The Starting Strength Bar by Capps Welding

[Mark Rippetoe]

Equipment | Starting Strength

This is an interesting video that demonstrates the quality of this bar. After this drop, the bar remains perfectly straight.

YouTube

[Scaldrew]

The ultimate seal of approval. "Used/Dropped by Chase Lindley".

Good stuff, though. This bar's on my radar for future investments.

Ain't that a funny word, investments? What, like in-vestment, in-piece of clothing that happens to be a vest? Etymonline confirms that it used to be related to clothing. Had to do with receiving rank or office. "act of putting on vestments" in the 1590s, and then "act of being invested with an office, right, endowment, etc." in the 1640s. It got its economic meaning in reference to the East India Trading Company: "an investing of money or capital". Apparently had to do with the Italian "investire" from the 13th century; "the notion of giving one's capital a new form". So probably a transition of ownership as it relates to the body, to the clothing. So an investment would mean becoming the new owner of a piece of property, based on your clothes as being different from the original owner's.

Huh. Well, I'll be.

[David Clark]

I purchased a SS bar upon my return home from the seminar at WFAC and I have a couple of maintenance questions:

1) I know I can oil the proximal bushing as outlined in your barbell video. How should I go about oiling the distal bushing?

2) My garage gym, while heated, is not air conditioned. Are there any special precautions I need to take in this humid summer environment?

[Mark Rippetoe]

1. The bushings are oil-impregnated bronze, and the proximal bushing takes most of the beating, so this won't need to be done but maybe once a year. Stand the bar up on end and drop some 3-in-1 Oil onto the edge of the logo medallion and leave it over night. Next day, spin it, turn it over, and repeat the other end.

2. If you're worried about the potential for rust, keep the bar in the house.

[Andrew Prine]

Would you recommend this bar over the B&R from Rogue?

[Mark Rippetoe]

I do.

[iamgmo]

I do.

Why?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Because it's better.

[heavyiron8]

Because it's better.

Could you go into a bit more detail? I'm curious. In what way is it better?

[Mark Rippetoe]

The diameter is easier to grip, the knurling is better to hold on to, the assembly is more secure. It feels better in the hands.