Hello BBM,
My name is Paul Hernandez and this is my first post! I greatly appreciate that you truly desire to better the lifter rather than a lifter being tied to a coach/trainer! I am 44 years old, 6’1" tall, 230lb lifter looking to get back into powerlifting after a two year layoff from serious training. I have just purchased and set up my basement gym (talked w/ Matt Gary) consisting of a Rogue R3 rack, flat bench, and YORK Legacy milled plates.
I would appreciate feedback from the BBM team and other lifters on this forum regarding a bar recommendation for training. I cannot afford an Eleiko bar, but I can afford an Ohio Power Bar, Texas Power Bar, or a B&R Bar (which is essentially an OPB w/ a milder knurling). I mention the B&R, as the milder knurling may be more appealing to my wife (who is also going to train w/ me). Although, the TPB may be more appealing for the slightly smaller diameter? I may end up needing two bars???
Again, I appreciate your thoughts and reasons for the recommendation.
Thanks and have a blessed day!
-Paul
I prefer the 28.5mm diameter of the TPB to the 29mm OPB, but the stainless, kilo version of the OPB is nice. I would not purchase a B/R bar.
Thank you for your feedback Jordan! Good to know! I have watched your training videos on Instagram and mostly see you using the 29mm Eleiko Bar, so I assumed you preferred the larger diameter.
Everyone is is welcome to offer feedback as well!
Thanks and and have a blessed day!
-Paul
A 28.5 mm diameter can be nicer to pull with, but since I really hate bar whip on the squat, I like the OPB a bit better than TPB.
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Thanks for the reply Austin! Do you recommend the 45lb version or the 20kg OPB? Can you really notice a difference between the two? I think you have both bars, so I would appreciate your feedback!
-Paul
I have the 20 kg stainless steel, which is nice just because of the stainless steel aspect – but is also more expensive.
I also have bare steel and black zing 45 lb versions, which have served me well … but also tend to oxidize if left outside in a garage gym, depending on the climate where you are.
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So, do you have a preference of one over the other (aside from the stainless steel factor)? 20kg vs. 45lb?
Thanks!
-Paul
Well, I have one score on the board for the Texas Power Bar and another score for the Ohio Power Bar—the score is tied up!
So, which bar should I choose? I would appreciate some more input from others on the forum.
Again, I really appreciate the feedback from The BBM team!
Thanks!
Paul
Hi, you also might want to consider knurl. a bar with a center knurl (TPB and OPB) that is more aggressive is obviously much better for squats (stays on back better). however, I prefer a less-sharp knurl (and no center knurl) for deadlifts (easier on my hands & shins). personally, the knurl on the OPB is too sharp for me for deadlifts. i’m sure I could get used to it over time, but i have two bars for this reason. thnx
Cant speak for TPB but I have the OPD in Zinc and love it. Knurling is aggressive but perfect IMO. Agree with Austin, would go for the stainless or cerakote if you can swing it as it will be less up keep over the long term. Im in Dallas and anticipate some rusting during the summer months.
Thanks for the feedback Ice Cole. Do you have the 45lb or the 20kg OPB? I personally like a little more aggressive knurling, so this is why I am looking at the OPB or TPB.
On a side note, looks like you have the R3 power rack (just bolted my R3 to the cement in my basement). Do you like the strap safeties? Seems like they would be nice for squats. I thought about purchasing some, but I see guys like Austin using the pin pipe safety bars (which seem to work fine).
Thanks!
-Paul
hi Jordan just wondering why the recommend against the B&R bar?
I have a black zinc 20kg OPB and love it, no complaints at all. Should have just paid the extra money for the stainless though.
Hi, I’d say you should choose the 20kg or the 45lb to match your plates. do you have kg plates or lb plates? except that the 20kg weighs 44.09 lbs and the other weighs 45 lbs, there is no difference.
for most people who train to enter competitions, it seems as though they prefer the kg plates and bar.
My vote is for the OPB. I like the feel of it a little better, and I do generally prefer a 29 mm bar.
The 20 kg version has narrower collars, so the plates will be slightly closer in.
Thanks for the reply Sean! Do you have the 45lb or 20kg version? From using the 20 kg bar at competition, do you notice a big difference between the two bars?
-Paul
I currently have the 45 lb version in bare steel. I don’t notice much of a difference, but that won’t stop me from getting the 20 kg to match my calibrated plates.
I own both the TPB and the 45lb bare steel OPB. I don’t think you would go wrong with either. The cheapest I could find the TPB was at lifestyle sports for like 289 with free shipping. I do prefer to deadlift with the TPB because the bar will flex more and I have smaller hands but I squat and bench mostly with the OPB. Just pick one, you won’t be disappointed with either.