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View Full Version : Buying an Olympic Barbell



BobbyB11
02-01-11, 12:41 pm
Are there any gym owners out there, or lifting equipment experts, that can give some advice on buying an olympic barbell? I saw one advertized on-line with a 250lb limit, I obviously want one with a higher rating than that. But how do I know that I am not buying that bar, if I am not buying it new? I don't want to get duped...Are there any markings on a bar that will let me know what kind of bar I am buying?

rev8ball
02-01-11, 12:50 pm
A Texas Power Bar is the way to go....... if you can afford one. Extremely well built, can handle a beating, and has test load of 1500 lbs. Problem is only two companies make 'em, and they can go as high as 700 smacks. But search until you can find it around 300; they are out there. Trust me, they are VERY well worth it.

Cstlfx
02-03-11, 6:24 pm
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=211&pid=378

EliteFTS sells the Texas power bars for under $400. I know Westside Barbell also sells them. They have different prices throughout the year. This bar is great for any lift.

http://ivanko.com/Ivanko-Freeweights.html#bc

The Black Oxide Olympic Power Bar (OBX-20KG) is great as well, but happens to me much more expensive ($660+).

Both bars are great all around and will take a beating. When buying bars, I'd only buy from reputable dealers, or straight from the manufacturer. But, if I was buying a bar for a gym, those are the two I'd choose from, depending on what I wanted to use the bar more for. I've been using both for a few years, for weights over 500 pounds, and no bend at all, still has the flexibility of when it was new.