Barbell Options in UK

[Karting Length]

I'm looking for advice on getting a new bar in the UK and I'm unfortunately not that spoiled for choice especially with us paying more for bars here.

Budget around £400

Specs I'm looking for are, 20kg, 28/29mm diameter, 7ft (to fit rack), hold up to 500kg without bending, preferably black oxide finish as it's less prone to rust (but not essential).
Using for powerlifting so I would need something that's not whippy.

Options I've come across are: York North American S/S wrongly named here(http://www.dolphinfitness.co.uk/en/york-oly-bar/16065)

York Power Bar,
http://www.savagestrength.co.uk/york...fting-bar.html

Capps Texas Power Bar (https://www.strengthshop.co.uk/bars/...ower-bars.html)


Are there many other choices I have missed in the UK and what are your thoughts?

Thanks for your help!

[Mark Rippetoe]

I'm not familiar with the bar market in the UK. We'll ask.

[dude]

Rogue Europe?
www.rogueeurope.eu/
Not as wide range of bars as in the US store though. I think the Ohio bar is in your price range, if it fits your other requirements.

[Dunk]

I've been looking for a while for a powerlifting specific bar (my gym has half decent olympic bars) and i think for the money the texas power bar is your best option. £310 is the cheapest price but this place will price match https://www.kustomkitgymequipment.co...xas-power-bar/ (cant remember who sells it for 310). Hope this is helps.

[mjmawson]

Strengthshop do some pretty decent bars. I just bought one of their "elite" WL bars and have been suitably impressed.

[Rich Rowe]

You can get the excellent B&R bar in the UK from Rogue in the US (I imported one) for a total of about £330.

Even though it's $300 for the bar and nearly $200 for shipping (mine didn't attract any import duty) it's still within budget and it 'punches above its weight' in terms of quality. Heaven forbid you get one with a nick in the knurling, though...

Also, the 'Bison' bar from Wolverson Fitness is very good - my gym just had a refit and got a bunch of these and everyone seems to like them - they are black oxide (actually Manganese Phosphate) on the bar with chromed sleeves and fairly smooth bushings (not quite as good as my B&R though). They have a good knurl (but not as good as the B&R) and a wider than usual smooth portion in the centre such that you're unlikely to scrape the knurl up your shins when deadlifting. Though there is no centre knurl, the surface of the bar is quite grippy so it feels secure on the back when squatting. These retail at £200 plus £12.50 delivery.

That should help - good luck...

[wk105]

Texas PB for £369.99

[Aslin]

I' confused as to why bars that are less flexible, or with less 'whip', are considered better for powerlifting.

For example, surely higher deadlift numbers would be achieved if the lifter had the advantage of having the bar bend and inch before the weight left the ground? When is a rigid bar ever an option? Maybe for comfort issues when squatting heavy?

[Robert NL]

I just ordered a Rogue ohio power bar. Awesome bar.

Had to order at rogue international. Rogue Europe only has the regular ohio bar. No center knurl. Including shipping and tax it was €450,- delivered to the Netherlands.

Very good option imo.

[DeriHughes]

I got a B&R shipped from Rogue US (not available through Rogue EU unfortunately). Even with shipping and import duties it was still cheaper than buying a TPB from any UK supplier I found. I use it exclusively for powerlifting training and I love it, as do many others on here. There is something weird and magical about the knurl.