Need a bar to squat, bench, and deadlift, but don’t want to break the bank? The Barenaked Powerlifting Barbell 2.0 from Bells of Steel is quite possibly the best power bar that you can find for under $200 offered in America. It’s also priced well for Canadians. This bar will get the job done for you whether you are training for a meet or just looking for something you can beat up in the garage… for a long time. There aren’t many “well-known” powerlifting bars for this price, so it’s not as bold of a claim as it sounds, but it’s definitely a bar that you’ll be able to trust.
In general, the barbell is a tank and designed to meet IPF specs. The bar weighs 20 kg, is 29 mm in diameter, and 210,000 PSI. While this was not tested for, Bells of Steel also claims that its max capacity is 1,500 pounds. The center knurl is passive but does help to keep the bar on the back during squats. Lastly, it includes powerlifting knurl marks.
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The knurling is aggressive but not too sharp. It’s easy to grip for deadlifts and there shouldn’t be a need to use much chalk, if any on heavy lifts. The bare steel has a nice texture and it does allow for a strong grip on all of the primary lifts. This is perhaps the best feature of the barbell.
The thin collars are unique and much thinner than most. They allow for more weights to be loaded onto the bar which means that the weight is closer together. There is less “whip” when the bar is moving and the bar will feel “stiffer.” Also note that this does mean there is a little less “wiggle room” when racking the weight because the plates are closer to the rack. This is not always a big deal, but something to consider if you like to have a lot of heavy weight on the bar.
The sleeves have grooves. This is designed to help keep the plates in place during lifts. Necessary? Maybe. Maybe Not. It seems to work though and gives it a distinctive look.
It’s “raw” so there is no additional protection for the barbell. It will need to be maintained quite often if you don’t want to see any rust. This is one of the reasons for the lower price and it could be a deal breaker for some.
In conclusion, this bar is truly a bargain and very durable. There is no doubt it’s one of the best “bang for your buck” barbells on the market. This powerlifting bar can be purchased for $197, which is much cheaper than similar options. While not perfect, the price makes it tough to really have any complaints about it. Whether you just want an additional bar to be able to beat up, pair with your olympic barbell, or looking to add that first barbell, this is an excellent option.
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