It felt like using a bar that passed through rigorous quality controls.
However, because of these quality control procedures, Ivanko's powerlifting barbell tends to be a lot more expensive, making it unsuitable for most people.
- Stainless Steel
- Black Oxide Finish
- 29 mm Diameter
- Stiff enough to hold up a heavy squat and bench press
- The knurling is aggressive but not painful
- Very smooth spin with no stalls or overspin
- Extremely expensive
10 - Synergee Black Phosphate and Chrome Powerlifting Barbell
Synergee black phosphate and chrome powerlifting barbell is made from high-grade steel and has a total of 150k tensile strength, which is just more than enough for most of the heavy lifting [6].
It comes with a standard knurl that has dual marks to provide the best grip possible without a rip. The quality of the sleeves is excellent and enough to protect the barbell from wear and oxidation.
Also, the bar has bearings, not bushing, which is simply that much better for providing a nice spin for dynamic lifts.
However, even though the bar can handle an insane amount of weight, it still bends when heavy lifting.
- Alloy Steel
- 25 mm Grip Size
- 1000 Pounds Weight Limit
- Shipped in a very sturdy cylindrical container to protect the bar
- Super smooth bearings
- The finish feels and looks great
- The knurling on the bar is slightly abrasive, so wearing workout gloves may be necessary
Powerlifting Barbell Buyer's Guide: Choosing the Perfect Fit for Your Gym
I created an easy-to-follow buying guide that will take you through the most important factors when buying a brand-new powerlifting barbell for your gym.
These were all based on my personal experiences and thorough research I conducted before creating this guide.
What to Look For in Most Power Bars?
There are many things to look for in a power bar, and some of them include the quality of steel, knurling, and rotation system.
In addition, you should remember tensile strength and the warranty that comes with the barbell.
Below I covered the most important factors when buying a brand-new barbell for your powerlifting home gym.
Steel
The steel of the bar is arguably the most important part of the bar.
This is because it is the essence of the barbell, and here are three things to consider regarding the steel of a powerlifting bar.
The three things are tensile strength, yield strength, and the bar's F-Scale Rating.
Today, only cheap power bars advertise something along the lines of "this bar has a 1600-pound test strength", but that is only to trick inexperienced trainees.
The true values of things you should look out for are the tests of tensile strength and yield strength.
These include static and dynamic tests, where a static test loads an enormous amount of weight and then removes weight to see if the bar will return to its original condition. While both of these factors are crucial, in my opinion, the F-Scale Rating is the only factor to be trusted.
This factor is directly correlated to the number of cycles the shaft lasts in the 4-point bend test.
Basically, without complicating too much, the higher the F-Rating, the more durable the barbell is.
Knurling
During my research, I have realized that the second most important factor for a good powerlifting barbell is knurling. The knurling needs to be designed to support all major powerlifting lifts.
Even though the knurling is one of the most subjective factors from the list, it basically boils down to how aggressive it needs to be so that the bar doesn't slit during heavy lifts.
However, the point is that the barbell shouldn't be so sharp that it causes calluses to rip during your training sessions.
Lastly, it is subjective, and you need to assess it yourself if you like the knurling to be more aggressive or passive.
"The type of knurling comes down to preference. However, lifters with smaller hands may prefer more aggressive knurling as their grip is already at a disadvantage."
- Lawrence Judd, Personal Trainer at Shredded by Science
Rotation System
The rotation system is most important for Olympic lifting since the spin is crucial.
You really don't want the bar spinning excessively during a slow lift. For example, benching with a bearing bar isn't enjoyable at all.
However, there needs to be some freedom to rotate because the bar should never be totally fixed.
Preferable rotation systems should be composite or bronze bushings.
Finish
The finish of the bar should suit the environment where the barbell is used.
From my experience, a bare steel bar is excellent because the knurling is used without coating between the hand and the Olympic weightlifting bar.
However, it ends up corroding quicker than a bar that has a coating or plating.
Always aim to choose the powerlifting bar built from stainless steel since they are the most durable.
You should also consider the stainless steel sleeves, where chrome sleeves look awesome but will scratch over time.
Tensile Strength of Steel/F-Scale Rating
The least amount of tensile strength a bar should have is 150k PSI.
This is because 150k can withstand a significant amount of weight and prevent the bar from breaking when dropping an insane amount of weight together with the barbell on the floor.
On the other side, the F-Scale Rating is directly correlated to the durability and strength of the steel used.
The tensile strength number is important only when dropping the loaded barbell on the floor.
In contrast, F-Scale Rating is used to determine the overall durability of the barbell and steel quality.
Price
Some general rule is that the pricier the barbell, the more durable it is.
That doesn't mean the budget Olympic barbell options don't come into consideration.
You should mainly use the price as a starting point in your barbell selecting journey since it can save you some time when filtering through more expensive power bars.
Warranty
Today's industry standards are lifetime warranties.
However, you don't need to pick a barbell that comes with a lifetime warranty to ensure it's made from high-quality and durable material to last.
Warranty mainly depends on the company which provides it, so don't fix on the duration of the warranty. Instead, focus on evaluating the company you are buying the product from.
"5 years or more is a good sign that the company rates their bars highly and will provide good quality bars. This scores a point."
- Mike Beatty, Health & Fitness Enthusiast & PE Teacher
Who Should Buy a Powerlifting Barbell for a Home Gym?
Everybody looking to do all the major powerlifting and Olympic lifts in their home gym should buy a powerlifting barbell that is good quality for their home gym.
A powerlifting barbell for a home gym is an excellent investment for both amateur and professional powerlifters who seek to stay ahead of the game by training at home.
Investing in a high-quality and long-lasting powerlifting bar for your home gym can enable you to stay and train at home during those bad traffic and crowded gym days.
Related Articles:
- 7 Must Have Home Gym Equipment
- 10 Top-Rated Home Gym Equipment
- 10 Recommended Compact Home Gym Machines
- Best CrossFit Barbells For Your Home Gym
Who Shouldn’t Buy a Powerlifting Barbell for a Home Gym?
Everybody who isn't a powerlifter or a fan of Olympic lifts shouldn't buy a powerlifting barbell for a home gym.
In addition, some barbells are expensive, meaning there is no need to invest a considerable amount of money upfront for something you won't use as often.
FAQs
What Barbell Should I Buy for Powerlifting?
You should buy a barbell for powerlifting that has at least 150k PSI tensile strength. This will ensure your barbell remains undamaged and you don't get injured when dropping a loaded barbell on the floor.
What Bar Do Powerlifters Use for Deadlifts?
Power bars are the most popular bars that powerlifters use for deadlifts. This is because power bars meet IPF standards, offer enough tensile strength, are highly durable, and have a proper grip size.
Are Kabuki Bars Worth It?
Yes, Kabuki bars are worth it. Kabuki bars offer incredible barbells that take very little markup on each one.
What Is the Best Powerlifting Barbell for a Home Gym?
The best powerlifting bar for a home gym is a Rogue Ohio power bar.
The Rogue Ohio power bar is built from high-quality stainless steel, offers enough durability, and its finish is just great.
It is 100% secure if you use the Rogue hg2.o collars and has excellent knurling, which is aggressive enough so that the barbell doesn't slip from your hands during heavy lifting.
Also, the shipping is fast, and we received the barbell fully functional without any transport damages.
Let us know which one of the power bars from the list is your favorite and why.
Our #1 Recommendation
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
- The quality and durability of the finish are great
- 100% secure with the Rogue HG 2.0 collars
- Fast shipping
- Knurling gives great grip without being too aggressive
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- Little grooves on the ends of the power bar
About The Author
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