I currently own both the Ohio Power Bar and the Starting Strength Bar.
I honestly think the grip is the best grip I’ve used on a bar. I was very nervous about deadlifts ripping up my hands after 9 months of not doing anything. I actually lost all of my callouses in that time. Very secure in my hands. Didn’t rip up my hands at all. I started lifting maybe 4 weeks ago just did 365x5 felt good callouses are developing nicely.
The circumference makes huge difference for me since I have hands that are the same size of a small child’s. I had no idea the feel of a 29mm bar and a 28.5 in your hands would be that different in a deadlift.
The OPB spin is complete shit compared to the SSB.
I’d say overall I like the SS Bar better. Some people like having the 29mm for the pressing or if they compete in powerlifting. It’s really not that big of a deal to me.