The Rugged Olympic Bar

A barbell selling for $119 and MADE IN THE USA has to be too good to be true, right? FALSE. The Rugged Olympic Barbell from FITNESSFACTORY.COM is exactly what it sounds like, rugged. It’s an all-purpose barbell that’s going to be able to take a beating and it’s priced at an incredible value. This versatile bar would make a great addition to just about any garage.

This bar is slick, but it’s not flashy. It contains just the necessities and has a 1,000 pound weight capacity. If you are slinging close to 1,000 pounds, exit this article or consider using it for just curls. The barbell is a standard 7′ long and weighs 44 pounds.

The black oxide finish makes it easy to grip and the medium knurl is not going to rip up your hands This bar is built for higher rep and intense workouts, but it pairs well with chalk in case you want to gear up for a heavier lift.  In addition, the grip diameter is 31.75mm, so may be a bit wider than you are used to. The black oxide finish will rust easier. Be prepared to maintain it, especially if you are in a humid environment.

The spin is moderate, and while it’s not a bar you’ll want to try a PR snatch with, many CrossFit type workouts can be performed. If you are going to exclusively do lifts like power cleans, jerks, and snatches every single day, there are probably better options. This will get the job done for many though.

Who is this for? Most home gym owners will be able to utilize this bar. It’s a perfect “first barbell” for your home gym to see if a home gym is something that you want to continue to invest in. Also, if you already own a higher end barbell, this will be a good second (or third or fourth) bar that you can beat up or use when super setting. Or, if you are just looking for a cheap, but durable option, this is going to work well for you. This can definitely be your only barbell.

Who is this not for? Anyone who is looking to specialize in specific type of lifts like powerlifting or olympic lifting lifts and are only going to use a specific type of bar. This should not be their primary training bar. Nevertheless, it can definitely be a second option for accessory work or if you want to start limiting the use of an expensive investment on a barbell you’ve already made.

In conclusion, this bar can be used for all lifts: squats, bench, deadlift, power cleans, rows, presses, and even curls. While not made specifically for any of them, it’s an extremely versatile barbell and is built for intense workouts. Plus, it’s one of the best value bars out there. Sure, it’s not perfect, but it’s really tough to beat at this price. 

“Buy Once Cry Once” is a term used a lot in this industry, as it should be. That does not mean you need to overspend on a barbell for your home gym. For the average person, this bar is absolutely going to get the job done in your home gym. Only time will tell how truly durable it is, but all signs point to it being able to take a beating for a long time.