Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Review
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The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0. Try and say that 5 times fast!
All jokes aside, finding a good powerlifting barbell is no easy task. There are so many choices, so many spec numbers to look at, and so little time. Not to mention, the cost factor.
Bells of Steel has answered our prayers with the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0, a budget answer to the conundrum of finding a high-quality, low cost power bar.
Lets dive into my review of the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 to see how it can help you.
Brief Look at the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
The Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 is one of two power bars that Bells of Steel offer. The only differences they have is in the finish/coating and cost - one is bare steel and the other is cerakote.
Other than that, both the same.
All I'm going to say is that this might be the best budget power bar I've ever seen, so if you want to save money, you've found your barbell.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 has impressive specs - 210K PSI tensile strength, IPF-certified dimensions/weight, and a durable build.
This is on top of the fact that it retails for $259 - not a typo.
At only $259 for the bare steel Powerlifting Bar 2.0, you're not going to find a better priced power bar around.
Don't be fooled by the price either. It's not a budget, bargain-bin barbell - it's a high-quality, IPF-certified powerlifting that is built to last.
What I Liked
- Incredible value
- IPF-certified
- Aggressive knurling
- 210K PSI tensile strength
- Lifetime Warranty
What i Didn't Like
- Bare steel is subject to corrosion
- Knurling can be a tad too aggressive for some
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 - Is It Worth It?
Price alone isn't the only factor when determining if a power bar is worth it. However, the price in this case should tell you nearly everything you need to know.
If you're not satisfied with that answer, then we'll dig into the meat and potatoes of why the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 might be your next barbell.
RELATED: REP Power Bar EX Review
Good For
- Powerlifting and competition lifters
- Budget-conscious shoppers
- People with an indoor home gym
- Anyone that needs a durable barbell
Not Good For
- People that lift in an open garage or outdoors
- Anyone that prefers a milder knurl
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 - Specifications
Bar Weight | 44.1 Lbs. (20 Kg) |
Shaft Diameter | 29mm |
Knurling | Aggressive |
Center Knurl | Yes |
Sleeve Finish | Chrome |
Tensile Strength | 210 000K PSI |
Bar Length | 86.6" |
Loadable Sleeve Length | 17.5" |
Bushing/Bearing |
Bushing |
F-Rating |
F-2 |
Made In USA |
Canada |
Warranty |
Lifetime |
Using the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
Maintaining a barbell isn't difficult, and often not even necessary, but with the bare steel Barenaked Bar 2.0, you're going to want to take precautions.
Bare steel is not stainless steel, so it can rust and corrode quicker because there's not finish or coating. You can simply oil the bar if you do workout in an open garage or outside.
Besides that, it will last very long if taken care of or if you workout inside away from moisture/elements.
Aside from this issue, the bar is as durable as they come thanks to strong bushings on the sleeves for spin and a well-constructed shaft.
RELATED: Rogue Ohio Power Bar Review
Knurling
Knurling is a big factor in choosing a barbell, so it's up to you whether you like it aggressive or mild.
Bells of Steel has their knurling for the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 as aggressive, but I don't find it all that bad.
It provides excellent grip because of the tight diamond pattern, yet it's not sharp. It can definitely be courser than some regular or multi-purpose barbells.
Shaft
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar has a 29mm shaft diameter which is standard IPF measurement for a power bar.
The shaft on the Powerlifting Bar 2.0 has center knurling and powerlifting knurling marks too.
Finish
As mentioned, this bar comes in either bare steel or cerakote finish. The bare steel bar has chrome sleeves, which doesn't shock me given the low price, and is disappointing, but isn't a deal breaker.
This just means the sleeves are a tad lower quality in terms of finish.
The Onyx Powerlifting Bar 2.0 is entirely cerakote, so the thing is very much protected from oxidization, but the coating can show some dings and scratches.
All in all, it's what you'd expect from a bar at such a budget price.
What's most impressive about the stainless steel finish is the fact that the sleeves are stainless steel too, something
I wish the Ohio Power Bar did given its price.
That's part of why the REP Power Bar EX has a bit of a higher price tag, they really made a bar that was built to last.
Tensile Strength
The Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 has a 210 000 PSI (pounds per square inch) tensile strength, which is 20K higher than the Texas Power Bar, 10K higher than the REP Power Bar EX, and 5-10K higher than the Rogue Ohio Power Bar.
Because it's a powerlifting bar, don't be scared to throw plates on it. It'll take a lot to make this thing bend.
A good powerlifting bar usually has very little whip or flex, mostly to help with bench press and squats.
Whip is great for deadlifts, but this bar is an all-around powerlifting bar so it's going to be stiff regardless, which is perfectly fine.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 vs. Rogue Ohio Power Bar
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is what I consider to be the power bar that all power bars should be compared to.
Is it the best in terms of specs? No, but it is good all-around and the price is excellent for the Rogue quality I'm so used to.
So how does the Bells of Steel Barenaked Bar stack up to the Ohio Power Bar?
Rogue Ohio Power Bar
Among the best value in the power bar scene, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar remains one of the most durable barbells ever made.
Combine that with high quality specs, the cost-to-performance is pretty unmatched.
The Ohio Power Bar and REP Power Bar EX are fairly close in specs. The Rogue Ohio Bar has 200-205K PSI tensile strength depending on the variation of the bar.
Both have 29mm shaft diameter, F-2 rating (some Ohio Power Bars have an F-8R), little to no flex, and 1500lbs weight capacity.
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is made in the US, whereas the Bells of Steel is made in Canada. Similarly, the Rogue Ohio Power Bar comes in many more finished (cerakote, e-coat, stainless steel).
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 still takes the cake in terms of low cost.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 vs. Texas Power Bar
The classic Texas Power Bar is still a force, and for the price, it matches up pretty evenly with the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
Unfortunately, the specs aren't as good, but a great power bar all-around.
Texas Power Bar
The granddaddy of them all, the Texas Power Bar is still among the best of the best power bars.
It has less tensile strength (190K) than others in its class, but the price is still excellent value for a budget home gym.
Although it isn't the top of its class, the Texas Power Bar is far from a bad choice.
At $280, it's still a very budget friendly power bar that has a 190K tensile strength, 1000lb weight capacity, and a timeless reputation as one of the best.
At it's price, it doesn't offer the same high-end specs as the Barenaked Bar 2.0, but I'd never say no the TPB.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 vs. REP Power Bar EX
The REP Power Bar EX is closer in competition with the Rogue Ohio Power Bar given the price, but it justifies the bigger price tag for some serious performance.
It's not the most budget friendly power bar I've reviewed, but there's a reason you pay for quality.
REP Power Bar EX
Not the cheapest option out there, the REP Power Bar EX more than makes up for it.
Aggressive knurling, a fully stainless steel finish, and a durable build make it a reliable, lifelong barbell.
You can choose between the regular stainless steel Power Bar EX or the deep knurling, but they're both essentially the same - a great power bar.
What's most impressive is the fact that the entire bar, sleeves and shaft, are stainless steel so it's fully rust-resistant.
It's also slightly longer at 87.4", not a huge deal, but something to consider.
This bar isn't cheap, going for $429-$449, but it's a solid investment in your home gym.
Customer Experience
Bells of Steel are a newer company, founded in 2010, so I've noticed that these younger upstarts are always incredibly friendly to help build their customer base.
It's much appreciated, and they make you feel part of their community which is something you love to see.
You can contact them with any questions or concerns easily on their site by email or phone.
RELATED: Texas Power Bar Review
Customer Reviews
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 is evidently the more popular of the two powerlifting bars.
It currently has a 5 (out of 5) start rating on their site from over 290 reviews, while the Onyx Powerlifting bar also has a 5-star rating, but less reviews.
Head over to the Bells of Steel website to see for yourself what the people love about this power bar.
Final Verdict - Bells Of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Review
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
At this price, you're going to be hard-pressed to find a better bang for your buck than the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0.
A sub-$300 price tag for a bar that can handle 1500lbs is quite impressive, and even the cerakote at a hair over $300 is incredible given how well-made and well-performing they are.
Brand: Bells of Steel
Currency: $USD
Price: $259 - $309
Product In-Stock: InStockBells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0
Value
durability
construction
versatility
knurling
oxidation resistance
tensile strength
sleeves
shipping & delivery
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WARRANTY, FINANCING, RETURNS
overall
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 FAQs
Is the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar Worth It?
At the current retail price, the Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 is one of the cheapest power bars you can get that retains a high-quality build and performance profile.
Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 vs. Rogue Ohio Power Bar?
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Bar 2.0 compares well with the Rogue Ohio Power Bar in terms of specs, but is much cheaper.
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar does better in terms of rust and corrosion-protection because of the finish and coating on the different types of bars.
How Much Does the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Weigh?
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 weighs 44.1 pounds (20kg).
What is the Bells of Steel Barenaked Powerlifting Bar 2.0 Used For?
The Barenaked Powerlifting Bar is used primarily for powerlifting (deadlifts, squats, bench press) but can be used for nearly any barbell lift.
It also meets IPF-requirements so it can be used for competition purposes.