Squatting with bar that has no center knurling...

[DannyP]

So my gym recently got a bunch of new equipment, 95% of which is great (additional squat rack, olympic platforms, bumper plates) but they replaced all of the bars with new ones lacking center knurling. So far, haven't quite figured out where to put in a request to bring back some of the old ones (or get other new ones). In the mean time, am I likely to see performance issues with the squat related to the lack of center knurling? The bar feels like it moves around a bit more, but I can't tell if that's all in my head.

[manveer]

You'll be fine.

[Kyle Schuant]

It's not an issue.

[Toasterleavings]

Thirded! Whack some chalk on your shoulders where the bar gets all snuggly.

[amsgator]

I've got an OB-86 which has no center knurl. It's worked out fine.

[DannyP]

I do use chalk. The issue I have isn't even so much the lack of center knurl; it's the fact that the smooth area is so long that there is literally no knurl touching me at all. On bars with center knurl, the knurling on the sides comes in far enough to provide some coverage.

[bugbomb]

My bar has no knurling on the center, and none where it touches my shoulders (to speak of). No issues at all, ever.

[Chebass88]

So grip the bar tighter and make sure it doesn't slide around. You'll be fine.

[luke.conrad]

Just so the OP doesn't feel alone, squatting with a bar without center knurling sucks!

[Adam Skillin]

I appreciate center knurling, but it's definitely not a necessity.