Stainless Steel Barbells are Worth the Upgrade for Most? – Survey Deep Dive (2023 Update)

Data Discussed

43% believe upgrading to a stainless steel barbell is worth the additional costs, which is 37% more votes than those that do not.
26% are unsure if it is worth it.

Introduction

The goal of the article is to reveal how many actually think a stainless steel barbell is worth the extra costs, pros/cons of stainless steel barbells, who should especially consider purchasing the “upgrade” and who does not need to.

Nevertheless…

Buying “The Barbell” for your home gym can be a very overwhelming experience. There are so many brands to choose from AND numerous barbell coatings that come at different costs.

The most expensive upgrade is typically the “stainless steel” coating, where the price difference is pretty substantial.

For example, the Rogue Ohio Bar starts out at $295 for black oxide and e-coat, but to have a stainless steel coating on the shaft and sleeves costs $465, a whopping $170 difference. To upgrade from Cerakote ($329.99) to a fully stainless bar with the new Double Black Diamond Power Bar from REP ($449.99) is an additional $120.

Therefore, this is no easy upgrade for most.

However, 43% still believe that it is worth it. 31% believe it is not. Neither are necessarrily wrong answers.

Certain situations definitely play a factor & hopefully, the information throughout the rest of this article will help the 26% “unsure” and anyone else who stumbles across this article along their “barbell search journey” know which is best for them.

Benefits of Stainless Steel Barbells – Rust Resistant & Have a Natural Feel

Stainless steel is highly durable and resistant to rust and corrosion, making it an excellent choice for barbells used in damp or wet environments. I’ve owned numerous stainless steel barbells and all have revealed very little to no rust over the years.

Other coatings will dull the “knurl” of the barbell. Stainless Steel bars have a much more “natural feel” than bars coated in something like Cerakote, E Coat, Black Zinc, or Black Oxide. The feel of the knurl is much more noticeable, and it’s easier to obtain a firm grip. You may hear many experiences lifters say they prefer the grip of a bare steel barbell. A barbell coated in stainless steel feels nearly identical & is a difference that I and many others would not be able to differentiate from.

Cons of Stainless Steel Barbells – Just the additional cost

The only real con I can think of is the price. As we mentioned, the price difference is pretty substantial though.

This may be reaching a bit, but stainless steel bars only come in one color. If you’d like something specific to match your gym or any other reason, that is not possible.

Who Would Benefit Most from a Stainless Steel Barbell?

Anyone that is not concerned about budget. You may as well buy the best, and ultimately, this bar will be the best overall value over time if you plan to use it for the next 10 or 20 years.

Someone that wants to spend little to zero maintenance on their barbell. Some bars may need monthly maintenance, while a stainless steel barbell will not. For example, here is a bare steel barbell that has not been maintained in a year or so.

A person simply looking to buy “THE BARBELL” for their home gym should highly consider. If you do not plan on buying multiple, you may as well buy the best.

You prefer no maintenance and you want a barbell with the most natural feel. Unlike other bars, the coating will not dull the knurl in order to protect it from

Who Doesn’t Need a Stainless Steel Barbell?

For those that are not in a humid climate, and don’t mind minor maintenance, then you would be able to get away with a bare steel barbell if the “knurl’ was important to you.

Also, if you don’t mind lifting with a rusted barbell, you’ll be fine without stainless.

If you are dealing with a strict budget, you can most likely get away with not getting a stainless steel barbell. Any of the barbell coatings will absolutely get the job done for those in a home gym, stainless steel just has the most benefits.

I haven’t heard many issues with bars rusting within the home. Therefore, if you are lifting in a basement or somewhere else inside that has temperature control, it may be an unnecessary upgrade.

Conclusion

With all that being said, there are a number of factors that play into whether or not you think stainless steel is a worthy upgrade, like climate, budget, knurl preference, and time.

Nevertheless, stainless steel upgrades did receive more than 37% more votes of those who say it is not worth the upgrade.

Personally, I think that the overall longevity, non-dulled knurl, and the fact that little to no maintenance is needed makes it an upfront investment most need to make, that will ultimately be a better value over time.