$300 CrossFit Barbell Buyer's Guide

In this video we take a look at some of my favorite mixed use barbells that cost under $300. This isn't the end all be all list, but this is just what I feel most people should gravitate towards; there are still many bars in this price range that I need to try out still. This is mainly from a CrossFit POV, but mixed use, weightlifting to powerlifting would benefit well from this guide as well.

ALL of these bars are reviewed on my blog:

[fedguy]

Another budget buy barbell worth considering is the Vulcan One basic bar. It is a 28mm, 190k psi tensile rated with two quality bronze bushings per sleeve. It is finished in a quality hard chrome finish with medium knurling. Unlike the Vulcan Standard it is made in China vs USA but for $248 currently it is a great option in my opinion. The reviews are very favorable and one reviewer speculates that Vulcan underprices this bar to create awareness and interest in their barbell line.

[AGC]

Pricing is different in Canada for the bars mentioned. The best value all things considered would be the ROGUE OHIO bars. American Standard and Vulcan bars start at over $400 Cdn and go up to $500.00. Same with the Vulcan bars. The ROGUE bars can be had for $290-370 CDN. And being that the other bars are sold by retailers the customer service won't be up to the same standard as ROGUE..Im assuming. ROGUE is just a larger company than those mentioned.

[sgallegos]

American Barbell is going to be my purchase. I want the whip.

[TheBryceSheehan]

Love your videos man! Keep up the great work!

[donbaxter]

Hi, Thank you for this video Barbell Buyer's Guide.  I am new to Crossfit.  I have just joined a box.  I also want to have some weights at home as my schedule can be a bit erratic and unpredictable, making getting to the Box a challeng sometimes.  I was wondering what your thoughts were regarding the Texas Power Bar to be used in a Crossfit application.  Thank you for your time.

[scottdishner-realestateage]

Great video! I am looking for first garage bar for CrossFit movements mainly. After watching a few of your videos I need some help. I have my search down to the Vulvan Traning bearing which I can combo with bumpers and get for like $273. Or just go with the Texas, W2, Bomba, or the X Training Elite Bearing.Thoughts?

[jakeizlove]

Which would be better for someone only doing Olympic lifts? Currently, I have the Synegee but want a second bar with center knurling.
I don't do a lot of high rep work so something with a lot of grip and good spin would be preferred. Is the Texas bar good for that or should I go a little bit higher in price and consider the Rogue EU bars or an American Barbell training bar?

[benkempen]

Looking into getting a a bar, currently been using what gym has, but they aren't great. Currently in looking at the lynx Oly bar, X elite bearing bar. I would like to check out the Get rxd Texas bar, but I'm unable to find it on their site. Also in your experience what would be the best to go with. I am just going to be doing Olympic lifting. Thanks!

[srwarehouseman]

I was hoping to get your thoughts on the Fringe Bomba Bar especially as I’m considering it or the rogue Bar 2.0 for 5x5 workouts and occasional Oly lifts. Thanks!

[BuySmartChannel]

Hi, I just finished watching your video and found it informative. I really would like to start using an Olympic barbell for home workout, there is something that stops me from getting one because I'm kinda confused... First off, am I making the right choice if my routine includes lots of bicep curls, bench presses, skullcrushers, and squats??? Also I'm looking to spend between $100-$300 on a bar. Thanks

[TheJbreck]

Great videos! I enjoy your takes on Barbells. I have a question for you. In your opinion what would be the best option at this point for a dedicated Oly weightlifting bar? I'm looking for a bar with exceptional whip and smooth spin. I'm looking to spend around $300-$400. Would you recommend the Texas 8 bearing bar, the new fringesport Weightlifting bar, or something different? I like a medium to Medium +depth knurling. Your thoughts are much appreciated!

[murphinator]

Great vid! So the only place to get a bare steel bar is Rogue at the present time? Have you seen/tried xtraining equipment bars or maverick athletic co bars?

[CVNTGETENOUGH]

I've read a few of your recent responses and I have a similar question to most. I'm going to invest in a garage gym and I'm going to pick up the Ohio Power Bar for Squat and Bench (live on the Power Rack) but also wanna pick another for Deadlift and Power Cleans... The most expensive bar in the Boneyard is the $350 OLY Bar which is feasible but has no IPF knurl mark for Deadlift, do I get it anyway, grab another power bar or get either Chan Bar or Ohio Bar (center knurling or no center knurling)? Sorry for the extremely long question. Love your helpful videos!

[davemoore]

Awesome reviews including metcon 3s. So for overall crossfit, whether its max CnJ or WOD with thrusters and you only get 1 bar, which would you buy? Agree on the knurling with Rogue 2.0 bar being very intense to the point where I had to tape it (terrible I know).

[noodlesfam]

Hi There, Thanks for your great in-depth review. I am just starting to get into weight training and want to invest in a good barbell in the 300 dollar range. My main focus is to build strength with the 3 big lifts as they say..Press, Squat, and dead-lift. I've narrowed it down to two available barbells. Ohio Power Bar and the American barbell powerbar in chrome. Which one would you select? I chose these because they have a center knurl for squats. Thanks!

[linvilleedward]

hey Joel i love the video. i was looking into buying my first good quality barbell and im just mot sure whats the best option for me im leaning toward the matt chan bar the lynx you mentioned pr the bomba v2 bar looks pretty awesome. i dont really do olympic lifts but am considering starting more of an average powerlifter whats your opinion or is there another bar you know off that might be better for me?

[JoeCnNd]

Hey Joel, I'm having trouble remembering a barbell you did maybe a couple years back that was needle bearing, I'm thinking it was something like wildcat or bearcat maybe under 300 bucks at the time. Does this sound familiar?

[seangallagher]

Can you do a solo review for the Lynx Hybrid bar? That price point and bearing is really interesting. durability makes me a little nervous. Does it have good whip for Oly lifting? Could you use it for both crossfit and oly lifting 6-7 days a week and it hold up well?

[jring]

Hey Joel! Just a quick questions in a few videos you refer to the the FringeSports Bomba Barbell but I haven't seen an actual review for it. Is the FringeSports Bomba Barbell comparable the similar priced Rogue Bar 2.0? I am definitely still learning when it comes to Oly lifts (but am working on it) and am currently mostly a pull/press guy. Any advice you have around the $250 price point would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[phineasng]

Hi, have you tried the 20kg Wright bar V2?