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The top piece of equipment for any powerlifter is a power bar. Sure, it would be nice to have a top-level power rack, but without a barbell, the lift wouldn’t happen!
Many great brands provide excellent barbells, so how do you determine the best powerlifting bars on the market?
The 10 top powerlifting barbells in 2023 are the:
- Rogue Ohio Power Bar – Best Overall
- Bells of Steel Barenaked Power Bar – Best Budget Powerlifting Barbell
- American Barbell Elite Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Barbell for Advanced Lifters
- American Barbell Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Barbell for Intermediate Lifters
- Kabuki 250k Power Bar – Best Power Bar for Competition (IPF- and IPL-Approved)
- REP Fitness Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Bar for Maximal Plate Loading
- Titan Series Power Bar – Best Power Bar for Home Gyms
- Rogue Ohio Power Bar AGGRO – Best Power Bar for Grip
- Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 – Best Barbell for Female Performance
- Cap Power Bar “The Beast” – Best Power Bar for Beginners
Having the right power bar is a must for any powerlifter. Purchasing the wrong power bar could reduce your strength and prevent you from performing to your full potential!
In this power bar review, I’ll list the top 10 power bars for powerlifting. I’ll also discuss what we look for when purchasing a power bar and the factors that affect your decision.
Featured Power Bars
- Rogue Ohio Power Bar – Best Overall Pick
- Bells of Steel Barenaked Power Bar – Best Budget Powerlifting Barbell
- American Barbell Elite Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Barbell for Advanced Lifters
10 Best Power Bars for Powerlifting
I have compiled a list of top power bars on the market based on personal research and experience with these barbells. Considerations for this list included tensile strength, knurling, finishes, and price point.
| Product | Tensile Strength | Knurling | Bar Length | Sleeve Length | Diameter | Our Rating | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue Ohio Power Bar - Best Overall | 200,000 to 205,000, depending on the finish | Aggressive | 86.52” | 16.25” | 29 mm | 5/5 | Buy Now |
| Bells of Steel Barenaked Power Bar - Best Budget Powerlifting Barbell | 210,000 | Aggressive | 86.61” | 16.25” | 29 mm | 4.5/5 | Buy Now |
| American Barbell Elite Power Bar - Best Powerlifting Barbell for Advanced Lifters | 190,000 | Standard | 86” | 16.25” | 29 mm | 4.7/5 | Buy Now |
| American Barbell Power Bar - Best Powerlifting Barbell for Intermediate Lifters | 190,00 | Standard | 86” | 16.25” | 29 mm | 5/5 | Buy Now |
| Kabuki 250k Power Bar - Best Power Bar for Competition (IPF Approved) | 250,000 | Aggressive | 86.5” | 16.5” | 29 mm | 4.8/5 | Buy Now |
| REP Fitness Power Bar - Best Powerlifting Bar for Maximal Plate Loading | 200,000 | Standard | 87.4” | 16.9” | 29 mm | 4.5/5 | Buy Now |
| Titan Series Power Bar - Best Power Bar for Home Gyms | 200,000 | Aggressive | 86.75” | 15.25” | 28.5 mm | 4/5 | Buy Now |
| Rogue Ohio Power Bar AGGRO - Best Power Bar for Grip | 200,000 | Very aggressive (2-3 times) | 86.52” | 16.25” | 29 mm | 4/5 | Buy Now |
| Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 - Best Power Bar for Grip | 190,000 | Standard NO middle knurling | 79.13” | 13” | 25 mm | 3.8/5 | Buy Now |
| Cap Power Bar “The Beast” - Best Power Bar for Beginners | 110,000 | Standard NO middle knurling | 86” | 15” | 30 mm | 3.5/5 | Buy Now |
1. Rogue Ohio Power Bar – Best Overall
Rating: 5/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 200,000 to 205,000, depending on the finish
- Knurling – aggressive
- Bar length – 86.52”
- Sleeve length – 16.25”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- Aggressive knurling for improved grip
- High weight capacity
- Bronze brushings
- Affordable for most
Cons
- Cerakote dulls the knurling
- Finish can fade over time
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar is the best barbell for powerlifting because it has a massive weight capacity and aggressive knurling that gives you the best possible grip on the bar. This is one of the strongest and most dependable power bars for its price.
Many power bars are between 190,000-200,000 tensile strength, but the Rogue Ohio Power Bar has up to 205,000 tensile strength to make it one of the strongest bars on this list. It is 45 pounds and 86 inches long, with 16-inch sleeves to load as much as 1,620 pounds!
The aggressive knurling is another plus, especially in the center. This center knurling is super helpful for top performance on the squat. It helps keep a strong grip on your upper back to stabilize the barbell.
This power bar comes in various finishes, including bare steel, stainless steel, e-coat, black zinc, and a red Cerakote. These finishes are not only for cosmetic purposes but also affect the functionality of the power bar. Different finishes provide different grips to help improve the athlete’s strength for performance.
For example, a bare steel barbell will have more aggressive knurling than one coated with black zinc. The type of finish is important to consider so you can get the exact knurling you want. Fortunately, the various options available for the Rogue Ohio Power Bar let you choose the knurling that best suits your preferences.
Not sure how much a barbell weighs? Check out this article about the 14 types of bars and what they weigh!
2. Bells of Steel Barenaked Power Bar – Best Budget Powerlifting Barbell
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 210,000
- Knurling – aggressive
- Bar length – 86.61”
- Sleeve length – 16.25”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Aggressive knurling for improved grip
- High weight capacity
- Decreased collar size for loading more weight
Cons
- May rust faster than other barbells
- Knurling is aggressive but not as aggressive as other stronger power bars
The Bells of Steel Barenaked Power Bar is our best powerlifting bar for those on a budget. Interestingly enough, with a tensile strength of 210,000, it’s the second strongest bar on our list despite its affordable price point! This power bar has the normal specs for a power bar, and based on its build, price, and strength, it’s an amazing deal for what it is worth!
For this bar to take on a heavier load, the creators reduced the collar size for more loading capacity. This is a genius idea and especially beneficial for those who might not have access to thin kilo plates.
However, the thin collars can put the plates too close to you. This may be a concern if you use a wide grip when lifting because your hands can come in contact with the weighted plates and disrupt the spin of the barbell.
Does this barbell fit your budget? If you want to learn more about it, check out this article that discusses the Bells of Steel Barenaked Barbell in more depth!
3. American Barbell Elite Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Barbell for Advanced Lifters
Rating: 4.7/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 190,000
- Knurling – standard
- Bar length – 86”
- Sleeve length – 16.25”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- Corrosion-resistant
- Stainless steel knurling for massive grip
- Very little flexibility
- Tremendous spinning ability
Cons
- Expensive compared to other power bars
American Barbell’s Elite Power Bar stacks up as the best powerlifting barbell for advanced lifters. It has superior strength and is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Furthermore, it has a one-of-a-kind knurling that beats most of the competition, making it the best stainless steel barbell on the market.
This bar has a lower tensile strength of 190,000, but if you do the math, a tensile strength of 190,000 is about 1,500 pounds. Not many people are attempting 1,500 pounds on a squat, bench, or deadlift, making it a great bar for most powerlifters.
One of the concerns I originally had was the grip. Unlike the other competition, this power bar has a standard knurling set. I, however, have experience with American Barbell products and must say this type of knurling is unlike the others.
It “feels” like standard knurling, but it almost has this “sticky” texture, making it have a great grip without the aggressive knurling. This texture also has to do with the stainless steel finish. This is one of my favorite power bars to use for all my big three lifts.
4. American Barbell Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Barbell for Intermediate Lifters
Rating: 5/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 190,000
- Knurling – standard
- Bar length – 86”
- Sleeve length – 16.25”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- Selected steel-grade power bar
- Very little flexibility
- Tremendous spinning ability
Cons
- Only provides standard knurling, not aggressive
The American Barbell Power Bar is just like its counterpart, the Elite American Barbell Power Bar. A major difference between the two is their finish.
The Elite Power Bar has stainless steel that helps increase your grip. The standard Power Bar has a chrome finish, which makes the knurling less aggressive.
For this reason, the regular American Barbell Power Bar is a good option for intermediate lifters who need a better grip than a barbell with passive knurling can provide but aren’t yet ready for a bar with super aggressive knurling. It is still one of the best powerlifting barbells due to its limited flexibility (so it won’t bend easily under heavy weight) and high loading capacity.
It’s also less expensive than the Elite Power Bar. If you want the perks of the Elite Power Bar but are limited on budget, this is a great alternative. You will still benefit from having a high-level power bar for your next training session.
Would you rather prefer a standard barbell for your home gym? Check out our list of the best barbells on the market.
5. Kabuki 250k Power Bar – Best Power Bar for Competition (IPF Approved)
Rating: 4.8/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 250,000
- Knurling – aggressive
- Bar length – 86.5”
- Sleeve length – 16.5”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- Strongest power bar on the market
- Aggressive knurling that doesn’t wear
- Tons of finishes for customization
- Great for advanced lifters and competition
Cons
- Expensive
The Kabuki 250k Power Bar is the strongest power bar on the market. This power bar’s name comes from its tensile strength rating of 250,000, more than any other bar you can find. This bar has a loadable sleeve length of 16.5”, which is the second most on our list, giving you enough room to test its loading capacity.
The Kabuki 250k Power Bar is IPF- and IPL-approved, and able to be used in competition. I have been to several competitions that use either the 250k Power Bar or something similar from Kabuki.
The main concern with this power bar, though, is the price point. It is the most expensive on our list. However, with this power bar being the strongest, it was likely to have the highest price point.
Because of this power bar’s price point and tensile strength, it’s best for advanced lifters. Beginners and even intermediate lifters can get away with a less expensive bar with a lower weight capacity. If you ever get to the point where you’re close to setting world records, you can consider the Kabuki 250k Power Bar!
Looking for a less expensive barbell? Check out our list of the best budget barbells.
6. REP Fitness Power Bar – Best Powerlifting Bar for Maximal Plate Loading
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 200,000
- Knurling – standard
- Bar length – 87.4”
- Sleeve length – 16.9”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- Stainless steel
- Rust-resistant
- IPF standard markings
- Top tensile strength
Cons
- Costs more than the average power bar
- Knurling is not as aggressive for grip
The REP Fitness Power Bar is a dark horse amongst other competitors on this list. It’s the longest bar on this list and has a tensile strength of 200,000, which puts it as one of the strongest bars on our list. The REP Power Bar has IPF standard markings, making it the type of power bar you want to train with in preparation for a competition.
The REP Fitness Power Bar is built with “mountain grip” knurling. This mountain grip knurling isn't as strong as other types of knurling, and for those who powerlift, that is huge. Having a strong lift in powerlifting requires a strong grip. Chalk can help, but knurling is a must.
What I like about this bar is that the long 16.9” sleeves give you extra room to load more plates. This is especially beneficial if you train with bumper plates that are thicker and take up more space on a barbell than metal plates.
Based on the specs of this bar, the REP Power Bar is a great contender as a top power bar for powerlifters.
7. Titan Series Power Bar – Best Power Bar for Home Gyms
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 200,000
- Knurling – aggressive
- Bar length – 86.75”
- Sleeve length – 15.25”
- Diameter – 28.5 mm
Pros
- Black zinc finish
- Tensile strength of 200,000 PSI
- Aggressive knurling for better grip
- Budget-friendly choice
Cons
- Chrome sleeves that easily rust
Another budget-conscious power bar on this list is the Titan Series Power Bar. This barbell has a tensile strength of 200,000 PSI, aggressive knurling, and a beautiful black zinc finish that improves your grip.
If you aren't familiar with the Titan brand, it offers budget-friendly equipment for all types of lifters. It’s a brand I typically use for my own garage gym. This power bar is one I have had many experiences with, and the black zinc finish has such a great look.
The finish helps to resist corrosion, but the chrome sleeves are what take the big hit of this product. Other power bars, like the Rogue Ohio Power Bar, have a better finish on their product and a lower price. The chrome sleeves on the Titan bar are known to rust quickly and damage faster from training.
Although the chrome finish might be the drawback to this purchase, all other aspects make sense for it to be a great choice for most lifters!
8. Rogue Ohio Power Bar AGGRO – Best Power Bar for Grip
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 200,000
- Knurling – very aggressive
- Bar length – 86.52”
- Sleeve length – 16.25”
- Diameter – 29 mm
Pros
- The most aggressive knurling built
- High weight capacity
- Stainless steel
Cons
- The most aggressive knurling built (yes — this is both a positive and negative!)
- Built for an advanced lifter
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar AGGRO is just like the original Ohio Power Bar, except for one key part. The AGGRO bar has a very aggressive knurling set. This knurling is considered the strongest knurling built to date, being two to three times more aggressive than the Rogue Ohio Bar.
I have powerlifted for 18 years, being exposed to different power bars and barbells in general. The knurling on the Rogue Ohio Power Bar AGGRO is unlike any other knurling I have ever felt.
Now, an aggressive knurling set could be a good thing, meaning it helps to improve the grip on the power bar for a great performance. Although this is a pro for this power bar, it could also be viewed as a con. Having aggressive knurling means it has to dig into your hands so you can maintain your grip. This sensation can be painful, especially for new lifters.
This power bar might intimidate other new powerlifters, and it might be limited to advanced lifters or those who can handle such an aggressive knurling set.
However, with a 200,000 tensile strength, this is an insanely strong power bar that can take on a tremendous load.
9. Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 – Best Barbell for Female Performance
Rating: 3.8/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 190,000
- Knurling – standard (no middle knurling)
- Bar length – 79.13”
- Sleeve length – 13”
- Diameter – 25 mm
Pros
- Built for female athletes
- Affordable price
- Standard knurling
- Strong bar with little flex
Cons
- Lacks aggressive knurling, especially in the center
- Is more of an Olympic bar that has multiple functions
The Bella Bar is a great product that serves the female community of lifters. Just because it was built for female athletes doesn't mean female athletes must use it, though.
Inspired by the Rogue Ohio Bar, this barbell has similar characteristics but is thinner and weighs less than the Ohio Bar. It’s a strong barbell, but not as strong as the Ohio Barbell.
This barbell also serves as an Olympic weightlifting or multi-purpose bar and doesn’t meet the true definition of a power bar. It lacks an aggressive knurling set, especially in the middle, meaning it doesn’t have all the characteristics of a traditional power bar.
However, if you’re a female lifter looking for a barbell you can powerlift with and use for Olympic weightlifting or CrossFit, this is a good choice.
Want to learn more about female barbells? Check out this article about the top female athlete barbells in the market!
10. Cap Power Bar “The Beast” – Best Power Bar for Beginners
Rating: 3.5/5
Specifications
- Tensile strength – 110,000
- Knurling – standard (no middle knurling)
- Bar length – 86”
- Sleeve length – 15”
- Diameter – 30 mm
Pros
- Affordable price
- Standard knurling
- Moderate tensile strength for newer lifters
Cons
- Lacks aggressive knurling
- No center knurl
- Low tensile strength — might not hold the weight of an advanced lifter
The Cap Power Bar “The Beast” is another affordable power bar on our list. It’s one of the best powerlifting bars for newbies, especially those on a budget, due to its more passive knurling that won’t tear up a beginner’s hands and its lower weight capacity.
This barbell's price point is due to its limited tensile strength and specs. This bar has a tensile strength of 110,000, so you can load around 900 pounds. Not every powerlifter needs to overload the power bar, so it's a great purchase for a newer lifter looking to begin powerlifting.
If you are an advanced lifter, The Beast is not for you. I used this power bar a few times at a local facility, and after loading 650 pounds, I noticed the bar started to change shape. I didn't load the power bar much after that to not ruin its shape and functionality.
The bar is still a great deal for what it provides but also lacks the knurling meant for the typical power bar, especially center knurling. Your goals and status as a lifter could dictate if this is the right power bar for you.
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For product reviews, we spend time researching each product, whether online or in person. Between our research and first-hand experience, we can provide insight and all the information you need to make a sound decision. Why spend days reading through Amazon reviews when you can get all your information from an expert in strength?
How We Tested the Powerlifting Barbells
To provide you with the best insight on these power bars for powerlifting, we looked at the top characteristics of a good barbell. We looked at a barbell's tensile strength, knurling, finish, and price point.
In addition to my research, I have personally had many experiences with these power bars and with my clients in training and competition. This is a curated list with a great variety of the top powerlifting bars, whether you are newer or advanced in the world of powerlifting.
Buying Guide: What To Look for in a Powerlifting Barbell
A top power bar requires a few specific characteristics. To make sure you select the right power bar, you need to consider the:
- Weight capacity
- Barbell strength
- Knurling
- Finish
- Spinning ability
- IPF Certification
Weight Capacity
One of the top priorities of any power bar is weight capacity. If you went to Amazon, you would find many power bars that are much cheaper than those on our list. However, the cheapest barbells also have the weakest weight capacity.
Using a power bar with a low weight capacity could cause the barbell to bend and succumb to higher resistance. If you haven't experienced it yet, lifting a bent barbell can be challenging and almost impossible. Trust me, I have lifted on a cheap power bar, and normal weights felt like max PRs!
Barbell Strength
The strength of the power bar is non-negotiable. The stronger the power bar is, the better your performance will be. Nothing is worse than having to lift with a bent bar. I have canceled many gym memberships in the past because the facilities have bars with lower tensile strength. I would easily avoid those places during max-out weeks!
But what is tensile strength? Tensile strength is the amount of strength a barbell can withstand. The higher the tensile strength, the more it can perform under heavier loads. This explains why a cheaper barbell bends during performance. Some barbells bend on purpose, but some bend and don’t return to their original state.
On this list, the Kabuki 250 Power Bar has a tensile strength value of 250,000, which equals roughly 2,000 pounds! Not every powerlifter needs to load this much weight, though. But if your barbell can hold a high amount of weight, it will not flex under high loads. This is especially important to have if you are attempting a massive squat, bench press, or deadlift.
Knurling
In powerlifting, grip is a top priority, and the goal is to perform with maximum strength. To do this, the best bar for powerlifting should offer a maximum grip. You need to use a power bar with standard or aggressive knurling to have maximum grip. Otherwise, the bar can easily slip out of our hands.
The placement of knurling is a top priority as well. Some specialty bars, like an Olympic bar or deadlift bar, lack knurling in the middle of the bar. Power bars, though, have knurling on the ends and the middle of the bar.
This center knurling helps you keep the barbell on your back during squats, which is needed for a strong performance.
The knurling towards the outer parts of the shaft is used for various grips. Whether you have a traditional grip or a wider grip for exercises such as the bench press, this knurling helps secure the weight in your hands. Most power bars on our list have aggressive knurling and were given high rankings. The power bars with standard knurling have a lesser rating than the others.
Finishes
The finish of a power bar can affect your grip for performance and the barbell’s longevity. For example, a stainless steel barbell is corrosion-resistant and supports a stronger grip. A lesser finish, such as chrome, could affect grip, its level of corrosion resistance, and the barbell’s longevity.
Spinning Ability
Some will say that the bar's spin affects only specific athletes, such as Olympic weightlifters. This is not true, as the barbell's spin adjusts to the movement's mechanics. If you were to use a stiff bar that provides limited spin, you could get weaker or suffer from an injury.
A barbell’s spin is also determined by whether it has bushings or bearings.
Barbells with bearings have a smooth rotation and spin better. This is important for the Olympic lifts (the snatch, clean, and jerk), where the bar constantly changes directions. Barbells with bushings do not spin as well, but this is more beneficial for powerlifting, in which the movements are more static in nature.
Our best power bar on this list (Rogue Ohio Power Bar) includes bushings, which help the rotation of the weight during a max effort lift.
Misgrooved lifts happen all the time in powerlifting. With a better power bar, you are more likely to adjust your mechanics and have a high level of performance from it.
Powerlifting Barbell F Scale Rating
When searching for a powerlifting barbell, you may see something called an F scale. This is a system Rogue Fitness uses to rate its barbells.
Other brands use different rating systems, but the F Scale is a durability scale for barbells and how they handle training stress. The stress of the bar is due to loading and, in particular, drops. However, there are not many powerlifters out there who drop a barbell, except perhaps when deadlifting.
This F Scale system seems more relevant to those in Olympic lifting or CrossFit. Still, knowing this information can help you make the right decision.
The ranking system of the F Scale is below:
- F1 – Great for average lifter
- F2
- F6-R
- F8-R – Strongest barbell resistant to stress
Below is the F scale rating for the Rogue Fitness barbells on this list:
| Barbell | F Scale Rating |
| Rogue Ohio Power Bar | F8-R |
| Rogue Ohio Power Bar AGGRO | F2 |
| Rogue Bella Bar 2.0 | F6-R |
For power bars, we typically see the term “tensile strength” to define the strength of the bar. Tensile strength depends on the amount of stress the bar can take without “breaking under tension”. And clearly, the power bars with the highest tensile strength are the ones you want to purchase. The average tensile strength noted in this article was around 190,000 to 200,000, which is plenty for most lifters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Power Bar for Deadlifting?
Power bars can be used for deadlifting. Deadlifting with a power bar is very hard to do, though. Some specialty bars can make deadlifts easier, but they are only used in a few federations. Federations like the USAPL require a power bar for the squat, bench, and deadlift, so most people will want to use them.
What is the Best Bench Press Barbell?
The bench press is different than the squat and deadlift. Of the three, the bench press is the weakest lift. Any power bar is sufficient to use for bench presses. The power bar is rigid, hard, and resistant to high stress, all of which are ideal characteristics of a great bench press bar.
Are Powerlifting Bars Thin?
Powerlifting bars are not typically thin. For a powerlifting bar to stay rigid and strong, it needs to have a thicker diameter between 28-30mm. This density helps to improve tensile strength to prevent the bar from bending under stress.
How Heavy Is a Powerlifting Bar?
A powerlifting bar is typically 45 pounds. The weight of these bars has to do with the standards of competition. In competition, everyone lifts under the same conditions with a 45-pound bar. However, a powerlifting bar can get as heavy as 55 pounds, depending on the federations and their standards.
Are Powerlifting Bars Stiff?
Powerlifting bars are stiffer than other barbells. They resist tension to help keep their shape for massive loads you would see in a strength competition.
What Is the Strongest Barbell?
The strongest barbell to date is the Kabuki 250k Power Bar. It has a tensile strength of 250,000 and has very aggressive knurling to keep up with the load. It’s 86.5” long with an outstanding 16.5” sleeve that can load a ton of weight. This bar is used in competition, as it is IPF- and IPL-approved.
Final Verdict: What is the Best Powerlifting Barbell?
The Rogue Ohio Power Bar stacks up as the best powerlifting barbell on this list. This bar has hundreds of reviews, all of which garner a 5/5 rating. It has a massive weight capacity and aggressive knurling, allowing you to have the best grip possible. With all of this and an affordable price, this power bar is hard to beat!
About The Author
Joseph Lucero is a strength and conditioning specialist who owns his online coaching business “Harvesting Strength.” He earned his master's degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and has his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist certification (CSCS) from the NSCA. He coaches all types of strength athletes, including powerlifters and strongmen, and has authored many books on Amazon regarding different topics in strength training!
